Post on 07-Aug-2015
description
transcript
C O O K T O P S 35
QuickGuide COOKTOPS
Remodeiing your kitchen? Now's the time to considerthe added flexibility of a separate cooktop and wall-ovencombo. WW\\e gas and smoothtop electric cooktops stillmake up most of the market, prices are dropping for induction,which speeds cooking using an electromagnetic field.
What to looic for• A gas cooktop if you wantthe visual confirmation of aflame, a smoothtop electric foreasy cleaning• An induction model forquick heating; some now costjust over $1,000, though youcan still pay far more• At least one high-poweredgas burner or electric elementfor quick heating
What to skip• Buying by Btu. Short for Brit-ish Thermal Unit, this merely
indicates gas used and heatgenerated and doesn't guaran-tee better or faster cooking• Models with recipe databasesand other pricey features if youjust want good cooking
What you'll payYou'll probably pay $1,300 ormore for a separate cooktopand wall oven, while somehigh-performing electric andgas ranges sell for less thanhalf that amount.
For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports,org/cooktops
Shopping tipRememberthat you'llneed magneticCQOkware forthe inductioncooktoptechnologyto work.
Scan this or see how. page 11
Brand S model Price Overall score Test Featuresresults
Similar models, in smalltype, are comparable totested modei.
il il
I F I G I V G l E
A 36-INCH GAS COOKTOPS
0 1 ThermadorSGSX365fS $1,900
HTI 2 GE MonogramZGU385N5M[SS]
•fTI 3 GE Profile1GP975WEKIWW]
M 4 GECafeCGP6505ETSS' ' Profiie PGP986SETS5
[71 S Electrolux
EW36GC55G[S1
0 6 LG LCG369U5T]
0 7 Bosch NGM8654UC
0 8 Kenmore 32313 32333
eooooeoe
©
©
©
©
©
eee
3
3
1
1
2
2
4
2
2
2
2
3
2
2
0
2
0
0
2
1
1
1
11
Page 1 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
3 6 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model Overall score Test Featuresresults
É.SP
-= i ^ o ï : tu n3 (
L E -g (
0 100
p I F I G I V G l E
B 30-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP MODELS
0 1 Kenmore 44273
Q 2 Kenmore 42733[71 3 Frigidaire Professional
FPEC3085K[S]0 4 GE Cafe CP3505TSS[ 7 ] 5 Electrolux Icon
E30EC65E1SSI0 6 LG LCE3O81[ST1Q 7 Whirlpool
G7CE3034XP[ 7 ] 8 GE Profile
PP945BM[BB10 9 Bosch NET5054UC
C 30-INCH INDUCTION COOKTOPS
[>^ 1 Kenmore 43820[71 2 GE Profile
PHP900DM1BB10 3 Kenmore 43800
0 4 Bosch NIT5065UC[ 7 ] 5 Electrolux Icon
E30IC75F[SS]Q 6 Frigidaire Professional
FPCC3085K[S][ 7 | 8 KitchenAid
KICU500XBQ 9 Whirlpool
GCI3O61X[B]0 10 LGLCE30845
D 36-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP MODELS1 Frigidaire Professional
FPEC3685K[S1 1,000 © © 1 3
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair •Poor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 2 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
C O O K T O P S 37
Most & Least Reliable
COOKTOPS
GE
Whirlpool
Frigidaire
Kenmore
KitchenAid
Jenn-Air
KitchenAid
GE
Kenmore
Wolf
Jenn-Air
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
• ELECTRIC,,, GAS
Jenn-Air vïas the most repair-prone brand
of electric cooktops and among the most
repair-prone gas cooktops. Al though we
lacked sufficient historical data to include
Dacor and Whirlpool gas cooktops,. we did
have enough informat ion to conclude that
Whirlpool has been reliable and Dacor
repair-prone. That's what we found when
we asked over 16,000 readers who bought
a cooktop between 2007 and 2011 about
their experiences. The graph shows the
percentage of models for each brand that
were repaired or had a serious problem.
Differences of less than 4 points aren't
meaningful , and we've adjusted the data
to eliminate differences linked solely to
product age. Models within a brand may
vary, and changes in design or manufac-
ture may affect fu ture reliabil ity. Still,
choosing a brand with a good repair history
can improve your odds of get t ing a re l i - ,
able model.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.
Guide to the RatingsOverall score reflects cooktop performance at high and low heat. The displayed score is out
of a total of 100 points. Hlqh heat reflects how quickly the highest-powered element heated
a large pot of water to near boiling. Low heat reflects how well the lowest-powered element
melted and held chocolate without scorching and how the most powerful element, set to low,
held tomato sauce below a boil. Price is approximate retail cost.
Page 3 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 4 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
56 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
QuickGuide DISHWASHERS
You don't have to spend top dollar for great clean-ing or endure longer cycles to get an energy-saving dishwasher that's easy on your wallet.
Shopping tipThe three basiccycles-light,normal, andheavy-should beenough for mostchores, even forbaked-on food.
Scan this or see how, page 11
Brand 8 model
What to look for• Adjustable racks and otherloading aids for flexibility• A soil sensor to adjust thecycle's time and water use,improving efficiency• Rinse/hold cycle, to preventsoil from setting while youwait for a full load
What to sitip• Drawer models, which areexpensive and tend to usemore energy and water thanregular models
• If noise is one of your con-cerns, look for a model witha manual-clean filter
What you'ii payYou can pay $1,500 or morefor a dishwasher with hiddencontrols, interactive digitaldisplays, and special grime-fighting cycles. But when itcomes to clean dishes, spar-kling performance starts atabout $550.
For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/dishwashers
Price Overaii score Test resuitsfiimiiar modeis, in smalltype, are comparable totested model.
I I I 3 I I g^ 5Í QD ^ O Sí aJ
LJJ '. 3 rdaj 11
110 100
P I F I G I V G l £
A CONVENTIONAL DISHWASHERg 1 Boscii Ascenta SHX3AR7[51
UC Ascenta SHX3AR5IILC. AscentaSHE3AR71 lue, Ascenta SHE3ABF11UC (Lowe's)
0 2 Bosch SHX98M0191UC[ 7 ] 3 BOSCil 800 Series SHE68R5121
UC 800 Series SHV68R5I31UC, 800Series SHX68R511UC
4 16 5team LDF7932[ST1[ 7 ] 5 Mieie Futura Oimension
G 5 5 7 5 S C S F Futura Dimension PlusG57O5[ 1, Futura Dimension G55D511,Futura Dimension GS57SSCVÍ, FuturaDimension Plus G5775SC11
1,550
1,000
1,950
95 • All • •
© © © 115 • • Some • •
© © 115 • • Some • •
© © © © 130 • • • Some • •
© © © © 150 • . All • •
Page 5 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D I S H W A S H E R S
Brand & model Price Overaii score Test results- Features
Similar models, in smalltype, are comparable totested model.
OO dJ OJ CIJ
USI
Ease
of lin
.tim
e (IT
Cycl
s.
Ser ilt
ean
ing
fiel
f-c
B
>s-s
teel
CLt
tain
I
rol
enco
nt
•o
lottw
are
spl
ef•a
ci
QJOQ=3OJ
J a
o IOO
p I F i G I V G l E
E .=
A CONVENTIONAL DISHWASHER continued
1,800
n^ 6 KitchenAid KIIOE5OCX[SS]'—' KU0E48rX(l,KUDE201XIl,KUDE20FXn, $1,350
KU0E40FX11p ] 7 Bosch 800 Plus Serles
SHX9ER5151UC800 Plus Series SHE9ER5I5IUC,800 Plus Series SHV9ER5I31UC
p ] 8 Bosch Evolution 500
SHE55M1[21UC
9 LG L0F69201WW]
0 10 Kenmore Pro HE 1317[3I
0 11 Kenmore 1328[3]i304[ 1,132711
0 12 Bosch 500 Series SHX55R5[5]UC 500 Series SHV55R5B1UC,500 Series SHE5SR5nuC
[71 13 ThermadorOWH065lJFP'— OÄH06401FM,OWH0640iFP,OWHO-
6S01FP, aÄHD651JFM. 0AHO6501FM[ •1 14 KitchenAid KU0E70FX[SSI— KUDE60FXI1, KU0E60HX[l
15 Bosch SHE6AP0I21UCC]
SHE4AP0[ lue (Lowe's)
16 KitchenAid KU0S30SX[SS]
17 Bosch 300 SeriesSHX33RL15]UC 300 seriesSHX43R51 lue. 300 Series SHX43RL151ue. 300 Series SHE43RSI lue, 300Series SHX33RF[ lue (Lowe's). 300Serles SHE43RFI lue (Lowe's). 300Series SHE43RLI lue
18 Kenmore Elite 1404[3] ElElite 139711
19 Mieie Futura CrystalG51O55C Futura erystal G5175Se
20 Kenmore Elite 139612]Elite 139411•Discontinued
O a 125
a © 120 All
© a a 110 • • • •a a a 125 • • • All • •© © a 145 • • Some •© o a 120 • All • •
© a a . All • •
2,200
1,600 o a 115 • • All • •a o a 135 • • • •a o a 115 • • • Some • •
© a o uo All • •
1,000
1,530
1,000
© a a 135 • . Ail • •
a O a 145 • • • •
© a o 135 • . AH • •
Ratings Key ©Excellent averygood OGood ©Fair ©Poor
D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
0 Recommended Ttiese are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 6 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
58 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model
ë S simiiar models, in smalltype. 3K comparahle totested model.
Price Overaii score Test resuits
S!
ergy
u gO
z
eu
seof
u
mLU
^ ^ O ai - ^
!me(
mii
Sens
ning
filt
¡-ste
ei t
cont
n
are
sic
s "ai qj
100F I G IVG l E
CONVENTiONAL DISHWASHER continued21 Kenmore Flite 1392[2]
Elite 13931 i22 BosciiAscentaSHE6APl[2]UC
23 LG LOF75511ST] LDF75611ST1
24 Bosch Integra 800 PlusSHX58E2l5]UC 800 Plus seriesSHX8ER5I lue, 800 Plus SeriesSHE8ER5I lue, 800 Plus SeriesSHV7ER5[ lue, 800 Plus SeriesSHE7ER5I lue. 800 Plus SeriesSHX7ER5I lue
25 LG L0F80721ST] LDr8S74[STl
26 Samsung 0MT800RH[W]
27 GE GDWT668V1SS]GDWn68V[SSl, G0WT368VISS],GDWT308V[|.60WT608V[l.GDWr7O8V(l
28 GE Profile P0WT580V(SSIMonogram 2BD8900V11. ProfileP,DWT500V[ 1, Profile P0WT480VISS1.Cafe eaWT980V|SSl, MonogramZBD6900VI1. Monogram ZB06920V[SSI.Monogram 2BD792OVISS]. MonogramZBD8920VISS1
29 KitciienAid KU0S30FX[SS]KUDS30a| 1. KUDeiOIX[ 1. KUDCIOFXI1,KUDS30IXI1
30 Mieie Futura Classic G4205SC
31 GE Profile P0WT200V[WW]Profile P0WT180VISS1, ProfilePDWTIOOVII. Profiie PDWT28OV[SS1.eafeeDWT280V(ss|. ProfilePDWT380VISS1. Profiie PDWT300VI1
32 Asi(OD5894XXL[HSl056S4XXLIHS1
33 Asko05634XXL[HSlD5434XXU1
34 Wiiiripooi GoldWDT770PAY[M]
35 GE GOWFIOOVIWW] GOWFMVI 1.
GDWT166V1SSI, GHDT108V[ | (HomeDepot), GHDT168VISS1 (Home Depot)
36 Maytag MDB4709AW[W]
900
1,500
1,450 B l
© © O O 1 3 5 « • • •
© © © © 105 • • • •© © © © 144 • . Ail • •
a © © © 125 • . Ail • •
e e e e 144 • . AU • •© e o © 120 • • • Ail • •
e e o e 135 • • • Ali •
© e © © • Ail • •
© © O a 115 • • • Ail
© © © o 145 •
© © O a 140 Ail
© © © © 130 • » A H
© © O © 150 • • Some
© © O © 115 • Ail
© a O O 110 • • •
© a © o 125 • •
Page 7 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D I S H W A S H E R S
Brand & model
: Similar models, in sinall' type, are comparable to
tested model.
Price Overall score Testresuits Features
Si 3!
I l 1 ^at qj
0 100
P I F I G I V G l E
CONVENTIONAL DISHWASHER continued37 Frigidaire Gallery
FGH02465N[F]Professional FPHD2485N[ri
38 Jenn-Air TrifectaIDB8700AW[Pl
39 Frigidaire GalleryFGBD2431K[W]
4 0 Frigidaire GalleryFGBD2432KÍW] GalleryBBBD2432KI1 (Best Buy). GalleryLGeD2432Kll (Lowe's). GaiieryDGBD2432Kn
41 Maytag iVI0B8959SA[S]
42 Scholtes LFDS3X160HZ43 Frigidaire Gallery
FGBD2445N1F]44 Kenmore 132613] 1325(1,132911
46 SmegSTA8614XU47 Maytag MDB47O9PA[M1
M0B6769PA[l48 WiiiripoolGold
WDF530PAY[W]GOI(1WDT710PAY[1
49 GE Monogram ZBD9900R[ll]
50 Samsung OW7933LRA1SR1
51 LG LDF9932IST]52 Jenn-Air Trifecta
J0B8200AW[S]53 WiiiripoolGold
WDF730PAY1M154 Frigidaire Gaiiery
FGHO2433K1F15 5 Samsung DMT300RFIW]56 Frigidaire Professional
LPHD2491KIFJ
1.000
600
450
e O
e eo o
6 130
O 170
o 155
Some
Ail
e e o e 145 • •
ee©©
ee©
©
©
©
©
©
©
© ©
© o© o© O
© ©
© O
© ©© O© ©
© ©
© O
© O
O O
© 112 • •
© 105 ••
© 120 • •
© 130 •
© 112 • •
© 120 •
O 104 • •
O 105 •
O 180 •© 151 • •© 140 • •
O 170 •
© 115 •
© 135 • •
© 170 • •
© 180 •
• Ail • •
• Ali
Ail
Some • •
Page 8 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
60 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand $ model
similar models, in siTOlli\'pe, are comparable totested model.
Price Overall score Test results
S Si
Oi .S
s ; eure Cl.S =
0 100
P I F I G I V G l E
CONVENTIONAL DISHWASHER continued57 Electrolux Wave-Touch t, .,^^
EWDW65O5G[WS1 '''''^""58 Kenmore 139112] 131390(1 560
59 Jenn-Air JDB3200AW1W1 1,10060 GE GLD28OOV[VI/W1
GLD4644V[SAl.GLD2850V[C51, 3 0 0GLD4604VÍ ]. GLD4664VISS1
61 Maytag MDB4409PAIW] 38062 GEGLD5766V[SS1GLO57O8VII,
GLD5604VI1, GLD57G6VI1, GLD5606V[ 1,GtO5768V[SSl, GLO5666V[SS1, 520GLO5664V[SS1. GlD5808V[ |.GtO5868V[SS]
63 Electrolux 10 EIDW5905J[SJ 900
64 Fagor LFA-086XL 1,30065 Electrolux Icon , . „ .
EDW7505HP[S] ''^"^66 Biomberg 0WT57500[SS] 1,00067 Frigidaire Gallery „„
FGBD2435N[W] ^"^
68 Frigidaire FFBD2409L1S] 380
69 ikeaNutid 650
70 GE GLD6904R[WW] 500
71 AskoD5233XXUHS] 1,30072 HaierDWL3225SD[SS) .on
73 GE GLD4408R[WW] 36074 HaierDWL7075MC[SSl 7^0
OA14035MCÍ1 '•"-'75 Viking Professional
VDB45OE[SS1 1,800Oesigner Series DFB450E
El Discontinued
© © © © 135
© © O © 115
© © © O 125
© © © O 100
© © © O 113
© © O O 140
• • All
© O © 90
© O © 120
© © © 125
© O © 125
e O O 135
© O O 125© © O 125© © © 115© © © 180
© O O 120
© © O 135
O O O 120
• All
• • Al l
• All
• • All
All
O © O © 170
• • All
• Al l
Ratings Key ©Excelient ©Very good OGood ©Fair •PoorD CR Best Buy These modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.lilJ Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 9 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D I S H W A S H E R S
Brand S model
similar models, in smalltype, are cofnparable to,tested model.
Price Overaii score Test resuits Features
2 Sm O-•S ^ ¿a
<u .a ai
5 ^ 10 100
P I F I G I V G l E
CONVENTIONAL DISHWASHER continued76 BiombergOWT55100[SSl $850
77 WiiiripoolGoldWDT91OSAY[M1GOI(1WDT- 750
79OSAV|l,GoldV(Df75OSAYII
78 BfombergDWT24100[SS] 600
79 WiliripOOi WDF310PAA[W] i r ^WDF3iOPLA[l,«/DF31OPCAIl
80 Amana A0B1400PYIS] 380
o © o
o © ©
O © O
e 125
© 125
a no9 115
o 115
Ail
AH
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is mostly washing performance and includes energy and water use (not shown),noise, cycle tinne, and ease of use. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed by preciseoverall score. Washing is normal-cycle results with very dirty full load. Energy use is energyand water use for normal cycle. Noise covers listener judgments and sound-level measurements.Ease of use includes convenience factors and loading. Cycle time (rounded to the nearest5 minutes) is for normal cycle with very dirty full load; includes temperature-boost option and,if available, heated dry. Under brand & model, bracketed letters or numbers mean color code.Price is approximate retail.
Page 10 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
62 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Most & Least Reliable
Whirlpool
Boseh
Kenmore (withpullout drawer)
Kenmore
Miele
KitehenAid
lenn-Air
GE
Asko
frigidaire
Fisher S Paykel (withpuilout drawer)
Amana
Maytag
LG0% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Frigidaire, Fisher S Payke!, Amana, Maytag,and LG were among the most repair-pronebrands; Amana and Maytag repair recordswere affected by major recalis in 2010.That's what we found when we asked morethan 82,000 readers who bought a dish-washer between 2007 and 2011 about theirexperiences. The graph shows the percent-age of models for each brand that wererepaired or had a serious problem. Differ-ences of fewer than 5 points aren't mean-ingful, and we've adjusted data to eliminatedifferences linked solely to age and usage.Models within a brand may vary, and chang-es in design or manufacture may affect fu-ture reliability. Still, choosing a brand with agood repair history can improve your oddsof getting a reliable model.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.
Page 11 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 12 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D R Y E R S 6 3
QuickGuide DRYERS
iviost dryers scored at least Very Good for dryingperformance. While the gas dryers in our Ratingsare similar to the electric models víe test, we'vefound that gas and eiectric dryers perform simiiariy.
What to look for• A moisture sensor, to cutdown on energy costs andavoid overdrying clothes• An extended-tumble set-ting without heat, to preventwrinkles when you don'tremove clothes immediately
What to skip• Extra large, super, and super-plus dryer capacity, becausethe differences aren't meaii'-ingful for everyday use
• Specialty cycles such as"speed dry," which usuallycan be replicated with stan-dard settings
What you'll payGas dryers cost about $80 to$150 more than comparableelectric models, but the likelysavings in fuel costs shouldmore than make up the dif-ference in the long run.
For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/dryers
Shopping tipMany modelshave a warninglight that teilsyou it's time toclean the filter.
I Scan this or see how, page 11
Brand & Model
g -é Simiiar modeis, in smali type.'io S ,ire coniparable to tested modei.
Price Overaii score Test results Features
•g I o ^ E .o^ :° - i ^ ob g-
oj — .S 2 ^QJ çiJ > - b= E
I F I G IVGl E
A ELECTRIC DRYERS
1 IG DLEX3470IW1
2 Samsung 0V5451AEIW]
3 IG0LEX38851W1DLEX3875I1
4 LG OLEX517O[W1
5 Samsung DV5471AE[W]
6 LGDLEX51O1[W1DLE5OO1[1
7 LG DLEX3360tWl
8 LG DLEX255O[W]
a ©
Page 13 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
64 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
I Brand S Model Price Overall score Testresuits Features
-Sviniilar models, in small type.aie comparable to tested modei. ro n3 ^
•5 5 • " 1 i2 S.DO o
P I F I G I V G l E
A ELECTRIC DRYERS continued
0 100 11Q 120 îî0 14
Kenmore 680012]
Samsung DV52OAE[P]
LGDLE2240[WI
LG OLE225O[W1
Kenmore Eiite 692712]
LG 0LE2650[W]
B GAS DRYERS
0 1 LG DLGX34711W]
0 2 Samsung 0V5451AG[W]
0 3 LGDLGX3886[W]DLGX3876[1
0 4 LG DLGX517HW]
0 S Samsung DV547IAG[W]
0 6 LGDLGX5OO21W]DiG5OO2ll
0 7 LG DLGX3361[W]
0 8 LG DLGX255UW]
Q 9 Kenmore 780012]
0 10 Samsung DV52OAGIP]
B 11 LGDLG224UW]
Q 12 LGDLG2251IW]
0 13 Kenmore Elite 7927[2]
0 14 LG0LGX26511W]
© ©© ©
© © ©© © ©
© © ©© © ©© © ©
© © ©© © ©© © ©
© © ©
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair •Poor
H CR Best Buy These modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
Uu Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 14 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
D R Y E R S 6 5
Most & Least Reliable
DRYERS
LGSamsung
Whirlpool
Kenmore
Maytag
Bosch
•rigidaire
GEFishers
PaykeiLG
Whirlpool
GE
Maytag
Kenmore
Frigidaire
S
•JEWSE
: • • • 8
6
' 7
7
71
8
EE
Fisher & Paykel was the most repair-pronebrand of electric clothes dryers. That'swhat we found when we asked over 75,000readers who bought a dryer between 2007and 2011 about their experiences. Thegraph shows the percentage of brands thatneeded a repair or had a serious problem.Differences of less than 3 points aren'tmeaningful, and we've adjusted the datato eliminate differences linked solely toage and use of the dryer. Models withina brand may vary, and design or manufac-ture changes may affect future reliability.Still, choosing a brand with a good repairhistory can improve your odds of gettinga reliable model.
Source: Annual Product Reiiability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.
5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
I ELECTRICGAS
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based primarily on drying perforrnance, drum volume, and noise. The displayedscore is out of a totai of 100 points. Dryinq performance is measured for multiple fabrics andload sizes. Capacity refers to the drum volume of models we tested, which varied from about6 to 8 cu. ft. Convenience takes into account controls and ergonomics, such as ease of loadingand unloading, servicing the lint filter, whether the door couid clear a tall basket, and whetherthe machine has a raised edge to contain spills. Noise reflects panelists' judgments. Under Fea-tures, a stainless-steel drum is likely to resist damage better than plastic and painted metaldrums. A porcelain top resists scratching better than a painted one but generally adds to adryer's cost. Drying rack attaches inside the drum to keep items such as sneakers or sweatersfrom tumbling. Custom programs allows you to save your favorite settings. Generally, a waterhook-up is required with the steam option feature. In this cycle, a small amount of water issprayed into the drum while tumbling with heat. It helps to reduce wrinkles and odors, but it isintended only for a few garments at a time. Price is approximate retail for electric dryers.
Page 15 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 16 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
68 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
GAS GRILLSQuickGuide
The best grills can turn your backyard or deci< into anoutdoor i<itchen. Our tests show that you don't haye tospend a fortune for eyen heating, sturdy construction,and a raft of work-saying conyenlences.
What to look for• Burners made of high-quality stainless steel, cast iron,or cast brass, which typi-cally carry a 10-year or longerwarranty• Stainless-steel and cast-iron grates for sturdiness andrust-resistance (you'll need tooil uncoated cast grates)• A battery-powered elec-tronic igniter, usually easierand more reliable than push-button or rotary starters• Side burners to handle theveggies while the burgerscook; some can sear meat
What to skip• Buying by Btu, becausemore Btu/hr. doesn't guaran-tee faster preheating or bettersearing and cooking
What you'll payFigure on $300 to $500 fora grill that can handle mostof your cooking needs; someinclude stainless trim at that^rice. Several midsized grillsthat cost less than $500 out-cooked models that cost hun-dreds of dollars more.
For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/grííls
Shopping tipThe more stabletine grill, thebetter. Whenshopping, gentlypush the grilifrom severalangles to seeif it tips.
Scan this or see how, page 11
Brand & model
Simiiar madsls, in smalltype, are comparable totested model.
A LARGE miODELS
Prrce Overaii score Test resuits Features
^tiD OJ i/i c t/i tn
.E ë -Si S -S ÏÏ° •= DO t=i üb •=
F I G I V G I E
cu i_ a; cj oi ra
!•€ s; t; Ê S Voj cu Q. a» => t n ^
I"! 1 11•M 1
Q 1 Huntington Patriot658184
[7 ] 2 Jenn-Air 720-0709(Sam's Club)
0 . 3 Weber Summit E-670Q 4 Master Forge 3218LTN
[Item #6554] (Lowe's)
Q 5 Kenmore 1613616157.16156
© © © O
e © e o •e e e © ' •e e e e • *e e a o •
Page 17 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
G A S G R I L L S
Brand & model Pnce Overall score Testresuits Features
.s Simiiar modeis, in smallS type, are comrarable to
tested model.
A LARGE MODELS continued
a -i =J w s; rj Sj3-.S ä w Ij aj o. f" o
-;r ro
O 100
P I F 1 G IVGI E
6 Biue Ember BE65078-584(Home Oepot)
7 KitchenAid KFR5361TS5QKFRU361VSS
8 Brinitmann 810-1575-W(Waimart) 810-1575-0
9 Brinkmann 810 2575-F(Waimart)
B MEDiUM-SIZE MODELS
© © © O
© © © ©
© © © o
© © © o
[71 1 Vermont Castings Signa-ture Series VCS300SSPSignature Series VCS322SSP
g 2 Char-Broil Red 463250511(Home Oepot) El Gourmet IRU- 400Infrared 463250512 (Home oepot)
Q 3 Kenmore 16142 350
0 4 Weber Genesis E-330[ 7 ] S Cbar-Broii Red 463250811
(Home Oepot) El Gourmet TRU-infrared 463251012 (Home Oepot)
[ 7 ] 6 Weber Genesis S-330' — ' Genesis 5310
Q 7 Brinkmann 810-2545-W(Waimart)
[ 7 ] 8 Biue Ember BE50070-584(Home Depot)
Q 9 Aussie Vantage Series67C3
[7] 10 Kenmore 03982838(Kmart) 03982844 (Kmart)
0 11 Jenn-Air 72O-O336C(BJs)g 12 char-Broil Classic
463211512 (Home Oepot)[ 7 ] 13 Brinkmann Zone 5-in-l
810-2390-S (Home Oepot)[71 14 Weber Summit S-470— Summit E-470
[ 7 ] IS Jenn-Air 720-0720(Costco)B Discontinued
© ©© ©
© ©
© ©
© ©
© ©
© ©
© ©© ©
© 6
© ©
©O
©
O
©
©
©
©
©
©
©
©
9
O©
O
©
O
O
ooooooo
Page 18 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
70 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & modei
Similar models, in small;g œ type, are comparable to1 • tested model.
Price Overaii score Testresuits Features
empe
rat
erfo
rma
ess
p. ey
enn
ect c
ook ne
e
aj
1B
steel
gra ro
nite
s
m-à tly
stai
nlig
-war
raers
burn
ner
Side
bur
0 100
P I F I G I VGl E '
C PORTABLE OR SMALL MODELS
[7] 1 Napoieon TerraceSE325PK
Q 2 Char-Broii TRU-lnfraredProfessional 340 IR463269011
Q 3 Char-Broii Red Patio463250211 (Home Depot) 0Gourmet IRU-lnfrared 463250212(Home Depot)D Discontinued
e © o o
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©yeiy good OGood ©Fair ©Poor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. Ali are recommended.
[^ Recommended These are high-performing modeis that stand out.
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based on performance, convenience, and features. Lovi temperatureperformance combines ttie evenness of tieating over the grill's surface at the low settingand the model's ability to cook chicken and fish on the grill at that setting without burningthe food. Hlqh temp, evenness evaluates the evenness of heating over the griil's surfaceat the high setting. Indirect cooking indicates how well the griii slow cooks foods whenoniy some of the burners are on and food isn't directiy over flames. Convenience evaluatesconstruction and materiais, ease of use, accessory burners, and propensity for flare-up.Price is approximate retail.
Page 19 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 20 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
MICROWAVESQuickGuide
Most models did well with basic tasks like defrostingmeats, reheating leftovers, and making popcorn.Some offer convection, speed-cook, and a vastmenu of programs for preparing main meais.
What to look for• A sensor, which helps pre-vent over- or undercookingby measuring emitted steamto gauge when food is done• Convection, speed-cook,and grilling features if youwant to use your microwaveas a second oven—and arewilling to pay more
What to skip• A raft of prepregrammedshortcut keys if you're mostlydefrosting and popping corn
What you'll payCountertop models cost theleast (about $80 to $300) andare best for kitchens withlots of counter space. Mid-sized and large models addcapacity and features, withmidsized models selling themost overall. Over-the-rangemicrowaves ($300 to $900)save space but don't ventas well as well as a capablerange hood.
For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports,org/microwaves
Shopping tipSome brandsoverstate usablespace, so be sureto bring alonga large platterv hen you shop,to see if it fits.
Scan this or see how, page 11
Brands model I Price I Overall score I Test results
SifAiiar models,in snidll rype.arecoinpaialilelo tested motlel. . s >-• "
0 IOO
P I F I G I V G I E
.S !
A MIDSIZED COUNTERTOP MODELS
1 Kenmore 6633[9]
2 Kenmore 6325[2]69121)
3 Kenmore 6622 [Item#1345111] (Kmart) 105523784U (Kmarl)
B LARGE COUNTERTOP MODELS
0.8 1.2 1200
0.9 1.2 1200
0.6 1.1 1100
1 WhiripooiMT41555PI81
2 GE ProfileJES22515J[55L
© 0.9 1.5 1200
e 1-5 2.2 1200
Page 21 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
M I C R O W A V E S
Brand S modei Pnce Overaii score Test resuits
E
Similar modeis,insiralltvpe.are coinparableto tesîEd model.
g og -oat 2
° s, s.S! 1= s -.'S 5 »i
. P. S Eg iS °
0 100
p I F I G I V G l E
3 .1
B LARGE COUNTERTOP iUlODELS continuedWhiripool Gold6T4175SPIB1Panasonic InverterNNT945IS1FKenmore Elite791519]GE ProfilePEB2060DM1BB1
150
270
C OVER-THE RANGE MODELS[•] 1 Kenmore Elite
8852[2]0 2 LG LMHM2017I5W1[71 3 Kenmore Elite
8601(3][ 7 ] 4 Whiripooi
GH72O8XR10]M S Panasonic Genius
Prestige NN-5D297[SR]p ] 6 Kenmore Elite
8600[31[ • ] 7 GE Profile Advantiiim
P5A1201R[5S] ProfiieAdvantiiim PSA1200R[ 1
H 8 Kenmore 850419]
630
950
260
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair ©Poor
D CR Best Buy These modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. Aii are recommended.
l ^ Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 22 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
84 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainly on evenness of heating, ease of use, and auto-defrosting abil-ity. The displayed score is out of a totai of 100 points. Heating evenness refiects how evenlya model reheated a dish of cold mashed potatoes. Auto defrost is based on how well theautomatic-defrost program defrosted 1 pound of frozen ground chuck. Ease of use includeshow easy it is to set the microwave without referring to the instructions. MIcrowaving noisereflects how quiet the oven is while microwaving on high. Usable capacity (cu.ft.) is theusable space based on our measurements, and excludes the corner spaces for models withrotating turntables. Note that most over-the-range models allow you to turn the rotation offto fit large dishes (a few countertop models also offer that feature). With the rotation off.measured capacity approximates claimed. However, food may reguire extra tending and stir-ring. Price is approximate retail.
Most & Least Reliable
MiCROWAVES
0% 5% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Source; Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.
We found no meaningful differences among thebrands for which we had enough data to includein our chart. Although we lacked sufficient datato include KitchenAid, data we have indicates ithas been among the more repair-prone brands.That's what we found when we asked more than14,000 readers who bought an over-the-rangemicrowave oven between 2007 and 2011. Thegraph shows the percentage of brands thatneeded repair or had a serious problem. We'veadjusted the data to eliminate differences linkedsolely to product age. Models within a brand mayvary, and design or manufacture changes mayaffect future reliability. Still, choosing a brandwith a good repair history can improve yourodds of getting a reliable model.
Page 23 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 24 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
R A N G E S 99
QuickGuide RANGES
You'll find a smorgasbord of choices that outcook pro-styleranges. Still want to go pro? We've got several money-saving options.
What to iook for• On electric and gas ranges,at least one high-heat elementor burner to heat large quan-tities of food quickly• Dual ovens if you want tocook two meals at once• Induction, which uses amagnetic field to heat morequickly and efficiently. Pricesare dropping, though you'llneed magnetic cookware• At least five oven-rack posi-tions for flexibility
What to skip• Dual-fuel models, whichblend a gas cooktop withan electric oven but haven'tperformed better overall inour tests
What you'ii payAbout $400 to $600 for coil;$700 to $1,700 for smoothtop;$1,700 to $2,700 for induc-tion; $600 to $2,000 for gas;$3,000-plus for pro-style.For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports,org/ranges
Shopping tip! Many midpriced; models include a' convection oven,
which can reducecooking time,especially forlarge roasts.
Scan this or see how. page 11
Brands modei Price Overall score Testresuits
g g" ë" .$ ë' Elements
QJ O •—£ iO
0 100P I F I G I V G l E
A 30-liVCH SMOOTHTOP MODELS
Kenmore 92163
GECafe
CS980SNÍSS1
GE PB920ST5S
Kenmore 92803
MavtagMET8885X1S]
6 EiectroiuxEW30EF65G[W]
7 GEJB6500TWW
8 IGLDE3015ST
9 LG LRE3O125T Page 25 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
100 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand S model Price Overall score Testresuits
sEo
0 100 I 4p I F I G IVGl E
A 30-INCH SMOOTHTOP MODELS continued10 LG LSE3O925T
11 Samsung
FE-R300SB
,12 GEJSP42DN[WW]
13 GE 1SP46DN[WW]
14 LGLRE30453ISBJ
15 KitchenAidArchitect Series IIKERS507XSS
16 ElectroluxEW3OES65G[W1
17 MaytagMER8770W[W]
18 WhiripoolWFE371LVB
19 IG LRE30955[ST]
20 Kenmore 98053
21 Frigidaire Profes-sional FPEF3081MF
22 Frigidaire Gallery
FGEF3031K1W]
2Î GE JB850DTWW
24 Kenmore 92603
25 Frigidaire GalleryFGEF3O32MF
26 SamsungFE710DRS
27 GE PB975STSS
28 KitchenAidArchitect SeriesKERS807S1SS]
29 WhirlpoolGGE388LX[Q1
30 Jenn-AirJER8885RA[S1
© ©
© ©© ©© ©
© ©
© ©
© ©
a ©o©©©
a ©
© ©© ©
© ©
© aa a
© ©
a ©
aaa©
a
a
a
aôa©
©
oaoo
aa
a
oo
aoa©©
o
a
o©
ao©
©
o©
©
©
©
o
a
o
©©
aa©
©
o
©
©
©
©
©
©
©©
a©
©
o
©
©
©
oo©©
o
o©
oaaa
o©©
a©
©
a
o
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
0
0
2
2
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
2 •
2
1
1 •
2 •
2 •
2 •
2 •
2
1 •
2 •
1 •
2
2
2
2 •
2 •
1 •
0 •
2
2 •
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair •Poor
D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
l ^ Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 26 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
R A N G E S 101
Brand «model Pnce Overallscore Testresults
^ DJO OD > - ODJ O E E ~ E
• l l f l l\ ^ " - ' LJ IJ
100I F I G IVGl £
Elements
I I - • S e "
A 30-INCH SMOOTHTOP MODELS continued31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
4041
42
43
44
45
4647
SamsungFT0353IWUXMaytagMER7765W1W1
LGLDE3017ST
WhirlpoolGFE461LV[Q1Whirlpool GoldGY399LXU101SamsungFTQ387LWGXFrigidaireFGEF3O4DK[W1WhiripoolWFE72OHOASKitchenAidKER52O6XWH
GE PB9755M1S51
WhirlpoolWFE51O5OAWMaytagMER8674ASWhirlpoolWFE361LV[Q1FrigidaireFGEF306TMAmanaAER583OVAB
Kenmore 91312
MaytagMER8880A5
850
450
1.300
B 30-INCH COIL MODELS
O © © © ©
© © O © O
©o©©©
©©©©o
©o © o ©
o © © © e
© o © © ©
© © o © «
o o © © ©
© o o © ©
©©© ©©
© o o © •
© a © © ©
© © © © ©
© © © © ©o o © o NA
o © o © »
2 o 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
1 2 1
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
1 1 2
1 2 1
GE1BP35SM[S51
HotpointRB757DPIWH]AmanaAER5523XAWWhiripoolRF263LXTÍQ1 400
Page 27 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
102 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brands model Price I Overall score Testresults
• .$ = Elements .§ = ^ ~ '^M
II lllO 100
S ¿ É
p I F I G I V G l E
B 30-INCH COIL MODELS continued
S s
5 Kenmore 90313
6 Kenmore 901127 Whirlpool
WFC34050AW
C 30-INCH INDUCTION MODELS
© © O © © © 2 0 2
O O O © O N A 2 0 2
a © a « a a 2 0 2
1 GE ProfilePHB9255P[551
2 Kenmore Elite97203
3 SamsungFT0307NWGX
4 ElectroluxEW30I565JS
5 MaytagMIR8890AS
2,400
2.500
1,800
3,200
- 1,800
D 30-INCH GAS AND DUAL-FUEL MODELS1 GE Profile
PGB9105EMISS1
2 LG LRG3O97[ST1
3 LGLRG309515T1
4 Frigidaire GalleryFGGF3O32MW
5 KitchenAidKOR55O5X1SS1(dual-fuel)
6 LG LRG3091SW
7 ElectroluxEW30GF65GIW1
8 MaytagMGR8772W[W1
9 GEJGB523SETSS
10 Frigidaire GalleryFGGF3O31K[Wj
a O a O 1 2 2
a a © O 2 2 1 •
a a © o -2 2 1 •
© o © o 2 2 1 •
2,000
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair ©Poor
Q CR Best Btiy These models offer the best corhbination of performance and price. All are recommended.
blJ Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 28 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
R A N G E S 103
Brands modei Pnce Overaii score Test resuits
g .& g Elements .g 5 fc .= •5 .sd
=?• S- 5 tt o .g .E
0 100p I F I G I V G i E
D 30-INCH GAS AND DUAL-FUEL MODELS continued
U MaytagMGR7665W1B1
12 Whiripooi GoldGW399LXU101
13 FrigidaireFGF368G[Sj
14 SamsungFX710BGS
15 GEJGB600SETSS16 Frigidaire
FGF382HIS117 GECafe
CGS980SEM1SS]18 Maytag
MGR76611WW]19 GE Cafe
C2S98OSEM[SS1(dual-fuel)
20 GE1GB870SETSS21 GECafe
CGS985SETSS22 Jenn-Air
J0S8860BOIP1(dual-fuel)
23 GEJGBP28OEMIBB124 Frigidaire Gallery
FGGF3054K[Wj25 Amana
AGR6011VDS26 GEJGB800SEPSS
27 GEJGB296SETSS28 Eiectroiux
EW3OGS65G[W129 Kenmore 7270330 KitchenAid
KGRS206XWH
31 GE JGB281SERSS
32 GE PGS975SEM1SS] 2.100
33 Kenmore 78013 1,800
Page 29 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
104 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand S model Price Overaii score Testresuits
0 100
p I F I G i V G l E -.,
30-INCH GAS AND DUAL-FUEL MODELS continued
op 3 g
•1 S
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Jenn-Air
JGR889OAD[PI
IG LOG3O155T
GECafeCGS990SET5SWhirlpoolGGG388tX[0]Whirlpool
WFG510S0AS
Kenmore 72313
Whirlpool
WFG52OSOAS
Kenmore 72903
Kenmore 72503
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
Frigidaire Professional FPG3081KFGECafeC259855ETSSDual-fuelHotpointRGB7900ERWWWhiripooiWFG361Ly[Q]MaytagMGR8880ASMaytagMGR8674AS
Kenmore 70602
MaytagMGT8885X[S1
Kenmore 70502
KitciienAidArchitect SeriesKGR58075[55]
700
1.000
2.700
1.700
oeoo©eo e o o © ©e©o©©©o ©o©©oOO © ©e ee o e © e eo o © © e ee o e © o eooe ©eeo o e © e e 2 2 1
e© © oe © 2 2 1
2 2 0
0 2 1
2 2 1
1 2 1
1 2 1
2 2 1
2 1 1
2 2 1
o e o © e ©
o ee ©e o
00 e © e •o o e © e •© e e e o NAo © e • © oo © e e o NA
o • e e o o
1 2 1
1 2 1
2 2 1
2 2 1
1 3 1
1 2 2
1 3 0
2 0 2
E 30-INCH PROFESSIONAL MODELS: GAS AND DUAL-FUEL
KitchenAid KDRS-407V5S (dual-fuei)WOlfOF304Puai-fuel
5,200
e © eo O eoeeeo©
3 o l
3 i o
Page 30 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
R A N G E S
Brand&model Pnce Overallscore Testresuits
• a g £ • £ . $ £ Elements
• 11 I I I I IS- Í3 m
100F I G IVGl E
E 30-INCH PROFESSIONAL MODELS: GAS AND DUAL-FUEL continued
GE MonogramZGP304NRSSKenmore Pro7952[3! (dual-fuel)
$5,000
3,400
J Thermador Profes- r^nnsional PG304B1S] ^'""^
6 Jenn-Air , „„„1GRP430WP ''•''""
7 DCSRGU-305 3,700
8 DCS RGTC3O5SS9 Dacor Epicure
ER30GSCH10 Viking VDSC530[SS!
(dual-fuel)U Dacor Epicure
ER30D (dual-fuel)12 Viking
VGSC5304BSS13 WolfR30414 Fisher & Paykel
0R30SN0GXI15 American Range
ARR30416 Blue Star
RNB304BSS17 Bertazzoni A30
4GGV XE
4,700 EMM
3,600 EH
5,300 BH
5,000 EM
4,000 EQB
3,700 Eau
3,600 ÜM
3,700 im
2,400 EM
F 36-INCH PROFESSIONAL MODELS
I O © a O © O 1 3 0
I © © © a a a 1 3 I
I a © o © © o 4 0 0
o © © © o a 3 0 1
O © O a O N A 5 0 0© © © © © © 5 0 0
O © O O O N A 3 1 0
o a o a a o 4 o o
o © o o o © 3 1 0
a © © a © © 4 0 0
a © o o a N A 4 0 0
a © a « © N A i 4 0
a » o © a N A 3 1 0
a • a • a NA 3 î o
o • © o © NA 1 1 2
GAS AND DUAL-FUELKitchenAidKDRU763V1SS1(dual-fuel)GE MonogramZDP364NDP1SS1(dual-fuel)Thermador ProGrand PG366B[S1Viking VGSC536-4G 7,200Kenmore Pro7962131 (dual-fuel)
6,000
7,500
6,000'
3 0 1 »
o © a o a a 4 o o •
© © a o a o 6 o o •
a © a a o © 4 o o •
Page 31 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
106 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Guide to the RatingsOverall score reflects cooktop performance, oven capacity, baking, broiling, and oven cleaning.The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Cooktop high is how quickly the highest-powered element heated water to near-boii. Cooktop low is how well the lowest-poweredelement melted and held chocolate without scorching and how well the most powerful element,set on low, held tomato sauce below a boil. Bakinq reflects even browning of cakes and cookiesIn multi-rack baking tests. Broilinq is even browning of a pan of burgers and high-heat searing.Oven capacity is our evaluation of usable space. Oven cleaning is the self-cleaning cycle's effec-tiveness after the oven is coated with a mixture of eggs, cheese, pie filling, and other ingredients.Price Is approximate retail.
Most & Least Reliable
GAS/DUAL-FUEL RANGES
Hotpoint
GE
Frigidaire
Kenmore
Whirlpool
MaytagKitchenAid
GE
0%
Hotpoint
GE
Whirlpool
Frigidaire
Kenmore
Maytag
KitchenAid
Jenn-Air
30%
ELECTRIC RANGES
5% 10% 20% 25% 30%
Hotpoint and General Electric were among theleast repair-prone electric-range brands; Kitchen-Aid ahd Jenn-Air were the most repair-prohe.KitchenAid was also the most repair-prone forgas ranges. We lacked enough data to includeKenmore dual-fuei and Jenn-Air gas and dual-fuelranges; data we have indicate Kenmore dual-fuelmodels have been reliable and Jenn-Air gas anddual-fuel repair-prone. That's what we foundwhen we asked over 76,000 readers who boughtan electric range between 2005 and 2011, or a gasor dual-fuel range between 2005 and the first halfof 2011, about their experiences. The graphs showthe percentage of models for each brand thatwere repaired or had a serious problem. Differ-ences ofless thah 3 points aren't meaningful, anddata are adjusted to eliminate differences linkedsolely to age. Models within a brand may vary,and changes in design or manufacture mayaffect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand witha good repair history cah improve your odds ofgetting a reliable model.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.
Page 32 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 33 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
R E F R I G E R A T O R S 107
QuickGuide REFRIGERATORS
Sluggish sales have manufacturers working harder for your business,with temperature-controlled drawers, internal water dispensers, andother once-premium features on more and more mainstream models.
Shopping tipEnergy Starrefrigeratorsmust be at least20 percent moreefficient thanthe minimumreguired byfederal standards.
Scan this or see how, page 11
Brand & model
What to look for• Print-resistant stainless steelor faux-stainless finishes forbusy kitchens (also considerclassic white or black)• Temperature-controlleddrawers to keep meat, fish,cold cuts, and other foods atlower temperatures• Split shelves to make spacefor taller items as needed• Adjustable door bins andshelves, to make the most ofavailable storage space
What to skip• Automatic icemakers. Sure,they're convenient—and an
integral part of through-the-door dispensers. But thatluxury comes at a cost: Ourannual reliability surveyshave long shown that refrig-erators with icemakers tendto be more repair-prone
What you'll payCapable top-freezer fridgesstart at well under $1,000.Figure on $1,000 to $2,200for most bottom-freezer andside-by-side models, $2,500to $3,500 for cabinet-depth.
For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/refrigerators
Price Overall score Test results
: Similar models, in small type,: are comparable to tested model.
A TOP FREEZERS
QJ + ^ -
0 IOOP I F I G I V G l E
so
go
.SP -a o.
.O O O
1 GE Profile PTS22LHS[WW1Profile PTS22SH5tl $1,400
0 2 Kenmore 793012] 1,100
0 3 Whirlpool WRT771REY[W1 1,100
Q 4 Frigidaire Gallery FGUI2149L1P1 850
5 GEGTH18KBX[WWH3GTHI8IBX[1 1,000
0 6 LG LTC2235OISS] 1,000
Q 7 Frigidaire Gallery fGHT2l44K[F] ,„„• " Gallery FGHT2134KI1. Gallery FGHT2146KI1 °^"
D Discontinued
© i
© ' <
e ie í© <e (e í
9 oi ©i ©i oi oi oi o
ooooe«e
64
56
54
47
60
55
57
17.1
15.1
17.8
16.4
15.3
173
16.7
68
68
66
70
67
68
70
33
33
33
30
30
33
30
32
33
34
32
32
33
33
Page 34 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
108 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand S model
g -g simiiar modeis, in small type,S S are comparable to lesled model.
A TOP FREEZERS continued
Price Overaii score Test resuits
0
p 1 F 1 G
100
IVGl E-.
mpe
rfori
1— Q SS
5 fe S Siîlt
.a .s .2
8
910.
1112
13
1415
16
17
18
19
20
2122
23
24
2526
27
28
29
Frigidaire LFHT2117L[W)(Lowe 's ) FFHT2117LIWÍ, FFHT2126U1,FFHT2116LI1
Maytag MlTXEGMYIW]
Frigidaire Gallery FGHT1844K[FJGallery FCHT1S46K11, Gailery FGHT1834K[ 1
Kenmore 7215[216215[]
Frigidaire LFHT1817LIW](Lowe 's ) FFHT1826LI1. FFHT1817LI1.FFHTI816Lll,FFHT1814m
LGLTC19340[SW]
Amana A9RXf4GFY[SI
Frigidaire ProfessionalFPLII1888L1F1 Gaiiery FGUI1849L[1
HaierPRTS2lSAC(WI
Amana A2RXNMFW[WJ
Kenmare7888[2] 6888(1
lkeaEnergisl<B18W
Whir lpool W2RXNMMW[Q]
GEGTH17JBX[WW]
Whir ipooi WRT579SMylMlWRT3L9SZYI1 (Lowe's). WRT359SFy[ 1
GEGTH18XCTIWW1
Whir ipooi WRT779RWY[M]
Hotpoint HTH18GBC[WW]
Frigidaire FRT18L4J[W1 (Lowe's)FFTRI817L[l,FnR1814L(l
Hotpoint HTS18GCSIWW]
Whiripool WRT138TFY[W]
Whirlpool W8RXEGMW(QJ
$ 700
770
750
940
600
700
950
O J U
550
850
545
500
810
550
1,050
550
1,000
700
520
550
680
720
a © 55 17.1 69 30 34
aaa
a
aa©
aa© '
oooooooé
ooo
©
a©
©
©
a©
aaa©
a©
©
©
©
©
oo©
©
o © 59
O © 55
O © 63
O • 47
© © 55
O © 62
O © 52
O © 60
O © 72
O • 63
O O 52
O © 65
a • 41
O © 55
O O 46
© O 49
O © 39
© • 68
© • 62
© © 51
© © 58
16.7
14.7
176
15.4
15.2
15.3
14
15.3
17.8
15.5
13.7
17.1
13
15.2
14
15.5
14.5
15.4
13.7
15.1
13.7
66
67
66
66
65
66
67
67
67
65
69
67
65
66
68
66
68
66
68
67
69
33
30
33
30
30
30
30
32
33
30
28
33
28
30
28
30
28
30
28
30
28
31
32
32
32
33
33
31
32
31
32
32
33
30
33
31
34
31
32
30
32
30
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair •Poor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. Aii are recommended.
Lîd Recommended These are high-performing modeis that stand out.
Page 35 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
R E F R I G E R A T O R S 109
Brand & model Price Overall score Testresuits
i Similar models, in small type,' ,!:,:• comparable to tested model.
O» ^ î OJ •—•
I 0 100
P I F i G I V G l E
» .e?
a .a .2 .s33 >< t<
A TOP FREEZERS continued
30 Hotpoint HTH17CBC1WW] $ 550
î l Whirlpool WRT771RWY[W1 940
32 GE GTH20JBB[VI/W| 810
33 Frigidaire FFTR2126L1W1 720
34 Wiiiripooi WRT311SFY[W] 720
35 Maytag M9BXXGMY[W1 800
36 Estate T8TXNGFVK1Q1 rj^T8TXNWrW|].T8RXNGFWll • ' ° "
37 Maytag M1BXXGMY[M] 950
38 Maytag M8RXEGMX[W] 700
39 Amana A8RXNGMW[E] 650 E 9 i
40 GEGTH21KCX[WW1GTH21KBX( | 900 JM
B CONVENTIONAL BOTTOM-FREEZER MODELS
© e o 50
© o © 42
o o © 85
O O © 83
© O © 45
e O • 57
© O © 52
O O © 66
e O © 54
© o © 55
13.2 65
17.8 66
14.1 67
171 69
16.9 67
15.8 66
13.4 68
17.7 66
13.6 68
13.4 69
16.6 67'
28 30
33 34
30 33
30 34
33 33
30 34
28 30
30 33
68 31
28 31
33 31
Whirlpool Goid GB2FHDXW(01
Amana ABB2221WE[W] •2 2 2 [ |
Maytag MBF2258XEÍW]
MBL2258XE11. MBR2258XEI1
Maytag MBF1958XE[W]
LGLDC227201SW1
Amana ABB1921WE(W]
Whirlpool EB9SHKXVÍQ]
Kenmore 7620121
Kenmore 7809(21
4
5
6
7
8
910 GEGBSCOHBXIWW]
GBSCOHCX[ ], GOSCOKCX[ ]. GDSLOKCX[ 1U Fisher S Payicei RF17SWCRUX1
Rri75WDRXl. RF175WD»UX1. Rri75WCRXl
12 HaierHBQ181AD[W]
13 BlombergBRFBl450
El Discontinued
@ ©
© O
© O
e Oe eo ee oe oo oe o© e© ©• e
© 52
© 56
© 52
© 50
© 61
O 69
© 56
O 68
O 64
• 59
O 65
© 98
• 79
15.4 70
16.4 70
15.4 70
12.8 67
15.8 69
13.2 68
13.6 67
15.4 69
13.3 68
14.7 68
12.4 69
14.9 66
11.1 76
33 31
33 32
33 31
30 31
33 33
30 31
30 31
33 32
30 32
30 33
33 28
30 32
28 25
Page 36 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
110 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand S model Price Overallscore Testresuits
•SS
; Similar models, in small type.: are comparable to tested model.
0 100
P I F I G I V G l E
C FRENCH-DOOR BOTTOM-FREEZER MODELS
[ ^ 1 LG LFX289911ST]
Q 2 Kenmore 716013]Q 3 Whirlpool Gold GX5FHTXV[Q]• • GoldGX5FHDXV|l[7} 4 Samsung RFG298HDIR5]
(Lowe's)
Q 5 LG LFC257761SW]
0 6 Kenmore Elite 71O6[2]7 GE Adora DFS59VKB[S5] (Home
D e p o t ) Adora 0FSF9VKBI1 (Home Depot)
0 8 LG LFX28979[5T]0 9 LG LFX31925[5T] , . .
0 10 Kenmore Elite 71O3I2]Q U Samsung RF266AE[WP]• • RF263AEI1
B 12 Kenmore 720112]
0 13 LGLFC25765IST]
0 14 LG LFX2897815W]
0 15 LGLFX25991IST]
0 16 Kenmore Elite 720513]
0 17 LG LFX259761SW]
0 18 Amana AFI2538AE1W]
19 Kenmore Elite 7206Í3]20 Frigidaire Gallery FGHB2878L1P]
Gallery FGHB2869LI1, ProfessionalFPHB28991I I. Gallery FGHB2844L1 ] ,Gallery FGHB2846LI1
21 Samsung RF4267HA[WP]22 Frigidaire Gallery FGHN2844LIP]
Professional FPHN28991II
23 LGLFX219761ST]
24 Kenmore 720313]
16.1 70 33 34
19 70 36 34
13.5 70 36 28
16.6 69 36 32
Page 37 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
R E F R I G E R A T O R S 111
Brands model Price Overall score Test results
: Simiiar models, in small type.: are comparable to tested model.
QJ -«-í
E
0 100
P I F i G I V G l E
^ 3 £ £ £
gs '" M. .2 .0 2I s s ffi s
C FRENCH-DOOR BOTTOM-FREEZER MODELS continued25 Frigidaire Gallery
FGUB2642t[P]26 Frigidaire Professional
FPHG2399M1F]
27 Amana AFD2535DE[W]
28 Whirlpool Gold GZ25FSRXY[yl
29 5amsungRF267AE[WP]
30 Samsung RF4287HA[RS]
31 LGLFX25974[5T]
32 Kenmore 72OO[2]
33 Samsung RF217AC[WP]
34 Jenn-Air 1FC229OV[EP1
35 MaYtagMFI2670XE[M]
36 Electrolux EI23BC56[IW]
EW23BC71II]
37 Kenmore Elite 710712]
38 Whirlpool Gold GI6F0RXXI01Gold GI65DRXX[1 (Lowe's)
39 Maytag MFX2571XE[W1
40 KitchenAid KFIS27CX[WH]
41 KitchenAid KFXS25RV[MS1
42 GEGF556KKy[S5lGFSF6KKVIl
43 Maytag MFF2258VE1W]44 GE Protile PFSF5NFY1WW1 Q
Profile PFSF5NFZ11. Profile PFSS5NFZ( ]
45 LGLMX25988ÍSW]
• Discontinued
© ©
© a
© O
© ©
© ©
© ©
a ©© oo ©a ©a oo ©o ©© e© a© a© oo ©a oe ao ©
O 60
O 54
© 60
O 56
O 75
O 88
O 75
O 61
© 68
O 57
O 67
O 72
O 83
O 70
O M
O 66
O 60
O 78
© 63
O 68
a 82
17.7 70
15.5 70
17.5 70
17 69
16.4 70
18.2 70
16.2 69
14.6 70
14.9 70
13.6 72
15.5 70
14.8 70
16.7 70
15.5 70
16.2 70
15.1 70
16.2 70
16.4 71
14.5 71
15.7 71
15.4 70
36 33
36 29
36 32
36 34
36 34
36 34
36 33
33 32
32 30
36 28
36 33
36 29
36 33
36 33
36 33
36 33
36 33
36 33
33 32
36 33
33 34
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair ©Poor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
E Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 38 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
112 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
mo "í
men
dati Ra
Reco
m
c46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
Brand & model 1
similar models, in sfnall type,are comparable to tested model.
Price 1 Overall score 1 Test results
OJ OJ
mpera
tiirf
orm
an
0 • 100 "^
P 1 F 1 G l V G l £
FRENCH-DOOR BOTTOM-FREEZER MODELS continued
Whiripooi Gold GI6FARXXIQ]
Maytag MFI2665XEIW]
Eiectroiux EI27BS26JIW]
KitchenAid KBFS22EWIWH]
Samsung RF197AC[WP]
Bosch B26FT70SN1S]
Whir ipooi Gold GlOFSAXvm
GE Profile PFSS5RKZ[5S]Profiie PFSF5RKZ[ 1. Cafe CFSP5RKBISS1
Frigidaire Gallery FGUN2642UP1
GEGFSF2HCy[WWlGFSS2HCV|)
Maytag MFI2269VE[W]
Whir lpool Gold GX2FH0XV[QJGold GX2SHDXVI1 (Lowe's)
Eiectroiux EI27B316J[W]
LG IMX28988[5T]
DCS RF195AUUX1RF195ADUXI
Kenmore 713013]
HaierHB21FC45N5
Vii(ing00FF1360[SSlI3ProfessionaiVCFFB6DllFrigidaire ProfessionalFPHF2399M[F]Samsung RFG237AA[WP]RFG238AA(r(Lowe's)
GE Profile PGSS5RKZ1SS]
Fisher &Payi(eiRF20lADUX
GE Profile PFCSIRKZISS]Profile PFCFIRKZII
GE Profile PFSF6PKX1WW]
GE Profile PGCS1RKZ[S5]
$1.900
1,650
2,200
1,600
1,250
2.550
2,650
2.600
1,500
1,200
1,800
1,300
2,100
3,000
3,000
1,700
1,900
3.700
2.800
2,500
2,400
2,500
2,700
2,200
2,600
Q^^^H ©
m^^m @I^BBIB ©B^^^BI ©EMMM @JSMÊ^^Ê ©
JS^^^^M ©
E^^m ©^ ^ ^ ©
Q^^BH ©EEB^H ©
immm @IS^BB ©I ^^^B ©B ^ ^ ©B H H I ©^ ^ ^ ©
S^^M ©
n^ ©Em ©Em 9Em eESBI ©
EM ©
icy1
effic
ien
Ene
rgy
©
a©
©
oooo©
©
9
o0eo©
o9
9
•
•
•
•
•
0
a j
' 5
oo©
o©
©
©
©
©
ooo©
©
©
©
9
O
©
©
©
©
©
"oQJ
S
O
ooo©
oooo0
ooooo9
O
oo©
ooo©
o
cost
/yr.
Ene
rgy
68
69
75
64
69
84
60
81
72
57
73
72
86
92
59
66
70
65
81
98
103
74
88
111
104
otai
usa
i:it
v (c
u. 1
d .TOLJ
15.5
15.5
177
177
13.4
16.4
12.2
15.5
19.7
15.2
12.8
13.8
19.2
16.6
12.5
15.6
14.5
11.7
14.3
14.9
14.6
13.3
12
16.6
11.3
n.)he
ight
(iE
xter
ior
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
71
70
70
70
69
68
70
69
70
70
70
71
70
70
70
wid
th (
iE
xter
ior
36
36
36
33
32
36
36
36
36
33
33
33
36
36
36
33
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
dept
h (
iE
xter
ior
33
33
33
32
28
33
29
32
34
33
32
32
33
33
28
33
28
28
29
28
32
28
28
33
28
DI Discontinued
Page 39 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
R E F R I G E R A T O R S 113
Brands model Price lOveraiiscore I Test resuits
-ë simiiar models, in small type,S. are cuiTiparable to tester! model.
D SIDE BY SIDE MODELS
Q> QJ > - QJ QJ ^ - " ^ QJ '
^3 #— I— - ^ —1 — ' JCI C
II100
F I G I V G l E
äs -2 .2 .2Ä QJ QJ
5 s Í1
Q 1 Samsung RS265TD1WP]• • RS2637DI1.RS267TD[1
0 2 KitchenAid KSF26C6X[YY]M 3 Bosch Linea 800 B22CS80SN(S]' — ' B22CS5OSN[1
0 4 OCSRX215PJX1
0 5 Kenmore Elite 5118(3]
Q 6 Maytag MSD2559XE(W]B ^ Frigidaire Gallery FGUS2676LIP]• • Gaiiery FGUS2635LI ], Gaiiery FGUS2632LI ).
Gaiiery FGIJS2637LÍ ]. Gaiiery FGUS2647111.Gaiiery FGUS2645LI1. Gaiiery FGUS2642LI1
8 GEGSH22JFX[WW]GSH22JSX[1
9 GE Cafe CSHS6UGZ(SS]
10 Fisher fiPaykeiRX2l60raV2RX216CT4)(V2
U Eiectroiux EI26SS30J(W]12 KitchenAid KSC24C8E[yY]
KS024C8EI113 Samsung RSG309AA[RS]
RSG3O7AA|T14 Viking Professional
VCSF136O(SS]
15 GE Profile PS0F5YGX[WW]
16 Kenmore Elite 410013]
17 lkeaNUTIDS25WIO5HHEXW(S]
18 GE Profile PSHF6PGZ[WW]19 GEGSHF9NGY(WW]
DSHF9NGy| 1. DSHS9NGy[ 1. GSHS9NGyl 1
20 Whiripooi Gold GSS26C4XX(W]6ld6SS26C5XXlllL-)
73 18.1 70 36 34
O a 75 18.6 69 36 34
a a © a 75 14.6 69 36 28
O O 62 15.8 70 36 28
a 72 21.2 69 36 35
a a a o 67 15.9 70 36 33
Ratings Key ©Excellent aVerygood OGood ©Fair »Poor
D CR Best Buy Tiiese models offer the best combination of performance and price. Ail are recommended.
l id Recommended These are higii-performing modeis that stand out.
Page 40 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
114 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model
I •£ Similar models, in smali type,'ra S are comparabie to tested model.
Price Overall score Testresuits
I F I G I V G l Es s s I s1 ¿3 S S
D SIDE BY SIDE MODELS continued
21 Whiripooi Gold GS530C6EYIY]
22 Kenmore 51O1[2] ID 5IO2II
23 Whiripooi Gold GSF26C4EX[W]
24 Frigidaire FFUS26l3t[P)
25 Jenn-Air 1CB2585WES
26 Hotpoint HSH25GFB[WW1
27 Frigidaire Gallery FGH52367K[P]Gallery rGHS2342L[ 1. Gallery FGHS2334KI ].Gallery rGHS2365K| 1. Gallery rGHS2344K| 1.Gallery FGHS2369K11. Gallery FGHS2355K[ 1
28 Eiectroiux EI26S555G[W]
29 GEGSHF6PGY[WWlGSHS6PGyll
30 Jenn-Air JCO2595WE[S]
31 GEGSHF6NGB[WW]GSHS6NGB|SS1
32 Kenmore Eiite 51O8[2]DElite 5107(1
33 Hotpoint HSS25GFT[WWJ
34 Maytag MSD2578VEIW]MSD2574VE(1.MSD2576VE[]
35 LGLSC2793515T1
36 Amana A5D2524VE[W1
37 IG LSC23924[SW]
38 Whirlpool WSF26C2EX1W]
39 Whirlpool ED5KVEXVIQ]
4 0 Amana ASD2522WR[W]
41 GE Profile PSHF9PGZ[WW]
42 GEG5CS3KGYISS1
43 LG LSC2497U5T]
44 5amsung RS261MD[WP]45 Whiripooi ED5DHEXWIQI
ED5LDEXWn (Lowe's)ID Discontinued
1.250
o © o a 81 21.3 69 36 34a © a O 79 16.3 70 36 33a a O O 79 18.8 69 36 33a a o o 35 17.9 70 36 33O a O O 63 16 72 72 28a a O O 74 16.8 69 36 33
a o o o 31 14 70 33 33
O OO ao ao ao ao o© ©
o ao eo ea ©o ao ©o ©a ©© a© ©
o a
a a 90o a 78a o 63o a 81
a o 76
a © 86
a a 99
a o 74
o a 79a o 70o a 99o © 75o o 75o o 73O O 84© a 62a a 71o o 74
16 70
16.2 71
14.7 73
16.6 70
18 70
16.4 70
14.5 7!
17.6. 69
15.6 70
14.9 67
17.4 69
15.3 70
15.6 70
17.5 70
12.9 70
14.8 70
18.2 70
15.2 70
36 33
36 33
36 28
36 33
36 33
36 32
36 32
36 34
36 31
33 32
69 33
36 31
36 31
36 34
36 28
36 29
36 34
36 31
Page 41 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
R E F R I G E R A T O R S 115
Brand S model Pnce Overallscore Testresuits
latio
n
Rank
iai
°^D46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
Similar modeis, in small type,are comparable to tested model.
0P 1 F
SIDE BY SIDE MODELS continued
Whiripool W5R25O2RY1W]
Whiripooi WSF26D4EX[W]
Electrolux EW265570l[W]EW26SS65GI1
Kenmore Elite 5114[3]
Kenmore Cold Spot 511012]
frigidaire Gallery FGHS2669K1F1Gallery FGHS2665K[ 1, Gallery FGHS2667K[ 1.
Gallery FGHS2679K[1
Whirlpool Gold GSC25C4EY[Y]
Electrolux EW23CS65G[W]
Samsung RSG257AAIWP]
$1,000 E S H
1,200 W^
2,000 E S ^
2,100 E S B
1,000 B ^ H
1,500 B ^
2,100 E Ü ^
2,400 E Ü ^
2,000 O B
'atu
rena
nce
mpe
írfo
rr
cu oj
100G IVGl E -JM
1 9O
9
9
9
9
9
9
©
1;"oí
i S
eeoee
oo9
•
Noise
eoeeo
ooo©
of us
e
%
O
O
eeo
oeee
cost
/
iS
73
91
88
70
78
88
84
76
100
isable
:u.ft
.)
s i
2
15.3
175
17
16.8
15.2
16.8
17
14.5
13.7
It (in
.)
• s
oa3
.g
69
69
70
69
70
70
69
70
70
11 (in
.)
f
ior
3LLJ
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
h (in
.)de
ptior
31
33
34
29
31
33
30
28
28
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fair ©Poor
Q CR Best Buy These modeis offer tiie best oombination of performance and price. Aii are recommended.
Lîd Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based primarily on temperature performance and energy efficiency. Noiseand ease of use are also considered. Temperature performance denotes performance atdifferent room temperatures, including high heat, and how uniformly each maintained37° F in the refrigerator and 0° F in the freezer. Energy efficiency is energy consumptionas observed in the energy test we perform in-house at the aforementioned temperatures of37° F in the refrigerator and 0° F in the freezer and measured cubic feet. Noise is with com-pressors running. Ease of use assesses features and design including layout, controls, andlighting. Energy cost/yr. ($) is the estimated cost in dollars, based on the current year'saverage national electricity rate. Your cost will vary depending on the rate for eiectricity inyour area. Total usable capacity (cu.ft.) is our measurement of total usable interior space.Exterior height, width, and depth are without handle, rounded up to the nearest inch{37-inch-wide freestanding models fit in 36-inch openings). Under brand & model, bracketedletters or numbers are color codes. Price is approximate retaii.
Page 42 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
116 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Most & Least Reiiabie
TOP-FREEZERS
Whirlpool
Frigidaire
Kenmore
GE
Frigidaire
Whirlpool
GE
Kenmore
5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
ICEMAKER
NOICEMAKER
BOTTOiVI-FREEZERS
Whirlpool
KitchenAid
Fewer ^ ^ Morerepairs ^ ' repairs
^ttE 1•H^nn
Kenmore • • • • • J SSamsung B I B I É Ë
LGEESQ]
''^IÊÊÊIÊIÊÊÊÊÊÊIÊEKenmore
Amana
GE
g
12
16
0% 5% 15% 20% 25% 30%
I ICEMAKERNO ICEMAKER
Whirlpool was among the more reliablebrands of bottom-freezers with icemakers.GE was among the more repair-pronebrands of top-freezers and bottom-freezerswith icemakers, while LG has been amongthe more repair-prone brands of side-by-sides with icemakers. That's what we foundwhen we asked nearly 61,000 readers whobought a refrigerator between 2007 and2011. The graphs show the percentage ofbrands that needed a repair or had a seri-ous problem. Differences of less than 5points aren't meaningful, and we've adjust-ed the data to eliminate differences linkedsolely to the age of the refrigerator. All re-frigerators in the graphs are free-standingmodels. Models within a brand may vary,and design or manufacture changes may af-fect future reliability. Still, choosing a brandwith a good repair history can improve yourodds of getting a reliable modei.
Source; Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.
SIDE-BY-SIDES
5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Page 43 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 44 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
S P A C E H E A T E R S 121
QuickGuide SPACE HEATERS
Electric heaters tiiat quickly and safely heat a room-or justyou-start at well under $ 4 0 . Some even imitate a fireplace,faite flames and all.
Shopping tipDon't expect anyspace heaterto save energyunless you turndown the heatin the rest of thehouse.
Scan this or see how. page 11
What to look for• A fan to help diffuse theheat; some have multiplespeeds and oscillate tor addedcomfort and convenience• Safety features like asensor that shuts the heat-er off if it overheats and aswitch that shuts it off if theunit tips over• A thermostat to help keeptemperatures at their desiredsettings• Remote control is an addednicety, as is a timer that shutsthe heater off so you don'thave to
What to skip• Larger console heaters if
you're looking to save. Despitetheir furniture styling (andthose fake flames), none ofthese pricier models matchedthe best compact heaters inour tests• Propane or other fueledheaters for indoor use. Thesepose fume and fire risk andmust be used in a well-ventedarea away from fabrics andother combustible materials
What you'll payFigure on roughly $40 to$150 for smaller room heatersand $75 to $400 for consolemodels.For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/heaters
Brands model Price Weigiit Overallscore Test results-(lb.) .
-i .!• ë S 1
o 100p I F 1 G I V G l E
A SMALL ROOM HEATERS These compact electric models have a fan for faster heating.
0 1 Dyson AM04 $400
Q 2 Holmes HFH436 i 400 3 Usk0 6462 650 4 Vornado ¡Control 150
D 5 BianaireBCH9212 55
© © © © O ©© O © © © O© o © © © ©© © © © © e© o © © a ©
Page 45 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
122 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand S model Price Weight Overallscore Testresults(Ib.)
re
o 100p I F I G i V G I E
A SMALL ROOM HEATERS contmued6 AmbiaACH-120
7 HoneywellHZ-860
8 WhirlpoolWHTR360K
9 Stadler Form Anna
10 PelonisHFN
11 Sunbeam SQH310
$60
70
70
85
85
50
© © O © O O© © O © O a
o • o © o ©
o © o © © ©
© © © © © ©
o © • © a o
B LARGE ROOM HEATERS Some of these electric models are styled like furniture; most have fans.
2301 Duraflame
10HM4126-0107
Heat Surge HT-XL 400
Soleus AirHM2-15R-32
Edenpure GEN4
LaskO760000
OeLonghiTR00715T
Eco-HeaterNA400S
80
397
90
75
95
DON'T BUY: SAFETY RISK The Optimus H-5210 is the only electric space heater that got hotenough to pose a fire risk; ¡ts overheat sensor did not shut it off in time to prevent our test clothfrom igniting. Optimus claims to have macte a safety fix on 2012 models; heaters we bought inearly summer 2012 viere 2011 models, and there is no way to tell the model year from the hox.
optimus H 5210 25i Includes a ground-fault circuit interrupter plug for shock protection around water. A Lacks a fan. 3 Not applicable;model is wall-mounted.
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is the weigfited average of room and spot fieating, hot-surface and fire safety, easeof use, and noise. Room heating is tfie abiiity to heat a 200-square-foot room in 15 minutes. Spotheating is the ability to heat a person sitting in its path in 15 minutes, using a test dummy withsensors. Hot surface gauges the risk of a first-degree burn from touching a model's heat-exhaustarea. Fire safety is the potential for igniting fabrics, such as drapes or clothing. Ease of useincludes ease of carrying and using controis. Noise is ioudness based on the heater's highestsetting, using a sound meter. Price is approximate retail.
Page 46 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 47 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
V A C U U M C L E A N E R S 129
QuickGuide VACUUM CLEANERS
Carpets top the list of critical vacuuming chores, an area whereupright models have traditionally excelled. But the best canisterswe tested come close and can make other cleaning easier,especially on stairs.
Shopping tipSome vacuumsare easier thanothers to push,puii, and carry.Check weightsand our handiingscores-and seewhich ones feeibest at the store.
Scan this or see how, page 11
Brand & model
What to look for• Easy pushing, pulling, lift-ing, and carrying; be sureyou try before you buy• An upright, if carpet deep-cleaning is importantt A canister for cleaningdrapes, upholstery, on stairs,and under furniture, sinceyou move mostly the hoseand wand instead of theentire machine
What to skip• Splurging on extra cleaningtools, when the basic tools that
come standard should sufficefor most cleaning jobs• Bagless models if you haveasthma or allergies, becauseemptying their bin is typi-cally a dusty, messy chore
What you'll payI Capable bagless uprights' start at about $50; figure on
$200-plus for most canistersand bagged uprights.For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/vacuums
Price Overaii score Weight Testresuits(Ib.).
simnarmodeis, ínsfii.all type. Dcomparabie to tested model. Il I lili
P i F
100
G IVGI E
A BAGGED UPRIGHTS These tend to be best for carpets.Hoover WindTunnei AnniversaryEdition U6485-90D TurboPowerWindTunnei Anniversary Edition IJH50000 i l '
Hiele S 7210 Twist
KirbySentria iMiele S 726D Cat & DogKenmore Intuition 31100Kenmore Progressive 31069Hoover WindTunnei iMax UH30600
21 © © © © © o '
222322211917
©©©©©©
© 1© €© 1© i© i
5 © i=1 9 €5 © i1 O 11 O 15 O i
^9l O
1 0l Ol O
Page 48 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
130 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model
Similar models, incomparable to tested i
Price Overallscore Weigbt Testresuits
0 100
P I f I G IVGl E ,
A BAGGED UPRIGHTS continued
7\ 8
V\ 9
3 103 113 123 13
7| 15
71 16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
2S
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Hoover Platinum BaggedUH30010C0M 2 3Kenmore Intuition 31200
Kenmore Intuition 31810
Miele S 7580 Bolero Swing
Miele S 7280 Jazz salsa
Eureka Boss Smart Vac 4870[ 1
Sebo Felix PremiumHoover WindTunnel TSeries PeUH3O310Hoover WindTunnel T-SeriesUH30300T-SeriesPanasonic MC-UG471 2Eureka Airspeed ABS AS1050A(Walmart) 2Riccar SupraliteRSL4simplicity Freedom F36OO 2 4Hiccar Brilliance Premiumsimplicity Synchrony Premium
Oreck Forever Series Edge 12
Oreck Magnesium f <
Oreck Forever Series Pilot 2 4
Lindbaus Diamante 380
Dirt Devil Featherlite BaggedM085590 2
Sebo automatic X5 ¡zi
Oreck Graphite 12; ki
Oreck XL Element ProfessionalSeries i A
Aerus FreshEra 2 4
Hoyai Eminence MRY9750
Cirrus Performance Pet CR99
Koblenz U610 sm
13
21
21
22
22
20
16
17
16
17
18
9
20
16
9
12
19
14
19
11
10
11
20
22
19
NA
^e e© a oa © oa© oe^ eerneo © ©
© © o
© © NA
©© ©
a© ©
a © NA
a © NAo© ©
O © o
o© ©
o © NA
o © NA
o a NAo © oo © ao © NA
o ©©©o ©o©a ©o©a ©o©o © © ©o © a ©o © a ©o © a ©
© © a ©
© a © ©
© © o a
o © © a
o © © a
a ©©©© 00©o aoa© © o a
© © o a
© © a ©
© © o ©• ©©d
Page 49 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
V A C U U M C L E A N E R S 131
Brand & model
I -g ilar models, in'ro S /iíirable to tested model.
Price Overallscore Weight Testresults(lb.)
S -s .s =
100
I F I G I V G l E
¡•I
B
B BAGIESS UPRIGHTS These trade a bag for a bin but can be messier to empty.
1 LG Kompressor LUV35OP2 Hoover windTunnel T-Series Rewind
Bagless UH70t20 UH70U0121
3 LG Kompressor Total Care LUV400T4 Dyson 0C28 Animal5 Kenmore Intuition 3t0406 Eureka Airspeed ASIOOOA
ASlOOlAGokUSWOJA (Target) 127 Hoover Platinum Bagless UH700158 LG Kompressor LUV200R9 Bisseli CleanView Helix Deluxe 7tV9
71V9-2 (Lowe's) 210 Shark Navigator Litt Away NV352
NV351 (Walmart). NV350
U Panasonic MC-UL81512 Shark Navigator Professional Lift
AwavNV356E13 Hoover WindTunnel Pet Rewind
UH7O21O14 Hoover WindTunnelT-Series Purely
Clean UH7020215 Bissen Momentum 82G7t.:.16 Hoover WindTunnel Rewind Plus
UH7020517 Panasonic MC-UL9t5
100
18 Panasonic MC-UL810 m
19 Shark Navigator NV22L " " ^ " " ^
20 Hoover WindTunnel Max UH7060021 Electrolux Nimble EL8602I]
ELS605( I (Lowe's)22 Bisseii Pet Hair Eraser 87B4
S7B4-2 (Lowe's), 87B4-3 (Best Buy) '£j23 Panasonic JetForceMC-UL427
24 Dyson DC41 Animal
25 Eureka Whirlwind* Pet Lover 327611 w
18
18
22
21
23
18
22
23
16
14
18
16
19
19
18
19
21
17
16
20
19
21
16
17
20
© © O O © ©
© © © O © ©
© © O O © O© © © O © ©© © o o ©o© © © o ©©©© o o ©o©© © © ©©© © © o © ©© © o o ©©© © o o ©o
© © o o ©©
o © © o © o
o© © o ©o
© © © o ©oo© o o ©oo© o o ©o© © © O O Oo © o © ©©e © o © ©oo © o o © o©o o o ©oo © © o o©o © © o ©©©o © o ©o
©
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair ©Poor
Q CR Best Buy Tríese models offer the best combination of performance and price. Alt are recommended.
E Recommended These are high-performing modeis that stand out. Page 50 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
132 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model Price Overallscore Weigbt Testresults(Ib.)
comparable to tested model. ë -5 .1 :§m oca o
O 100
P I F I G iVGI E
B BAGLESS UPRIGHTS continued
26 Bissen PowerClean 16N5-9
27 Bissen Healthy Home 16N5-F
28 Eureka SuctionSeal Pet AS1104A
29 Eureka Airspeed Zuum AS5203A í
30 LG Kompressor LuV250C31 Hoover WindTunnel Pet Cyclonic
UH7008532 Bissen Total Floors Pet 61C5W33 Bissen Lift-Off Multi-Cyclonic Pet
8 9 Q 9 89Q9-4 (Kohl's). 89Q9-6 (Bed Bath sBeyond). 18Z6 (Target)
i 4 Eiectroiux Versatility EL8505 íimm
35 Hoover WindTunnel Air UH7040036 Bissen ProLite Multi Cyclonic 17G5
17G5-2(L0Äe's)
37 Dyson DC40 Multi Floor
38 Dyson DC24 Ball Multi floor
39 Sbark Navigator Light NVIOO40 Hoover WindTunnel Pet Rewind Pius
UH7008641 Eureka Endeavor NLS 5400A
22
22
21
14
17
23
19
22
24
13
17
15
12
12
23
16
O©O©
O©
©©
O©
O©
O ©
O©
©O
O©
O ©
©©
O©
O©
©O
• ©
© ©OO© ©OOO ©O©O ©©©O ©O©O ©O©
© OÓ©
O ©O©
O ©O©O ©©OO ©O©© ©©©© ©©©O ©©©O ©O©j
o © © ©t'Self-propelled, s Lacks brush on/off. ^ Comes with a mini canister. '< Doesn't accept tools.
Page 51 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
V A C U U M C L E A N E R S 133
Brands model Price Overaii score Test resuits
do .b; DO ^
0 100P I F I G IVGl E ~^,jtl£Li
C BAGGED CANISTER
1
2
34
S
6
7
8
9
10U121314
15
161718
192021
Kenmore Intuition28014Kenmore Progressive21714Mieie S 5281 CallistoEiectroiux OxygenEL69881]Kenmore Progressive21614Kenmore Progressive21514Hoover WindTunnelS3670Eiectroiux UitraOneEL7070AEiectroiux Ultra-Silencer DeepCleanEL706011 UltraSilencer0eepCleanEl7061[l (Lowe's)
Panasonic MC-CG902
iUiele S 2181 Titan
Panasonic MC-CG983
Panasonic MC-CG917Riccar ImmaculatePremier GustoEiectroiux JetMaxxGreen EL404011Mieie S 2121 Olympus
Miele S 2121 DelphiEiectroiuxUltraSilencer EL6986AMiele S 6270 Topaz
Aerus Lux LegacyMetropolitan Profes-sionals ADM-4PNHSF
500
a 1a 1a 1© 1
a 1a ia 10 i
1 ©
1 a1 ©
1 a1 a1 oî a1 ©
aoaoo
o
oa
© o
© o
© o
© o
© o
a o© ©
© ©
©
©
a©
©
o
a
• • • •
• • • •• • • •
a ao ©a aa oo ©
o ©
o ©o ©
o ©
o ©o ©a ©
a©
a©
a
oaaoaa©
o 1a 1o 1o 1© 1
o 1a 1a 1© 1
a 1o i© 1
1 o9 o1 o^ o1 o
1 o1 o1 o1 ©
1 o1 o1 ©
o©
o©
©
©
a©
©
a©
©
NA
NA
26
24
22
23
23
24
25
23
•
•
•
NA
•
23172424
27
19
1316
17
1721
22
Page 52 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
134 C O N S U M E R F Î E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model I Price I Overall score I Test results
I .| I 1^ 1SS -
o o
o o.2. S <
P I F
100G IVGl E ^ ^ U . ^
C BAGGED CANISTER continued
22 Aerus Lux GuardianUitra
23 Sebo Air Beit C3.I
24 Sebo Air Beit K3Volcano
25 Miele S 6290 Jasper 520
D BAGLESS CANISTER
O © O O
o © o ©o © o ©
o ©
© © e © © O ©
21
25
21
15
1 LG KompressorLCV900B
2 Hoover Platinum S3865 400
3 Rainbow e-series E2
4 Dyson DC39 Animai
5 Hoover Eiite CyclonicS3825
6 Eiectroiux UltraActiveDeepClean EL4300A
7 Hoover Multi-CycionicSH40Ü60
8 Hoover Zen WhisperSiH40080_
9 Dirt Devil VisionMO8275O
10 Dyson OC26 CityMuiti floor
© © © © © © ©
© © O O © © ©O © © O © © ©© © © © © O ©
o © o o © © ©
© © • o © © ©
o © o o © o ©
© © © © © © ©
© © • © © © ©
• © • o © © o
27
33
17
24
22
17
20
23
12
Page 53 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
V A C U U M C L E A N E R S 135
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is mainly cleaning, airflow, handling, noise, and emissions; scores for previouslytested models may have changed. Carpet is ability to lift embedded talc and sand from mediumpile. Bare floors is vacuuming sand without dispersing. Tool airflow is through hose withincreasing amounts of dust-simulating wood flour. Noise reflects decibel-meter results; for Poorscores we recommend hearing protection. Emissions is release of small particles with motoron. Handling is ease of pushing, pulling, and carrying. Pet hair uses long cat fur on medium-pile carpet. Weight is vacuum and onboard tools. Price Is approximate retail.
Most & Least Reliable
VACUUMS
0%
Ramtjow • • EDyson • • • • £ !Miele j ^ ^ ^ ^
Kenmore | H H B | | E 1Hoover i H ^ ^ t a H H WÊBË
Electrolux J H H B ^ H H H I K IKirby
Dirt Deyil
Bissen
Kenmore
Eureka
Dyson
Hoover
1
oreck [ a M ^ l B ^ElectroiuxB||^ti: 10
Panasonic • • • ¡ ^ • I nSimplicity • m i ^ l ï l l i
Riccar
Kirby was among the least repair-prone-brands for upright vacuums. For canisters.Rainbow was among the least repair-pronebrands, while Hoover and Electrolux werethe most repair-prone. That's what we foundwhen we asked more than 100,000 readerswho bought a vacuum between 2008through the first half of 2012 about their ex-periences. The graphs below show the per-centage of models for each brand that wererepaired or had a serious problem. Differ-ences of fewer than 4 points aren't mean-ingful, and we've adjusted the data to elimi-nate differences linked solely to age andusage. Models within a brand may vary, andchanges in design or manufacture may af-fect future reliability. Still, choosing a brandthat has a good repair history can improveyour odds of getting a reliable model.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.
5% 10% 15% 20%
I CANISTERS
UPRIGHTS
Page 54 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 55 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
136 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
QuickGuide WALL OVENS
Flexibility is tiie biggest reason to ciioose a cooktopor viiall oven instead of a range. A v^all oven can alsoeliminate the bending required to cook in a rangeoven-but installation adds to the price.
Scan this or see how. paqe 11
For more buying advice,go to ConsumerReports.org/ovens
Brand & modei
What to iook for• Control lockout, if the con-trol panel will be within ayoung child's reach• Smooth cover or floor overthe bottom baking element,which can help with easiercleanup of spills• Five or more oven rackpositions, for more flexibil-ity in arranging racks andbakeware
What to skip• A small oven window,which won't give a full viewto the interior• Menu databases and otherperks if you want to save
What you'll payYou can get an electric cook-top and wall oven for as littleas $1,300 or so, though ca-pable ranges cost far less.
Price Overall score Test results
Similar models, ¡nsiiidll type,are tomparatîle to tested mocieí. .
1 TiiermadorME301E[51
2 Whirlpool WO551EC0AS
3 Bosch HBL54[50JUC4 Viiíing Professional
VE5O13OB5]5 EiectroluxlconE30EW75E1551
Icon E30EW75G[SSI
6 LG LWS3O81[ST17 GE Profile PT925DN1BB]8 GE Profile PT9165R5S9 GEJTP70SM[S5110 Kenmore Pro 41003U GECafèCT9185TS512 Frigidaire Professional •
FPEW3O85KF13 Wolf E-Series 5O3O-2F/5
L-Series S030U/S. ISeries 5O3OF/S.E-Series5O3O2U/s
© o © o 30 • • •
O O © © 30Page 56 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
W A L L O V E N S
iBrand 8 model
5imilar mode ;are coniparabit u/ ¡ciitu <'KI-A\.
Price overallscore Testresults
r)p &D DO
ô 3 o
o 100
P I F I G I V G l E
14 Frigidaire FGEW3O65K[F1 $1,500
15 GE1TP3ODP[BB1 1.200
16 Kenmore 48839 1,000
17 KitcbenAid KEBS107S[SS! 2,000
18 Kenmore Elite 48093 2,300
19 GE Monogram ZETISMSSMonogram ZET1PM[SS1. Monogram 3 ,400ZETIRMSS
o o © ©© © © ©o o o ©O O O ©O O O ©
O © © ©
30
30
30
30
30
30
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair ©Poor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combinatioh of performance and price. All are recommended.
0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Guide to the RatingsOverall score reflects oven capacity and baking, broiling, and self-cleaning ability. Oven capac-ity nneasures usable space. Baking reflects whether cakes and cookies baked on two racks wereevenly browned. Broiling is based on even browning of a pan of burgers, and high-heat searingability. Oven cleaning gauges the self-cleaning cycle's effectiveness. Price is approximate retail.
Most & Least Reliable
ELECTRIC WALL OVENS
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,Consumer Reports National Research Center.
No one electric wall oven brand stood out as thenncst or least reliable in 2012. Although welacked sufficient historical data for all years toinclude Jenn-Air in the graph, our data indicatethat it has been a repair-prone brand. That'swhat we found when we asked mere than13,000 readers who bought an electric walloven between 2007 and 2012 about their expe-riences. The graph shows the percentage ofmodels from a brand that needed a repair orhad a serious problem. Differences of less than3 points aren't meaningful, and we've adjustedthe data to eliminate differences linked solely tothe age of the ovens. Models within a brand mayvary, and design or manufacture changes mayaffect future reliability. Still, choosing a brandwith a good repair history can improve yourodds of getting a reliable model.
Page 57 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 58 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
138 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U i D E 2 0 1 3
QujckGuide WASHERS
Improvements inciude mid-wasii soaking and moreaggressive agitation. You'll also find more programmablewash menus and even built-in USB ports that allow forfuture software upgrades.
Shopping tipWashers mustnow use 11percent lessenergy and 20percent lesswater to qualifyfor an EnergyStar seal.
Scan this or see how, page 11
What to look for• A porcelain top or lid, whichresists scratching better thanpaitited metal• A stainless-steel or porce-lain tub, which won't rust• An extra rinse cycle, if youor others in your home aresensitive to detergent residue• Dial controls, generally eas-ier to use than some touch-pad or digital controls
What to skip• Customized programs,because basic cycles and set-
tings can handle most wash-ing needs• Steam settings—the steammodels we've tested cleanedwell even when we didn't usethe steam option
What you'ii payCapable machines that com-bine performance and valuestart at well under $1,000.For more buying advice, go toConsumerReports.org/washers
Brands modei Price Overall score Test resultsSimilar models, in smrtlltype, are comparable totested model.
& er s- .2 g d ra 3 sS « .g £. 's; 5
^ ^ Dû aS s
s. a s.S o .Sd
OP I F I G I V G l E
A FRONT LOADING
Q 1 LGWM3470HIW1A[7{ 2 Whiripooi Duet
WFW94HEX1W]Duet AFW95HEXI I. DuetWrW97HEXII
0 3 Kenmore Eiite4l47[21 1.100
0 4 Kenmore 4137(2] 1.050
0 5 Samsung WF501AN1W] 1.100
[•] 6 Samsung WF511AB[W1 1,300
Page 59 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
W A S H E R S
Brand & model
Similar models, in smalllype. are comparable totested model.
Price Overall score Test results
i 1Su ^
c:QJ
S
oo
brat
iB(
mi
E iCU
LU
teei
t
¿i
cont
Q
E
0 100
p 1 F ! G I V G l E
A FRONT LOADING continued7 LG WM2650H1W1A8 Samsung WF461ABW1
(Lowe's) WF431ABIW1
9 LGWM2250C[W]
10 Maytag MaximaMHW6000X[W]Maxima MHW7000X[1
11 Frigidaire AffinityFAFS4073N[W]Affinity FArS4174N[WI
12 Eiectroiux IQ TouchEIFtW50LllWl
13 Maytag MaximaMHW9000Y[W]
14 Samsung WF52OAB(P]
15 Kenmore Eiite 4413[2]
16 Kenmore Elite 415412]Elite 415311
Samsung WF331ANIW]
LGWM3875H[W1CA
Miele W4842 W48o;
2223
2425
26
LGWM3150H[W]CWhirlpool Duet SteamWFW9750W[W]LGWM3885H[W]CAEiectroiuxEWFLS70J[IW]GEWCVH6800J[WW]Maytag PerformanceSeries MHWE950W[W]Maytag 5000 SeriesMHWE550WIW15000 Series MHWE450W( I
850
© © 85 • • •
© © 65 • • •
90 • • •
O © 85 • •
100 • • •
© © © 95 • • •
© © 95 • • •
© © © 65 • • •
O 90 • • •
O © O 75 • • •
O 70 • • •
© © 65 • • •
O © 65 • • •
Ratings Key ©Exceiient ©Verygood OGood ©Fair •PoorQ CR Best Buy Tfiese models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 60 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
140 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
•B raS a:
f =
OJ
E
§
Brand & model
í;:i,'lüi ino'i^ls, in smalltype, are comparable tolested model.
Price Overallscore Testresuits
a & & M M es u
I
P I F I G I V G l E•< 3
A FRONT LOADING continued
1,000
1,400
27 Samsung WF33OAN[W]WFHOANIWJ (Lowe's)
28 Wiiirlpool Duet SteamWFW9550W1W1
29 Frigidaire AffinityFAFW3921N[W1
30 GE ProfilePFWS4600LÍWW]Profile PFWS4605UI
31 Maytag 2000 SeriesMHWE200XÍW]
32 GE GFWH2400L1WW]GFWS35O5Ll|.GrWS350OLll,GFWH2405L1 !
33 Maytag PerformanceSeries 2000MHWE251Y1G1 (Lowe's)Performance Series 2000MHWEiOlVIl
34 Amana NFW7300W[WJ 650
35 Amana NFW7600X[W]
36 Electrolux IQ Steam
EIFLS55I[IW1
37 GE WBVH53OOKIWW1
38 Frigidaire AffinityFAFS4474L[W]
39 Frigidaire AffinityFAFS4473UW]
40 IG WM2550H[W]CA
41 ASkO WL6532XXUW]
42 Samsung WF231AN[W]
4 3 Haier HWF5000A[W]
44 Daewoo DWDWD33WS
4 5 IGWM214OC[WJ46 Daewoo
DWDWD3011WW
© © ©
© © ©
© © ©
© © ©
© © ©
© © ©
© © ©
© ©
© ©
© ©
© o
© ©
© o
© ©
©
©
©
©
o
©
o
©
o©
o
©
©
©
85 • • • •
100 • • • •
65 • • • •
75 • • • •
60 • • • •
75 • • • •
80 • * •
© ©
© O © 90 . ;
© O © 55 . *
Page 61 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
W A S H E R S 141
Brand S model Price Overallscore Testresults
Similar models, in smalllype. are comparable totested model.
s- .Ç ïire
ai
ë ^ Ë f. s¡S S S^ T i
s E
0 IOO
p I F I G I V G l E
A FRONT LOADING continued47 IGWM224OC[W1
48 LGWM3360H1W1CAWM235OHIW1C
49 Samsung WF22OAN[W]WF210ANIW1
50 FrigidaireFRFW3700t[W]
51 Whiripool DuetWFW9351Y[W]
52 Frigidaire Aff ini tyFAF54272LIW]
53 Frigidaire AffinityFAFW38Olt[W]
5 4 Speed Queen AFB50RArN50R
55 GEGFWNUOOtlWW]
B TOP LOADING
O
O
ooooooo
© e© ©
e 90
o 85
Ö 95
o 40
e 85
o 50
e 50
© 60
• 70
• • • •
••
LG WT4801CIW1
Samsung WA5451ANIW]
Maytag Bravos X t
MVWB750Y[W]
LG WT517OH[W1
Maytag Bravos XtMVWB95Oy(W)Whirlpool VantageWTW7990X1G1
Kenmore 28OO[2] 260011
Whirlpool CabrioWTW5700XIW1 CabrioWTW5600X1V»]. Cabriowrw5640xil (Lowe's)
800 45 • •
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fa i r • P o o r
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 62 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
142 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model
similar models, in smailtype, are comparable totested model.
B TOP LOADII\IG continued
Price Overallscore Testresults
_i i_j i_j +—' i/n i_o
I I I 1 I 1fe it it 3 =
bo aj .iS
O 100
p i F I G IVG l E
.2 .E S 3 S a
-= tu Sf ai '-' S-• ^ [= aj VI r-: líq
.E o ^re ie JI3
910
U12
1314
15
16
17
181920
22
1.050
Kenmore Elite 290012]
Whirlpool Cabrio
WTW55OOX[W]Cabrio WTW5550XIWÍ
Kenmore Elite 2947[2] 1.310
LG Waveforce
WT5OO1C[W1
Samsung WA5471AB1W1 l.lOO
GE Profile Harmony
PTWN8O5OM[WW1Profile Harmony PTWN8O55M[ 1Whirlpool CabrioWTW82OOY[W1Cabrio WTW824OV[l(Lowe's),Cabrio W7W8800Y( 1. CabrioWTW8600V1 iWhirlpool CabrioWTW7600X[W]Cabrio WTW7800XI1
Maytag Bravos XMVWX500XIW1Bravos X MVWX600X1W1.Bravos XMVWX700XIW1.Bravos X MVWX55OX(W1
LG WT5101H[V]
Kenmore 213O[2]
GE Profile
WPRE8150K[WT]
GEGTWN3000M[WS]
GE ProfilePTWN6250M[WTlGTWN5O50M[].PTWN6O50M[i.GRWN5150M[l,GLWN5O5OM|l(Lowe's)
1,100
700
O e
o o© ©
o e© oo e
23 Kenmore Elite 2927[21 1,100
e e e
o e ©
o © ©
o © ©
e © © © Ö O
e e © © Ö eo o © © e oe o © e o oo o e e o o
o o © e o e
e e © © © e
60
45
55
60
65
65
70
45
60
45
50
40
50
65
• • • •
Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair •Poor
D CR Best Buy These modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. AM are recommended.
0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Page 63 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
W A S H E R S 143
Brands model Price Overaii score Test resuits
Similar models, in 5m<illtype, arexomparable fotested niodel.
0
incrm
:rfo
tu
DC
ficiE
'S
d
fiCÍÉ
'o)
O J
ICit
les ois tiO
l
' = •
tcuEgj
stane
i
3
teel
s-s
ainlco
nem
p.
o
1a i
P I f I G IVGl E
B TOP LOADING continued
24
25
2627
28
29
30
31
323334
35
J D
?1
38394041
4243
A&
45
GEGTWP2000M1WW]GTWP2OO5M1CCI.
GLWP2000M1WW1 (Lowe's)
Maytag CentennialMVWC400X1W1Amana NTW45O1X[Q1Fisiier & Payi<el Aqua-smart WL42T26DW1Aqiasmar l WL42T26KW1
Haier EncoreRWT350AtWlRWTi50A||
WiiiripooiWTW4850X[Q]GE GTWN4450M[W51GTWN4250MI1
Maytag CentennialMVWC200XIW]
Kenmore 211O[2J
Staber HXW2304
HotpointHTWPIOOOMIWWI
GE GTWN4000M[WS]
WhiripooiWTW4800X[Q]Fisiier & Payi<ei Eco-SmartWA42T26GWl
Roper RTW4440X10]
Estate ETW4400XI0]
Speed Queen AWN542
Maytag CentennialMVWCBOOV[W]
Amana NTW480ax[Q]
Kenmore 212512]
WhiripooiWTW495OX[W1GEGTWPlOOGMiWW]GHWPIOOOMIWWI
(Home Deool)
I 400
800
480
500
570
O O © © O O
O © © © e O
O O © © © O
o © © © © ©
o o o © o o
o o © © © oo o © © o oo o o e e oo o © © © o
40
50
55
50
60
60
50
55
50
O © © © © O O 5 5
O O a O © O © 45'
430
O O O © O ©
O O O © © O
0 © © 0 © 0
O O O © © •O O O © © »O O O © O O
© o a o a © © 4 0 • •' '••
© O « © O O © 7 5
© a © © e o © 4 o
© o a o © o © 3 5
45
55
50
4 0 ;
40
35
Page 64 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
144 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Guide to the RatingsOverall score is based mainly on washing ability, capacity, efficiency, and noise. Washing per-formance reflects the degree of color change to swatches of fabric using the most aggressivenormal cycle. Enerqy efficiency is based on the ehergy needed to heat the water using a warmwash and cold rinse. Water efficiency is based on total water used for multiple loads. For top-loaders, capacity is based on how well the washer agitates increasingly large loads. For front-loaders, the score is based on our judgment of the maximum-sized load that the washer holds.Models that earned lower scores for gentleness are more likely to treat your clothes roughly,causing wear and tear. Noise reflects panelists' judgments during the till, agitate, and spincycles. Vibration reflects usage on a suspended woodeh floor. Cycle time (min.) is rounded tothe nearest 5 minutes. Price is approximate retail.
Most & Least Reliable
WASHERS
LG
Samsung
Kenmore
Whirlpool
Maytag
Frigidaire
GE
Roper
Maytag
Vihirlpool
Kenmore
GE
Fisher &Pavkel
mmmSma
1 1
1 110
1 1
n1 I15
B
5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
i FRONT-LOADING
TOP-LOAOING
Roper was the most reliable top-loaderbrand while Fisher & Paykel was the mostrepair-prone. LG and Samsung were themost reliable tor front-loaders, GE themost repair-prone. That's what we foundwhen we asked oyer 88,000 readers whobought a clothes washer between 2007and 2011 about their experiences. The graphshows the percentage of models for eachbrand that were repaired or had a seriousproblem. Differences of less than 3 pointsaren't meaningful, and we'ye adjusted datato eliminate differences linked solely to awasher's usage ahd age. Models within abrand may yary, and changes ih design ormanufacture may affect future reliability.Still, choosing a brand with a good repairhistory can improve your odds of getting areliable model.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey.Consumer Reports Nationai Research Center.
Page 65 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Page 66 of 66Consume Report Buying Guide 2013