sin46th magzus.org by Thomas Swift

CONTENTS

JUNE 2 0 2 2

3 Budget Makeovers Let these dollar-savvy redos inspire your own dream kitchen transformation. 6 Easy Updates Have a few hours to spare? Refresh your space with one of these low-effort, bigimpact DIY projects. 12 Great Tools for Every Cook Upgrade your outdated, underperforming small appliances with one of the best (and best-priced) models

from our latest lab tests. Plus: The top small-appliance retailers from our surveys.

20 How to Buy an Appliance Now Our appliance experts share ways to get good deals on new models, even with shortages and delays. Here, the major appliance retailers with the best price, selection, and service. APPLIAN CE S

26 Fantastic Fridges Use our expert buying advice and ratings to find the right style and features for your kitchen. 40 Great Ranges Shop smarter with insights from our test labs. Plus: Why pro-style ranges aren’t always as good as they look.

P. 14

for gas, electric, and electric induction cooktops. Find the best one for your space right here.

58 Standout Ovens Wall ovens are flexible and terrific for cooking for a crowd, but they can be pricey. Learn the basics before you splurge. 62 Versatile Microwaves Some new microwaves can bake, grill, and brown. Our test results show you which features can add real convenience—and which are unnecessary extras. 70 Dependable Dishwashers Cleaner dishes and quieter operation using less energy and water—our top models do it all. Find the best performance and value here.

D E S I G N E LE M E NT S

78 Smart Storage Use our buying advice to choose cabinets with the storage you need and a style you’ll love for years. 84 Beautiful Counters Our tough tests reveal which countertop materials can stand up to daily use and abuse. Plus, the messes that stain the worst. 90 Fabulous Floors Hardwood, tile, vinyl, and more: Let our ratings help you choose the best flooring for your home and lifestyle. 96 Resources

ON THE COVER

Photograph by Laure Joliet

50 Top Tested Cooktops Our tests reveal great options CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

From the Editors

Great Kitchens ON A BUDGET

President and CEO Marta L. Tellado Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Leonora Wiener Vice President, Chief Content Officer Gwendolyn Bounds Editorial Director, Print Ellen Kunes Deputy Editor, Print Publications Amanda Lecky Design Director Mike Smith Creative Director, Brand Young Kim Associate Design Director Sheri Geller Art Directors Chiun Lee, Lisa Slater Photo Editors Emilie Harjes, Karen Shinbaum

Your Dream Kitchen for Less Coming up with a wish list for your new kitchen is easy. You probably have a whole idea file of top-performing appliances, gleaming counters and floors, and storage for miles. But figuring out how to make those wishes come true—within the confines of your real-life budget? That part’s not always so easy. The good news: CR is here to help. Our team of home pros— reporters, engineers, and market analysts—has taken a close look at the style, performance, features, reliability, and value of hundreds of products, to help you get the most for your money every step of the way. When you’re ready to shop, turn to the Buying Guide on page 24. You’ll find exclusive ratings and reviews based on our in-house

tests and on our surveys of CR members’ experiences with the products in their homes. You can trust our advice because we’re nonprofit and independent: We buy all the products we test, and we accept no ads. So take another look at your wish list—and relax. With CR’s smart savings advice, you can make the kitchen of your dreams an affordable, beautiful reality. —The Editors of Consumer Reports

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

1 POOR 2 FAIR 3 GOOD 4 VERY GOOD 5 EXCELLENT

Senior Director, Content Development Glenn Derene Deputy Director, Content Development Christopher Kirkpatrick Associate Directors, Content Development Scott Billings, Althea Chang-Cook Enterprise Kevin Doyle, Editor, Perry Santanachote, Writer/Reporter Senior Director, Content Impact & Corporate Outreach Jen Shecter Special Projects Joel Keehn, Director; Margot Gilman, Associate Director; Lisa L. Gill, Scott Medintz, Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Brian Vines, Deputies; Ryan Felton, Scott Medintz, Writers Editorial Director, Digital Erle Norton Senior Director, Product Testing Maria Rerecich Associate General Counsel Camille Calman Director, Lab Operations Lilian Kayizzi HOME & APPLIANCE: Sara Morrow, Content Lead Editors/Writers: Tanya Christian, Mary Farrell, Keith Flamer, Paul Hope, Liam McCabe, Deb Silber, Tobie Stanger, Daniel Wroclawski Product Testing: John Galeotafiore, Emilio Gonzalez, James Nanni, Testing Leads; John Banta, Susan Booth, Tara Casaregola, Lawrence Ciufo, Enrique de Paz, Bernard Deitrick, Cindy Fisher, Paolo Fu, Kathleen Halevah, Rich Handel, Misha Kollontai, Ginny Lui, Joan Muratore, Joseph Pacella, Christopher Regan, Frank Spinelli, Dave Trezza Market Analysts: Mark Allwood, Kelly Moomey, Courtney Pennicooke, Antonella Pomilla, Marion Wilson-Spencer Chief Scientific Officer James H. Dickerson Product Sustainability Shanika Whitehurst, Associate Director Food Safety James E. Rogers, Director; Tunde Akinleye, Amy Keating, Sana Mujahid Product Safety Ashita Kapoor, Associate Director; Juan A. Arguello Content Operations Robert Kanell, Director Copy Editing Leslie Monthan, Copy Chief; Noreen Browne, Alison France, Wendy Greenfield Fact Checking & Research David Schipper, Associate Director; Tracy Anderman, Sarah Goralski, Christine Gordon, Karen Jacob, Jamison Pfeifer Planning & Production Nancy Crowfoot, Associate Director; Eric W. Norlander, Manager; Letitia Hughes, Terri Kazin, Aileen McCluskey Premedia William Breglio, Associate Director; Eugene Chin, William Hunt, Anthony Terzo Photography John Powers, John Walsh Imaging Francisco Collado, Mark Linder Chief Research Officer Kristen Purcell Consumer Engagement Testing Charu Ahuja, Director; Samuel Chapman, Linda Greene, Dana Keester, Paul Ritchey Statistics & Data Science Michael Saccucci, Director; Debasmita Das, Kristen Dorrell, Dina Haner, Keith Newsom-Stewart Survey Research Karen Jaffe, Simon Slater, Associate Directors; Noemi Altman, Dave Gopoian, Kendra Johnson, Debra Kalensky, Martin Lachter, Jane Manweiler, John McCowen, Adam Troy, Tian Wang, Tess Yanisch

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GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

VICE PRESIDENTS: Chief People Officer Genea O. Bell; Financial Planning & Analysis JoAnne Boyd; Chief Digital Officer Jason Fox; Chief Strategy Officer, Enterprise Strategy & Planning Jessica Freireich; Advocacy David Friedman; Chief Intelligence Officer Esther Han; General Counsel Michael Hubner; Research, Testing & Insights Liam McCormack; Chief Diversity Officer Rafael Pérez; Chief Marketing Officer Lauren Stanich; Chief Social Impact Officer Shar Taylor; Community & Corporate Engagement Sharee McKenzie Taylor; SVP, Chief Financial Officer Eric Wayne

Copyright © 2022 Consumer Reports, Yonkers, New York 10703. Published by Consumer Reports, Yonkers, New York 10703. All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. ISSN: 2767-1739. Manufactured in the United States of America.

PHOTO: HULYA KOLABAS

Consumer Insight Frank Yang, Associate Director; Ipsita Arora Marketing Dawn Nelson, Senior Director Procurement Operations Steven Schiavone, Associate Director Administration Decarris Bryant, Dawn Yancy Elleby

BUDGET MAKEOVERS SEE HOW A FEW SMART CHOICES CAN HELP YOU GET YOUR OWN DREAM KITCHEN, AT A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD

LOW-COST, HIGHIMPACT DETAILS

Special touches like handmade tiles in a small area and dry goods storage on an island end add personality without a huge investment.

FROM BASIC GALLEY TO FAMILYFRIENDLY GREAT ROOM

BEFORE

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

When homeowners Mer and Ollie were ready to give their L.A. bungalow the open-plan kitchen

and living area their young family needed, they turned to Los Angeles interior designer Velinda Hellen for help. Combining the existing builder-grade galley kitchen with adjacent living areas and creating the colorful farmhousebohemian look the owners wanted was the "easy" part. Fitting all

that function and style into a fairly tight budget presented a challenge. To get the job done, Hellen walked a "highlow" tightrope throughout the project, splurging on handmade tiles and a reclaimed wood pantry door, for example, but saving on the cabinets by pairing Ikea cabinet boxes with paintable

PHOTOS, PREVIOUS PAGE AND TOP LEFT: SARA LIGORRIA-TRAMP

Inspiring Updates

COST-CUTTING MOVES

Keeping the existing fridge and choosing lowerpriced engineered wood flooring helped keep the budget in check.

FROM DINGY AND DATED TO BR IGHT AND BOLD

Interior designer Brady Tolbert's Los Angeles rental kitchen started out as a cramped, characterless space with worn vinyl floors, old appliances, and not enough storage. With a lot of vision

and a little DIY elbow grease, he transformed the compact kitchen into a bright and welcoming workspace. Tolbert's first step was to upgrade the floors using peeland-stick tiles in a black and white checkerboard pattern— a project he completed on a weekend afternoon. Next, everything from the baseboards to the ceiling got a fresh coat of paint: Benjamin Moore's Simply White. He swapped out the refrigerator for a retro-style model from

BEFORE

Smeg—"It fit the 1920s architecture of the building," he says—but kept the old range. Installing new light fixtures and adding open shelves over the sink completed the shoestring transformation.

COSMETIC UPDATES

PHOTO, BOTTOM RIGHT: COURTESY TESSA NEUSTADT/EMILY HENDERSON DESIGN

Taking on easy DIY projects made a dramatic difference, no reno required.

doors from Semihandmade. She also factored in the longevity of her choices: The quartz countertops, for one, cost more upfront but should stand up to years of use. The result is a hardworking, easy-living space with a custom look—but without a custom price tag.

Easy Updates GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A FRESH NEW LOOK WITH SIMPLE DO-IT-YOURSELF MAKEOVERS YOU CAN MANAGE IN A WEEKEND—FOR $500 OR LESS.

ADD A POP OF COLOR A fresh new hue can transform walls and cabinets. Repainting a 150-square-foot space costs between $100 and $300 for materials. If you’d rather hire a pro to refinish your cabinets, expect to pay $4 to $10 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor, an online home services company. Always use a top-rated paint, like Behr Marquee (Home Depot), $46 per gallon.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Easy Updates

FOCUS ON THE BACKSPLASH

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

INSTALL OPEN SHELVING

SWAP CABINET HARDWARE

Need a little extra storage—and some pretty display space? Install open shelves for about $100. Just make sure you anchor the shelf supports into wall studs (use a stud finder to find them first); otherwise, the weight of whatever you stock the shelves with could rip them right off the wall. And don’t crowd the shelves. Too many tchotchkes can look messy and make dusting an even more tedious task.

Not ready to replace your cabinets? Make a low-effort, high-impact change by updating the door handles and drawer pulls. New hardware with a more modern style can give your cabinets a new look for between $2 and $10 per piece. Save yourself the headache of drilling new screw holes (and filling in old ones) by taking your existing handles to the store with you to make sure the new ones are exactly the same size.

PHOTOS, PREVIOUS SPREAD FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF ANNIE SLOAN; ANNIE SCHLECHTER. PHOTOS, THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT: LINCOLN BARBOUR; ANNIE SCHLECHTER; ASHLEY GIESEKING; SEAN LITCHFIELD

If you want to try your hand at tiling, a backsplash is a good place to start, because it’s a relatively small area. Home centers offer online how-to (and, sometimes, in-store) workshops to learn the basic technique, and they’re a good source for less-expensive tile styles. Or try peel-andstick tiles, which are easier to apply. Easier still, paint the backsplash a fun color.

DO YOUR WINDOWS Add a splash of color and pattern (plus lightcontrol and privacy) with a simple window treatment. Roman shades look neat and tailored and come in a variety of ready-made styles, from fabric to woven rattan looks, many for under $100 per shade. Or go with a valance for a subtle emphasis at the top of the frame, or a cafe curtain to add interest and block views on the window’s bottom half.

Easy Updates

If your kitchen could use some extra storage space (and whose couldn't?), look for it in unexpected places— like on the interiors of your cabinet and pantry doors. A row of screw-in cup hooks or adhesive hooks can hold small hanging items, like measuring spoons and cups. Or check home centers or organizing stores like The Container Store for cabinet-door racks and accessories.

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

PHOTOS, FROM LEFT: JANE BEILES; ASHLEY GIESEKING

MAXIMIZE EVERY INCH

ADD STYLE ON THE WALLS Wallpaper elevates any space with a highstyle burst of color and/or pattern. Today’s peel-and-stick options eliminate messy paste— and they're removable, too. CR’s experts suggest using an X-acto knife to make precise cuts during installation and to keep a safety pin and a squeegee on hand. If you get an air bubble under the paper, puncture it with the pin and smooth it out with the squeegee. Amazon sells a peeland-stick toolkit for less than $10.

GREAT TOOLS FOR EVERY COOK THE RIGHT COUNTERTOP APPLIANCES CAN MAKE WORKING IN YOUR NEW KITCHEN EASIER AND MORE EFFICIENT. HERE’S HOW TO CHOOSE MODELS YOU LOVE. PLUS: CR’S EXCLUSIVE GUIDE TO THE BEST SMALL-APPLIANCE RETAILERS.

WHEN YOU’RE UPDATING your kitchen, it makes sense to focus first on

the large appliances in the space—the refrigerator, range or cooktop and oven, and dishwasher you’ll rely on to cool, cook, and clean up your meals. But small appliances can be almost as essential to the functionality of your space, and to its style, especially those that live on your countertops 24/7. So if the kitchen tools you use most are on their last legs, it could be time to upgrade. How to choose the best models for your needs? With help from CR’s appliance experts, of course. Each year, our in-house market analysts research and select hundreds of new countertop appliances to test, and we deploy a team of secret shoppers to buy each one to ensure we’re getting the same products you’ll find at retail. Our test engineers put each model through rigorous tests to see how well it performs and how convenient it is to use. The result? A robust collection of ratings for air fryers, blenders, coffee makers, multi-cookers, toaster ovens, and toasters. Find a selection of the best models in our tests on the pages that follow. Then, turn to page 18 for a look at our exclusive ratings of the best small-appliance retailers. 13

Countertop Appliances

So You Want to Buy a New ...

AIR FRYER

Crispy fries without all the oil? That’s the golden promise of air fryers, and it might explain why, in the U.S., the market for these appliances continues to grow year over year. In fact, between now and 2027, MarketWatch predicts that the air fryer market will continue to increase by about 7 percent each year. So, no, it’s not too late to get onboard.) These irregularly shaped countertop cookers don’t fry food at all. They’re actually small convection ovens. A fan circulates hot air to quickly cook food in the basket from the outside in. And they’re surprisingly versatile: Not just adept at turning out crispy finger foods (like fries or chicken nuggets), an air fryer can cook virtually anything you’d throw

in the oven or deep-fry. Most have small capacities, though, from 2 to 5.8 quarts (often smaller than claimed, according to our measurements). Instructions for cooking times and temperatures vary by manufacturer, but our tests showed little difference in taste. “The real difference among air fryers comes down to convenience, so we designed our tests around that,” says Larry Ciufo, the CR test engineer who oversees air fryer testing. We evaluate capacity, how easy the controls are to read and use, noise levels, and how much elbow grease it takes to clean a model. Below, a roundup of three of the best air fryers from CR’s latest tests.

! 0 CHEFMAN TURBOFRY

$ 0 DASH DIGITAL TASTI

AIR FRYER 4.5 QUART $85

CRISP AIR FRYER 2.6 QUART $80

! 0 GOURMIA GAF686

The Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer 4.5 Quart is the latest shining star in our air fryer ratings. It aces our noise and controls tests, and earns a Very Good rating for cleaning. Despite its larger claimed capacity, the interior basket measures just 2.7 quarts. It has preprogrammed cooking settings, and the basket is dishwasher-safe. The one-year warranty is on a par with most of the air fryer models we test.

The Dash Digital Tasti Crisp is small but mighty. At a measured capacity of 1.9 quarts and an overall size of less than a square foot, this 6-pound model is one of the most compact air fryers in our ratings. Still, it ranks among the best. It earns a Very Good rating for controls and cleaning, and excels in our noise test. The basket is dishwashersafe. It has a one-year warranty, which is typical for most models.

In addition to receiving an Excellent rating for controls, the Gourmia GAF686 Digital air fryer earns a Very Good rating for noise and ease of cleaning. And it stands out for being one of the lightestweight models we tested, making it easier to move from the cupboard to the countertop and vice versa. It has preprogrammed cooking settings, it’s dishwashersafe, and it has a one-year warranty, like most models we test.

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

DIGITAL AIR FRYER $80

Not Just for French Fries An air fryer can turn out perfectly crisp veggies—even corn on the cob.

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

! 0

RECOMMENDED

EXCELLENT

$ 0

CR BEST BUY

BLENDER

High-end blenders can cost as much as $700. Their performance can pack a punch, but their premium price might feel like a gut punch, especially if you’re using you’re blender only occasionally. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a decent blender. “You can still buy a solid blender for $100 or less that should last for years—if you pick a reliable brand,” says Larry Ciufo, who oversees our blender testing lab. The trade-off? These less-expensive models usually don’t have the powerful motors and versatility of high-end blenders, so they won’t be great at making nut butters and pulverizing seeds while making smoothies. At right are two fullsized blenders that typically go for $100 or less and earn ratings of either Good or Very Good for predicted reliability. (This rating estimates the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will break or experience problems within the first four years.)

NINJA BN701 PROFESSIONAL PLUS WITH AUTO IQ BLENDER $100

The 1,400-watt Ninja is reliable, and exceptionally durable and easy to use. It earns Very Good ratings for puréeing and crushing ice but rates just Good at making smoothies. This model has a plastic jar.

OSTER 800 SERIES BLSTKH-GMO -000 BLENDER $50

This 500-watt model earns a Very Good rating in our puréeing tests, serving up fairly smooth smoothies and soups with tiny bits in the mix. Unlike many models in our ratings, the Oster has a glass jar.

Digital and All Access members can find the latest, complete ratings for all small-appliance categories at CR.org/appliances.

Countertop Appliances

So You Want to Buy a New ...

COFFEE MAKER

D RI P CO FFEE MAKER WITH C AR AFE

$ 0 HAMILTON BEACH

12-CUP PROGRAMMABLE 49465R COFFEE MAKER $30

It’s not flashy, but this model can brew a mean cup of joe at a fantastic price. It’s programmable and has auto-shutoff. And it delivers Excellent ratings for brew performance and can make a fresh pot in just 10 minutes.

P O D CO FFEE MAKER

$ 0 CRUX 14792 K-CUP

SINGLE SERVE WITH WATER TANK COFFEE MAKER $70

This K-Cup brewer outperforms $200 machines, with solid ratings in all our tests, including Excellent ratings for temperature consistency, convenience, and size consistency.

More Than Toast Use a toaster oven for baking and broiling chicken, shrimp, and much more.

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

TOASTER OVEN

This small-but-mighty appliance can roast vegetables, bake cookies, broil burgers, reheat leftovers—and make toast, of course. Some even have air-frying, convection, and slow-cooking capabilities. Other perks? A toaster oven’s small size means it heats up quickly, handy when your full-sized oven is maxed out— or when you’re cooking for just a few people. “A good toaster oven can turn out a chicken or lasagna that’s nicely browned, and pizza that has a crispy crust,” says Cindy Fisher, the CR test engineer who oversees our toaster oven tests. “A microwave can’t do that.” Here’s a look at three of the best (and best priced) toaster ovens from CR’s tests.

! 0 BREVILLE

BOV650XL OVEN $199

The Breville BOV650XL toaster oven earns a Very Good rating in our baking tests, turning out sugar cookies and corn muffins that were done in the center and golden on top and bottom. Functions include bake, broil, and roast, and settings for pizza and toasting bagels. This toaster oven has three rack positions and offers a temperature range of 120° F to 450° F.

PHOTOS: TED+CHELSEA CAVANAUGH (PREVIOUS SPREAD, THIS SPREAD, AND FOLLOWING SPREAD)

For many people, there’s no better way to start the day than with a great cup of coffee. But today’s coffee makers do far more than brew your morning pot. Some grind beans, others froth milk for lattes and macchiatos, and a few even brew iced coffee. We tested almost 150 coffee makers to see which are worthy of space on your kitchen counter. We take java seriously in our coffee maker lab, where our test team conducts a brewperformance test and measures contact time (how long water stays within the sweet spot of 195° F to 205° F for brewing) for each drip coffee maker. And for single-serve (pod) machines, our engineers evaluate temperature and size consistency of individual cups of coffee. Here, reviews of two well-priced picks, one drip and one pod model.

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

! 0

RECOMMENDED

EXCELLENT

$ 0

CR BEST BUY

TOASTER

! 0 BLACK+DECKER 8-SLICE

DIGITAL EXTRA WIDE TO3290XSD TOASTER OVEN $89

HAMILTON BEACH 6-SLICE 31411 TOASTER OVEN $25.65

While it doesn’t land in the very top tier of our ratings, this Black+Decker is a solid choice, and the lowest-priced of our recommended models. It scores a Very Good rating in our reheating test, evenly reheating a single serving of lasagna in 15 minutes. This 1,500-watt model has a temperature range of 150° F to 450° F and three rack positions.

It’s not one of our recommended models, but this Hamilton Beach model is a very good performer and costs a fraction of most of the other toaster ovens in our tests. It earns a Very Good rating in our reheating tests; food emerged evenly heated throughout. But it’s better at toasting a batch of toast than just one slice. This 1,440-watt toaster oven offers a temperature range of warm to 450° F.

For all the talk of multitasking countertop appliances, there’s something reassuring about a great toaster. It does one thing and does it really well, consistently serving up a beautifully browned slice of bread. Whether you’re making an avocado toast, a PB&J, or an egg-and-cheese sandwich, a solid toaster is almost as important as the ingredients themselves. Test engineers at Consumer Reports toast hundreds of slices of bread to find the best and worst two-slice and fourslice models, scoring every slice against an industrystandard toast-color chart. It includes nine colors, ranging from very light to burnt. “While set to medium, each toaster is judged on how well it makes a single slice of toast and a full batch—two or four slices—depending on the model,” says Cindy Fisher, who oversees CR’s toaster tests. “With the best models, results match the evenly browned medium toast on the toast-color chart.” At right, see reviews of two impressive, relatively low-priced models.

! 0 BELLA PRO SERIES 90062 $50

Gluten-free bread, which is denser than regular bread, doesn’t toast quite the same. Bella picked up on this and added a gluten-free setting to this model. As for regular bread, the Bella earns an Excellent rating in our time tests, putting it among the fastest two-slice models in our ratings.

$ 0 OSTER 2-SLICE

STAINLESS STEEL TSSTTRJB2S TOASTER $25

The Oster TSSTTRJB2S not only turns out terrific toast but also comes at a low price. This CR Best Buy has a push-button control, and features include settings for bagels, defrosting, and reheating. In our tests, it earns a Very Good rating for ease of cleaning and toasting time.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Countertop Appliances

So You Want to Buy a New ...

MULTI-COOKER

Not long ago, Instant Pot was the only name in the multi-cooker game. But competition has been heating up. We now test 13 brands, ranging from $50 to $600. Does spending top dollar for one of these multitasking countertop appliances get you a better braise? The answer used to be yes—to a degree. The top-rated multicooker we tested in 2018, the Breville Fast Slow Pro, costs $250. That's about $50 more than the runner-up and almost $200 more than the lowest-ranked model, which was also the cheapest. More recently, we tested the Wolf Gourmet Multi-Cooker, a hefty high-end model with a price to match. It costs $600 (the most expensive model we've ever tested) and is one of the worst performers in our tests. On the flip side, the best in our tests today comes in well under $200. Here’s a look at three high-performing, lower-priced multi-cookers.

THE BEST SMALL-APPLIANCE RETAILERS You’ve researched the best air fryer, blender, or coffee maker. Now, where to buy it? Consumer Reports’ survey of more than 38,000 CR members, who made more than 56,000 small- and largeappliance purchases from the beginning of 2020 to the middle of 2021, has the answers. CR members rated

18 small-appliance retail chains, independents, and direct-frommanufacturer purchases, reporting on their overall satisfaction as well as their views on price, selection, service, in-store atmosphere, timeliness of delivery, and website usability. These eight retail chains earned top overall satisfaction scores.

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

Versatile Time-Saver A multi-cooker can create long-simmered flavor in less than an hour.

ABT

Based outside Chicago, Abt ships nationally and sells everything from appliances to furniture. In our survey, members give Abt above-average marks for price, and top scores for selection and web usability. EXCHANGE

Exchange, short for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, operates a website plus more than 4,900

facilities in U.S. military commands around the world. It’s open to 33.5 million activeduty military, retirees, National Guard members, Reservists, and other eligible customers and their families in the U.S. military and selected government agencies. Its website also is open for shopping to nondisabled, honorably discharged veterans. CR members rate it very well for overall satisfaction, favorable for price, and middling for selection.

COSTCO WHOLESALE

With a curated selection of goods and fewer models than other stores, it’s not surprising that Costco gets dinged by our members for selection. Costco also employs no salespeople on its floor, which could account for its subpar rating for service. But it earns favorable ratings for price, delivery, website usability, and instore atmosphere.

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

WITH PR E S S U R E COO KI N G M O D E

! 0 ZAVOR LUX LCD :

! 0 INSTANT POT MAX 6QT.

ZSELL02 MULTI-COOKER $160

$150

QVC.COM

BED BATH & BEYOND

Our members give QVC favorable ratings for price, service, timeliness of delivery, and website usability but only a so-so grade for selection.

Our members give Bed Bath & Beyond a favorable rating for timeliness of delivery. In other characteristics—price, selection, service, in-store atmosphere, and web-site usability—it receives moderate ratings.

AMAZON

The Seattle-based behemoth got top marks for selection. Amazon also gets our top score for timeliness of delivery but just middling marks for price and service.

MACY’S

Macy’s pleased CR members with the timeliness of delivery and the usability of its

The 6-quart, 1,100-watt Max is impressive when it comes to making rice and sautéing. We also had good results when cooking beef stew, and making chicken breasts using the sous vide function. Chili was less successful.

website; it earns aboveaverage marks in both. Price, selection, service, and in-store atmosphere are just middling.

! 0

RECOMMENDED

WIT H O U T PR E S S U R E COO KI N G M O D E

! 0 CUISINART 3-IN-1

MULTICOOKER COOK CENTRAL MSC-600 $110

This 6-quart Zavor gets perfect scores in our tests for pressure-cooking ribs, steaming veggies, and slowcooking tender chili (a test most models don’t excel at).

EXCELLENT

This 6-quart model scores an Excellent rating for slow-cooking beef stew and bean chili, and Very Good ratings for sautéing onions and steaming vegetables.

Want a Better Deal? Ask for It!

WILLIAMS-SONOMA

The only retailer to get our top rating for in-store atmosphere, it performs above average in selection, service, and website usability. Timeliness of delivery is middling. Its ranking on price, though, is below average.

Only 4 percent of small-appliance buyers we surveyed tried to make a deal by haggling. But those who did succeeded three-quarters of the time, saving a median of $51 per purchase, up from $40 in our 2020 survey. How did they do it? More than a third (35 percent) simply asked for a deal. The vast majority who did just this (86 percent) succeeded in earning a price cut.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

HOW TO BUY AN EXPERT ADVICE FROM CR’S APPLIANCE PROS CAN HELP YOU NAVIGATE DELAYS AND SHORTAGES TO GET THE KITCHEN GEAR YOU NEED—FOR LESS. PLUS: EXCLUSIVE APPLIANCE STORE RATINGS.

IF YOU’RE SHOPPING for new appliances, you might

have to be patient—and flexible—especially if you want a specific model. Supply shortages that started early in the pandemic are still affecting the market. “The new normal is fewer choices,” says Ken Miele, CEO of Appliance Dealers Cooperative, which supplies large appliances for more 20

than 200 independent dealers and is based in Monroe, N.J. “We dealers can only sell what we have.” It’s not uncommon to wait two to three weeks, and with some products four to six weeks, says David MacGregor,

APPLIANCE NOW

an appliance-industry analyst at Longbow Research, based in Cleveland. And delays on some higher-end items can be at least three to four months, says the senior acquisition agent who buys large appliances for CR’s tests. 21

W H Y T HE HOLDUP ?

A variety of forces, some related to COVID-19 and some decades old, have put kinks in the country’s supply chain. Two years into the pandemic, Americans are still clamoring to replace large appliances. Though mortgage interest rates are rising, pentup home buying and building demand will continue to fuel appliance demand. Manufacturers that have maintained lean, cost-cutting inventories for decades are struggling to keep up. They’re also operating with COVID-19 safety protocols that slow production. Transport continues to be a problem. There aren’t enough truckers or shipping containers in the right locations to carry goods around the country, industry observers say. That bottleneck, combined with restrictive rules and labor shortages at West Coast ports, have left cargo ships carrying foreign-made appliances and parts languishing in U.S. ports. All those trends make it hard for makers to meet the current demand. Last fall, President Joe Biden announced that the Port of Los Angeles began moving toward round-theclock hours to help ease the congestion. MacGregor says the change has been moderately helpful for 2022 inventories and should get better as 2022 unfolds. Indeed, all hope is not lost for appliance shoppers. CR’s recent survey of over 38,000 CR members who told us about their experiences purchasing more than 56,000 small and large appliances from the beginning of 2020 through May 2021 found that most shoppers have been able to find and buy the large appliance of their choice in spite of COVID-related supplychain slowdowns and shortfalls. About two-thirds of large-appliance shoppers—65 percent—said they bought the model they had their eye on. Only 8 percent had to buy an alternative when the one they wanted was unavailable. 22

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

Shoppers seeking a specific dishwasher were among the most likely to have to compromise on their top choice. Even so, that happened to only 11 percent of them. Ten percent of fridge and freezer buyers had to settle. Getting the desired model often means shopping around. A third of major-appliance shoppers who chose one retailer over another during their shopping process did so because of problems with product availability. An additional 15 percent said the retailer didn’t have enough models on display.

W H AT A BOU T PR ICES ?

There has been little incentive during the pandemic to keep prices low, MacGregor says. High consumer demand coupled with low supply has meant fewer deals over the past year. “Why discount something that consumers are lining up and waiting five to six weeks to buy?” he asks. With prices disappointing, our members put as much or more stock in service, installation, and delivery timeliness. “In the past, price was the strongest indicator of the overall satisfaction score a retailer would earn,” says Simon Slater, associate director of CR’s survey research department, which creates the ratings on the facing page. “Now it’s just one of several meaningful indicators.”

W H AT C A N YOU DO ?

Here’s our insider advice for getting an appliance pronto, at the best price. 1. Try an independent retailer. Local independent retailers can offer selections comparable to those of bigbox stores, thanks to their membership in cooperative buying groups. “Buying groups put independents on an equal footing with the home centers,” MacGregor says. “They also provide

a superior level of service to their clientele, not just in selling the product but also in the hand-holding and support after the purchase.” And if you see lower prices at big-box stores, it’s worth asking an independent whether it will match them. 2. Use online tools to research. Take advantage of a retailer’s online shopping filters to narrow your appliance search to what’s in stock or in stores now. If you want to see an appliance in person, some retailers, including Lowe’s, will tell you the nearest store that has the model you’re considering. Use online chat if it’s available, too. Consult Consumer Reports for prices and product availability from the retailers in our shopping program. The information is updated regularly, but you should always check the retailer for real-time pricing and stock availability. 3. Prioritize your must-haves. When inventory is limited, it helps to be flexible with features. 4. Order—and keep browsing. If you see something you want online, buy it! Then keep looking. If you find a better or quicker deal, go back and cancel the first order. Big-box stores may allow order cancellations and refunds for some period of time before delivery. (Check the cancellation policy first.) 5. Always haggle. Appliances might be harder to come by, but that shouldn’t stop you from bargaining for a better price. Only 23 percent of the largeappliance shoppers we surveyed said they’d haggled for a lower price. But two-thirds of those who did haggle succeeded in getting a lower price. The median savings was $119. 6. Use your own vehicle. If you have access to a truck, you can cut the wait for delivery by picking up your appliance yourself. 7. Shop at one of CR’s top-rated large-appliance stores (see ratings on the facing page). In CR’s member survey, Abt gets top marks for price and service, and often seems willing to haggle.

PHOTO, PREVIOUS SPREAD: JOHN ELLIS. ILLUSTRATIONS, PREVIOUS SPREAD: RODRIGO DAMATI

How To Buy an Appliance Now

Ratings

1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0

Appliance Stores

WORSE

BETTER

THE BEST & WORST MAJOR-APPLIANCE STORES Good prices, in-stock items, and easy delivery: The best appliance stores have it all. You’ll find that winning combo in our top-rated stores, which received the highest marks from more than 17,000 CR

5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 –

5 0 4 0 –

5 0 5 0 – – –

Home delivery

5 0 4 0 3 0 5 0 4 0 –

Website usability

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

In-store atmosphere

Selection

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

Service

Price paid

Reader Survey Results

Overall satisfaction score

Provider

members who told us about their experiences buying more than 23,000 major appliances at 20 retail chains across the country—as well as from independents and manufacturers’ websites.

MA JOR APPL I ANCES Abt

Nebraska Furniture Mart

Costco

Spencer’s TV & Appliance

Independents

Manufacturers’ websites

R.C. Willey Home Furnishings

Warners’ Stellian

Amazon.com

Bray & Scarff

Famous Tate

Best Buy

Albert Lee Appliance

Sears Hometown Stores

P.C. Richard & Son

Grand Appliance & TV

Lowe’s

Ferguson

Home Depot

Menards

Sears

Appliances Connection

HOW WE SURVEY: Ratings are based on Consumer Reports’ 2021 Spring Survey of 17,359 CR members reporting on 23,229 major-appliance purchases made between January 2020 and May 2021. Overall satisfaction score represents

shoppers’ overall satisfaction with their retail experience. If all respondents are completely satisfied with a particular retailer, this score would be 100; a score of 80 indicates that respondents are “very satisfied,” on average. Differences

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

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

of fewer than 6 points are not meaningful. The other attributes listed under reader survey results reflect average scores on a scale from “very poor” to “excellent.” Ratings are based on the experiences of CR members, who

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

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

3 0 –

3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 –

2 0 3 0

2 0 2 0

3 0 –

might not be representative of the general U.S. population. A dash ( ) indicates insufficient sample size to provide a rating or that an attribute is not applicable to a retailer.

–

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

BUYING GUIDE

APPLI ANCES 26

Refrigerators

40 Ranges 50 Cooktops

DESIGN ELEMENTS 62

Microwaves

Cabinets

Dishwashers

84 Countertops 90 Flooring

58 Wall Ovens

By the Numbers Each year, Consumer Reports spends over $30 million testing, rating, and reviewing products in our 63 state-of-the-art labs.

3 Million The number of CR members we invite in a typical year to participate in our product reliability and satisfaction surveys

2,400 The estimated number of cookies our testers bake annually to evaluate the ranges and ovens in our tests

5.4 Million How many temperature readings we take when evaluating each refrigerator in our tests

50%

About how much energy and water you’ll save using a dishwasher manufactured today vs. a model made 20 years ago 25

Refrigerators

Fantastic Fridges PHOTOS, PREVIOUS SPREAD AND LEFT: SETH CAPLAN. ALL ICONS IN BUYING GUIDE: ELIAS STEIN

WITH MORE CONFIGURATIONS AND OPTIONS THAN EVER, TODAY’S REFRIGERATORS ARE MADE TO SUIT YOUR FOOD-STORAGE STYLE. HERE’S HOW TO MAKE SENSE OF ALL THE CHOICES TO FIND THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR FAMILY.

When it comes to refrigerators, your options nowadays go far beyond getting a glass of ice water without having to open the door. With custom panels, you can get a built-in that matches your kitchen cabinets. And forget about two doors—some models have five. Our guide helps you choose the right type for your family, demystifies claimed vs. usable storage space, and helps you find the quietest models so that you—and your groceries—can chill out. 27

Refrigerators

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE Think about the size and type that will work best for you. Focus on interior storage features, too. SIZE

Refrigerator configurations come in a range of sizes (our ratings on page 32 are now arranged by width) and capacities. Always measure where you plan to put the fridge before you shop. And make sure any model you consider can fit through doorways and hallways leading to your kitchen. Allow room for the refrigerator’s doors to swing open and for a 1-inch clearance around the sides and back for adequate airflow.

CAPACI T Y

Most manufacturers recommend 19 to 22 cubic feet for a refrigerator that serves a family of four. But if you do a big weekly shopping trip or buy in bulk, you may need more—up to 30 to

33 cubic feet. Our tests have found that the amount of usable storage capacity is often less than the amount claimed by the manufacturer. Check our ratings on page 32 for the real story.

ST YLE

French-door models have exploded in popularity in recent years. Bottom-freezers also offer the convenience of fresh food at eye level. But top-freezers and side-by-sides can make efficient use of space in a smaller kitchen.

K ITC H E N A I D

FEATURES THAT MATTER MOST Models at all prices are increasingly tricked out with a wide range of features. Here are the ones we think add the most convenience and help keep food freshest.

THROUGH-THEDOOR ICE AND WATER DISPENSER

This is one of the conveniences most requested by consumers. But beware: Our surveys

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

AMANA

have found that it’s one of the most problematic features. It increases energy costs, too, and in side-by-sides you lose space in the freezer.

eliminate bacteria and mold, and vacuumsealed crisper drawers may keep food fresher.

FRESHNESS FE ATURES

You decide how cold your fridge is in certain areas. For example, set a drawer to be cooler than the rest of the fridge to store meat, fish, and cold cuts.

Dual evaporators help maintain higher humidity levels in the refrigerated areas and prevent freezer odors from migrating. Air purifiers

TEMPER ATURE CONTROLS

BE T TER SHELVES AND DR AWERS

You can rearrange split shelves to different heights independently and adjust door bins to fit taller items. But if your door has deep storage bins meant for eggs, milk, or butter, know that these items will stay fresher on internal shelves, where temperatures are cooler. Elevator shelves crank

WHAT’S ON THE MARKET? Here’s a look at the configurations you’ll find. See our full refrigerator ratings to find out how models in different sizes and styles performed in our tests. TOP -FREEZER

These traditional refrigerators are good for a lot of storage in a fairly tight spot. They tend to offer the most space for their size. (Widths vary from 28 to 33 inches.) Manufacturers claim capacities of up to 23 cubic feet, but our tests have found that average usable capacity is about 17 percent less. Allow for a wide swing of the doors, and get used to crouching down to reach lower shelves and drawers. BOT TOM-FREEZER

These range from 24 to 36 inches wide, and claimed capacities approach 30 cubic feet, though average usable space is less than that of comparable top-freezers (and top-freezers cost less). Instead of the freezer (which many people use less) being at eye level, the refrigerator shelves are easily scannable. Just get used to bending to rifle through frozen goods. up and down without needing to be unloaded. Pullout shelves and bins make access to stored items easier. DOOR -IN-DOOR STOR AGE ACCESS

This feature—typically available on French-door models—lets you grab items without opening the entire door, which can reduce energy use.

MONEY SAVER

No need to pay more for digital controls or WiFi connectivity. And consider skipping an icemaker: It adds to the up-front price and can be repair-prone.

FRENCH-DOOR

It has two narrow doors on top and a freezer below. Sometimes there’s one drawer (or more) in between. Widths range from 30 to 36 inches. Claimed capacities go up to 34 cubic feet, though the average usable space is much less—about 17 cubic feet. The space-

saving small-swing doors have the added value of letting you open only half of the fridge when stashing smaller items. SIDE-BY- SIDE

The fridge is on one side and the freezer is on the other, and these models usually have throughthe-door ice and water dispensers. Widths are typically 33 to 36 inches, and capacity is claimed to be up to 30 cubic feet (but only about 70 percent is usable). Narrow doors are a plus for small kitchens, but they don’t open wide enough for, say, a pizza box. And tall, narrow compartments make items at the back hard to find. Overall, they’re not as energyor space-efficient as other types. BUILT-IN

Pricey and made to fit almost flush with cabinets and counters, these sleek beauties come in bottom-freezer, sideby-side, and French-door styles. They’re usually wide (30 to 48 inches) with a capacity of up to 27 cubic feet (of which only about 70 percent is usable). Look for optional front panels to match your kitchen cabinets. Or get the look for a little less with a freestanding counter-depth version. Another built-in option: an all-refrigerator column model, as narrow as 18 inches, to make the most of a kitchen nook.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Ratings

Refrigerators

Recommended Products Most models we test chill and freeze adequately and had pullout shelves or bins, split shelves, spill guards, and roomy storage on the door. Top-scoring models usually deliver more consistent temperatures. Once you know how much space you have, particularly the width, look at our recommended models to find fridges that fit your needs. Those with higher energyefficiency scores use less electricity for their capacity. And if your household isn’t large, remember that a smaller conventional refrigerator is likely to use less electricity overall than a larger model.

TOP -FREEZER

31-INCH & WIDER WIDTHS

29- TO 30-INCH WIDTHS

28-INCH & NARROWER WIDTHS

SAMSUNG RT21M6213SG 68Hx33Wx32D $1,175

$ 0 INSIGNIA NS-RTM18BK8Q

$ 0 WHIRLPOOL WRT112CZJZ

67Hx30Wx31D $550

61Hx24Wx28D $600

Very Good ratings for thermostat control and noise and an Excellent score for energy efficiency lift this fridge to the top of our ratings. It earns a Good rating for temperature uniformity. The trade-off is crisper performance, which receives a Poor score.

A top model in our ratings, this CR Best Buy earns a Very Good Overall Score. Thermostat control and energy efficiency earn Excellent scores; temperature uniformity, Very Good; and noise, Good. Icemaking earns a Fair score, and crisper performance receives a Poor rating.

This CR Best Buy, our top 24-inch-wide model earns Excellent ratings for thermostat control and temperature uniformity and a Very Good score for energy efficiency. It’s also quiet. But crisper performance earns just a Fair rating, and icemaking receives a Poor score.

samsung.com

insigniaproducts.com

whirlpool.com

31- TO 33-I N CH WIDTHS

30-I N CH & NARROWER WI DTHS

LG LRDCS2603S 70Hx33Wx33D $1,530

AMANA ABB2224BRM 69Hx33Wx31D $1,400

LG LBNC15231V 68Hx28Wx27D $1,210

This model has 17.4 cubic feet of total usable capacity. It earns an Excellent score for temperature performance and a Very Good score for energy efficiency. Noise and ease of use earn Good scores; crisper performance receives a Poor score.

This refrigerator earns Excellent ratings for thermostat control, temperature uniformity, and crisper performance, and a Very Good score for energy efficiency. Noise receives a Good score. It has spillproof shelves and digital controls.

Superb thermostat control and very good temperature uniformity help this model earn a top spot on our recommended list. It’s very quiet, and energy efficiency earns a Very Good rating. Crisper performance earns a Fair score; icemaking, Poor.

lg.com

amana.com

lg.com

BOT TOM-FREEZER

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

EXCELLENT

$ 0

CR BEST BUY

FOUR -DOOR FRENCH-DOOR

THREE-DOOR FRENCH-DOOR

34-I NCH & WIDER WIDTHS

31- TO 33- I N C H W I DT H S

30-INCH & NARROWER WIDTHS

34-INCH & WIDER WIDTHS

LG LRFXC2416S 71Hx36Wx29D $3,000

WHIRLPOOL WRF532SMHZ 69Hx33Wx32D $1,995

$ 0 LG LFCS22520S 68Hx30Wx33D $1,900

LG LMXS28626S 70Hx36Wx34D $2,500

We expect this model to perform similarly to the tested LG LRFXC2406S, which has limited availability. That model has Excellent thermostat control, temperature uniformity, and noise; Good energy efficiency; and 15.7 cubic feet of capacity.

With 15.2 cubic feet of usable capacity, this model boasts Excellent ratings for temperature performance and energy efficiency and a Very Good score for noise. It has an icemaker, spillproof shelves, and digital controls.

This LG is quiet, energy-efficient, and temperature-accurate. It offers 15.4 cubic feet of usable capacity, spillproof shelves, an icemaker, gallon storage on the door, and touchpad controls.

It’s not one of our recommended models, but it’s one of the best four-door styles in our tests. It’s quiet, and its temperature performance earns an Excellent score; energy efficiency receives a Good rating. It has a roomy 18.1 cubic feet of usable capacity.

lg.com

whirlpool.com

lg.com

SIDE-BY-SIDE

BUILT-IN

JENN-AIR JB36NXFXRE 83Hx36Wx26D $7,700

34-INCH & WIDER WI DTHS

34-I NCH & WIDER WIDTHS

31- TO 33-I N CH WIDTHS

$ 0 LG LSXS26366S

$ 0 KENMORE 51783

70Hx36Wx33D $1,800

69Hx36Wx29D $1,350

GE GSS23HSHSS 70Hx33Wx33D $1,650

This fridge has a door-within-adoor design, so you can access a portion of the fresh-food section without opening the entire door. Thermostat control earns an Excellent rating; temperature uniformity and energy efficiency receive Very Good scores.

This impressive cabinet-depth side-by-side model has 14.6 cubic feet of usable capacity and offers outstanding thermostat control. Temperature uniformity earns a Very Good score. It’s fairly quiet, and icemaking receives an Excellent rating.

An Excellent score for thermostat control helps this model rise to the top of the pack. Temperature uniformity and energy efficiency earn Very Good ratings, and noise and icemaking receive Good scores. It has 15.2 cubic feet of usable space.

lg.com

kenmore.com

ge.com

This bottom-freezer built-in model offers solid overall performance, with Excellent ratings for thermostat control and noise, and Very Good scores for temperature uniformity and ease of use. It receives a Good rating for energy efficiency. jenn-air.com

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Refrigerators

20.2

! 0

Samsung RT21M6215SG

$1,180

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

20.2

! 0

LG LTCS24223S

$1,200

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

19.3

! 0

Maytag MRT311FFFM

$1,050

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

17.5

Opt.

GE GTS22KSNRSS

$1,035

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

17.8

Opt.

Whirlpool WRT511SZDM

$1,060

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

18.1

Opt.

GE GIE21GSHSS

$1,540

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

17.7

Insignia NS-RTM21SS7

$775

–

– 3 0 3 0 5 0 3 0 2 0

18.0

Winia WTL21HBWCD

$650

–

– 3 0 2 0 5 0 4 0 1 0

16.0

Opt.

Whirlpool WRT311FZDW

$730

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

15.8

Opt.

Whirlpool WRT541SZDM

$1,095

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

18.1

Opt.

Kenmore 71212

$930

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

17.8

Icemaker

Energy Star

Cabinet-depth model

Ease of use

Noise

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

Energy efficiency

$1,175

Temperature uniformity

Thermostat control

Samsung RT21M6213SG

Owner satisfaction

! 0

Predicted reliability

Stainless/SS-look option

Features + Specs

Energy cost/yr. ($)

Test Results

Total usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Survey Results

Exterior depth (in.)

Price

Exterior width (in.)

Overall Score

Exterior height (in.)

Brand + Model

TOP -FREEZERS (31-INCH AND W IDER W IDTHS)

TOP -FREEZERS (29 - TO 30 -INCH W IDTHS)

! 0

LG LTCS20030S

$955

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

15.0

! 0

Samsung RT18M6215SG

$990

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

13.6

$ 0

Insignia NS-RTM18BK8Q

$550

–

– 5 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 2 0

15.5

Opt.

! 0

Frigidaire FFTR1835VW

$730

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

15.3

Opt.

! 0

Midea MRT18S2AWW

$630

–

– 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 1 0

14.8

! 0

Frigidaire FFTR2021TS

$825

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

16.7

Opt.

GE GTS17GSNRSS

$760

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

12.9

Opt.

Maytag MRT118FFFZ

$855

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

15.3

Opt.

Winia WTL18HBWCD

$530

–

– 3 0 1 0 5 0 4 0 2 0

14.0

Opt.

Whirlpool WRT519SZDM

$880

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

16.0

Opt.

Insignia NS-RTM18SS7

$680

–

– 2 0 4 0 5 0 3 0 1 0

15.1

Whirlpool WRT318FMDM

$865

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

15.1

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

Opt.

Water dispenser

Ratings

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

12.0

$645

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

11.9

Opt.

$625

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

12.4

Whirlpool WRT518SZFM

$790

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

14.9

GE GTE17DTNRWW

$685

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

14.0

Amana ART104TFDW

$640

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

12.4

Whirlpool WRT106TFDW

$650

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

12.9

Danby DFF101B2WDB

$695

–

– 2 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 2 0

8.0

Galanz GLR12TRDEFR

$610

–

– 2 0 2 0 4 0 3 0 1 0

10.5

Water dispenser

Icemaker

Energy Star

Cabinet-depth model

– 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 2 0

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

10.5

Temperature uniformity

Thermostat control

Owner satisfaction

Predicted reliability

Stainless/SS-look option

Features + Specs

Energy cost/yr. ($)

Test Results

Total usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Survey Results

Exterior depth (in.)

Price

CR BEST BUY

Exterior width (in.)

Overall Score

$ 0

Exterior height (in.)

Brand + Model

! 0

RECOMMENDED

EXCELLENT

TOP -FREEZERS (28 -INCH AND NARROWER W IDTHS)

$ 0

Whirlpool WRT112CZJZ

$600

! 0

Blomberg BRFT1522SS

$1,090

! 0

Frigidaire FFHT1425VV

! 0

Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW

$ 0 ! 0

5 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 5 0 1 0 –

Opt. Opt. 0

Opt. Opt. Opt.

BOT TOM-FREEZERS (31- TO 33 -INCH W IDTHS)

! 0

LG LRDCS2603S

$1,530

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

17.4

! 0

GE GDE25ESKSS

$1,795

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

17.1

! 0

Amana ABB2224BRM

$1,400

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

15.3

Whirlpool WRB322DMBM

$1,530

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

14.9

KitchenAid KRBR102ESS

$2,110

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

14.9

Hisense HBM17158SS

$1,000

–

13.7

11.6

– 4 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 2 0

BOT TOM-FREEZERS (30-INCH AND NARROWER W IDTHS)

! 0

LG LBNC15231V

$1,210

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

! 0

GE GDE21ESKSS

$1,690

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

14.6

! 0

Amana ABB1924BRM

$1,500

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

12.5

Ikea Valgrundad [704.621.58]

$1,200

–

– 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 2 0

14.0

Bosch B11CB50SSS

$2,570

–

– 5 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

8.4

Haier HRB15N3BGS

$1,180

–

– 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 2 0

11.9

Ikea Farskhet [304.621.55]

$1,300

–

– 4 0 5 0 2 0 5 0 2 0

8.3

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Refrigerators

Exterior width (in.)

Exterior depth (in.)

Total usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Energy cost/yr. ($)

Stainless/SS-look option

Energy Star

Icemaker

13.7

14.5

14.7

Water dispenser

Exterior height (in.)

Cabinet-depth model

Ease of use

Features + Specs

Noise

Test Results

Energy efficiency

Survey Results

Temperature uniformity

Price

Thermostat control

Overall Score

Predicted reliability

Brand + Model

Owner satisfaction

Ratings

BOT TOM-FREEZERS (30 -INCH AND NARROWER W IDTHS) Continued Blomberg BRFB1822SSN

$1,670

–

– 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

Summit FFBF287SSIM

$2,245

–

– 2 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 2 0

Blomberg BRFB1522SS

$1,890

–

– 2 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 2 0

FRENCH-DOORS (3 4 -INCH AND W IDER W IDTHS)

! 0

LG LRFDS3016S

$3,200

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

20.4

Ext.

LG LRFVS3006S

$3,885

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

19.6

Ext.

LG LMWS27626S ⁄

$2,110

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

17.4

Int.

LG LRFWS2906S

$1,900

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

19.6

LG LFXS28968S

$2,520

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

19.4

Ext.

LG LFCS27596S

$2,500

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

19.8

LG LMXS28626S ⁄

$2,500

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

18.1

Ext.

LG LRMDC2306S ⁄

$3,300

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

14.6

Ext.

GE Profile PWE23KMKES

$2,805

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

14.7

Int.

KitchenAid KRFC704FBS

$4,360

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

15.3

Ext.

LG LFXS28566S

$2,700

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

19.2

Ext.

GE GWE23GENDS

$2,690

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

15.2

KitchenAid KRFF300ESS

$2,100

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

14.3

Hisense HRF266N6CSE

$1,400

–

– 5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3 0

19.9

Hisense HRF254N6TSE

$1,800

–

– 5 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 3 0

18.0

GE Profile PVD28BYNFS ⁄

$3,600

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

GE GFE28GYNFS

$2,200

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

LG LMXS27626S ⁄

$1,900

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

Whirlpool WRF555SDFZ

$2,020

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

Insignia NS-RFD26SS9

$1,200

–

KitchenAid KRMF706EBS ⁄ 72

$3,960

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

Int.

17.8 100

Ext.

19.9

Ext.

17.6

Ext.

15.9

Ext.

– 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 3 0

20.2

Int.

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

17.1

Ext.

⁄Four-door model.

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

Stainless/SS-look option

Energy Star

Icemaker

Water dispenser

Int.

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

21.0

Int.

$2,800

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

17.3

Ext.

$2,160

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

15.9

Ext.

Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ

$2,340

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

16.0

Ext.

Bertazzoni Professional Series REF36X ⁄

$3,050

–

– 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 4 0

14.2

Ikea Overskadlig [604.621.54] ⁄

$2,870

–

– 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

15.0

Whirlpool WRQA59CNKZ ⁄ 70

$1,750

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

13.6

Bosch B36CL80SNS ⁄

$3,375

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

12.9

Int.

GE GFE26JSMSS

$2,000

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

17.7

Ext.

Samsung RF28R6222WW

$2,660

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

18.4

Ext.

Samsung RF23M8070SR ⁄ 66

$3,150

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

14.5

Ext.

Café CFE26KP2NS1

$2,815

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

16.6

Whirlpool WRF757SDHZ

$2,520

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

17.3

Ext.

Samsung RF22K9381SR ⁄

$3,775

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

15.8

Ext.

Samsung RF23M8570SG ⁄ 65

$4,200

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

14.3

Ext.

Samsung RF28K9070SR ⁄

$3,330

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

20.4

101

Ext.

Samsung RF28R6201SR

$2,000

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

18.8

Ext.

Samsung RF23R6201SR

$2,800

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

15.3

Ext.

Samsung RF29A9671SR ⁄

$2,500

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

20.5

Int.

Samsung RF28R7351SG ⁄

$2,500

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

18.0

Ext.

Samsung RF28N9780SR ⁄

$4,145

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

20.1 100

Ext.

Samsung RF23J9011SR ⁄

$3,445

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

16.1

Ext.

Frigidaire Gallery FGHN2868TF

$2,075

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

19.6

Samsung Bespoke RF29A967541 ⁄

$3,015

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

20.5

Int.

Blomberg BRFD2230SS

$2,700

–

14.3

Int.

Ease of use

Noise

12.6

Energy efficiency

Temperature uniformity

Thermostat control

Owner satisfaction

Predicted reliability

Energy cost/yr. ($)

Features + Specs Total usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Test Results

Exterior depth (in.)

Survey Results

Exterior width (in.)

Price

Exterior height (in.)

Overall Score

RECOMMENDED

Cabinet-depth model

Brand + Model

! 0

EXCELLENT

FRENCH-DOORS (3 4 -INCH AND W IDER W IDTHS) Continued Bosch B36CT80SNS

$3,200

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

GE GNE27JSMSS

$1,800

Bosch 800 Series B26FT50SNS

Maytag MFI2570FEZ

– 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 4 0

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Ext.

Ratings

Refrigerators

Icemaker

13.6

18.0

Ext.

13.6

Int.

13.6

Int.

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

19.9 103

Ext.

$2,390

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

16.6

$2,250

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

18.2

Frigidaire Gallery FGHG2368TF

$2,335

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

15.5

Samsung RF263BEAESR

$2,000

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

16.4

Ext.

Frigidaire FG4H2272UF

$2,970

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

15.0

Ext.

Frigidaire Gallery FGHD2368TF

$2,660

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

13.9

Ext.

Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF201ADUSX5

$3,200

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

13.4

Ext.

Samsung RF261BEAESR

$1,525

2 0 2 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0

16.7

Int.

Electrolux IQ-Touch EI23BC82SS

$2,800

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

15.9

Electrolux Wave-Touch EW23BC87SS

$3,000

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

14.3

Ext.

Whirlpool WRF550CDHZ

$3,095

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

11.6

Ext.

Water dispenser

Energy Star

Cabinet-depth model

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

19.9

Temperature uniformity

Thermostat control

Owner satisfaction

Predicted reliability

Stainless/SS-look option

Features + Specs

Energy cost/yr. ($)

Test Results

Total usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Survey Results

Exterior depth (in.)

Price

Exterior width (in.)

Overall Score

Exterior height (in.)

Brand + Model

FRENCH-DOORS (3 4 -INCH AND W IDER W IDTHS) Continued Samsung RF28T5001SR

$1,500

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

BlueStar FBFD36

$3,975

–

– 4 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

Viking RVRF3361SS

$3,950

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

Frigidaire Gallery FGHB2868TF

$2,390

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

KitchenAid KRFC300ESS

$2,250

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

Maytag MFC2062FEZ

$2,500

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

LG LRMDS3006S ⁄

$3,200

Samsung RF262BEAESR

Samsung RF27T5201SG

Int.

Ext.

FRENCH-DOORS (31- TO 33 -INCH W IDTHS)

! 0

LG LRFCS2503S

$2,000

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

17.2

! 0

Whirlpool WRF532SMHZ

$1,995

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

15.2

! 0

GE GNE25JSKSS

$1,800

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

16.4

Int.

! 0

GE GFE24JSKSS

$2,430

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

15.2

Ext.

LG LRFXS2503S

$2,520

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

16.9

Ext.

Haier HRQ16N3BGS ⁄

$1,395

–

12.5

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

– 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 2 0

⁄Four-door model.

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

CR BEST BUY

Total usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Energy cost/yr. ($)

Stainless/SS-look option

Energy Star

Icemaker

12.2

14.8

13.9

12.7

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

13.9

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

15.5

Water dispenser

Exterior depth (in.)

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

Temperature uniformity

Exterior width (in.)

Features + Specs

Exterior height (in.)

Test Results

$ 0

Cabinet-depth model

Survey Results

Thermostat control

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Predicted reliability

Brand + Model

! 0

RECOMMENDED

EXCELLENT

FRENCH-DOORS (31- TO 33 -INCH W IDTHS) Continued GE GWE19JSLSS

$1,750

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

Samsung RF20HFENBSR

$1,560

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

Samsung RF18HFENBSR

$1,375

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

Samsung RF18A5101SR

$1,440

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

Frigidaire FFBN1721TV ⁄

$1,200

Maytag MFF2258FEZ

$2,080

FRENCH-DOORS (30 -INCH AND NARROWER W IDTHS)

! 0

LG LFC22770ST

$2,000

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

15.4

$ 0

LG LFCS22520S

$1,900

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

14.8

! 0

GE GNE21FSKSS

$1,695

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

13.7

Haier HRF15N3AGS

$1,345

–

11.2

Samsung RF220NCTASR

$1,000

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

16.0

Whirlpool WRF560SMHZ

$1,585

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

13.3

– 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 2 0

Ext.

Ext. Ext.

SIDE-BY- SIDES (3 4 -INCH AND W IDER W IDTHS)

! 0

LG LSXS26326S

$1,500

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

20.8

$ 0

LG LSXS26366S

$1,800

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

20.9

$ 0

Kenmore 51783

$1,350

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

14.6

! 0

KitchenAid KRSC503ESS

$3,100

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

16.2

! 0

Samsung RS25J500DSR

$1,100

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

18.5

Ext.

! 0

Whirlpool WRS586FIEM

$1,750

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

18.9

Ext.

! 0

GE GZS22IYNFS

$1,800

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

14.5

Ext.

LG LRSES2706V

$1,700

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

20.6

Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ

$1,710

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

20.5

Ext.

GE GSS25GSHSS

$1,440

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

16.3

Ext.

Samsung RS27T5200SR

$1,300

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

17.4

Ext.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Ratings

Refrigerators

Kenmore Elite 51773

$2,100

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

21.8

Ext.

Samsung RS27T5561SR

$1,980

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

20.1

Ext.

KitchenAid KRSC703HPS

$2,880

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

14.0

Ext.

Kenmore 51335

$1,440

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

17.5

Ext.

Frigidaire FRSS2323AS

$1,260

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

15.2

Samsung RS22T5561SR

$2,070

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

16.7

Ext.

Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ

$1,440

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

15.1

Ext.

Whirlpool WRS325FDAM

$1,050

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

15.1

Ext.

Maytag MSC21C6MFZ

$1,735

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

14.1

Ext.

GE GSS25IYNFS

$1,710

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

17.0

Ext.

Samsung RS27T5201SR

$1,535

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

19.9

Ext.

Whirlpool WRS555SIHZ

$1,600

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

17.7

Ext.

Samsung RS22T5201SR

$1,530

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

17.1

Ext.

GE GZS22DSJSS

$2,375

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

14.0

Ext.

Whirlpool WRS315SNHM

$1,240

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

17.5

Opt.

Whirlpool WRS315SDHM

$1,050

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

16.4

Kenmore 41173

$1,100

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

17.5

Opt.

Maytag MSS25N4MKZ

$1,315

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

17.5

Opt.

Bosch 300 Series B20CS30SNS

$2,200

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

14.5

Amana ASI2575GRS

$1,200

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

16.8

Water dispenser

Icemaker

Energy Star

17.0

Cabinet-depth model

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

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

Temperature uniformity

$1,700

Thermostat control

Owner satisfaction

GE GSS25LSLSS

Predicted reliability

Stainless/SS-look option

Features + Specs

Energy cost/yr. ($)

Test Results

Total usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Survey Results

Exterior depth (in.)

Price

Exterior width (in.)

Overall Score

Exterior height (in.)

Brand + Model

SIDE-BY- SIDES (3 4 -INCH AND W IDER W IDTHS) Continued

Ext.

SIDE-BY- SIDES (31- TO 33 -INCH W IDTHS)

! 0

GE GSS23HSHSS

$1,650

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

15.2

Ext.

! 0

GE GSS23GSKSS

$1,395

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

14.8

Ext.

! 0

Amana ASI2175GRS

$1,225

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

12.7

Ext.

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

GE GSE23GSKSS

$1,615

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

14.1

Whirlpool WRS331SDHM

$1,380

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

13.7

Water dispenser

Icemaker

Ext.

Energy Star

12.7

Cabinet-depth model

Ease of use

Noise

Energy efficiency

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

Temperature uniformity

$1,335

Thermostat control

Owner satisfaction

Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ

Predicted reliability

Stainless/SS-look option

Features + Specs

Energy cost/yr. ($)

Test Results

Total usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Survey Results

Exterior depth (in.)

Price

Exterior width (in.)

Overall Score

RECOMMENDED

Exterior height (in.)

Brand + Model

! 0

EXCELLENT

SIDE-BY- SIDES (31- TO 33 -INCH W IDTHS) Continued

! 0

BUILT-INS (SIDE-BY- SIDES) Café CSB42WP2NS1

$8,035

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

19.5

Viking VCSB5423SS

$11,340

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

17.2

BUILT-INS (FRENCH-DOORS)

! 0

Dacor DRF427500AP

$10,500

–

– 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0 3 0

16.6

Int.

! 0

Dacor DRF367500AP

$8,500

–

– 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0 5 0

14.6

Int.

! 0

Jenn-Air JF42NXFXDE

$9,700

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

17.0

! 0

KitchenAid KBFN502ESS

$9,440

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

17.0

Miele PerfectCool KFNF9955IDE

$7,500

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

13.6

Liebherr CBS2062

$6,420

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

13.9

BUILT-INS (BOT TOM-FREEZERS)

! 0

Jenn-Air JB36NXFXRE

$7,700

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

14.9

! 0

KitchenAid KBBR306ESS

$7,190

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

14.9

Blomberg BRFB1920SS

$5,750

–

– 4 0 4 0 3 0 4 0 4 0

12.8

Viking VCBB5363ERSS

$10,710

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

15.1

Viking Professional 7 Series VBI7360WRSS

$13,610

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

14.6

HOW WE TEST: 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 probblems or break within the first five years. 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 give the model weighted category average scores for reliability and satisfaction.

–

Thermostat control assesses the ability to reach and maintain a set temperature despite changes in room temperature. Temperature uniformity is the ability to mitigate warm and cold spots in the fridge and freezer compartments. Energy efficiency indicates energy consumption based

on usable storage space and the national average electricity cost. Noise reflects quietness of operation based on noise meter readings and a panel of listeners. Ease of use assesses layout and features. Price is approximate retail.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Ranges

Great Ranges

PHOTO: CLAIRE ESPARROS

ELECTRIC OR GAS? FOUR BURNERS, FIVE, OR MORE? THIS DO-IT-ALL APPLIANCE COMES IN SIZES AND STYLES TO FIT YOUR COOKING NEEDS—AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND A FORTUNE TO GET GREAT PERFORMANCE AND CONVENIENT FEATURES.

If you're a regular home cook, your range probably gets quite a workout—and maybe it's showing its age, or maybe you just want an upgrade. Buying a new model of the same type and size ensures that the replacement will fit, but if you're remodeling you have more options. Planning to switch from gas to electric, or vice versa? Budget for an electrician or a plumber to run new lines. And read on for more tips on choosing the right new model for you. 41

Ranges

K ITC H E N A I D

MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION Remodeling or starting from scratch? Cooking for a crowd or for just two—or one? These topics and others will help you decide what you need in a new range.

ed the back panel; these models offer the same ease of installation. For a more custom, builtin look, there are slidein models, where the cooktop rests on the counter on either side.

TYPE

Freestanding ranges are the most widely sold and easiest to install. The oven control panel is usually on the back panel, above the cooktop surface. But manufacturers of many new models have moved the oven controls to the front and eliminat-

SIZE

Most electric and gas ranges are 30 inches wide, which is the size we buy and test. Prostyle ranges often span 36 inches or more; we test 30-inch and 36inch models. They’re big on style but aren’t the best-performing ranges

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

we’ve tested. Even regular ranges now have beefy knobs, rugged grates, stainless trim, and more style for a lot less money. C A PA C I T Y

A roomy oven comes in handy when baking or entertaining. We measure oven space you can actually use, so check the capacity scores in our range ratings. The smallest ovens in our tests are a little more than 2 cubic feet; the largest are almost 4 cubic feet.

FEATURES THAT MATTER MOST Here’s a look at some of the perks found on the newest models. CONTROL LOCKOUT

It lets you disable the oven controls. We recommend it if the electronic oven control panel is at the front of the range rather than on the back panel, especially if small children are in the house. DOUBLE OVENS

Two separate ovens let you, say, roast a turkey in one while baking pies in the other, and at different temperatures. Some ranges pair a smaller top oven with a larger oven below; others have two same-sized ovens. Keep in mind that there’s no storage drawer, and usually the convection feature is in the bottom oven. E X PA N D A B L E ELEMENTS, A BRIDGE, A N D O VA L B U R N E R S

On gas cooktops, oval burners accommodate griddles and elongated pans. Certain electric rangetops have an elongated bridge element that spans two burners to fit a griddle or other odd-shaped cookware. Most electric radiant and induction smoothtops have an expandable burner that lets you choose the size that best matches the pot’s diameter.

H O T- S U R FA C E WA R N I N G L I G H T S

These lights warn you when an element is still hot, and they’re especially useful on electric radiant smoothtops. Some ranges have one warning light; others have a light for each burner. CONVECTION

Many mid- and higherpriced ranges use one fan or more to circulate hot air in the oven. Some ovens, usually electric models, have an additional convection heating element. Convection typically reduces cooking time, especially for large roasts. VA R I A B L E B R O I L

Most electric and gas ovens have this feature. Variable broil provides adjustable settings for foods that need slower or faster cooking. T I M E D / D E L AY E D S TA R T

This lets you set a time for the electric or gas oven to start and stop cooking. But this feature is not essential; it mainly buys you preheating time, and most foods shouldn’t stay in a cold oven for long.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Ranges

WHAT'S ON THE MARKET? If you have a choice of fuel type, gas and electric ranges have their advantages. ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP

Ranges with electric radiant smoothtops are the popular pick. All the models in our tests have at least one highpower burner. Most have

expandable dual or triple elements that let you switch from a large, high-power element to a small, lower-power element within it. Certain ranges have a warming element in the center to keep side dishes warm. When a hot radiant element on a high setting is turned to a low setting, it can take a few

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

minutes to really settle at the lower setting due to residual heat. ELECTRIC INDUCT ION

Electric ranges with an induction cooktop use magnetic coils below a ceramic glass surface to quickly generate heat directly to the pan, offering precise simmering and control. You’ll

need magnetic cookware for induction to work. If a magnet strongly sticks to the bottom of a pot, it will work with an induction cooktop. Certain stainless steel cookware is induction-capable. GAS

A burner's capacity is measured in British

thermal units (Btu) per hour. Most ranges have four surface burners in three sizes: one or two mediumpower burners (about 9,000 Btu), a small burner (about 5,000 Btu), and one or two large ones (about 12,000 Btu or more). Some have a fifth burner instead of a center section. Response time for gas burners is quick, especially when compared with a radiant smoothtop. And you can light most gas burners with a match when the power is out.

PHOTO, PREVIOUS SPREAD, RIGHT: TREVOR TONDRO/OTTO. ICONS: ELIAS STEIN

E LEC TRO LUX

MONEY SAV E R

Peek into the kitchen of your favorite restaurant and you’re likely to see some equipment that helps the chef turn out top-tier food—warming drawers, multiple convection ovens, and plenty of burners for searing meats and simmering sauces at the same time. You love all that beefy stainless steel! And you’re thinking a pro-style range in your kitchen will have you cooking like a pro. Not so. Our experts routinely observe that prostyle ranges lag behind regular stoves in terms of performance. CR surveys of our members show that, compared with regular electric and gas ranges, pro-styles tend to be less reliable over time. Almost half of the pro-style range brands in our ratings cannot be recommended by CR because of substandard predicted reliability. And many lack the very features that would help you cook like a professional chef. “Even basic conveniences that you’d take for granted on a regular range, like a digital oven display or preheat light, are often missing on pro-style ranges,” says Tara Casaregola, who oversees range testing for Consumer Reports. While you might be willing to shrug off a few missing features, we’ve highlighted five here that could make you rethink the choice to go pro.

Don’t Pay More for Pro-Style

EXTRA BURNERS It was once rare for a 30inch range to come with more than four burners, but you can now find five on every recommended gas range in our ratings (see page 47). On the flip side, only one of the 30-inch prostyle ranges we’ve tested offers a fifth burner. Some of these extra burners are of dubious value because fitting five pots would be tricky. But those with an oblong fifth burner in the center of the rangetop may include a drop-in griddle that can simulate the convenience of cooking on a restaurant range’s flattop.

DOUBLE O V ENS Cooking two different foods at two different temperatures simultaneously presents a challenge—unless you have two ovens. That’s a feature you’ll find on traditional gas and electric ranges costing under $1,500. None of the 30-inch prostyle ranges we’ve evaluated offer dual ovens, though some pro-style range manufacturers offer dual sideby-side ovens on ranges 48 inches and wider (for a hefty price).

SELF - CLE A NING CYCLES

SPEC I A LT Y SE T T INGS

The idea of hand-scrubbing an oven seems dated, but that’s often what you’re signing up for with the purchase of a pro-style range. More than half the models in our ratings lack a selfcleaning setting. On the other hand, you’ll find the feature on almost every traditional range we’ve evaluated, even on some models that cost less than $500. That makes it harder to justify the $5,000 you could spend on a pro model that requires manual scrubbing.

Because pro-style range manufacturers tend to roll out fewer models than mass-market brands, they’re often late to the party with helpful and innovative oven settings. Some pro-style ranges proudly eschew electronic oven displays and settings. But this means they forgo special oven programs such as slow cook, delayed start, and proofing—a handy setting that maintains temperatures in the hardto-hit 80° F range, which is ideal for proofing breads and dough without killing the yeast.

WA N T A PRO - S T Y LE R A NGE A N Y WAY ?

WA RMING DR AW ERS A simple warming drawer below the main oven will keep dishes, dinner rolls, or just about anything warm until you’re ready to eat. Some gas and electric ranges even provide dedicated temperature controls for the drawer, allowing you to tackle light baking. And even the most basic models offer a storage drawer for pots and pans below the oven cavity. Pro-style ranges, on the other hand, choose form over function—none in our ratings feature a warming or storage drawer.

If you can’t live without the chunky commercial look, check our ratings on page 47 for top picks for pro-style ranges; page 56 for 36-inch cooktops; and page 61 for wall ovens. You’ll find ratings for builtin refrigerators on page 39.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Ratings

Ranges

Recommended Products These will bring a large pot of water to a fast boil, hold a big batch of sauce or chili at a low simmer, and deliver dozens of cookies that are evenly baked and browned. They all do at least an okay job broiling, and many are excellent—nice if you enjoy a good steak or burger. Ovens are large, and self-cleaning earns a Good or better rating. CR Best Buys are recommended ranges that combine impressive performance and value, and at least a Good score for reliability.

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP

ELECTRIC INDUCTION

SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE-OVEN (30-INCH)

SMOOTHTOP, DOUBLE-OVEN (30-INCH)

INDUCTION (30-INCH)

$ 0 LG

LG LTE4815ST $2,500

$ 0 FRIGIDAIRE GALLERY

LREL6321S $700

This freestanding range has four cooktop elements; two are highpower. It excels at fast cooktop heat and simmering. Baking earns an Excellent rating and broiling was Very Good. Oven capacity is large.

LG ranges typically perform well on Consumer Reports’ tests, and this model with two ovens notches Excellent scores on five of six tests. This range is one of the few that’s WiFi-enabled.

lg.com

Overall, this range is excellent, offering superb fast cooktop heat from its highest-power burner and steady simmering. Baking earns a Very Good rating, and broiling and selfcleaning performance are both Excellent. The oven has a convection mode.

GCRI3058AF $1,000

frigidaire.com

GAS AND DUAL-FUEL

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

GAS, SINGLE-OVEN (30-INCH)

DUAL-FUEL, DOUBLEOVEN (30-INCH)

GAS, PRO-ST YLE (30-INCH)

LG LSD4913ST $1,800

SAMSUNG NX60T8111SS $730

LG SIGNATURE LUTD4919SN $3,100

KITCHENAID KFDC500JSS $5,300

Excellent baking and Excellent broiling scores, plus a large oven capacity, help put this model near the top of our ratings. But it earned only a Fair score for self-cleaning, and its large burner struggled to keep tomato sauce at a low simmer. It has five burners, continuous grates, and convection mode.

This front-control gas range earns Excellent scores for lowheat cooktop performance and baking. High-heat cooktop performance, broiling, and self-cleaning were all Good. It has continuous cast-iron grates and five burners; two are high power. You can control the oven from a smartphone app.

Top-rated, this front-control double-oven range has five surface burners, two that are high-power. High-heat cooktop performance earns a Very Good rating; baking, simmering, broiling, and self-cleaning receive Excellent ratings.

We don't recommend any of the pro-style ranges in our Ratings, but this model outperforms all others of its type. It's Very Good at both fast cooktop heating and slow simmering. Baking was Very Good and broiling Excellent. Oven capacity is middling and self-cleaning Good.

lg.com

samsung.com

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

lg.com

kitchenaid.com

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

$ 0

CR BEST BUY

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

Stainless steel available

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

Slide-in

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

Convection mode

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

Low-power burners

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

Medium-power burners

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

High-power burners

Oven capacity

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

Self-cleaning

Broiling

Features

Baking

Test Results

Cooktop low

Survey Results

Cooktop high

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Predicted reliability

Brand + Model

! 0

RECOMMENDED

EXCELLENT

ELEC TR IC SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE OVEN (30 -INCH)

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

GE Profile PSS93YPFS

$2,400

LG LREL6321S

$700

LG LSE4613ST

$1,900

LG LSEL6337D

$2,100

LG LREL6325D

$1,200

Samsung NE63T8711SS

$1,800

GE JS760SLSS

$1,780

GE Profile PB935YPFS

$1,135

Bosch HEI8056U

$2,200

Samsung NE63A6711SS

$990

LG LRE3194BD

$990

LG LRE3060ST

$700

Whirlpool WEE510S0FS

$1,260

GE JB655SKSS

$860

LG LSEL6333F

$1,600

Frigidaire Gallery FGEH3047VF

$1,200

Frigidaire Gallery GCRE302LAF

$945

Samsung NE59M4320SS

$800

Frigidaire Gallery GCRE3060AF

$1,035

GE JS645SLSS

$900

Frigidaire FFEF3054TS

$860

Café CES700P2MS1

$2,500

Electrolux EI30EF45QS

$2,380

Whirlpool WEE515S0LS

$1,260

Frigidaire FFEH3051VS

$1,090

Frigidaire FFEH3054US

$900

Samsung NE63A6311SS

$700

Kenmore 95123

$1,645

Maytag MER8800FZ

$1,100

KitchenAid KFEG504KPS

$1,260

Kenmore Elite 95223

$2,100

GE JB645RKSS

$770

Haier QSS740RNSS

$1,465

Frigidaire FFEF3052TS

$600

Whirlpool WFE320M0EW

$585

Whirlpool WFE775H0HZ

$1,150

Samsung NE59T7511SS

$1,000

KitchenAid KSEB900ESS

$2,555

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

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

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

1 0 4 0 1 0

0 0

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Ranges

Convection mode 0

1 0

4 0

5 0

3 0

4 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 0 1 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 0 5 0 5 0 5 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 3 0

3 0 3 0 2 0 2 0 3 0

5 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0

4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0

5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 3 0

4 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0

5 0 5 0 4 0 4 0 5 0

3 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 3 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Slide-in

Low-power burners

Self-cleaning

Oven capacity

Broiling

Medium-power burners

Stainless steel available

Features

High-power burners

Test Results

Baking

Survey Results

Cooktop low

Price

Cooktop high

Overall Score

Owner satisfaction

Brand + Model

Predicted reliability

Ratings

ELEC TR IC SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE OVEN (30 -INCH) Continued Whirlpool WFE975H0HV

$1,350

Whirlpool WEE745H0FS

$1,710

GE JBS60RKSS

$730

Whirlpool WEE750H0HZ

$1,890

Amana AER6303MFS

$550

Samsung NE59T4311SS

$730

0 0

ELEC TR IC SMOOTHTOP, DOUBLE OVEN (30 -INCH)

! 0 ! 0 ! 0

LG LTE4815ST

$2,100

Samsung NE63T8751SG

$2,650

LG LDE4413ST

$1,300

Samsung NE59J7850WS

$1,300

Maytag MET8800FZ

$1,815

GE JBS86SPSS

$1,215

Whirlpool WGE745C0FS

$1,440

LG LSE4617ST

$3,100

LG Studio LSIS3018SS

$3,270

Frigidaire Gallery GCRI3058AF

$1,000

Frigidaire Gallery FGIH3047VF

$1,890

KitchenAid KFID500ESS

$2,700

ELEC TR IC INDUC T ION (30 -INCH)

! 0 ! 0 $ 0 ! 0

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

! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 $ 0 ! 0 $ 0 ! 0 48

LG LSGL6335D

$1,900

Samsung NX60T8711SS

$2,070

LG LSD4913ST (dual-fuel)

$1,800

Samsung NX58R5601SS

$1,100

Samsung NX60T8111SS

$980

GE Profile PGS930YPFS

$2,750

GE JGB660YPFS

$1,100

Café CGB500P2MS1

$1,530

Samsung NX60T8511SS

$1,400

GE JGB735SPSS

$1,200

LG LRGL5823S

$1,000

Frigidaire Gallery GCRG3060AF

$1,100

LG LRG3194ST

$1,100

GE JGBS61RPSS

$720

Café CGS700M2NS5

$2,880

GE JGBS30REKSS

$635

Frigidaire Professional PCFG3078AF

$2,250

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

0 0

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

$ 0

CR BEST BUY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stainless steel available

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

Slide-in

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

Convection mode

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

Low-power burners

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

Medium-power burners

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

High-power burners

Oven capacity

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

Self-cleaning

Broiling

Features

Baking

Test Results

Cooktop low

Survey Results

Cooktop high

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Predicted reliability

Brand + Model

! 0

RECOMMENDED

EXCELLENT

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

! 0 ! 0

GE JGBS66EEKES

$910

Frigidaire FFGF3054TS

$900

Frigidaire FFGH3054US

$1,280

GE JGBS60DEKWW

$700

GE JGSS66EELES

$1,440

Frigidaire FFGH3051VS

$1,180

Samsung NX58R4311SS

$1,000

GE JGB635REKSS

$875

Frigidaire FGGH3047VF

$1,350

Bosch 800 Series HDI8056U (dual-fuel)

$2,700

Samsung NX60A6311SS

$700

Frigidaire FFGF3052TS

$600

LG LRGL5821S

$900

Kenmore 75123

$1,700

KitchenAid KSGG700ESS

$2,160

KitchenAid KFGG500ESS

$1,400

4 0 4 0

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

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

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

LG Signature LUTD4919SN (dual-fuel)

$3,100

GE Profile PGB965YPFS (dual-fuel)

$2,300

Café C2S950P2MS1 (dual-fuel)

$3,100

GE JGBS86SPSS

$1,440

Samsung NX60T8751SG

$2,880

Samsung NX58M6850SG

$1,300

KitchenAid KFGD500ESS

$2,070

Whirlpool WGG745S0FS

$1,530

5 0 2 0 4 0 NA

4 0 2 0 3 0 4 0

PRO - S T YLE GAS AND DUAL-FUEL (30 -INCH) KitchenAid KFDC500JSS (dual-fuel)

$5,300

Thermador Pro Harmony PRG305WH

$5,600

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

PRO - S T YLE GAS AND DUAL-FUEL (36 -INCH) Kucht KRG3618U

$3,205

Viking VGR5366BSS

$7,910

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

All-Access and Digital members can find the latest, complete ratings and buying advice at CR.org/ranges. HOW WE TEST: 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. 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 brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we give the model weighted category average reliability and satisfaction scores. Cooktop, high is a measure of how quickly the highestpower burner brings a large pot of water

−

to a near-boil. Cooktop, low indicates how well a small burner provides low, gentle heating as if melting chocolate and whether the highest-power burner, set to low, maintains a simmer. Baking is a rating of how evenly the oven bakes cakes and cookies on multiple racks. Broiling is a measurement of how well the upper element or burner browns a

full tray of hamburger patties, and how even it is. Oven capacity is a measure of usable space in the cavity. (For double-oven ranges, the rating covers both ovens.) Self-cleaning evaluates the oven’s ability to clean itself of a lab-calibrated mixture of sticky foods, including pie filling, lard, eggs, and tapioca. Price is approximate retail.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Cooktops

Top Tested Cooktops

PHOTO: CLAIRE ESPARROS

OUR TOUGH TESTS REVEAL WHICH COOKTOPS BOIL FAST AND SIMMER SLOW. USE THIS GUIDE TO CHOOSE A MODEL WITH THE RIGHT MIX OF FEATURES, PERFORMANCE, AND RELIABILITY.

Installing a separate cooktop and wall oven offers a few advantages over a range. For starters, you can mount the oven higher up in wall cabinets so that you don’t have to bend to pull out a large pan or a hot tray of cookies. You also gain some flexibility with your kitchen’s layout. If you’re adding the appliances as part of a remodel, you can install a cooktop in an island instead of against a wall. Use our buying advice and ratings to find a cooktop with the best performance, features, and price for you. 51

Cooktops

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE To choose the right cooktop for your kitchen, take both your space and your cooking style into account. SIZE

Most cooktops are 30 or 36 inches wide, so that’s what we test. But you’ll find cooktops ranging from 21 to 48 inches. Some have five or even six burners, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have room to use them all at once.

Electric elements tend to heat faster and maintain low heat better than gas burners. Electric induction cooktops use an electromagnetic field to directly heat pans, offering quick response and control. In our tests, no other technology was faster than the fastest induction elements, but we’re talking 1 to 3 minutes faster to bring a large pot of water to a near-boil.

FUEL

Both electric and gas cooktops are capable of delivering a fine performance. But you may find it easier to judge heat by the appearance of a gas flame. And when you turn a knob from high to medium on a gas model, the pot and the food in it experience that change almost immediately.

F E AT U R E S

A high-power cooktop element or burner will heat large pots and pans more quickly. Touch-sensitive controls on smoothtops are sleek, but some are less intuitive than old-school knobs. Manufacturers tout the high Btu of burners, but we’ve found that they don’t always deliver faster heating.

shaped cookware, such as a griddle. (In some, one knob or touch control operates both.)

FEATURES THAT MATTER MOST

CONTROLS

These are the key details to consider when shopping for a new cooktop. H O T- S U R FA C E WA R N I N G L I G H T S

They’re an important safety feature because the cooktop surface can remain hot long after an element has

been turned off. Many smoothtops have at least one warning light. Ideally, each element should have a separate warning light. E X PA N D A B L E ELEMENTS, A BRIDGE, A N D O VA L B U R N E R S

On gas cooktops, oval burners accommodate

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

griddles and elongated pans. Most smoothtops have an expandable burner that lets you choose the size that best matches a pot’s diameter. Some cooktops have an elongated bridge element that spans two burners to accommodate rectangular or odd-

On cooktops, the controls take up space on the surface and can limit the area that cookware can cover. Electric models with touch-sensitive controls provide a flat, easy-toclean surface, but they can be finicky.

MONEY SAV E R

Don’t pay a premium for a 30-inch cooktop with a fifth burner. You’ll find cooking very cramped with five pots or pans anyway. If you often need more than four burners, upgrade to a 36-inch model instead.

GOOD T O K NO W

Keep It Clean

PHOTOS, FROM LEFT: FRANCESCO LAGNESE/OTTO ARCHIVE; ALEX WILSON/GETTY IMAGES

Smoothtop cooktops are easy to clean if you follow some simple precautions. Wipe up sugary spills quickly so that they won’t cause permanent damage as they cool. Wipe wet spills with a sponge, soft cloth, or paper towel. Don’t use scouring sponges, which can scratch the surface. Remove heavy, burned-on residue with a glass scraper made for this purpose or a razor blade (very carefully). Polish regularly with a cooktop cleanser such as Cerama Bryte, which worked well in our tests. Move cookware across the surface gently to avoid scratching.

WHAT’S ON THE MARKET? Choose from electric smoothtops, electric induction smoothtops, or gas. You’ll find that each has advantages. SMOOTHTOP

Electric radiant smoothtops are a popular pick. All of the models we tested have at least one high-power burner.

Most have expandable dual or triple elements that let you switch from a large, high-power element to a small, lowpower element within it. When a hot radiant element on a high setting is turned to a low setting, it can take a few minutes to settle at the lower setting

due to residual heat. Smoothtops make it easy to clean up spills but require a special cleaner, and dropped pots and sugary spills can damage them.

surface to quickly generate heat directly in a pan, offering precise simmering and control. You’ll see these models in our ratings of electric cooktops. Magnetic cookware is needed for induction to work. If a magnet sticks strongly to the bottom of a pot, it will work with an induction cooktop. Some stainless steel pots and pans are inductioncapable, and some aren’t.

INDUCTION

Electric induction cooktops use magnetic coils below the ceramic glass

GAS

If you prefer cooking with gas, we get it. The

flame makes it easier to judge the heat and to quickly move from a high setting to a low one. Response time is particularly quick, especially when compared with a smoothtop. When you adjust the knob on a gas cooktop, the level of the flame will change immediately—and you’ll have a visual cue that the heat is on, and how high. You can strike a match to light most gas burners —a big plus when the power is out. Dinner by candlelight? Yes, please!

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Ratings

Cooktops

Recommended Products We test a cooktop’s speed and simmering capabilities, and you’ll find dozens of electric smoothtops and induction cooktops in our ratings. Recommended cooktops are top scorers and don’t get dinged for brandreliability ratings based on our survey of thousands of members. CR Best Buys are recommended cooktops that combine impressive performance and value.

ELECTRIC INDUCT ION

30-INCH INDUCTION

36-INCH INDUCTION

BOSCH 800 SERIES NIT8069UC $2,070

GE PROFILE PHP9030DJBB $1,495

FRIGIDAIRE FFIC3626TB $1,300

100

Induction has the performance edge for electric cooktops. This model doesn’t scrimp on power; it has four high-power elements and delivered excellent results in our high-heat cooking test. Low-heat cooking was equally impressive. It has touch controls and an element with a “keep warm” setting.

This induction cooktop delivers excellent performance at both high- and low-heat cooking. It has four elements, including three high-power, and a “bridge” element that’s useful for rectangular pans—but only one large element that accommodates large pots. It has touch controls.

Excellent all-around performance makes this one of our top-rated 36-inch induction cooktops. It has five elements, three of which are high-power, and touch controls.

bosch-home.com

ge.com

30-INCH GAS

SAMSUNG NA30N7755TS $1,485

$ SAMSUNG

NA30R5310FS $760

GE PROFILE PGP7030SLSS $1,300

BOSCH 800 SERIES NGM8056UC $1,185

This top pick provides superb simmering and very good highheat performance. Two of its five burners are high-power. It comes with a griddle pan and is WiFi-enabled for use with Samsung’s “Smart Home” app.

This 30-inch gas cooktop is a CR Best Buy. It has four burners, including two highpower, and continuous grates. It has good high-heat performance and superb simmering. It has a stainless steel surface and a hefty pro-style look.

Overall, this cooktop is Very Good, providing very good high-heat performance and excellent simmering. It has five burners, including two highpower, and continuous grates.

This five-burner model excels at low-heat cooking, easily keeping tomato sauce at a simmer, but its high-heat performance is just good. It has one high-power burner, continuous grates, and a stainless steel surface.

frigidaire.com

GAS

samsung.com

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

ge.com

bosch-home.com

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

EXCELLENT

$ 0

CR BEST BUY

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP

30-INCH SMOOTHTOP

36-INCH SMOOTHTOP

BOSCH 800 SERIES NET8068SUC $1,180

GE JP5030SJSS $1,090

LG LCE3610SB $1,145

SAMSUNG NZ36K7570RG $1,565

This model excelled at simmering. Fast heating was also very good. It has four elements, including one high-power, and a bridge element that is helpful for large pans.

This top performer boasts fast heating and precise simmering. It has four elements; one is high-power and one is expandable. Touch controls provide a sleek look and make cleanup easier.

Superb all-around performance help send this 36-inch smoothtop to the front of the pack. It excels at simmering and delivering fast heat. It has four cooking elements plus a warming element, including two that are high-power and three expandable elements. It has touch controls.

This impressive 36-inch smoothtop boasts excellent high and low heating performance. It has five elements, including two that are high-power, and a bridge element, useful for large cookware or a griddle. Touch controls offer easy cleanup, or use the included magnetic knob instead of the touch controls.

lg.com

samsung.com

bosch-home.com

ge.com

36-INCH GAS

SAMSUNG NA36N7755TS $1,575

THERMADOR MASTERPIECE STAR SGSX365TS $2,100

VIKING 5 SERIES VGSU53616BSS $2,650

GE PROFILE PGP7036SLSS $1,400

Overall, this cooktop is excellent, providing very good high-heat performance and excellent simmering. It has five burners, including two high-power, and comes with a griddle pan and a grate that adapts for a wok.

An excellent overall performer, this 36-inch cooktop is excellent at simmering and very good at high-heat cooking. It has five burners, three of which are highpower, and continuous grates, which make it easier to move cookware across the surface.

This excellent 36-inch cooktop has six burners, three of which are high-power. High-heat performance is rated Very Good and low-heat is Excellent. The burners reignite automatically, and the continuous grates mean it’s easy to reposition cookware.

thermador.com

vikingrange.com

samsung.com

Excellent simmering and very good high-heat performance help this 36-inch cooktop stand out in our tests. It has five burners, two of which are highpower. It has continuous grates and a stainless steel surface. ge.com

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Cooktops

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

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Touch controls

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Low-power elements

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Expandable elements

Features

Mediumpower elements

Test Results

High-power elements

Survey Results

Low heat

Price

High heat

Overall Score

Owner satisfaction

Brand + Model

Predicted reliability

Ratings

30 -INCH ELEC TR IC SMOOTHTOPS

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

Bosch 800 Series NET8068SUC

$1,180

GE JP5030SJSS

$1,090

GE Profile PP9030SJSS

$1,500

Samsung NZ30K7570RG

$1,485

KitchenAid KCED600GSS

$1,780

Frigidaire Gallery FGEC3068UB

$825

KitchenAid KCES550HBL

$1,215

Monogram ZEU30RSJSS

$1,830

Café CEP90302NSS

$1,480

Sharp SCR3041GB

$720

GE JP3030SJSS

$805

Wolf Contemporary CE304C/B

$2,180

Maytag MEC8830HB

$915

Frigidaire FFEC3025UB

$590

Samsung NZ30R5330RK

$670

GE JP3530SJSS

$1,000

Thermador Masterpiece CET305TB

$1,800

Whirlpool WCE77US0HB

$855

Amana AEC6540KFB

$630

Whirlpool WCE55US0HB

$675

LG LCE3610SB

$1,145

Samsung NZ36K7570RG

$1,565

KitchenAid KCED606GBL

$1,780

Café CEP90361NBB

$1,665

Bosch Benchmark Series NETP668SUC

$1,455

GE JP5036DJBB

$1,100

Bosch 800 series NIT8069UC

100

$2,070

GE Profile PHP9030DJBB

$1,495

Thermador Masterpiece CIT304TM

$3,300

Frigidaire FFIC3026TB

$1,320

Samsung NZ30K7880UG

$2,015

Bosch Benchmark Series NITP669SUC

$3,000

KitchenAid KICU569XBL

$2,100

Frigidaire FPIC3677RF

$1,805

Frigidaire FFIC3626TB

$1,495

Samsung NZ36K7880UG

$2,285

36 -INCH ELEC TR IC SMOOTHTOPS

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

30 -INCH ELEC TR IC INDUC T ION COOK TOPS

! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

36 -INCH ELEC TR IC INDUC T ION COOK TOPS

! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 56

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

0 0

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5

Test Results

$ 0

CR BEST BUY

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

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

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

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

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

Continuous grates

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

Stainless steel

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

Low-power burners

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

Mediumpower burners

Features

Low heat

Survey Results

High heat

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Predicted reliability

Brand + Model

! 0

RECOMMENDED

EXCELLENT

High-power burners

POOR

30 -INCH GAS COOK TOPS

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

Samsung NA30N7755TS

$1,485

Samsung NA30N6555TS

$1,305

Monogram ZGU30RSLSS

$1,900

Samsung NA30R5310FS

$760

Wolf Professional CG304P/S

$2,015

GE Profile PGP7030SLSS

$1,300

Café CGP70302NS1

$1,305

Viking 3 Series RVGC33015BSS

$1,790

Bosch 800 Series NGM8056UC

$1,185

GE Profile PGP9030SLSS

$1,800

GE JGP5030SLSS

$1,100

Frigidaire FFGC3026SS

$660

GE JGP3530SLSS

$910

Bosch 500 Series NGM5056UC

$900

KitchenAid KCGS350ESS

$1,235

Frigidaire Gallery FGGC3047QS

$860

KitchenAid KCGS950ESS

$1,575

Whirlpool W3CG3014XW

$540

LG LCG3011ST

$1,050

Samsung NA36N7755TS

$1,575

Thermador Masterpiece Star SGSX365TS

$2,100

Viking 5 Series VGSU53616BSS

$2,650

GE Profile PGP7036SLSS

$1,400

Café CGP70362NS1

$1,405

GE Profile PGP9036SLSS

$1,605

Frigidaire Gallery FGGC3645QS

$950

Maytag MGC9536DS

$1,050

Frigidaire Professional FPGC3677RS

$1,160

Jenn-Air JGC3536GS

$1,900

Miele KM 3474 G

$2,200

KitchenAid KCGS556ESS

$1,485

LG LCG3611ST

$1,250

36 -INCH GAS COOK TOPS

! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

All-Access and Digital members can find the latest, complete ratings and buying advice at CR.org/cooktops. 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

HOW WE TEST:

years. 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 give the model

weighted category average reliability and satisfaction scores. To test High heat, we time how long the highestpower burner takes to bring a large pot of water to a near-boil. For Low heat, we note how well the lowest-power burner keeps a low temperature, as for

melting chocolate, and how well the highest-power burner, set on low, holds tomato sauce below a boil. Price is approximate retail.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Wall Ovens

Standout Ovens

PHOTO: MARK LOHMAN

WHETHER PAIRED WITH A COOKTOP OR A RANGE, A WALL OVEN (OR TWO) CAN ADD CONVENIENCE AND CROWDFRIENDLY COOKING CAPACITY. USE THESE PRO TIPS TO DECIDE WHICH FEATURES MAKE SENSE FOR YOU.

Wall ovens offer flexibility that you won’t find in a range. They can be installed on just about any wall in your kitchen, and at any height, so you don’t have to bend over to place a roast into the cavity. The majority of wall ovens are electric, and that’s what we test. In our evaluations of ranges, we generally find that electric ovens perform slightly better than gas, particularly at broiling. Use our ratings and reliability data as a guide as you shop. 59

Ratings

Wall Ovens

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE Use these basics to help narrow down your options. SIZE

Wall ovens come in a range of widths: 24, 27, 30, and 36 inches. Consumer Reports tests models 30 inches wide, the most popular size. You’ll also find single- and doubleoven styles. If you’re replacing a wall oven, it’s crucial that you measure the space and the cabinet cutout. FUEL

A majority of wall ovens are electric; they usually have a larger capacity than similar

gas models and don’t require a gas connection. But remember that electric wall ovens need their own electrical circuit. And no matter how your new wall oven is fueled, be sure to have it professionally installed.

for usable capacity (which differ from the figure supplied by the manufacturer) ranged from good to excellent. The smallest in our tests was just over 2 cubic feet, and the largest was more than 3 cubic feet.

C A PA C I T Y

There was a time when choosing a wall oven over a range meant you had to settle for a small oven without a self-cleaning feature. No longer. Manufacturers are finding ways to increase capacity. Of the single wall ovens we tested, scores

FEATURES THAT MATTER MOST These functions may add convenience. CONTROL LOCKOUT

MONEY SAV E R

If you rarely cook for a crowd—on Thanksgiving, say—you may not need two ovens. Stick with a single model and enlist your toaster oven or microwave for side dishes when necessary.

This lets you disable the oven controls, preventing accidental operation—a good idea for households with kids.

one side. French-door models have two doors that separate in the middle and open outward. Both types prevent you from having to reach over an open door to retrieve hot food. CONVECTION

C O O K T I M E / D E L AY

It lets you select times for the oven to start and stop cooking. But there are few foods you'd want to put in a cold oven and let sit for delayed start. SIDE-SW ING AND FRENCH DOORS

The first is a single door with hinges on

Many ovens have one or more convection fans that circulate hot air, which can reduce cooking time. VA R I A B L E B R O I L

This offers adjustable settings for broiled foods, instead of only "on" (usually 500° F) and "off."

Recommended Products Recommended wall ovens are top-scoring models that have at least good reliability ratings. CR Best Buys are recommended wall ovens that combine impressive performance and value, and at least good reliability. Ratings for double ovens are based on our tests of corresponding single-oven models.

SINGLE ELECTRIC WALL OVEN

DOUBLE ELECTRIC WALL OVEN

LG LWS3063ST $1,700

MAYTAG MEW9530FZ $1,870

FRIGIDAIRE GALLERY FGET3066UF $2,520

Superb broiling, impressive baking, and a large oven help this 30-inch electric wall oven stand out. It even has Excellent self-cleaning performance. It has a numeric keypad, convection mode, and five or more rack positions.

This oven rates Excellent overall, with an exceptionally roomy capacity and Very Good ratings for baking and broiling. But self-cleaning rates are just Good. It has a convection mode and touchpad controls.

This very spacious model excelled in our baking and broiling tests. The self-cleaning capability is just so-so. Features include a convection mode, a temperature probe, and large oven windows.

lg.com

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

maytag.com

frigidaire.com

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

RECOMMENDED

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0

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

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

Temperature probe

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

Convection mode

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

Covered element

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

Width (in.)

Self-cleaning

Features

Oven capacity

Test Results

Broiling

Survey Results

Baking

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Predicted reliability

Brand + Model

! 0

EXCELLENT

SINGLE ELEC TR IC WALL OVENS

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

Café CTS70DM2NS5

$3,000

Café Professional Series CTS90FP2NS1

$4,125

LG LWS3063ST

$1,700

KitchenAid KOSE500ESS

$2,385

Frigidaire Gallery FGEW3066UF

$1,980

Maytag MEW9530FZ

$1,870

Samsung NV51K7770SG

$2,790

Whirlpool WOS72EC0HS

$1,970

GE Profile PTS9000SNSS

$2,920

GE JTS5000SNSS

$2,000

Jenn-Air JJW3430DS

$3,450

LG Studio LSWS307ST

$2,450

KitchenAid KOST100ESS

$1,970

Thermador Masterpiece ME301WS

$4,000

KitchenAid KOSE900HSS

$3,015

Whirlpool WOS51EC0HS

$1,530

Electrolux ECWS3011AS

$3,000

Miele H 6281 BP

$3,000

Monogram Statement Collection ZTSX1FPSNSS

$5,300

Bosch Benchmark HBLP451RUC

$3,265

Samsung NV51T5511SS

$1,395

Bosch 500 Series HBL5351UC

$1,875

Bosch 500 Series HBL5451UC

$2,250

Thermador Masterpiece ME301YP

$2,900

Café CTD70DM2NS5

$3,900

Café Professional Series CTD90FP2NS1

$6,200

LG LWD3063ST

$2,900

KitchenAid KODE500ESS

$3,375

Frigidaire Gallery FGET3066UF

$2,520

Samsung NV51K7770DG

$3,870

DOUBLE ELEC TR IC WALL OVENS

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

All-Access and Digital members can find the latest, complete ratings and buying advice at CR.org/ovens. HOW WE TEST: 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. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the oven they bought. 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 is our measurement of usable space. Self-cleaning is a gauge of the self-cleaning cycle’s

effectiveness at removing a bakedon mixture of eggs, lard, cherry pie filling, cheese, tomato purée, and tapioca. (All scores for double wall ovens are based on results from the upper oven.) Price is approximate retail.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Microwaves

Versatile Microwaves MICROWAVE OVENS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR SPEEDY HEATING. BUT TODAY'S TOP MODELS ALSO OFFER A RANGE OF FUNCTIONS, FROM CONVECTION COOKING TO GRILLING. HERE'S HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOUR NEEDS.

Whether you love to cook or live on frozen pizza, your microwave has probably become a kitchen essential. Defrosting and reheating are common uses, but some of our tested microwaves don’t do either very well. Others can handle a wide range of functions with ease. In fact, our tests of midsized and large countertop and over-the-range models revealed big differences in overall performance. See the results in our ratings, starting on page 66. 63

Microwaves

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE Before you shop, decide whether an under-thecounter, over-the-range, or countertop model will suit your needs best. TYPE

Countertop models are the most widely sold. They come in small, medium, and large versions and can sit just about anyplace you have a nearby outlet. Over-the-range models are just that: They’re installed over a range and include venting capability (though our tests have shown that it's rarely very effective). The built-in category includes models designed to be surrounded by cabinetry or recessed into a wall. Microwave drawers fall in this group and can be placed under a countertop or below a wall oven.

SPACE AND LOCAT ION

You might not want to sacrifice cabinet space for a built-in model. On the other hand, countertop models eat up counter space. For example, the top-rated midsized model is 20 inches wide and 16 inches deep. The best large microwave we tested is 24 inches wide and 19 inches deep. BUDGET

Countertop microwaves usually cost less than the other types, and midsized models start around $80. Over-therange microwaves, or OTRs, can be had for less than $200, but most we tested cost $400 and up. Models designed to be built into cabinetry or a wall begin at $400, but kits are available for certain countertop models that give you a built-in look for less.

FEATURES THAT MATTER MOST More options may sound appealing, but think about what you’ll really use before you pay more for them. Here’s what to consider.

rectangular tray that slides from side to side, which might work better for large casseroles or platters.

also allows quick adjustments to your previous settings. Pushing the button more than once multiplies the time extension.

QUICK KEYS T U R N TA B L E S A N D T R AY S

Most microwaves have a turntable that rotates food for uniform heating. But some have a

A 1-minute or 30-second key requires just a tap to extend the preset cooking time, defaulting to the high-power cooking level. The key

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

RACKS

These let you speed things up by cooking multiple dishes simultaneously. They may also be used to

improve convection cooking by allowing heat beneath the cooking dish. But you could have trouble fitting even a coffee mug in certain models unless you remove the rack, so check when shopping. SHORTCUT KEYS

They take the guesswork out of cooking food

that's often microwaved, such as popcorn and frozen vegetables. CONVECTION COOKING, GRILLING, AND BROWNING

These features offer the appeal of a second oven. But results were inconsistent using these features in a number of models compared

WHAT'S ON THE MARKET? Depending on your kitchen, you can choose from countertop, overthe-range, and builtin microwaves (including drawer-style). The size of the unit doesn’t always translate to usable cooking space. Our research has found that usable capacity for tested microwaves is about 50 to 60 percent of what manufacturers claim. More watts usually means more cooking power, but differences of 100 watts or so don’t matter much. Prices, usable capacity, and watts are based on our tested models. COUNTERTOP M I C R O WAV E S

with what you’d get from a regular oven or a grill.

PHOTO: KELLY MARSHALL/OTTO

A CHILD LOCK

If there are children in the household, a lockout function helps prevent them from operating the microwave.

MONEY SAV E R

The most important microwave features are a sensor, a turntable, and a defrost function. There's no need to spend more for

multiple shortcut keys or grilling capability. But convection mode can be worth a little extra, because it gives you a second oven for baking or roasting.

This basic style offers appealing pricing and easy installation. Just plug it into an ordinary outlet—one dedicated to the microwave, or it might trip the circuit breaker. These units eat up counter space, so note the microwave’s dimensions, choosing the largest capacity for the available space. Also check the instructions for the recommended clearance around the appliance. PRICE $50 to $150 for small (compact), $70 to $500 for midsized, and $70 to $620 for large. USABLE CAPACITY

Most tested models in this category have usable capacity that’s about 50 to 60 percent of what manufacturers claim. Usable capacity ranges are 0.4 to 0.5 cubic feet for small (compact),

0.5 to 0.8 cubic feet for midsized, and 0.7 to 1.5 cubic feet for large. WATTS 700 to 950 for small (compact), 800 to 1,200 for midsized, and 950 to 1,300 for large. O V E R -T H E - R A N G E M I C R O WAV E S

Known as OTRs, these models free up counter space and typically include venting capability, but they usually don't vent as well as a range hood. Plan on installation by a pro. PRICE $130 to $1,200. USABLE CAPACITY

Most tested models have a usable capacity that’s about 50 to 60 percent of what manufacturers claim. Usable capacity is 0.6 to 1.5 cubic feet. WATTS 850 to 1,100. B U I LT-I N M I C R O WAV E S

This category includes models designed to be surrounded by cabinetry or built into a wall. Microwave drawers, for example, can be installed under a countertop or beneath a wall oven. Some countertop models can be built in with a kit. The information below is for models designed to be built in, not for countertop models with optional built-in kits. PRICE $380 to $1,440. USABLE CAPACITY We haven’t tested enough built-ins to determine the percentage of usable capacity compared with manufacturer claims. Usable capacity ranges from 0.9 to 1.1 cubic feet. WATTS 950 to 1,100.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Microwaves

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

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

Stainless/ SS-look option

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

Sensor

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

2.1

0.9

1000

2.1

1050

0.9

1000

2.2

0.9

1000

1.8

0.9

1050

2.1

1050

1.6

0.8

1000

1.6

0.7

1000

1.1

0.6

1000

1.7

0.8

1000

1.7

0.7

1000

2.1

1100

Convection mode

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

Detailed prompts

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

Watts

3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 − 3 0 2 0 3 0 −

Usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Venting (airflow)

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

Features

Claimed capacity (cu. ft.)

Ease of use

Specs

Microwaving noise

Test Results

Speed of heating

Survey Results

Defrosting evenness

Price

Heating evenness

Overall Score

Owner satisfaction

Brand + Model

Predicted reliability

Ratings

OVER -THE-R ANGE MICROWAVES

! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

Whirlpool WMH53521HZ

$450

KitchenAid KMHS120ESS

$540

GE Profile PVM9005SJSS

$620

LG LMV2031ST

$370

LG LMH2235ST

$500

! 0

Frigidaire Professional FPBM3077RF

$660

Café CVM721M2NS5

$880

GE JVM3160RFSS

$270

Black+Decker EM044KIN-P

$240

Whirlpool WML55011HS

$450

Frigidaire Gallery FGMV17WNVF

$385

GE JVM6175DKWW

$360

Thermador MU30WSU

$950

Recommended Products Most models do a respectable job of basic microwaving tasks, such as defrosting meats, reheating leftovers, and making popcorn. You’ll probably pay more for an oven with a larger capacity, a stainless steel finish, lots of presets, and functions such as convection and speed cooking.

MIDSIZED COUNTERTOP

OVER -THE-R ANGE

L ARGE COUNTERTOP

WHIRLPOOL WMH53521HZ $450

$ 0 PANASONIC

NN-SN67HS $155

NN-SN946W $150

Our top-rated model earns an Excellent rating for heating evenness, defrosting, and ease of use, and it's very quiet. It fits a 9x15-inch baking dish, and the turntable can be turned off. Predicted reliability has a rating of Excellent, and owner satisfaction rates Good.

Our top midsized countertop model offers superb heating speed and defrosting, and very good heating evenness. But its results in our noise test were just mediocre. It has 0.7 cubic feet of usable capacity, and it provides touchpad controls and a sensor.

The top-rated Panasonic rates Excellent at evenly heating food and defrosting. It's fast at heating water and very quiet when set on high. It’s easy to use and has a sensor, which measures the steam that food emits and shuts off the microwave when cooking is done.

whirlpool.com

panasonic.com

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

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

1.9

0.8

1000

1.7

0.8

1000

1.8

0.8

1000

1.9

1000

1.9

0.9

1100

1.6

0.8

1000

2.1

0.9

1100

1.7

0.8

1000

1.8

0.8

1000

2.1

0.9

1000

1.1

0.6

1.6

Stainless/ SS-look option

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

Sensor

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

Convection mode

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

Detailed prompts

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

Watts

Venting (airflow)

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

Features

Usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Ease of use

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

RECOMMENDED

Claimed capacity (cu. ft.)

Microwaving noise

Specs

Speed of heating

Test Results

Defrosting evenness

Survey Results

Heating evenness

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Predicted reliability

Brand + Model

! 0

EXCELLENT

OVER -THE-R ANGE MICROWAVES Continued Frigidaire Gallery FGBM19WNVD

$485

LG LMV1762ST

$250

Frigidaire FFMV1846VS

$300

KitchenAid KMHC319ESS

$900

Whirlpool WMH78019HZ

$585

Frigidaire FFMV1645TD

$320

Bosch 500 Series HMV5053U

$550

Frigidaire FFMV1745TS

$260

LG LMV1831ST

$300

Café CVM521P2MS1

$800

KitchenAid KMLS311HSS

$650

Haier QVM7167RNSS

$400

Café CVM519P2PS1

$665

LG LMV1764ST

$240

Dacor PCOR30S

$655

Bosch 800 Series HMV8053U

$750

Sharp SMO1652DS

$295

Maytag MMV5220FZ

$480

GE Profile PSA9120SFSS

$1,150

Whirlpool UMV1160CS

$270

Whirlpool WMH32519HZ

$330

ZLine MWO-OTR-H-30

$630

Samsung ME17R7021ES

$250

GE Profile PVM9179SKSS

$620

GE Adora DVM7195EKES

$260

Maytag MMV5227JZ

$505

Samsung ME21R706BAT

$475

Samsung ME21R7051SS

$365

Café CVM517P2MS1

$870

Samsung ME21M706BAS

$430

LG LMVH1711ST

$585

Samsung ME16A4021AS

$250

Samsung ME19R7041FS

$370

Samsung ME18H704SFS

$325

Maytag MMV1175JZ

$400

Samsung MC17J8000CS

$450

Maytag MMV1174FZ

$260

0 0

1000

0.8

1000

1.9

0.9

1000

1.7

0.8

1000

1.1

0.7

850

1.8

0.9

1000

1.6

1000

2.1

0.8

1000

1.7

0.8

925

1.6

0.8

1000

1.9

0.8

1000

1.5

0.7

900

1.7

0.7

1000

1.7

0.8

950

1.9

0.9

1000

1.9

0.8

2.1

0 0

950

0.9

1000

2.1

0.9

1000

1.7

0.8

950

2.1

0.9

1000

1.7

0.8

950

1.6

0.7

1000

1.9

0.9

1000

1.8

0.9

1000

1.9

0.9

1000

1.7

0.8

950

1.7

0.9

1000

0 0

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

0 0

Microwaves

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

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

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

Stainless/ SS-look option

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

Sensor

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

1.2

0.7 1200

1.1

0.6 1000

0.8 1000

1.2

0.7 1200

1.2

0.7

1.1

0.7 1000

1.2

0.6

1.1

0.7 1000

1.1

0.6 1000

0.8 1000

1.1

0.7 1000

1.2

0.8

1.1

0.6 1000

1.2

0.7 1000

1.1

0.6 1000

1.1

0.6

950

1.3

0.8 1000

1.2

0.7

1.2

0.8 1000

1.1

0.6 1000

0.5

900

1.1

0.7 1000

1.1

0.6 1000

1.1

0.6 1000

1.1

0.6 1000

2.2

1.4

1250

1.6

0.9

1250

1.6

0.9

1250

2.2

1.5

1250

2.2

1.4

1250

1.6

0.9

1250

1.7

0.8

1.6

0.9

Convection mode

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

Detailed prompts

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

Features

Watts

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

Ease of use

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

Speed of heating

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

Usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Specs Claimed capacity (cu. ft.)

Test Results

Microwaving noise

Survey Results

Defrosting evenness

Price

Heating evenness

Overall Score

Owner satisfaction

Brand + Model

Predicted reliability

Ratings

MIDSIZED COUNTER TOP MICROWAVES

$ 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0

Panasonic NN-SN67HS

$155

Panasonic HomeChef NN-GN68KS

$310

General GEW1000E

$310

Panasonic NN-SN686S

$175

Breville Smooth Wave BMO850BSS1BUC1

$350

Oster OGCMDM11S2-10

$90

Farberware FMO12AHTBSG

$125

Galanz GSWWD11S1S10

$90

Hamilton Beach EM031M2ZC-X1

$75

Summit SCM1000SS

$370

Samsung MG11H2020CT

$190

Samsung MC12J8035CT

$455

Magic Chef MCM1110ST

$120

Cuisinart CMW-200

$305

Samsung MC11K7035CG

$380

PowerXL Microwave Air Fryer Plus

$220

GE JES1145SHSS

$85

Magic Chef MCD1310ST

$130

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

$120

Panasonic HomeChef NN-CD87KS

$530

Toshiba ML2-EM31PASS

$110

Sharp SMC0912BS

$100

Sharp ZSMC1132CS

$120

Samsung MG11T5018CC

$250

Magic Chef HMM1110B

$60

Cuisinart CMW-110

$235

0.9

1250

1100 0

900

0 0

1100 0

0 0

L ARGE COUNTER TOP MICROWAVES

$ 0 ! 0 $ 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 $ 0 ! 0 ! 0 ! 0 68

Panasonic NN-SN946W

$150

Panasonic NN-SE785S

$320

Panasonic NN-SN77HS

$220

Panasonic NN-SD975S

$290

Panasonic NN-SN966S

$260

Panasonic NN-SD745S

$235

Hamilton Beach P11043ALH-WTB

$100

Panasonic NN-SN736B

$215

LG NeoChef LMC2075ST

$210

LG NeoChef LMC1575ST

$190

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

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

1100

1250

1.2 1200

1.5

0.8 1200

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5

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

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

− −

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

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

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

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

Stainless/ SS-look option

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

Sensor

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

CR BEST BUY

Convection mode

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

Watts

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

$ 0

Features

Usable capacity (cu. ft.)

Ease of use

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

Claimed capacity (cu. ft.)

Microwaving noise

Specs

Speed of heating

Test Results

Defrosting evenness

Survey Results

Heating evenness

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Predicted reliability

Brand + Model

! 0

RECOMMENDED

EXCELLENT

Detailed prompts

POOR

L ARGE COUNTER TOP MICROWAVES Continued

! 0

GE Profile JES2251SJ

$290

Toshiba EC042A5C-BS

$190

Sharp SMC2242DS

$210

GE Profile PES7227SLSS

$450

Galanz GSWWD14S2S11

$120

Panasonic NN-SU656B

$155

GE JES2051SNSS

$230

Panasonic NN-SD69LS

$175

Sharp SMC1662DS

$160

Magic Chef MCD1811ST

$140

GE Profile PEB9159SJSS

$800

KitchenAid KMCS3022GSS

$620

Oster OGZF1301

$85

Samsung MS19M8000AS

$200

Whirlpool WMC30516HZ

$270

2.2

1.4 1200

1.5

0.8 1000

2.2

1.3 1200

2.2

1.3

1100

1.4

0.8

1100

1.3

0.7

1100

1.2 1200

1.3

0.7

1100

1.6

0.9

1100

1.8

1.1

1100

0 0

1.5

0.8 1000

2.2

1.3 1200

1.3

0.7

1100

1.9

1.2

950

1.6

0.9 1200

0.7

0.4

700

0.7

0.4

700

0.7

0.4

700

0.7

0.4

700

0.8

0.5

950

0.7

0.4

700

0.7

0.4

700

0.7

0.4

700

0.7

0.4

700

1.2

1.1 1000

SMALL COUNTER TOP MICROWAVES Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07

$50

Amazon Basics Voice-Controlled Microwave

$60

Cuisinart CMW-70

$130

Sharp SMC0710BB

$60

Panasonic NN-SD372SR

$185

Black+Decker EM720CPN-P

$70

GE JEM3072SHSS

$175

Avanti MO7191TW

$80

Mainstays (Walmart) EM720CGA-W

$40

Sharp SMD3070ASY

$1,400

Sharp R-1214TY

$260

KitchenAid KMBD104GSS

$1,750

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

BUILT-IN MICROWAVES

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

1.5

0.9

1100

1.2

1.1

950

Digital and All Access members can find the latest, complete ratings at CR.org/microwaveratings. 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. Owner satisfaction reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to

HOW WE TEST:

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 give the model weighted category average reliability and satisfaction scores. 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 that’s heated. Microwaving noise reflects how quiet the appliance is while it’s on high. Ease of use includes how easy it is to set the microwave without referring to the instructions. Venting (airflow) is based on the volume of air drawn in by the internal fan on the highest setting

of an over-the-range model. Usable capacity is the usable space based on our measurements, and excludes the corner spaces for models with rotating turntables. Note that most over-therange models allow you to turn off the rotation to fit large dishes. With the rotation off, measured capacity approximates claimed capacity. Price is approximate retail.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Dishwashers

Dependable Dishwashers

PHOTO: DAVID TSAY/OTTO

BETTER CLEANING USING LESS ENERGY AND WATER—SOUNDS IMPOSSIBLE, RIGHT? BUT THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT THE BEST DISHWASHERS IN OUR TESTS DELIVER. PLUS, MANY MODELS HAVE A SLEW OF CONVENIENCE FEATURES. USE THIS GUIDE TO HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU.

Using a dishwasher can save you more than 230 hours a year compared with washing and drying by hand, according to Energy Star. If you haven’t bought a dishwasher in a while, you’ll notice that they don’t look as uniform as they once did. You’ll find more finishes and sleek designs, some with hidden controls, no handles, and no brand logos. This helps a new dishwasher blend in with appliances from other brands. Here’s what else you need to know. 71

Dishwashers

can be hard to tell that a quiet machine is on.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE Focus on these details while you’re shopping. DIMENSIONS

Conventional dishwashers are intended for a space measuring 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep. Installing your new dishwasher could be a challenge if you’ve tiled the floor or redone your counters, because that might change the height of the cavity. So measure your space and ask the retailer for the full height range, and allow extra space for leveling the appliance.

ST YLE

Cabinet-front dishwashers can accommodate a panel that blends in with your cabinets for an integrated, furniture-style look. Other options include a range of finishes and a recessed pocket handle instead of a standard one. CONTROLS

Certain models have interactive touch controls, but the usual touchpads are fine if they’re well marked. If controls are hidden when the door is closed, look for cycletime and other outer displays, otherwise it

CONVENIENCE FE ATURES

Many dishwashers have adjustable racks and lots of flatware slots. Certain midpriced models have a third rack for large utensils and small cups. Many have folddown tines to help fit large dishes, and racks that move up or down for oversized items. ENERGY EFF ICIENCY

Dishwashers that are Energy Star certified use about 12 percent less energy than standard models and save water. The most miserly used only 4 to 6 gallons of water in our tests, which included the hightemperature wash and heated dry options when available.

FEATURES THAT MATTER MOST These convenience features can make your dishwasher easier to use. SOIL SENSORS

These adjust the cycle time and water use to the load’s soil level, reducing energy demand and water use for more efficient loads. ADJUSTABLE R ACKS AND LOADING A IDS

Racks that move up and down, tines you can adjust, and silverware and stemware holders let you reconfigure the interior of a dishwasher

and organize its contents to fit large and oddshaped items. Shop carefully and you’re likely to get a third rack for large utensils and small cups, and not just in premium models.

but can be noisy. Certain models have a filter without a grinder. They’re quieter, but you need to clean the filter periodically, a quick and easy job. Refer to your owner’s manual to see which one you have.

F ILTERS

These keep wash water free of food that could be redeposited onto clean dishes. There are two types: self-cleaning and manual. With selfcleaning filters, a grinder pulverizes debris and flushes it down the drain. That’s convenient

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

SPECI AL WASH CYCLES

Most dishwashers come with at least three cycles: light, normal, and heavy (for pots and pans), with many newer models also including quick or express cycles that clean lightly

soiled loads in as little as 20 minutes but don't dry the dishes. Some offer cycles including pot scrubber, soak/scrub, steam clean, china/ crystal, and sanitizing. And certain models have a half-load option, handy if you rarely have a full load. The three basic cycles should be enough for most chores, even for baked-on food. A sanitizing option that raises the water temperature above the typical 140° F doesn’t necessarily deliver better cleaning for dishes. It’s meant to disinfect the dishwasher’s interior. WASH ZONES

Certain models designate part of the dishwasher for heavily soiled items

MONEY SAVER

You can find a dishwasher for $500 or less by sticking with the basics: three to four cycles, a plastic tub instead of stainless steel, nonadjustable racks, no third rack, and controls on the front (not on the top) of the door.

WHAT'S ON THE MARKET? Take a close look at how the dishwasher’s interior is configured—the spacing of tines and the placement of the silverware baskets and racks. You need a dishwasher that works for the dishes, cookware, and utensils you use. DISHWASHERS FOR $500 OR LESS

PHOTO, RIGHT: LISA ROMEREIN/OTTO

needing a special cycle. In our tests, they seem to work as promised.

Any plastic tub should last longer than most people keep a dishwasher.

HE ATED DRY ING

HIDDEN CONTROLS

Dishwashers usually dry using drainage and the residual heat in the tub. Certain models will either heat the water further during the final rinse (to warm up the stainless tub) or use a heating element, perhaps coupled with a fan to circulate the air. A few models have the door open near the end of the cycle to aid in drying.

Controls mounted along the top edge of the door (hidden when the door is closed) are strictly about style. The downside: You usually can’t see cycle progress at a glance. Partly hidden controls are a good compromise. You’ll know when the machine is running and sometimes the remaining cycle time.

Although they aren’t the top performers in our tests, you can still get a dishwasher that’s excellent at cleaning and very good or even excellent at drying. Certain models in this price range now have a soil sensor, which adjusts the cycle’s time and water use to the load’s soil level, improving water efficiency. And some even have a stainless interior. But basic features, longer wash cycles, and noisier operation are likely.

DISHWASHERS FOR $600 TO $900

You can get a quieter machine, superb cleaning, and convenient features that might make it worth spending a bit more, such as adjustable racks and flexible flatware slots, along with a stainless tub, which tends to resist stains better than plastic. A soil sensor is a given. DISHWASHERS FOR $1 ,000 OR MORE

High-end dishwashers come with high-end styling and innovative features, such as special wash zones for heavily soiled items and WiFi connectivity. DISHWASHER DR AWERS

They typically have two stacked drawers that you can use simultaneously or separately. But they’re expensive, and the ones we tested haven’t impressed us with their performance.

QUIE T PERFORMANCE STA INLESS STEEL TUB

Stainless steel tends to resist staining better than light-colored plastic does. Gray plastic tubs help camouflage stains and trim the overall cost.

Some manufacturers display a decibel rating. But they average the sound level of an entire cycle (including the silent dry cycle), which can be a bit misleading.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Ratings

Dishwashers

Recommended Products Almost all the models we tested clean well, are easy to load, and come in a stainless finish. They also use far less water and energy than washing by hand. The picks here are excellent overall performers, and most have a timed-start feature, a heavy-duty or pots and pans cycle, and self-cleaning filters. The models are ranked by overall performance.

24-INCH

$ BOSCH ASCENTA SHX3AR75UC Cycle Time: 95 min. Water Usage: 4 gal. $695

BOSCH 300 DLX SERIES SHS863WD5N Cycle Time: 150 min. Water Usage: 4 gal. $900

THERMADOR DWHD660WFP Cycle Time: 155 min. Water Usage: 4 gal. $1,800

The combination of superior performance and features that more commonly appear on pricier washers makes this model a great value. It scores very well for washing, drying, and quiet operation, and its 95-minute cycle for a normal wash is one of the shortest of any washer that CR has tested.

This midpriced model earns a Very Good rating for washing. Even though many competitors earn Excellent scores for this critical task, it’s still one of the top-rated washers in the category overall. The reason: It’s among the best at drying, it’s relatively quiet, and Bosch dishwashers get top marks for reliability and satisfaction in CR surveys.

This exceptionally quiet model earns a Very Good rating for cleaning heavily soiled dishes and an Excellent for drying. Its energy efficiency also rates Excellent. It does have a long cycle time, however, and you have to clean the filter manually. thermador.com

bosch-home.com

24-INCH

18-INCH

BOSCH 100 SERIES SHXM4AY55N Cycle Time: 150 min. Water Usage: 5 gal. $750

BOSCH BENCHMARK SHX89PW55N Cycle Time: 155 min. Water Usage: 4 gal. $1,650

MIELE DIMENSION G4720SCI Cycle Time: 170 min. Water Usage: 4 gal. $1,500

WHIRLPOOL WDF518SAHM Cycle Time: 130 min. Water Usage: 5 gal. $855

This Bosch is one of the cheaper midpriced washers, but it rates among the best. It earns a Very Good score for washing, is among the best at drying, and is relatively quiet, too. Its Overall Score gets a boost because Bosch dishwashers get high marks for reliability and satisfaction in CR surveys.

This Bosch Benchmark commands a top price and is a top performer. Not that its cleaning ability is so extraordinary; it earns a Very Good for that, but many high-end models score even better. But it rates Excellent for both drying and very quiet operation, and Bosch dishwashers get top marks for reliability and satisfaction in CR surveys. Its 150-minute wash cycle is on the long side.

This 18-inch Miele may save space but it won't save money; its very good performance comes with a high price. It does boast Very Good wash performance and Excellent energy efficiency, and it's very quiet. But drying was just Good and the filter must be cleaned manually. It has a host of convenience features including a third rack, a delayed-start feature, and a time-remaining display. It requires a custom door panel.

This 18-inch Whirlpool offers a lot of value. It scores Very Good on CR's tests for both washing and drying, and boasts a reasonably fast cycle time. And on surveys, Whirlpool dishwashers get a Very Good mark for reliability. One negative: Noise was rated just mediocre, so it might not be the best choice for a kitchen that's located near living spaces.

bosch-home.com

miele.com

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

whirlpool.com

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

Survey Results

Test Results

Features

$900

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

150

Stainless steel

! 0

Thermador DWHD660WFP

$1,800

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

155

Stainless steel

! 0

Bosch 100 Series SHXM4AY55N

$750

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

150

Stainless steel and plastic

! 0

Bosch 800 Series SHXM88Z75N

$1,400

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

155

Stainless steel

! 0

Thermador DWHD770WFM

$2,300

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

150

Stainless steel

! 0

Bosch Benchmark SHX88PZ55N

$1,650

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

150

Stainless steel

! 0

Bosch 800 Series SHPM78Z55N

$1,200

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

150

Stainless steel

! 0

Bosch 300 Series SHEM63W55N

$900

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

155

Stainless steel

Kenmore 14573

$675

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

145

Stainless steel

Ikea Essentiell (80.655.85)

$465

135

Plastic

Bertazzoni DW24XT

$1,130

Thor Kitchen HDW2401SS

$900

Café CDT845P2NS1

$1,300

Kenmore 13223

$610

Kucht K6502D

$915

LG LDT7808BM

$1,230

Samsung DW80R7061UG

Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ

WiFi

Self-cleaning filter

Bosch 300 DLX Series SHS863WD5N

Requires custom door panel

! 0

Interior material

Displays remaining time

Cycle time (min.)

Noise

Energy use

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

Drying

$695

Washing

Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR75UC 88

Owner satisfaction

$ 0

Predicted reliability

Adjustable tines

Price

CR BEST BUY

Adjustable upper rack

Overall Score

$ 0

Ample flatware slots

Brand + Model

! 0

RECOMMENDED

EXCELLENT

24 -INCH

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

Stainless steel and plastic

135

Stainless steel

130

Stainless steel

155

160

Stainless steel

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

145

Stainless steel

$800

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

120

Stainless steel

$765

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

150

Stainless steel

KitchenAid KDPM604KPS

$1,170

145

Stainless steel

Insignia NS-DWR3SS1

$550

140

Samsung DW80R7060UG

$800

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

120

Maytag MDB4949SHZ

$675

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

155

Ikea SPOLAD [80422355]

$630

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

145

Stainless steel

Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ

$600

140

Stainless steel and plastic

Midea MDT24H3AST

$530

145

Stainless steel

GE Profile PDT715SYNFS

$990

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

155

Stainless steel and plastic

Whirlpool WDT970SAHZ

$800

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

145

Stainless steel

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

Stainless steel 0

Stainless steel Stainless steel

stainless steel

140

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

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Dishwashers

Stainless steel

Whirlpool WDF330PAHS

$525

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

110

Whirlpool WDF520PADM

$565

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

115

Kenmore Elite 14815

$1,260

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

120

Maytag MDB8959SKZ

$855

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

145

Maytag MDB4949SKZ

$610

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

135

LG Signature LUDP8997SN

$1,700

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

130

LG LDP6810BD

$850

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

180

Ikea LAGAN [00385804]

$350

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

160

KitchenAid KDFE204KPS

$890

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

150

Samsung DW80R5060US

$500

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

130

KitchenAid KDTE104KPS

$765

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

155

Frigidaire FFCD2413US

$480

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

145

Plastic

Frigidaire FFID2426TS

$540

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

130

Plastic

Whirlpool WDF130PAHW

$460

160

Plastic

Hisense HUI6220XCUS

$500

Hotpoint HDF330PGRWW

$330

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

120

LG LDF5545ST

$650

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

200

KitchenAid KDTM704KPS

$1,400

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

150

Amana ADB1400AGW

$395

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

160

Samsung DW80R2031US

$520

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

175

Amana ADB1500ADS

$615

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

140

Samsung DW80N3030US

$630

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

175

GE GDT565SSNSS

$650

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

195

Frigidaire FGID2468UF

$660

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

200

GE GDF630PSMSS

$670

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

200

Frigidaire Gallery FGID2479SF

$810

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

195

Frigidaire Gallery FGIP2468UF

$680

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

200

Self-cleaning filter

Requires custom door panel

Noise

130

Energy use

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

Drying

$875

Washing

Owner satisfaction

Samsung DW80R9950US

Predicted reliability

Interior material

Features

Displays remaining time

Test Results

Adjustable tines

Survey Results

Adjustable upper rack

Price

Ample flatware slots

Overall Score

Cycle time (min.)

Brand + Model

WiFi

Ratings

24 -INCH Continued

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

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

170

Plastic Plastic 0

Stainless steel

Stainless steel Plastic

Stainless steel 0

Stainless steel

Stainless steel Plastic 0

Stainless steel Stainless steel

Plastic 0

Stainless steel 0

Plastic Stainless steel and plastic

Stainless steel 0

Plastic

Stainless steel

Plastic

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

$ 0

CR BEST BUY

WiFi

Self-cleaning filter

Requires custom door panel

Interior material

Displays remaining time

Adjustable tines

Adjustable upper rack

Ample flatware slots

Cycle time (min.)

Features

Noise

Energy use

Test Results

Drying

Survey Results

Washing

Price

Owner satisfaction

Overall Score

Predicted reliability

Brand + Model

! 0

RECOMMENDED

EXCELLENT

24 -INCH Continued GE GDF535PGRBB

$500

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

205

Fisher & Paykel DD24DDFTX9N

$1,600

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

180

Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ

$765

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

155

GE GDT565SSNS

$650

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

215

LG LDFN4542S

$700

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

120

GE GSD2100VWW

$300

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

110

Plastic 0

Stainless steel Stainless steel

Stainless steel 0

Plastic

18 -INCH

! 0

Miele Dimension G4720SCI

$1,500

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

170

$ 0

Whirlpool WDF518SAHM

$855

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

130

GE Profile PDT145SSLSS

$895

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

125

Stainless steel and plastic

Bosch 300 Series SPE53U55UC

$850

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

135

Stainless steel

HOW WE TEST: 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. Owner satisfaction reflects the propor-

tion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the dishwasher they bought. In cases where we have insufficient survey data to provide a brand-level rating, indicated by a gray dash ( ), we give the model weighted category average scores for reliability and satisfaction. To score Washing

−

performance, we run the normal or equivalent cycle to clean a full load with 10 place settings. Drying performance is our assessment of how thoroughly a dishwasher dries plastic cups—a tough task—using our test cycle and a rinse aid, which improves drying. Energy use is based on our test cycle. A panel of

Stainless steel

Stainless steel and plastic

testers judge Noise levels by listening to each machine through its entire cycle. Cycle time, rounded to the nearest 5 minutes, is based on running the normal or equivalent cycle to clean a full load. Price is approximate retail.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Cabinets

Smart Storage

PHOTO: JOHN ELLIS

THE RIGHT KITCHEN CABINETS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WORK SPACE THAT’S DISORGANIZED AND CROWDED AND ONE THAT’S BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND EASY TO WORK IN. HERE’S HOW TO PLAN AND SHOP FOR STORAGE THAT FITS YOUR SPACE AND BUDGET.

Cabinets can be your biggest expense when remodeling, accounting for up to 40 percent of your budget. So it’s worth spending the time to find the organizing features you need and a look you’ll love—at the right price. Consumer Reports doesn’t test cabinets at this time, but our in-house experts can help you make smart decisions. Use this guide to shop and save. 79

Cabinets

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

BUDGET

Cabinets fall into three categories: stock, semicustom, and custom. According to contractormatching service HomeAdvisor, stock cabinets start around $100 per linear foot, installed. Home centers sell them fully assembled. Stores such as Ikea offer flat-pack versions that are put together on site. Semi-custom cabinets, which start around $150 per linear foot, come in more configurations, so they’ll fit your kitchen more precisely. Custom cabinets can cost $500 or more per linear foot. They’re crafted to your specs and can include personalized features. STYLE

Your first decision is between framed and frameless. Framed

cabinets have a separate frame applied to the front of the cabinet box; doors and drawers are attached to that frame. Frameless cabinets, often referred to as European-style, eliminate the face frame; doors and drawers are attached directly to the cabinet box. That provides great accessibility and a more contemporary look. But the absence of a face frame can compromise rigidity. Some manufacturers compensate by using a thicker, stronger box, say, ¾-inch plywood instead of ½-inch particleboard. For the European look in a framed cabinet, opt for a full-overlay door, which covers the frame.

Cabinet manufacturers often charge premium prices for interior organizers, and door and drawer hardware. Save money by looking for storage accessories you can add yourself after installation and by purchasing knobs and pulls at a home center or online.

S T O R A G E F E AT U R E S

Accessories like pullout shelves, drawer dividers, and appliance lifts can improve cabinet functionality, but they'll also increase the cost. You’ll save money by keeping them to a minimum.

Pick Your Storage Accessories

MONEY SAV E R

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

Cabinet manufacturers offer a wide array of optional storage accessories, usually for an upcharge. Here are some that are worth considering: Drawer dividers for corralling small items, such as cooking utensils and flatware. Pantry cabinets that feature rollout trays and

adjustable door racks. Slide-out wastebaskets to keep trash easily accessible but neatly out of sight. Message-center cabinets that offer shallow storage for small items, such as keys, as well as an integrated dry-erase message board or bulletin board.

Toe-kick cabinets that are installed between the floor and the base of a cabinet, perfect for holding shallow items such as cookie sheets, trays, and place mats. Lift cabinets with springloaded shelves that swing up and out to provide easy access to mixers and food

PHOTOS: KARYN MILLET (TOP); MARK LUND (BOTTOM MIDDLE); KIM SMITH (BOTTOM RIGHT)

Before you head to a showroom, determine what you can spend and think about how you use the space.

WHAT'S ON THE MARKET? Kitchen cabinets can vary greatly in price. Here’s a look at the three main types you'll see. BASIC

Often called stock, they’re inexpensive, off-the-shelf cabinets. Some are fully assembled; others will need to be assembled on site. Many are frameless, meaning the door has no lip or “reveal“ around it. PROS They’re a moneysaving choice if you aren’t too picky about style options or don’t demand a perfect fit. More of them have better drawers, solid-wood doors, and other oncepricey features. And we found basic cabinet models that held up better than some more expensive ones. CONS Many basic boxes are thinly veneered particleboard rather than higher-quality plywood. Style and trim options, sizes, and organizing accessories are still limited. Figure on an hour or more of assembly for each set.

processors, then tuck away when they’re not in use. Cubby units installed underneath wall cabinets to hold wine or water bottles. Vertical dividers that neatly shelve cookie sheets and trays on their sides. They can be a good way to fill gaps between stock cabinets.

MIDLEVEL

These semi-custom models are a sound choice for most kitchens. Many are made with face-frame construction, where a solid-wood frame is visible around the door and drawers. PROS Midlevel models offer many made-toorder custom options for size, materials, finish, moldings and other trim, and accessories such as range-hood covers. That can make them the best value overall because you’ll get the look you want without a custom price. CON S As with basic cabinets, features and quality can vary considerably. Boxes may be veneered particleboard rather than higherquality plywood. PREMIUM

Short of custom madeto-order cabinets, these semi-custom models offer the most style and storage options. PROS They generally come with plywood boxes and other premium materials and hardware options. Widths may come in ¼-inch increments rather than the typical 3 inches, so they can fit your space perfectly. CONS Though generally less expensive than fully made-to-order custom units, models with the most features and of the highest quality can cost as much as certain full-custom units. So get a price from a local cabinetmaker before you place an order.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Cabinets

Fake a Custom Look

FEATURES THAT MATTER MOST What separates a wellmade cabinet from a cheap imitation? Here are the features to look for—and what to avoid. 1. HARDWARE

Full-extension drawer guides are better than integrated side rails or undermounted doubleroller designs. Some cabinet models have a “soft close” feature that stops them from slamming shut. As for door hinges, in past tests we didn’t find any significant differences among the various types. 2. SHELVES

Look for ¾-inch plywood. Lesser-quality ⅝- or ½-inch particleboard may sag.

3. MOUNT ING S TR IPS

Ask the contractor to use ¾-inch hardwood strips or metal strips with bolt holes. Thinner wood, medium-density fiberboard, or particleboard can be a safety concern with heavily loaded wall cabinets. 4. DOORS

Most manufacturers offer a similar range of options at all their price levels. Look for a solid-wood frame surrounding solidwood or plywood panels. 5. DR AWERS

Well-built drawers are critical because drawers get the most use. The best ones have solid-wood sides, dovetail joinery, and a plywood bottom that fits grooves on four sides. Avoid stapled particleboard.

If you’re buying budgetfriendly stock or semi-custom cabinets, you don’t have to settle for the ordinary. Decorative design elements can give even basic stock cabinets a more personalized look in an array of styles, including country, modern, and traditional. Accent doors, available in a variety of styles—textured or colored, frosted glass, or stainless steel—can enhance visual interest or create an industrial look. Moldings, which range from simple to ornate, can be added to the top, bottom, or edge of cabinets as a finishing touch, or along the bottom of wall cabinets to conceal undercabinet lighting. Just be sure that the style you choose suits your cabinets and your home. Consider matching them to existing moldings or trim. “Legs” (or feet) added to the base of built-in cabinets create the trendy look of freestanding furniture. You can find decorative trim pieces, such as moldings, corbels, corner details, onlays, and turnings, for a great price at local lumber stores and home centers.

Choose a Winning Finish

Particleboard

Plywood

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

The finish you choose for your cabinets can set the tone for your entire kitchen. The options are practically unlimited. You could choose a cool neutral painted finish for a clean, contemporary look; go with a deep rich wood finish for traditional elegance; or incorporate some distressed

G ET TH E I N STALL ATION R I G HT

PHOTOS, FROM LEFT: KARYN MILLET; GETTY IMAGES. ILLUSTRATION: CHRIS PHILPOT

When installers come to give an estimate, have a plan handy. That way they can account for the height and type of the new wall cabinets, the soffits, the location of electrical outlets and plumbing, and other variables. Make sure the estimate includes the removal and disposal of your existing cabinets and any other necessary demolition. Before hiring an installer, talk with suppliers and, if possible, at least three former customers to find out how the work has held up. Ask for copies of the installer’s insurance certificates as well. Certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry is a plus; it indicates a high level of professionalism. For safety’s sake, shore up the wall mountings. And be certain the installer reinforces the mounting strips if they’re made of thin particleboard.

finishes for a vintage effect. The right choice for your kitchen depends on your personal style—and your family's lifestyle. “The white kitchen is a true classic,” says Susan Serra, a certified kitchen designer and certified aging-in-place specialist. “And it’s popular

today as an easy look that can be used to interpret any kitchen design theme.” If you prefer a more natural look, consider a finish that reveals the wood grain of the cabinet rather than obscuring it. Glazed finishes, for example, add soft, translucent color on top of the wood but allow the

beauty of the grain to show through. But that finish often comes at a premium price. For those in the market for something a bit more modern, matte and high-gloss finishes are available in almost every color—and even in metallics. If you can’t choose just one finish, create a layered look by

combining two or more— a popular look that adds a custom flair. To complement a natural-wood finish, for example, add an accent cabinet in an opaque color such as gray or blue, or in a neutral. Or go bold in one area, such as on the base of the island.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Countertops

Beautiful Counters IF YOU WANT THE SLEEK LOOK OF MARBLE OR CONCRETE WITHOUT THE MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS, YOU’RE IN LUCK. OUR TOP-RATED COUNTERTOP MATERIALS OFFER THE WINNING COMBINATION OF BEAUTY AND DURABILITY IN A WIDE RANGE OF STYLES.

We stained, sliced, scratched, scorched, and nicked 14 countertop materials to test how well they’ll stand up to use in a kitchen. Spoiler alert: Quartz continues to impress our testers on every front. The manufactured stone offers a look that’s realistic, resembling even rare and delicate materials surprisingly well. But it’s not the only option that’s durable. Old favorites like granite and laminate also took their share of abuse on the chin. Read on for all the details. 85

Countertops

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE Use these important tips as you shop. GET A SIZ ABLE SAMPLE

Tiny swatches or pictures can’t give you a good sense of how a countertop material will look in your kitchen. So ask for a sample that’s as large as the retailer can get. For natural stone, such as granite or marble, be sure to see the actual slab that will become your countertop before installation. Veining and pattern can vary from slab to slab. CONSIDER RESALE

Grout lines between tiles are easily stained, and that may turn off potential buyers. Stone counters tend to look impressive and could raise your home’s selling price.

DON’T MEASURE YOURSELF

If the installer does the measuring, they’re responsible for any mistakes. Make sure the contract states the counter thickness, finish, and edge and backsplash treatments.

MONEY SAV E R

Mix high- and lower-priced materials in the same space. You could use quartz or granite on high-impact areas (like the center island), for example, and less-expensive laminate on the perimeter.

FO R M I C A

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

S I LE S TO N E

FI N D YO U R E DG E

FEATURES THAT MATTER MOST Seemingly small details can make a difference in looks and performance. EDGE

You’ll have several options for the edge treatment of your counters. Trimming laminate counters with wood can create a higher-end look and prevent chipping. For stone counters, rounded edges are less likely to chip. Straight and beveled edges give a more modern look, and an S-shaped curve, an ogee, offers stone or solid surfacing a more traditional feel. Some treatments add to the cost, so check with the supplier first. FINISH

Quartz and granite are sold with a polished (glossy) or honed (matte)

finish. In our tests, both were about the same at holding up to stains that were allowed to dry overnight. Less common are leather and pebbled finishes. Granites with proprietary sealers performed no better than regular granite. Matte and grain finishes help conceal scratches in stainless steel better than polished finishes, but expect to see fingerprints. Quartz performed similarly regardless of the finish, but butcher block and concrete counters performed differently in our tests depending on the sealer used. SEAMS

The joints between two slabs of stone or other kinds of material can make or break the look of a countertop. They should be almost

invisible in solid-surface and stainless steel countertops. For other countertop materials, seams that are 1⁄16 inch or less are standard. Wide joints can trap food and grime, and they’re a telltale sign of sloppy installation.

STRAIGHT PROFILE

EASED PROFILE

SINK

Top-mounted sinks, also called drop-ins, sit on top of a counter. Undermount sinks are installed under a countertop and require a waterproof countertop material, such as quartz, stainless steel, solid surfacing, or concrete. Stainless steel and solid surfacing can be used for a countertop and sink. Check to make sure that the fabrication and installation contracts make note of your sink and faucet configurations.

BEVELED PROFILE

BULLNOSE PROFILE

SHORT OGEE PROFILE

The Worst Stains for Every Surface You might expect mustard and grape juice to be in a lineup of the worst offenders in countertop stains. But of the 20 household products in our stain tests, food coloring and permanent marker proved to be the toughest to wash away. Many things stain bamboo, and limestone and oil-rubbed butcher block don’t fare well, either. Here’s what left visible marks on six countertop materials.

BAMBOO

C O N C R E T E ( WITH

(B EE SWA X / M I N ER A L- O I L FI N I S H )

PEN E TR ATI N G S E A LER )

Beet juice, coffee, crayon, drain cleaner, food coloring, pencil, permanent marker, rust, and tea.

Food coloring, hot oil, permanent marker, and shoe polish. RECYCLED GL ASS

Food coloring.

S TA I N L E S S STEEL

Drain cleaner and tarnish remover. TILE

Food coloring, crayon, ink, permanent marker, and rust.

MARBLE

Food coloring and shoe polish.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Ratings

Countertops

What’s On the Market?

QUARTZ $20 TO $60 PER SQUARE FOOT*

GRANITE $20 TO $60 PER SQUARE FOOT*

PROS A combination of mineral,

PROS Each slab of this natural

PROS Available in many colors,

color, and resin, quartz stands up well to cuts, abrasion, and heat. It comes in vibrant colors and patterns that look like granite and marble. CONS Edges and corners can chip, and you’ll need a pro to repair them.

stone is different. Heat, cuts, and scratches didn’t harm it in our tests. Polished and matte finishes resist most stains when properly sealed. CONS Needs periodic resealing. Chips must be professionally repaired.

with large or fine particles. Most recycled glass resists stains, cuts, scratches, and heat. CONS It’s the only material for which we found a difference among brands. Cosentino’s Eco counters were the only ones that cracked during our heat tests.

TILE (CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN) $5 TO $20 PER SQUARE FOOT*

ULTRACOMPACT $50 TO $100 PER SQUARE FOOT*

SOLID SURFACING $15 TO $50 PER SQUARE FOOT*

SOAPSTONE $20 TO $70 PER SQUARE FOOT*

PROS Tile is water-resistant,

PROS We tested Dekton, a

PROS Available in a range of

PROS Best for adding the look

heat-resistant, and ideal for use near stoves. It comes in many colors, sizes, and patterns. CONS It chips. The grout between tiles can stain even when it’s sealed, and it can mildew. Thinner grout lines and darker grout may help somewhat.

combination of quartz, porcelain, and glass, according to the manufacturer. It resisted damage from heat, stains, chopping and cutting, and abrasion. CONS The material sustained chips to the edges and cracked into two in our impact tests.

colors and patterns, it can be used for counters, sinks, and backsplashes. Color won’t vary much from sample to slab. It resists most stains. Small nicks and scratches can be repaired. CONS It scratches and cuts easily, so use a cutting board.

of stone to a low-traffic kitchen. It withstands heat very well, and small scratches can be repaired. Slabs can vary widely. CONS It’s easy to slice, nick, and scratch. Stain resistance is fair. It must be rubbed with mineral oil periodically.

STAINLESS STEEL $20 TO $60 PER SQUARE FOOT*

BUTCHER BLOCK (VARNISHED) $20 TO $60 PER SQUARE FOOT*

LIMESTONE $25 TO $75 PER SQUARE FOOT*

MARBLE $25 TO $75 PER SQUARE FOOT*

PROS It repels stains and heat,

PROS It creates a warm,

PROS Limestone provides a

PROS Marble is best for a classic

and doesn’t rust or discolor. Countertops can include an integral sink for a seamless appearance. CONS It shows fingerprints, and dents and scratches easily. Matte and grain finishes hide damage better.

natural look in a kitchen and is easy to install and repair. CONS It may need periodic sealing or refinishing to remove cuts, dings, and scratches. Its finish affects performance. Varnish improves stain resistance, and penetrating oils decrease it.

stone look without heavy veining, and it resists heat well. CONS Soft and porous, it scratches and dents easily. Eleven of the 20 substances we applied left visible stains after they were on the surface for just 24 hours, despite sealing.

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

RECYCLED GLASS $25 TO $100 PER SQUARE FOOT*

look in low-traffic areas. CONS It’s more porous than

granite, so it’s not as stainresistant. It also scratches easily, can chip, isn’t very heat-resistant, and needs to be resealed regularly to prevent stains.

*Price is for material only; installation costs vary by region, material, and total scope of project.

ILLUSTRATIONS, PREVIOUS SPREAD: CHRIS PHILPOT. PHOTOS, PREVIOUS SPREAD FROM LEFT: ANDREA RUGG; BG COLLECTION/GALLERY STOCK. PHOTO, THIS PAGE: GETTY IMAGES (LIMESTONE)

We’ve found that there’s little variation among brands, so we rate materials instead. It’s important to note that in some instances, a particular finish can affect a material’s performance. That’s why you’ll see certain materials listed more than once in our ratings on the facing page.

1 2 3 4 5

POOR

LAMINATE $5 TO $25 PER SQUARE FOOT*

install, and much better-looking than you probably remember, thanks to new printing technology and decorative edges. Stains and heat didn’t damage the laminates we tested. CONS Cutting directly on laminate damages the surface.

CONCRETE (TOPICAL SEALER) $25 TO $75 PER SQUARE FOOT*

39 PROS It can be dyed or fabricated with a surface texture. CONS It may crack. Durability depends on the fabricator’s skill and the sealing method. Topical sealers resist stains but not heat. Penetrating sealers resist heat but not stains and require periodic reapplication.

Impact

Quartz (engineered stone)

$20-$60

4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2 0

Granite

$20-$60

4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2 0

Recycled glass (penetrating sealer)

$25-$100

3 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 1 0

Laminate

$5-$25

5 0 2 0 5 0 3 0 4 0

Tile (ceramic and porcelain)

$5-$20

2 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 3 0

Ultracompact (Dekton)

$50-$100

5 0 5 0 5 0 4 0 2 0

Solid surfacing

$15-$50

4 0 2 0 4 0 2 0 4 0

Soapstone (mineral oil finish)

$20-$70

3 0 1 0 5 0 2 0 1 0

Concrete (penetrating sealer)

$25-$75

1 0 3 0 5 0 2 0 1 0

Concrete (topical sealer)

$25-$75

5 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 1 0

Stainless steel

$20-$60

3 0 1 0 5 0 2 0 1 0

Butcher block (varnished)

$20-$60

5 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

Limestone

$25-$75

1 0 1 0 5 0 2 0 1 0

Butcher block (oil finish)

$20-$60

1 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 1 0

Marble

$25-$75

2 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 0

Bamboo (beeswax/ mineral oil finish)

$20-$60

1 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 1 0

68 PROS It’s inexpensive, easy to

Abrasion

Test Results

Heat

Price

Cutting

Overall Score

Stains

Material

EXCELLENT

HOW WE TEST: Stains shows resistance to 20 common foods and household products. Cutting reflects resistance to damage from weighted chef’s and serrated knives used in slicing and chopping motions. Heat gauges how well

materials resisted damage and discoloration from a pot filled with oil heated to 400° F. Abrasion is resistance to damage from a weighted sanding block. Impact reflects the ability to withstand blunt and pointed weights dropped

from up to 3½ feet. Price is the typical range per square foot for the material only. Installation costs vary by region, material, and total scope of project. Overall Score summarizes performance in all tests.

BAMBOO $20 TO $60 PER SQUARE FOOT*

10 PROS Available in several styles,

including a parquet pattern. CONS Bamboo is easily stained, scorched, sliced, and nicked. The manufacturer might warn against using it around a sink because moisture can warp the material. And it might darken over time.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Flooring

Fabulous Floors

PHOTO: BLACKSTONE EDGE STUDIOS

A NEW MATERIAL UNDERFOOT CAN GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT LOOK, HELP LINK IT TO ADJOINING SPACES, AND MAKE CLEANING EASIER. HERE'S HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE FOR YOUR SPACE AND YOUR BUDGET.

Installing a new floor is one of the more expensive updates you’ll undertake. With so many choices—wood, vinyl, laminate, tile— where do you begin? Your budget is certain to guide your decision. But you should also consider how much foot traffic and sunlight your flooring will endure. To help you pick, we put the most common types and brands through a battery of tests. Use our ratings to select the floor that’s best for your kitchen. 91

Flooring

WHAT'S ON THE MARKET?

CER AMIC T ILE BEST FOR projects

with a bigger budget, though newer floating varieties are more affordable. There's a wide variety of styles, and tile tends to resist wear. BUT most can’t be floated and are difficult to install. Dropped items can crack it, and grout can stain. Replacing damaged tiles is tricky. V INYL

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE Use these tips to pick the best flooring for your lifestyle. TR AFF IC

In busy areas, choose a product that aced our foot-traffic tests. UV AND WATER RESISTANCE

If your kitchen is in a sunny spot, a good UV-resistance score could help prevent fading over time. And water resistance is important in any damp area. CER T IF ICAT ION

Vinyl floors with the industry’s FloorScore certification emit relatively low levels of volatile organic compounds, substances

that have been linked to health problems and pollution. For wood flooring, certification by the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative indicate that it comes from responsibly managed forests. Check the packaging for product and manufacturer certification. SMOOTHNESS

The surface of flooring can vary from styles that are perfectly smooth (even if they look grainy) to those with grooves that follow the design. If you're trying to replicate the look of wood with another material—say, vinyl—a more textured style might seem like a

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

good idea. Just keep in mind that these can be more likely to trap dirt and grime.

MONEY SAVER

The best wood-look vinyl or porcelain tile appears surprisingly like the real thing but holds up better and cost only half as much as solid or even engineered wood flooring.

BEST FOR practicality and easy installation. Many products stand up to damage from moisture, dents, stains, and sun. BUT it can't pass for a natural material up close. Deep scratches will show the color of the vinyl beneath the decorative top layer.

L AMINATE BEST FOR toughness,

the variety of styles, and easy installation. It can usually be floated. The best wear well, and most resist stains and UV. BUT most dent fairly easily, and laminate can’t be refinished. SOL ID WOOD AND BAMBOO BEST FOR natural warmth. Solid flooring can usually be sanded and refinished several times. Prefinished floors can hold up

better than those finished on-site. And their warranty comes from the factory, not the installer, giving you the guarantee of a big company. BUT solid wood will expand and contract with humidity, so it's not a good choice for damp spaces. And it can dent easily. Certain species can show wear quickly and become discolored from sunlight. Unfinished flooring costs less than prefinished, but higher installation costs can offset savings. E NGINEERED WOOD

AND BAMBOO BEST FOR a warm

look and easy installation. This veneer over substrate can usually be nailed, stapled, or glued in place, or “floated” over a subfloor without fasteners or glue. Many can be refinished. Well-installed, highquality products can be as durable as solid wood. BUT most show wear and dent easily, and some can be damaged by moisture. L INOLEUM BEST FOR those who

want a sustainable, resilient surface. BUT vinyl tiles offer better performance. Digital and All Access members can find ratings for linoleum flooring at CR.org/ flooring.

PHOTO, LEFT: COLIN POOLE/GAP INTERIORS

Before you buy, consider the pros and cons of each material.

Ratings

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5

Flooring

POOR

EXCELLENT

$ 0

CR BEST BUY

Recommended Products Top performers usually resist wear, scratches, and color change better than others of their type. But dents are a challenge for most. Here, we focus on top picks with specific strengths, value, or both.

PREFINISHED SOLID WOOD AND BAMBOO

ENGINEERED WOOD

TERAGREN PORTFOLIO NATURALS WHEAT TPF-PORTTG-WHT $7.50 PER SQUARE FOOT*

$ LUMBER LIQUIDATORS BELLAWOOD CHARACTER RED OAK 10047316 $4.50 PER SQUARE FOOT*

LUMBER LIQUIDATORS AQUASEAL 72 WATER RESISTANT CLICK STRAND TOFFEE 10046516 $3.70 PER SQUARE FOOT*

This solid bamboo flooring shows superb resistance to scratches and stains, impressive dent resistance, and a finish that resists wear from foot traffic.

With excellent resistance to wear from foot traffic, this flooring is also highly water- and slipresistant. But it was only fair at resisting fading UV rays.

This top-rated engineered bamboo flooring is water-resistant and shows strong resistance to staining, slipping, UV exposure, and wear.

teragren.com

lumberliquidators.com

V INYL

PORCEL A IN T ILE

$ LIFEPROOF SHADOW WOOD

L AMINATE

$ LUMBER LIQUIDATORS

$ HOME LEGEND TEXTURED

CONGOLEUM DURACERAMIC SIERRA SLATE SI74 GOLDEN GREIGE $5 PER SQUARE FOOT*

LP33624HD1PR (HOME DEPOT) $2 PER SQUARE FOOT*

AQUASEAL 24 TAPESTRY OAK 10047713 $2.30 PER SQUARE FOOT*

OAK PALOMA HL1226 (HOME DEPOT) $2.50 PER SQUARE FOOT*

The look of stone and the durability of vinyl: This flooring has strong resistance to foot traffic, scratches, stains, and color change from sun exposure.

These wood-look tiles were impervious to foot traffic, scratches, and color change from sunlight and resisted stains very well in our tests.

This flooring earns excellent scores for its resistance to foot traffic, stains, scratches, water, and UV exposure. But dent resistance was just fair.

Superb resistance to wear from foot traffic, staining, and color change from sunlight help put this flooring at the top of the pack.

congoleum.com

homedepot.com

lumberliquidators.com

homedepot.com

*Price is for product only. Does not include installation.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Flooring

Test Results

Medium shades

Dark shades

$2.00

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

Textured

Thinset

$4.00

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

Smooth

Thinset

$1.50

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

Textured

Thinset

$3.90

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

! 0

Dal-Tile Forest Park Timberland FP97

$7.00

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

$5.00

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

$5.50

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

$4.00

Installation

Surface smoothness

! 0

LifeProof Shadow Wood LP33624HD1PR (Home Depot) Style Selections (Lowe’s) Natural Timber Ash 553878 Marazzi Montagna Dapple Gray ULM7 (Home Depot) Lumber Liquidators Avella Ultra Brass Haven Oak 10043962

Resists foot traffic Resists scratches

Light shades

Features

Sq. ft. per box

Price

Water resistance Resistance to slipping Resists sunlight (UV)

Overall Score

Resists dents

Brand + Model

Resists stains

Ratings

PORCEL A IN T ILE FLOOR ING

$ 0 ! 0 $ 0

Slight texture Slight texture

Thinset Thinset

Slight texture

Glue

Textured

Glue

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

Smooth

Floating or glue

$5.30

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

Smooth

Floating

$3.30

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

Textured

Floating

$4.10

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

Very textured

Floating or glue

$5.50

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

Textured

Floating

$1.80

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

Floating

$3.80

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

$1.50

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

$2.80

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

$3.70

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

$3.00

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

$2.30

V INYL FLOOR ING

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

Congoleum DuraCeramic Sierra Slate SI74 Golden Greige Armstrong Alterna Mesa Stone Canyon Sun D4112 Armstrong Vivero D10 Homespun Harmony Rugged Brown U1042 Armstrong Pryzm Elements of Heritage Vintage Multi PC020 SmartCore Ultra Blue Ridge Pine 50SLVF603 (Lowe’s) Lumber Liquidators CoreLuxe Ultra Rose Canyon Pine 10043266 Armstrong LUXE Plank Timber Bay Barnyard Gray A6861 TrafficMaster Khaki Oak 185312 (Home Depot) SmartCore SCU XL Southern Pecan LX93707206 (Lowe’s) Mannington Black Mountain Oak Fireside 080171 €‹ Lumber Liquidators Coreluxe Americana Milner Pass Oak 10052696 Shaw Endura 512C Plus Auburn Oak 0736V-00698 LifeProof Nashville Oak I106514L (Home Depot) Home Decorators Collection Montage Rigid Core Click Lock MONTAG7X48-5MM (Home Depot) Shaw Matrix Sea Salt Hickory LX52207216 (Lowe’s) Lumber Liquidators CoreLuxe XD Petrified Cherry 10046597 TrafficMaster Edwards Oak VTRHDDEVOAK6X36 (Home Depot) ProCore Plus Warm Honey Oak LWD8099RCB (Lowe’s) Pergo DuraCraft +WetProtect Reclaimed Farmhouse Mix LWP30-830 (Lowe’s)

Slight texture Very textured Very textured Very textured

Floating or glue Floating or glue

0 0

Floating

Smooth

Floating or glue

Floating

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

Textured

Floating

$2.00

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

$2.80

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

Floating or glue Floating or glue

48 47

$2.00

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

$2.40

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

Slight texture Slight texture Very textured Slight texture

$4.10

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

$7.50

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

Floating

Textured

Floating

Smooth

Floating

PREF INISHED SOL ID WOOD FLOOR ING

$ 0

Teragren Portfolio Naturals Wheat TPF-PORTTG-WHT ⁄ Lumber Liquidators Bellawood Character Red Oak 10047316

$6.30

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

Smooth

Nail or glue

! 0

Hartco Paragon Original Ember SAKP59L401 68

$7.50

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

Smooth

Nail

! 0

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

ALERT Prefinished solid wood, vinyl, and tile flooring are better choices when it comes to formaldehyde emissions. Just be sure to use glues that don’t contain the gas when installing these materials. Engineered wood and laminate flooring products are made with glues and resins that can emit formaldehyde.

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 POOR

Test Results

RECOMMENDED

$ 0

CR BEST BUY

Smooth

Nail or glue

$6.00

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

Smooth

Nail or glue

$4.50

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

Smooth

Nail

$3.70

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

Slight texture

Floating or glue

$8.00

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

Slight texture

$5..00

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

Textured

$4.25

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

Textured

$4.00

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

Nail, glue or floating Floating or glue Floating or glue Floating or glue

$4.00

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

$4.00

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

$5.50

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

Heritage Mill Scraped Oak Amaretto PF9773 (Home Depot)

$4.30

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

Slight texture

Mannington American Hardwoods American Oak Plank Natural AMP05NAL1

$4.00

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

Smooth

$2.30

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

Textured

Floating

$2.50

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

Very textured

Floating

$2.60

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

Smooth

Floating with underlayment

$3.00

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

Textured

Floating

$3.00

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

$1.10

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

$5.00

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

$2.00

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

$3.00

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

Installation

Dark shades

Medium shades

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

Light shades

$7.80

Surface smoothness

Resists foot traffic Resists scratches

Sq. ft. per box

Features

Water resistance Resistance to slipping Resists sunlight (UV)

Price

Resists dents

Overall Score

Resists stains

Brand + Model

! 0

EXCELLENT

PREF INISHED SOL ID WOOD FLOOR ING Continued

! 0 ! 0

Lumber Liquidators Bellawood Natural Hickory 10034423 Lumber Liquidators Bellawood Iron Hill Maple Character 10047324 Bruce Plano Oak Saddle AHS5117 (Home Depot)

0 0

ENGINEERED WOOD FLOOR ING

! 0 ! 0

Lumber Liquidators AquaSeal 72 Engineered Bamboo Water Resistant Click Strand Toffee 10046516 Lumber Liquidators Bellawood Geneva White Oak 10045563 Bruce Hydropel Oak Parchment EKWR54L20W (Home Depot) Malibu Wide Plank French Oak Stinson HDMPCL138EF (Home Depot) SmartCore Naturals Timber Creek Oak LX54904001 (Lowe’s) LifeProof Berkley Waterproof Engineered Bamboo Click YY-VSPC-DG02 (Home Depot) Lumber Liquidators Duravana Hybrid Resilient Foggy Bottom Oak 10052741 Harris Wood Traditions SpringLoc Red Oak Bridle HE2505OK48

Slight texture Slight texture Slight texture Slight texture

0 0

Floating

Floating or glue Nail, staple, glue or floating Nail, staple, glue or floating

L AMINATE FLOOR ING

$ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 ! 0

Lumber Liquidators AquaSeal 24 Tapestry Oak 10047713 Home Legend Textured Oak Paloma HL1226 (Home Depot) Pergo Portfolio+ Wet Protect Hermosa Oak LF000951 1071545 (Lowe’s) Pergo Outlast+ Vintage Pewter Oak LF000848 (Home Depot) Pergo TimberCraft West Lake Oak LF000893 864889 (Lowe’s) TrafficMaster Handscraped Saratoga Hickory 34089 (Home Depot) Armstrong Architectural Remnants Woodland Reclaim Old Original L3102 Home Decorators Collection Distressed Brown Hickory 34074SQ (Home Depot) Shaw Repel Harbour Towne SA589 Sable Hickory 07013

Very textured Slight texture

Floating

Smooth

Floating

Textured

Floating

Slight texture

Floating

All-Access and Digital members can find the latest, complete ratings at CR.org/flooring. Overall Score is based on performance in all of our tests. Resists foot traffic denotes how quickly surface wear was noticeable after repeated passes with an abrasion tester. Resists scratches

HOW WE TEST:

indicates the ability to withstand scratches, as when an object with rough edges is dragged on a floor. A scratch tool is moved across the flooring sample with progressively heavier weight until a scratch is visible. Resists stains

indicates how resistant the floor is to staining from various products, such as mustard, shoe polish, crayon, ink, bleach, and peroxide. Resists dents shows resistance to dents caused by blunt and pointed weights dropped from

⁄Bamboo product. €Square feet per box is not applicable because this product is sold in sheets. ‹Option of loose-lay installation, which requires some adhesive or tape at edges and seams. Can also be glued down.

increasing heights. Resists sunlight (UV) indicates how well the flooring stood up to continuous exposure to ultraviolet light for roughly two weeks. Price per square foot is approximate retail.

CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET

Resources

Budget Makeovers 3-4 Velinda Hellen, velindahellendesign.com; Fireclay Tile, fireclaytile.com; Build Ferguson, build.com; Semihandmade, semihandmade. com; Caesarstone, caesarstoneus. com; What We Make, wwmake.com 5 Brady Tolbert, stylebyemilyhenderson.com Easy Updates 6 Chalk Paints in Antoinette and a mix of Aubusson Blue and Emperor’s Silk, anniesloan.com 7 Amanda Lindroth, amandalindroth.com; Liz Strong, lizstrongstyle.com 8 From left: Aniko Levai, placeofmytaste.com; INC Architecture & Design, inc. nyc; Amie Corley Interiors, amiecorley.com 9 Keeler & Co. Interior Design, keelerandco.com 10 Beverly Ellsley Designs, beverlyellsley.com

11 Amie Corley Interiors, amiecorley.com How to Buy An Appliance Now 20-21 Leslie Sachs, Breathing Room Design, breathingrm.com

BUYING GUIDE Opener 24-25 Cait Louise Gury, caitlouise.com Fantastic Fridges 26 Cait Louise Gury, caitlouise.com Great Ranges 40 Shannon Tate Interiors, shannontateinteriors.com 42-43 Heidi Caillier, heidicaillierdesign.com Top Tested Cooktops 50 Shannon Tate Interiors, shannontateinteriors.com Standout Ovens 58 Sunday Hendrickson, sundayhendrickson.com; Harper Howey Interiors, harperhoweyinteroirs.com

GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG

Versatile Microwaves 62 GE, geappliances.com 64-65 Courtney McLeod, rightmeetsleftdesign.com Dependable Dishwashers 70 Ellen Nystrom, ellennystromdesign.com Smart Storage 78 Amanda Barnes Interiors, amandabarnesinteriors.com 80-81 Studio H Design, studioh-int.com 81 Bottom left, KraftMaid, kraftmaid.com. Bottom right, Julie Deuble of Sierra Unlimited Construction, houzz.com/pro/jdeuble 82-83 Studio H Design, studioh-int.com Beautiful Counters 84 Wilsonart, wilsonart.com 86 Bottom left, Kate Roos Design, kateroosdesign.com 88-89 Quartz: Cambria in Swanbridge, cambriausa.com. Granite: Stonemark Granite in White Ornamental, homedepot.

com. Recycled glass: GEOS in Ocean Shell, geos-surfaces.com. Tile: Daltile in Hamilton Storm, homedepot.com. Ultracompact: Dekton Ultracompact in Aura15, dekton.com. Solid surfacing: Corian Solid Surfacing in Elderberry, corian.com Fabulous Flooring 90 Lord Interior Design, lordinteriordesign.com

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