Ratings and

Reliability
CONTENTS
Product Ratings 19O 4-year CONSUMER Buying Guide
REPORTS index 295 index 299

QUICK GUIDE

Air conditioners 191 GPS navigators 238

Cell phones 193 Lawn mowers 241
Computers, desktops 196 Lawn tractors 245
Computers, laptops 199 Monitors 247
Computers, netbooks 203 Paints, exterior 249
Cooktops 205 Paints, interior 251
Cordless drills & drivers 207 Printers, all-in-one 253
Deck stains 2O9 Ranges 255
Digital cameras, point & shoot.. 210 Refrigerators 261
Digital cameras, SLR 216 Smart phones 268
Digital picture frames 218 TVs, L C D , . , J....271
Dishwashers Z20 TVs, Plasma 279
Dryers 224 Vacuum cleaners 283
DVD players 230 Wall ovens 287
Flooring 234 Washers 289
Gas grills 236
190 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 0

PRODUCT RATINGS AND

BRAND RELIABILITY

T
he product rating and brand reliability information that
follows is designed to help you zero in on the model you
want to buy. Start by reading the general buying advice
for the product you're interested in. The page numbers
for these reports are noted on each Ratings page. Then
turn to the Ratings chart to get the big picture on performance.

For some products you'll find full
Ratings charts that inciude every cur-
rently available modei we tested. For
other products, you'll find Select Rat-
ings charts that include the models Rec-
ommended for mosi people pius models
that we designated as Best Buys. Tbe
Select Katings Overview explains why
these models are your best choices. The
Overview is included with full Ratings
charts as well as Select Ratings charts.
Products with equal scores are listed
alphabetically.
CüNSUMiiR RhPORTS checked lo make
sure most of the producís rated in this
Buying Guide were still availabie when the
book was published. However, depend-
ing on how long after publication you use
this book, you may find a Ruling for a
product that is no longer available. Or,
you may not find a Rating for a model
that is avaiiabie because it hadn't been
tested as of publication.
Besides checking tor similar models, yi)U
tan also refer to the brand repair history
charts for some products. Most products
today are pretty reliable, but some brands
have been more reliable than others.
Every year we survey readers on repairs
and other problems they encounter with
household products. From their respons-
es, we derive the percentage ofa brand's
products that have been repaired or had
a serious problem. The reliability graphs
that accompany the Ratings give brand
repair rates for 16 product categories.
Our findings have been consistent over
the 30-plus years we've surveyed brand
reliability, though Ihey are not infallible
predictors.
A brands repair history includes data
on many models, some of which may have
been more or less reliable than others. And
surveys ofa brand's past models can't an-
ticipate design or manufacturing changes
in its new model-s. Still, you can improve
your chances of getting a trouble-free prod-
uct by getting a brand that has been reli-
able in the past.
Product categories inciude appliances,
such as washers and ranges; electron-
ics, such as computers, digital cameras,
televisions, and DVD players; and power
equipment, such as lawn mowers and trac-
tors. Note that repair histories for different
products are not directly comparable.
 AIR CONDITIONERS 191

AIR CONDITIONERS
!-ine cooling performance is a given. Top-scoring room air conditioners are also
energy efficienl and reialively quiet. An air conditioner's air direction matters more
il your window is not centered in your room. Check the Airflow left and Airflow right
in the Ratings for this information. Below are Select Ratings.

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

•c— -eis ±i

g lu leaed model. = s<

g 0 100 f Ä
^ p I F I G IVCI E ~ -
5,000 TO 6.000 BTU/HR. (Cools 100 300 sq. ft,)
Friedrich
CP06EIO ! © © © © O © • 0,000 10,7 21 . 36 58
Sharp AF-S60PX © © © O O © • 6,000 10.7 22 ' 3-1 -19
Frigidaire 180 E ^ ^ ^ H © O O © © O O 5.200 11.0 2^. 36. 46
FAÄ05BP7A

7,000 TO 8.200 BTU/HR. (Cools ^50-400 sq. ft.)

Frigidaire
© © © © O O © 8,000 10.8 23 36 S3
(Lowe's)
Kenmore
ia7 M 39 65
76081 1

9.800 TO 12,500 BTU/HR. {Cools 350-650 sq. ft.)

Q Kenmore © © O © O © O 10.000 10,8 21 39 80
7510! 1
Q Kenmore
© © O © © © O 12,000 10.8 27 39 83
. 1 Has slideiHJt Chassis.
See report, page 55.

Ratings Key ©Excsilent ©Verysood OGood OFalr • P o o r

D CR Best Buy These models olter ttie best combinador» of perfomiance and price. All are recommended.
p i Recomrnencled These are hisl>-pertormingmadets that stand out.
192 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 0

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on comfort, noise, and energy eiticiency. Ttie displayed score is
out ot a total of 100 points. Comfort is temperature and tiumidity controi on iow cool. Indoor
rtolse low and Indoor noise hlqh combine an objective measurement of noise at the low-cooi
and high-coof settings using a decibei meter with a sutijeclive assessment ol noise quality (how
annoying or grating the psrticuiar sounds were). Brownout gauges the unit's abiiity to run and
restart during extreme heat and iow voltage. Ease of use refiects controt-panel layout, includ-
ing the ciarity of its markings, as weil as how easy and intuitive the controls were to operate.
Airflow left and Airflow rlqht show how weil the louvers can direct air to the left or rigiit of the
unit when the user is lacing it, EER is the energy-efficiency ratio as supp(ied by the manufac-
turer and as certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

Select Ratings Overview

Best small air conditioners;
Whiie ail will keep you cool, models with a
very good or better noise score are quiet
enough that all you might hear is the fan.
The Friedrich CP06E10, $260, and Sharp
AF-S60PX, S)90, are the guietest. Consider
Ihe Friedrich or Friqidafre FAA055P7A,
$l80, if you iive m an area prone to brownouts.
Brand Repair History
Centrai air conditioners
Fewer
repairs
Best midsized air conditioners:
AH of the tested models excel in cooling.
The Fritjidaire FAA087S7A, S200, and the
Kenmore 76081, $200, a CR Best Buy,
also easily handle brownouts and operate
puletiy on low.
Best larqe air conditioners; both arc
CR Best Buys:
Brownouts aren't a problem for the Kenmore
7S101, $240, or the Kenmore 75121, S300.
Both are quiet when set on low..Choose the
Kenmore 75121 for its ease of use.
The graph shows the percentage of units
without hpat pumps for each of the 11 brands
that were ever repaired or had a serious
problem, based on the experiences of 32,550
readers who bought systems between 2002
and 2008. Differences of less than 5 points
aren't meaningful. Unils instailed by builders
broke down more often than owner-installed
ones. Data were adjusted to elimínate differ-
ences linked solely to age and usage. Models
within a bfand can vary, and design or manu-
facture changes might affect future reliabili-
ty. Stiii, choosing a brand with a good repair
history can improve your odds of getting a
reliable model.

10% 5% 20% 25% Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer

Reports National Research Center.
 CELL PHONES 193

CELL PHONES
Choose a conventional model ifyou need only voice and text messages, or want to
limit cost and size (most models are compact andaré priced between $20 and SI 50 or
come frcL' with a two-year contract). Most phones work only with a specific carrier, so
you must decide whether to slay with your current provider or select a new one when
shopping for a phone. Below are Select Ratings.

Brand & model Price Overaii score Test resuits Features

g £

o IDO
it
P I F t G I Vbl E
ÄTST CEU PHONES
LG Xenon O m l') HSDPA V.D.S
Samsung 3.t HSDPA V.D.S
Impression
Samsung Eternity 0© 3.1 HSDPfi V.D.S
B llatoroia Tundra O O 1.9 HSDPA V.D.S

Pantech Breeze 0.3 EDGE U,D

SPRINT NEXTEL CELL PHONES

Samsung instinct 100 O EV-DO V.D,S
Samsung Rant 50 o o 1-9 Ev-DO v.as
T-MOBrLE CELL PHONES
Samsung Behold HSOPA V.D.S
Samsung Ueiiioir O © O 8 HSDPA V.D,S
MotorDlaROKREa O O O 1.9 EDCE V.O.S
Nokia 6301 30 1-9 EDGE V,0¿

VERIZON CELL PHONES

LGenV Touch O © O 3.1 EV-DO V,D.S
LGDare O © © 3.1 EV-DO v.as
samsangAlias2 80 O # a 15 EV-DO v.as
194 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 0

Brand S model Price Overall score Test results Features

::3 2 Ê

it
0 100
P I F'lGIVClE
VERIZON CELL PHONES continued
LCenV3 0 © 0 3.1 EV-DO V,D,S
IGVX8360 50 0 0 o 1.2 EV-DO V,D,S
Verizon wireless
Fzone Boulder o o o 1.2 EV-DO V,£LS

Jitterbug J o o o none
See report, page 77.

RatinfsKey ©E^elienl ©Very good OGood ©Fair • P o o f

Q CR Be5t Buy Tnese modeis offer the best combitiation of performance ana price. AN are recommended.
bd Recommended These are (wgn-periatnung models that slartd out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is ba^ed maiiilv on ease of use, voice quality, messaging, and battery lite. The
displayeij score is out of a total of 100 points. Phones are listed in performance order, wlttiin
categories. Due to test upgracfes, results may vary from past Ratings. Ease of use mainly
considers how easy it is to access the phone's various features and modes, the iiumber of
step-saving functions for making and receiving calls, and display and keypad readability under
different lighting conditions, We also factor in features and capabilities, such as camera,
music, and GPS navigation. Web browsing and broadband connections, as well as the phone's
size and weight. Voice quality considers iistening quaiity which refiects what you hear; talking,
what's heard by other phones. Tests were conducted in noisy and quiet environments using
live phone calls indicated by carrier used. We show the lower score between listening and
talking. Messaqinq mainly assesses keyboard and keypad ergonomics, text-messaging features,
its support for Microsoft Outlook, and wtiether or not the ptione can open various e-mail
attachments. Battery life represents mainly an average of talk time from tests with strong and
weak network signais, and aiso considers standby, display times, and other factors. Taik time
is an average to the nearest quarter-hour from tests with strorig and weak network signals.
Average price from carriers and independent online retailers is based on a two-year contract,
including rebates. Most carriers also offer one-year contracts. Phones with SO for price are
offered free of charge by the carrier or an online retailer with a new two-year contract. Some
phones can also be purchased without a service commitment. Under Bluetooth, V=Voice,
D=Data. S=Stereo,

Select Ratings Overview
Best choices for AT&T:
Al $100, LG Xenon is an impressive phone
wilh strong messaging capabilities.
Samsunq Impression, $150. is a very
qood phone that deftly integrates its impres-
sive leiephony. texling, and entertainment
(eatures, its document-handiinq capabiiities
are a plus for busy professionals.
Samsunq Eternity, $50. is a very good
choice for those iooking to step up lo a f uii
touch-screen phone with a fine camera and
advanced muitimedia features, its docuinent-
handling capabiiities are another plus for
busy profess iorials,
Motorola Tundra, S200, is very good
companion lo bave on roiigti~and nolsy-
lerrain. But pricey.
At $30. the Pantech Breeze Is a good
rhoice for people who want a simpie,
no-frills phone with clearly labeled butions.
Best choices for Sprint Nextel:
The STOO Samsung Instinct is a very
qood choice for multimedia addicts in
the market for a very capable phone with
advanced features.
The Samsung Rant, $50. is a good phone
for frequent texters. Its document-handling
capabilities are a plus tor busy professionals.
Best choices for T-Mobile:
The Samsung Behold, $130. is a sharp-
looking touch-screen model with a line
camera and robust multimedia capabilities.
The $200 Samsung Memoir has one of
the besl cameras we've seen on a phone, with
tin impressive array of other features that
would make a smart phone jealous. A fine,
though pricey, choice If you plan on printing
what you shoot.
CELL PHONES 195
The Motorola ROKR ES is a smartly
designed phone with a very capable media
player. And you can't go wrong with the
price-free with a 2-year service contract
and rebates.
The $30 Nokia 6301 phone's dual-
network capabiiity is an intr-iguing idea
(or improving coverage.
Best choices for Verizon:
The LG enV Touch, $100, is an impres-
sive phone and multimedia device enhanced
with touch-screen navigation and a QWERTY
keyboard for easier e-mailing and texting. Its
document-handling capabilities are another
plus for busy professionals.
The LG Dare, S80, is an impressive phone
and multimedia device enhanced with a
long talk time and simple touch-screen navi-
gation. The virtual keyboard and handwriling-
recognition feature make e-mailing and
texting a snap.
A clever approach to the cluttered keypad
problem make the $80 Samsunq Alias 2 a
very good choice for heavy texters.
The LG enV 3, S80. is a solid, pocket-
friendly cell pfione with a generously
proportioned keypad and a well-spaced
QWERTY keyboard.
The $50 LG VX8360 is an austere-looking
flipper that takes its phone duties seriously.
The soiid Verizon Wireiess G'zOne Boulder,
at S150, is a good companion on rough terraifi.
If simplicity is paramount:
The $147 Sanfisung Jttterbuq J is a good
choice for people who want a simple phone
with a high level of service support.
196 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 0

COMPUTERS, Desktops
Our Recommended models are based on test results and features. We also consider
brand reliability, tech support, and overall value.

Brands model Price Overall score Test results

Similar mocieK, in imali

Ê i Sas i a, ^
€ §" S ^ ^
0 100
p I F I G IVtl t
FULL-SIZE
HP Pavilion Elite NA NA Core i7 920
m96S0f
HP Pavilion Elfie PfienümllX4 51Z
e9120f Pavilion Eliiee9l2llï

Gateway LX6810-01
core2Quad

Gateway DX43OO-O3
PhenomX4 1024
Dell Inspiron core 2 Quad
IS4S006B 08200
Asus Essentio
Core20ua[i 512
Compaq Presario MA NA Athlon X275SO NA
C05U0F
111 u> PheilomX4 ...
HP Pavilion a6700v i NA NA g^5j)^ NA

HP Pavilion p6!40l Q82O0

PhenomX4
Gateway DX420O-O9
Compaq Presario Athlon 64X2 ,..
SR571OV 1; ^^5Qp, NA
HP Pavilion p6tiOf Pentium Dual- .,,
CûreE530O ^^
Pavilion p61iay
NA O Athlon If-1620 NA
eMachliMH ET 1161-05
300 NA NA Celeron 420 NA
eMactiinesETI810-01
COMPACT
[71 HP Pavilion Slimline
s5160t
[7] Gateway SX280O 01
Acer Aspire
AX17OO-U37OOA su
 COMPUTERS. DESKTOPS t97

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

? It"ilHl IIItldBi.
s»
0 m
P i F I GIVGI E

COMPACT continued
HP Pavilion Slimline O © O O NA NA Athlon X2 7750 NA

Dell insptron 537s r\ e, A c fit r\ Pentium Oual- ^.

Apple Mac mini

MB463LL/A.a O O O © NA • ^^"nír^ NA
eMachines
ELUOOG-Olw © © O Ô NA O *']2°5f NA
Compaq Presario
CQ20O9F 1 • a O • NA NA AiamN230

ALL-IN-ONE

© NA
•^ MB418LL/A ' ''^'^^ o o ® 2Ouo
_ Core 2 Dúo
0 HP TouchSmari 10804 1,600 o a © © © ^ T5850
256 •

pl lenovo ideaCentre ^ Core 2 Dúo

0 51Í •
A600 a © '-' T64O0
sany VAio
VGC-LV240J/S © © © © ^ £7400 NA •

_ Pentium Dual- 256

Q Dell studio One 19 o © 0 0 O •-J CoreBÍOO
Apple lUac 20-mch
MB417U/A © o o © © NA

Sony VAIO -^ Pentium Dual-

VGC-JS23OJ/T
o 0 o O •^ CoreE5200 NA •

Averatec DlOOEAlE-l • © o • e 0 Alom N270 NA

eMachfnes EZ1601 01 • a o • o • Atom N27O NA
Asustt'e Top
• © • « O Atüm N^70 NA
1 Pnce include speakers purchased separately. 12 Buiil-ín mono speaker. Price indudes keyboard and mouse. I3i Has
&. the fastest tonnection toi external hard drives.

See report, page 82.

Ratings Key @£xcehent ©Verygood OGood OPaír #Poor

D CR Best Buy These models offer the besl combination oí performance arrct price. All are recommended.
(Zl Recommended ne^i- are hlgi)-perfDimlng models that stand out.
198 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 0

Guide to the Ratings

Overaii score reflects all the Ratinqs factors. Displayed scores are rounBed; models are
listed in oröer of precise score. Performance reflects speed whiite running productivity and
muitimedia software, plus power consumption. Ergonomics is how easily you can access
features, plus the absence of noise. Versatility includes hardware features such as memory-
card slots. AV connections, and speakers, software features such as security programs,
and tech support and warranty provisions. 3D gaming covers performance whiie running
3D qames. For all-in-ones, dispiay is our judgment ot clarity, color, brightness, and viewing
angle. Speakers covers fidelity, bass response, and loudness.

Seiect Ratinqs Overview

Fastest:
HP Pavfiton Elite m9650l, $1,150: This
system uses the latest processor, has a large
hard drive, and includes an extra 5!Í!GB of
video memory, making it a very good system
for powerTjsers and gamers alike. There are
¿liso lots of extras included.
ruli'featured and affordable:
HP Pavtiion Elite e9120f. S740: This com-
puter is loaded with features, including a
larqe 1TB hard drive, 8GB ot RAM, a Biu-ray
orive, and extra video memory. It's qood
enough for productivity, entertainment, and
qaminq, without breaking the bank. But
you'll have to add speakers.
Barqain for gamers;
Gateway tX6810-01, S650: Gamers will
appreciate the quad-core processor, 1GB
of video memory, and 8GB of memory.
This system includes lots of extra teatures.
And it all comes at a reasonable price.
No-frilis budget:
Compag Presario C05110F, S370: This bud-
get-priced computer is a CR Best Buy.
Despite its low price, you qet 3GB of memory.
But don't expect many extras beyond that.
Affordable compacts:
Gateway SX2800-01, S490; A space-saver
as well as a money-saver, this compact
Gateway will meet demand for most com-
putinq tasks. But gamers should ipok for
a system with extra video memory.
Acer Aspire AX17O0-U3700A, $390: Thir,
compact system is a space-saver that doesn't
skimp on features. It's got a large hard drive.
extra video memory, and plenty of outputs for
home theater. The mouse has an odd shape.
Best ait-in-ones:
Apple iMac MB418LL/A, $1,460: Apples
iMacs are fast and competitively priced
for an all-in-one. The 24-inch iMac has an
excellent display. Apple was the most
reliable desktop brand, and had the best
tech support.
HP TouchSmart, 10804, $1.600: The
very good touclvscreen display makes this
ail-in-one system a qood choice, especially
(or families. The display is also the largest
we've tested a\ 25.5 inches.
Lenovo IdeaCentre A600, $1.100: With
a stylish desiqn, this all-in-one packs a lot
of features, including a larqe 1TB hard drive
and extra video memory. It does so while
remaining in the middle of the pack in price.

Fast and compact: Value all-in'one:

HP Pavfiion Slimilne s5160t S820: It costs
more than other compact computers we test-
ed, but it's got a large hard drive and tots of
RAM. The Biu-ray player makes it appealing
as an entertainment system. Extra video
memory makes it a good platform for gaming.
Dell Studio One 19, $870: This very good
ail-in-one system is a great deal with
good performance. The 18.5-inch screen
is smaller than many other all-in-one
displays, but could be a benefit to those
with little space.
 COMPUTERS. LAPTOPS 199

COMPUTERS, Laptops
I,aptop reliability has been mostly undistinguished. Apple has been best for laptop
tccii support. DfU and Lcnovo were among the better lech-support providers for
Windows-based laptops. Dell was an above-average problem-solver for laptops. Below
are Select Ratings.
Branii & model Price Overall score Test results

'is, in small

I I g "^ ^ I- f
100

I VGt E

12- TO 13-INCH MODELS

[71 Apple MdcBook Pro
13-inch HB990LL/A e e O e e 6.5 4 ¿f^ïo
[71 sonyVAio e © e © • 425 4.1 ^"i^^^^^^" 512
VGN-SR42OD/H
[7] Apple MacBook
UB466LUA e e o o o 5 4j
[71 Apple MacQook Ail
MC233Lt/A o e ô © • 4.25 3
[71 HP Pavilion
O e e O « 6.75 s '^''S"'' NA

Dell Inspiron 1318 e o e Q g 3J 4.9 ^";^"° NA

14- TO 16-IWCH MODEIS
Apple MacBook Pro 2.4GHZ
l5-inül MB47OLL/A © 525 5.5 Core 2 DUO
Lenovo IdeaPad
Core 2 Ouo
Y65O-8343UT © © © © O 2.75 5.6 P8600
MA

© e © O O 3 w P8600
Core 2 Duo
O O O 6.5 7 NA

Core 2 Duo
© O © O © is a Tt600 NA
[7] AC« Aspire Pentium
ô © © o © 8 5.3 SU270O
NA
TiniöineAS58IO-4657
Q 06« Inspiron
Pentium
•• I545-012B O O O © Ô 3J 5.9 Dual-Cnre NA
T4200
Ratings Key ©Ejcellenl ©Varygood Üüood ttf^'air • P o o f
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination ot pertormaiwe and price. Ail aro rocommanded.
[ ^ Recommended These are ineh-pertorming models that stand out.
200 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 0

Brand & model Price Overall score Test resuits

Similsí iraxíels. m sirull

E ^
te u
lYPCirecom
lesiwJ model.
er
S
o KK)
P I F I G IVril [

17-TO 18INCH MODELS

Apple MacBook Pro .-.,,.,,
]7-inchMB604LL/A *""" Core 2 Duo •^"^
0 HP Pavilion Core 2
dv7-21ßOtiS © e e o o 3.5 7.5 Ouact 1024
Q9000
[71 IIPG7D-460U5
67tM68NR
e e e e O 3^ 7.3 X^¿' NA

171 Toshiba Satellite

^ L355-S79O2
o e © o o 3.25 7.2 DuaKore NA

See report, page 86.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based on a number of factors, such as performance, ergonomics, portability,
and versatility. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Performance is basecf on
running productivity applications, multimedia applications, and 3D qames. Ergonomics represents^
the quality of the keyboard and touchpad and accessibility of features, Versatlllty includes
hardware such as memory-card slots and AV connections, software such as security programs
and productiyity applications, and tech support and warranty provisions. Display covers
display size, clarity, color, contrast, brightness, and glare. Speakers covers speaker fidelity, bass
response, and loudness.

Select Ratings Overview

Best 13-Inch:
Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch MB990LLyA,
$1,200: The top performer In the 13-inch cate-
gory, this laptop is very well-rounded witfi
an above-average display and set of speakers.
Sony VAIO, VGN-SR420D/H, $1.200:
A well-rounded 13.3-inch laptop, this Sony is
a top Windows performer in this class. The
extra video merWory makes it appealing to
qamers who want a small, portable system.
Apple MacBook MB466LL/A, $1,000: This
lower-priced MacBook option is very competi-
tive with other laptops in the 13-inch cateqory.-
HP Pavilion dv3-2150us, $800: Although
it's a bit heavy for a 13.3-inch laptop, this sys-
tem has long battery life and is well-priced (or
its size. There's also a large SOOGB hard disk.
Dell Inspiron 1318, $625: Great price for .i
13-inch laptop, but there's no webcam.
Best llqhtwelght:
Apple Macbook Air MC233LL/A, $1.500: This
laptop IS suitable lor those who are willing
to pay a premium for netbook-like portability
and notebook-like performance. It ie^.tures a
very good display but lacks basic features like
an optical drive and memory-card reader.
Best 14-liKh:
Dell Inspiron 14, $725: If you're looking
for a lightweight 14-inch laptop, this Defl was
a very good performer. Features are a bit
limited, however.

Select Ratings Overview
Best 15-Inch:
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch MB470LL/A,
51,500; Scored tops amonq its category, with
t>xcellent performance, long battery life, very
good display and speakers, and relatively
fight weight.
Acer Aspire Timeline AS5810-46S7.
5550: Thin, tight, and inexpensive, it also
has some of the best battery life In its class.
But performance is worse than most laptops
'on the market and only marginally better
than a netbooh.
Dell Inspiron I545-0I2B. S400: Good
performanue and a budget price maKe it
a CR Best Buy. The I60GB hard drive is
smaller than others in its class, but should
he sufficient for most uses.
Best 16-lneh:
Lenovo ideaPad Y650-B343UT, S900: With
excellent ergonomics and very good perfor-
mance, versatility, display, and speakers, this
well-rouncted laptop offers plenty of function-
ality. Although battery fife was comparatively
5hort, the laptop is lightweight for its size.
Deil Studio XPS SX16-2313, Sl,125: Excel-
leni performance distinguishes this 16-inch
COMPUTERS. LAPTOPS 201
laptop. Video memory and a Blu-ray player
give it appeal for gaming and movie viewing.
Toshiba Satellit« AS05-S6960, S650:
This CR Best Buy l6-inch laptop has a
large display and a full spectrum o( features.
Performance was only qood and it's heavy
in its class, but battery life was long.
Best17Hneh:
Appie MacBook Pro 17-inch MB604LL/A,
$2.200: Consistently performs at the top
of our Ratings, with excellent performance,
long battery life, a very good display, and
excellent sound.
HP Paviiion dv7-21B0us, S1,35O: Costs
more than olher Windows laptops in its size
that we tested, but this HP system offers
IGB of video memory for gamers, a large.
500GB hard drive, and 6GB of memory. The
result was excellent performance.
HP G70-460US, $650: This well-priced
17-inch laptop had very good performance,
Toshiba Sateilfte L355-S79O2, $600:
Inexpensive for a Windows laptop this size,
its ergonomics and versatility make it a very
good desktop replacement.
202 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
Brand Repair History
Desktops
h'W! More
Apple
CompâQ
cMachínes
Gatevfav
Q% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Apple has been a m o n g the more reliable
brands of desktop computers. That's what
we f o u n d out w h e n we ask^d more than
4 7 , 0 0 0 readers who bought a desktop com-
puter between 2 0 0 4 and 2 0 0 8 a b o u t their
experiences. This graph shows the percent-
age of brands that have ever been repaired
or had a serious problem, Differences of
less than 4 points aren't meaningful. Models
w i t h i n a brand may varv, and changes in
design or manufacture might affect relia-
biiity. Still, choosing a brand w i t h a good
repair history can improve your odds of
g e t t i n g a reliable model.
Source: Annual Product HeliabiHtv Survey, Consumer
Reports National Researcti Center.
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
Laptops
Fewer More
reoairs
HcwlMI-Pückaíí
5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
No one brand stood o u t as ttie most reli-
able among laptop brands. That's what
we found out when we asked more than
6 3 , 0 0 0 readers who bought a laptop
between 2 0 0 4 and 2 0 0 8 a b o u t their expe-
riences. This graph shows t h e percentage
of brands that have ever been repaired or
had a serious problem. Differences o l less
than 3 points aren't m e a n i n g f u l . Models
w i t h i n a tirand may vary, and changes in
design or manufacture might affect reli-
ability. Still, choosing a brand w i t h a g o o d
repair history can improve your odds of
g e t t i n g a reliable model.
Source: Annual Product Reliabililv Survev, Consumer
Reports National Research Center
 COMPUTERS, NETBOOKS 203

COMPUTERS, Netbooks
kecommended netbooks are suitable as secondary systems for performing routine
iasks. The hesl otFer lighter weight, larger keyboards and trackpads, and longer battery
lift'. All inoliidf il memorv-Ccirii render .ind webcam.

Brand S model Price Overall score Test results

1 i -s r g ^
D ion
P I F I G IVGl F

[•il SamsungNI2O-I2GBK ÎAOÙ © ©

\7\ Toshiba Wim
oo O d 6 2.8 AtomN270 160

e o oo o • 7.75 2.9 AtomN28Q 160

Samsung KÍ10-12PBK 400 a o o o o Q 725 2.8 AtomN27D 160
pj AsusFeePClOOSHA 415 © o oo o 9 5.5 2A AtomN28ü 160
Samsung NC10-t4GB 390 © o o o © • 7 M AtomN27O 160
[71 Acer Aspire One „„
AOOlM-1165 "" © Q oo O • 9 2.9 AtomN27O tÖO
Acer Aspire One ,_n
D250-1990 ^^^ e e oo o o 6.?5 2.7 AtomW7O 16Ü

Asus tee PC lOOOHE VÚ o o oo o o 6.5 3.2 A:omN28O 160

HP Mini 1I0-1O30NF) 350 o o oo o • 525 2.9 AlomN270 160
Nano
Samsung NQO-aiGBK 500 o © ô o o <A 4,5 3.3 160
MSI Wind U120-024US 320 o Q Q o o • 4.5 2.S AtomN27O 160
Dell Inspiron Mini lOv 300 o o oo o • 2.5 2.6
Dell Inspiron Mini 10 3S0 o o, o_ o 2.5 AtomZ530 160
Acer Aspire One ,_. o e
AOA15O-1635 ^^" o e ó o 3 12 AlomN27O 160
Acer Aspire One -... o •
AO751h-1259 "^ o © Ö e 2,5 2.7 AlomZ52O 250
MSIMrnd o •
U100-641U5 . •*"" o oo o 2 ¿5 AtomN27O 160
e •
204 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 0

Brand 8 model Price Overall score Test results

^ s ^ "^ 'S.

lllî-i
IDO
F I &1VCI E

Averatec Buddy
(350 O Ô O O © • 2 ^ 2-5 AtOtnN27O 160
N1030EA1E-1
ienovo ideaPad
350 O © O O © • ^5 ¿7 AtomN270 160
510-12ÜUW
HPMinÍlU6NF< O O © © O © 3 2.3 AlomN270 16
HPMÍnílO3ONR 350 -O O © © O Ô 2.75 2A AtomNZ70 16

See report, page 86.

Ratings Key ©Excelienl ©Ve;v EPOd OGood ©Fair • P o o r

D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combinalicin ol performance arid price. All are recommended.
Q Recommended These are hign.-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based on a number of factors, such as ergonotnics, performance, portability,
and versatility. Ttie displayed score is out ot a total of lOO points. Portabltlty is based on battery
life and weight. Erqonomlcs represents the quality of the keyboard and touctipad and accessibil-
ity of features. Performance is based on running productivity applications. Versatility includes
hardware features such as memory-card slots and AV connections, software features such as
security programs, and tech support and warranty provisions. Display covers display size, clarity,
color, contrast, brightness, and glare. Speakers covers fidelity, bass response, and loudness.

Select Ratings Overview

Samsunq N120-12GBK, $400: II portability
and ergonomics are your priorities, this
netbook, with its long battery life and rela-
tively large keyboard, is a good choice. But
those features come at a premium price.
ToshilM Mini NB20S-N210, $3S0: Very
Qood portability, long battery, and inexpensive
price tag make this a great ctioice. especially
for those on a budget.
Asus E M PC lOOeHA, S41S: This thin
and lightweight netbook has good ergonomics
(or its class.
Acer Aspire One A001S0-1165, 5330:
With the longest battery life in the group,
this netbook will keep you going on the road.
But Che keyboard and touchpad were ^mailer
than average.
 COOKTOPS 205

COOKTOPS
All electric cooktops performed well overaii. Tliere are many competent gas cooktops
to choose from, too. Like gas cotiktops. electric smoothtop models can'l malch ihc
quick heating and instant response of inducUon models. But as the price column
shows, induction cooktops typically arc more expensive. Below are Select Ratings.

Brands model Price Overall score Test results Features

O) .0 0

•5. o
-J
al 1
"ai
5
i OJ G "ai
a
P I F I G IVGl E
30-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP MODELS
Electrolux Icon
EÎ0EC65EÎSSI 1 i' ¿
Kenmore (Sears) 4273IZI 500 0 2
0 « PiOfile PP945BMIBBÍ 1.050 2 0 2
INDUaiON COOKTOPS
Kenmore (SearsI Line
1.745 3 [ Q
GEP!Of¡lePHP900DU|BB| 1.700 n
KeumoreíSeari) Elite
1.575
4Í80I0I

Brands model Price Overall score Test results^ features

î ^ * § s ä è
S- 5 9- ä o,

0 100 i
p I F I G I VGl t
36-INCH GAS COOKTOPS

GE Profile
JGP'J/'.WEKIWWI
GE Protile

Ratings Key ©Exceilani ©Very good OGood Ofsir • ? < } «

D CR Best Buy These models ofler Ihe besl combination ol perfoimance and ptice. Ail are racontmenijed.
S Recommended These am high-performing models that stand oui.
 206 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I O E 2 0 1 0

Guide to the Ratings

Overaii score reflects cooktop performance at high and low heat. The displayed score is out
ot a total of 100 points. Hiqh h«at reflects how quickly the highest-povuered element heated
water to near-boiling. Low heat reriects how well the lowest-powered element melted and held
chocolate without scorching and how the most powerful eiement, set to tow, held tomato sauce
below a boil.

Select Ratings Overview

30-inch electric cooktops:
All are top performers. Paying more for the
EJectrolux Icon E30EC65E[SS], $1,200, buys
you five elements instead of four; the GE
Proflie PP945BM[BB]. $1,050. adds smooth
touch controls. The Kenmore 427312], S500,
offers the most performance for the price.
30-inch Induction coohtops:
All three offer ultrafast healing at a relatively
low price for induction. At Si.575. the Kenmore
Eittt 4 2 e 0 [ 0 ] costs the least but has less
convenient controls.
36-lnch qss coolttops:
Between the Kenmore Eitte 324919], $1,150,
and the GE Profiie JGP975WEK[WW],
Sl,100, choose the Kenmore for its taster
heating. The GE JGP637WEJIWW] trades
some convenience features and some
simmering performance for a much lower
price; at S800, it's the best value.

Brand Repair iHistory

Dacor and Viking have been ttie most
Electric Cooktops
Mwe repair-prone gas brands; Jenn-Air has been
repairs among the more repair-prone electric
brands. That's what we found when we
Kenmote (Sears) asked almost 19,000 readers who bought a
cooktop between 2004 and 2008 about
their experiences. The graph shows the
Whirlpool
percentage of brands that needed a repair
KitcIienAiil
or had a serious problem. Differences of
less than 4 points aren't meaningful, and
we've adjusted the data to eliminate differ-
ences linked solely to the age of the cook-
Gas Cooittops top. Note Ihat we have no data on induction
More cooktops. Models within a brand miqht vary,
repairs fep.iiii
and design or manufacture changes mighl
WtlillpODi ^ m d
affect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand
Kiicñefi&td ^ • ^ • g with a good repair history can Improve your
odds of getting a reliable model.
l[K?r[i)3dor ^ I ^ H B
Kefimnre ISe^rs) | m m i | ^ ¡ Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer
Reports Nationa! Research Center.
)enn-Air | H | H | H E I
Dacor I ^ ^ H ^ ^ B IB
Viking ^ l ^ l ^ ^ ^ l

0% s% 10% 20%
 C O R D L E S S D R I L L S & D R I V E R S 207

CORDLESS DRILLS & DRIVERS

Decide whether the projects you handle warrant the higher power and price of the
latest technology. Note that drills that deliver added speed, power, and run time are
heavier as well. Also decide whether you're willing to wear earplugs; models that
scored a fair in our noise tests were at or above the 85-decibel level at which we recom-
mend hearing,protection. Below are Select Ratings.

Brand & model Price Volts Cell Weight Overallscore Testresults

Uivn (Ib.)
*o
.E .s
—^ ^
~
-o
s
¿Í
û_ c: 1^ c

0 lOQ
P I F I GIV6I E

DRILLS FOR GENERAL USE

_ 5Z00 15.6 NiMH 4.8
Q Ptirter-CablerciSODK? 100 18 NiCll 5.1
0 llyoWP815 160 18 U-lon 55
Q Craftstttanll'jaa 120 19.2 NiCrt 'O
0 Hitachi DS12DVF3 80 12 NiCd 'iA

DRILLS FOR TOUGHER JOBS

0 18 NiCd 6.1
Hitachi DS18DMR 200 18 NiMK fi.H
MakHa LXT BDF451 280 18 li-lon 4.9

• Bosch J.)618-?G
Uahitaó347DWDE
200
200
18
18
NiCd
MiMH
Vi
5.4
• DeWalt DCD WOKX 200 14.4 "NlCil 0.7
• Craftsman 11543^,^;^, 130 19.2 NiCd 5.5

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©VerygooQ OGood ÔFair #Poor

D CR Best 8uy These models offer t.lie best combination of performance ar>d price. All are recommencled.
[ ^ Recommended These are hlgh-peifarming models that stand out.
208 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 0

Brand S model Price Volts Cell weight Overallscore Testresults

type' (ib.)

P I

CORDLESS IMPACT DRIVERS

$220 12 NiMH i.b
©e e
RyohlP230C UO 18 NiCit 4.6
o e e
• Li-loo=iiltilum-ion. NiCd • niEkel-cadmium, NiMH • nickel-meial hydride.

See report, page 56,

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is for speed, power, run and charge times, handling, and noise at ear ievei.
Displayed scores for all tools are rounded; models listed by precise overall score. Speed is .
(or drilling holes and driving screws. Power (torque) is twisting force. Run time is work ,
per battery charge. Charge time is to recharge fully discharged battery. Handling is weight.
baiance, and effort to position head. Noise is at ear levei.

Select Ratinqs Overview

Best drills for most:
Paying more buys added run time for the
Panasonic' EY6432G0KW, $200, and less
weight tor the Ryobi P815, 5160. But
the Porter-Cabte PC1800K-2, $100, and
Craftsman 1158B. S120, deliver the best
performance tor the price. Note that the
Ryobi and Craftsman can power other tools
with the same batteries.
For serious do-it-yourselfers:
Choose the DeWalt DCO 940KX. S280, for Ihe
ultimate in performance and the Maklta LXT
BDF4S1, S280, for its lightness. Otherwise,
you'll get comparable performance with any
of the $200 models listed as drills for tougher
jabs. Choose the Craftsman 11543, S130, if
ymiYe willing to trade some run time for a
hammer-drill feature and a muct^lower price.

Lighter weight for tighter-duty Jobs: If YOU want an Impact driver:

The Hitachi DS12DVF3, SSO. is among
the lightest, lowest-priced drills that are still
reasonably fast with quick recharging.
The Makita 698bFDWDE, $220. and the
Ryobi P230C, Si30. add power and
enough noise to require hearing protection.
Choose the Makita for its light weight and
the Ryobi for its low price.
 D E C K S T A I N S 209

DECK STAINS
Our three-year tests in sun. snow, and rain yielded several top picks that can protecl
both your deck and yflur house. Match stain to your local conditions. Pick a mildew
resistant product ifyour home is in the shade and a dirt-resistant one il it's iñ an urban
,irea. Below are Select Uatings.
Type Price Overall score Appearance Resists

0 100
P I f I G IVCI E

FULLY TESTED Completed the equivalent of up lo nine vear5' exposure.

Behr [Jerk Plus tok, fence
fliirt Siding 200 line
opaque © e O
] Sears Wcjttieibeater Oeck,
íono.'í; Silling
opai)ue e o o
] Thompsofl'swaterSeal semi-
Deck & House transparent e o ô
rpprjit, pflcje 65.

Ratings Key ©Excellent Q^ery^xiú OGODCI OFair • P o o r

Q CR Best Buy These models offer Ihe besi combination of performance and price. All are r
[•'] Recommended roese are high-pertormmgrnoaels that stand cut.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall scor« is a three-year weighted performance averaige using the number of coats manu-
liicturers suggest; in these cases, two coats were applied. Type stiows whether a treatment
rovers wooia grain (opaque) or shows some grain (semitransparent). All are latex-based stains
that clean up with water. Appearance iS judged over as long as three years. Resists cracking
shows which best prevent cracks In our pressure-treated boards. Resists color ctianqe --hows
which fade or change color least. Resists dirt shows which collect little dirt. Resists mildew
•ihows which minimize mildew buildup.

Select Ratings Overview

Ihp Behr Deck, Fence & Siding 200 iine,
opaque, S23 per gallon and sold a( Home Depot,
iiisted longest in our decking and siding tests.
The Sears Weatherbeater Deck, Fence
and SIdInq opaque did nearly as weii as
!he Behr. costs just $16 per gallon, and has
roughly one-lhird the volatile organic com-
pounds, which have been linked to pollution.
Thompson's WaterSeal Deck & House
semitransparent, S20 per gallon, protected
best among semitransparent finishes on
both decking and siding.
210 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 0

DIGITAL CAMERAS, Point & Shoot

The Ratings list models by overall performance. Recommended models stand oui
for their combination of price and performance, or other reajions noted. All models
offer good or very good overall performance and image quality. Most get 200 to
350 shots per battery charge (none got fewer ihan 100) and have V/i inches or so of
LCD screen.

Brand & model Price Overall scDre Test results

~ ai Oí .>< a tf I
Oo QD ü ; ^

lOQ -
I F I G IVGI F
COMPAa MODEIS
CMon PowerStioi GIO SWO O 14 200 400 iX
Canon PowerShot
AlOOO IS o © 10 7 100 450 AX
Panasonic Lumix
DMOTil
o © \2 6 200 340 4.6X,

Nikon Cßülpix P6D00 © © © o 14 10 400 260 4X

Panasonic LumIx
DMC-LS85
Kodak Easy5hare
10 5 400 220 3X
M1O33
Canon PowerStiot 010 © © © e © 12 8 200 220 3)(
Canon PowerSIioi
A2000 IS © © © o © 10 8 100 500 6X
Fujifilm FInePix
F60fd © © © o © \2 6 ZOO 230 3X
Panasonic Lumix
DUC-FX 500 © © © Ö © 10 6 1600 280 'iX

A470 o © © o © 8 100 400 34X

Otympus FE-370 o © e o © 8 5 200 200 5X
Canon PowerShot
A430 © © © O © 10 7 100 200 3JX
Fujiflim FinePix
JÍ50W O © © Ô © 10 6 100 150 5X
GEABS O © © © O 7 6 200 130 3X

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good O G W X J ©Fair • P o o r

O CR Best Buy These mgdcis offer the üest combination of performance and price. All are recommandai].
t d Recomnfiended These are tiigh-performfng models that stand out.
 D I G I T A L C A M E R A S , P O I N T & S H O O T 211

Brand &modei Price Overall store Testresuits

3 § '^ (v
•^
OÍ
"^
,s
5.

S S a £ 5 :

m~ s
P I F t G I V&I I

SUBCOMPACT MODELS
Sony Cyber-stioi
0SC-W300
Canon PowerShol
SD880 IS ELPH
[ 7 1 Canon PowerShol
S012U0ISELPH
Canon PowerShol
SOWO IS ELPH
171 Fujifilm FlnePix
f200EXR
Canon PowerShol
SD970ISELPH
[71 Casio Exiiim Card
EX-S12
son¥Cvber-sholO5C-63 500
Nikon COülptxS710 300
, 71 Canon PowerShol

Panasonic Lumix
DMC-FXISO
Sony Cytiershot
05C-T900
Casio Exilim Card
EX-SIO
Nikon CoolpixS630
Sony Cvber-shoi
DSC-T90
Samsung SLiO?
Casio Exilim 2oom
EX-Z85
Pentax Optio P70
Casio High Speed
Exilim EX-FSIO
Kodak EasyShare
M 380 "
Sony Cyber-shot

LeitaClUX3
Samsung TUOO
Sony Cyber stiot
DSC-W220
212 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 0

Brand&moäel . Price Overall score Testresults

s '-' E- —
00 iC t - a,

= â *
P I F i G I V«l
SUBCOMPAH MODELS continued
Canon PowerShot
AlIOO IS © © © o © I? 7 ;00 140 4X

Panasonic Luiniii
DMC-FS25
© © 9
© © 12 5 400 330 5X

Olympus Stylus 1010 o © ©O © 10 5 m zto 7%

Nikon CüoipJK U9 o © © o © 8 6 200.. 440 Î.6X
Otympus <iivlus
Ioiigh-8000
© © © 9 © 12 7 100 . Z40 3.6X

M1093 IS © o ©© © 10 5 800 220 3X

Pentax Optio E70 ©O © 10 6 100 210 3X

0MCFSI5 © 9 O 12.1 5 200 330 5)(

PMtu0pUoW60 o © ©O O 10 5 50 205 5X
Nikon CoolplxS220
© © ©O 400 180 3X
Panasonic Liimix
OMC-FX35 o o © 9 400 Z90 4X

o © ©O © 10 5 200 160 W
CasioExilim Card EX-SS © © © 9 © 10 A 200 210 3X
Samsung SLS20 o o © 12 6 200 140 5X
Casio Exilim Zoom © 9
o © O 8 S ZOO 280 4X
EX-Z150 © 9
Nikon CoolpixS230 o © © 10 'j 400 160 3)(
Olympus Stylus lOSOSW © ©
© 9 9 10 6 ZOO zoo 3X
Nikon Cüülpix S60 o © © 9 © 10 6 100 140 5X
Olympus Stylus
o © © 9 O 10 6 100 230
TOUgh-6000
OiympiH Stylus 53OWP a © © 9 O 10 5 200 140 3X
Nikon CoolpixSZlO o © © 9 © 8 4 100 220
Fujifilm rineP« Z33WP
o © © 9 © 10 4 64 200 ÎX
Sony Cyber-shot
DSC-S9S0 o © ©O © 10 5 100 330 «
Casio Exjlim Zoom ©O
o © © 10 S 400 200 3X
© 9
FuJifiimFJnePixZ30 o © e © © 10 5 64 ZOO 3X
Fujifilm FinePixJ20 o © © Q © 10 4 200 165 3X
Olympus FE-3000 o © © 9 O 10 A 100 170 3X
 D I G I T A L C A M E R A S , P O I N T & S H O O T 2t3

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

.= oo .tí ro ra "5; ts .•= - i ; iQ

•m ^ ^ S SI « S ï-m C
=L — c^ 2 .
M> !¿Í w ¿J 3
ro m
100 - &
P I F I GIVGl Í i
SUPERZOOM MODELS
canon PowerStiot
SXIO iS © © © a © 10 24 400 600 20X •

Kodak E.isvStiare
© © © a a 10 13 800 300 12X
Canon PowerShot
© © © © © li 24 100 4Z0 30X
SKllS
Casio rxNim EX-FH20 © o © © 9 21 200 430 20X •
Panasonic Lumix tsx •
© a © © a 10 15 800 460

Kodak EasvSiiareï980 0 © © © © 12 19 100 400 24X •

Canon PowerShot
SX20015
a © © © © 12 9 4D0 280 12X •

© © © © © 10 15 200 270 15X •

Sonv Cyber-shot
DSC-H20
© © © © © 10 10 400 290 lOX

nsc-Min © © © a © 8 11 200 310 lOX

Fuiifilm FinePix
SI500
© © © © © 10 15 200 500 12X

Nikon Coolpix P80 © © © © © 10 14 100 250 18X •

Samsung HÜ15W 330 o © a o.a 12 9 200 280 lOX •
Fujifilm FinePix
S2000 HD © © a © a 10 17 100 400 15X •
Canon PowerStiot
© © © o a 9 10 200 400 lOX
Panasonic Lumix
DMfTZS
© © a © © 9 S 800 ÎOO ÎOX •

PentaiOpiioX70 © © © © © 12 15 200 170 2 « •

Panasonic Lumix
DMC ZS3 a a © © © 10 8 200 300 12X •

Fujifilm FInePJx
SlOOfS
© m© 0 © il 35 400 250 14.3X •

Samsung HZlOW a © © o © Í0 8 200 270 ÎOX •

Olympus SP-59OUZ 0 o © © © 12 19 lÔO 340 26X •

Olympus Slyltf^ 9000 © © © o © 12 7 100 250 lOX •

Nikon Coolpix P90 o © © © © 12 17 400 200 24X •

See report, page 19.

214 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 0

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score Í5 based mainly on image quality, the presence of useful features, battery life,
and weight. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in orijer of precise overall score.
Megapixels is unit of measurement that shows how many million pixels an image sensor has.
As 3 rule, the more megapixels you have, the larger you can print your image, or enlarge parts
of an image without losing detail or Image gualily. Weiqht (oz.) is total weight of the camera
body, including battery and memory card. Imaqe qualfty combines analytical tests and expert
judgments on a reference monitor of images made with the camera's best resolution and
compression. Ovnamlc ranqe and maximum ISO with best quality are factors, for point and
shoots, first-shot delay (often referred to as shutter lag) is how quickly the camera can take ¡ts
first shot once powered up. The fastest were virtually instantaneous; the slowest took 1 second
or longer. Next-shot delay is how quickly the camera can take its next photo. Models at least
as quick ¿is 1 second were rated excellent; 3, very good; 5, good; and 7, fair. For SLRs, ease ot
use is our measure of how convenient it is to use the camera's essential features, Vlewflnder
is Ihe score of viewfinder specifications and the measurement of the viewfinder's brightness.
Versatility reflects our assessment of a camera's physical controls, useful features, menu
system, and the degree to which you can adjust settings. Max. ISO with best quality indicates
the highest ISO that can produce a gootJ-puality image. It's based on analytical tests of an image's
flaws (unwanted "grain" or specks of false color) and indicates which models should excel in
low light. Dynamic range indicates how wide a range of dark, middle, and light tones a camera
captures in a scene, while stiil producing a good-quality image and fine detail. Battery life (shots)
indicates the number of hiqh-resoiutlon shots the camera takes with the batteries supplied.

Select Ratings Overview

Best polnt-and-shoots for $150 or less:
For the price, the Canon PowerShot A1000 IS,
at SlSO, offers you very good image quality,
producing images with excellent sharpness
although we did notice some visible noise.
It also has decent performance and excellent
dynamic range, which allows this camera to
shoot photos in a wide variety of situations.
Best underwater oolnt-and-shoots:
The waterproof and shockproof Panasonic
Lumix DMC-TS1, S400, maintains very good
Image quality and, for the most part, perfor-
mance, it has a non-telescoping zoom lens
that also has wide-angle capability and more
optical zoom than many compacts. However,
it Is a bit heavy and pricey for a compact.
The waterproof and shockproof Canon
PowerShot DIO, $330, maintains very good
image quality and has better performance
than most compacts. It has a non-telescoping
zoom lens. However, it does have lower battery
lile than most compacts, which may be a
problem if you use it for long periods of time
away from the battery charger.
For a camera that fits in a pocket:
The Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS ELPH,
S200, offers a winning combination of strong
performance and value. It includes new tech-
nologies, such as a face detection self-timer
feature that won't begin the countdown until
it "recognizes" an additional face. But it doesn't
ignore practicai features, such as an optical
viewfinder, which can be helpful when com-
posing in bright light, ft has very good image
quality, producing images with excellent sharp-
ness, although we did notice some noise. It
performs very well in next-shot delay, which
is very short, though it did have some first-
shot delay. It also has excellent dynamic range,
which aiiows this camera to shoot photos in
 D I G I T A L C A M E R A S ,
Select Ratings Overview
.'. ill' variety of shooting situations.
I he Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR, 2320.
tias a special sensor that can adapt to various
•ihootmq situations. It has verv good image
i-iuality, producing images with excellent
sharpness, although we did notice some
notse. It has excellent dynamic range, which
.-tllows this camera to shoot photos in a wide
variety of shooting situations, and it performs
very well in next-stiot delay, which is very
.hort, though it did have some (irst-shot delay.
It has manual controls, which make this cam-
i?ra more versatile than other modeis. it also
includes wide-angle capabiiities, usetui for
landscapes and group portraits, and an out-
put for HDTV.
The very slim Casio EKitim Card EX-S12,
5200. offers speedy performance and very
good Image guallty at a reiativeiy low price.
It even includes manual focus, which makes
It more versatiie than other models.
The Canon PowerShot SD780 iS ELPK,
5230, J5 one of the few point-and-shoots that
can capture high-guality images in very low
light without a flash. Its excellent dynamic
range allows Ihis camera to take photos in
a wide variety of shooting situations, and the
optical viewfinder can be heipful when com-
posing in bright light.
If a Ionq zoom Is a priority:
Ihc Canon PowerShot SX1 IS, S560, is a,very
pricey, but powerful superzoom with unique
leatures th3t let you control many exposure
settings and take better or more creative
photos. Like an SLR, it can save images in
RAW format, whlcli allows you more creative
P O I N T & S H O O T 215
control over editing images, it has a hot shoe
for an optionai external fiash, which is rare
on point-and-shoots. It can even capture
high-definition video at a greater resolution
(1920 X 1080) than most cameras, it's big anc
heavy, but it's loaded with features.
With its speedy performance, very good
image quaiity, and decent quality in iow light,
the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20, $250, is
a fine value. It doesn't have wide-angle capa-
bility, a feature found on most in its ciass. But
it's a light, portable superzoom ât an attrac-
tive price.
For a relatively inexpensive superzoom,
the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS. $230,
produces images with very good sharpness.
although we did notice some visible noise.
Performance is mixed, with short next-shot
delay but some first-shot delay. Excellent
dynamic range lets you shoot photos in
a wide variety of situations. Manual controls
and manual focus make this camera more
versatile than other modeis.
AithouQh ttie Samsunq HZ10W, $280. Is
light and compact for a superzoom, it has
some powerlui features, such as a very wide
24-mm iens, which can be usefui for land-
scapes and group portraits. It has very good
image quality, producing images with good
sharpness, although we did notice some noise
The camera has very short next-shot deiay,
but did have some first-shot delay. It has excel
lent dynamic range, which allows this camern
to shoot photos in a wide variety of shooting
situations. It also has manual controls, whicti
makes this camera more versatile than othei
models, as well as manual focus.
Z16 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 0

DIGITAL CAMERAS, SLR

Most models were fine overall performers. Image-quality scores aren't comparable
with those of point-and-shoots because the two types are factored differently. Below
are Seiecl Ralinj;s,
Brand «model Price Overall score Testresuits

.c Ci. —

PIF I G
BA5IC

LîlJ CaooB EOS Rebel Tli © © © e O 15 18.6 1600 400 • 3.4

0 MikonD5000 © © © e O 12 2i.6 3200 510 • 4
0 Penta«K2000 © © © © O 10 24J 800 400 Z.8
ADVANCED

[Z\ Nikon D300 © © © 12 2 3200 1000 • 6

0 Oiympus Ë-3 0igital © © © 10 316 800 6iO • b
p] canon EOS 40D
"- Dígita! ^ O 10 28.8 8O0 800 •* 6J

See report, page 19.

Ratings Key ©Eiceilent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair #Poor

Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination ot performance and price. All are recommended.
bd Recommended These are hlgh-pertorming models ihat stand out

Select Ratings Overview

For a baste SLR:
The Canon EOS Rebel Til, $650. is one of only
a few basic SLRs with excellent image quality.
It has the ability to capture HO-resolution
video, allhough at a slower rate than others,
which can compromise video quality. It's also
better than most SLRs at shooting in low-
light situations without a fiasti.
The Nikon D5000, $730. with its com-
bination of live-view functionailjty, swiveling
display, and ability to shoot HD-resolution
video, offers you a very intuitive way of taking
video, as well as very good photos, with one
device. It's also relatively inexpensive and
better ttian most SLRs In low-tight situations
without a flash.
The camera body of the Ptntax K200D,
$700, although plastic, includes environmental
seals, which means it will do a better job at
Keeping moisture and dust from entering ttie
camera white the lens is attached. It's very
easy to use with access to many functions
through external buttons and controls. But it
does not have live*vrew capabilities. With a
buffer size that allows for only 4 JPEGs, smaller
than what most other tiasic SLRs have, you
 D I G I T A L C A M E R A S . S L R 21

Select Ratings Overview

Will most likely see a slowinij in Irames per
second when shooting in continuous shooting
mode, lt'5 one ot the few SLRs that runs on
AA batteries.
For « more advanced SLR:
With its ability to capture excellent imaqe
quality, shoot quichiy. and perform in low-
light conditions, plus excellent dynamic range.
Ihe Nikon D300, $1,600. is worth its tilgh
price tag.
Although it was a long time in coming
to market, this top-ot-the-iine, moderately
priced Olympus E-3 Diqltsl, S1.250, was
worth the wait. It includes unique features
such as a swiveiing LCD with live view.
It also has 11 AF points to give you ample
opportunity to keep up with active subjects.
It includes a sturdy body and lots of fite
storage and compression options.
The Canon EOS 40D Digital, S900. has
one of the fastest burst modes, being able
to fire o(f 6.5 frames per second for as many
as 75 JPEGs or up to 17 RAW files. It has
excellent image guality. a large live-view LCD
and excellent battery life.

Brand Repair History

Most cameras are very reliable, and few dif-
Point-and-shoot
ferences exist among brands. That's what
we lound out when we asked more than
275.000 readers who bought a digital cam-
era between 2004 and 2008 about their
experiences. The graphs show the percent-
age of brands that needed a repair or had
a serious problem. Differences of less than
3 points aren't meaningtul. Models within a
brand might vary, and design or manufac-
ture changes might affect future reliability.
Still, choosing a brand with a good repair
history can improve your odtís of getting a
reliable model.

Source; Annual Product Reiiabiiity Survey. Consumei

Reports National Research Center.

0%
SLR
Morí'

FuiifiliTi

Olympus
Canon

Nikon

10% 15%
218 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 0

DIGITAL PICTURE FRAMES

Picture quality is by far the most important feature to consider when you're buying a
digital frame. You might also want to look for a frame with built-in Wi-Fi to make it
easier to grab photos from your computer or an online photo-sha ring service. Extra
memory is also a plus. Below are Select Ratings.

Brand S model Price Overall score Test results Features

3 fT3 ro

Si •— s ;

f >
P I F I G iVGl t
[^^ Digital Specmim
Memory Frame
10.0X 800x SaMMC.MS.
© Ö © 8,0X1.4 6Û0 XD.U5B
512
HF80Í
7.8« ÖOOx SD, MMC, MS.
Ë ipevo Kaieido R7 e Ô e 6.8x3.0 480 USB
[7! Pandi^tal 93X 800x 50. MMC. MS.
PAN70000W e ô e .8.1x1.4 600 XO.USB
1024
9ix BOOx 5D,MMCMS.
0 GiiNit Slope CiN-81? 90 o o © 6.0x0.8 600 CF.xD.-U5B
128

See report, pace 24.

Rating5 Key ^Excellent ©Very good OGood © F a » # P o o r

D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination ot performance and price. Al) are raconimentled.
11! R e c o m m e n d e d TTiese are high-performing models that stand out,

Guide to the Ratinqs

Overall 5core is in performance order, based on picture Quality, vtewinq angle, and versatiiity.
Picture quality includes image clarity, color accuracy, and contrast. It's based mainly on
the judgments of a panel that viewed photographs on each device, as well as iab measurements.
Viewing anqlc indicates the quaiity of images when viewed from 45 degrees of the center iine
both horizontally and vertically. This is important if you are standing above the irame and
looking down, sitting at an angle to the frame, or sitting with the frame positioned above you.
Versatility mainly includes characteristics thai aid in versatiiity and convenience. Those include
the presence of hardware and menu-based navigation features. Aiso considered are the number
of memory-card and USB siots; built-in memory; brightness, color, and contrast controls; wire-
less remote control; portrait and iandscape stands; removabie picture frames and any extra
frames included; audio and video playback; audio and video connections; PC-to-device image
transfer speeds; number and duration of slideshow timings; the ability to deiete images; image
quantity; size and format limitations; and handling of non-compatible image formats.
 D I G I T A L
Select Ratings Overview
Very qood picture quality at a low prie*:
Ar^ additional trame and malte plus the ability
to use ready-made frames make ttie Dlqltal
Spectrum Memory Frame MF-801, $80, a
qood choice if you want to match ttie frame
to your décor, Ttie low price makes ttiis frame
a good value, and picture quality was very
qood. A wide range of convenient features
makes it easy to use.
Wi-Fi connected to qet photos from your
computer and from select online services:
At first qiance, you might think you're looking
at trie worfcl's smallest LCD monitor. The
Ipevo Kareldo R7, S200, will look good in an
office or if your home décor leans toward
tectino-chic. But it's among the highest-priced
frames we rated. It comes with built-in Wi-Fi
connectivity that lets you view photos stored
on your computer or on select online services.
P I C T U R E F R A M E S 219
Its 512MB of memory provides a substantial
amount of storage space. Widescreen aspect
ratio makes picture-viewinq problematic.
Lots of storage on the frame so you can
reuse your memory cards:
A gigabyte of memoiy gives you plenty of
room for storing pholos on the Pandiqitai
PAN70000W, SSO. The low price makes this
frame a good value. An optional Wi-Fi adapter
lets you get ptiotos from your computer and
specific photo-sharinq sites.
For people looktnq to stmply show their
photos:
If you're like many people who simply want
a digital frame to show pictures, the CiiNIi
Slope GN-aT2, S90. is a very goDd bet.
Its crisp-iookinq screen and low price make
it a CR Best Buy.
220 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G GUIDE 2 0 1 0

DISHWASHERS
You'll save money on your new dishwasher by passing on the hidden controls and
stainless-steel tub. Targeted spray jets, adjustable racks, and other features designed
to improve loading and washing peribrmance will also add to the price of many
dishwashers, but some high-scoring models in this report are equipped with those
conveniences and cost less.

Brand&model Price Overallstore Testresults Features

Siniiläf mOek. In smalt

OÍ C:
I .H g ¡w ^ ~
S S

0 :oo s 3
P 1 F I G IVGU

Bosch SHX98M0{9|
UCSHFüaMOtltK
Some
Bosch Evolution 500

Asko Encore
DÍ531XLHDÍSS]
Kenmore (Sear^) Elite
lllIi,iW,ishHE1315[2|
Kenmore

IG 5team
LDF7932[ST1
KitcbenAlil
KUDE7OCV[SS1
KUDf'OfV
Thermador
HO Series
Kenmore (Sears)
Pro 131713]
Kenmore (Sears)

KitchenAid
KUDS40CVIWH1
Kenmore (Sears)
131812]
GE Profile
PDWT5I0PIWW1
KitchenAid
KUDE60FVIWH1
Bosch SKE33M0ß|
 DISHWASHERS 221

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

^ cy —ï is ^. -O

41 ~1 ^ E
o ^^
S .E g Si ™
Q 100
p IF I oivr.11
Whirlpool c>ol(j
Giiiaooxivioi ; voo
Whirlpool Gold
(,LIÎ(J0UXTV101 aoo
Kenmore (Sears)
I389Í21 500
Whirlpool Gold
550
KitctienAid
675

I
KU0S3ÜIVÍWHÍ
Asko O5253XXL 1,300
LG LDS482I 600
Kenmore (Spars)
690

Whirlpool 400
DU1O55XÎVIO]
Bosch SHE58C0[2]llC 900
Fisher RPaykel .^,,f.

Miele lns|]ir<i
G2H2SCIWHI
Bosch SHE45COU11JC 700
Kenmore (Sears)

Bosch SHX6AP0(2|UC 700

GE Profile
PDWF780PIWW)
Electrolux
Wave-Toiich
EWDW6505G1WI
Maytag
Mr)F17609flW|W]
Whirlpool
DUliOOXTVlQi
Samsung
DMR77LHIWI
Maytag
ML1B8751BW1WI
Hotpoînt
HL04000N[WW1
Maytag g^
• • ftll • • •
222 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 0

BrandSmcaei Price Overall score Testresults Features

tesiPd model.

QJ -o S-
o
P I F I GlVGi f

Dacor Epicure
$1550
ED?4[S)
Jenn-Air
JOBIlOSAWiWI
GEGLD5900NIWW]
GEGLDS800PIWW]
Samsung
DMR57LF[W]
Maytag
UDB660iAW|Wl
GEGLD6700NIWW]
KJtchenAid
KUDD03DÎIWH1
Haier ESD310
Maytag
MDPaOOOftWfSl

See report, p^ge 39.

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygooú OGood ©FsEr • P o o r

O CR Best Buy Thüse modeis offer the t>est cambmation of peffarmarice arx] price. A)l are recommended.
[Zl Recommended These aie high-periorming models that stand cait

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score, based mainly on washing, also lactors in noise, energy and water use, loading,
and more. The displayed score is out of a total of TOO points. Washing was tested using our
standard, very dirty, lull load. Because we switched to an enzyme-based deterijent for our tests.
Ratings for models that appear here and in archived reports may differ. Enerqy use is for a
normal cycle, mostly for heating water, both at the water heater and in the machine. Nols« was
judged during fill, wash, and drain, mainly by a listenjng panel. Ease of use includes rdck
adjustability, the ability to hold extra place settings and oversized Items such as platters and
talt glasses. Cycl« time is based on a normal cycle including heated dry. where that feature is
available. Under brand & model, a bracketed tetter or number is a color code.
 DISHWASHERS Z23

Select Ratings Overview

, fuli-featured modeis that Budget-frfendiy dishwashers that

excel at cleaning: perform weli:
• Kenmore 1374[2], S720. CR Best Buy • Kenmore 1389Í2], $500
• Bosch SHE33M0I2ÏUC, S600. • Whirlpool DU1O55XTV[Q], $400
CR Best Buy
- Whiripooi Goid GU2300XTV[0], S550. These lower-priced models were excellent
CR Best Buy at cleaning. The capacity of the Whirlpool is
iimited by the lack of fold-down tines. The
The Kenmore has targeted spray jets but the Kenmore has bidden controls.
Whiripooi offers better drying performance.
Both have adjustable top shelves. The Bosch
was the most efficient, with the shortest cycle
time and a stainless-steel interior, But you'il
occasionaily have to clean its filter öy hand.

Brand Repair History

Fisher & Paykel was the most repair-prone

ii'pait! ~ " ippjiis brand, and Maytag was among the more
repair-prone brands. That's what we found
when we asked almost 135.000 readers who
ttliiilpûol E ^ H bought a dishwasher between 2004 and
Koipc<m I m j ^ p 2008 about their experiences. Although we
Miele • ^ • ñ lacked sufficient historical cfata to include
more (Sears} I H H ^ H the company in the chart, LG has been a
repair-prone brand, according to our analy-
sis. The graph shows the percentage ot
GEE^EI 1 models for each brand ttiat were repaired
KitchenAid B ^ ^ H E or had a serious problem. Differences of less
FrtHittaiie B ^ ^ ^ H IE than 3 points aren't meaningful, and we've
adjusted the' data Eo eliminate differences
n linked solely to the age and usage of the
dishwasher. Models within a brand can vary,
and design or manufacture changes might
affect future reliability Still, choosing a
0% ii% lO'fc 15% JU% ; 5 % 30% brand with a good repair history can improve
your odds of getting a reliable model.

Source: Annual PrtxJuctfielialillilySutvey, Consumer

Reports National Research Center.
224 C O N S U f ^ E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0

DRYERS
Most of the dryers we tested scored at least very good for drying performance. Those
that scored excellent were better at drying delicate clothes at low temperatures and
leaving loads damp enough for ironing. While we test only electric dryers, we've found
ihat g-as and electric dryers perform similarly. Electric dryers require a heavy-duty
240 volt line. Gas dryers cost more but are less expensive to operate, so you'll recoup
the added expense quickly

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

^iiïiiiiît mcniels. in imal) lype. i e s ÎO 5 E ,S
Ate im»[urabie lo ts'Avä inodel.

F l G
ELEaRiC DRYERS
Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE3
Steam 86MUI
Sl,400 e ©
Kenmore (Seaf5) Elite HE5
Steam 8772|1| 1,300
E!ilpHt.!jSrpjniS771(|
6E Profile Harmony
OPGT750ECIWW]
Kenmore (Sears) Oasis
Steam 6806[2|
íMii;SiíPjiní>Si»(l

UTromm DLE8377IW1 1,050

Maytag 5000 Series steam ,,f.f, ¡n
MEDE500VIW1 ^'^^^ '^
0 LGDLE39S5IW1 900 EE
IG SteamOrver DLEX300IÎWI 1.400
[7] Kenmore (Sears) Elite Oasis
6703121 titeOäsis «041 i,Ete

Whirlpool Duet Steam

WED'JöOOTIWI

DV4'IBAE[W1
LG OLE25t6(Wl
Kenmore (Sears) 800
Series 698212] aoo^nes 698311
 DflY ERS 225

Brand Smoriei Price Overall score Testresulls

i nioiJeis, m ímill 1)¡K.

ne tompsrdQi? to tested model. Sis ~ È

O 100
P I F I GlVGÍ f

ELECTRIC DRYERS continued

GEP;ofileOPVH890EJ|WW] Í1,?OÜ
Whirlpool Cabrio Steam
WED6600V[Wl
GE Profile OPSESlOEGIWn
Maytag Bravos MEDô-lOOTlOl
Maytag Epic UED9700SI8I
Siemens uiiraSensG

Bosch Nexxl 500 Plus

Senes WTMCS3ï(0lUS

MFDR800VIQI
Whirlpool Duel Sport

Amana NED72O0TIW1
Whirlpool Cabrio

Kenmore (Sears) HEZ

Bosch N e m 800
WTMC832U1US
Electrotux Perfect Steam
EWMED65HIIW1
GE DCVH640EJ[WW|
Miele TOL)íhlroiiiíT%00
Frigidaire GüIlefY
CiLERlCI4FS(S|
Kenmore (Sears) 69W12)

(71 Whirlpool WED58O0Srwi

«FO'i'IXlVll
o
226 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 0

Brands model Price Overall score lest results

g 'jimiür models. I S'a >•

H are comparable »iKiedf •S. ç 'O ^ ë

a 100

p'l F I GIVGl Í

ELECTRIC DRYERS continued

Frigidaire LE0Z152HSI
$600 O O e ©
Fri^daire Ainnitv
AE06000EIS1 AtrimtyAEOBWoai 700
( B « BUïl. Aflinrty lEOMKlOtl I o o
Fi5herSPavkelDE62TGl
BÍWÍ37G
© e u u
Fisher & Paykel 0 © 0 ©
Iniiiilive 0E1X2
Asho rL751XXL|Wl 1,000 0 © © ©

MEDC500VÍW]
0 © © 0
GEDTSR49SEFÍGG)
Prolite I>RSR4'<5GG|ÍG|
0 © © 0
Fisher« PavkelDEGX2 0 e 0 0
GE DRSR483EG[WW) 9 © © 0
Kenmore ¡Sears) 6952[2l 0 0
0 ©
Amana NED4800VIQ1 9 © © e
SUber HXO^3O4£ Q 0 0
GA5 DRYERS
Kenmore (Sears) Elite H B
Steam 9674[2]
Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5
SIMIH 9772111
GE Profile Harmony
DPGT750GC[WWl
Kenmore (Sears) Oasis
Steam 7808[î]
LGTrommDLG8388[W]
Maytag 5000 Series Steam
MGnE50ÜV¡W¡
L6 DLGS955IWI
IG SteamDryer
DíCiX3OO2|W]
Kenmore (Sears) Elite
Oasis 7703m i'
 DRYERS 227

Brand S model Price Overaltscore Testresults

1)0

•rtiiiilainiodeis. in small lype, tu a.

ceîain to
life cOTiparatíle lu iwtEd moäei. o Ë .2

ryingra
-s
S
o
i 2
3 tac
a.
o
'^

0 • 100
V.
a: Pli F 1• G 1 VGl E

GAS DRYERS continuetj

SI,470
WrjD9600T|W]
Samsung Sieain
1.220

Q
Q Kenmore (Se^irs) 800 Series
798^121
GE Profile DPVH890GJ[WW] 1.250
p] Whirlpool Cabrio steain
W&D6Ó00VIWI
Q GEProtiieDPSE8lOGGlffT!
Maytag Bravos
MGD6400IIOI
Maytag Epie UGD97005IB] 1.180
Siemens un taSense
WTXD5122UC
Bosch Nexxl 500 Plus
series WTMC553I01US
Maytag Bravos Steam
M[,O880nviOI
Whirlpool Duet sport
WGD83OOSIfH
Amana NGD72OOTIW]
Whirlpool Cabrío
WGD62OOSÍW1
Kenmore (Sears) HE2

Bosch Nexxl 800

Eiectrolux Perfect Steam

tWM0D6!.H|lW|
GE DCVH640G][WW|
Miele IoiichlionlcT9820
pi Frigidaire Gallery
GLGR104FSIS!
0 Kenmore (Sears) 7963¡2|
0 Whirlpool WGD5700VIW]
226 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 0

Brand & model Price Overall score Testrestjits features

.^' âj ß ti
'M <rte comtfflatile lu tansl moûel

D
P i f I G IVGl E
GAS DRYERS continued
frigidaire LGO215MS1
(Lowe's) O o
Frigidaire AffînJtv
ACQÖOOOEIS) O o
Fisher &PavkelDG6?TGi e e o o
Fislier & Paykel
Intuitive DGIX2
o e o ©
ASÎCOTL751G)(XL{W1 o © e e
Maytag Centennial o e e o
M&DC500VIW1
GE 0RSR495&GIWW]
o e e o
Fisher & Paykel DGGX2 o e o o
GEI]RSß-483GG[WWl © o
Kenmore (Sears) 7952121 d e o o
Amana NE¡DdS0OV[Q| d e e Q
Staber HXt)a304G o Q

See report, page 48,

Ratings Key ©EAnelleni ©verypiod OOood ©Fair #Poor

D CR Best Buy These modeis otfef ihe besl combimilion ot periormance and pnce. All are racommended,
0 Recommended These are high-pertormlng modeis thai starid oui.

Guide to the Ratinqs

Overall score is based primarily on dryinq performance, drum volume, and noise. The displayed
score is out of a total of 100 points. Dryfnq performance combines performance on four types
of launöry loads of different sizes and fabric mixes. Among models we tested, drum volume
capacity varied from about 5 cubic feet lo 8 cubic leet. Convenien« takes into account con-
trots and ergonomics, such as ease of loadinq and unloadinq, servicing the lint filter, whettier
the door could clear a tall basket, and whether tfie machine has a raised edge to contain spills.
Noise level, both sound quality and volume, was determined while machines dried an Q-pound
load. Prfc* for electric and gas dryers is approximate retail.

Select Ratinas Overview
(The pGtfOf manct' of each tirand's qas model
is equivalent to Ihe electric model we tested.
Most of the dryers we tested scorecJ at least
very çood for drying performance. Those that
scored excellent were better at dryinq deli-
cate clotties at low temperatures and leaving
loads damp enougti for ironing.)
For performance:
The GE Profile Harmony DPGT75OEC[WW1,
S950, and the LG D L E : 5 9 5 5 [ W ] , S90Û, have
a stainless-steel drum. Kenmore (Sears> Elite
OBSfs â703[21, $800, has a rusl-resistant
porcelain top. The Whiripooi Cabrio Steam
WED6600V[W], S900, is the least-expensive
modei we tested that offers a steam cycle
to remove odors and wrinkles, but lacks a
dryinq rach and blocked lint filter Indicator.
Brand Repair History
Dryers, gas
Fewer UOfe
repairs
r.E
DRYERS
For price and performance
The LG DLE2516IW], S700. has electronic
pushbutton and rotary dial controls and a
digital timer. The Konmore (Sears) 8 0 0
Series 69e2[2}, $600. has a spacious drui
The GE Proftie DPSE810EG[WTJ, $625, h.i
a stainless-steel drum and a porcelain top.
The Amana NED7200T[W], S600, is very
quiet, but iacks a drying rack and drum light.
For affordabliity:
These economy modeis were very good at
dryinq and at Ipast good in all categories: the
Frigidaire Gallery GLER104FS[S], $450; the
Kenmore (Sears) 696212], $490; and the
Whiripooi WED5800S[W], $480. The Gallery
has a stainless-steel drum. The Kenmore lacks
a drying rack and blocked lint filter indicator.
We found oniy modest differences in the
brand repair rates of both gas and elec-
tric dryers. That's what we found when we
asked over 105,000 readers who bought a
dryer between 2004 and 2008 about their
experiences. The graph shows Ihe percent-
age of brands that needed a repair or had
a serious problem. Differences of less than
3 points aren't meaningful, and we've ad-
justed the data to eliminate differences
linked solely to age and use of the dryer.
Models within a brand may vary, and design
or manufacture changes may affect future
reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a
good repair history can improve your odds
of getting a reliable model.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer
Reports National Resean:h Cenler.
230 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 0

DVD PLAYERS
Standard DVD players continue to remain popular, partly because Blu-ray high-
definition players still cost quite a bit more. And they can give you a very enjoyable
viewing experience—the best picture you'll ever see on a standard-definition TV, and
a nicely detaiJed image on an HDTV. Below are Select Ratings,

Brand&model Price Overall score Test results

'& a Si
le 2g E I
s "^0 s ^ s; c
=1 — =1 — OJ
•ë- o o
O e S
m
P I F I G IV6l f •"-

PROGRESSIVE-SCAN SINGLE-DISC P U Y E R S
Pioneer
DV-410V
$100
e
LG0NS98

0 Toshiba XD-E5Û0 100

Philips
DVP599Z/37
50 o oe

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

QJ .= -s

0 IDO
P I F I G I Vt^l (
PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS

[^ Toshiba SD-P9ÍS O O O 43 9 3.75 Conv. 2 3-Dec

0 Sony DVP-FX820 o o o 1.23 8 2.75 Conv. 2 Ï-Dec

0 lfiDP885 O O O 4 8.5 ¿5 Conv, 2 _• 3-Dec

See report, page 15,

• Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood ©Fait • P o o r

Q CR Best Buy These models offer Ihe best combination of performance and price. All are recommendetf,
l£] Recommended These are high-períorming nwdeis ttiat stand out.
 DVD PLAYERS 231

Brand & Pnce Overall score Testresuits

model
Ail Olltpul
a maximum .'a iS o Í:Í ä
video i á I a ° f, É
resolKiion
of i080p
100
P i. F C IV6I i
BLU-RAY PLAYERS

[)oibv DigiMl 5.1. Dotliv niiii-

7.1.DTSDfgiiai5.1,DrS'HD
High RKOliiîion aufiio 7.1.
DTS-HD Master audio 7.1
OoiiîV Oigitül S.I.ft3lbvDißi-
Panasonic tai Plus 7.1, Dolhv rrueHO
OMP-BD80 7.1. DTS Digital S.1,DTS-HO
Hißh Resolution audio 71.
DTSHD Master audio 7,1
- • • !• - ' . -
Doíbv Dígita! 5.1,Dnlby Digi-
tal Plus 7.1, DollivlrueHt)
0 LGBD390 400
7.1.DÍSDigi[aí3.1.DISHD
High ResoiiiiJon audio 7.1
Sony
BOP-S36O e © • tone

OolbyDigllalilDolhy Dis-
Samsui^ tal Plus 7.1. DolbvlrueHD
BO-P36OO 7J.0TS Digital 5.1. DTS-HO
High fte-ioiution audio 7.1,
DIS HI) Hâitei audio 7.1
Dolby Oi^ital 5.1. DTS
e © • • Digital S.l
\7] Sharp
Aqios None
BD-HP2ÍU
1 HasoniyBamisView.noBDLive.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on picture quality and ease of use. The displayed score is out of
a total of 100 points. Fllin DVD at 480p: Scores of this picture-quality test indicate ttie sharp-
ness and detail of images on HDTVs when the unit plays prerecorded tilm-basetJ DVDs (most
movies) at 480p video resolution. Video DVD at 480p indicates the sharpness and detail of
images on HDTVs when the unit plays video-based DVDs (many prerecorded TV series compila
lions or concert videos, and home recordings) at 4B0p video resolution. Film DVD at 4801
indicates the sharpness and detail of images on regular TVs when the unit plays lilm-based
DVDs (most movies) at 480i resolution. Video DVD at 4801 indicates the sharpness and detail
of images on regular TVs when the unit plays vtdeo-based DVDs (many prerecorded TV series
compilations or concert videos, and home recordings) at 480i resolution. E«$e of use is our
assessment of the user-friendliness of the remote control unit, console front panel, setup menu,
and Key playback functions, as welt as the number of useful features included.
232 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 0

Guide t o t h e Ratings tcontinueci)

For Portable DVD players:
Overall score 15 mainly based on picture qualily, sound quality, ease of use, and battery life.
Picture quality indicates picture quality of built-in display. Sound quality indicates perfor-
mance of players' tiuilt-in speakers. Eas« ol us* considers normal and low-light use of controls
on the unit and the remote. Battery life is our measurement of how long the unit played on
its iully charged battery.

For Btu-ray players:

Overall score is based primarily on picture clarity and ease of use. The displayed score is out
of 3 total of 100 points. HD picture quality indicates the sharpness and detail of images on
HDTVs when the unit plays prerecorded high-definition Blu-ray videodiscs at lOSOp video
resolution via an HOMI connection. OVO picture quality indicates the sharpness and detail
ot images on HDTVs when the unit plays standard DVDs and outputs the signal via an HDMI
connection at an upconverted (quasi-1080p) resolution. Remote assesses the user-friendliness
of the unit's remote control for basic playback and control functions. Menu assesses the user-
triendliness of the unit's onscr&en menus for basic playback and setup functions.

Select Ratings Overview

DVD players
Best for most consumers:
The top-rated.Pioneer DV-410V, SIOO, is an
excellent overall performer, with top-notch
picture quality for progressive-scan and
standard-det. It has a USB port for playing
digital music, videos, and photos stored on
a removable flash drive.
The LG DN898, $60. is an excellent over-
alt perforp-ier, with top-notch picture quality
for progressive-scan and standard-def. It has
a USB port for playing digital music, videos,
and photos stored on a removable flash drive.
Look to the Toshiba XD-E500, SIOO, for
very good overall performance and an excel-
lent choice for an HDTV with HDMI inputs or
a standard-definition TV. Not the model to
pick for HDTVs that don't have HDMI inputs.
You'll qet very good overall performance
with the Philips 0VP5992/37. S50, a good
choice for use with an HDTV; but there
are better choices for use with a standard-
definition TV.
Blu-ray players
Great full-featured choices:
Tne Oppo BDP*83, S500, is the !op-rated
performer in our Ratings. Although pricey.
It delivers excellent audio and video
quality, and offers a lot of step-up features.
including the ability to play all disc types,
including SACDs and DVD-Audios. It's a
BD-Live model, and includes 7.1-channel
analog audio outputs.
Ttie Panasonic DMP-BD80, S350, offers
excellent overall performance. It includes
Panasonic's Viera Cast online service, for
access to videos from YouTube, digital photos
from Picasa, and soon, Amazon Video On
Demand. II has internal decoding of Dolby
TrueHD and DTS-HD lossless audio, and
7.1-channel anatoq outputs, it includes an SD
card slot and can play back AVCHD video files.
The LG B0390, $400, a BD-Live model,
offers excellent overall performance, and
improved picture quality compared to its
predecessor, the BD300, It's the only model

Select Ratings Overview
in Ihe Ratings witti built-in Wi-Fi í802.Un,
dralt version), so it can wirelessly connect
to (he Internet. Includes LG's NetCast online
access tor streaming movies and videos
from CinemaNow, Netftix, and YouTube.
ThE' Samsung BD-P3600, S35O, delivers
excellent overall performance. It's function-
ally the same as its hiqher-priced sibling,
but with more connectivity options-inclutJinq
a component-video connection, which the
P4600 laci(s-and a more conventional flesign
tt\ai will save you $50. Like its brandmate. it
comes with a USB Wl-ri doncjle, and can access
Netllix instant videos and Pandora streaming
internet radio.
Good budget choices:
Sony's entry-level Blu-ray player, the BDP-
S360, S250, is an attractive BD-Live-ready
mode!, though not the most feature-laden.
Picture quality is excellent, and it can internally
decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master
Audio contained on 6lu-ray discs, though not
some older DTS formats.
DVD PLAYERS 233
The Philips BDP5010, S250. ¡s a well-
priced, middle-of-the-pack model with
excellent picture quaiity and a unique look,
with silver trim accents encircling the face
of the player.
The Sharp Aquos BD-HP21U, S200, olfeis
excellent picture quality at a relatively low
price. It lacks BD-Live, a feature found on
mosl newer players, and additionai memory
is needed for BonusView (picture-in-picture)
operation.
Portable DVD players
Best choices tor most:
These three models all have good picture
quality, qood sound quality from [heir speakers,
and two headphone jacks. Battery life is at
least 4 hours, enough to keep you going
through a few movies. The Toshiba SD-P91S,
S180, has a 9-(nch.screen; the Sony DVP-
FXB20, S180. screen is 8 inches, and Ihe LG
DP8B5, SlBO, is 8.5 ihches. All are convert-
ible models with screens that can be lifted
up like a laptop display or folded flat like a
writinq tablet. The LG's USB port cah access
photos or music from a flash drive.
234 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 0

FLOORING
Top performers did best in our eyeryday abuse tests. For baths, we suggest vinyl or
ceramic tile for its moisture resistance. Below are Select Ratings.

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

o tou
p I F I G I vr.l f

ENGINEERED WOOD
[7] Armstrong Locking Hardwood Bamboo
CarboniMfi Natural EL58ßCCNLG i
pi Shaw Epic H.inlwooil Symphonic
SWll? 774 Reri Oak Natural -• o
pi Mannington American Classics
© 26
Collection Oregon Oak Ptank
33
0 BR-m Brazilian Cherry PFENGBU z a O ©

PUSTICUMINATE
Q Armstrong Nntüre's Gallery American
Duel L65Z¿-N8i Naiural Oak (narrow)
O © © 13
[7] Wifsonart Estate Plus Harvest Oak
© © © 20
W3oooin ...
PREFiNISHED SOLID WOOD

Q EcoTlmber Woven Honey < © © © © O 23

[7] Teragren Syriprgv Wheal
O © O © O 2^
TPF-SWN-WHT{Sirand) •
12] Brute Dundee Plank Natural CBIZIO 5.70 e o • a o 32
VINYL
g Congoleum DuraCeramtc Sierra Slate
51-74 Golden Greige
pi Congoleum OuraStone HPF

Q Hannlngton Adura Vintage Oak Ptank

p i HaícoBmerLIvií^ColíedionPemiaStone
Natural Slate NS-660 Sand Stone
1. Bamboo prwtua s CaimMbeftoaied.
See report, page 58.

Ratings Key ©Encellenl ©Verygood OGood ©Fair %Pr,ai

D CR Best Buy These models offer the best comtimation of perfofmance and price. All are recommended.
[EJ Recommended These aie hi^-[»rformine models that stand oui.
 LOO RIN G

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score isfaaseOmainly on resistance to wear, scratches, dents, stains, sunlight, moisture,
and slips. Moisture resistance, not shown, is based on a damp sponge left overnight (minor spills)
and soaked samples (long exposure). Slip resistance, not shown, is friction level using an
industry machine with leather and Neolite, Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed Ir
order of precise overall score. Wear denotes how quickfy surface wear was noticeable after
abrasion machine was used. Scratches is ability to withstand dragged ot)ject simufation. Dent'
IS resistance to blunt and pointed weights dropped from various heights. Suntlqht (UV) is exfj
sure to high levels of ultraviolet light for roughly two weeks. Price per sq. tt. is based mainly
on price paid. Sq. f t . per box Is as claimed.

Select Ratings Overview

Real wood with easier Installation:
These use a veneer of bamboo or wood over
wood substrate. Choose Armstrong LocKinq
Hardwood Bamboo at S7.50/sq, ft, if you
w,3nt a top bamboo, and it must be floated.
Shaw Epic Hardwood Symphonic at $7.25/
sq. ft. and Manninqton American Classics
Collection at 55/5q. ft. are besl among oah
and can be nailed or glued; Mannington can
also be floated or stapled. BR-111 Brazitian
Cherry at S5.70/sq. ft. must be nailed; choose
it if you value Brazilian cherry over stain
resistance.
For laminate's style and touqhness:
Impressive wear resistance and a low price
make Armstrong Nature's Gallery American
Duet, S3.5O/sq, ft., a CR Best Buy. Choose
Wilsonart Estate Plus, S5.5O/sq. tt., if you
need superb dent resistance.
If you want solid wood or bamboo:
Among bamboo, EcoTimber Woven Honey
at S5.50/sq. (t,. a CR Best Buy, offers
better dent resistance and costs less than
Teragren Synerqy Wheat at SaSO/sq. It,
Choose Bruce Dundee Plank Natural
at $5,70/sq. ft,, if oak is worth less than deni
andUV resistance.
For baths or a Kitchen on a budget:
Congoleum DuraCeramIc Sierra Slate,
S4/sq. tt., a CR Best Buy; Congoleum
DuraStone HPF, S5,?0/sq. ft,; Manninqton
Adura, S4.80/sq. ft., a CR Best Buy;
and Nafco Better Livinq Coiiectlon at
S5/sq, ft. are all tiles or planks, which are
easier to Install than sheet vinyl. Both
Congoleums and Nafco mimic stone better
than many; choose Mannington ¡f you want
a wood look.

I
236 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I O t 2 0 1 0

GAS GRILLS
You'll pay $300 to $500 for a grill that can handle most of your cooking needs. Spending
more will get you more stainless-steel styling and additional convenience features, but
not necessarily better performance. Several midsized modeis that cost less than $500
performed as well inourtestsasothers that cost much more. Below are Select Ratings.

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

Similar moilels. in smsil ^ ûi r^ w ai

tVf», atecDinparablp to E E

100
Pl F G I VGI E

URGE MODELS
Fiesta Blue Ernt^r ¡QUE
F&Q65O7')-11403 • Rotiss,
[Item #1522021 (Lowe's)
M ( S l
e e
Char-Broil Commercial Main
Quantum 463247209 500 © e e turn.
[item #66829] (Lowe's)

MEDIUM-SIZED MODELS
[71 Weber Genesis E320
» - • none
Qvmw EÎIO
Vermont Castings • none
Signature Sei-iesVCS35O7P
Q Char-Broil Red 4632S{H)9 ^ ^ Main
(Home Depot) - ,• twrn.
[Pi Brinkmann aiO-841OS
¿00 • none
(Home Depol)
Q Kenmore (Sears) 16641 • • none
Char-Broil Commercial
Series 463268008 B
[Item 9242266] (Lowe's) 300
Commercial SWWS 463247009

PORTABLE OR SMALL MODELS

|71 Char-Brati Select
463620208
e ©O none
0 Weber Q 200 396002^ e e o none

B Discontinued.
See report, page 60.

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Verygood OGood ©Fair • P o o r

Q CR Best Buy These models dfet the best combination of periorrflance and price. All are recommended,
0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings
Overall score denotes performance, features, and convenience. DisplayecJ scores are rounded,'
models are listed in order of precise overall score. We tested evenness at hiqh and low settings.
Low-temperature qrlllinq is ttie ability to cook on low wittiout burnihg. Convenience includes
construcfion and materials, shelves, rack space, flare-up, and ease of use.
Select Ratings Overview
l( you often cooK for a crowd:
me Fiesta Blue Ember lOue FG065079-
U403 [Item «152202) (Lowe's), $900, is a
very good grill. In our tests, it scored very good
for healing evenness and good for low grilling.
It has a very sturdy cart, an infrared rôtisserie
burner, an electronic fuel gauqe, and a built-in
temperature probe. But it flared up more than
others when loaded witti greasy loods.
Overaii. the Char-Broil Commercial
Quantum 463247209 [Item » 6 6 6 2 9 ]
(Lowe's), $500. a CR Best Buy, is a very
good large grill that provicies very good
heating evenness of the main cooking area
and low-temperature grilling.
Fine performinq midsized models:
Overall, tlie Weber Genesis E320, $700. is
an excellent, three-burner, medium-sized grill
that provides excellent heating evenness of
the main cooking area and tow-temperature
grilling. Note: The E320 was recalled by
the Consumer Product Safety Commission
in 2007 because of a fire hazard with a gas
nose; Weber is replacinq the hose for free,
Vermont Castings Stqnature Series
VCS3507P, S700. is an excellent, three-burner,
medium-sized grill ttiat provides excellent
healing evenness of the main cooking area
and low-temperature grilling.
The Char-Broil Red 463250509, (Home
Oepot), S450. is an excellent medium-sized
grill that provides excellent heating evenness
GAS GRILLS 237
of the main cooking area and very good low-
temperature grilling.
The Brinkmann 8t0-8410S. (Home Depot),
S200, IS a very good grill that provides excel-
lent heating evenness of (he main cooking
area and very good !ow-temperature grilling.
Its a CR Best Buy.
The Kenmore (Sears) 16641, S3S0, a
CR Best Buy, is a very good medium-
sized grill that provides very good heating
evenness of the main cooking area and
low-temperature qrilling.
The Char-Broil Commercial Series
463247009 [Item «2964501 (Lowe's),
$300, a CH Best Buy, is a very good grill
that provides very good heating evenness
of the main cooking area and excellent
low-temperature grilling.
If you Khe to taliqate:
The Weber 0 2 0 0 396002, S200. is a very
good grill that provides very good heating
evenness of the main cooking area and very
good low-temperature grilling.
No frills small qrlll:
The Char-Broil Select 463620208, $100,
scored a very good lor heating evenness and
excellent at low-temperature grilling. We
judged its carl less sturdy than others, and
its handle got very hot and could not be
touched without using an oven mitt. Its price
makes It a good value.
238 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2 0 1 0

GPS NAVIGATORS
Portable GPS navigation systems diíFer most in ease of use and their features. For our
Ratings, we heavily factor in the qualities that make it easy to input destinations and
give the mosl helpful directions. Below are Select Rallngs,
Brand & modei Price Overall score Test results

^ £ Kffi
•3 ivpp,ais[ompar3ble[D ,2 S
teled moöel. 3 g
^ S
^1 i
P t F I GlVGl E

NAVIGATORS WITH TRAFFIC OPTIONAL

TomTom One 140 S 3.5

Magelian
RoatlMaie!440
© a ee 4.4

TomTom One 140 © e aa

Magellan
RoadMatG 1220
oo aa 15

TRAFFIC READY NAVIGATORS

0 GarnilnNuvi885T 60ü

TomTom do 740 Uve 400

E Garmin Nuvi 76ST ^ Q

O Garmin Nuvi 760 250

• earmln Nuvi ?65T 200

See report, page 89.

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©very pwd OGoôd ©Fair • P o o r

D CR Best Buy These moctels öfter ttie best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
1 ^ Recommended Ttiese ate high-performir^ models that stand out.
 GPS NAVIGATORS Z39

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score reflects how easy a navigation system is to use. combined with factors such
as information given, portability, and routing options. Ttie displayed score is out of a total of
100 points. Entering destlnatron/POl is based on Ehe ioqic and ease of programming an
address or point-oi-interesl into the system. Inciudes whether the database allows dynamic
searchinq for addresses. If letters are grayed out, ease of entering into navigation menus
upon start-up, and ease of finding POls, Info tor driver is based on the onscreen and audible
information given to the user during navigation. Includes type and font size of onscreen
information, abiiity lo speak proper street names, languages supported, ano amount of audibi-
information given including descriptions of the next maneuver. Routing options is based on ti
number ot options for fine-tuning the route plotted by the system. Includes multitJestination
routing, avoidance of toll roads, bihing routes, walking routes, and RV/truck use. Also includes
availability of foreign map databases. Use of controls, based on the design of the physical
interface with the system, includes size of onscreen icons, presence of hard keys, need to use
a stylus instead of a fingertip, and ease of adjusting common (unctions like volume, bright-
ness, and map zoom setting. Mount design considers how the mount is engineered, factoring
size, security, and ease of insialiation. Display includes size, brightness, contrast, and glare/
reflections ¡n bright sunlight. Considers ratio of screen size to overall device size for packag-
ing efficiency. Portability, based on size, determines how easily the mount can be detached
for packing, flouting time is based on measurements of calculation time for plotting various
trips with GPS reception active. Also includes system response time when operating data-entry
menus, such as POI searching. Traffic interface rates the presentation of the traffic informatioi
and the ability to put ifie data into use. Rating factors include antenna design, color coding for
traffic severity, depth of information, estimated time for delay, and tools for rerouting around
congestion. However, we do not rate the accuracy or timeliness of the traffic information itsett.

Select Ratings Overview

Best overall:
The Garmin Nuvi 885T, S500, ts an improve-
ment over the previously tested Nuvi 880, It
has the latest Garmin software that includes
a reality view and lane guidance to help navi-
gate through major, potentially confusing
intersections, sucfi as when changing high-
ways. The voice recognition is fully integrated,
allowing the user to operate all menus, wtiejeas
most voice recognition systems are typically
limited to address entry. Although there is
room for improvement, it is the most effective,
fuli-function voice recognition system on the
portable market.
The TomTom Go 740 Live, S400, provides
very good navigation abilities with almost
every feature available for OPS units on the
market. It is a good choice for a buyer looking
for an upscale GPS unit, but a monthly fee is
essential to ceaiize its lull potential.
The Garmin Nuvi 765T, S450, is a pre-
mium, full-featured navigator with free,
ad-based traffic services. The Nuyi 765T has
reaiity view and lane guidance to help navi-
ijate through potentially contusing major
intersections, such as when changing high-
ways. Many of the same qualities can be
found in lower-priced Garmin units. The
Garmin Nuvi 775T and the Gartnin Nuvi
785T have the same features as the Nuvi
765T. In addition, the Nuvi 775T adds pre-
loaded European maps, and the Nuvi 785T
includes an MSN traffic receiver enabling
weather, gas, and movie information. The
Garmin Nuvi 755T differs from the Nuvi 760,
because it lacks Bluetooth hands-free calling.
The Garmin Nuvi 760, S250, a CR Best
Buy, is a premium, full-featured navigator
240 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
Select Ratings Overview
that doesn't have the latest Garmin software,
like the 765T, but stiii offers good value,
flaws. The Garmin Nuvi 770 and ttie Gaimin
Nuvi 7B0 have the same features as the Nuvi
760, In addition, ttie Nuvi 770 adds preloaded
European maps, and the Nuvi 780 includes
an MSN traffic receiver enabling weather, gas,
and movie information. The Garmin Nuvi 750
differs from the Nuvi 760 because it lacks
Bluetooth hands-free caliinq, and there is no
trafiic receiver included in the box.
Best on a budqet:
The Garmin Nuvi 265T, $200, a CR Best
Buy, shoulct be on the short list of choices for
anyone in the market fot a full-featured GPS
unit with traffic services. It adheres to the
essv-to-usé Garmin tradition, and it includes
some useful features, like spoken street
names. Bluetooth hands-iree calling, traffic
receiver, and free traffic services. Although
there are advertisements, they are not too
intrusive, and may be worth the trade-off to
eliminate a monthly 'ee.
The TomTom One 140S, $t70. improves
upon the previously tested One 130S. It
combines spoken street names with qood
performance and portability, but more
significant, it now includes features such as
lane assistance and reality views that were
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
previously found on more expensive modeis.
Like othef TomToms, the One 140S offers
nice extras such as map sharinq and allowing
users to install customized voices.
The TomTom One 140, SWO, a CR Best
Buy, improves upon the One !30. It provides
good performance and portatiility, but more
significant, it now includes features such
as lane assistance and reality views that were
previously found on more expensive models,
like other TomToms, the One 140 offers
nice extras such as map sharing and allowing
users to install customized woices.
The Maqeilan RoBdMate 1440, S)60,
impresses with crisp graphics, attractive user
interface, and highway lane assist, but it does
not include multimedia features or Bluetooth
connectivity for hands-free caliinq. This unit
is a marked improvement over previously
tested fvlagellan devices. Small touches, such
as shortcut keys, help but more Important, the
overall presentation is on par with top-rated
units. However, we have (ound that the Road-
Mate 1440 may provide unusual routes at times.
The Magellan RoadMate 1220. $125, is an
entry-level navlqator with the ability lo speak
proper street names. It does not include mul-
timedia features or Bluetooth connectivity
for hands-tree calling, bul it does have crisp
graphics and a user-friendly interface.
 LAWN MOWERS 24;

LAWN MOWERS
Decide on a gas or electric (corded or cordless) mower based on your needs. Then sei
out Selecl Ratings for high-scoring models with specific strengths and value.

Brand «model Pnce Overall score Testresuits

* Sí .S

•S
S
P I F I G IVGI E
SELF-PROPELIED
Honda KRX?17?HXA Variable Rear 21 19C
Q Toro Recycler 20333 ©© e variable Rear 72 19(1
Honda KRX2172VKA ©©o e e Variable Rear a 190
Honda HRR216K3VXA Variable Rear 21 160
Q

Q
Toro Recycler 20332
Craftsman Í7659
Craftsman 37104
Honda HRÍÍ2I6K3TDA

Toro liecycler 20330

Variable Rear
Variahle front
Variable

1
Rear

Rear

Front
22
22
22

21

22
190
190
175
160
190
I
Q Craftsman 37435 variable Rear 22 t90
Craftsman 37654 Variable Front 22 160
John Deere i^Vi Var¡able Real 21 190
John Own JS25 Variable Rear 21 190
snapper SPVH2Í67S variable Rear 21 190
Cub Cadet t2AtSMC Rear 19 173
Craftsman 57077 variable Rear 2\ 190
Craftsman 37639 I Front 22 J90
0 Lawn-Boy 10641 1 Rear 20 190
Snapper SPV21675E Variable Rear 21 190
í''] Craftsman 37624 1 Front 22 190
Snapper
SPV22675HW Front 22 190
Craftsman
500 Rear 21 179
l'rofession.-il 88921 e O e ©e e 6
cubcaileti2AEiaM 290 e oe oo e i Rear 19 173
Husqvarna 5S21CHV 450 ooooo o 1 Front 21 160
242 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 0

Brands model Price overall score Testresults

tiD bß bÛ
.E .5
5 g E
I es
t tí
100
p I F I G I V6I
SELf-PROPELLED continued
Craftsman Î7648 0 o © e 1 Front ¿2 190
o e
Troy-Bilt 1 ME 1890 0 © O 0 0 0 i Rear 19 190
John Deere ]S4B 0 © © o © © Vsríatile Rear a 190
Trov-Bilt UAI839F 0 0 O 0 0 © •1 Rear 21 175
Craftsman 889B
ao - © © o 4 Rear 3Î 344
Brute BTPVZ2675E o 9 © © 0 © Variable From 22 190
Brute BTP2267SHW 0 9 © © © o 1 Frant 22 190
Ariens ¡
0HZISP/91115Í o 0 o o 0 0 Rear 21 173
Snapper
RP2167519BDV
490 o © o o o o Variable Rear 21 160

Brand & model Price Overall score Testresults

Lft a£}
c* c" K
a .E

0 S
P 1 F I G I Vil E
GAS POWERED PUSH MODELS

0 Lawn-Soy 10640 O e O © ©O 20 190CC

Cub Cadet 11A-18MC 19 173CC
0 © o e o ©©
Bolens 11A-4I4A
ooo o 2! 15Brt
PoulanPro96i340008
Craftsman 38905
ooo o 2! 158a

Craftsman 38820
o o o o 21 I90CC

Craftsman 38901
o o o o 21 158CC

Trov-BHt 11A-542O
o o o o a I90CC

o o o o ©© 21 160Cf
Ariens 901360006
.21 M9CC
Yard Machines o o o © © o
1IA-54MÏ ?i I73CC
o o o © © o
Brute BT2265HW 22 190CC
o © o © ©©
 LAWN MOWERS 24.

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

IS E .p
g
' g t 1 -I Sí Ï--

0 It»
P I F I G IVGl E
ELECTRIC PUSH MODELS
Black & Decker CUM[20a
o a o © © o 19 ¿4v
Black & Decker MM875 '
o a ©© o © 19 12amp
Craftsman 37048
oooo ©© 19 48v
Worn m 780
o © ©© a o 19 ^4v

o © o © © o 19 36V
Earthwise 60120
o Q e © © o 20 Mv
o © • © o © 20 I2amp
< Used a plug-in power conl.

Ratings Key ©Excelfent ©Vefygood ÛGood ©Fair • P o o r

Q CR Best Buy The^e modeis otter the üesl combination of oer'ormance and price. All are recommetided,
Í1.I Recommended These are htgh-pertorming models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score influöes mostfy cutting performance, tiandling. ease of use. Displayed scores
.ife rounded; models listed in order o( pretise overall score. Evenness shows average cutting
performance for available modes. Mulching is how well clippings were cut and how evenly they
were spread into lawn. Bsgqinq is effective capacity with full baq or bags or clogged chute.
Side discharqc is how evenly clippings were dispersed onto lawn surface. Handlinq for mowers
includes ease of using drive controls, pushing, pulling, U-turns, ancf other maneuvers. Ease
ot use for mowers is ease of startinq, using blade-stopping controls, shifting speeds (for self-
propelledi, and adjusting Ihe cutting height.

Select Ratinqs Overview

Best for most smaller lawns;
Amonq qas push mowers, choose the Lawn-
Boy 10640, $260, for its better mulching and
side-discharging, the Cub C«det 1IA-IBMC,
$260, for its bagging. Between electrics, pay-
ing more for the Black & Decker CHMIZOO,
$400, buys cordless cutting.
Among seif-propelled mowers, all three
Toros offer top performance for relatively
little money: The Toro Recycler 20333, S420,
has a blade-brake clutch. The Toro Recycler
20332, $390, IS relatively similar but iacks
the clutch, while the Toro Recycler 20330,
S32O, is front-drive-fine tor reiatively flat
lawns, though rear-drive provides better
traclion uphill. The Craftsman 37435, $300,
Lawn-Boy 10641, $290, and front-drive,
electric-start Craftsman 37624, S300, give
up some performance but cost a bit less and
are fine choices.
 244 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 0

Brand Repair Historv

Mowers, push Bolens was among the more repair-prone

push-type mower brands, John Deere was
(ore
lepar, " rewiri among the more repair prone brands of
self-propelled mower. That's what we found
Honda H H H S wtien we asked 18,134 people who pur-
TofoHHgg chased push and 48,969 people who
Craftsman iSaars) • ^ • H purchased self-propelled mowers between
2004 and 2008 about their experiences.
Uwn-Bov • ^ ^ • 1
I The graph shows the percentage of models
1 for each brand that were repaired or had
B! a serious problem. Differences of less fhan
0% S% ¡0% 30% 5 points aren't meaningful, and we've
adjusted the data to eliminate differences
linked solely to the age and usage (number
Mowers, self-propelled of hours) of the mower. Models within a
Fewpr brand can vary, and design or manufacture
changes might affect future reliability.
Still, choosing a brand with a good repair
history can improve your odds of getting
aatemanlSeary a reliable model.
Tnjï-Bill
Source; Annual Product Reliabllltv Survey. Consumer
Reports NatlDnal Research Center.
>ían1 MattiineVVard-Man

10% 15% 20% iWfc 30%

 LAWN TRACTORS 245

LAWN TRACTORS
The Ratings rank tractors and zero-turn-radius mowers by overall score. While th
liigher-priced tractors indude tighter turning, several others perform similarly wil
for huiulrods ot\lo!lars less. Below are SCIL'CI Ratings.

Brand&model Price Overall store Test results

fe, in small tu ce cu

iwnS model, SB

O 100
P I F i GlVbl í
AUTOMATIC-DRIVE UOOELS
John Deere X3O4
Craftîman m'a

• iottn Deere LAtls

0 Craftsman ?98¿8 /ms

cub cadet LTX1040
D
• Craftsman 287^4 mi*
0 Craftsman 28934
0 Craftsman 28910 42 20
ZERO TURN-RADIUS MODELS
0 A2 19
0 JohnOeereZ225
a e e e 42 18.S
0 Toro 25000 !sow O 50 2]
•jet' leptirt. i

Ratings Key ©Exr.alJent ©Very good OGood OFair •Poor

Q CR Best Buy These mccJeis olfer the best combmalion of pertormance and price. Alt are lecommaniJeii.
lid Recommended These are high-pertomima models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overari score includes mostiy cutting pertormance. tiandling, ease of use. Oispfayed scores
jre rounded; models listed in order of precise overall score. Evenness is how close the tractors
came to even, carpet-like mowing. Side dtsctiarqe is how evenly clippings were dispersed onto
idwn surface. Mutchlnq is how well clippings were cut and how evenly they were spread ipito
¡<jwn, Baqqinq is effective capacity with full bag or bags or clogged chute. Handiing includes
clutching or drive engagement, braking, steering, turn radius, and stabiiity. Ease of use include.s
leg room and seat and steering-wheel comfort, as well as ease of blade engagement, cut-height
adiustment. parking brake engagement, bag removal, and cutting-mode changes.
246 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 0

Select Ratings Overview

Best for most:
All three CR Best Buys offer top perfor-
mance: the John Deere LA115, Si,750;
the Cub Cadet LTX1040 13RX90AR,
Si,500: and Craftsman 26724, $1,500,
The Craftsman 28B28, $1,700, and Crafts-
man 28724 take a wider bite wilh each
pass; while the Craftsman 28828 is dis-
continuecJ, its similar model is available.
Cfioose the Craftsman 28934, $1,600. or
Craftsman 28910, $1,300, if top mulching
is less important: note that the Craftsman
28910 trades a foot-pedal ground-speed
control for a less-con'venlent lever.
If you want tighter turning:
Both the John Deere X304, $3,600, and the
Craftsman 28933, S3,000. turn almost as
tightly as a zero-turn-radius riding mower, yet
they indude more-intuitive controls. Either is
fine for lawns with lots of obstacles.
For flatter lawns only:
We advise buyinq a tractor for slopes 10 to
15 degrees or greater. But ii your mowing
is relatively fiat and you don't mind levers
for steering and speed, consider the Toro
Z4200, $2.600. or John Deere Z2Z5, $3,000.
tor their evenness, the Toro Z5000, $2.800,
for wider mowing, (The Z5000 is discontin-
ued, but its simiiar modet is availabia)

Brand Repair History

Lawn tractors J o h n Deere has been among the more reliable
brands of lawn tractors, That's what we found
ffVVPf Morp
when we asked almost 18.600 readers who
bought a lawn tractor between 2 0 0 4 and 2 0 0 8
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 6 points aren't meaningful, and
we've adjusted the data to eliminate differences
linked to the age and use of the lawn tractor.
Although we lacked sufficient historicai data t o
inciude Kubota iawn tractors in the chart, our
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% data indicate that this brand had an average
repair rate. Similarly, while we reQUire addition-
al historical data to include any zero-turn-radius
mower brands in this chart, preliminary findings
suggest that they are no more repair-prone
than lawn tractors. Modeis within a brand can
vary, and design or manufacture changes might
affect future reliability, Stili. choosing a brand
with a good repair history can improve your
odds of gettirig a re i ia ble model.

Source; Annual Product Reliaülllty Survey, Consumer

Reports National Research Center.
 MONITORS

MONITORS
Ihese Ratings select, from among 24 tested monitors, those models that were vet
good or better and offered exceptional features, value, or both.

Brand & model Price Overall score Testresults Features

1 1
I -I
IT!
o 100 Q =•
p I F I CIVSi E
TO 20 INCH MODELS

LCD20
AcerPI91W
Compaq Presario
WF1907
BenQ FP92W

Gateway FPD1976W
ViewSonic V6930m
Gateway HD190G
DEillJllr3Sharp?009W
HPLIVOSw
AOC9I7VW

22 TO 26-INCH MODELS
Apple ¿4" LED Cinema
ÜiMiliiV
Lenovo ThinkVision

ViewSonic VX2240W
Samsung SyntUasier

Deil S2409W
ViewSonic VX2260wm

LCD22WMGX
AOC ?2m

Gateway HD22O1
248 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 0

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

~ dû 'S
™ o Vi -= ? "ö

o IOO
p I F I G I VËl E
22- TO 26-INCH MODELS continued

NeurokOplics22"iZ30 e o e •
Gateway FHD24gi_ 415 © ô- Q _r f _ _•
Virio VMM26 400 © 0 0 " • • •
See report, page 94.

Ratings Key ^Eicellent OVerygooú OGood d F a i r #Poor

D CR Best Buy Tfiese models offer ttie best combination ol pertarmance and price. All are recammended.
[HI Recommended These are high-performing models that startd out.

Guide to the Ratinqs

Overall score is based mainly on display quality and ease of use, with viewing angle and
tealdres also considered. Display quality reflecls image clarity, color accuracv. and contrast.
Vlewinq angle indicates quality of images wtien viewed irom positions 45 degrees of the
center line, most important for group viewing. Ease of ust Indicates usability of controls on
the display and in onscreen menus.

Select Ratinqs Overview

Ttie 19-inch Acer P191W, a CR Best Buy at
S140; the Compaq Presarlo WF)907, Sl60;
and the 22->r\ct\ ViewSonic VX2240w, S23O,
are all fine performers priced fo move. Even
some newer models witti very good displays,
such as tfie 19 inch Gateway HD1900, $150.
and 22-inch AOC Z217V, S150, are priced
well below $200. Step-up models, such as
fhe Dell UltraStiarp 2009W, and the $220,
Unovo TtilnkVlston LZ240P, 5330. both
of which can be adjusted in height and
can rotate between landscape and portrait
orientation, run $70 fo almost $200 more,
as does the 24-inch Dell S2A09W, $335.
If nothing short of the best wiH do, the
24 inch Apple 24" LED Cinema Display,
5900, was fhe only monifor we tested wiih
excelient display quality.
 PAINTS, EXTERIOR 249

PAINTS, Exterior
Flat and satin finishes are usually applied to the body of the house; semigloss, to doors,
windows, irim, und shutters for added protection and visual interest. Match paint to
your local conditions: Pick a mildew-resistant paint if your home is in the shade and
a dirt-resistant one if it's in an urhan area. Below are Select Ratings.

Price Overall score Appearance Resists

S ™ Í5
S ^ ^
S. ^ 1
0 100 ** •*
p I F I GIVGl E

FUILY TESTED Completed the equivalent of nine years' exposure.

[^ M.A.B. sea shore Satin
e e o
Q KHz U-ÍU3Í Colüís Semigloss
e © o
• Kllz Casual Colors Flat
12] Valspar ultra Premium Duramax
e © o
Sa(ifi* e e o
H CalKomia 2010 Flat © © o
• Kill casual ColofsSaiin © e o
*Self-pr)ining paint.

See report, page 6S.

Ratings Key ©E«celienl ©Very good OGood ©Fair #Poof

B CR Best Buy These models ofleí'lfie best combination of patfofmance and price. All are recommended.
H Recommended Tnesa we high-performlni models that stantJ out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score tor paints is a weighted average of each year's appearance for a white, a blue,
and a brown version. Except for self-priming paints, we apply two coats over primed pine-
clapboard siding. Overall score for stains is a weighted average of appearance for a red, a
qreen, and a white version, where available. We apply one or two coats of stain to untreated
pine-clapboard siding according to manufacturers' directions. Fully tested finishes undergo
accelerated weathering for three years or until their appearance has fallen to "fair." which
would require reapplication. Each year of testing equates to about three years on vertical
surfaces; performance on decks and other horizontal surfaces might differ. Displayed scores
are rounded; models are listed fh order of precise overall score. Type for paint is sheen listed
by manufacturer; if we disagree, our assessment is in parentheses. Type for stains Is opague
or semitransparent, ranging from tinted to almost opaque. App«ar«nc« scores summarize
long-term testing. Price is the approximate retail per gallon.
zso CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING
Select Ratings Overview
Best tiat and satin paints:
• M.A.B. Sea Shore Satin, $40
• Kill Casual Colors Flat, $20. CR Best Buy
• Val5par Ultra Premium Duramax Satin, $33
- California 2010 Flat, $33
• Kilz Casual Colors Satin, $22. CR Best Buy
All were impressive at resisting cracking. KHz
Casual Colors Flat was particularly good for
sunny locations, and Valspar Ultra Premium
Doramax Satin and Kilr Casual Colors Satin
GUIDE 2010
were better for steady or urban areas. M.A.B.
Sea Shore Satin and California 2010 Flat are
also top performers but cost more.
Best semlqloss paint:
• Kilz Casuai Coiors Semiqioss, S23.
CR Best Buy
This top-rated product performed better than
more expensive brands.
 PAINTS, INTERIOR Zl.

PAINTS, Interior
No single interior paint can work for al) of your household projects. Some finisli,
excel at hiding, making them ideal for painting over dark surface-s with a Ught-coloi.
paint. Others are hetter at resisting mildew, key (or use in damp areas, such as a hal I
room. Below are Select Ratings.

Brands model Price Overall score Testresuits

an í/^ QD DD
1=
-S yi
oi er
-= c^
.=

a t
üi g

100
P i f i GiVGiE •^

LOW-IUSTER (SATIN AND EGGSHELL FINISHES) Best for most applications.

Behr P[emiiim Plus En.ime!
iHome Depot) ^
Benjamin Moore Regai i

• Kil2 casual colors (Wai~Mart)ï

Benjamin Moore Aiin -

0 TrueValuetasyCiire ^
Dutch Boy Home (Wai-Hart) \^^

FLAT Besi for low-lraffic areas.

Behr Premium Plus Enamel
22
(Homp Depol)
ValsparSiyiititiiie Coinrs „
(Lowe's) ^'
Olympic Premium (Lowe's) 17

SEMIGLOSS Best for trim, doors, and shelves.

Sears Best Easy Living LJitra IS
Valspar llilta Piemium (Lowe's) M
Behr Premium Plus Enamel
(Home Depot)
Olympic PremumJLowe's) IÎ
i^Flatterthanlatreled. i Gtossierttiantabbed.

See report, page 67.

Ratings Key ©ExcellEnt ©Very good OGood ©Fair • p o o r

D CR Best Buy These models oHei the best combination ol performance and price, Alt are recommended.
b d Recomnotended These are tiigh-pertorm)ng models that stand oui.
252 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 0

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score includes primarily a paint's hiding performance, surface smoothness, and resistance
to staining, scrubbing, gloss change, sticking, mildew, and fading, VOC level does not factor into
the overall score. Most results were developed from tests of white, pastel, and medium-tint bases.
HIdInq reflects how well a paint covers a contrasting color with one coat and wiih two coats. (The
one-coat results are weighted more heavily.) Surface smoothness represents an absence of roll-
er marks when the paint is dry. Staining shows how well a paint resists a greasy stain. Scrubblnq
shows how a paint holds up to an abrasive cleaner, Gloss change notes the change in appearance
when a paint is cleaned with a hard-surface cleaner. Sticklnq indicates a paint's tendency to not
remain soft or tacky even when dry. Mildew is a paint's ability to inhibll mildew growth. Fading
reflects the lightening of color when a paint is exposed to UV light. Claimed VOCs indicates the
manufacturer's stated level of volatile orqanic compounds in the untinted base coat, meastired in
grams per liter (g/l). No untinted zero-VOC paint exceeded 50 g/l. Price is the approximate retail
cost per gallon. We also test lor spattering, which Is not shown in the Ratings but Is a small part of
the overall score. To assess spatter, a technician, wearing a new, clear-plastic disposable glove for
each paint, uses a roller with a quarter-inch nap to apply the paint to a hiding chart. We compare
each glove to a six-glove reference set, measuring the droplets that fly off the roller and onto the
glove. Every paint did at least a very good job at preventing spattering.

Select Ratings Overview

Best value within each qloss leve):
• Behr Premium Plus Enamel, S24,
CR Be5t Buy
• K)lz Casual Colors, $23. CR Best Buy
• Dutch Boy Home, $17. CR Best Buy
• Behr Premium Plus Enamel, S22,
CR Best Buy
' Sears Best Easy Llvlnq Ultra, 525,
CR Best Buy
- Olympic Premium, $21, CR Best Buy
Ad were impressive at resisting staining and
scrubbing and are good tor high-traffic areas.
Suited to sunny spaces:
- Benjamin Moore Reqal, $45
• Valspar Signature Colors, S27
- Olympic Premium, $17, CR Best Buy
• Valspar Ultra Premium, $26
These withstood exposure to UV light and
are the best values within the category.
Smoothest-ftnfsh paints:
• Behr Premium Plus Enamel, $24,
CR Best Buy
' Behr Premtum Plus Enamd, 525

Winners Irt one-coat ability:
• Behr Premium Plus Enanwl, S24,
CR Best Buy
• Kllz Casual Colors, $ZX CR Best Buy
- Benjamin Moore Aura, $57
• Behr Premium Plus Enamel, $22,
CR Best Buy
• Sears Best Easy Lfvinq Ultra, S25,
CR Best Buy
These paints were best at hiding with a single
coat, especially when applied over a lighter
color. Benjamin Moore Aura and Sears Best
Easy Living Ultra are lower-VOC paints.
These top-choice paints leave behind the
fewest marks from application, providing a
neat look.
Top low-VOC finishes:
• Benjamin Moore Aura, $57
• True Vatue Easy Care, $25
• Olympic Premium, $17. CR Best Buy
• Sears Best Easy LIvinq Uitra, $25.
CR Best Buy
These earned good to exceiient scores in
most tests we perform.
 PRINTERS, A L L - I N - O N E 25.

PRINTERS, ALL-IN-ONE
If all you'do is print, you can save money and space by purchasing a dedicated prinfi
But if there's any chance you niighf want to copy or scan, it's worth investigating ,
ail-in-one. While most model-s are bigger than the typical new stand alone prinli
fhey take up less space and cost less than a separate printer, scanner, and copier, Iioln
arcSclecl Ratings.

Brand« Price Overall score Tesf results

model

m •Èf S
id CT S- ö S -^ J-
i s ISI m
I f 1 GIVGl t
INKJET MODELS
CanonPtxma ..,,, n ^ ^
MP970 '''^"^ " ^ "
^m © 0.9 1.8 O 9.7 © © O © Ethwnei •

B Arlis.in800 ^™ E ^ B^ © 1.4 2.2 o 7 e © e o '

Etiiernpl,
Win '
HPPhOIO- ,„„ r ç ^
•i © . 1.5 2.8 © 7.3 © © oo Ethjnjet. .
smarfC6.î80 '"" ' ^ ^ ^ ^

LASER MODELS
Brother NA M NA
•"' MFC-7340 O O O *
See report, page 96':

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Veiygood OGood ©Fair

D CR Best Buy These models offer the b«st combination of performance and priGS. All are reconHniind«(l.
S Recommended These are higli-performirgmoaelsttiat stand oui.
254 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 0

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based on speed and quality of print, scan, and copy functions, plus ease of
use. The dispiayeö score is out of a total of 100 points. Photo quality is our assessment of the
appearance of eacti photo. Models with higher scores produce more natural looking photos.
with smoother changes in shading and fewer problems with banding. 4 x 6 photo time (min.)
measures, to the nearest half minute, how long it took each printer to output a 4x5 borderless
photo. 8x10 photo time (min.) is our measurement ol how long it took eacH full-sized printer
to output an 8x10 color photo, at the printer's best setting. Text quallty indícales how crisply
and dearly a printer produced black text in a variety ol Ivpetaces, sires, and styles. Models
with higher scores produce more uniform type, with sharper edges and smoother curves. Tlext
speed (ppm) is our calculation of the printer's typical output In pages per minute (ppm) for
a five-page document. Speeds generally range from 3 to 9 ppm for inkjets and faster for lasers.
Graphics quality is our assessment of the appearance of color graphics produced by the
inkjet printer. Models with higher scores produce graphics with colors that are brighter, more
uniform, and less prone to band or bleed Into one another on the page. Lasers were judged on
black and white graphics, Scan fluaUty is for color photos, graphics, and text scanned at each
model's default settings. Copy quality is ^or photos, graphics, and text. Power saving Indicates
how well the printer conserves power between uses.

Select Ratings Overview

Best all-in-one inkjets:
The Canon Pixma MP970, S270, Is pricey
but includes lots of features. It has a large
2.5-inch LCD viewer that lets you edil photos
from the printer, it prints excellent 4x6 snap-
shots quickly, although at a slightly higher
cost than some other models, PictBridge,
infrared. Ethernet, and optional Bluetooth,
along with memory-card support, provide a
variety of connectivity options.
Best values under $200:
The HP PhotoSmart C63eO, $180. is a full-
(ealured multifunction printer with reason-
able printing costs. Text and photo guality
were very good, and printing costs for text
were lower than most other all-in-ones. Its
LCD viewer is 2.0 inches. It includes Wi-Fi
and Ethernet connectivity, although Blue-
tooth is optional. You can set It up on a
network as well,
Tor networked wireless printing:
You can share the Epson Artisan 8 0 0 ,
S300, over a home network wirelessly and
use it over an Ethernet connection. It
prints very good photos and graphics, and
lias good text quality. There's a very con-
yenient touch screen for all controis and
a buiit-infax.
Best «li-in-one laser:
The Brother MFC-7340. S200, is a good
choice for printing excellent text quickly
and at tow cost. It includes an automatic
document feeder and a built-in fax.
 RANGES 255

RANGES
You can find a high-performing electric range without spending a bundle. Several
models we tested costing $450 to $1,400 outperformed ranges costing $1,600 or more.
Brand s model Pnce Overall score Test results

4^
^
11 •I S
- ai a i'
D 100
Iê A .2;
'S
E oi

P I F I G I VGI E
30-INCH COIL MODELS

$700 C

0 Kenmore (Sears)

• Hotpoint
RB757WH[WW|
Whirlpool
500
30-fNCH INDUCTION MODELS
Kwimore (Sears)
Elite 9991131 3 1 0 «

3D-INCH SMOOTHTOP MODELS

GECafé
Q CS980SNISSI
2 •

D GEJE1700DNIWW]
Electrolux
tW3O£f65GIWI
Kenmore (Sears)
D F h le 980219)

• Kenmore (Sears)
964|¡íl%4J|l
Kenmore (Sears)
974S191

FC0321HTUX
GE JBP81SLISSI
Illf SISMI I
GEJSP't2DN|WW]
Amana AER6011VAS

GE ISP46DMWW1
GE PB970SMISSI
256 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 0

Brand & model Price Overail score Testresuits

dcli. in smjil
type, are tonipaïahli' lo
•3 tötetl model. o. t ca. i

O 1DÜ
P I F I GIVGI E

30-INCH SMOOTHTOP MODELS continued

JB968TKIWW1
Maytag Gemini
[]
GE PB975SM|SS1
Frigidaire Galiery

Kenmore (Sears)

Kenmore {Searsi
9800[3l
Whirlpool
WFr371LVB
Maytag
MER5752BA[W]
ElearotuK
EW1OFS65G[W|
ienn-Air
J£R88SSRA|SI
GEÍSP42WKIWW1
GEJBP64SMISS]
Maytag

KitchenAid
Architocl Series
KERS8O7S1SS!
Whirlpool Gold
GYÎ99LXU[Q|
Hotpoint
RB787WH[WW!
Jenn-Air
JES885OBA[W1
Bosch HES71I5I2

K8-34Z5LS ^'^^^

30-INCH DUAL-FUEL MODELS

BOSçhHOS71i5]2 ,,000
0 O é ©©©© 2 1
GE Profile
0 J2B918WEK[WW1 © ©©o ©Ö 1 ?
 RANGES 257

Brand S model Price Overall score Testresults

¡Í b £ s "ffi a;
Ö T^ ^
¡••i,ipj mmtel. |1§I
D 100
P I F I G IVGl E
30-INCH DUAL-FUEL MODELS continued

e © e Ö eO
Kenmore (Sears) Pro
4.000
e e e ©e 1
Wotf DF304
GECale
5.200
oe ©©o0 3
2,800
C2S980SEMISS1 © ©o © o ¿
Viking VOSC53OISS] 5,500 O © O © © O 4
Jeiin-Air
2,750 O O
JDSa860BD[Pl © O O © í
Dacor Epicure Efl30D 6,000 O ©"o o o ô 3
KitchenAid Architea
Series KDRP707filSSI
4,300 O » © 0 0 « 4 • «

30-INCH GAS MODELS

G£JGQP&8DtM|WW¡
e ©© O
Kenmore (Sears)

Kenmore (Sears)
O ©e © © 2
71Ï819] a
B GE Prolilc
© © © 0 © o 1 2 2

Q Hotpoint
RGB745WEHIWW1 o ©© © © o I 2 1

a Kenmore (Sears)
7744|9| o ©© o © o 1 1
Maytag
MGS5775Ba[Sl
© ©© o O © 1 ? 1
Amana AGRftOiivos 9 ©© o © o 1 1 1
GE IGBP36OEMÍSS1 O © ©o © o 1 1 I
Thermador
© 0© o 0
1=1

;'i0fessioii,ilPG304B[S) © ©
Kenmore (Sears)
o ©© 9 © © 1 2 1
Eiectrotux
EW3OCF65GIWI o © ©© © o '
GE Profile
IGBP9Î8WEKIWW! © ©e O © o J 2
FrigtifaireFGi^óSGlS] 600 o ©© e o 1 2 1
258 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 0

Brand & model Pnce Overall score Test results

Similar models, j on QO QO b-.

bumei
n-powE
o .^ ï
x::

Cooi(topi
S a
lesied model. S
a.
1 3i .

ï^

Oven'
o

0 c 'S
100
Pi F I IVGl t
30-INCH GAS MODELS continued
GE Cafe
S2.7DO Q © © Ö © o ?
CGS9aOSEM|SS]
Frigidaire Gaiief y
C.LGF3860!S] © © © o © o 2
Maytag UGRä75IAD(Wl
O © © o ©© I
Bosch HGS7U5]2
O © © o ©ô 1
ienn-Alr o o ©© 2
O ©
IGR8890ADIP]
Electrolux © Öo o 2
EW30GS6SGIW]
GEPG5975SEMI5SJ O © © © o Q 1.
Whirlpool Gold
GW399LXUWI O © ©ooo 2
Wtliripool
SF265LXTIQ1 O © © Ô OO 1
DCS RGTC305SS © © © 9 9 9 S
Maytag Gemini
MGR6775BDfS] O © O © © O 2
KJUhenAld Architect
J í r i e s KGflS8O7S[SS]
iooo o • © © O O i
36-INCH DUAL-FUEL ÍMODELS
Kenmore (Sears) Pro
7962Í7] © O O. O._^
KitchenAJd Arctiitect
series KDRP462U5SÍ 6050 o ©o ©o
ArchtectScflesKDBPtóWSSL '
fcdlitffl Seró KDBP467KIS51

36-INCH GAS MODELS

Ttwrniador Pro
Grand PG366BrSl PÍO
riraml PGJMGtBS. Pío ©©©oeo 6 o o
Fr^ilalre Professional
PL6F659EC o o ©©ô o Î 1 i
See report, page 43.

Ratings Key ©Excellent ©Very good OGood QFair #Poor

Q CR Be5t Buy These models ofler Ihe best combination ol pertormance and price. All are recommended.
[^ Recofîimended These are high-performing modeis tfiat stand out.
 RANGES 299

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based on oven capacity, cooktop speed and simmer performance, and oven
bâkinq, broiling, and self-cleaning performance. The displayed score is out of a total of
100 points. Cooiitop high reflects how quickly the most powerful element could raise a 6-liter
(6/3 quart) pot of water from room temperature to a near boil. Cooktop iow reflects the ability
ol the lowest power element to melt and hold chocolate without scorching it. We also set the
most powerful element to its lowest setting to test its ability to hold a larqe pot of tomato sauce
below a boil. Baking reflects the evenness of cookies and cakes in mulll-rack baking tests.
Broiling indicates upper-elemeni evenness as well as high-temperature searing, using a broiier
pan full of hamburgers. Oven capacity evaluates usable space, including shell area and verticai
space for casseroles. For dual-oven models, the score Includes both ovens. Oven eieaning is
i3 gauge of the self-cleaning cycle's effectiveness after the oven is coated with a mixture of eggs,
lard, cherry-pie {illlnq, cheese, tomato puree, and tapioca.

Select Ratings Overview

Best smoothtops tor most:
i IP GE: JB700DNIWW]. $800, and the
Kenmore 9641[21, $750, deliver superb
i.uoktop performance: choose the GE
tor Ils bakifig. fhe Kenmote for its broiling,
The Kenmore 9745[9], S800, and the
Amana AER6OIIVAS, $820, include con-
veclion toi far less than most.
Best electric-coil ranges:
ThP GE JBP35SMISS], $700, baked best.
The Kenmore 9421[2]. $550, and the Hot-
point RB757WHÍWW]. $450, cook almost
as weil for less; consider the Hotpoint if stain-
less isn't a priority.
More features, more money:
Amonq smoothtops, the GE Café
CS9B0SN[SS], S2,800, offers high style and
a small oven drawer (also on ihe Electrolux
EW30EF6SG[W], $2,000); the Kenmore Elite
9802[91, $1,500, has larger dual ovens, though
the lower one is very low, and self-cleaning was
just fair. Choose the Kenmore Elite 9991[3],
$2700, for induction and convection.
Best gas ranqes for most:
Between convection models, the Kenmore
(Sears) Elite 7753[9], $1,450, offers
better simmering, baking and broiling; the
Friqidaire Gallery GLGF3B6D[S], $900,
has iaster,coohtop heating. The GE Profiie
PGB910SEMtSS], $1,800, offers more
stainless Ihan most; choose the Hotpotnt
RGB745WEHtWW]. $600. if stainless isn't
critical.
If you want a dual-fuel or pro-style model:
Our extensive tests have revealed no clear
benefits to dual-fuei ranges. 8ul if you want
one of those modeis, consider the Bosch
H0S7U5)2, $2,000, for its broiling perfor-
mance or the GE Profile J2B91BWEK[WW],
$1,700, lor its faster cooktop heating.
Pro-style ranges continue to be a poor value
overall. But if you wanl a 36-Inch pro-style
range, consider the Thermador Pro Grand
PG366B(SI, $5,900. for its fine performance,
and the lower priced Frigidaire Professional
PLGF659EC, $1,900, if you're willing to trade
some oven space for a lower price.
260 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
Brand Repair History
Ranges, electric
FPWOI ^ More
repairs repat«
Hotpom! ^ 1 1
OEEH
Whirlpool • • •
Frigidaire H I H ^ I
KetimaiF (Sears) H I ^ ^ K
MaviagHHK
KltdVtlAiO ^ m ^ ^ Q H ^ Q
Jenn-Ari I B ^ H H H B
5% 10%
KitchenAid and Jenn-Air have been among
the most repair-prone brands of electric
range. That's what we found when we asked
almost 75,000 readers who bought an elec-
tric range between 2002 and 2008 about
their experiences. The graph shows the per-
centage of models for each brand that were
repaired or had a serious problem. Differ-
ences of less than 3 points aren't meaning-
ful, and we've adjusted the data to eliminate
differences linked solely to the age of the
electric range. Although we lacked sufficient
historical data to include these brands in the
chart, Bosch has been repair-prone and LG
about average, according to our analysis.
Models within a brand can vary, and design
or manufacture changes might affect future
reiiabiiity. Still, choosing a brand with a good
repair history can improve your odds of get-
ting a reliable model.
Source: Annual Pfoduct Reliability Survey, Consumer
Reports National Research Center.
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
Ranges, gas
Fewer
repairs
0% 5%
2'i%
KitchenAid has been the most repair-prone
brand of gas range, while Maytag has been
among the more repair-prone brands. That's
what we found when we asked more than
26,000 readers who bought a gas range
between 2002 and 2008 about their expe-
riences with these appliances. Although we
lacked sufficient historical data for ail years
to include Viking gas ranges in the chart,
our data indicate it has been a repair prone
brand. Similarly, our data show that among
dual fuei ranges Frigidaire, General Electric,
and Kenmore have been reiiabie, but Jenn-
Air has been repair-prone. The graph shows
the percentage of brands thai needed a re-
pair or had a serious problem. Differences
of less than 3 points aren't meaningful, and
we've adjusted the data to eliminate dif-
ferences linked solely to the age of the gas
range. Models within a brand may vary, and
design or manufacture changes may affect
future reliability. Still, choosing a brand with
a good repair history can impnave your odds
of gettinq a reliable modei.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer
Reports National Research Center.
 REFRIGERATORS 261

REFRIGERATORS
Unce you know how much space you have, particularly the width, our Ratings will help
you find models ihat fit in thai space. Models that have higher energy-etïiciency scores
use less electricity for their capacity. And if your household isn't large, remember that a
smaller refrigerator is likely lo use less electricity overall than a larger model.

Brand & model Price Overall score Testresuits

= . .i— - - . . • _ -
s" =1 ' - ' -s "^ ob.^ •€ .S ei.E
iñiEd modeL
•S S -B ¿33l~*"-ë
IJ; n. " ^ --' (_ ^ ^-
^. ^ iQ ^ ^ a .B ï=
>»• LU '—' O ¡^ ni ÖJ tli

60 ?J; • TQ ^ 5< '^

m
I F I G IVtl (
TOP-FREEZERS
Maytag UTF2142EEIW1 î ISO © O e 5! 16.S 66 33 30

1.350
PTS22LHRIWWI
Pradle FtWi HSf 1
0 e e e e ^8 i6,8 68 33 32

0 Whirlpool ETIFTEXViO) 1.100 o e 02 17.8 67 33 30

Kenmore (Sears) „,,,
o e S5 17 69 30 32
782S[21 . ^'''
0 eCGTHlSKBXiWW) 1.000 © o e 55 15.3 67 30 32
ikeaEnergiskB18W[W] 500 O O O -IS 13,7 69 28 32
Frigidaire
680 O O 60 16,8 70 30 33
FurfiisoAiwi B
Q Frigidaire
650 © O O O 62 14.5 67 30 31
Q Kenmore (Sears)
74I9Í2I
680 O O O 70 16.3 69 W 33

Haier RRTG18PAA|W1 D
HRiliISl'nflll O © O 58 13.1 66 30 31

Amana ATF1822MREIWI 650 O O O 60 13.? 68 28 30

BOTTOM-FREEZERS
[71 Kenmore (Sears) Eliie
© © 52 17.1 71 36 14
7759I2Í
Q Whirlpool Gold
O © W 16,2 70 36 33
GXÍFHTXVIQI
Amana AFI2538AEIW) O © 65 14.8 71 36 5
Q Samsung
© e 75 18.4 70 Î6 33
fiF.'6()AB¡WP|
Q Amana ABB2Z2ÍFEIW] O © 61 15 70 H 32
Kenmore (Sears) Elite
787313] ® e SS m .TU 36 n
262 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 0

Brands model Price Overall score Testresults

^milar incdels. in y C Si
typp.arctüRi
tes(Hl moöel
III
LOO
PI E
BOnOM-FREEZERS continued
Q Amana AFO2535DEIWI íl.SOO 55 17.5 70 36 32
GE Profile , .„n
e o e
o e e 65 1!).6 70 36 iî
PGSS5PJXI5S1 ^-^^^
55 13.3 67 30 31
Maytag M8F19S6KE(W] 1.300 © o e
[71 Kenmore (5ear5) Elite . .^g 50 15.1 70 33 31
© o ©
LieblwrrCS1650[S5] 48 13 82 30 26
e @ d
GE GFSF2KEX1WW1 58 1^.2 70 a Î2
a o ©
Q Amana ABBI921OEIW] 64 04 69
o e e
Maytag ice 2 0
MFI2569VEIW1 o e e 67 14,9 70 36 36

Whirlpool Gold o o o 36 33
66 14.9 71
GI5FSAXVI0)
Samsung 70
RB197ABIWP1
© o 63 13.1
LGLFC20760ISWI o e 65 Ü.7
Jenn-Air JFC2O89HP[R1 a © 77 13,2 71
Maytag MFC2061KEIW] o o 74 14.2 71 36 27
Maytag Ice 2 0
MFI2067AE[W) o © 81 12.1 71 36 28

ViWngVCFF036(SS) o e 82 D.6 70 36 28
GE Profile
PFSF6PKX[WW]
© e 101 16.6 70 36 33

KMimore 7840121 a o Í35 14.2 70 33 32

Haier PBFS21EDA[S| Hl Í4.2 70
LGLBC22518IWWI
o e
O © © 93 17.4 69
fl
Fisher & Paykei
RF2014DUX
9 © o 68 13.3 71

Fisher ft Paykel E5228 O e o 69 11,3 67

SIDE-8Y-StDE
g Hotpoint O © 62 15.1 68 34 32
HSS22GFTIWWI
0 Samsung RS275AC[WP| 80 18.1 70 Î7 34
WhirípooiGold © © e 73 16.6 70 36 31
GO5OHAXVÍ0I
GECaléCSHS5llGXlS5| 69 15.3 70 36 i?.
 REFRIGERATORS 263

Brands model Price Overall score Test results

g Simiiji mortel',, in jfnall

ffi inie,afpcompáramelo
•g ii-iieri niüricl,
SZr.B € g
o S. iS o s a <"
o 100
P I F I GiVGlE
SIDE-BY-5IDE continued
Maytag MS0255OVE ÎI.ÎOO
Kenmore (Sears) Elite
¿700
50441?!
Samsung RMZ57AC[PN] 2.600

Q Whiripooi
_ E05HVEXV[01
r,/1 Jenn-Air
ICD?290HE|W!
Frigidaire Professional
PHS6')tJiSSl
. Kenmore {Sears)

Kenmore (Sears) ílite

Kenmore (Sears) Cold

Siioi ')942|2]
LG LSC27910[SW| 1.100
Whiripooi

Kenmore (Sears) Pro

ÜS33[J|

GEGSS2S0GTIWWI
Etectrolux

Samsung
RSG2ii7AA[WP!
Amana AS02524VEIW] 1.200
GE GSHF6PHXIWW1 1.7'i(l
ElecIroluK

Haier PRCS25£DA[P] 1,500

BUILMNS
Jenn-Alr
7.200 67 17.3 84 42 26
)S42PPOIIOB|SS1
Thermador
7.600 © 71 16 84 42 26
K8UDT4265EIS1
264 C O N $ 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 0

Brand & model Price overall score Test results

lypt'.arecomparablPtu
iBted model. ii
0 IDO
P i F I G IVGI I
BUILT-INS continued

0 Miele KF1901VJ 7,200 O 60 14 83 36 24

0 KitchenAid
KBFC42FISS] • 7300 O © 66 16.1 84 43 28

Sub-zero SI36U/S/TH O O 68 15.6 84 35 26

Electrolux icon
E42BS75EPI51
O 89 172 84 42 26
Bosch Integra
B18IO8O5(55laml 92 15.4 84 42 25
B24IR70SÍS51
Viking DFSB423
O © © 71 Í6.6 83 43 2S
Kenmore (Sears) Elite 48 26
100 19.5 84
4048P1
GE Manogram 75 16.1 84 42 27
ZISP4Z0DXI55] O O o
Sub-zero 736KIISS1 81 15.9 79 37 24
©
Dacor Epicure
100 13.5 83 42 25
EF42B0CBISS1
KitchenJUd 64 13.6 84
KSSS360Tl)a O O 36 25
GE Profile
PSB42LSRLBVL
O o e 87 16.6 84 42 26

Brands model Price Overall score Test results

Similai moael'-, m •.nia

£5

CUBE COMPACT REFRIGERATORS

HaierHSftO2il Î100 1 ^ © 1.8 20x19x18 36
Magic Chef
a • • 32
80 ES d • • 1.7 20x19x18
MCBfil70|W!
Haler HflT02WNC 70 G • NA • © J.7 2U17)(20 22
Avanti RM17Í1B 100 El • • • o 1.7 21x18x18 33
 RE F R I G E R A T O RS 265

Brand & model Price Overaii store Test results

g Similar mod*, inimall
g iVíW.aiP comparable to
? dl

MEDIUM COMPACT REFRIGERATORS

¿J Kenmore 927719] O O 2.7 26x19x19 4J
0 Sanyo Sfi •2S70M ' O © 2.5 25x19x20 41
i'^ HaierHSBOSfB] O O 27 26x19x19 41
Frigidaire
FRCO3LZ0[Wl O O 2.8 28x20x20 52
TALL C O M P A a REFRIGERATORS
^ Frigidaire
O © © 4.6 13x22x22 66
fHCOSlSOIBl
0 Haier HNSE05[B! © © O 4.6 32x21x22* 59
[7] GE Spacemaker 33x20x22
GMR04AAM|88|
© © O 4,3 (À

Kenmore 9467|9| 18D O © e 4.6 32X21X22 61

Magic Chef , „ 33x19x22
© e 4.4 S3
MCBR44SIW11 ^
Haier HWSE03WA[WW| 140 o © © 3.3
33x19x18 SI
Avanti 3O8YWT 200 l a © O 3.7 34x19x20 S8

report, paije 46.

Ratings Key ©Exreltenl ©Very good OGood ©Fair • P o o r
Q CR 8est Buy These models oiler ttte l>est combinaiton of performance and price. All are recommended,
W Recommended These ora high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratinqs

Overall score is based mainly on temperature performance and energy efficiency. Noise and
fase of use are also considered. Displayed scores are rouncîed; models are listect in order of
precise overall score. Tcmptrature performance is how uniformly each maintained 37" F in
the refrigerator and 0° F in the treeïer at different room temperatures. Energy efficiency is
electricity use based on measurements and usable capacity. Noise is with the compressor run-
ntfig. Ease of use assesses features and design. Enerqy cost ¡s estimated cost in dollars, based
on the average national electricity rate. Usable capacity is the volume, in cubic feet, of interior
space, including ice-makers in the storage measurements for top-freezer anä bottom-freezer
models, but not for side-by-sides. For compacts, refriqerator performance is the ability to
.jchieve and maintain a desired temperature, tennperature uniformity inside, the ability to com-
ppnsate for variations in ambient temperature, and reserve capacity under extreme conditions.
Freezer performance is how close the freezer compartments could come to zero degrees.
266 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 0

Select Ratings Overview

quiet, with excellent temperature performance
Top-freezer
and very good energy efficiency. The Amana
Small (30 Inches wide):
AFD25350E[WJ, $1,500, is very good, with
The 17.9-cubic-foot GE GTHISKBXtWW],
excellent temperature performance.
Si.OOO, has spillproof shelves and is Energy
Star qualified. At S650, the Frigidaire
FRT18S6A[W] costs less than most other Built-in
30-inch-wide top-freezers but has less Larqe (36 inches wide or wider):
usable freezer capacity than most. The The Mieie KF1901VÍ, $7,200, is a very good
20.5-cutiic-foot Kenmore (Sears) 7419[2], refrigerator with excellent temperature perfor-
$680. lacks spillpfool shelves. It has pultout mance. It is especially quiet. The KitchenAid
shelves only in the refrigerator and does KBFC42FtSS], $7.500. is very good, with
not have half/split shelves. It is not Energy excellent temperature performance though
Star qualified. mediocre energy efficiency. The Electrolux
Icon E42BS75EP[S], $6,600 is a very good
Midsized (33 Incties wide): and especially quiet built-in refrigerator,
The GE Profile PTS22LHR[WW],'Sl.35a though it has mediocre energy efficiency.
has ampîe features and more usabte fridge
capacity than most, but it's pricey. The
Side-by-side
21-cubic-toot Whirlpool ET1FTEXV[0]. Midsized (33 to 35 inches wide):
$1,500, has spillproof shelves and is Energy Overall, Ihe Hotpoint HSS22GFT[WW1,
Star qualified. $1,100, is very good with excellent tempera-
ture performance.
Bottom-freezer
Larqe (36 inches wide or wider);
Small (30 Inches wide):
The Samsung RS275AC[WP]. $1300, Is
Overall, the Amana ABB1921DE[W]. $900,
very good and very quiet. The Whiripooi
i5 very good, with excellent temperature perfor-
Ep5HVEXV[0], $900, is very good, but
• manee and very quiet operation but mediocre
was not especially energy-efficient and not
energy efficiency.
especially quiet. The Jenn-AIr JCD2Z90HE[W].
S2.3OO, is very good, but offers less usable
Midsized (33 inches wide):
capacity overall than most and isn't especially
Thf Amana ABB2221FEtW], Si.020.
energy-efficient. The Kenmore (Sears)
provides excellent temperature performance
5 8 0 2 [ 2 ] , $1.450. is very good and very guiet,
and very good energy efliciency. It is
thougfi not especially energy-efficient. The
somewhat noisy. The Kenmore (Sears)
LG LSC27910ESW], $1.100, is very good and
Eilte 7625[21, $1,400, provides excellent
very guiet, but not especially energy-efficient.
temperature performance.
The GE GSH25JFX[WW], $1.100, is good,
with very good temperature performance.
Larqe (36 Inches wide or wider):
The Kenmore (Sears) Eilte 7759[2J, $1.950,
has excellent temperature performance and Compact
energy-efficiency scores. The Whirlpool GoW Consider the Haier HNSE05IB1, $150, and
GX5FHTXV101, $1,700, has excellent temper GE Spacemaker GMR04AAM[BB], S16O, for
ature performance and energy efficiency, but cooling, not freezing. For a smaller motíel,
is somewhat noisy and pricey. The Samsunq go with the Kenmore 927719], S1<^O. Sanyo
RF266AB[WP], $1600, is very good and very SR-2570M, $130, and Haier HSB03[B]. $12Ü.
 R E T R I G E R A T O R S 267

Brand Repair History

Refrigerators, top-freezer
Maytag has been the most repair-prone
MfKf
brand of top-freezer models without ice-
makers. We have also sufficient dala to

i
conclude that their modeis with icemalters
have also been repair-prone. That's what
FríBidaire we found when we asked over 64,000
readers who bouqht a refrigerator between
Maytag 2004 and 2008 about their experiences.
The graph shows the percentage of mod-
Whirliioûl 7 els for each brand Ihat were repaired or
Frigidaire
had a serious probiem. Differences of less
than 5 points aren't meaningful, and we've
Gi it adiusted the data to eliminate differences
1 1 linked solely to the age of the refrigerator.
0% 5% 10%
Although we lacked sufficient historical
Refrigerators, bottom-freezer data to include'Sub-Zero side-t)y-sides in
the chart, they have not been repair-prone
Mme
in receñí years, according to our analysis.
Models within a brand can vary, and design
or manufacture changes might affect future
reliability. Slill, choosing a brand with a
good repair history can Improve your odds
of getting a reliable model.

Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey. Consumer

Reports National Researcft Center.

Hi 10% IS% 20% 25%

Refrigerators, s i d e - b y s i d e
2 6 8 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B J Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0

SMART PHONES
Decide how "smart" a phone you wanl. Some phones offer busîness-foirused capabili-
ties in a palm-fiuing package. Other.s are geared toward personal use. They'refinetor
playing music and other multimedia, reading e-mail messages, and opening Office-type
attachments, but they don't allow you to create or edit documents and spreadsheets.
Below are Select Ratings.
Brand & model Price overall score Testresuits

= j:inll.H
.9 ~
s in wijit tyi».
bl
tBia) model. 11 ll
o IDO I l
P I F I GIVGÍ E

[71 Apple iPhone 3G

^ S(!6GB)(ATÉIT) 120Ü M (Pfl 3.1 H

[71 Apple iP(ione3G

© © © O a © © © M iPh 1,9 H
ISGBKATST)
[71 T-Mobile a © © O © © © © M And, 11 • H
mvTouch 3G
[7] Samsung Omnía © O Ö © © © © © M WM 4.9 H
(Verizon)
[7] BlackBerry
storm 9530 © © © O © © © a M BB 3,1 H
(Veriïon)
[3 T-Mobile Gl © © © O a © © © M And. 3.1 H
[71 BlackBerry Bold © © 0 © © © © 0 M B B 1.9 H
— (AT&T)
¡ 7 ] Samsung EpiK O © © a © © © © M WM 1.9 H
(ATST)
[71 Palm Pre wich

(Sprint Nextel) a © © O © © © O 5 "Q™ 3.1 H

[7] BlackBerry
Curve 8900 o © © o © a © © M BB 31 L
(T-Mobile)

Fiip82Z0(Htotlile)
[71 BtockBerry Pearl o ©o ©a a ©e s BB 1.9 L
a
[71 BlackBerry
Pearl 8130 50 o a o ©©o a o s BB 1.9 H
(Sprint Nextel)
See 'epofl. paqe77.

Ratings Key ©Eitcellenl ©Verygood OGood ©Fair • P a a r

Q CR Best Buy Ttiese mudéis olfer the best combination cf performance and pnce. All afe recommended.
E Recommended These are hígh-periwming models that stand oui.
 SMART PHONES Z69

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score i5 based mainly on display, navigation, voice quality, phoning, messaging. Web
irowslnq. multimedia, and battery life, and also considers document editinq as well as ttie
I'hone's siîe and weight. The displayed score is out of a totdl of 100 points. Phones are listed
Ml performance order. Due to test upgrades, results may vary from past Raíings. Display
: i?presents a weighted combination of display size, resolution, and evaluations of how well the
Lüsplay can be seen under different lighting conditions. Navigation mainly considers how
i?3Sy it is to access the phone's various features and modes, such as phoning, messaging, Web
browsing, the camera, and music player. We also consider programmable shortcuts, touch
screens, and user manuals and reference cards. Voice quality considers listening quality which
reflects wfiat you hear; talking, what's heard bv other phones. Tests were conducted In noisy
¿ind quiet environments using live phone calls indicated by carrier used. We show the lower
score between listening and talking. Phoning considers the number of step-saving (unctions
(ot making and receiving calls. These Include hands-free capabilities such as voice command
¡iná Bluetooth, speed dialing, DTMF and ringer controls, call timers, security options, and other
features. We also evaluated keypad readability under different lighting conditions. Messaging
mainly assesses keyboard ergonomics, e-mad readability, attachment capabilities, and text-
piiessaqing features. It also considers how easy It is to synchronize the phone with a computer
and access applications while on a call. Web browsing mainly assesses browser capabilities,
including the phone's ability to handle more Ihan one browser. Rash Video, and Java, as well
lis data connections such as 3G and Wi-Ti. Multimedia mainly considers camera and music
player capabilities and features, as well as GP5 navigation, voice memo, streaming or live audio
iind/or video. Battery life represents mainly an average of talk time from tests with strong and
weak network signals, and also considers standby, display times, and other (actors. Talk time is
,in average to the nearest quarter-hour from tests with strong and weak network signals. For
phones using AT&T's or T-Moblle's 3G HSDPA network, expect talk times to be shorter Most
phones work only with a specific carrier, so you must decide whether to stay with your current
provider or select a new one when shopping for a phone.

Select Ratings Overview

Best choices for Offlce-rike tasKs:
1 he pilones listed here take theif PDA öulies
seriously. All allow you to create and edit
documents and e-mail attachments and are
very good choices for heavy e-mail and Micro-
soft Office users.
From Verizon
rile Samsung Omnia, $100, is a very good,
teaturepacked smart phone with heavy-duty
e mail and Office and multimedia capabilities.
With its unique interface and powerful
business and entertainment features, the
BlackBarry Storm, SlOO, is a worthy sidekick
(or qlot)e trotting Verizon customers.
From AT&T
The BlackBerry Bold, $300, is a very good
choice (or heavy-duty Office and BlackBerry
e-mail users. But pricey.
The Samsung Epix, Si80, is a line choice
for heavy-duty e-mail and Office users who
need lots of talk time.
From T-Moblle
The BtackBerry Curve, Sl50, Is a very good
choice (or heavy-duty Office and BlackBerry
messaginq users. Also, the Wi-Fi connection
comes in handy for voice calls, surfing the Web,
and downloading large files.
270 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
Select Ratings Overview
Best choices for multimedia use:
The following phones have a flair for fun.
combining large displays, desktop-class
Web browsers, and a powerltil array of music,
video.and gaming capabilities. And they
make it easy to keep ttie fun flowing, witti
their online-store connections to millions
of songs, qames, applications, and ottier
forms of entertainment.
The Apple IPhone 3G S (16GS), $200, is
a high-scoring, versatile, and innovative smart
phone thafs a sliver better than Its 3G pre-
decessor. A very good choice for multimedia
addicts-and even some corporate users.
The Appie IPhone 3G (BG8), $100, is a
high-scoring, versatile, and innovative smart
phone with a few warts. A very good ctioice
for multimedia addicts-and even some cor-
porate users.
Ttie T-Mobite myTouch 3G, S200. is a
higti-scoring smart phone loaded with intrigu-
ing features and capabilities. A very good
choice for Web browsing addicts-and even
some corporate users.
The T-Moblle G1, $150, Is a high-scoring
smart phone loaded with intriguing features
and capabilities, though not for corporate users.
Best compact choices:
These are some of ttie smaliest, and lowest-
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
priced smart phones on ttie market, which
makes it worth putting up with their smallish
displays and tiny QWERTY keyboards.
From T'Mobile
The BiackBerry Pearl flip 8220, $50, is a
petite, inexpensive smart ptione packed witti
lots of smart BiackBerry features, and the
Wi-Fi connection comes in handy for voice
calls, surfing the Web. and downloading large
files, though ttie condensed keyboard may
oe cumbersome for some users.
The BiackBerry Pear) B120, $80, is a
petite smart phone crammed with lots
of smart BiackBerry features, and the Wi-Fi
connection comes in handy for voice calls,
surfing the Web and downloading large files,
though ttie compact keyboard may be too
small for some users.
From Sprint Nextel
The Palm Pre, $200, is a palm friendly smart
phone packed with lots of useful capabilities
and features, though the smallish keyboard
may be a challenge lor some people.
The BiackBerry Pearl 8130, $50, crams
lots of smart BiackBerry features into a
small package-and Is relatively inexpensive.
The compact keyboard may be too small for
some users.
 T V s , L C D 271

TVs, LCD
Most of the TVs in the Ratings have very good or excellent picture quality, so there arc
I'lcnly of good choices available. Still, check detailed results for the highest-scoring
models if you want top picture quality.
All tested sets 37 inches and up. and many of the 32-inchers. have 1080p resolution,
ITiis has become the norm. In smaller sets. 720p resolution is still common, and it's all
you need, unless you want U) use the TV as a computer monitor, in which case higher
rcMilLitimi is a plus.

Branda model Price OveralKcore Test results

.£ .£r "^ 2r
15 "rS s 15
=3 =3 •« s
er c? 00 er

Pif I G IVtl t
27-INCH AND SMALLER MODELS
Sony Bravia O 26
1366X
60
KDLZ6L5000 768
ViewSonic I366i(
O 26 60
768

E Insignia
NS-U60-10Â
© 26
768
60

Q Sanyo DP26649 e 26
1366X
768
60

Panasonic Viera t366x

O 26 768 60
Samsung
2t j^^ 60
LN26B'16O
I366Ï
Le 26LK2O © 26
768 60
Westinghouse , , I366X ,_
26 ^^g 60

1366)1
SK26H57OO O 26
768
60
Toshiba 1366X
O 26
768
60
32-INCH MODELS
192OX !20,
1080 60
Panasonic Viera
60
Sony Bravia 1920)t 120,
1080 60
I^ Insignia
NS-U32Q-10A
© 32 (Q^¿J 60
Q VÍZJOVO320E O © 32 ,,0 60
272 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 0

Brand&model Price Overall score Test results

•â -S £
Sj r

100 5
P I F i G I V6I E X
32-INCH MODELS continoeci
1920X
JVC LT-32J3OO 60 3 2
a e O e 1080
Sony Bravia 60 3 ?
^ " 1080
KDL-32S51OO
LG32LH2O
e 3. «- 60 2 1
û „ O66x
Sanyo DP32649 2 ?
*• ^^ 768
(K:AL32KD31R 60 2 1

440 60 2 2

37-INCH MODELS
Samsung
0 LN37B650
Panasonic Viera
0 TCJ.37S1

L637LH3O

0 VlzloV0370M 600

4 0 - TO 42-INCH MODELS
Toshiba Regza 1920X 120,
Í.IOO © © © © O © 42 1080 4 2
42XV54OU 60
Toshiba Regza 19Z0X •240".
42ZV650U
1.200 e e © O O © 42 1080 60 4 2
Samsung 1920X 120.
i.600 © © o o © © 40 1080 60 4 1
UN40B6000
JVC LT-42P3OO 850 3 2
1080
Insignia
700 ©©ooo 4 2
NS-L43Q-IOA 1080
Sony Bravia !920x 120.
1.300 ©©o © o 40 4 2
KOI-40VES 1080 60
1920X 120.
L642LH40 1.200 ©©©© o 42 1080 60 4 2
1920X
Sanyo 0P42849 650 ©©e o © 4? 1080 60 3 2

0 Sony Bravia
KLV-40ZX1M
2.200 ©©©© o © ^^ 1080 60
120,
1 G
_ ,., 1920X 120.
LG42LH5O ¡.100 ©©©o o ® "^ 1080 60
4 2
Philips
42PFL6704D
1.130 ©©©o Ö O ^' ifiûfi 120 4 2
 TVs. L C D Z73

Brand imoael Price overall score Testresuits

S S <U »^- e •

•f .1 S s
o 100
p I F i G IVGl [
40- TO 42-INCH MODELS continued

Vizio VO420E 600 e a © © O © 42 'IlOSO

^P„* 60
Dynex I920X
DX-L42-1OA
600 © 42 S1080
60
46 TO 47-INCH MODELS
Sony Bravia
KDLflfiXBRS
Samsung
UN4ÖB7000
Samsung
UN46B6000
JVCLT-')6P300
Samsung
U46B650
Sony Bravia
t(Dt-46VS100 1080
Samsung 19Z0X
UN46B8O00 1080
Philips 1920X
1080
1920X
LG47LHS5 1.Í.00
1080
Sharp Aquos I920X
l,!00
LCC4677UN loao
Sony Bravia
2.200
KDL-46KBR9
Insignia
800
NS-LC047HD-09
52-INCH AND LARGER MODELS
I V I Samsung
Q e m 1080 60
Q Toshiba Regia 1920X 740".
bS¿V6[0U o o 1080 60
Sony Bravia
K0LWXBR9 * e e © 52 ïï 'S
[7] Sharp ftquos
LCÜ277U!L
mQQ o © 52 ^^ '^°' 5
See report, pa^e 26.
Rating5 Key ©Excellünl ©Very good OGood ©Fair #Poor
D CR Best Buy These models offer tfie best combination of performance arid price. All are recommended.
0 Recommended These are tiigh-performirtg models that stand out.
274 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 0

Guide to the Ratings for LCD and Plasma TVs

Overall score is based primarily on picture quality; sound quality, ease of use, viewing angle,
aivi versatility are also figured in. The displayed score Is out of a total of 100 points, HD picture
quality is based on a trained viewing panel's evaluation of the TV's picture clarity and color
accuracy, using known references, when displaying a lOSOi HD signal. The picture's quality
rating is determined by how well it displays all the attributes of an HD signal, including the fine
details you would expect from HD. All signals were sent through the HDMI input, which can
be used io connect a high-def DVD player, digital-cable box. satellite receiver, or off-air digital
receiver/tuner to the TV. SD picture quallty indicates how a TV displays "regular," non-HD TV
programming. This picture quality score is based on a standard-definition TV signal, known
as 4801, sent through the TV's HDMI inputs, except where indicated. The standard-tJef images
are evaluated by trained panelists, using known references. Common sources of this standard-
definition signal are digital-cable boxes and satellite boxes. Viewlnq anqle for LCDs indicates
our evaluation of picture quality for clarity and color accuracy at various horizontal and vertical
yiewinq angles. Sound quality is measured from the set's built-in speakers using compuler-
driven test equipment, with additional subjective testing by a listening panel. You can get better
stereo sound if you bypass the built-in speakers and route ¡he TV's sound to a receiver and
external speakers. With a multichannel sound system, you can get the enveloping experience
of surround sound from digital broadcasts anü also DVD movies. Remote ease of use is an
assessment of the usability of the TV's remote control, considering button layout. labeling, and
practical features. Onscreen menu ease of use is an assessment of the usability of the TV's
onscreen menu, considering its interaction with the remote, menu layout, and practical features.
Versatility indicates features that increase a plasma TV's utility or capabilities. These might
include the presence of more HD-capabie inputs, a headphone jack, a base that swivels, exten*
sive Internet connectivity, slldeshow functionality for digital pictures, iPod docking, and so on.
Enerqy cost is estimated cost per year in dollars, calculated for S hours a day turned on and
16 hours in the off (standby) mode, based on the current year's national average electricity rate.
Your usage and local rates will affect your costs. Note that the energy scores are for a plasma TV
optimized for the besi picture quality, not using any energy-saving technology included in the set.

Select Ratings Overview

TVs, LCD viewing angle may limit its appeal In rooms

26-inch sets:
Sony Bravia KDL-26L5000, S500: This
26-inch 720p (1366x768) set from Sony's
entry-level L5000 series delivers top-notch
performance at a competitive price (for a
Sony), However, its narrower-than-averaqe
viewing angle may be an issue m rooms
where some viewers may be situated off-
angle from the screen.
ViewSonic N2690w, S450: This 26-inch
720p (1366x768) LCD from ViewSonic is
a solid across-the-board performer at a
competitive price. However, Its very narrow
wtiere some viewers will be off-angle, and it
has a limited number o( inputs.
Inslqnia NS-L260-10A. S300: This 26-inch
720p (1366x768) LCD from Insignia, Best Buy's
house brand, deiivers v&ry good picture
quality at a low price, though its viewing angle
is narrower than most sets we've tested,
Sanyo DP26649, S295: This 26-inch 720p
(1366x768) LCD TV from Sanyo is a CR Best
Buy, offering excellent picture at a very low
price. It has fewer features than pricier sets
and a narrow viewing angle, but If you'll be

Select Ratinqs Overview
il head on, that's nol d concern,
Samsung LN26B460, $450; This 26-inch
72Op (1366x768) LCD from Samsung offers
excellent picture quality and an exceilent
onscreen menu system. However, it has a
narrower-than-averaqe viewing anqle, and
poor sound, much worse than most of the
other spts we've tested.
32-Inch sets:
Samsung LN32B650, $1,000: This 32-inch
i060p LCD ftom Samsung is a top-notch
performer with excellent picture quality, but
it's pricey for the size. It has 120Hz technol-
ogy, plus InfoLink, Samsung's entry-level
Internet service that provides RSS feeds of
news, weather, and sports information,
Panasonic Viera TC-L32S1, $715: Ttlis well-
priced 32 incti lOSOp LCD from Panasonic
offers very good overall picture quality, with
top-notch detail and very accurate colors.
Like other Panasonic LCDs we're tested it has
a wider-than-averaqe viewinq angle, though
not quite as wide as the best Panasonic sets.
Sony Bravia KDL-32XBR9, $870: This 32-
inch 1080p LCD from Sony is a top-notch
performer with excellent picture quality, but
like other X8R models it costs a tDit more than
most othef sets this size. It includes t20Hz
lechnology to reduce motion blur, fairly rare
in ttlis size.
Insignia NS-L322Q-10A, S500: This 32-inch
1080p LCO from Insignia, Best Buy's house
brand, ofiers excellent overall picture quality,
and is very iow priced, especially for a 1080p
set. Its viewing anqle, thouqh, is narrower
than most.
VIzto VO320E, S400: Ttlis 32-inch 720p
(1366x768) Vizio deiivers excellent picture
quality and a fairly wide viewing angle at an
TVs, L C D 275
especially low price, making it a CR 8«st Buy.
Its sound was good, unlike its 37-inch sibling's,
fine for typical TV programming.
JVC LT-32J3OO, $600: This 32-inch 1080p
LCD from JVC is a winner, offering very qood
picture quaiity and better-than-averaqe view
inq angle and sound at a competitive price.
Sony Bravia KDL-32S5tOO, $730: This
32-inch Sony, part of its entry-level 1080p
S-series, delivers the goods-excellent
high-def picture quality, ¡mage detail, and
color-at a competitive price, (hough it
wasn't without some flaws, as noted.
37-inch sets:
Samsung LN37B650, $1.200: This 37-inch
Samsung 1080p LCD is a very good overall
performer. It's pricier than other sets this
size, but it inciudes I 2 0 H Ï technology
(unusual in this size) and InfoLinh Internet
connectivity that provides RSS news, stock,
and weather feeds from USA Today.
Panasonic Viera TC-L37SI, S775: This
37-inch 1080p LCD from Panasonic is a very
good overall performer that's weli-priced for
a major brand. Like other Panasonic LCDs
we've tested it has a wider-than-average
viewing anqle, though not quite as wide as
the best Panasonic sets.
LG 37LH30, $850: This 37-inch LCD is LG's
entry-level lOBOp set, and it delivers very
good overall picture quaiity. Brightness level
was only fair, dimmer than most, so it's t)est-
suited for a darker room,
VIzio V0370M, $600: This 37-inch Vizlo
t060p LCD set has exceilent picture quality
and a fairly wide viewing anqle, plus a very
low price. However, its sound quality is
poor, so consider pairing it with an external
sound system.
276 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
Select Ratings Overview
40- and 42-Inch sets:
Toshiba Reqza 42XV540U. S1,1OO: This
42 inch loaop Toshiba boasts excellent
HD picture quality, and is well-priced for a
set with I20HZ technology, which reduces
motion blur. HD content was detailed and
had'great color and a satisfying level of
brightness. It also has a betterthan-averaqe
viewing angle.
Samsunt) UN40B6000, $1,600: This 40-
inch lOaOp ôOOO-series LCD from Samsunq
delivers excellent picture quality and detail,
with very accuiate colors. Like 8000- and
7000-series sets, it uses edge-mounted
LEDs rather than conventional lamps, which
accounts for its slim profile and higher price.
Unlike those models, though, it includes RSS
feeds from USA Today rather than the full
Medl#2.0 Internet service. It also has 120Hz
technology to reduce motion biyr.
JVC LT-42P300, S850: This 42-inch 1080p
LCD from JVC is a CR Best Buy, offering
very good picture quality ät a very low price,
plus an iPod dock. An illuminated remote
would have been helpful though, since the
iPod's functions can be controlled with it.
insignia NS-L420-10A, $700: This 42-inch
1080p LCD from Insignia, Best Buy's house
brand, delivers excellent picture quality and
a lot of performance for a (airly low price,
making it a CR B«st Buy, though It's not the
best choice for a brightly lit room.
Sony Bravia KLV-40ZX1M, $2,200: This
super-slim 1080p Sony LCD is a showpiece
model that borrows some design elements
from Sony's It-inch OLED TV. The set, which
uses edge LED backlighling, delivers excellent
overall picture quality, albeit at a fairly high
price. It also includes i20Hz technology to
reduce motion blur. It would have scored
higher except for its narrower-than-average
B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 ) 0
viewing angle and so-so remote. Also, it's a
monitor with no tuner, so it requires an exter-
nal tuner to receive over-the-air broadcasts.
It has only one HOMI as its input, so consider
pairing It with a digital receiver.
46- and 47-incti sets:
Sony Bravia KDL-46XBRe, S3,000: This
46-inch XBR-series lOBOp set from Sony is
a clear, if pricey, winner. It uses a full-array
LED backlight rather than a conventional
lamp, which enables the set to produce excel-
lent deep black levels, on par with the best
sets we've tested, it has Sony's MotionFlow
I20HZ technology to reduce motion blur, and
will accept an optional Bravia Internet link
for access to online content,
Samsunq UN46B7000, $2,300: This 46-
inch 1080p LCD from Samsung Is a top-notch
set with excellent picture quality_and detail
and very accurate colors. Like Samsung's
8000- and 6000-series sets, it uses edge-
mounted LEDs rather than conventional
lamps, which accounts for its slim profile
and higher price. The 120HZ feature reduces
motion blur, and internet connectivity pro-
vides access to various online services.
The DLNA feature aiiows it to browse and
play content sent over your home network.
Samsung UN46B6000, S2,100; This 46-
Inch tOBOp LCD from Samsung is a top-notch
set with excellent HO picture quality and
detail and very accurate colors. Its perfor-
mance with standard-def programs was a
notch below its 7000-series sibling. Like that
set. It uses edge-mounted LEDs rather than
conventional lamps, which accounts for its
slim profile and higher price. It also includes
l20Hz technology that reduces motion biur.
The set comes with RSS feeds from USA
Today rather than the full Medi@i2.0 Internet
service on the 7000-series. But that differ-
ence will save you a few hundred dollars.

Select Ratings Overview
Sony Bravia KDL-46V5100, Sl,400: This
A6-inch V-series Sony is a fine 1080p set with
excellent HD^ictufe quality, despite a few
flaws as noted. It has 120H2 technology, which
reduces motion blur, but it's still a bit pricey
compared to simitar TVs.
Sharp Aquos LC-C4677UN, SHOO: This
-ló-inch 1080p Aquos LCD TV from Sharp
delivers excellent picture quality at a fairly
low price tor a major brand, though its view-
ing angle and sound quality scores were
below average. Also, its 120Hï technology
provided little improvement in motion blur
over standard 60H2 sets. It has five HDMI
inputs, the most we've seen.
5Z-inch and tarqer sets;
Samsunq LN55A950, S3,600: This 55-inch
1080p 5amsunq, a top-notch flagship model
offering excellent picture quality, is an excel-
lent big-screen choice for those looking for
staie-of-f he-art performance, thouqh its very
narrow viewing angle may be of concern it
It will be regularly viewed off-angle. Its full-
TVs. LCD 277
array LED backlight with local dimming helps
produce some of the best black levels we've
seen on an LCO, but also adds to the price.
Its use of Auto Motion PJus T20Hz technology
reduces motion blur,
Toshiba REGZA 55ZV650U, $2,000: This
55-¡nch Toshiba Regza lOSOp LCD is a
top-notch performer offered at a very attrac-
tive price for its size and leatures, making
it a CR Best Buy. This model has a wider
view-ing angle than many LCDs, and tts
quasi-240Hz technology does a good job
reducing motion blur.
Sharp Aquos LC-C5277UN, S1500: This
52-inch 1080p Aquos LCD TV from Sharp
delivers excellent picture quality at a sur-
prisingly low price for a major brand, thouqti
it has a narrower viewing angle and sound
quality wasn't as good as on many other sets
this size. Also, we found its 120H2 technology
provided little improvement over standard
60Hz sets. It has five HDMI inputs, the most
we've seen.
278 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 0

Brand Repair History

TVs. LCD Flat panel TVs have been extremely reli-

fewer Mure able, althouqh it's w o r t h noting that I h e

vast majority of purchases vZ&re recent.
That's what we f o u n d w h e n we analyzed
over 168,000 reader experiences with flat
panel TVs bought between 2 0 0 5 and 2 0 0 8 ,
The graph shows the percentage of brands
that needed a repair or had a serious prob-
lem. Differences of less than 3 points aren't
meaningful, a n d we've adjusted t h e data t o
eliminate differences linked solely to age of
the TV. Models w i t h i n a brand mav vary, and
design o r manufacture ctianges may affect
future reliabititv- Still, choosing a brand
with a good repair history can improve your
odds of getting a reliable modet.

Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey. Consumer

Reports National Research Center.

Mitsubishi
 TVs. PLASMA 279

TVs, Plasma
Plasma TVs are well worth consideration, especially in 50-Inch and larger sizes, wher.
they offer a strong alternative to LCD sets. In fact, when you factor in their unlimited
viewing angle and the generally superior hlack level and shadow detail of the betti
models, plus their ability to handle fast motion with virtually no visible blurring
plasma displays oflcr meaningful advantages over LCDs.
The plasma TVs we tested did very well, as you can see from the excellent and ver\
good picture quality scores on the chart. Given the overall high quality, it's hard to g^
too tar wrong with any of the TVs in the Ratings.
Brand S model Price Overall score Test results

tí
2: ¿r

^ r=
I
IDO a
G IVGI E
42 TO 46-INCH MODELS
(Panasonic Viera ,, , „ , ,
TCP42S1 *^''^^ O © o o 57 42 3 2
Panasonic Viera , .,,,
rcMöSi ' ^ O e o o 55 46 ] 2
Panasonic Viera
TC-P42G10
1,150 o e o o 53 42 3 2
Panasonic Viera
1.400 o a o o 54 46 3 2
T[P46Gl'i
0 Panasonic Viera
TC-P42X1
jr^
^" o e o o 41 42 3 2
LG 42PO3O 700 e o e © 47 42768 3 2

*;Xl-m ^« © © © O © • ^7 42 I024X
'Sfl^
768
2 2
50-INCH MODELS
Samsung
PN5OB65O
1.700 O © © © 66 50 '2= 4
Samsung
O © © © 47 50 ^^¡ A 1
Panasonic Viera
I t PSOGIO O © o o 50 so ^^^ 3 2
Panasonic ViL>r;i
© © O O 50 50 ^]lf 3 2
Panasonic Viera
TC-P50C1 © © O O 36 50 ' ^ " 2 2
i365x
IG 5OP03O 0 0 © © 57 50 768 .1 ¿

IS50P560 © © © O © © 50 S 4 2
280 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 0

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

E S II i li
p { F I GlyGl f
50-INCH MODELS continued
Insignia I365X
NS-P501Q'10A © e O o 33 50

Insignia 1920X
1,300 50
NS-P5O20-1OÄ o
54-INCH AND LARGER MODELS

0 Samsung
PN5SB650
2.700 © e
0 Panasonk Viera
ÎC-P54V10
2,300 o e
0 Samsung
PN58B850
3,400 © e
Panasonic Vier<i
TC-P54S1
1,800 o o 47
1080
Panasonic Viera W20x
K:-P54G1O
1,900
e o o 65 J080

LG6ÛPS60 ¿.300 © e e o e e

Ratings Key #£M:ellent Qverygood OGood ^ F a l r • P o o r

Q CR Best Buy Ttiesemodelsoffer the tresl combination of peftormance and pnce. All are recommended.
0 Recommended These are tiign-per(o/ming models that stand out.

Select Ratinqs Overview

series, which replaced last year's PX80/PZ80
TVs, Plasma
models-offers excellent overall HD picture
42- to 46'inch models:
quality and image detail. The 46-incti size,
Panasonic Viera TC-P42S1, $1.100: This
unusual for a plasma TV, is designed to com-
42-inch 1080(3 plasma from Panasonic offers
pete with 46- and 47-inch LCDs.
excellent picture-quality performance at a
fairly low price for a major brand. Part of the
Panasonic Viera TC-P42G10, $1,150: This
Sl-sertes that replaced the old PZ80 models,
42-inch 1080p Panasonic plasma, part of the
these are Panasonic's entry-level mainstream
step-up GIQ series that replaced Z85/PZ800
lOBOp sets, which claim improved brightness,
sets, has excellent picture quality across
contrast, and energy efficiency thanks to the
the board and many features, it is one of the
new Neo PDP panels. new Internet-enabled TVs, It's also a THX-
certified model with a THX mode preset mode
Panasonic Viera TC-P46S1, 51,400: This
optimized for movie viewing, and has an SD
46-inch lOBOp plasma-from Panasonic's SI

Seiect Ratings Overview
c^rd reader that can play high-def video files.
Sound, however, was only fair, so you may
wanl to consider an external sound system.
Panasonic Viera TC-P46C15, $1.400: This
46-inch TOBOp pfasma from Panasonic,
part of fhe step-up G)5 series sold through
regional dealers and A/V specially stores,
is a top-notch performer in another screen
size unique to Panasonic. It delivers excellent
picture guality and lots of features-including
THX certification and the company's Viera
Cast Internet service-but only fair sound,,
so consider pairing it with an external sound
system. It also has an SD card slot, and can
play high-def AVCHD video files.
Panasonic Viera TC-P42X1, $750: This
72Op (1024x768) Panasonic plasma, part ot
the company's entry-level Xl series (which
repiaced the PXBO-series sets) offers very
good overall picture quality at a fairly low
price for a maior brand.
LG 4ZPQ30. S700: This 42-inch 720p
11024x768] LG plasma is well-priced, and
delivers very good overall picture quaiity.
Features include a sensor that adjusts the
TV's brightness to room conditions.
50-Inch models:
Samsunq PN50B650, $1,700: This 50-
inch 1080p plasma set from Samsung, like
its 58-inch sibling. Is a top-notch perlormer,
amcmq Ihe best TVs we've tested, and a
CR Best Buy. It offers excellent picture
quality, with a great menu system and remote.
It is one of the new Internet-enabled TVs with
various data services, such as Samsung's
Medi^a.O Internet service, which uses Vahoo
widgets to access Internet content.
Santsunq PN5OB850. $2,200: Like its
58-inch sibling, this flagship 50-inch lOSOp
plasma sel from Samsung is a top-notch
TVs, PLASMA
f
performer with excellent picture quality, thoui.
you pay a premium for its ultraslim design.
It is one of the new Internet-enabled TVs wi'
various data services. Like the more conven
tionallv designed but lower-priced 650-seri>
sets, it has the witJqet-based Medi#2.0 I n t f
net service l o access Internet content. Unlih.
the 5a-inch B850 set, which had among the
worst sound of any TV we've tested, sound '•
this model was good, if not inspiring.
Panasonic Viera TC-PS0G10, $1,800: This 5(
inch lOBOp plasma from Panasonic, part of
the step-up GlO-series that replaced Z85/PZ8L •
sets, is a top-notch performer with some
extra features. For example, it has Panasonn
Viera Cast IPTV service, which now includes
Amazon Video On Demand, plus an SD card
reader that can play high-def video flies.
Panasonic Viera TC-P50X1, Sl,050: This
50-inch Panasonic plasma, a 720p (1366x76.
set, is the part of the company's mainstream
entry-tevel XI series that replaced the PX80
series sets. This set delivers excellent overa'
picture quality at a low price for a major bran
Since its sound guality is below tha't of mos!
other sets, you might consider pairing it witt:
an external sound system.
Panasonic Vfera TC-P50C1, S990: This
50-inch 720 plasma from Panasonic's entry-
level Cl series delivers exceiient picture
quality at a fairly low price for a major brand,
though its brightness was dimmer than most
making It best-suited for a darker room,
Sound is only fair, so you might consider
an external sound system. It has two HDMI
inputs, fewer than most sets this size,
54-inch and larger models:
Samsunq PN58B650, S2,7OO: This 58mcti
1080p plasma set from Samsung is a top-
notch performer, among the best TVs we've
tested. It offers excellent picture quality, a
282 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S
Select Ratings Overview
great menu system and remote, and it includes
Samsung's Medii§i2.0 Internet service, which
uses Yahoo widgets to access Internet content,
Panasonic Viera TC-P54V10, $2,300: This
54-inch ioaop Panasonic piasma-a screen
size unique to the brand-is a top-notch per-
former with excellent picture quality, despite
a minor quibtjle. It's a pricier, flagship model
(that replaced the old PZ850 series) with
extra features, such as THX certification,
access to the Viera Cast online service, and
an SD card slot with the ability to play high-
def AVCHO video files.
Samsunq PN58B850, S3,400: This ultraslim
i1.5-inch deep) flagship 58-inch 1080p plasma
set trom Samsung is a top-notch performer
with excellent picture guaiity, though you pay
Brand Repair History
TVs, Plasma
fewer ^ More
jepaiR
Panasonic H g
Pioneer M g
HlldCtli I ^ ^ B
SaiTKungMH^B
f 15%
0% 10%
B U Y I N G G U I O E 2 0 1 0
a premium for its design. Like its 650-series
sibling it has the widget-based Medi@2.0
Internet service to access Internet content.
But ils sound was among the worst in our
Ratings-we'd recommend pairinq it with an
external sound system that can do juslice to
its excellent images.
PanBsonk Viere TC-P54CtO, $1,900: This
54-inch I080p plasma from Panasonic-a size
unique to the company-delivers excellent
picture quality at a competitive price, though
like its Si-series brandmate, has below-average
sound. The set is psrt of a step-up G1O series,
which has THX certification and the com-
pany's Viera Cast Internet service. It also has
an SO card slot with AVCHO video playback.
A CR Best Buy.
Flat panel TVs have been extremely reliable,
although it's worth noting that the vast
majority of purchases were recent. That's
what we found when we analyzed over
168,000 reader experiences with fiat panel
TVs bouqht between 2005 and 2008, The
graph shov^is the percentage of brands that
needed a repair or had a serious problem.
Differences of less than 3 points aren't
meaningful, and we've adjusted the data to
eliminate differences linked solely to age ot
the TV. Models within a brand may vary, and
design or manufacture changes may affect
future reliability. Still, choosing a brand
with a good repair history can improve your
odds of getting a reliable model.
Source: Annual PfotJuct Reliability Survey, Consumer
Reports National Reseafcti Center,
 VACUUM CLEANERS

VACUUM CLEANERS
New designs and features are producing increasingly high-tech vacuums, but high-
•, feature-laden machines don't necessarily clean better. Below are select ratings

Brand & model Prke Owerall score Testresuits

i f I
il "^
D 100
P I F I GiVGl E
UPRIGHTS
Hoover WincITunnel
Annive5(ii-V Edition
UÓ485-90O

n IIK5DCI00
[7\ Hoover Plaiinum Bagged
UHÎOOIOCOM .- ©g - O © © © •
Q Kenmore Progressive
35922 PtoBTMsiw! ï59?î e ©©o ©o © • • • •
[7] Hoover wiiiöruiinel
A E I l t
1-900
©©©o ©o © • • •
g Kenmore Progressive
36932 PpogrMsiwj6W3 ©©eo©o© •• •
Q Eureka 8oss Smart Vac
© © O O © Ô © » » •
Hoover WindTunnel
Aiinivprs3iy Edition
Bagiess U5786'900
WiralliKinfl JiDnlmiWfY Fdllton
©© o o ©o © • •
B.lglMSUH4006i.Win(IlUtinel
l
Q Eureha Comfort Clean
OtiM?î5|| ©©©o © o • 20
v ] Dfrt Devil Fiîatherlite
BaEiessM0S5845 (Target) © © o o ©© 13
[^ ai5sell Momentiim 82G7I
'—' «(>»ic;miiii BJtn [Um\ CluW.
Momeniutn a a / H (Hcune DepoiJ
©©©o © o • 18

See report, page 72.

Ratings Key ©Ficellent ©Very good OGood ÔFair • P o o r

D CR Best Buy These models offer the best egmt3ination of performance and price. All are recommended.
bd Recomntended Tícese are iiigh-performing models tuat stand out.
264 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 0

Brand & mo(tel Price Overall score Test results

Similar modi;l'j,frt;mâll
t¥pe,arecûnipatablelo = o .i¿
tested model. ™

0
P i F I G IVGl E

CANISTER
Kenmore intuition
2 8 0 ) 4 intiiit.inn?80l5
O
Kenmore Progressive
27514 p(0Eiis5iw,?a6ii. 300 O O © O © • • 21

Q Hoover WimlTunnel
S3670 © © e o © © © • •
n Hoover windTunnel
Bagless S3765-040 © © © O © © O • • 22
WM'uiinel teHlW S37S5
-1 Self-|iropelled. '£ D o e not accept tools.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on cleaning performance and ease of use. The displayed score Is
out of a total of 100 points. Carpet shows how much embedded talc and sand a vacuum cleaner
lifted from a medium-pile carpet. Bare floors indicates how well a vacuum cleaner picked up sand
without dispersing it on bare floors. Tool airflow indicates the strength of airflow through the
hose. Notee is based on measurements in decibels. Emissions is a measurement of the quantity
ol small particles that are released under two conditions: first, only when the motor is turned on,
and second, while vacuuming. Handling reflects how easy it is to push, pull, and carry a vacuum.
P«t half reflects how well a vacuum picks up pet hair from medium-pile carpet.

Select Ratings Overview

Best upriqhts for most:
The Hoover WindTunnet Anniversary
Edition U64e5-900, $230, is a very good
upright vacuum that excelled at clearing both
carpets and bare floors and had excellent
airflow for cleaning with tools. It also was
excellent at keeping its emissions low, though
It was fairly noisy. Hoover, however, has been
among the less reliable brands of upright
vacuums.
The Kenmore Progressive 3S922, $350.
a CR Best BuVi is a very good upright
vacuum that excelled at cleaning bare floors
and picking up pet hair. It was also excellent
at keeping its emissions low.
The Kenmore Progressive 36932, $350,
also a CR Best Buy, is a very good upright
vacuum that excelled at cleaning bare floors
and picking up pet hair. It was also excellent
at keeping its emissions low.
The Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870, $170,
a CR 8est Buy, is a very good upright
vacuum that excelled at cleaning bare floors
and picking up pet hair, it was also excellent
at keeping its emissions low. It was only fair
in handling.

Select Ratinqs Overview
Iiu- Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary
Edition Bagiess U57e6-900, $160, is a very
ijood uijfight vacuum that excelled at clean-
ing carpets and picking up pet hair. It was also
excellent at keeping Its emissions low. Hoover,
however, has been amonq the less retiatjie
brands of upriqht vacuums,
A CR Best Buy, the- Eureka Comfort
Ciean OhI 4235, $140, is a very good upright
vacuum designed so that the user should
never need to bend to use any feature. It had
excellent airflow for tools and excelled at
keeping emissions low.
For iess weight with some trade-offs:
The Hoover Piatinum Bagçed UH30010COM,
S400, is a very good upriqht vacimm that
excelled at cleaning both carpets and bare
floors. It aiso was excellent at picking up pet
hair. While Hoover has been among the less
reliable brands of upright vacuums, this
modei is amonq newer designs from TTI Floor
Care, which also makes Dirt Devil.
The Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary
Edition Baqged U5491-900, S14O, Is a very
good upf iqhf vdcuum Ihat excelled at clean-
ing bofh carpets and bare floors. It also
was excellent at picking up peí hair and
keeping its emissions low. Hoover, however,
has been amonq tfie less reliable brands ol
upriqht yacuums.
The Dirt Devil Featheriite Baqless
M085e45 (Tarqet), S60, is a very good
biisic upriqhl vacuum that excelled at ciean-
mg bare floors and picking up pef hair and
keeping its emissions low. It was fairly noisy.
VACUUM CLEANERS 26
The Bissen Momentum 82G71, $120, is
a very good upright vacuum that excelled
at keeping its emissions low.
Best canisters for most:
The Kenmore Intuition 26014, $600, is a ver
good, though heavy, canister vacuum that
excelled at cleaning bare floors, keeping its
emissions Içw, and picking up pet hair. It alsr
had excellent airflow for tools,
A CR Best Buy, the Kttimore Progressive
27514, at $300, is a very qood canister
vacuum whose strengths were chiefly ciean
ing bare tioors, keeping its emissions tow.
and picking up pet hair. Our anecdotal onlinr
user reviews include model-specific durabilit.
complaints that may not show up in our
tests or surveys. A numbei of those reviews
noted such issues for this model, but our
follow-up research revealed that those con-
cerns did not track with our survey.;..
Another CR Best Buy, Ihe Hoover Wind-
Tunnel S3670, $300, is a very qood canistei
vacuum that excelled at cleaning bare floors
and keeping its emissions low. It was only faii
for handling.
The Hoover WindTunnel Bagiess S3765-
040, $250, atso a CR Best Buy, is a very qood
canister vacuum that excelled at cleaning bare
floors. It also had excellent airflow for tools.
Our anecdotal online user reviews Include
model-specific durability complaints that may
not show up in our tests or surveys. A number
of those reviews noted such issues for this
model, but our follow-up research revealed thai
those concerns did not track with our surveys.
266 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 0

Brand Repair History

Vacuums, canister Vacuums, upright
Fewer More
repaie

Rainbow

20%

Rainbow a n d Dyson have been a m o n g the

m o r e reliable brands of full-sized canister
vacuums. Kirbv and Dyson have been a m o n g
the more reliable brands of upright vacuums,
Electrolux, Hoover and Simplicity among 0% 5% m^ 1S% «Mb

the less reliable. That's what we found w h e n
we asked 156,000 readers w h o bought a
vacuum between 2 0 0 4 a n d 2 0 0 8 about
their experiences. The graph shows t h e
percentage of brands that needed a repair
or had a serious p r o b l e m . (Belt replace-
ment isn't included because it's usually an
inexpensive fix.) Differences of less t h a n
4 points aren't m e a n i n g f u l , a n d we've
adjusted the data to eliminate differences
linked solely to age and use of the vacuum.
Models within a brand may vary, and design
or manufacture changes may affect future
reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a
good repair history can improve your odds
of getting a reliable model,
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer
Reports Nalional Research Center.
 WALL OVENS 287

WALL OVENS
Electric wall ovens are another appliance where price can have little to do with per-
formance. While the lop-scoring Thermador is pricey, several models cooked nearly
as well tor hundreds tif.dollars less. Note that mosi wall ovens are available wilh
stainless-steel trim {typically $100 to $3t)0 extra).

Brand&model Overall score Test results

small Tvpf^
moiM

i ^
o IDO I I
P I F I GlVfil I

Kenmore (Sears) Elite 4804|31 Í2,1OO

GEProlllePT916fiUlBBl
ThermadOTMEJOlElSl
viking PrDiessional

0 M Prarile PT9Z5DNIBB1
f^i Bosch HBIMNIUC
Electroiu« Icon E3OEW75EISS]
IcantJULwnGlS^I

0 GE JtP70SM[SS|

R Kenmore (Sears) Pro-liOOUl

GEUormgf,imZ£TlSll|SSl
ii
Q Frigidaire Gallery
GIEB10S9FÍS]
Kenmore (Sears) fl783[2]
KitchenAid Superba
KEBSK)7S[SS|
Fisher A Paykel OS3O21SS]

PÎ> ri'pori, Plage Ai.

Ratings Key SExcellent ©Verv good OGood OFair • P o o r

D CR Best Buy These models otter Ihe best combination ol performance and price. All are recommorHjed.
l i i Recommended These are high-pertorming models thai stand out.
288 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 0

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score reflects oven capacity and baking, broiling, and self-cleaning ability. (Self-
cleaning ability ¡s not shown.) Ttie displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Oven
capacity is our measurement of usabte space. Bakinq reflects whether cahes and cookies
tjai<ed on two racks were evenly browned. Brolllnq is based on even browning of a pan
of burgers and hiqh-heat searing ability,

Select Ratings Overview

Top p«rforminq wall ovens:
Till; Kenmore Elite 4 8 0 4 [ 3 ] , S2,100. and
thp GE Profile PT925DN{eB], S2.300,
have a slow-cook feature. Choose the Ken-
more for its better tJaking and broiling, the
GE for its dual ovens and its pizza setting:
the GE's oven self-cíeanlnij-vías only fair.
The Bosch HBL54[50IUC, $1,900. and the
Kenmare Pro 4100[3], $2,000, offer well'
rounded performance.
Good wall ovens for less:
Choose the GE JTP70SM(SS], $1,550, if
you're willing lo givf up some bíiking even-
ness, the Frigidaire Gallery 6LEB30S9FIS],
S1,400. ff you don't mind a bit less capacity.

Brand Repair History

Wall ovens Ttiermador, Jenn-Air, and Dacor have been
among the most repair-prone brands of elec-
tric wall oven. That's what we found when we
asKed almost 26,000 readers who bougtil an
G£
electric wall oven between 2003 and 2008
Kenmore about their experiences. The graph shows
Tfiqidaire the percentage of models (or each brand
Maytag that were repaired or had a serious prob-
Whirlpoo! lem, Differences of less than 3 points aren't
KilchenAid meaningful, and we've adjusted the data to
elimínale differences linked solely lo the age
Oacof
of the electric wall oven. Although we lacked
Jenn-Ai[ sufficient historical data to include Wolt in
Thermador the chart, this brand has been repair-prone,
according to our analysis. Similarly, Ihere
0% i% 10% 15% Z0% 25% 30%
appears to be little difference between gas
and electric wall ovens, although we lacked
enough data to analyze these differences by
brand. Models within a brand can vary, and
design or manufacture changes miqht affect
future reliat]ility. Still, choosing a brand with a
good repair history can Improve your odds of
getting a reliable model.

Source: Annual Product Relialjllity Survey, Consumer

Reports National Researcn Centet.
 WASHERS 289

WASHERS
Great washing isn't a given, especially in top-loaders, so check our washing-perfor-
mance scores. Each improvement in energy-efliciency scares, from good to very g(M>d,
for instance, cuts an average of $10 to $20 from your annual energy expenditllre^,
More-efficient washers also extract more water from each load, shortening drying
time, llie higher the capacity, the fewer loads you'll need to do. And the shorter the
cycle time, the greater chance you can finish multiple loads in a day.

Brand S model Price Overall score Test results

Sin II Id' mdijch. i(: M ii.il I OJ •CJ

lï()e.('pFecoiiii)ii[iiWiMo
leAvtí mortel.
n3 OJ ii
I '^ 11 i I
0 1D0
I ^i I §
P I F I G IVGI f
FRONT-LO&DING
Samsung WF448AAIWI ., © © © © © © 90 •
Electrolux W.ivcTouth ,,
EWILW6SH1WI '•'
GEWCVH6800J[WWl 800 © © ^ © © © 0 70 •
GE Profile Sieamwasher . ,^^
WPflH8900l|WW| • © ©©©O©©75 •
GE Profile ,„„
WPf)H8800J[WWl '•'^"' © ©©©O©©80«
Washer WM3001HIW1A ''^^ © ©©©O©Oi05« •
Samsung WF419AA[W]:i 1.^00 O ©©©OO©80«
Whirlpool OiiPi SlPiim ,
© ©©©O©O95 •
Whirlpool Oiiet Sieam , „ -
WFW9600T[WI "^^ © © © © O © © 9 5 - .
Maytag 9000 Senes ,,„„
S[f.ni! MHWE900VIW1 ''^ O © © © © O © 95 •
Kenmore (Sears) Elite ,^,,
H f y Steam 4778111 '•'^'^ .% © @ @ e © © 100 • •
IG WM0642H(W) 900 © © © © © © « 9 5 • .
LG Allergiene , „f.
WM2688HIWM1A '-^^ © © © © O © Ô 9 5 • •
Bosch NPÍXI Î00Series „^n
wruc;i?c(i|ii[
© © © © O © Ô lOíi •
LGWU2MKIW] 900 © © © © © O © 100«
Whirlpool Out'l Steam , ,j,„
WF W'.'SSOWiWl
© © © © © © o 100«

So'ir™'
H i e l e Touchtronic
kir «n « n . ___
.» B ^ g e © g o • e .00 .
' The manufacturer informal us of a cttange that cauh) aKeci washing performance. We plan to lesi Ifiis change.
290 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 0

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

Similar moriËli in srikill CHS'
l¥pe.a(e(oinp
leifld mortel. I i1 ^ f § ê
ë Sä
O 100 OJ ™

p I F I GlV(.¡ E
FRONT-LOADING continuée!
Q Frigidaire (iallerv
GLTF?q40f|S!FTTK © e © © e O 65 •
Kenmore tSears) Elite
HE5t Steam 4770(11 © © © © O © o 100 •
LGWM27OIHV © © © © O © e 85 •
Whiripoot Duel Steam
WfW9500T|Wl © © © © © © © 90 •
Kenmoire (Sears) Bite
HE5t47O8!l] © © © © e © © 105 •
Whirlpool [)uel Spori
HTWFW8400T(W| © © © © ö o e 100 •

ATF8000FlS]ATFB8Q0üfl| o © © © © Q o 55 •
(B«stBliv).LTr8aiOñlllO«'5)
0 GE WBVH53O0K1WW] 700 e © © © © © o 70 •
800 © © © © © © o 90 •
Bosch Nexxt 800 Sefies
© © © © © © o 105 •
Kenmore (Sears) HE3t
Sleam 4674121 © © © © o © © 95 •
Whirlpool Duet HT
WFW9400SIWÍ © © © © © © O 105 •
maytag 5000 Series
MHWESOOVIW]
© © © © © © W 70 •
Frigidaire Affinitv
FAfW3577KiWl o © © © © o O 55 •

Samsung WF21&ANIWÍ © © © © © o O 90 •
Bosdi Nexxi 500 Plus
Series WFMC544I01UC
o ©©©o o O 75 •
Frigidaire Affinity
ATf6000F[Sl
o ©©©o o O 55 •

0 © © © © © © O 8S •
Maytag Epie Z
MHWZ600T101
© ©a ©o o © 95 •
KcnnHHï (Sears) HE2I
4756111 HE2l.475:ilJ
© ©©©© o O 95 •
 WASHERS 291

Brands model Price Overall score Test results

Simjldtmfkiels,iiisfflali

SiSBñ^
-!= Oi OJ

P I F I G IVnl E
S£ î
FRONT-LOADING continued
Kenmore (Ssars)HE2
O ©©©©00
O ©©©©OÖ
WWrIpool Duet Sport
WFW83OOS[W1 O ©0©©00
AskOLIIlr,icareWL6511 1.300

TOP-LOADING
Maytag Bravos
MVWB75OWI0I. 950 © © © © O O 50

WMripool Cal]ho
)W|w] © © © © 0 0 t1 50 • •
I Cabrio HE
WTW660D5[W]
i.000 © © o © © © 1M S • .
Uaytag Sravos
HTW6f}O0T[0l © a o © o a 11 60 •
Whirlpool Cabrio HE
WTWMOOWÍWl
1.000 a © © © 0 0 11 50 •
Maytag Bravos
MVWBBOOVlO]
non © © © © 0 0 ií 55 •
Haytag Bravos
MTW67OOr[Q) 1,000 a a © o 0 1^
© 60 •
Whirlpool Cabrio
WTW6700T[Vií|
1,000 a a a © o 0 i1 65 «

Kenmore (Sears) Elite

O,1SISHT28O8[II © e © • © 1M S *
Whirlpool Cabrio
o a • © a a #M O • •
Whirlpool Cahrio
WTW6500WIW1 © o © © e o €1 60 • •
GE Píofile
WPGT91WHIWW] 0 © o © o 0 ^5 55 •
GE Profile Harmonv
WPGT936OEÍWW] © o o © Q © ê1 55 •

WPH£6E50K[WT| © o © a e o 1í 60 •
GE W]RE55OOG|WW| © o o © o o 1M 5 •
Kenmore (Seai^) Etito
Oasis 2803(21 © o e © o o €& 65 • «
292 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 0

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

modBis, m sïïiiili
••romparaùiew
— Si Ö ^ S
^J Í Í ^ I =• e
D too
P I F 1 G I VCl E
I
TOP-LOADING coniimted
Fisher &Pavkei
S 800
Intuitive IWL16
Haier Encore
Gwn50A[W|
Whirlpool WTW58OOS1W] 550
lK
Maytag MVWC6ES|W1 ÖO©«O©60 •
StaberHXW23Û4 O
GEWHflE555ÛK(WWl
Maytag Centennial
MVWC300V[W| o oe©eo 45

Flsher & Paykel

EcoSmari WA37TZ6G 600 o © © O O O
mm» 5S
Maytag centennial
UVWC500V[W]
GEWhfDÍÍÍÍ418G[WWl O O © O O
(Home Depot)
40
Kenmore (Sears)
400 Sef ies 294212] o
Estate ETW4400W(Oi O O © » O 50

GEWLSR22OOJ1WWI © o ©o o 45

RoperRTW4440V[Cli
Kenmore (Sears)
800 Series 2982(31
O © « O © 6 0
Whirlpool WTW57ESVÍW1
GEWWSË524O(^[WW1
Kenmore (Sears)
500 Series 2952Í21
Hotpoint
VWSR4160G[WW)
O o© © 0 o ^^ 40
GEWHDSH1O9J(WW1 © © Q O © o 1^ 50

Frigidaire FWS1233F[Sj © o © © © © €^ 30
Whirlpool WTW53OOVIW] © o © © © O Í1 45

See report, page 4 6 .

Ratings Key ©Dc«lient ©Very good OGood ©Fair • P o o r

D CR Best Buy These moüels aller the best combinalion ol performance and price. Alt are recommendeü.
0 Recommended These are fitgh-performitig models that stand oui.
 WASHERS 29;

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score (or washers is based mainly on washing ability, efficiency, capacity, and noise.
Ihe displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Washini) performance reflects the degree ci
color change to swatches of f3bric that were included in an S-pound and maximum capacity te'
load of mixed cotlon items using the machines' most aggressive normal cycle. (We do rol use
special cycle or option buttons.) Energy etticlency is based on the energy needed to heat the
water for S-pound and maximum loads using a warm wash and cold rinse, the electricity needt'
lo run the washer and energy needed for drying. Washers that extract more water are scored
higher. Water elflclencv denotes how much water it took to wash our 8-pound load and each
Fnachine's maximum load. On models that didn't set the IÍII level automatically, we used the
lowest fill setting that sufficed tor the 8-pound load. We then calculated water used per pound
QI clothing. 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-slïed load
that the washer holds. Models that earned lower scores tor qentleness are more likely to treat
vour clothes roughly, causing wear and tear. Noise refiects judgments by panelists during the
fill, wash, and spin cycles. Vibration reflects usage on a suspended wooden floor. Cycle time
{mtn.), rounded to the nearest five minutes, is the time it takes to complete the most aggressiv^
normal cycle with our 8-pound load. (We do not use special cycle or option buttons,)

Select Ratings Overview

Front^loading
For cleaninq ability and efficiency:
GE WCVH6800J[WW], SSOO, CR Best Buy
• Overall, this washer was excellent.
• Washing performance is very good.
• Energy efficiency is excellent.
• Water efficiency is excellent.
• Capacity is excellent.
• Gentleness is very good.
• Noise is very good.
• Vibration is just good.
• Has a cycle time of 70 minutes.
• Comes with a ! year warranty.
Friqidaire Gallery GLTF2940F(S], $650
• Overall, this washer was vDiy good.
• Washing performance is very good.
• Energy efficiency is excellent.
• Water efficiency is very good.
• Capacity is very good.
• Gentleness is very good.
• Noise is very good.
• Vibration is ¡ust good.
• Has a cycle time of 65 minutes.
• Comes with a 1 year warranty.
GE WBVH5300KÍWW], $700
• Overall, this washer was very good.
• Washing performance is very good.
• Energy efficiency is excellent.
• Water efficiency is excellent.
• Capacity is excellent.
• Gentleness is very good.
• Noise is very good.
• Vibration is just good.
• Has a cycle time of 69 minutes,
• Comes with a 1 year warranty.
For qentleness;
LG WM2016CtWl, $800
• Overall, this washer was very good.
• Washing performance is very good,
• Energy efficiency is very good.
• Water efficiency is exceilent.
• Capacity is excellent.
• Gentleness is excellent,
• Noise is very good.
• Vibration is just good.
• Has a cycle time of 90 minutes.
• Comes with a 1 year warranty.
 294 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 0

Select Ratings Overview

For budqet-friendiv prices: Top-loading

Amana NFW7200T[W], S600 For budqet-frlendly prices:
• Overall, this washer was very good. GE WJRE5500G[WW], S480. CR Best Buy
• Washing performance Is very good. • Overall, this washer was very good,
• Energy efficiency is very good. • Washing performance is very good.
• Water efficiency is excellent. • Energy efficiency is just good.
• Capacity is excellent, • Capacity is very good.
• Gentleness is very good. • Gentleness is just good.
• Noise is very good. • Noise ts ¡ust good.
• Vibration is ¡ust fair. • vibration is excellent.
• Has a cycle time of 85 minutes, • Has a cycle time of 45 minutes.
• Comes with a 1 year warranty. • Comes with a 1 year warranty.

Brand Repair History

Washers
Amana and Fisher & Paykei have been
•PWPt More among the repair-prone top-loading brands.
repairs repairs That's what we found when we asked over
100,000 readers who bought a washer
Whirlpool i H I I H ^ m ! between 20O4 and 2008 about their expe-
riences. The graph shows the percentage
Frigidaire ^ • • H H I D
of brands that needed a repair or had a
".enmore (Sears) ^ • ^ ^ • ¡ ^ B serious problem. Differences of less than
4 points aren't meaningful, and we've ad-
Maytag L^ggjjuim justed the data to eliminate differences
ùFnFrai tieclric ^ H ^ H ^ I ^ I linked solely to age and use of the washer.

1 '— Models within a brand may vary, and design

or manufacture changes may affect future
Roper
reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a
Frigidaire
good repair history can improve your odds
Kenmore (Sears) <i of getting a reliable model.
General Electnc
Whirlpool
Source: Annual Product Rellabilily Survey, Consumer
Maytag Reports National Research Center.
Amana
Fisher & Paykei .4

0% 10% 15% 20%

FRONT-LOAD WASH£f! TOP-IOAO WASHES

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