Consumer | ie | RATINGS & Reports EEE) = a REVIEWS SPECIAL EDITION GREAT Kitchens Ona Budget” REFRIGERATORS ra RANGES rin} COOKTOPS DISHWASHERS q i i ™ esta MICROWAVES WALL OVENS sibeity |) I r Caan! COUNTERTOPS FLOORING 07>CONTENTSJULY 2021 3 Inspiring Updates Yes, you can get a high-style look for less. Just follow the lead of these stylesavvy, budget smart makeovers 6 Weekend Makeovers ‘These six DIY projects can make your space look ‘and work better-no major remodel required. 12 How to Save Big on New Appliances Use these inside tips to get the appliances you need at great prices. Plus: Best and P18 ‘worst places to shop, from our exclusive surveys. 18 Cooking Tools for Every Kitchen Remodeling? Take the op- portunity to upgrade your ‘out-of date countertop appliances, too. Here's a look at the top-rated models from our latest lab tests, in cluding air fryers, mul cookers, and toaster ovens. APPLIANCES 26 Fresh Fridges ‘Top freezer or side-by-side? French-door or bottom: freezer? Use our expert buy: ing advice and ratings to find the right style and fea tures for your kitchen. 40 Range Finder Shop smarter with insights from our test labs. Plus: Why prorstyle ranges aren’t always as good as they look. 50 Choice Cooktops Our tests reveal great op tions for gas, electric, and electric:induction cook tops. Find the best one for your space right here. 58 Exceptional Ovens Wall ovens are handy when you're cooking for a crowd and offer design flexibility, but they can be pricey. Here's what to now before you splurge. 62 Multitasking Microwaves Some new microwaves can bake, grill, and brown. Our test results show you which features can add real convenience-and which are just unnecessary extras 70 Dish Duty, Done Cleaner dishes and quieter operation using less energy and water-our top models, do itall. Find the best perfor mance and value here. DESIGN ELEMENTS 78 Kitchen Storage Solutions Use our buying advice to choose cabinets with the storage you need anda style you'll lve for years. 84 Surface Report Our tough tests reveal which countertop materials can stand up to daily use and. abuse with ease. Plus, the messes that stain the worst. 90 Top Floors Hardwood, tile, vinyl, and more: Let our ratings help you choose the best flooring for your home and lifestyle. 96 Resources ‘ON THE cover Photographer: Andrea Rugs CCRORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 1From the Editors Your Dream Kitchen for Less Corning up witha wish ist for tests and on our surveys of CR your new kitchen is easy. You members’ experiences withthe probably have a whole idea fle products intheirhomes. You can ‘of top-performing appliances, trust our advice because we're ‘gleaming counters and floors, _nonprofitand independent: We cond storage for miles. But buy all the products we test, nd figuring out how tomake those we accept no ads, wishes come true—within the ‘So take onother look at your confines of yourrecl-lfe budget? _wishlist—and relax. With CRs ‘That part's not always so easy. smart savings advice, you con The good news: CR is here to. make the kitchen of your dreams help. Ourteam offhome pros— an affordable, beautiful reality reporters, engineers, and matket —The Edltors of conalysts—has taken @ close Consumer Reports ook at the style, performance, fectures,relabilty, and volue of hundreds of products to help sani Overt Scores or you get the mast for your money based on osesie of 010100 very step ofthe wy, Werte prot wing ‘When youte ready to shop, ust ees tum to the Buying Gude on page @r008 rie @cooo 24, Youll find exclusive ratings ‘@vimv 6009 @uxceLent ‘ond reviews based on our in-house fb.com/consumerreports WV aconsumerreports fecomfSomosch Ssemoce GB) eorsumereports D) Feonssnereports G) cconsimerropots EB ompony/ onsumerreports GREAT Kitchens OnaBudget™ Pretdan ond CEO Nat Telia Sena Vie Preset, Chil Operating Ofer Laonora Wino ‘Vice Preset Ca Content Offer Gey Bons dor Directo, Pint en ues Deputy Eto Pi Publier Arana Lecky Design Decor ue Lang Ceatve Det, rand Yau Baroda Design Director she Ger ‘ht Delors In Sater, Tay Sra Phot Eos ae, He Sina Senor recto Contant Development len Dene Deputy Director, Content Development istopher Katich ‘trod Deer, CotrtDendapman Sot ling Aes Ching Entre ke Doi, ator ery Smanschote, Wer Reporter Sena ecto, Content impact & Corporate Outreach en eer Spec Mee eco mo ‘Vines, Depes; Ryan Fein, Dora Rasa, Watery torial reco Dial Ee Norton recor Lab persons iat Kes HOME 6 APPUANCE Sr Noro, Conn ea ator” rte sy Chan, Tarp hn, ary Fare Reh Fae, lope an ae, Dn oc Prada Pingo arr Eis Gna, james Nn Tes Lea a ‘SS Both, Yrs ars Lenco Erie ‘Remain Fae Reh, Mh a Gy Loan ttre, eh Pace, Chrstopher Rega, Fai Spine ae ea ret nats Ws le, aee Ens Kal hoy, Corey ene, ntl Po, Narn Wenn Spencer (hie Sint Ofer une Daeron ou Seay anes: ges cS ai Td Aine, ‘mye Cortrt Operations Rat Kane, Dear py Etng Ls onan, Con Cet Noreen Bre, ‘NonPrante, wendy Cee ect Chechng ever Da Sper, Anise Deer, ‘acy Aen Sr ra Css Gordan aes nba Premed Win rego, Asoc Dect: gee Ci, Wai ‘nr anony tes Prodicton ney Erol, sce Dect, EW. Nandy inager vets hgh est Ra len hy raga Per Co hr Liner hin Reoreh Ofer ssn Purl ermmerEngopemen Trting ar Ab, ic Sarl ‘tapman, nn eee ans Reeser Setar ote Snes hc sc Decor Pts as, menor fir Maney Rot ews Sea Survey Reworch arent, Son Ser Asc Ds Dane Gop, Kedron bea Kalen Mar acer ne ‘anor jn oven, Aa ey, Tan Wang Tess anich ormuer aah Frank Yang, Actes Sets Tees ‘tating Deen en Sno Decor Frocrert Opes Senn Schnee Decor ‘arian bec tan any ey ‘Vic PRESIDENT. FrnciaPloming & Aroha Fax ‘ha tiene cet ever Coren ha amon Reset Ofer il Reha Meri fear nig © Conan apa ons Seok, by Consumer opr Yorkers New rk 70 Aes ‘ete nding theo epeon in ole orn partinany for 8 2707138. anced in thence States of nei.Sa en eee rtd EaUMaen\ aa) a Coan NTA esa peers SAVVY IDEAS TO meee! Eee On ceaien sy ease)Inspiring Updates soys. “Instead, we put in turned them around Clot of time and elbow- before pointing ina rich eiestiie ‘ease: Fist the cab- forest gren Genjrin UPGRADE inets. New units weren't Moore's Yorktowne ON AVERY in the plan, so Jessica Green HC-133). Aix of ‘SMALL ‘ond Rick opted torear- graphic tiles and painted Bunger range ond re-invent what wood paneling on the they hod. They removed walls adds rch pattern the upper cabinets.on and texture that’s bel- When Rickand Jessica the range wall instal- anced by the warm Rettinger bought their ing open shelves in their _natural-wood shelves Betavio, Ohio, home, place. Discovering that and counters. The new they knew they would the backs of the cabi- look is fresh and fun— Update the kitchen, even net doorshad.e simple, and just right for the though it wasnitin ter ‘Shokerstyle design, they young family. rible shape. "We wanted to add our own style, and help the kitchen flow bet- ter with the look ofthe rest of the house," Jes sica says. So the couple, seasoned DIYers who rehab homes fora lving (ond the busy parents ‘of four st cbout giving their bosic kitchen @ per- sonality infusion—on a strict $2,500 budget. "We knew it wasr't our forever house, so we didn't want Cea to spend alt Jessica 4 GREAT KITCHENS ON 4 BUDGET cR.onG BRIGHTER 5 BETTER BUT NOT ANY BIGGER Dark and dreary aren't the adjectives you want to describe your beach-house letchen, So when planninghis seaside rehab, interior design author Will Taylors first priority was ‘more light and color” And though his budget didn’t have room for en ad ton, he alse wanted to ‘maximize counter ond storage space in the ‘compact kitchen. The key to achieving all those goals? Removing the half wall that partially enclosed the kitchen, Now there's an easy flow between spaces ‘and plenty of room for another must-have: ‘large dividing island with @ durable quortz countertop and hidden storage within. Inside the hatehen, new cabinets ‘and shelves offer more storage ond display space, The range and fridge swapped places to create a better workflow, but the sink kept its criginal spot to avoid relocating the water line (o smart money move) A beachy palette adds the color Wil loves, but the best improvernent ishow open the space now feels, he says. "The Footprint isthe same, but it looks twice as big!” fer CCRORG GREAT KITCHENS ON ABUDGETNm. ae MOMENT SEP RE = eS eur a rome mel AUN:With Paint ‘and Paper Afresh coat of paint— try ourtoprrated interior port, Behr Marquee, $45 per gallon—can give new ifetoold cabinets. Protip: Dorit sh the prep work emoving oor, leaning and sanding) I's the key toa smooth fish Want a dash of patton? Peel-and-stek wal- paper addslow- commitment at | CCRORG GREAT KITCHENS ON ABUDGET 7} yy WA UC Te Cee) VN yy , YA ny YY) MIA VA \ mye3. Improve Work Flow With a Rolling Island Problem: You could really use more counter space {who ‘couldn, but adding @ butin peninsula or island isn't in the budget Solution: rling letchen cart or island. quick ‘online search will turn up © wide variety of options with cifferent style, sizes, and prices—any ‘of which will increase your ‘counter area and add open of closed storage, as wel. When ‘you need more flor space in ‘yourkitchen, just roll the cart out ‘ofthe way, 4, Update Cabinets With Fresh Handles and Knobs Iemay not seem like mach of ‘a change, but replacing your cabinet hardware can make o surprisingly big impact on the look of your space. For example, troding 1990s polished chrome for 2020s matte black—or he tnd timeless brushed brass— can be just the subtle refresh your kitchen needs. Hint: Take the old handles with you to the store so that you won't have to dell new serew holes because you bought the wrong size.Weekend Makeovers 5, Make It Modern With Statement Lighting “The right pendant lights con ‘add more than hey task ilumination above prep, cooking, or cleanup areas: they can also add some ‘setious style to your space. Fora bold impact, look for ‘oversized designs and rch finishes. But avoid fabric ‘or woven shades in grease prone areas.6. Install Open Shelves for ‘Storage and Interest ‘Theyre a popular featur in many ‘modem kitchens, and for good reosor: Open shelves ae typical ess expensive than wallcabinets,ond they create easy access to essentials or eneye-catching display spot. During Installation, clwoys screw suppots into wal studs—or rik tumbling reosures.HOW TO SAVE BIG ON NEW APPLIANCES SHORTAGES CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC HAVE MADE BARGAIN-HUNTING A LITTLE MORE DIFFICULT. BUT OUR INSIDE TIPS CAN STILL HELP YOU GET THE TOP MODELS AT THE LOWEST PRICES. PLUS: THE BEST (AND WORST) PLACES TO SHOP. Ifyou're shopping for a new refti gerator, range, or dishwasher-or all three-for your kitchen update, you'll probably find the retail land-scape somewhat changed. The appliance shortage brought on by the coronavirus pan- demic is still rippling through retailers inthe U.S., meaning that many models are harder to get, especially if you need them fast. Deals are even more scarce. ‘To get a bargain, you need to be alert and flexible-and willing to pounce, Lower Discounts and Fewer of Them As Americans began spending more time at home last spring, they took a closer look around their kitchens and started ordering replacements and upgrades for their appliances. With that increased demand, manufacturers didn’t need to give retailers the usual rebates to help them move merchan- dise. And that means the Best Buys and Lowe's of the world haven't been passing along the cost cuts to you in, the form of deep discounts. In January of 2021, for example, Best Buy advertised just 14 discounted refrigerators-it listed 100 at the same time in 2020-and Lowe's didn't ad: vertise any discounted refrigerators atall, according to Gap Intelligence, a market research company. And even ‘when a store does offer a discount, the actual savings aren’t as great, says Seth Basham, managing director at Wed- bush Securities, based in Los Angeles, and an industry analyst who covers appliance retailers. “Discounts may appear similar,” he says, “but base pric ing or other factors will likely make the products more expensive compared with last year.” ‘Then there's the problem of supply shortages as manufacturers struggle to recover from factory closings and make production changes for COVID safety protocols to protect workers. “The Asian economies were hit in par ticular by the lockdown, so there was a period of six to eight weeks when nobody in Asia was making steel,” says ‘Tom Derry, CEO of the Institute for Supply Management, an industry group in Tempe, Ariz. “All of that adds up to months of backlog.” Some Appliances Are Hard to Get No matter how much you're willing to spend, you may not be able to get your hands on the appliance of your dreams. More than one-third of refrigera: tor models were out of stock at major KITCHENS ON AgUDGET 13Where to Shop and Save appliance retailers in January of 2021, compared with about one-fifth at the ‘same time in 2020, according to Gap In- telligence. “Before COVID-19, when you typed in the model number at some retailers’ sites, they'd say ‘available now,’ or ‘three left, order soon," says R's head shopper, who buys apy ances for our tests. “Now, they some- adate at all “Back orders are still very high,” says Ken Miele, CEO of the Appliance Deal ers Cooperative, which is based in New Jersey and buys appliances from manu- facturers to distribute to about 200 inde- pendent retailers, mainly in the East. ‘Many followers of CR’s “Consumer 101” Facebook page have reported wait- ing months for appliances as deliveries are pushed back multiple times. Cindy and Randy Wilmore of Columbia, ‘Tenn., are just one example. They or- dered a dishwasher in midJune of 2020 with a delivery promise six months later. “Never in a million years did we 1 GREAT KITCHENS ON 4 auDGET eRoRG think it would take this long to replace appliances,” Cindy says. Good News: You Can Still Find What You Need at a Great Price Appliance shopping may be a bit more challenging these days, but that doesn’t mean you're out ofluck. Here's our in- sider’s advice for getting what you need. pronto for less. TRY AN INDEPENDENT RETAILER. Local independent retailers can offer selections compara- ble to those of big-box stores, thanks to their membership in cooperative buy- ing groups. “They may have more in. ventory stocked-or be more inclined to sell the floor model,” says Mark Davis, an analyst for Gap Intelligence. Independents may also offer superior service and other perks that can make the buying experience more pleasant. Marla Collins of Midlothian, Va.,a fan of the “Consumer 101” Facebook group, says her local appliance dealer lent her a refrigerator while she waited for her new Whirlpool last summer. “The loaner helped tremendously,” she says. Ifyou see lower prices at big-box 's worth asking whether an independent will match them. For CR's, ‘exclusive ratings of independent and big-box appliance retailers, see page 17 USE ONLINE TOOLS TO DO RESEARCH. Take advantage of a retailer's online shopping filters to nar- row your appliance search to what's stock or in stores now. If you want to ‘see an appliance in person, some retail- cers, like Lowe's, will tell you the nearest store that has the model you're consi¢- ‘ering. Use the online chat if it's avai able, too, We tried Home Depot's, and a rep spent half an hour helping us find an in-stock LG French-door fridge. When you head toa store, follow the safety tips in “Pandemic Shopping Pre- cautions” on the facing page. DON'T RULE OUT BUYING ONLINE. Quite a few members of our “Consumer 101" Facebook group told us this summer that they had pur chased large appliances online, either to protect their health or because their preferred stores were closed at the time they needed the appliance. ‘The increase in online purchases of large appliances predates the pan- demic, though. Among our mem- bers surveyed about their purchases between January 2019 and April 2020, more than 1 in 5-22 percent-had bought a large appliance on-line. ‘That's double the percentage from our 2014 survey. Im some instances, you can only view and purchase large appliances online. Costco Wholesale, for instance, keeps only a fraction of its appliance offer- ings on view at its warehouses; you can find the bulk ofits inventory online. ‘With the exception of a few floor model sales, it requires nearly all purchases tobe made online. Many retailers have beefed up their ‘websites and apps to make it easier for ‘consumers to shop remotely. Nebraska Furniture Mart in Omaha, for instance,‘can demonstrate appliance features via video. Home Depot's app provides a ‘two-dimensional image of an appliance ‘on your smartphone, You can then use your phone's camera to place that im- lage in your home virtually, so you can ssee how it looks. Ordering online often comes with free shipping, although you probably can’t skip out on tax. And you can still attempt to haggle by contacting a customer-service rep either by phone or in an online chat. PRIORITIZE YOUR MUST- HAVES, When inventory is lim- ited, it helps to be flexible with features. For instance, Nish Suvarnakar, a market analyst at CR for major appliances, rec- ‘ommends choosing basic stainless steel instead of a specialty finish like black or “Tuscan” stainless, because it's a popu- Jar finish that’s often manufactured in larger batches. REMEMBER, NOT EVERY SUITE IS A SWEET DEAL. You might be tempted by offers and rebates ‘on matching kitchen suites-typically a refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave from the same maker. But Consumer Reports’ member surveys suggest that it's difficult to find brands that are tops for reliability across all four categories. For instance, LG has top rellability scores for top- and bottom-freezer refrigerators. But reli ability for its dishwashers is middling, Appliances by the same brand within the same general category can also receive different reliability ratings. For instance, LG's French-door and side-by-side refrigerators are rated just Good, ALWAYS TRY FOR A BETTER BARGAIN. Whatever the listed price-even one that has been dis ‘counted-you may be able to get an even better bargain by haggling, Ina member survey conducted by CR, 28 percent of majorappliance shoppers haggled for a better price, and those who succeeded-72 percent of those who tried-ended up saving a median of $11. Pandemic Shopping Precautions IFyou plan to shop in person, take the following protective Go WHEN ‘TRAFFIC IS LOW Do @ Google search for the retailer to see if you geta chart showing the times when the store is less busy. Ifyoure can older person or in avunerable population, call to ask ‘about special hours reserved for you. Keep ‘acistonce from staff ‘and other shoppers MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Set a specific ime to meet with o ales person if possible, so thot you dont have to wait around. Prepare questions choad of time. If you can't make Among the most successful negotiat- ing tactics when shopping for a major appliance were checking competing. retailers’ websites to compare offers, and purchasing multiple items at once. (Of course, you'll probably want to re turn or cancel the items purchased at the higher price.) Other effective steps our members used include asking for a senior, vet erans, or membership discount; refer ring to prices found at other walkin retailers; and checking deals at price: comparison websites. If none of the above strategies pan out with a lower price, try this win- ning trick: Ask whether you can buy an Con appointment, tel the salesperson that Yyou want to expedite the shopping process. PLAN FOR CON- TACTLESS PAYMENT ‘You can download ‘mobile app such fs Apple Pay or ‘Google Pay to check cout by waving your smartphone above the cord reader. Or pay with a credit card with radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, which lets you do the same thing Without having to ‘swipe the card orsign WEAR AMASK ‘swith any public ‘outing, remember to wear a mask. Bring hand sonitizer that’s ct east 60 percent ‘alcohol to use after touching appliances, Wesh your hands with soap when you get home. PREPARE FOR ‘THE DELIVERY When the company contacts you to arrange delivery cask thot the people delivering your oppliance fellow safety protocols, including wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, and stoying atleast 6 feet ‘eway from you. Keep windows open to circulate oir, which helps reduce airborne vinus particles IF possible, stay out of the room during instal- lation, Clean the ppliance with soap and water after- ward—and surround ing courtertops—and wash your hands. open-box or floor model, or one that’s slightly blemished (in a spor that won't show) for less. GET THOSE FREE EXTRAS, Even if you fail to chip away at the sale price, there are other ways to save when buying a large appliance, such as asking the retailer to waive fees for shipping or delivery. Many of them already offer this service and also include free hauling away of your old appliance. And always ask whether installation is included, especially if you're just replacing one appliance with another rather than undertaking an entire kitchen remodel.Where to Shop and Save Ifyou need to replace an appliance, you can go wrong by shopping at Abt or Costeo Wholesale, Both retailers get high marke from nearly 48,000 CCR members who told us about their experiences buying more ‘than 76,000 major and smell appliances ot 39 choin retailers ‘across the US, a= well as from independent retliers and manufacturers! websites, BIGGER MAY NOT BE BETTER ‘Among our survey findings: ‘The biggest stores aren't always the best Alt, for example, haz coniy one big wallein warehouse, in suburban Chicago, but it ships across the county, Itheads ‘our ratings of mojor-appliance retailers forthe Tth survey in ‘arow. Andindependent retailers tind websites, which can range from a single-store mom- ‘and:pop shop to a regional ‘chain ranke among the top mojor-appliance retailers. None ofthe big-box stores with hundreds of locations— Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's and Sears—rate In the highest tier for either small or large ‘appliances. But web behemoth Amazon is among the top-rated retailers for small appionces, ‘STORE PERFORMANCE CAN BE UNEVEN Certain retailers earned only Poor of Fair scores for inalvidual ‘attributes. While all thee of the warehouse elube—B's Wholesale Club, Costco and Sam's Club—eorn the lowest possible rating for small: ‘apolionce selection, BJs and Sars leo craterin thei scores for service, For small appliances, Wlmart gets the lowest possible rating for service ond in-store atmosphere, Canadian Tire scores the same for service But even Wolmart receives @ 16 GREAT KITCHENS ON 4 auDGET score of Very Good for overall shopping experience. In fact. al but one ofthe small- and large- ‘oppliance retailers in our ratings received high or very high {cores for overall satisfaction, ‘The exception is Appliance Factory Outlet; members report 0-30 overall satisfaction with the retile, which has stores in Colorado, Indiana, and Ohio but ships nationwide. Indeed, something about the shopping experience at these retailers gives our members a more positive feeling overall than what each of our six ratings categories may capture fon their own, So while a retailer may not fore well on certain ‘ttrbutes, members may sill report a satisfactory shopping ‘experience overall ‘SHOPPING GRIPES We asked members to name a retailer where they shopped but didrit purchase wht they were looking for. They told us about the gripes they had with that retailer, The most commonly reported complaint? High prices, Many shoppers also com= plained about out-of-stock products and a lack of brand ‘or medel choices. (Our survey covered purchases made from the beginning of 2019 to the ‘middle of 2020, and may not fully reflec the retailer inventory problems that stem from the pandemic) Fewer shoppers cited limited disploy ‘models lack oF sales help, ‘ond salespeople who didn't seam knowledgeable. WARRANTIES AND SERVICE CONTRACTS We found that its rarely worth= while to purchase an extended warranty, Yet two-thirds (63 percent) of major-appliance buyers said retail staffers suggested, without pressure, that they buy one. Among small-appliance buyers, about ‘one-third —31 percent—had the same experience. ‘And some people got the hard sell Among buyers of ‘major appliances that didn't ‘come with a free extended warranty or service contract, 8 percent said they were strongly urged to buy an extended warranty or service contract, Some retailers were ppushier than others, Twenty-one percent of those who bought their major appliances at Sears were strongly urged to buy ‘a warranty Eighteen percent cof buyers at PC. Richard & Son ‘ond 17 percent at Bray & Scarf felt pressured as wel, Pressured or not, 18 percent of major-appltance shoppers tend up buying extended war ranty or a service contract Two percent of small-appliance buyers do the same. Fan extended warranty is something you want to pursue, first check the benefits of the credit card you plan touse, Your card may automa tically extend your purchases warranty so you don't need tobuy extra protection. If you still wont to toke edvantage of oretaler's warranty, keep in mind that the period of coverage can cifer The cost ofthe warranty may very accorainalyRatings > Appliance Stores @0006 MAJOR APPLIANCES SMALL APPLIANCES ‘Abt oe ° Abt a 8 Femous Tate Exchange ‘Albert Lee Appliance Sura Table Wiliams Sonoma EMMI O 0000600 CEO OO EMMI O 000-06 Ca OO GMO O06 - 6 CEO 0 6 - Costco EEE ©0000 HO OO 00 Nebraska Furniture Mort FM ©66066060 (Cones EEO 0 006 - Warners’ Stellion HEE OO 0600 avc.com ©00-0- indoparone CEO 000060 = tremcm HO G0 - 0 - Qn tome HE 0000 - 6 teitansonont = EO 0000 Steers TvEAppince LE 060000 Koht's 00000 - Glass Lid The glass ld lets you see what's cooking cond provides o looser seal than the pressure-cooker lid. Instant Pot models Underperform at slow-cooking in our lab tests, “ond this lid didn't make it bet- ter for me," Santanachote said."My beef stew come out tough and watery” the Silicone Steam Rack $9 “This rack, which has a locking-rim design to secure other accessories to it (such «98 the coke pan, above right), is @ gome- changer," Santanachote sad. It holds food high out ofthe water during steoming, cndits long handles make it easy to lower and ft dishes in and out of the pot, the Instant Pot egg racks come in metal and slicane, Bath hold whole eggs (V4 in the ‘metal, nine in the scone) so that they cook evenly ond the yolks stay centered, Santanachote soid, The multitered metal racks are great for ‘pot in pot cooking, ‘meaning two dishes at once. ie Springform Cake Pon $3 The moist environment of a multi-caoker is ideal for moking custardy desserts, Ite possible to make cheesecake in your Instant Pot without. But this 75-inch pon Is sized to fit snualy in the inner pot and locksinto the siicone steam rack (below, lett for easy removal Cd Yogurt Maker Cups, Set of 5 $8 "Yogurt made inthe stainless steel insert can taste a bit metallic” Santanachote seid. But when you pour milk straight into these plastic half-cup cups it turns into yogurt without the mess of sterilizing milk directly in the pot. Then just put the ‘cups inthe fridge, (Some cups thickened ‘more than others) EAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 23ae ra a i =>) aooot) Pech ee ered ere core ceed Cac Contes ear) ens 5.4 Million How many ternperature readings each refrigerator in our tests 32%Fresh Fridges WITH MORE CONFIGURATIONS AND OPTIONS THAN EVER, TODAY'S REFRIGERATORS ARE MADE TO SUIT YOUR FOOD-STORAGE STYLE. HERE'S HOW TO MAKE SENSE OF ALL THE CHOICES 70 FIND THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR FAMILY. Today's refrigerator features go far beyond simply providing a glass of ice water without having to open the door. With custom panels, you can get a built-in that matches your kitchen cabinets exactly. And forg out two doors—some models have five. Our fridge-by-fridge guide helps you choose the right type for your family, demystifies claimed vs. usable storage space, and helps you find the quietest models so that you— and your groceries—can chill out. aRefrigerators (@ MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE ‘Think about the size and CAPACITY 33 cubic feet. Our type that will work best Most manufacturers tests have found that for you. Focus on interior recommend 19to 22 cubic the amount of usable storage features, too, ‘feet forarefrigerator storage capacity is, thot serves cfamily of often ess than the size four. But if youdo.a big amount claimed by the Refrigerator configura- weekly shopping trip —- manufacturer. Check tions come incrangeof or buyin bulk, youmay _ourratings on page sizes ourratings on page need more—upto 30to 32 or the real story 32 are naw arranged by width) ond copaciies, Always measure where ‘you plan to put the fridge before you shop. And ‘check that any mode! ‘you consider can fit through doorways and hallways leading to your kitchen Allow room for the refrigerators doors to swing open and for a ‘Finch clearance oround sides ond back for ad- ‘equete airfiow. STYLE French-door models have expioded in popu- larity in recent years Bottomfreezers also ‘offer the corwenience of fresh food at eye level But top-freezers and side-by-sides con make ‘officient use of space ina smaller kitchen. have found that i's one ‘of the most problematic (© FEATURES THAT features. t increases MATTER MOST energy cot, 5, and in side-by-sides you lose space inthe freezer. Models ot all prices THROUGH-THE- FRESHNESS FEATURES ‘re increasingly ticked ODORICE AND WATER Dual evaporators help ‘out with awide range «DISPENSER maintain higher humid- ‘of features, Here are the This isone of the con- ity levels in the rehriger- ‘ones we think add the _veniences most request: ated areas and prevent most convenience and ed by consumers. But’ freezer edors from help keep food freshest, beware: Our surveys migrating, Air purifiers eliminate bacteria and mold, and vacuur- sealed crisper drawers may keep food fresher ‘TEMPERATURE conTaoLs: You decide how cold your fridge isin certain creas. For example, set a drawer tobe cooler than the rest of the fridge to store meat, Fish, ond cold cuts, BETTER SHELVES AND DRAWERS You can rearrange split shelves to different heights independently ‘and adjust doors bins to fit tller items. But f your door has deep storage bins meant for eggs, milk, cor butter, know that these items wil stoy fresher fon internal shelves, where the temperatures ore cooler. Elevator shelves@ WHAT'S ON THE MARKET? Here's alook at the dife- space-saving small-swing tent configurations youll doors have the added find, See our full refrigerator value of letting you open ratings tofind outhow only half ofthe fridge when ‘models in different sizes _stashing smaller items. ‘ond styles performed in ourtests SIDE-BY-SIDE The fridge ison one side TOP-FREEZER ‘and the freezer on the These traditional refrig- other, and these models lerators are good foralot usually have through- ‘of storage in afoirly tight _the-door ice and water spot. They tend tooffer dispensers. Widthe the most space for their are typically 33 to 36 size widths vary from 28 to inches, and capacity 33 inches). Manufacturers is claimed to be up to claim capacities of up to 30 cubic feet (but only 23 cubic feet, but ourtests about 70 percent is hhave found thot average usable). Narrow doors Usable capacity isabout area plus for small ‘TTpercentless. Allow for kitchens, but they don't ‘wide swing of the doors, open wide enough for, ‘ond get usedto crouch: say, opizza bor. And tall, Ing down to reach lower narrow compartments shelves and drawers. make items at the back hard to find. Overal BOTTOM-FREEZER theyre not as eneray- These range from or space-efficient a5 2bto36inches wide, and other types. claimed capacities op- proach 30 cubic Feet, aurLTAN though average usable Pricey and made to fit spoce is less than that of most lush with cabinets comparable top-freezers and counters, these (and top-freezers cost sleek beauties come in less) Instead of the freezer _bottomfreezer, side-by- (which you use less) being side, and French-door tat eye level the refrigerator styles. They'e usually wide shelves are easily scan- (30 to 48 inches) with a able. Just get used to capacity of up to 27 cubic bending torflethrough feet (of which only about frozen goods. 70 percent is usable). crorkup and down wit cy | MONEY Look for optional front ‘out needing to be un- SAVER FRENCH-DOOR panels to match your loaded, Pullout shelves thas two narrow doors kitchen cabinets. ‘and bins make accezsto «No need to pay more. fon top and a freezer ‘Or get the ook for o stored items easier. for digital controls bbelow.Sometimes there's litle less with freestanding or WiFi-connectivty. fone drawer ormore)in _counter-depth versions ‘DOOR-IN-DOOR between, Widths range Another built-in option STORAGE ACCESS ‘And consider skip- from 30 to 36 inches. ‘an all-refrigerator column This feature—typically ping an ice maker: Claimed capacities go up model, as narrow as ‘evalcble on Frenchr-door Jt adds to the upfront to.34-cubicfeet,though 1B inches, to make the modele—lets you grab the average usable most ofa kitchen nook. items without opening lorlesinos an be spoce is much les, at the entire door, which repairprone. ‘bout 17 cubic feet. The ‘can reduce energy use.Ratings > Refrigerators Recommended Products Most models we tested chill ond freeze adequately and include pullout shelves or bins, split shelves, spill guards, and roomy storage on the door. Top-scoring models usually deliver more consistent temperatures. ‘Once you know how much space you have, particularly the width, look at our recommended models to find ones that fit your needs. Fridges that have higher energy-efficiency scores use less electricity for their opacity, And if your household isn't large, remember that smaller conventional refrigerator is likely to use less electricity overall than a larger model. TOP-FREEZER BLomacRcaRFTis21ss ‘26260. $500 ur top 28-inch-wide model, thisis 0 very good refigerator that’s rated Excellent for ther= ‘mostat control and Very Good for temperature uniformity and energy efficiency It's also quiet But ce moking and crsper performance are rated Poot blomberg com BOTTOM-FREEZER yorscowsas siss Supere thermostat control ond temperature uifermity help this model t 146 cubic feet (usable, em a top spat on fur recommended lit.’ very ‘uiet ond ho middling energy efficiency. Crisper performance ie Fai ond icemoting ie Poo. gecom FRIGIDAIRE GALLERY FaTRIO37TE oHsd0WH330 ss20 ‘top model in our ratings, this fridge is Very Good over ‘Thetmestat control ter perature uniformity, and eneray sffliency are rated Excellent, {and noise performance earns a Good, Buti Fored poorly in our 2ose-oF se tests fiir com oes) $1200 ‘Thi model has 7.4 cubic feet ‘of total usable capacity. I ‘corns Excelent scores for tem perature performance, and has Very Good energy efficiency Noise performence and eose-of se were both Good, but ersper performance was Poor Icom Lotresaaanas eoisc20 s1080 Very Good scores for thermostat control and noise performance fond Excelent for energy ef Fielency it this ridge to the top of our ratings. learns « Good rating for terperature unifor rity. The trade-offs are Poor tsper and ease-of-use sores, Igcom eathaowsiD 31495 ‘This bottonn freezer refrigerator ‘erated Excellent for thermostat control temperature uniformity, ‘ond crisper performance, fend Very Good for eneray off- ciency. Noise performance is rated Good, I has spilprof shelves and digital control‘THREE-DOOR FRENCH-DOOR E © otrcsz25205 eathaowa30 i300 This LG is quiet, eneray- Refrigerators eeooe 89 eeoe89 2 ‘TOP FREEZERS (31 INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS) Lo Lrcsaaz23s Somsung Rr2imeziass EEE Semsung RT2IME2I5SG Maytag MRTSHIFFFM GE GTszFskss ‘Whirlpool WRTS1ISZDM Kenmore 79433 GE GiEaGsHss Insignia NS-RTM21SS7 Whirpoot wersniFZzDw Whirlpool warsaiszoM Kenmore 71212 ‘TOP FREEZERS (29-30 INCH WIDTHS) Frigidaire Gallery FOrR20S77F Semsung RTIEM621556 Insignia NS-RIMIBBKBO. Frigidaire Gallery ForriearTr Frigidaire FFTR2021TS Frigidaire FFHTI6217S GE GTSTIGSNRSS Maytag MRTHBFFFZ Amana ARTIOATEOW Insignia NS-RTMI6SS7 Frigidaire FFHTI62ITW Whirlpool wRrsi9sz0M Ge crErecMnEs. Whirlpoot wRr3i8-MOM 1,080 e100 siao0 81.050 s1010 1.020 siao0 sass e775: 950 31,070 s7as 820 ‘s800 $550 $695 ‘9900 9050 sno sea0 ‘s600 ‘3000 ‘880 9055 820 se40 @0/00000 6 0\00600 6 0\00000 @000000 00\00000 6000000 6000600 ©e800000 @0000 ©0j\00000 @0/0096800 60\00800 60\60000 @000000 60000 6860000 60\00000 6000000 00\00000 6000000 690/00000 e0e000 6 e\08800 @0000600 ©0\00000 © 0\00000 ea 68 6a 6s 6 6s 6a er er 6s 65 er 70 er ea o4 63 or 65 65 ea 33 aa 2a 32 aa Ey sa aa 93 2a 0 ea 32 3 2 al 32 Ed Fa Fy a 22 23 2a al al 23 30 al 2 30 9 al 33 al 33 wa eo2 enz vs 18 181 194 vr 18 es st se Ey 56 87 n st a ES By a7 ss a 46 a 48 su 46 ou Ove Ont one im. on. ont One oot One on One oe Oot Oe One900060|06 ° ‘TOP FREEZERS (28 INCH AND NARROWER WIDTHS) © dombergenrrszss FB ‘000 ©0000, « 2 « 2 s © Hotpoint HPSieBTNRWW 30/0 ©/'08 © OOO ee vw 30 24 80 ont. © wrinpoorwerseszem EME | sus\@ 0.0008 «x ame w on. Hotpoint HPerseTHWW EEN 2025/0 ©}0 COO 2 22 wus us © of Hotpoint HPsiserHiww ECT #005|0 @|0 0 OOO sv 2 s us v6 on. Whirtpoot weTio6TFOW 20/8 ©C}.O0COO8 « 2 x 129 50 ot. Frigidaire rrreisuerw EPI s0|@ OB}OOC OOO «a x 2128 v2 ot. Ge Giewecsuss = su0|®@ @O00000 «2 a0 #7 cecrescreww = EE si ©1090 0O08 «2 ons om. Denby oFFiorezwon EES 8670 ©0000 «0 xm a 2s 2 Golanz currzreoere — EER 9655 ©0000 «xu #05 0 me BOTTOM FREEZERS (91-99 INCH WIOTHS) © icn0cs26035 Bum | 20/9 0/60 000) 0 x x 1a 7 6 GE GDEASESKSS EM | 90/0 C|}6 ©OOO «6 2 % m 79 © Amonersczzieem FE | s20|0 01 6000 «2 a1 « KitchenAid KRERIOZESS 2230/0 0}© ©8000 «3 a 19 Whirlpool WR63220MEM s0|0 0|8@ OOO) «a awe ws Fisher & Paykel Aetvesmart TM s2so0 ° 63 a2 2 13 og © © ee REVOWDRUXS o0/06000 Hisense poirssess ER ‘9900 ©0000) 2 x 2197 50 nw BOTTOM FREEZERS (80 INCH AND NARROWER WIOTHS) © cecveneskss Hamm | a95|0 0/6000 0| 7% 20 2 m5 © Amana ABeis248RM auss|@ 018 @000 «2 as s Bosch BICBSOSSS sea05 ©0000); 2% 2 o4 w Hoter HRBISNSEGS 81095 O©0000- « «@ wns ss Blomberg axrarez2ssn (TAN | 61.600 ©0000) « 2 = 197 « GecLemusiss DE | as OO A0OO+ 0% 2 7 ws ° Whinpooturesswncz EM | 1250 01 800 O0)- mw z ov a CCRORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 33Ratings > Refrigerators ones ESE eeo0o89 u BOTTOM FREEZERS (30 INCH AND NARROWER WIDTHS) Continues Blomberg BRFBIS2255 Summit FFBF287SSIM FRENCH DOORS (24 INCH AND WIDER Ls LeFxc2406s Ls LRrDs2006s Lis LNxss08660 LU LaFDsa016s GE Profile PYEZ2PSKSS. GE GYEZ2HSKSS Dacor DRFISCI00SR Café CYEZ2TSHSS Ls LRFvsso08s Ls Lexs2e968s Ls Lrcsz7s965 Ls Loxs2a626s Whirlpoot WRF 9SaCibiM Ls Lexs2u663s kitchenaid KRFC704FBS Ls Lexs2es66s Kenmore 73035 Ls Signature LUPKC2306N Cate CE28TSHSS, KitchenAid KRFC302ESS Ls Lexc2a7960 GE Profile PYDA2KSLSS Samsung RF23M8070SR Lis Lexsa7e26s GE Profile PYD288YNFS 1800 91.690 wroTHs) sauoo 3800 ‘94,100 3200 2.660 sa,s0 4000 3.200 4000 e430 1.600 e610 83505) sa200 saa4o 83,000 1400 36.00 sa30 89265 e430 93,100 sak 0 1880 $3520 208000 ee9000 0668068 ©6e60686 0©600060 060000 0600006 0600086 6006860 060000 0600608 ©66000 068000 060000 0600686 060060 06000600 0660000 060060 e©eo00e6 060006 060060 060060 066000 02600686 000000 000000 16 1 n a 69 70 7 63 7 70 10 7a 70 70 a 6 7a 70 6a 70 ea ea 38 38 96 38 38 38 38 36 38 38 38 88 38 98 38 38 96 38 38 38 38 38 2 au a 23 20 30 a 20 Fe au 2 au 2a Ed 29 a 30 35 20 29 23 35 204 152 198 194 198 181 14 167 1s 188 155 151 We 194 145 v8 ra cy cy au 99 97 «6 °6 a a6 99 au ee 9a er 9 2s 2 a4 6 au ee 100 ee ee et ee. et ee. ee ee ee.