Lawn Tractors: Brand & Model Price Overall Score Test Results Features

lawn tractors 243
ratings
lawn tractors
The Ratings rank tractors and zero-turn-radius mowers by overall score. While the
higher-priced tractors include tighter turning, several others perform similarly well
for hundreds of dollars less. Below are Select Ratings.
Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features
Similar models, in small type,
Recommendation
Evenness
Side discharging
Mulching
Bagging
Handling
Ease of use
Deck size (in.)
Engine power (hp)
are comparable to tested model.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
Lawn Tractors
■
d Craftsman 28933 $2,800 83 &M &M &M &N &N &M 42 22
■
c John Deere LA115 LA125, LA135 1,700 80 & M & M & M & N & N & M 42 19.5
■
c John Deere LA105 1,500 80 & M & M & N & N & C & M 42 19.5
■
d Craftsman 28828 28928 1,700 80 & M & M & M & N & N & M 46 24
■
c Cub Cadet LTX1040 13RX90AR
LTX1040 13RX90AR256 1,500 80 & M & M & M & N & M & M 42 19
■
c Cub Cadet LTX1045 13RX91AT
LTX1045 13AP91AT 1,700 79 &M M & & M & M & N & M 46 20
■
c Craftsman 28724 28914, 28924 1,400 78 & M & M & M & N & M & M 46 21
Rear Engine Rider

■
d Weed Eater One 960220009 700 53 &M &C &V &C 26 ns
Zero-Turn-Radius Mowers
■
d Toro Z4200 Z4235 2,400 75 &M M & & M & N & M & N 42 19
■
d John Deere Z225 2,900 74 & M & M & M & M & M & M 42 18.5
■
d Toro Z5035 74376 Z5060 3,000 71 & M & M & C & C & M & M 50 24
See report, page 87.
Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor

c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is mostly cutting performance, handling, and ease of use. Displayed scores rounded;
models listed in order of precise overall score. Evenness shows average cutting performance for
available models. Mulching is how well clippings were cut and distributed onto lawn. Bagging
is effective capacity with full bag(s) or clogged chute. Side discharging is how evenly clippings
were dispersed onto lawn. Handling includes ease of drive engagement, braking, steering, turn
radius, and resistance to front-wheel lift. Ease of use is leg room, seat and steering-wheel/lever
comfort, ease of blade/brake engagement, cut-height adjustment, bag removal, and mode changes.
Price is approximate retail; attachment prices for riding mowers are from manufacturers.
243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 243 9/28/10 3:09:47 PM

244 consumer reports buying guide 2011
Most & Least Reliable
Lawn tractors John Deere was among the more reliable

tractor brands, while neither brand of zero-
Fewer More
repairs repairs turn-radius riding mower proved especially
John Deere reliable or unreliable. That’s what we found
14
when we asked almost 22,500 readers who
Craftsman 18 bought a new lawn tractor or zero-turn-
Husqvarna 18 radius rider between 2005 and 2009 about
Kubota 20 their experiences. The graphs show the per-
Simplicity 21 centage of models for each brand that were
Cub Cadet 23 repaired or had a serious problem. Differenc-
Yard Machine/ es of less than 6 points aren’t meaningful,
Yard-Man by MTD 23 and data are adjusted to eliminate differ-
Troy-Bilt 23 ences linked to age and usage. Models
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% within a brand may vary, and design and
manufacturing changes may affect future
reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a
Zero-turn-radius riders good repair history can improve your odds
Fewer More of getting a reliable model.
repairs repairs
Toro 21
Cub Cadet 23 Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Consumer Reports National Research Center.

m i c r o wav e ov e n s 245
ratings
microwave ovens
Most models did a respectable job of basic microwaving tasks such as defrosting meats,
reheating leftovers, and making popcorn. You’ll probably pay more for an oven with
a larger capacity, stainless-steel finish, lots of presets, and additional functions like
convection and speed cooking.

Recommendation
Heating evenness
Auto defrost
Ease of use
Microwaving noise
Usable capacity
(cu. ft.)
Claimed capacity
(cu. ft.)
Watts
Convection mode
Sensor
Detailed prompts
Stainless/SS-look
option
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
Built-in models
Sharp Insight-Pro
KB6025M[S] $760 69 &C &M &M &M 0.9 1 1,000 • • •
Sharp SuperSteam 900 66 &M &M &C &C 1 1.1 700 • • •
Oven AX-1200[K]
Sharp Carousel
R-1214 380 59 &M &V &M &M 0.9 1.5 1,100 • • •
Large countertop models

n
c GE Profile
JES2251SJ[SS] 220 80 &M &N &N &M 1.5 2.2 1,200 • • •
n
c Panasonic Inverter
NN-T945[S]F 185 75 &M &M &N &C 1.4 2.2 1,250 • • •
n
d Whirlpool Gold
GT4175SP[B] 250 74 &M &M &M &M 1.1 1.7 1,200 • • •
Panasonic Prestige
NN-SD997[S] 220 73 &N &C &N &M 1.4 2.2 1,250 • •
n
d GE Profile
PEB2060DM[BB] 230 73 &M &M &M &M 1.2 2 1,200 • •
LG LRM2060[ST] 170 71 &M &C &N &M 1.2 2 1,200 • •
n
d Panasonic Inverter
NN-SD797[S] 180 71 &M &M &N &C 0.9 1.6 1,250 • • •
n
d Frigidaire Gallery
FGMO205K[F] 300 70 &M &M &C &M 1.2 2 1,200 • • •
n
d Kenmore Elite 330 68 &M &M &N &M 1.1 1.5 1,000 • • •
6790[9]
Electrolux
EI24MO45IB 470 67 &M &C &M &C 1.2 2 1,100 • •
n
d Magic Chef
MCD1611ST 120 67 &M &N &C &C 1.1 1.6 1,100 •


Recommendation
Heating evenness
Auto defrost
Ease of use
Microwaving noise
Usable capacity
(cu. ft.)
Claimed capacity
(cu. ft.)
Watts
Convection mode
Sensor
Detailed prompts
Stainless/SS-look
option
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
Large countertop models continued

GE Profile $360 61 &M &V &C &M 1.1 1.5 1,000 • • • •
PEB1590SM[SS]
Sharp Carousel
R-520K[S] 170 56 &C &M &M &B 1.2 2 1,200 • • •
GE JES1384[S]F 170 55 &M &B &C &M 0.8 1.3 1,000 •
Midsized countertop models
n
c Kenmore 6633[9] 140 76 &M N & N & M & 0.8 1.2 1,200 • •
n
d Kenmore 6325[2] 130 75 & N
C & M & N & 0.9 1.2 1,200 • •
n
d Sanyo EM-S6588S 115 69 & M
M & M & M & 0.6 1 1,000 •
n
d Panasonic Inverter
NN-SD697[S] 160 61 &N &C &M &C 0.7 1.2 1,300 • •
Panasonic Genius
Prestige NN- 145 61 &M &C &C &C 0.7 1.2 1,300 • •
SD688[S]
GE Profile Space-
maker II 200 59 &M &B &M &M 0.5 1 800 • •
PEM31DM[BB]
n Cuisinart CMW-200
d 245 58 &M &C &C &M 0.7 1.2 1,000 • •
Apollo Half Time 200 56 & N
V & C
& C
& 0.7 1.2 1,000 • •
Oven AAC34-S


Overall score is mainly cooking evenness, defrosting, ease of use. Displayed scores rounded;
models listed by precise overall score. Evenness is uniform heating of cold leftovers. Auto
defrost is how completely and evenly program defrosted 1 pound of frozen ground beef. Ease
of use is ease of setting without checking manual. Usable capacity (cu. ft.) is our measure of
what fits on a turntable or sliding tray. Price is approximate retail.

m i c r o wav e s 247
ratings
Recommendation
Heating evenness
Auto defrost
Ease of use
Microwaving noise
Usable capacity
(cu. ft.)
Claimed capacity
(cu. ft.)
Watts
Convection mode
Sensor
Detailed prompts
Stainless/SS-look
option
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
over-the-range models
n Samsung SMH9187[B] $ 280 81
c &N N& N& M& 0.8 1.8 1,100 • •
Kenmore Elite 8852[2] 680 81 & N
M & N& M & 1.4 2 1,000 • •
Panasonic Genius
Prestige NN-SD297[SR] 450
75 &M &N &M &C 0.8 2 1,200 • • •
n
c Maytag MMV5201D[B] 350 74 &M M & N & M & 1.3 2 1,100 • •
n
d GE JVM2052SN[SS] 450 72 & N
M & C & M & 0.9 2 1,100 • • •
n
c Frigidaire FMV152K[S]A 290 71 & N
M & N & N & 0.8 1.5 1,000 •
Whirlpool
WMH2175XV[B] 270 70 &M &N &N &C 0.8 1.7 1,000 • •
n
FGMV174K[M] 350 69 &M &M &M &M 0.8 1.7 1,000 • •
n
d GE Adora
DVM1850DM[BB] 320 69 &M &M &N &M 0.9 1.8 1,100 • • •
KitchenAid 1,000 68 &N &C &M &N 1.1 2 1,200 • • •
KHHC2090S[BL]
n
d Samsung SMK9175[ST] 550 68 & N
M & M
& M
& 0.8 1.7 950 • • • •
GE Profile
PVM1870SM[SS] 550 68 &M &M &M &M 0.9 1.8 1,100 • • •
Frigidaire Gallery
FGBM185K[F] 450 67 &M &N &M &M 1 1.8 1,000 • • •
n
d GE JVM1850DM[BB] 350 67 & M
M & N
& M
& 0.9 1.8 1,100 • •
Electrolux
EI30BM55H[B] 750 67 &C &N &M &M 1 2 1,000 • • •
LG LMVH1750[ST] 600 65 &M &M &N &M 0.8 1.7 950 • • • •
n
d Samsung SMH9151[B] 180 64 &M &M &C &N 0.8 1.5 1,000
GE Profile Spacemaker 500 64 1.7 1,000 • • •
JVM1790[B]K &C &M &M &M 0.8 •
LG LMV2083[ST] 350 64 & C
M & N
& M
& 0.9 2 1,100 • • •
Whirlpool
WMH3205XV[B] 385 63 &M &M &M &M 0.9 2 1,000 • •


Recommendation
Heating evenness
Auto defrost
Ease of use
Microwaving noise
Usable capacity
(cu. ft.)
Claimed capacity
(cu. ft.)
Watts
Convection mode
Sensor
Detailed prompts
Stainless/SS-look
option
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
over-the-range models continued
Whirlpool Gold $580 63 &M &C &M &M 0.8 1.8 1100 • • • •
GMH6185XV[S]
Sharp Insight R-1880LS 550 62 &M &M &N &C 0.7 1.1 850 • • • •
LG LMV1680[ST] 270 61 & C & N & M & C 0.7 1.6 1000 • •
LG LMVM2085[ST] 500 60 & M & V & N & M 0.9 2 1100 • • •
GE JVM1750DM[BB] 300 58 & M & C & M & M 0.8 1.6 1000 • •
Hotpoint 170 58 &M &M &C &C 0.9 1.5 950
RVM1535DM[WW]
Sharp Carousel
R-1520L[K] 260 55 &C &V &M &N 0.9 1.5 1000 • •
GE Advantium 120 1.4 900 • • •
SCA1001K[SS] 650 53 &C &C &M &M 0.7 •
Microwave ovens KitchenAid was among the more repair prone

brands of over-the-range microwave ovens. That’s
Fewer More
repairs repairs what we found when we asked nearly 16,000
readers who bought an OTR microwave between
Frigidaire 5
2006 and 2009. The graph shows the percent-
Whirlpool 6 age of models from each brand that needed
Kenmore 7 a repair or had a serious problem. Differences
GE 7 of fewer than 5 points aren’t meaningful, and
Maytag 9 we’ve adjusted the data to eliminate differences
LG 9 linked solely to the age of the microwave. Mod-
KitchenAid els within a brand might vary, and design or
13
manufacture changes could affect future reli-
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
ability. Still, choosing a brand with a good repair
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, history can improve your odds of getting a reli-
Consumer Reports National Research Center. able model.

monitors 249
ratings
MONITORS
Computer monitors are continuing to go wider and bigger, allowing for easier side-
by-side page viewing or more spreadsheet columns with less scrolling.

Recommendation
Display quality
Viewing angle
Ease of use
Versatility
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Screen size (in.)
Wide screen
HDMI input
DVI cable included
Speakers
Height adjusts
Display rotates
Warranty 3 years
or more
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
19- to 20-inch Models

n LG Flatron W2043T
d $150 71 &M &V &M &V 9 20 • •
n Gateway HX2000
d 140 65 & M & V & M & V 10 20 • • •
ViewSonic VG930m 200 65 & M & M & C & C 11 19 • •
n
d Dell ST2010b 135 64 & M & C & C & V 8 20 • •
Gateway HD1900 130 62 & M & V & N & V 10 19 •
n Dell
d
2009W
UltraSharp 280 61 &M &V &M &C 36 20 • • • •
ViewSonic
VX1932wm-LED 150 57 &C &V &M &C 6 19 • • • •
Acer P205H 135 49 &C &V &V &C 12 20 • • • •
22- to 26-inch Models
n Apple 24" LED
d 850
Cinema Display
76 &N &N &M &V 54 24 • NA •
n
c ViewSonic
VA2223wm 160 74 &N &V &M &C 13 21.5 • • •
n
c Hanns.G HH221 150 71 &N &V &C &V 12 21.5 • • • •
n
d Acer T230H 380 69 &M &V &M &M 15 23 • • • • • •
n
d Lenovo ThinkVision
L2240P 270 69 &M &V &M &C 9 22 • • • • •
ViewSonic
VX2260wm 200 69 &M &V &M &C 10 21.5 • • • •
Compaq Q2159 175 68 &M &V &M &V 13 21.5 • •
n
d Dell S2409W 225 68 &M &V &M &C 37 24 • • • •
NEC AccuSync
LCD22WMGX 300 68 &M &V &M &M 12 22 • • • • •
n
d ViewSonic VX2240w 190 67 &M &V &C &C 11 22 • • •


Recommendation
Display quality
Viewing angle
Ease of use
Versatility
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Screen size (in.)
Wide screen
HDMI input
DVI cable included
Speakers
Height adjusts
Display rotates
Warranty 3 years
or more
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
22- to 26-inch Models continued

Dell ST2210b $175 67 &M &V &C &V 8 21.5 • •
Asus MS227 175 66 & M & V & N & C 9 22 • • •
AOC 2217V 150 66 & M & C & C & C 13 22 • • •
Dell G2410t 310 65 & M & V & C & C 8 24 • • •
Gateway HD2201 150 65 & M & C & M & V 11 22 • •
LG Flatron W2286L 230 64 & M & V & M & C 8 22 • • • •
Samsung
SyncMaster 2494hm 200 63 &M &B &M &C 14 24 • • • • •
HP w2338h 240 63 &M &V &C &V 12 23 • • •
Lenovo ThinkVision
L2250P 230 62 &M &B &C &C 8 22 • • •
Vizio VMM26 400 59 &M &V &C &C 16 25.5 • • • • •
AOC 2436vw 240 59 &M &V &C &C 15 23.5 • •
Neurok Optics 22"
iZ3D 300 57 &C &M &M &V 25 22 • •


Overall score is based mainly on display quality and ease of use, with viewing angle and
features also considered. Display quality reflects image clarity, color accuracy, and contrast.
Viewing angle indicates quality of images when viewed from positions 45 degrees of the
center line, most important for group viewing. Ease of use indicates usability of controls on
the display and in onscreen menus. Versatility indicates features that increase a monitor’s
utility or capabilities. These might include the presence of a built-in camera, speakers, micro-
phone, a base with adjustable height, DVI and HDMI inputs, USB ports, and so on. Price is
approximate retail.

paints, exterior 251
ratings
PAINTS, Exterior
Flat and satin finishes are usually applied to the body of the house; semigloss, to doors,
windows, trim, and 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 urban area.

Recommendation
Appearance after
3 years
Appearance after
6 years
Appearance after
9 years
Resists cracking
Resists color change
Resists dirt
Resists mildew
VOCs (grams/liter)
n
d California Fresh Coat Velvet Flat $35 69 &N &M &M • • • • 100
n
c Behr Premium Plus Flat 19 62 & M & M & C • • • 100
n
d Valspar DuraMax Satin 35 62 & M & M & C • • • 150
n
d Behr Premium Plus Semigloss 25 61 & M & M & C • • • • 150
n
d Valspar DuraMax Flat 33 59 & M & M & C • • 100
Olympic Premium Flat 19 51 & N & C & C • 98
Olympic Premium Semigloss 22 50 & M & C & V • 139
Olympic Premium Satin 21 46 & M & C & V • 127


Overall score is a weighted average of each year’s appearance for up to 3 years of testing.
Appearance after 3 years summarizes performance after 1 year of our accelerated weathering
(i.e., equivalent to 3 years on a vertical wall). Testing stops when appearance falls to Fair or Poor,
at which time the product must be reapplied. Appearance after 6 years summarizes perfor-
mance after 2 years of our accelerated weathering (i.e., equivalent to 6 years on a vertical wall).
Testing stops when appearance falls to Fair or Poor, at which time the product must be reapplied.
Appearance after 9 years summarizes performance after 3 years of our accelerated weathering
(i.e., equivalent to 9 years on a vertical wall). Testing stops after 3 years, whether or not appear-
ance falls to Fair or Poor. Products that at this point still rate at least Good for appearance are
considered superior products. Price is approximate retail per gallon.

PAINTS, Interior
Our latest Ratings show that you can have it all: better hiding with as little as one coat,
low VOCs, and a low price. See below for Select Ratings.
Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Feature

Recommendation
Hiding
Surface smoothness
Staining
Scrubbing
Gloss change
Sticking
Mildew
Fading
Claimed VOCs
(grams/liter)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
Low-Luster
n
d Behr Premium Plus Ultra Satin $33 86 &N &M &N &N &M &N &N &V 50
Enamel (Home Depot)
n
c Kilz Casual Colors Satin (Walmart) 22 84 &N &C &N &N &M &N &N &C 50
n
d Valspar Signature Colors Satin (Lowe’s) 32 84 & M & C & N & N & N & M & N & M 50
n
d Benjamin Moore Regal Eggshell 45 81 & C & C & N & N & M & N & N & N 150
n
d Dutch Boy Home Satin (Walmart) 19 75 & C & C & N & N & C & N & M & C 45
Semigloss
n Behr Premium Plus Ultra
d
Semigloss Enamel (Home Depot) 34 84 &N &M &N &N &V &N &N &V 50
n
c Valspar Ultra Premium Semigloss 23 79 &C &M &N &N &V &N &N &C 50
(Lowe’s)
n
d Valspar Signature Colors Semigloss 32 78 &M &C &N &N &V &N &N &M 50
(Lowe’s)
n
d Benjamin Moore Regal Semigloss 45 77 &C &C &N &N &B &N &M &N 150
n
d Sears Best Easy Living Ultra 20 76 &M &C &N &N &V &N &C &C 39
Semigloss


Overall score is based on results from tests of white, pastel, and medium-tint bases. Hiding
is coverage of contrasting color with one and two coats. Surface smoothness is the absence
of roller marks when dry. Staining is resistance to greasy stains. Scrubbing is ability to resist
abrasive cleaner. Gloss change is change in appearance after cleaning. Sticking is ability to
resist tackiness when dry. Mildew is ability to inhibit mildew growth. Fading is resistance to
lightening under UV light. Claimed VOCs (volatile organic compounds) is for untinted base coat
as per manufacture. Price is approximate retail.

p r i n t e r s , a l l- i n - o n e 253
ratings
PRINTERS, all-in-one
If all you do is print, you can save money and space by purchasing a dedicated printer.
But if there’s any chance you might want to copy or scan, it's worth investigating an all-
in-one, which costs less than a separate printer, scanner, and copier.

Recommendation
Photo quality
4x6 photo time (min.)
4x6 photo cost ($)
8x10 photo cost ($)
Text quality
Text speed (ppm)
Text cost (cents)
Graphics quality
Memory-card reader
PictBridge
LCD viewer
Networking
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
Black and white laser models

HP Laserjet Pro $200 75 NA NA NA NA NA &N 13.6 5 &M Eth.
M1212nf
Dell 2335dn 330 67 NA NA NA NA NA &N 18.8 1.7 &C Eth.
Brother 200 61 NA NA NA NA NA &N 13 1.5 &M
MFC-7340
Dell 1125 200 58 NA NA NA NA NA &N 12 5.1 &V
Color laser models

HP CM1312MFP 520 65 &C 0.6 0.25 0.8 0.9 &N 6.7 2.5 &N
Inkjet models
HP Photosmart
Premium with 300 74 CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
Touchsmart Web &N 1.4 0.4 2.6 1.3 &M 7 5.3 &N SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
CD734A#ABA
n HP
d Photosmart
MS, MM, SD, Eth.,
Premium 170 73 &M 1.4 0.4 2.7 1.4 &M 6.8 4.9 &M xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
CD055A#ABA
MS, MM, SD, Eth.,
Dell P713w 130 72 &N 0.8 0.35 1.4 1.1 &M 6.8 4.8 &M xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
MS, MM, SD,
Dell P513w 90 71 &N 0.8 0.4 1.4 1.35 &M 6.8 7.8 &M xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
MS, MM, SD, Eth.,
n Dell V715w
d 130 71 &N 0.8 0.35 1.3 1.1 &M 6.8 4.5 &M xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
n Lexmark
d
Prospect Pro205 120 71 MS, MM, SD,
&M 0.8 0.4 1.4 1.25 &M 7 4.8 &M xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
Canon Pixma CF, MS, MM,
MX7600 300 71 &M 0.9 0.35 2.9 1.15 &N 7.9 4.2 &N SD • • Eth.
Canon Pixma CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
MP640 130 70 &N 1 0.5 1.8 1.7 &M 7.7 5.4 &M SD • • Wi-Fi
Lexmark MS, MM, SD, Eth.,
Pinnacle Pro901 200 70 &N 0.8 0.35 1.3 1.2 &M 6.4 1.1 &C xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi


Recommendation
Photo quality
4x6 photo cost ($)
8x10 photo cost ($)
Text quality
Text speed (ppm)
Text cost (cents)
Graphics quality
Memory-card reader
PictBridge
LCD viewer
Networking
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
Inkjet models continued

HP Photosmart CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
Premium Fax $170 70 &M 1.3 0.35 2.7 1.2 &M 6.5 3.9 &N SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
CC335A#ABA
HP Photo MS, MM, SD,
smart Plus 140 69 &M 1.6 0.4 2.8 1.35 &M 7.9 5 &M xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
CD035A#ABA
MP560 100 69 &N 1.7 0.5 3.1 1.7 &M 8.1 5.6 &M SD • • Wi-Fi
MP990 170 68 &N 1 0.5 1.6 1.6 &M 9.4 5.7 &M SD • • Wi-Fi
Lexmark MS, MM, SD,
Interpret S405 100 68 &M 0.9 0.4 1.3 1.3 &M 6.8 4.9 &M xD-Pict • Wi-Fi
Lexmark Plati- 1.1 &M MS,xD-Pict
MM, SD, Eth.,
num Pro 905 300 68 &M 0.9 0.35 1.4 1.25 &M 6.4 • • Wi-Fi
Epson Eth.,
130 68 &C 3.4 0.5 4.7 1.65 &M 12 4.5 &C
Workforce 520 Wi-Fi
Lexmark 4.7 &M MS,xD-Pict
MM, SD, Eth.,
Prevail Pro 705 130 68 &M 0.8 0.35 1.3 1.25 &M 6.8 • • Wi-Fi
Kodak ESP 4.4 &V CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
7250 150 68 &M 0.8 0.3 1.8 1.1 &M 3.8 SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
n Lexmark
d
Prestige Pro805 300 68 &M 0.8 0.35 1.3 1.2 &M 6.8 0.9 &M MS,xD-Pict
MM, SD, Eth.,
• • Wi-Fi
Canon Pixma 4.8 &M CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
MX870 150 68 &M 1.7 0.5 3.3 1.65 &M 7.5 SD • • Wi-Fi
Lexmark 4.5 &M MS,xD-Pict
MM, SD,
Intuition S505 120 68 &M 0.8 0.35 1.3 1.25 &M 7 • • Wi-Fi
Lexmark MS, MM, SD,
4.4 &M xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
130 67 &M 0.8 0.35 1.4 1.25 &M 6.7
Interact S605
HP Photosmart 6.4 &M MS,xD-Pict
MM, SD,
C4680 70 67 &M 2.4 0.4 4.9 1.4 &N 6.7 •
Kodak ESP Eth.,
170 67 &M 0.8 0.3 1.8 1.1 &M 3.8 4.7 &V NA
Office 6150 Wi-Fi
HP Photosmart 3.9 &N CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
C6380 180 67 &M 1.5 0.35 2.8 1.2 &M 7.3 SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
Canon Pixma 6.5 &M CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
MX350 130 66 &M 1.8 0.55 3.2 1.8 &M 7.7 SD • • Wi-Fi
Canon Pixma
MP270 50 66 &M 1.9 0.5 3.2 1.7 &M 7.5 6.2 &M NA •
Brother CF, MS, SD, Eth.,
MFC-495CW 130 66 & 3 3.4 &M xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
& 1.7 0.5 3.3 1.7 M
N

p r i n t e r s , a l l- i n - o n e 255
ratings
Recommendation
Photo quality
4x6 photo cost ($)
8x10 photo cost ($)
Text quality
Text speed (ppm)
Text cost (cents)
Graphics quality
Memory-card reader
PictBridge
LCD viewer
Networking
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E

MS, MM, SD,
Dell V313 $ 60 66 &N 0.8 0.4 1.3 1.35 &M 7 8.3 &M xD-Pict •
n HP
d Officejet Pro 240
8500
65
CF, MS, MM,
&M 1.7 0.3 3 1.05 &M 9.4 2.1 &M SD, xD-Pict • Eth.
MX860 140 65 &N 1.9 0.5 3.2 1.65 &C 6.8 4.6 &M SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
Epson Artisan CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
810 200 65 &M 1.4 0.6 1.9 1.95 &C 7.1 4.5 &M SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
Lexmark MS, MM, SD,
Impact S305 80 65 &M 0.8 0.35 1.3 1.25 &M 6.8 4.5 &M xD-Pict • Wi-Fi
Canon Pixma
MX340 100 64 &M 1.8 0.5 3.3 1.75 &M 7.5 6.3 &M NA • Wi-Fi
CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
Kodak ESP 9 250 64 &N 0.8 0.3 1.6 0.95 &V 5.1 3.5 &C SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
Epson Stylus CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
NX515 100 64 &C 3.2 0.5 4.3 1.7 &C 13 3.2 &M SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
n HP
d Officejet
6500 Wireless 120 64 MS, MM, SD,
&M 1.3 0.35 2.6 1.2 &N 7 3 &M xD-Pict
Eth.,
Wi-Fi
Kodak ESP
5250 120 64 &M 0.8 0.3 1.7 1 &C 5 2.7 &C MS, MM, SD • Wi-Fi
Brother MS, SD, xD-
MFC-295CN 100 63 & 3 0.5 3.3 1.75 M
N & 2.9 3.6 &M Pict • Eth.
Canon Pixma
MX330 60 63 &M 1.9 0.5 3.2 1.65 &M 6.7 5.1 &M •
MP490 60 62 &M 1.9 0.5 3.2 1.7 &M 7.7 6.6 &M SD •
Epson CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
Workforce 610 130 62 &C 3.1 0.5 4.3 1.7 &N 13 3.3 &M SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
MFC-990CW 200 62 &N 1.7 0.45 3.3 1.6 &M 2.9 3.5 &M xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
Kodak ESP
3250 80 62 &M 0.9 0.3 1.8 1 &C 4.8 2.6 &C MS, MM, SD •
CF, MS, MM, Eth.,
Kodak ESP 7 140 61 &M 0.9 0.3 1.8 1.05 &V 4.5 3.1 &V SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
MFC-6890CDW 300 61 & 1.7 0.35 3.3 1.15 &M 4.2 2.7 &M xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
N
HP Officejet 80 60 &M 2.5 0.35 4.8 1.15 &N 6.4 5.3 &M NA Wi-Fi
4500 Wireless
Epson Stylus MS, MM, SD,
NX420 100 60 & 6.8 0.55 10.3 1.8 M
M & 6 6.6 C
& xD-Pict • Wi-Fi


Recommendation
Photo quality
4x6 photo cost ($)
8x10 photo cost ($)
Text quality
Text speed (ppm)
Text cost (cents)
Graphics quality
Memory-card reader
PictBridge
LCD viewer
Networking
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E

Brother MS, SD, xD-
$ 70 60 &N 3 0.55 3.5 1.8 &C 2.9 6.1 &C Wi-Fi
MFC-255CW Pict
Epson
Workforce 310 100 &C 3.4 0.5 4.6 1.65 &M 12.5 4.8 &M
60 Eth.
Epson Stylus MS, MM, SD,
NX215 90 59 &M 8.8 0.55 14.2 1.8 &M 4.3 5.7 &C xD-Pict •
HP Photosmart 70 59 MS, MM, SD,
C4580 & 2.8 0.5 5.2 1.65 &N 6 4.2 &N xD-Pict
M Wi-Fi
HP Officejet 90 57 &M 2.6 0.4 6.1 1.3 &N 5.7 4.8 &N Wi-Fi
J4680
HP Photosmart 100 57 MS, MM, SD,
C4480 &N 2.7 0.5 5.3 1.65 &N 5.9 3.5 &M xD-Pict •
CF, MS, MM,
Lexmark X4975 170 56 &C 3 0.45 5.6 1.45 &C 7 8.5 &M SD, xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
CF, MS, MM,
Kodak ESP 5 100 55 &N 1 0.3 2 1.05 &V 4.1 3.1 &C SD, xD-Pict • •
MFC-6490CW 300 55 &M 1.7 0.3 7.9 1.05 &C 4.2 2.6 &C xD-Pict • • Wi-Fi
Brother MS, SD, xD-
DCP-165C 80 55 &N 3 0.45 6.9 1.6 &M 2.8 5.2 &M Pict •
Lexmark CF, MS, MM,
X4650 100 52 &M 2.6 0.75 4.9 2.55 &C 8.1 7.1 &M SD, xD-Pict • Wi-Fi
Lexmark CF, MS, MM,
X5650 100 52 &M 2.5 1.1 4.8 3.65 &C 7.1 5.3 &M SD, xD-Pict •
CF, MS, MM,
Lexmark X6675 150 51 &M 2.4 1.1 4.8 3.6 &C 7.1 6 &C SD, xD-Pict • Wi-Fi
Lexmark X2670 50 48 &M 4.7 1.35 9.1 4.6 &M 7 12.6 &M
Lexmark CF, MS, MM,
X6650 130 48 &M 2.4 1.25 4.8 4.15 &V 7.1 6 &M SD, xD-Pict • Wi-Fi


printers, regular 257
ratings
PRINTERS, regular
Printer manufacturers are concentrating most of their efforts on all-in-ones, so many
of the regular inkjets available are bare-bones, low-cost models. Still, for the money,
standard inkjets are solid all-purpose printers for most consumers who want to print
both text and color photos.

Recommendation
Photo quality
4x6 photo cost ($)
8x10 photo cost ($)
Text quality
Text speed (ppm)
Text cost (cents)
Graphics quality
Memory-card reader
PictBridge
LCD viewer
Networking
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
Black and white laser models

HP Laserjet Pro $150 78 NA NA NA NA NA &N 13.6 5.2 &M Wi-Fi
1102w
Eth.,
n Brother HL-5370DW 200
d 74 NA NA NA NA NA &N 16.7 1.3 &M Wi-Fi
Lexmark E260dn 200 74 NA NA NA NA NA N
& 20 3.3 &C Eth.
HP Laserjet P2035n 250 72 NA NA NA NA NA N& 20 3.7 C
&
Dell 2330dn 250 71 NA NA NA NA NA N & 20 2 C & Eth.
Eth.,
n Brother HL-2170W
d 150 70 NA NA NA NA NA &N 13.6 1.5 &M Wi-Fi
Eth.,
Samsung ML-2525W 150 65 NA NA NA NA NA &N 15 2.9 &C NA Wi-Fi
HP Laserjet P1005 150 61 NA NA NA NA NA &N 12 3.7 &M
Color laser models

HP LaserJet CP1215 200 66 &C 0.7 0.25 0.8 0.8 &N 6.8 3 &N NA
Lexmark C540n 350 66 & NA NA 1.2 0.6 N
C & 12.5 3.3 N
& Eth.
HP Color Laserjet 400 66 &C 0.7 0.2 1 0.75 &N 10.3 2.5 &M Eth.
CP2025n
Samsung CLP-315 200 63 &V NA NA 0.7 1.15 N
& 11.5 3.1 N
&
Brother HL-3040CN 300 62 & NA NA 0.6 0.85 N
V & 11.1 3 M & Eth.
Konica Minolta
200 59 &C NA NA 0.7 0.65 &N 12 3 &M
Magicolor 1600W
Inkjet models
n HP
d Officejet Pro
8000 Wireless 100 68 &M 1.7 0.3 3 1.05 &N 9.4 1.9 &M
Eth.,
Wi-Fi
n HP Officejet 6000
d
Wireless 80 68 &M 1.4 0.4 2.7 1.3 &M 7.3 3.1 &M
Eth.,
Wi-Fi


Recommendation
Photo quality
4x6 photo cost ($)
8x10 photo cost ($)
Text quality
Text speed (ppm)
Text cost (cents)
Graphics quality
Memory-card reader
PictBridge
LCD viewer
Networking
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E

Canon Pixma
iP4700 $ 80 67 &N 1 0.5 1.7 1.65 &M 7.7 5.2 &M NA •
Epson Stylus Photo
1400 300 63 &C 0.8 0.7 1.9 2.3 &V 2.5 5.1 &M •
Canon Pixma 30 61 &M 1.8 0.5 3.3 1.7 &M 6.4 6.1 &M NA
iP2702
Epson Artisan 50 100 61 &M 2.2 0.65 3.5 2.2 C
& 4.2 4.5 &M
HP Deskjet D1660 30 61 & C 2.3 0.4 5 1.3 & 5.7 6.2 M
N & NA
Epson WorkForce 30 70 56 & 3.4 0.5 6 1.7 M
C & 12 4.8 M&


Overall score is based on speed and quality of prints and ease of use; for all-in-ones, scan and
copy functions also count. (All-in-ones were all judged Good or Very Good for copy and scan
quality.) Photo quality reflects a color photo’s appearance. Photo time measures, to the near-
est tenth of a minute, the time to print a color photo at the best-quality setting. Photo cost is
for ink and glossy photo paper. Text quality assesses clarity and crispness of black text. Text
speed measures pages per minute for a 5-page document at default settings. Text cost is for
one black-text page (ink or toner plus plain paper). For Networking, Eth indicates the model can
network using wired Ethernet; Wi-Fi indicates wireless capability. Price is approximate retail.

ranges 259
ratings
RANGES
Manufacturers are serving up new names and claims as they prod you to spend a
little more on your next cooking appliance. But our tests show that when it comes to
good cooking, it often pays to pay less—and “pro” isn’t necessarily a step up in either
performance or reliability.

Recommendation
Cooktop high
Cooktop low
Baking
Broiling
Oven capacity
Oven cleaning
Second oven/
cooking drawer
Convection oven
Bracketed letters or numbers
are color codes.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
30-INCH GAS
GE JGBP88DEM[WW] $1,100 77 &M &N &M &M &N &V
n
d Kenmore Elite 7753[9] 1,600 77 & C & N & N & M & N & C •
n
c Kenmore 7138[9] 750 75 & C & M & M & M & N & M
n
d GE Profile PGB910SEM[SS] 1,700 73 & M & N & M & C & M & C
n
c Hotpoint RGB745DEP[WH] 550 72 & C & N & M & N & M & C
n
d LG LRG3095[ST] 1,400 71 & C & N & M & M & N & C •
n
d Kenmore 7744[9] 600 71 & C & M & N & C & M & C
Maytag MGS5775BD[S] 1,600 71 & M & N & M & C & C & M
Amana AGR6011VDS 900 70 & V & N & N & C & N & C •
n
d GE Profile JGBP918WEK[WW] 1,600 • •
GE Profile PGB918DEM[ ]
70 & M & N & M & C & M & C
Kenmore 7136[2] 700 70 & C & N & M & V & M & M
n Electrolux EW30GF65G[W]
d 2,000 69 & C & N & M & M & M & C • •
Thermador Professional
PG304B[S] 5,000 69 & M & N & C & M & M & C •
GE JGB800SEP[SS] 1,300 69 & M & N & M & V & M & C
Frigidaire Gallery FGGF3031K[W] 700 68 & M & C & N & C & M & C
GE JGB400DEP[WW] 800 67 & M & N & M & V & M & C
Frigidaire Gallery
FGGF3054K[W] 800 67 & M & M & N & V & M & C •
Maytag MGR5751AD[W] 550
Maytag MGR5751BD[ ]
66 &C &N &M &C &M &M
GE Café CGS980SEM[SS] 2,700 66 & C & N & M & V & M & C • •
n Frigidaire Gallery GLGF386D[S]
d 800 66 & M & M & M & C & M & C •
Frigidaire FGF368G[S] 550 66 & C & N & M & V & M & C
GE JGB300SEP[SS] 900 66 & M & N & M & V & M & C


Recommendation
Cooktop high
Cooktop low
Baking
Broiling
Oven capacity
Oven cleaning
Second oven/
cooking drawer
Convection oven
are color codes.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
30-INCH GAS continued

Bosch HGS71[5]2 Bosch HGS72[8]2 $1,700 66 &C &N &M &C &M &V •
Maytag MGR7665W[B] 700 65 & C & M & N & C & M & C
Jenn-Air JGR8890AD[P] 1,850 64 & C & M & C & C & N & M • •
Electrolux EW30GS65G[W] 2,400 64 & C & N & M & V & C & C •
GE PGS975SEM[SS] 2,000 63 & C & N & M & V & C & C •
Whirlpool Gold GW399LXU[Q] 1,600 63 & C & N & M & C & C & C •
Frigidaire FGF382H[S] 700 63 & C & M & M & C & C & C
GE JGBP28DEM[BB] 700 62 & C & M & M & C & M & V
Whirlpool WFG361LV[Q] 550 61 & C & M & M & V & M & C
DCS RGTC305SS 4,600 61 & M & N & M & V & V & V •
Whirlpool GFG464LV[B] 900 61 & C & C & M & V & M & M •
Maytag Gemini MGR6775BD[S] 1,400 60 & C & M & C & V & N & C •
KitchenAid Architect Series
KGRS807S[SS] 1,800 49 & C & B & M & M & C & C •
30-inch Dual-Fuel models

n Bosch HDS71[5]2 HDS72[8]2
d 2,000 72 &C N& M& M& M& M& •
GE Profile J2B918WEK[WW] 1,800 •
Profile P2B918DEM[ ]
70 & N
M & M& C& M& V &
GE Profile J2B912WEK[WW] 1,400
Profile P2B912DEM[ ]
69 &M &N &M &V &M &C
n Kenmore Pro 7952[3]
d 3,600 68 & M & M & M & M & M & M •
Wolf DF304 5,200 67 & C & M & M & M & C & V •
GE Café C2S980SEM[SS] 2,800 65 & C & N & M & V & M & C •
Viking VDSC530[SS] 5,500 63 & C & M & C & M & M & C •
Jenn-Air JDS8860BD[P] 2,400 62 & C & C & M & C & C & M •
Dacor Epicure ER30D 5,800 59 & C & N & C & C & C & V •
KDRP707R[SS] 3,700 50 &C &B &M &C &C &M •
30-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP

n
d GE Café CS980SN[SS] 2,800 85 &M N & N & N & N & C & • •
n
d GE Profile PB920DP[BB] 1,600 85 & N
M & M & N & N & N & •
n
c GE JB700DN[WW] 700 85 & N
N & N & M & N & M &

ranges 261
ratings
Recommendation
Cooktop high
Cooktop low
Baking
Broiling
Oven capacity
Oven cleaning
Second oven/
cooking drawer
Convection oven
are color codes.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
30-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP continued

Kenmore Elite 9802[9]
$1,600 82 &N &N &M &N &N &V • •
n
d Electrolux EW30EF65G[W]
2,200 82 & N & N & M & N & M & M • •
n
d Kenmore 9641[2] Kenmore 9642[ ]
750 82 & N & N & M & N & M & M
n
d GE JB650DN[WW] 800 81 & M & N & M & M & N & N
Kenmore 9745[9] 900 80 & M & M & M & N & N & M •
n
d GE JB850DP[WW] 1,000 80 & M & N & M & M & N & M •
Frigidaire Gallery FGEF3031K[W]
650 80 & M & N & C & N & N & C
Samsung FCQ321HTUX 750 79 & M & M & M & N & N & M
n
d GE JBP81SL[SS] GE JBP81SM[ ]
1,200 79 & N & N & M & M & N & C
n
d Amana AER6011VAS 800 78 & M & N & N & M & N & M •
n GE JSP42DN[WW] ⁄
d 1,200 78 & M & N & M & M & M & C
LG LRE30955[ST] 1,700 78 & C & N & M & M & N & M •
GE Profile JB968TK[WW] 1,500 78 & M & N & M & C & N & N • •
n Frigidaire Gallery FGEF3055K[W] 900
d 77 & M & N & M & M & M & M •
GE JSP46DN[WW] ⁄ 1,450 77 & M & N & N & N & M & V •
GE PB970SM[SS] 1,600 77 & M & N & C & C & N & N •
GE PB975SM[SS] 1,800 76 & M & N & C & C & N & N • •
Maytag Gemini MER6765BA[S] 1,200 76 & M & N & M & C & M & N •
n Frigidaire Gallery GLEF369D[S]
d 700 76 & M & N & M & N & M & C
Kenmore 9800[3] 1,300 76 & M & N & M & C & M & M • •
n Kenmore 9611[2] Kenmore 9612[ ]
d 560 76 & M & N & M & N & M & C
Whirlpool WFE371LVB 650 75 & M & M & M & M & N & C
Electrolux EW30ES65G[W] ⁄ 2,400 75 & N & N & M & M & C & C • •
Maytag MER5752BA[W] 550 74 & M & N & M & C & M & N
Jenn-Air JER8885RA[S] 1,600 74 & M & N & C & C & M & N •
GE JBP84SM[SS] 1,300 72 & M & M & M & V & M & M •
Maytag MES5775BA[S] ⁄ 1,700 71 & M & N & M & C & C & N
Whirlpool Gold GY399LXU[Q] ⁄ 1,600 70 & M & N & C & M & C & M •
KERS807S[SS] 1,700 70 & M & N & M & C & C & M •
Hotpoint RB787DP[WW] 600 70 & C & N & M & C & M & M


Recommendation
Cooktop high
Cooktop low
Baking
Broiling
Oven capacity
Oven cleaning
Second oven/
cooking drawer
Convection oven
are color codes.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
30-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP continued

Whirlpool GFE461LV[Q] $1,000 68 &M &N &M &V &M &C •
Maytag MER7765W[W] 750 67 & M & N & M & C & M & C •
Bosch HES71[5]2 Bosch HES72[8]2 1,700 66 & M & C & M & M & M & M •
Whirlpool WFE361LV[Q] 550 62 & M & M & M & V & M & M
Sharp InsightPro KB-3425LS € 2,000 61 & M & M & M & M & V & C • •
30-INCH ELECTRIC COIL
GE JBP35SM[SS] 700 83 &M &N &N &C &N &N
Kenmore 9421[2] 550 76 & M & N & C & M & N & M
n Hotpoint RB757DP[WH]
d 430 74 & M & N & M & M & M & M
Whirlpool RF264LXS[Q] 500 64 & M & C & M & C & M & M
30-INCH electric INDUCTION
n GE Profile PHB925SP[SS]
d 2,500 90 &N N & M & N & N & N & •
n Samsung FTQ307NWGX
d 1,900 89 & N
N & N & N & N & M & •
Kenmore Elite 9991[3] 2,700 89 & N
N & C & N & N & M & •
⁄Slide-in model. €Has microwave drawer in addition to regular oven.


Overall score reflects cooktop performance, oven capacity, baking, broiling, oven cleaning,
surface temperature, and other safety issues. Displayed scores rounded; models listed by
precise overall score. Cooktop high is how quickly highest-powered element or burner heated
water to near-boil. Cooktop low is how well lowest-powered element or burner melted and held
chocolate without scorching and how well highest burner, set on low, held tomato sauce below
a boil. Baking reflects even browning of cakes and cookies on two racks. Broiling is even brown-
ing of a pan of burgers and high-heat searing. Oven capacity is our evaluation of usable space.
Oven cleaning is ability to remove a mix of eggs, cheese, pie filling, and other ingredients on
self-clean setting. Price is approximate retail.

ranges 263
ratings
Gas ranges KitchenAid has been the most repair-prone

and Maytag among the more repair-prone
Fewer More brands of gas ranges. That’s what we found
repairs repairs
when we asked more than 30,000 readers
Hotpoint 7 who bought a gas range between 2003 and
GE 8 2009 about their experiences with these
Frigidaire 8 appliances. Although we lacked sufficient
Kenmore 9 historical data for all years to include Viking
Whirlpool 11 gas ranges and any dual-fuel brands in this
Maytag analysis, our data indicate that Viking gas
14
KitchenAid ranges and Jenn-Air dual-fuel ranges have
19
both been repair-prone, while General Elec
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% tric and Kenmore dual-fuel ranges have
been reliable.
Electric ranges Jenn-Air and KitchenAid were among the

less reliable brands of electric ranges,
Fewer More according to our survey of nearly 63,000
repairs repairs
readers who bought an electric range
Hotpoint 3 between 2003 and 2009. The graphs show
GE 5 the percentage of brands that needed a
Whirlpool 7 repair or had a serious problem. Differ
Frigidaire 9 ences of less than 3 points between gas
Kenmore ranges and 4 points between electrics aren’t
9
Maytag meaningful, and we’ve adjusted the data to
12
eliminate differences linked solely to the
Amana 13 age of the range. Models within a brand may
Jenn-Air 16 vary, and design or manufacture changes
KitchenAid 16 may affect future reliability. Still, choosing
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% a brand with a good repair history can im-
prove your odds of getting a reliable model.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,

Consumer Reports National Research Center.

REFRIGERATORS
Easy access, flexible interior space, consistent temperatures, and energy efficiency were
the hallmark of our top-rated refrigerators.

Similar models, in small
Recommendation
Temperature
performance
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
Exterior height (in.)
Exterior width (in.)
Exterior depth (in.)
type, are comparable to tested
model. Bracketed letters or
numbers are color codes.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
top-freezers
GE Profile PTS22LHS[WW] $1,400 73 62 17.1 68 33 32
Profile PTS22SHS[ ] &N &M &C &M
■
d Kenmore 7930[2] 960 72 & M & N & N & M 54 15.1 68 33 33
Kenmore 7531[2] 1,100 71 & M & N & C & M 50 17.2 68 33 33
■
d LG LTC22350[SW] 850 70 & M & N & C & M 53 17.3 68 33 33
c Frigidaire Gallery
■ 800 68
FGHT2144K[F] Gallery &M &N &C &C 55 16.7 70 30 33
FGHT2134K[ ], Gallery FGHT2146K[ ]
■
d Frigidaire Professional 900 67 &M &M &C &C 58 16.3 69 30 32
Gallery FPHI2187K[F]
■
FGHT1844K[F] Gallery 700 66 &M &M &C &C 53 14.7 67 30 32
FGHT1846K[ ], Gallery FGHT1834K[ ]
GE GTH18KBX[WW] GTH18IBX[ ] 1,000 64 &M &N &C &M 59 15.3 67 30 32
Kenmore 7023[2] 6023[ ] 700 63 & C & N & C & C 50 16.2 67 33 31
■
d Kenmore 7997[2] 6997[ ] 750 62 & M & N & C & C 50 14.8 66 30 33
Ikea Energisk B18W 500 60 & C & N & C & C 51 13.7 69 28 32
GE GTH17JBX[WW] 550 59 & C & N & M & V 40 13 65 28 30
Whirlpool W2RXNMMW[Q] 810 58 & C & M & C & C 63 17.1 67 33 33
Kenmore 7093[2] 6093[ ] 650 50 & V & N & C & C 40 13.8 69 28 31
Hotpoint HTS18GCS[WW] 550 50 & C & C & V & C 61 13.7 68 28 30
Kenmore 7297[2] 6297[ ] 600 49 & C & M & V & V 50 14 68 28 32
Estate T8TXNGFW[Q] 580 45 56 13.4 68 28 30
T8RXNGFW[ ], T8TXNWFW[ ] & V & M & C & C
GE GTH21KCX[WW] GTH21KBX[ ] 850 41 & B & N & C & C 53 16.6 67 33 31
Amana A8RXNGMW[H] 650 52 13.4 69 28 31
A8WXNGFW[ ]
41 & B & M & C & C

r e f r i g e r ato r s 265
ratings
Recommendation
Temperature
performance
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
BOTTOM-freezers
■
c Whirlpool Gold $1,700 82 &N &N &C &M 58 16.2 70 36 33
GX5FHTXV[Q] Gold GX5FHDXV[ ]
■
c LG LFC25770[SW] 1,400 81 &N &M &N &M 61 17.2 70 36 33
■
d Samsung RF266AE[WP] 1,500 79 64 17.4 70 36 34
RF263AE[ ] & N & M & N & M
■
d Samsung RFG298AA[WP] 2,500 78 & N & C & N & N 87 18.1 70 36 33
■
d Samsung RF267AE[WP] 2,000 76 72 16.4 70 36 34
RF268AA[ ], RF26XAE[ ] & N & M & N & M
Electrolux EI28BS36I[W] 2,200 75 & M & N & M & M 64 19.9 70 36 34
LG LDC22720[SW] 1,100 75 & N & M & M & M 60 15.8 69 33 33
Amana AFI2538AE[W] 1,800 75 & N & M & C & M 70 14.8 71 36 32
■
d Maytag MFT2771WE[W] 2,200 74 & N & M & C & M 61 15.6 71 36 33
Electrolux Wave Touch 3,300 73 &M &M &N &N 73 18.6 70 36 34
EW28BS71[IS] EI28BS56I[ ]
■
c Amana AFD2535DE[W] 1,400 73 &N &M &C &M 58 17.5 70 36 32
■
d Jenn-Air JFC2290VE[P] 2,800 73 & N & M & M & M 55 13.6 72 36 28
Maytag MFF2258VE[W] 1,400 73 & N & M & C & M 61 14.5 71 33 32
Electrolux EI23BC56[IW] 2,200 73 70 14.8 70 36 29
EW23BC71I[ ] & N & C & N & M
GE Profile PGSS5PJX[SS] 2,400 72
PGSS5PJZ[ ] & N & &M &M 70 15.6 70
C 36 33
GE Profile PFSF5NFY[WW] 1,850 72 66 15.7 71 36 33
Profile PFSF5NFZ[ ], Profile PFSS5NFZ[ ] &N &M &M &M
Maytag MBF1956KE[W] 1,100 72 & N & M & C & M 58 13.3 67 30 31
GE Profile PFSS9PKY[SS] 2,300 72 & M & C & N & N 88 18 70 36 34
GE GFSF2KEX[WW] Ï GFSF2KEY[ ] 1,500 72 & N & M & C & M 62 15.2 70 33 32
Viking VCFF136[SS] 3,200 71 & N & C & M & M 64 12.8 70 36 28
Kenmore 7620[2] 1,300 70 & N & M & C & M 66 15.4 69 33 32
GE GFSF2HCY[WW] GFSS2HCY[ ] 1,200 70 & N & M & C & C 55 15.2 70 33 33
Maytag Ice 2 O MFI2569VE[W] 1,800 69 & N & C & M & M 71 14.9 70 36 36
Samsung RF217AB[WP] 1,200 66 14.7 70 32 31
RB215AB[ ]
69 & N & C & M & C
Whirlpool Gold GI5FSAXV[Q] 2,000 68 70 14.9 71 36 33
GI5SVAXV[ ], GI5FVAXV[ ] &N C & C & C &
Kenmore 7809[2] 1,200 68 & N & C
C & M & 62 13.3 68 30 32
Maytag MFI2269VE[W] 1,800 68 & N & C
V & M & 71 12.8 71 33 32


Recommendation
Temperature
performance
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
BOTTOM-freezers continued
Samsung RB197AB[WP] $1,100 67 &N &V &N &C 67 13.1 70 32 28
Whirlpool Gold GI7FVCXW[Q] 2,300 67 & N & C & C & C 70 15.6 71 36 33
LG LFC20760[SW] 1,200 67 & N & V & C & M 70 13.7 69 30 32
Whirlpool Gold GX2FHDXV[Q] 1,300 66 70 13.8 70 33 32
GX2SHDXV[ ] (Lowe’s) & N & C & C & C
GE GBSC0HBX[WW] GBSC0HCX[ 900 65
], GDSC0KCX[ ], GDSS0KCX[ ], GDSL0KCX[ ] &M &M &C &C 57 14.7 68 30 33
LG LMX28987[ST] 3,000 60 &N &B &N &M 97 14 70 36 34
Maytag MFC2061HE[W] 1,800 59 &N &B &C &C 79 14.2 71 36 27
Maytag Ice 2 O 2,200 58 &N &B &C &M 86 12.1 71 36 28
MFI2067AE[W]
GE Profile PFSF6PKX[WW] 2,000 53 &M &B &N &M 108 16.6 70 36 33
LG LBC22518[SW] Ï LBC22520[ ] 900 48 & C & B & N & M 99 17.4 69 33 32
Fisher & Paykel RF201ADUX 2,500 45 & V & B & N & C 72 13.3 71 36 28
Fisher & Paykel E522B 1,500 42 & C & B & M & C 74 11.3 67 32 28
Blomberg BRFB1450 2,200 37 & C & B & M & V 76 11.1 76 28 25
side-by-side
■
c Whirlpool Gold GS5VHAXW[Q] 1,400 78 &N &N &M &N 64 16 70 36 33
Bosch Linea 800 2,700 76 &M &M &N &N 73 14.6 69 36 28
B22CS80SN[S]B22CS50SN[ ]
■
c GE GSH22JFX[WW] GSH22JSX[ ] 1,050 73 &N &N &C &M 56 14.3 68 34 32
■
c GE GSH25JFX[WW] 1,000 71 & M & N & C & M 65 16.3 70 36 32
Whirlpool Gold GD5DHAXV[Q] 1,300 71 & N & M & V & M 78 16.6 70 36 31
GE Café CSHS5UGX[SS] 2,000 70 & M & M & M & M 74 15.3 70 36 32
Viking Professional 3,500 70 &M &M &M &N 61 13.5 70 36 28
VCSF136D[SS]
■
d Whirlpool Gold GC3SHAXV[Q] 2,000 69 &M &M &C &N 64 14.2 70 36 28
■
c Ikea NUTID S25W 800 68 &M &M &C &M 70 15.4 70 36 31
ID5HHEXW[S]
■
d Maytag MSD2550VE[W] 1,200 68 &M &M &C &M 77 16.6 70 36 31

ratings
Recommendation
Temperature
performance
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
side-by-side continued
■
c Frigidaire FRS6HF55K[W] $1,000 67 &M &M &C &C 80 17.4 70 36 33
GE Profile PSDF5YGX[WW] 3,500 66 & M & C & N & M 76 14.1 73 36 28
LG LSC27921[SW] 1,250 66 & M & C & N & M 78 15.1 70 36 33
GE GSHF9NGY[WW] DSHF9NGY[ ], 1,550 72 17.2 70 36 34
DSHS9NGY[ ], GSHS9NGY[ ]
65 & M & M & C & M
Jenn-Air JCD2595WE[S] 2,900 63 & C & M & M & M 61 14.7 73 36 28
■
d Kenmore Cold Spot 5942[2] 850 63 & M & M & C & M 68 15.2 70 36 31
Whirlpool ED5FHAXV[S] 1,300 62 & C & M & M & M 74 16.5 70 36 31
Frigidaire Gallery
FGHS2367K[P] Gallery FGHS2334K[
], Gallery FGHS2342L[ ], Gallery 1,250 61
FGHS2344K[ ], Gallery FGHS2355K[ &M &C &C &M 79 14 70 33 33
], Gallery FGHS2365K[ ], Gallery
FGHS2369K[ ], Gallery FGHS2368L[ ]
GE GSHF6PGY[WW] GSHS6PGY[ ] 1,450 60 &C &M &C &M 75 16.2 71 36 33
Electrolux EI26SS55G[W] 1,800 59 & C & C & M & M 87 16 70 36 33
Maytag MSD2578VE[W] 1,600 59 96 14.5 71 36 32
MSD2574VE[ ], MSD2576VE[ ] & M & V & M & M
Samsung RSG257AA[WP] 2,000 58 & N & B & N & M 97 13.7 70 36 28
Hotpoint HSS25GFT[WW] 1,100 57 & C & C & M & C 84 16.4 70 36 32
Amana ASD2524VE[W] 1,200 56 & C & M & C & M 76 15.6 70 36 31
Whirlpool ED5KVEXV[Q] 900 55 73 15.3 70 36 31
ED5DHEXW[ ] & C & M & C & M
GE GSHL6PHX[LS] 1,800 55 & C & M & M & M 78 17.4 70 36 33
Amana ASD2522WR[W] 800 55 & C & M & C & M 73 15.6 70 36 31
Whirlpool ED5DHEXW[Q] 1,000 54 72 15.2 70 36 31
ED5LDEXW[ ] (Lowe’s) & C & M & C & M
GE GSCS3KGY[SS] 2,000 52 & M & V & C & M 82 12.9 70 36 28
Electrolux EW26SS70I[W] 2,000 51 86 17 70 36 34
EW26SS65G[ ] & V & C & M & N
Frigidaire Gallery
FGHS2669K[F] FGHS2665K[ ], 1,500 50 &V &C &C &N 86 16.8 70 36 33
FGHS2667K[ ], FGHS2679K[ ]


Recommendation
Temperature
performance
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
built-ins
■
d Jenn-Air JS42PPDUDB[SS] $7,200 80 &M &N &N &M 71 17.3 84 42 26
Sub-Zero BI42S[S] 7,500 78 & N & M & M & M 76 18.3 84 42 26
Thermador KBUDT4265E[S] 8,000 77 & M & M & N & M 76 16 84 42 26
Miele KF1901Vi 7,200 76 & N & C & N & M 63 14 83 36 24
■ KitchenAid KBFC42F[SS]
d KBFO42FT[ ], KBFC42FT[ ] 7,500 73 71 16.1 84 43 28
& N & C & M & M
■
d Liebherr CS2062 5,000 72 & M & M & N & C 50 13.6 81 36 25
Liebherr CS1650[SS] 4,200 72 & N & M & N & V 51 13 82 30 26
Sub-Zero BI36U[S] 7,700 71 & N & C & C & M 72 15.6 84 35 26
■
d Electrolux Icon E42BS75EP[S] 7,600 65 & M & C & N & M 94 17.2 84 42 26
Viking DFSB423 6,600 65 75 16.6 83 43 25
VCSB423[ ], DDSB423[ ] & M & C & M & M
Thermador T36BT71FSE 7,600 64 & C & C & N & M 61 13.2 84 36 25
Kenmore Pro 4048[3] 6,500 62 & M & V & M & M 106 19.5 84 48 26
GE Monogram ZISP420DX[SS] 8,400 61 & C & C & C & N 79 16.1 84 42 27
Sub-Zero 736TCI[SS] 7,600 61 & N & V & M & C 86 15.9 79 37 24
KitchenAid KSSS36QT[X] 6,900 58 & C & C & N & M 68 13.6 84 36 25
Viking Professional
VCSB542[SS] DDSB542[ ], 8,000 44 &C &B &C &M 116 17.1 83 42 26
DFSB542[ ], VISB542[ ]


ratings
Overall score is based on temperature performance and energy efficiency; noise and
ease of use are also considered. Displayed scores are rounded; models are in order
of precise overall score. Temperature performance is performance at different room
temperatures and how uniformly each maintained 37° F in refrigerator and 0° F in freezer.
Energy efficiency is electricity use based on our measurements and usable capacity.
Noise is with compressor running. Usable capacity is our measurement of total usable
space. Energy cost/yr. is based on our energy tests and may differ from EnergyGuide
label. Height, width, and depth (HxWxD) are without handle, rounded up to nearest
inch; height includes hinges, but they’re forward of standard wall cabinets. Under Brand
& model, bracketed letters/numbers are color codes. Price is approximate retail; includes
icemaker, if available.

Top-freezer refrigerators—icemaker Maytag has been the most repair-prone

brand of top-freezers without icemakers
Fewer More
repairs repairs and GE has been the most repair-prone
Whirlpool brand of bottom-freezers with and without
8
Kenmore icemakers. No brands stood out among
10
side-by-side models or top-freezers with
Frigidaire 11 icemakers. The graphs show the results of
GE 13 what we found when we surveyed more
Maytag 14 than 86,500 readers who bought a refrig-
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% erator between 2005 and 2009. They show
the percentage of refrigerators from each
Top-freezer refrigerators—no icemaker brand that needed a repair or had a serious
problem. Differences of less than 5 points
Fewer More
repairs repairs aren’t meaningful, and we’ve adjusted the
Whirlpool data to eliminate differences linked solely to
5
Frigidaire the age of the refrigerator. All refrigerators
7
in the graphs are freestanding models, with
Kenmore 7 the exception of Sub-Zero built-in bottom-
GE 7 freezers. Models within a brand might vary,
Maytag 14 and design or manufacture changes may
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% affect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand
with a good repair history can improve your
Bottom-freezer refrigerators—icemaker odds of getting a reliable model.
Fewer More Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,

repairs repairs Consumer Reports National Research Center.
KitchenAid 13
Sub-Zero 15
LG 16
Amana 16
Jenn-Air 17 Side-by-side refrigerators
Maytag 19 Fewer More
GE 25 repairs repairs
Whirlpool 15
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Samsung 16
Amana 17
Bottom-freezer refrigerators—no icemaker
Kenmore 17
Fewer More
repairs repairs Frigidaire 18
Kenmore 9 KitchenAid 18
Maytag 10 Maytag 18
Amana 12 GE 20
GE 17 LG 21
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Smart phones 271
ratings
SMART PHONES
Smart phones, with their advanced operating systems, larger displays, QWERTY key-
boards, and other computer-like features, are for people who need frequent access to
multiple e-mail accounts, a sophisticated organizer for appointments and contacts, the
ability to open Microsoft Office documents, and Internet-based services. 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.

Similar models,
Recommendation
Display
Navigation
Voice quality
Phoning
Messaging
Web browsing
Multimedia
Battery life
Size
Operating system
Camera (megapixels)
Touch screen
QWERTY keyboard
Document editing
Voice command
GPS navigation
in small type, are
comparable to
tested model.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
AT&T smart phones

Apple iPhone 4
(16 GB) $200 76 &N &N &C &M &M &N &N &N M iOS 4 5 • • • •
iPhone 4 (32 GB)
■
d Apple iPhone
3G S (16 GB) 150 74 &N &N &V &M &M &N &N &N M iOS 4 3.1 • • • •
iPhone 3G S (32 GB),
iPhone 3G S (8 GB)
Motorola
Backflip 50 69 &M &M &C &C &M &N &N &M M And. 4.9 • • • •
BlackBerry
Bold 200 69 &M &M &C &M &N &N &N &C M BB 1.9 • • • •
Samsung Jack 0 69 &C &C &V &M &N &N &N &N M WM 3.1 • • • •
d Palm Pre Plus
■ 100 67 Palm
&M &N &V &C &M &N &N &M S webOS 3.1 • • •
(AT&T)
Palm Pixi Plus Palm
(AT&T) 30 64 &C &M &V &C &M &N &M &M S webOS 1.9 • • •
Sprint Nextel smart phones

■
d HTC Evo 4G 200 74 &N N & V& M& M& N& N& C& L And. 8 • • • •
■
d HTC Hero 150 69 & N
M & V& M& M& N& N& C& M And. 4.9 • • • •
Samsung
Moment 100 69 &M &N &C &C &M &N &N &M M And. 3.1 • • • •
d BlackBerry
■ 200 68 &M &M &C &M &N &N &N &C M BB 3.1 • • • •
Bold 9650
Palm
■
d Palm Pre 150 66 & N
M & V
& C
& M & &N &C S webOS 3.1 • •
& N •
BlackBerry
Curve 8530 100 64 &C &M &V &M &N &N &N &C M BB 1.9 • • • •
Palm
Palm Pixi 50 60 & M
C & V
& C
& M & &M &C S webOS 1.9 • •
& M •


Similar models,
Recommendation
Display
Navigation
Voice quality
Phoning
Messaging
Web browsing
Multimedia
Battery life
Size
Operating system
Camera (megapixels)
Touch screen
QWERTY keyboard
Document editing
Voice command
GPS navigation
in small type, are
comparable to
tested model.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
T-Mobile smart phones

■
d HTC myTouch
3G Slide $180 72 &M &N &V &M &M &N &N &N M And. 5.1 • • • •
■
d HTC HD2 200 71 &N &C &V &M &N &N &N &M L WM 5 • • • • •
Motorola
Cliq XT 130 71 &M &N &V &C &M &N &N &N M And. 4.9 • • • •
Motorola Cliq 150 71 &M &N &V &M &M &N &N &M M And. 4.9 • • • •
Samsung
Behold II 100 71 & N
M & V & &M &N &N &M M And. 4.9 • •
& M • •
T-Mobile
myTouch 3G 100 70 &M &N &V &C &M &N &N &M M And. 3.1 • • • •
3.5mm Jack
d BlackBerry
■ 100 69 &C &M &C &M &N &N &N &M M BB 3.1 • • • •
Bold 9700
T-Mobile Dash
3G 0 67 &C &C &C &M &N &M &M &N M WM 1.9 • • • •
BlackBerry
Curve 8520 0 65 &C &M &V &M &N &M &M &M M BB 1.9 • • •
Garmin-Asus
Garminfone 130 64 &N &C &V &V &M &N &N &M M And. 3.1 • • •
Nokia 5230
Nuron 50 61 &M &C &V &M &M &M &N &M S Sym. 1.9 • • • •
Verizon smart phones

■
d Motorola
Droid X 200 75 &N &N &V &M &M &N &N &M L And. 8 • • • •
■
d Motorola Droid 150 73 &N &N &C &M &M &N &N &M M And. 5 • • • •
■
d HTC Droid
Incredible 200 73 &N &N &V &M &M &N &N &C M And. 8 • • • •
■
d LG Ally 50 72 &N N & V& M& M& N& N& M& M And. 3.1 • • • • •
■
d HTC Touch Pro2 80 71 & M
N & C& M& N& N& N& C& M WM 3.1 • • • • •
■
d Samsung
Omnia II 50 71 &N &M &V &M &M &N &N &M M WM 4.9 • • • • •
HTC Imagio 100 70 &N &M &V &M &N &N &N &C M WM 5 • • • • •

S m a r t p h o n e s 273
ratings
Similar models,
Recommendation
Display
Navigation
Voice quality
Phoning
Messaging
Web browsing
Multimedia
Battery life
Size
Operating system
Camera (megapixels)
Touch screen
QWERTY keyboard
Document editing
Voice command
GPS navigation
in small type, are
comparable to
tested model.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
Verizon smart phones continued

Motorola
Devour $ 80 70 &M &N &V &M &M &N &N &M L And. 3.1 • • • •
d BlackBerry
■ 150 70 &M &M &V &C &N &N &N &C M BB 3.1 • • • • •
Storm2 9550
Palm
■
d Palm Pre Plus 50 66 &M &N &V &C &M &N &N &C S webOS 3.1 • • •
HTC Ozone 0 64 &C &C &V &M &N &N &M &M M WM 1.9 • • • •
Palm
Palm Pixi Plus 0 63 &C &M &V &C &M &N &M &C S webOS 1.9 • • •


Overall score mainly reflects the attributes in test results; size, weight, and the ability to edit
documents without extra apps are also considered. Size: S is for small; M, midsized; L, large.
Operating system: And. is for Android; BB, BlackBerry; Sym, Symbian; and WM, Windows Mobile.
Display considers size, resolution, and legibility in a range of lighting. Navigation is ease of ac-
cessing features and modes: phoning, messaging, camera, etc. It also considers programmable
shortcuts and user guides. Voice quality considers what caller and recipient heard in live calls in
noisy and quiet settings. We show the lower of the two scores. Phoning considers voice command
and Bluetooth, speed dialing, ringer controls, security options, keypad readability in different
lighting, and more. Messaging reflects keyboard ergonomics, e-mail readability, attachment
capability, and text-messaging features. Ease of PC synchronizing and access to apps while on call
are also considered. Web browsing reflects handling of multiple browsers, Flash video, and Java,
plus connections to broadband data and Wi-Fi. Multimedia mainly considers camera and music
player, as well as GPS navigation, voice memos, streaming or live audio, and/or video. Battery life
reflects talk time with strong and weak signals, plus standby and display times. Price is as of June
2010, after rebates, with a 2-year contract.

SPACE HEATERS
All of our Recommended models scored at least Very Good for temperature control,
safety, noise, and ease of use—something none of the spot-heating radiant models
managed. All models have overheat protection; our top picks add a tip-over switch and
were easy to control and carry. Most also cost under $100, not $300 or more.
Brand & model Price Specs Overall score Test results Features

Recommendation
Weight (lb.)
Cord (in.)
Temperature control
Safety
Noise
Ease of use
Temperature display
Tip-over switch
Hot-surface alert
Timer
Remote control

0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
NATURAL CONVECTION These non-fan models heat whole rooms quietly but slowly.
n Honeywell HZ-817
c $ 70 9 73 86 &N &M &N &M • • •
n Kenwood Mica Panel
d
HHP1500K 80 11 75 85 &N &N &N &M •
n Soleus Air HM2-15R-32
d 80 11 74 84 &N &M &N &M • • •
n Honeywell Low Profile
c
Convection Heater HZ-519 60 10 72 82 & &N &N &M • • • •
N
DeLonghi ComforTemp 50 24 86 74 &N &M &N &C
MG7307CM
DeLonghi SafeHeat
TRD0715T 60 26 76 71 &N &C &N &C •
FAN-FORCED CONVECTION These are the fastest, and noisiest, way to heat rooms.
n Vornado Vortex Heat Touch-
d
Stone 500 EH1-0032-28 150 8 72 78 &N &M &M &M • • • •
Honeywell HZ-385BP 75 7 79 68 &V &N &V &N • • • •
EdenPURE GEN3 300 27 101 65 &M &M &M &C •


s pa c e h e at e r s 275
ratings
Brand & model
Price Specs Overall score Test results Features
Recommendation
Weight (lb.)
Cord (in.)
Temperature control
Safety
Noise
Ease of use
Temperature display
Tip-over switch
Hot-surface alert
Timer
Remote control

0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
FAN-FORCED CONVECTION continued

Lasko Ceramic Tower 5572 $ 70 11 74 58 &C C& V& M& • • •
Heat Surge ADL-2000M-X ⁄ 550 58 73 42 & C
B & M& V& •
RADIANT These are best for quick spot-heating, though none are top performers.
Soleus Air MS-09 ⁄ 35 5 70 56 &B &M &N &M • •
Lakewood 205 € 30 6 70 55 &N &V &C &C •

Overall score is based on a weighted average of safety, temperature control, noise, and ease of
use. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed by precise overall score. Safety indicates
results of tests for contact-surface temperatures, safety controls, the likelihood the heater
will create a fire hazard, and cord length. Temperature control denotes how well a heater
controlled the temperature in our test room. Top-rated models held room-temperature varia-
tions to less than 3 degrees F. With the poorest performers, it varied by more than 6 degrees F.
Noise represents our measure of the peak operating noise levels of each heater during a typical
operating cycle. Ease of use denotes our evaluation of size, weight, cord length, accessibility,
and the ease of use of controls and handles. Price is approximate retail.

TVs, LCD
With the exception of a few smaller sets, most of the TVs in the Ratings have Very
Good or Excellent picture quality, so there are plenty of good choices available. Still,
check detailed results for the highest-scoring models if you want top picture quality.
All tested LCD sets 40 inches and up, and some of the 37- and 32-inchers, too, have
1080p resolution.

Recommendation
HD picture quality
SD picture quality
Viewing angle
Sound quality
Remote ease of use
Onscreen menu
ease of use
Versatility
Screen size (in.)
3D-capable
Native resolution
Frame rate (Hz)

HDMI inputs (total)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
27-inch-and-smaller models
Samsung 1366x
$430 69 &N &N &V &C &C &N &M 26 60 3
LN26C450 768
1366x
Toshiba 26C100U 370 63 &M &M &V &V &M &C &M 26 768 60 2
■
d Sony Bravia 1366x
300 60 &M &M &V &C &C &M &C 22 60 2
KDL-22BX300 768
Samsung 1366x
340 58 &M &M &V &V &C &N &M 22 60 1
LN22C450 768
1366x
LG 22LD350 290 56 &M &C &V &C &M &M &M 22 768 60 1
Panasonic Viera 1366x
320 53 &M &M &V &V &M &M &M 22 60 1
TC-L22X2 768
1366x
Sanyo DP26640 270 52 &M &M &V &C &C &V &V 26 768 60 2
1600x
ViewSonic VT2042 210 50 &C &C &V &V &C &C &C 20 900 60 1
ViewSonic 1920x
270 50 &M &M &V &B &C &C &M 23 60 3
VT2300LED 1080
1366x
Toshiba 19LV612U 275 48 &C &C &V &B &M &C &C 19 768 60 1
1366x
Auvio 16-912 200 47 &C &C &V &B &C &M &C 19 768 60 1
1366x
Sylvania LC260SS1 330 45 &C &C &V &V &C &C &V 26 768 60 3
1366x
Sylvania LC220SS1 230 38 &C &C &V &B &C &C &V 22 768 60 2
Magnavox 1366x
280 37 &V &C &C &V &C &C &B 26 60 3
26MF330B 768

tvs, lcd 277
ratings
Recommendation
HD picture quality
SD picture quality
Viewing angle
Sound quality
Remote ease of use
Onscreen menu
ease of use
Versatility
Screen size (in.)
3D-capable
Native resolution
Frame rate (Hz)

HDMI inputs (total)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
32-inch models
1920x 120, 3
■
d LG 32LD520 $600 73 &M &M &M &C &M &M &N 32 1080 60
Samsung 1920x 60 3
540 70 &N &N &C &C &C &N &N 32
LN32C530 1080
d Panasonic Viera
■ 425 69 &M &M &M &C &M &M &M 32
1366x 60 3
TC-L32X2 768
Samsung 1360x 60 4
630 68 &M &N &C &C &C &N &N 32
UN32C4000 768
Sony Bravia 1366x 60 4
470 67 &N &N &V &C &C &M &N 32
KDL-32EX308 768
Sony Bravia 1920x 60 3
720 63 &M &M &C &C &C &M &N 32
KDL-32EX40B 1080
1366x 60 2
Auria EQ3288 460 48 &C &C &C &B &V &C &C 32 768
Magnavox 1366x 60 2
400 34 &V &V &C &V &C &C &B 32
32MD350B 768
Magnavox 1366x 60 3
400 32 &V &C &V &B &C &C &B 32
32MF339B 768
1366x 60 3
Sylvania LC320SSX 390 32 &V &V &V &V &C &C &B 32 768
37-inch models
Samsung 1920x
720 76 &N &N &C &C &N &N &N 37 60 4
LN37C550 1080
1920x
Toshiba 37E200U 600 68 &M &M &M &V &M &C &M 37 1080 60 4
■
c Panasonic Viera 1366x
490 67 &M &M &M &C &M &M &C 37 60 2
TC-L37C22 768
40- to 42-inch models

Samsung 1920x 60 4
900 73 &M &M &C &C &N &N &N 40
UN40C5000 1080
1920x 120, 3
■
c Toshiba 40XV648U 700 71 &N &M &C &C &C &M &M 40 1080 60
■
d Panasonic Viera 1920x 120, 3
750 71 &M &M &M &C &M &M &C 42
TC-L42U25 1080 60
Sony Bravia 1920x 120, 4
780 71 &N &N &C &C &C &C &N 40
KDL-40EX500 1080 60
c Samsung
■ 675 70 &N &M &C &C &C &N &N 40
1920x 60 3
LN40C530 1080


Recommendation
HD picture quality
SD picture quality
Viewing angle
Sound quality
Remote ease of use
Onscreen menu
ease of use
Versatility
Screen size (in.)
3D-capable
Native resolution
Frame rate (Hz)

HDMI inputs (total)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
40- to 42-inch models continued

1920x “240”, 4
■
d Vizio SV422XVT $ 900 70 &M &M &M &C &C &C &N 42 1080 60
1920x 120, 4
LG 42LE5500 1,400 70 &M &M &M &C &N &M &N 42 1080 60
1920x
■
d AOC L42H961 700 69 &N &N &C &C &C &M &M 42 1080 60 4
Sharp Aquos LED 1920x 120,
850 68 &N &N &V &V &M &M &N 40 4
LC-40LE700UN 1080 60
Sony Bravia 1920x 240,
KDL-40HX800 1,890 68 &N &N &V &C &C &M &N 40 • 1080 60 4
Panasonic Viera 1920x 120,
1,100 67 &M &M &M &C &M &M &M 42 3
TC-L42D2 1080 60
Sharp Aquos 1920x 120,
1,040 59 &M &M &V &C &C &M &N 40 4
LC-40LE810UN 1080 60
1920x 120,
Haier HL40XSL2 900 50 &C &C &C &B &C &C &N 40 1080 60 4
Westinghouse 1920x
600 38 &C &V &V &V &C &C &C 42 60 3
TX-42F810G 1080
Magnavox 1920x
750 31 &V &V &C &B &C &C &C 42 60 3
42MF439B 1080

2,300 77 &N &N &C &M &N &M &N 46 4
KDL-46XBR10 1080 60
Samsung 1920x 240,
UN46C8000 2,300 76 &N &N &C &C &N &N &N 46 • 1080 60 4
c Samsung
■ 990 74 &N &M &C &C &N &N &N 46
1920x 120, 4
LN46C630 1080 60
1920x “240”,
■
d Vizio SV472XVT 1,400 72 &N &N &M &M &C &C &N 47 1080 60 4
■
d Samsung 1920x 240,
UN46C7000 2,200 72 &N &M &C &C &N &N &N 46 • 1080 60 4
1920x
■
c LG 47LD450 830 72 &M &M &M &M &M &M &N 47 1080 60 2
■
d Sony Bravia 1920x
1,350 69 &N &N &C &M &C &C &N 46 60 4
KDL-46EX600 1080
Sony Bravia 1920x 120, 4
1,530 68 &M &M &C &M &C &M &N 46
KDL-46EX700 1080 60
1920x 120, 4
LG 47SL90 1,300 66 &M &M &C &V &N &M &N 47 1080 60

tvs, lcd 279
ratings
Recommendation
HD picture quality
SD picture quality
Viewing angle
Sound quality
Remote ease of use
Onscreen menu
ease of use
Versatility
Screen size (in.)
3D-capable
Native resolution
Frame rate (Hz)

HDMI inputs (total)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
46- to 47-inch models continued

Philips 1920x
$1,000 64 &M &M &M &C &C &C &M 47 120 4
47PFL6704D 1080
1920x 120, 4
Toshiba 46G300U 900 61 &N &N &C &B &C &C &M 46 1080 60
Samsung 1920x 240, 4
LN46C750 1,400 59 &C &C &C &C &N &N &N 46 • 1080 60
Sharp Aquos 1920x 120, 4
1,980 56 &M &M &V &C &C &M &N 46
LC-46LE820UN 1080 60
Philips 1920x
1,150 54 &C &M &C &C &C &C &M 46 240 4
46PFL5505D 1080
Philips 1920x 120,
950 39 &V &C &C &V &C &C &C 46 3
46PFL3705D 1080 60
52-inch-and-larger models
■
d Sony Bravia 1920x 240, 4
2,450 78 &N &N &C &M &N &M &N 52
KDL-52NX800 1080 60
1,700 76 &N &N &V &M &N &N &N 55
LN55C650 1080 60
2,200 75 &N &N &V &M &N &N &N 55
UN55C6500 1080 60
1920x
■
c Vizio VF550M 1,330 68 &N &M &M &C &C &M &C 55 1080 120 5
2,700 67 &M &M &C &C &C &M &N 60 4
KDL-60EX700 1080 60
Sharp Aquos LED 1920x 120,
1,475 66 &N &M &V &V &M &M &N 52 4
LC-52LE700UN 1080 60
1,900 64 &N &M &V &V &M &M &M 60 4
LC-60E77UN 1080 60
Mitsubishi Unisen 1920x 120,
1,650 62 &M &M &C &C &V &C &N 52 4
LT-52153 1080 60
2,200 61 &M &M &V &C &C &M &N 60 4
LC-60LE810UN 1080 60
1920x 120,
Toshiba 55UX600U 2,200 59 &M &M &C &V &C &M &N 55 1080 60 4



Overall score is based primarily on picture quality; sound quality, ease of use, viewing angle,
and versatility are also figured in. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. HD
picture quality is a trained viewing panel’s evaluation of the TV’s picture clarity and color
accuracy with 1080i sources. All signals were sent through the HDMI input. SD picture
quality indicates how a TV displays “regular,” non-HD TV programming with 480i. Viewing
angle is our evaluation of picture quality from various horizontal and vertical viewing angles.
Sound quality is measured from the set’s built-in speakers using computer-driven test
equipment, with subjective testing by a listening panel. Ease of use assesses the remote
control and onscreen menus. Versatility indicates features that increase a TV’s utility or
capabilities. Price is approximate retail.
LCD TVs LCD TVs continue to build an impressive

Fewer More track record for reliability. Only 3 percent
repairs repairs on average needed repair during their first
JVC 2 few years of use. Of the 15 LCD brands in
Sony our chart, only Mitsubishi and Westing-
2
Sylvania house LCD TVs were more repair-prone
2
than others. That’s what we found when
Panasonic 2 readers told us about 118,700 LCD TVs pur-
Sanyo 3 chased between 2006 and the first half
Sharp 3 of 2009.
Vizio 3 The graph shows the percentage of TVs
Samsung 3 in each brand that were repaired or had a
Toshiba 4 serious problem. Differences of fewer than
LG 3 percentage points are not meaningful.
4
We’ve adjusted data to eliminate differ
Philips 4 ences linked solely to a TV’s age. Models
Magnavox 5 within a brand can vary, and design or man-
Hitachi 5 ufacture changes might affect future reli-
Westinghouse 8 ability. Still, choosing a brand with a good
Mitsubishi 11 repair history can improve your odds of
getting a reliable TV.
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%


TV s , p l a s m a 281
ratings
TVs, plasma
Plasma TVs are well worth consideration, especially in 50-inch-and-larger sizes, where
they offer a strong alternative to LCD sets. In fact, when you factor in their unlimited
viewing angle and the generally superior black level and shadow detail of the better
models, plus their ability to handle fast motion with virtually no visible blurring,
plasma displays offer meaningful advantages over LCDs. The plasma TVs we just
tested did very well, as you can see from the Excellent and Very Good picture quality
scores on the chart. Given the overall high quality, it’s hard to go too far wrong with
any of the TVs in the Ratings.

Recommendation
HD picture quality
SD picture quality
Sound quality
Remote ease of use
Onscreen menu
ease of use
Versatility
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Screen size (in.)
3D-capable
Native resolution
HDMI inputs (total)

Component-video
inputs (total)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E

$1,200 79 &N &M &C &N &M &N 37 46 3 2
TC-P46G25 1080
d Panasonic Viera
■ 670 76 &N &N &C &M &M &C 49 42
1920x 3 2
TC-P42U2 1080
900 73 &M &M &C &M &M &C 32 46 3 2
TC-P46S2 1080
c Panasonic Viera
■ 600 72 &M &N &C &M &C &C 30 42
1024x 2 2
TC-42PX14 768
c Panasonic Viera
■ 530 72 &M &N &V &M &M &C 41 42
1024x 2 2
TC-P42C2 768
1024x
■
c LG 42PJ350 540 70 &M &M &C &M &M &N 37 42 768 3 2
Samsung 1024x
540 62 &M &C &C &C &N &C 41 42 3 2
PN42C450 768
1024x
■
d Sanyo DP42740 430 61 &M &M &C &C &V &C 24 42 768 2 2
Insignia 1024x
430 60 &M &C &C &C &M &V 31 42 2 2
NS-42P650A11 768
50-inch models
1920x 4
■
d LG Infinia 50PK750 1,260 82 &N &N &C &N &M &N 85 50 1080 2
■
d Panasonic Viera 1920x
TC-P50VT20 2,500 80 &N &M &C &N &M &N 39 50 • 1080 4 2
Samsung 1920x
PN50C8000 2,070 78 & &N &C &N &N &N 44 50 • 1080 4
N 1


Recommendation
HD picture quality
SD picture quality
Sound quality
Remote ease of use
Onscreen menu
ease of use
Versatility
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Screen size (in.)
3D-capable
Native resolution
HDMI inputs (total)

Component-video
inputs (total)
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
50-inch models continued

■
TC-P50VT25 $2,600 77 &N &M &C &N &M &N 39 50 • 1080 4 2
1920x
■
c LG 50PK540 900 76 &N &M &M &N &M &M 73 50 1080 3 2
■
c Panasonic Viera 1920x
1,000 76 &N &N &C &M &M &C 57 50 3 2
TC-P50U2 1080
■
c Samsung 1365x
720 67 &M &M &M &C &N &C 70 50 3 2
PN50C450 768
1365x
■
c LG 50PJ350 720 67 &M &M &C &C &M &N 52 50 768 3 2
■
c Insignia 1365x
700 63 &M &M &M &C &M &V 44 50 2 2
NS-50P650A11 768
1024x
Sanyo DP50740 650 60 &C &M &C &M &V &C 28 50 768 3 2
54-inch-and-larger models
1920x
■
d LG Infinia 60PK950 2,800 81 &N &N &C &N &M &N 89 60 1080 4 2
■
d Samsung 1920x
2,400 81 &N &N &C &N &N &N 64 63 4 2
PN63C550 1080
■
c Samsung 1920x
1,600 80 &N &M &C &N &N &N 59 58 4 2
PN58C550 1080
■
d Samsung 1920x
PN58C7000 2,430 80 &N &N &C &N &N &N 76 58 • 1080 4 1
■
TC-P54VT25 3,000 79 &N &M &C &N &M &N 38 54 • 1080 4 2
Pan
■
d Samsung 1920x P
PN63C8000 3,420 79 &N &N &C &N &N &N 66 63 • 1080 4 1
1920x
■
d LG 60PK550 1,800 78 &N &M &C &N &M &N 104 60 1080 3 2 Sa
1,600 76 &N &M &C &N &M &N 55 54 3 2
TC-P54G25 1080
1920x
■
c LG 60PK540 1,600 74 &N &M &C &N &M &M 101 60 1080 3 2


tvs, plasma 283
ratings
Overall score is based primarily on picture quality; sound quality, ease of use, viewing angle,
and versatility are also figured in. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. HD picture
quality indicates trained panelists’ evaluation of clarity and color accuracy of a high-def (1080i)
signal, such as that from a Blu-ray player, digital-cable box, or satellite receiver. All signals
were routed through an HDMI input. SD picture quality indicates how a TV displays “regular,”
non-HD TV programming. This picture quality score is based on a standard-definition TV signal,
known as 480i, sent through the TV’s HDMI inputs, except where indicated. The standard-def
images are evaluated by trained panelists, using known references. Common sources of this
standard-definition signal are digital-cable boxes and satellite boxes. Sound quality is mea-
sured from the set’s built-in speakers using computer-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 the 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
and 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 TV’s utility or capabilities. These might include the presence of more HD-capable inputs, a
headphone jack, a base that swivels, extensive Internet connectivity, slideshow functionality
for digital pictures, or iPod docking. Energy cost/yr. is the estimated cost per year in dollars,
calculated for 8 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.
Price is approximate retail.
Plasma TVs Plasma TVs continue to build an impressive

track record for reliability. That’s what we
Fewer More
repairs repairs found when readers told us about 40,072
Sanyo 2 plasma TVs purchased between 2006 and
the first half of 2009. The graph shows the
Panasonic 2
percentage of TVs in each brand that were
Pioneer 3
repaired or had a serious problem. Differ-
Hitachi 3 ences of fewer than 3 percentage points
Samsung 3 are not meaningful. We’ve adjusted data to
LG 5 eliminate differences linked solely to a TV’s
age. Models within a brand can vary, and
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% design or manufacture changes might affect
future reliability. Still, choosing a brand with
a good repair history can improve your odds
of getting a reliable TV.


VACUUM CLEANERS
Top picks that did well at cleaning include several lightweight, low-priced models.
Below are Select Ratings.
Brand & model Price Overall score Weight Test results Bag
(lb.) costs
Similar models, in small type, are
Recommendation
Carpet
Bare floors
Tool airflow
Noise
Emissions
Handling
Pet hair
Standard
Microfiber
comparable to tested model.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
UPRIGHTS These tend to be better for carpets and are easier to store.
Hoover Platinum Bagged
n
d UH30010COM ⁄ $300 74 13 &N &N ‹ &C &M &M &N NA $5
Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary 230 73
n
d Edition U6485-900 € UH50000 21 &N &N &N &V &N &C &M NA 6
n
d Miele S 7210 Twist 500 73 22 &N &M &M &M &N &C &N NA 5
Hoover Tempo Widepath
n
d U5140-900 ⁄ 80 72 16 &N &N &M &C &N &M &N $2 NA
c
n Kenmore Intuition 31100 250 72 21 &M &M &N &C &N &C &N 2 5
Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary 140 70
n
d Edition Bagged U5491-900 ⁄ 18 &N &N &M &C &N &C &N NA 6
n
d Eureka Boss Smart Vac 4870[ ] 170 69 20 &M &N &C &C &N &V &N 2 NA
Hoover WindTunnel T-Series
n
d Rewind Bagless UH70120 ⁄ 130 68 18 &M &N &N &C &N &C &N - -
UH70110
Dirt Devil Featherlite Bagless
n
d M085845 (Target) ⁄ 50 65 13 &M &N &C &V &N &M &N - -
n
d Bissell CleanView Helix 21K3 ⁄ 100 65 16 &M &N &M &C &N &C &N - -
21K3-2 (Lowe's), 21K3-5 (BJ's)
n
d Bissell Momentum 82G7-1 ⁄ 120 62 18 &M &M &M &C &N &C &M - -


va c u u m c l e a n e r s 285
ratings
Brand & model Price Overall score Weight Test results Bag
(lb.) costs
Recommendation
Carpet
Bare floors
Tool airflow
Noise
Emissions
Handling
Pet hair
Standard
Microfiber
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
CANISTERS These tend to do better with tools than uprights do and are more stable on stairs.
n
d Kenmore Intuition 28014 $500 73 26 &M &N &N &M &N &C &N $2 $5
c
n Kenmore Progressive 27514 28614 300 71 21 &M &N &C &C &N &C &N 2 5
n
d Hoover WindTunnel S3670 300 69 24 &M &N &M &C &N &V &M - -
n
d Miele S 2120 Olympus 300 68 13 &C &N &M &M &N &C &M 5 NA
Hoover Platinum Bagless Canister 365 67
n
d S3865 27 &M &N &C &C &N &V &N - -
c
n Panasonic MC-CG902 210 67 23
&M &M &M &C &N C & C & NA 3
Dash (-) indicates bagless vacuum. NA indicates bag type not available. ⁄ Lacks brush on/off switch. € Self-
propelled. ‹ Comes with a mini-canister that accepts tools; we did not test the canister.

Overall score is mainly cleaning, airflow, handling, noise, and emissions. Carpet is ability to
lift embedded talc and sand from medium-pile carpet. Bare floors is vacuuming sand without
dispersing. Tool airflow is through hose with increasing amounts of dust-simulating wood
flour. Noise reflects decibel-meter results; models scored Poor mandate hearing protection.
Emissions measures release of small particles with motor on. Handling is ease of push-
ing, pulling, and carrying. Pet hair is pickup of long hair on medium-pile carpet. Weight is
vacuum and onboard tools. Price is approximate retail.

Canister vacuums Kirby was the least repair-prone among up-

right vacuums. Dyson and Rainbow were
Fewer More
repairs repairs the least repair-prone among canisters. Eu-
reka and Electrolux were among the more
Rainbow 5
repair-prone canister brands. That’s what
Dyson 5 we found when we surveyed almost 115,000
Kenmore 9 readers who bought uprights and close to
Hoover 12 24,000 who bought canisters between
Miele 12 2005 and 2009. The table shows the
Eureka 14 percentage of models for each brand that
Electrolux 15 were repaired or had a serious problem.
Differences of fewer than 3 points aren’t
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% meaningful. Data are adjusted to eliminate
Upright vacuums differences linked solely to a vac’s age and
use. Models within a brand might vary,
Fewer More and design or manufacture changes might
repairs repairs
affect future reliability. Choosing a brand
Kirby 3 with a good repair history can improve your
Dyson 6 odds of getting a reliable model.
Kenmore 7
Eureka 7 Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,
Bissell 8 Consumer Reports National Research Center.
Dirt Devil 8
Oreck 9
Riccar 11
Electrolux 11
Panasonic 11
Simplicity 12
Hoover 13
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

wall ovens 287
ratings
WALL OVENS
Wall ovens are another appliance for which the price can have little to do with perfor-
mance. While the top-scoring model is pricey, several models cooked nearly as well for
hundreds of dollars less. Note that most wall ovens are available with stainless-steel
trim for $100 to $300 extra.

Recommendation
Oven capacity
Baking
Broiling
Width (in.)
Covered element
Convection mode
Temperature probe
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
n Kenmore Elite 4804[3]

c $2,100 79 &M &N &N 30 • • •
Viking Professional VES0130[SS] 2,400 71 & M & C & N 30 • •
GE Profile PT916BM[BB] 1,900 70 & M & M & C 30 • • •
Thermador ME301E[S] 2,600 70 & M & M & M 30 • • •
GE Profile PT925DN[BB] 2,300 69 & N & M & M 30 • •
LG LWS3081[ST] 2,000 68 & M & C & N 30 • • •
Electrolux Icon E30EW75E[SS] 2,200 30 • •
Icon E30EW75G[SS]
68 & V & N & M
n Bosch HBL54[50]UC
d 1,900 68 & M & M & M 30 • • •
n Kenmore Pro 4100[3]
d 2,000 66 & M & M & M 30 • • •
GE JTP70SM[SS] 1,550 66 & M & C & M 30 • •
n Frigidaire Gallery GLEB30S9F[S]
d 1,400 62 & C & M & M 30 • •
GE Monogram ZET1SL1[SS] 2,800 30 • • •
Monogram ZET1PM[SS]
62 & C & N & C
GE JTP30DP[BB] 1,150 60 & M & M & V 30 •
Frigidaire FGEW3065K[F] 1,330 59 & C & C & M 30 • •
KitchenAid Superba KEBS107S[SS] 2,200 55 & C & C & C 30 • • •
Whirlpool GBS309PV[Q] 1,290 52 & C & V & V 30 • •
Whirlpool RBS305PV[Q] 810 49 & C & C & V 30
Fisher & Paykel OS302[SS] 2,000 47 & M & V & M 30 • • •



Overall score reflects oven capacity and baking, broiling, and self-cleaning ability. (Self-cleaning
ability is not shown.) The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Oven capacity is our
measurement of usable space. Baking reflects whether cakes and cookies baked on two racks
were evenly browned. Broiling is based on even browning of a pan of burgers and high-heat
searing ability.
Electric wall ovens Thermador was the most repair-prone brand,

and Dacor and Jenn-Air were among the
Fewer More
repairs repairs less reliable brands of electric wall ovens.
That’s what we found when we asked almost
GE 6
22,000 readers who bought an electric wall
Kenmore 6 oven between 2004 and 2009 about their
Frigidaire 6 experiences. The graph shows the percent-
Maytag 7 age of models for each brand that were re-
Whirlpool 9 paired or had a serious problem. Differences
KitchenAid 12 of fewer than 5 points aren’t meaningful,
Jenn-Air and we’ve adjusted the data to eliminate
16
Dacor differences linked solely to the age of the
20
wall oven. Overall, single-unit wall ovens have
Thermador 26 been more reliable than double-unit wall
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% ovens, and we’ve found no difference in
repair rates for gas and electric wall ovens.
Models within a 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 a reliable model.


washers 289
ratings
WASHERS
There are fine choices, whether you prefer a top- or front-loading washer. Some high-
efficiency top-loaders and front-loaders can hold about 20 pounds of laundry.

Recommendation
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Capacity
Gentleness
Noise
Vibration
Cycle time (min.)
Energy Star
Stainless-steel tub
Auto temp. control
Auto bleach
dispenser
Washing performance
type, are comparable to
tested model. Bracketed
letters or numbers are
color codes.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
front loading
n Kenmore 4027[2]
c $ 800 85 &N &N &N &N &N &C &M 80 • • • •
Samsung WF520AB[P] 1,400 84 &M &N &N &N &C &M &N 85 • • • •
Kenmore Elite 4051[2] 1,020 84 110 • • • •
Elite Steam 4102[ ] &N &N &N &N &M &M &M
Samsung WF448AA[W] 1,400 84 &M &N &N &N &M &M &M 90 • • • •
n LG
c WM2050C[W]
WM2101H[W] 700 83 &M &N &N &N &N &C &M 80 • • • •
Kenmore Elite Steam 1,400 83
4219[2] &N &N &N &N &M &M &M 115 • • • •
LG WM3875H[W]A 1,200 83 &M &N &N &N &N &N &M 100 • • • •
n
d Kenmore 4044[1] 4031[ ] 960 82 &M &N &N &N &N &C &M 80 • • • •
Whirlpool Duet Steam 1,000 82
WFW9750W[W] &M &N &N &N &M &M &M 65 • • • •
Maytag Performance 1,200 82
Series MHWE950W[W] &M &N &N &N &M &M &M 65 • • • •
LG WM3885H[W]A 1,500 81 &M &N &N &N &M &N &C 90 • • • •
Electrolux IQ Steam
EIFLS55I[IW] 1,200 81 &C &N &N &N &M &M &M 65 • • • •
IQ EIFLW55H[ ], IQ EIFLW55IRR
n GE WCVH6800J[WW]
c 750 81 &M &N &N &N &M &M &C 70 • • • •
Frigidaire Affinity
FAFS4474L[W] 1,000 81 &C &N &N &N &N &M &C 50 • • • •
Bosch Vision
WFVC440[0]UC 850 81 &M &N &N &N &M &M &V 70 • • • •
Frigidaire Affinity
FAFS4473L[W] 900 80 &C &N &N &N &N &M &C 55 • • • •
LG SteamWasher
WM2801H[W]A 1,200 80 &M &N &N &N &M &C &M 100 • • • •
Maytag 5000 Series
MHWE550W[W] 1,050 80 &M &N &N &N &M &C &M 65 • • • •
5000 Series MHWE450W[ ]
GE Profile Steamwasher 1,300 80
WPDH8900J[WW] &M &N &N &N &C &M &M 75 • • • •


Recommendation
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Capacity
Gentleness
Noise
Vibration
Cycle time (min.)
Energy Star
Stainless-steel tub
Auto temp. control
Auto bleach
dispenser
Washing performance
color codes.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
front loading continued

GE Profile
WPDH8800J[WW] $1,200 80 &M &N &N &N &C &M &M 80 • • • •
n Kenmore 4903[2]
c 600 80 &M &N &N &N &M &M &C 90 • • • •
LG Allergiene Steam-
Washer WM3001H[W]A 1,450 80 &M &N &N &N &C &M &C 105 • • • •
Samsung WF419AA[W] 1,200 80 &C &N &N &N &C &C &N 80 • • • •
n Whirlpool
c
WFW9050X[W] 600 79 &M &M &N &N &N &C &M 60 • • • •
Electrolux Wave-Touch
EWFLS70J[IW] 1,500 79 &C &N &N &N &C &N &C 55 • • • •
Whirlpool Duet Steam
WFW9700V[W] 1,250 79 &N &M &N &N &C &M &C 95 • • • •
n Samsung WF330AN[W]
d WF350AN[ ] 800 79 &M &N &N &N &C &M &M 85 • • • •
Frigidaire Affinity
FAFS4272L[W] 800 79 &C &N &N &N &N &M &C 50 • • • •
Maytag 9000 Series
Steam MHWE900V[W] 1,300 78 &C &N &N &N &M &C &M 95 • • • •
LG WM0642H[W] 900 78 &M &N &N &N &N &M &B 95 • • • •
n LG WM2301H[W]
d 850 78 &M &N &N &N &M &C &M 100 • • • •
Whirlpool Duet
WFW9150W[W] 700 78 &C &N &N &N &N &C &M 55 • • • •
Whirlpool Duet Steam
WFW9550W[W] 850 77 &M &M &N &N &M &M &C 100 • • • •
Miele Touchtronic
W4840 W4800 1,900 77 &N &N &N &N &C &N &V 100 • • • •
Maytag 2000 Series
MHWE200X[W] 650 77 &M &N &N &N &M &C &M 60 • • • •
Frigidaire Affinity
FAFW3511K[W] 700 77 &C &N &N &N &M &C &M 50 • • • •
Affinity FAFW3517K[ ]
Whirlpool Duet
WFW9250W[W] 850 77 &C &N &N &N &N &C &M 55 • • • •
n Frigidaire
c Gallery
GLTF2940F[S]FTFB2940F[ ] 650 77 &M &N &M &M &M &M &C 65 • • • •
(Best Buy), LTF2940F[ ] (Lowe’s)
Asko WL6532XXL[W] 1,300 77 &C N& M& N& M& C& V& 70 • • • •
LG WM2701HV 1,100 77 & N
M & N& N& C& M& M& 85 • • • •
Bosch Vision 500
Series WFVC5440UC 1,000 77 &C &N &N &N &M &C &C 70 • • • •
Vision 500 Series WFVC5400UC

washers 291
ratings
Recommendation
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Capacity
Gentleness
Noise
Vibration
Cycle time (min.)
Energy Star
Stainless-steel tub
Auto temp. control
Auto bleach
dispenser
Washing performance
color codes.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
front loading continued

n GE WBVH5300K[WW]
d $ 700 76 &M N & N& N& M& M& C& 70 • • • •
n LG WM2016C[W]
d 700 76 &M M & N& N& N& M& C& 90 • • • •
Bosch Vision 800
Series WFVC8440UC 1,300 75 &C &N &N &N &N &C &V 60 • • • •
Kenmore 4002[1] 700 75 &C &N &N &N &N &M &V 65 • • • •
Frigidaire Affinity
FAFW3577K[W] 750 75 &C &N &N &M &M &C &C 55 • • • •
Affinity FAFW3574K[ ]
n Samsung WF218AN[W]
d 800 75 &M &M &N &N &M &C &C 90 • • • •
Bosch Vision 300
Series WFVC3300UC 850 75 &C &N &N &N &N &C &V 65 • • • •
Samsung WF220AN[W]
WF210AN[W] 750 74 &C N & N& N& M& C& V& 95 • • • •
Amana NFW7200T[W] 600 74 & M
M & N& N& M& M& V& 85 • • • •
n Maytag
d Epic Z
MHWZ600T[W] 700 73 &M &M &M &N &C &C &M 95 • • • •
Speed Queen AFB50R 1,600 69 & &N &N &M &C &C &V 60 • • •
C •
LG WM2010C[W] 600 69 &C &N &N &N &M &V &V 90 • • • •
top loading
Whirlpool Cabrio
WTW7300X[W] 800 78 &C &N &N &N &M &M &N 50 • • • •
Cabrio WTW7340X[ ] (Lowe’s)
Whirlpool Cabrio
WTW7600X[W] 825 77 &C &N &N &N &M &C &N 55 • • • •
n Maytag
d Bravos
MVWB750W[Q]
Bravos MVWB450W[ ],
900 75 &M &M &N &N &C &C &N 50 • • • •
Bravos MVWB850W[ ]
LG WT5101H[V] 1,050 75 &M &M &N &N &B &M &N 60 • • • •
Maytag Bravos
MVWB300W[Q] 750 75 &M &M &N &N &V &C &N 50 • • • •
n Whirlpool
d Cabrio HE
WTW6800W[W] 1,000 74 &M &M &N &N &C &C &N 50 • • • •
Whirlpool Cabrio
WTW5500X[W] 550 74 &M &N &N &N &V &C &N 45 • • •
Cabrio WTW5600X[W],
Cabrio WTW5700X[W]
n Maytag Bravos
d
MVWB800V[Q] 1,000 73 &M &M &N &N &C &C &N 55 • • • •


Recommendation
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Capacity
Gentleness
Noise
Vibration
Cycle time (min.)
Energy Star
Stainless-steel tub
Auto temp. control
Auto bleach
dispenser
Washing performance
color codes.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
top loading continued

LG Waveforce
WT5001C[W] $ 900 72 &M &M &M &N &V &M &N 60 • • •
GE WJRE5550K[WW]
(Lowe’s) 500 72 &M &M &N &N &V &C &N 50 • • •
Whirlpool Cabrio
WTW6500W[W] 800 69 &M &C &N &N &V &C &N 60 • • • •
Whirlpool
n WTW6200V[W]
d Cabrio 630 69 &C &M &C &N &C &C &N 55 • • •
GE Profile
WPGT9150H[WW] 900 69 &C &M &C &N &C &C &N 55 • • •
GE Profile
WPRE8150K[WT] 650 68 &M &C &N &M &C &C &N 50 • • •
GE Profile Harmony
WPGT9360E[WW] 1,100 67 &M &C &C &M &V &M &N 55 • • • •
Fisher & Paykel
Aquasmart WL42T26DW1 800 67 &C &M &N &M &B &M &N 50 • • • •
Aquasmart WL42T26KW1
GE Profile
WPRE6150K[WT] 600 67 &M &C &N &M &V &C &N 60 • • •
Fisher & Paykel
EcoSmart WA42T26GW1
600 64 &C &N &M &C &M &C &N 50 • • •
Haier Encore
GWT750A[W] 500 64 &M &C &C &N &V &C &N 55 • •
n GE WDRR2500K[WW]
c 450 63 &C &C &C &N &C &C &N 45 •
Maytag Centennial
MVWC6ESW[W] 500 63 &N &V &C &N &B &C &N 60 • • •
Haier Encore
RWT350A[W] 430 61 &C &C &C &M &V &C &N 60 • •
GE WBSR3140G[WW]
WBSR3000G[ ], WLSR3000G[ ] 400 61 &C &C &C &M &V &M &N 45 •
(Lowe’s)
Staber HXW2304 1,300 61 &C M & N& V& M& C& C& 55 •
GE WHRE5550K[WW] 500 60 & V
M & N& M& V& C& N& 55 • • •
Maytag Centennial
MVWC300V[W] 430 60 &C &V &M &N &M &C &N 45 •
Fisher & Paykel
EcoSmart WA37T26G 600 60 &C &M &M &C &C &C &N 55 • • •
EcoSmart WA37TG1
Maytag Centennial
MVWC500V[W] 500 59 &C &V &M &N &M &C &N 45 • •
GE WHDRR418G[WW]
(Home Depot) 450 59 &C &C &V &M &C &C &N 40 •

washers 293
ratings
Recommendation
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Capacity
Gentleness
Noise
Vibration
Cycle time (min.)
Energy Star
Stainless-steel tub
Auto temp. control
Auto bleach
dispenser
Washing performance
color codes.
0 100
P | F | G | VG | E
top loading continued

Kenmore 400 Series
2942[2] $330 59 &C &V &C &M &V &C &N 45 •
Admiral ATW4475V[Q] 340 59 &C &C &V &M &V &C &N 40 •
Estate ETW4400W[Q] 330 58 &M &C &C &M &B &C &N 50
d NTW4600W[NTW4800V[Q]
n Amana
] 450 57 & &C &C &M &C &C &N 45
C
Hotpoint 400 57 &M &C &V &C &V &C &N 45
VBSR3100G[WW]
Roper RTW4440V[Q] 330 56 &C &C &C &M &B &V &N 45
Kenmore 800 Series
2982[2] 600 56 &M &B &C &N &B &C &N 60 • •
Whirlpool
WTW57ESV[W] WTW58ESV[ ]
500 55 &C &V &C &N &V &C &N 45 • •
Kenmore 500 Series
2952[2] 430 54 &V &C &C &N &V &C &N 40 •
Speed Queen AWN542 800 53 &C C & C & V & C & C & N & 35 • •
GE WHDSR109J[WW] 350 51 & V
M & V & C & V & C & N & 50 •
Frigidaire FTW3014K[W] 550 48 & C
C & V & V & C & V & N & 50
Whirlpool
WTW5300V[W] 450 31 &V &C &M &N &M &C &N 45 •
WTW5200V[ ]


Overall score is based mainly on performance, capacity, and efficiency. Washing performance
is measured for multiple load sizes. Energy efficiency includes total power use and amount
of water extracted by the washer in final spin. Water efficiency is based on total water used for
multiple loads. For top-loaders, capacity is based on how well the washer agitates increasingly
large loads. For front-loaders, the score is based on our judgment of the maximum-sized load
that the washer holds. Models that earned lower scores for Gentleness are more likely to treat
your clothes roughly, causing wear and tear. Noise reflects panelists’ judgments. Vibration
reflects usage on a suspended wooden floor. Cycle time is rounded to nearest 5 minutes. Price
is approximate retail.

Front-load washers Among top-loaders, Estate and Roper (two

no-frills brands) were among the more reli
Fewer More
repairs repairs able, and Fisher & Paykel was among the
LG more repair-prone brands. No brands stood
9
out among front-loaders. That’s what we
Whirlpool 11 found when we asked more than 115,000
Frigidaire 11 readers who bought a washer between
Kenmore 12 2005 and 2009 about their experiences. The
Bosch 12 graph shows the percentage of brands that
GE 13 needed a repair or had a serious problem.
Maytag 13 Differences of fewer than 4 points aren’t
meaningful, and we’ve adjusted the data to
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% eliminate differences linked solely to age
Top-load washers and use of the appliance. Models within a
brand might vary, and design or manufac-
Fewer More ture changes might affect future reliability.
repairs repairs
Still, choosing a brand with a good repair
Estate 6 history can improve your odds of getting a
Roper 6 reliable model.
Kenmore 10
Whirlpool 10
Amana 10 Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,
GE 11 Consumer Reports National Research Center.
Frigidaire 11
Maytag 12
Fisher & Paykel 14
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Copyright of Consumer Reports is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be copied or
emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission.
However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written
permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

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lawn tractors 243

Rear Engine Rider

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor

Guide to the Ratings

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 243 9/28/10 3:09:47 PM

Most & Least Reliable

Lawn tractors John Deere was among the more reliable

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 244 9/28/10 3:09:47 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

Large countertop models

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 245 9/28/10 3:09:48 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

Large countertop models continued

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor

Guide to the Ratings

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243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 247 9/28/10 3:09:48 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

Most & Least Reliable

Microwave ovens KitchenAid was among the more repair prone

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 248 9/28/10 3:09:48 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

19- to 20-inch Models

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 249 9/28/10 3:09:48 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

22- to 26-inch Models continued

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor

Guide to the Ratings

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 250 9/28/10 3:09:49 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor

Guide to the Ratings

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 251 9/28/10 3:09:49 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Feature

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor

Guide to the Ratings

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 252 9/28/10 3:09:49 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

Black and white laser models

Color laser models

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 253 9/28/10 3:09:49 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

Inkjet models continued

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 254 9/28/10 3:09:49 PM

Inkjet models continued

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 255 9/28/10 3:09:50 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

Inkjet models continued

See report, page 49.

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 256 9/28/10 3:09:50 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

Black and white laser models

Color laser models

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 257 9/28/10 3:09:50 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

Inkjet models continued

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor

Guide to the Ratings

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Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

243-294 Ratings BG11.indd 259 9/28/10 3:09:51 PM

Brand & model Price Overall score Test results Features

lawn tractors 243