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Reliability
CONTENTS
Product Ratings 19O 4-year CONSUMER Buying Guide
REPORTS index 295 index 299
QUICK GUIDE
T
he product rating and brand reliability information that
follows is designed to help you zero in on the model you
want to buy. Start by reading the general buying advice
for the product you're interested in. The page numbers
for these reports are noted on each Ratings page. Then
turn to the Ratings chart to get the big picture on performance.
For some products you'll find full Every year we survey readers on repairs
Ratings charts that inciude every cur- and other problems they encounter with
rently available modei we tested. For household products. From their respons-
other products, you'll find Select Rat- es, we derive the percentage ofa brand's
ings charts that include the models Rec- products that have been repaired or had
ommended for mosi people pius models a serious problem. The reliability graphs
that we designated as Best Buys. Tbe that accompany the Ratings give brand
Select Katings Overview explains why repair rates for 16 product categories.
these models are your best choices. The Our findings have been consistent over
Overview is included with full Ratings the 30-plus years we've surveyed brand
charts as well as Select Ratings charts. reliability, though Ihey are not infallible
Products with equal scores are listed predictors.
alphabetically. A brands repair history includes data
CüNSUMiiR RhPORTS checked lo make on many models, some of which may have
sure most of the producís rated in this been more or less reliable than others. And
Buying Guide were still availabie when the surveys ofa brand's past models can't an-
book was published. However, depend- ticipate design or manufacturing changes
ing on how long after publication you use in its new model-s. Still, you can improve
this book, you may find a Ruling for a your chances of getting a trouble-free prod-
product that is no longer available. Or, uct by getting a brand that has been reli-
you may not find a Rating for a model able in the past.
that is avaiiabie because it hadn't been Product categories inciude appliances,
tested as of publication. such as washers and ranges; electron-
Besides checking tor similar models, yi)U ics, such as computers, digital cameras,
tan also refer to the brand repair history televisions, and DVD players; and power
charts for some products. Most products equipment, such as lawn mowers and trac-
today are pretty reliable, but some brands tors. Note that repair histories for different
have been more reliable than others. products are not directly comparable.
AIR CONDITIONERS 191
AIR CONDITIONERS
!-ine cooling performance is a given. Top-scoring room air conditioners are also
energy efficienl and reialively quiet. An air conditioner's air direction matters more
il your window is not centered in your room. Check the Airflow left and Airflow right
in the Ratings for this information. Below are Select Ratings.
•c— -eis ±i
CELL PHONES
Choose a conventional model ifyou need only voice and text messages, or want to
limit cost and size (most models are compact andaré priced between $20 and SI 50 or
come frcL' with a two-year contract). Most phones work only with a specific carrier, so
you must decide whether to slay with your current provider or select a new one when
shopping for a phone. Below are Select Ratings.
g £
o IDO
it
P I F t G I Vbl E
ÄTST CEU PHONES
LG Xenon O m l') HSDPA V.D.S
Samsung 3.t HSDPA V.D.S
Impression
Samsung Eternity 0© 3.1 HSDPfi V.D.S
B llatoroia Tundra O O 1.9 HSDPA V.D.S
::3 2 Ê
it
0 100
P I F'lGIVClE
VERIZON CELL PHONES continued
LCenV3 0 © 0 3.1 EV-DO V,D,S
IGVX8360 50 0 0 o 1.2 EV-DO V,D,S
Verizon wireless
Fzone Boulder o o o 1.2 EV-DO V,£LS
Jitterbug J o o o none
See report, page 77.
COMPUTERS, Desktops
Our Recommended models are based on test results and features. We also consider
brand reliability, tech support, and overall value.
Ê i Sas i a, ^
€ §" S ^ ^
0 100
p I F I G IVtl t
FULL-SIZE
HP Pavilion Elite NA NA Core i7 920
m96S0f
HP Pavilion Elfie PfienümllX4 51Z
e9120f Pavilion Eliiee9l2llï
Gateway LX6810-01
core2Quad
Gateway DX43OO-O3
PhenomX4 1024
Dell Inspiron core 2 Quad
IS4S006B 08200
Asus Essentio
Core20ua[i 512
Compaq Presario MA NA Athlon X275SO NA
C05U0F
111 u> PheilomX4 ...
HP Pavilion a6700v i NA NA g^5j)^ NA
? It"ilHl IIItldBi.
s»
0 m
P i F I GIVGI E
COMPACT continued
HP Pavilion Slimline O © O O NA NA Athlon X2 7750 NA
ALL-IN-ONE
© NA
•^ MB418LL/A ' ''^'^^ o o ® 2Ouo
_ Core 2 Dúo
0 HP TouchSmari 10804 1,600 o a © © © ^ T5850
256 •
COMPUTERS, Laptops
I,aptop reliability has been mostly undistinguished. Apple has been best for laptop
tccii support. DfU and Lcnovo were among the better lech-support providers for
Windows-based laptops. Dell was an above-average problem-solver for laptops. Below
are Select Ratings.
Branii & model Price Overall score Test results
'is, in small
I I g "^ ^ I- f
100
I VGt E
© e © O O 3 w P8600
Core 2 Duo
O O O 6.5 7 NA
Core 2 Duo
© O © O © is a Tt600 NA
[7] AC« Aspire Pentium
ô © © o © 8 5.3 SU270O
NA
TiniöineAS58IO-4657
Q 06« Inspiron
Pentium
•• I545-012B O O O © Ô 3J 5.9 Dual-Cnre NA
T4200
Ratings Key ©Ejcellenl ©Varygood Üüood ttf^'air • P o o f
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination ot pertormaiwe and price. Ail aro rocommanded.
[ ^ Recommended These are ineh-pertorming models that stand out.
200 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
Apple
CompâQ
cMachínes
Gatevfav
HcwlMI-Pückaíí
Q% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
Apple has been a m o n g the more reliable No one brand stood o u t as ttie most reli-
brands of desktop computers. That's what able among laptop brands. That's what
we f o u n d out w h e n we ask^d more than we found out when we asked more than
4 7 , 0 0 0 readers who bought a desktop com- 6 3 , 0 0 0 readers who bought a laptop
puter between 2 0 0 4 and 2 0 0 8 a b o u t their between 2 0 0 4 and 2 0 0 8 a b o u t their expe-
experiences. This graph shows the percent- riences. This graph shows t h e percentage
age of brands that have ever been repaired of brands that have ever been repaired or
or had a serious problem, Differences of had a serious problem. Differences o l less
less than 4 points aren't meaningful. Models than 3 points aren't m e a n i n g f u l . Models
w i t h i n a brand may varv, and changes in w i t h i n a tirand may vary, and changes in
design or manufacture might affect relia- design or manufacture might affect reli-
biiity. Still, choosing a brand w i t h a good ability. Still, choosing a brand w i t h a g o o d
repair history can improve your odds of repair history can improve your odds of
g e t t i n g a reliable model. g e t t i n g a reliable model.
Source: Annual Product HeliabiHtv Survey, Consumer Source: Annual Product Reliabililv Survev, Consumer
Reports National Researcti Center. Reports National Research Center
COMPUTERS, NETBOOKS 203
COMPUTERS, Netbooks
kecommended netbooks are suitable as secondary systems for performing routine
iasks. The hesl otFer lighter weight, larger keyboards and trackpads, and longer battery
lift'. All inoliidf il memorv-Ccirii render .ind webcam.
1 i -s r g ^
D ion
P I F I G IVGl F
^ s ^ "^ 'S.
lllî-i
IDO
F I &1VCI E
Averatec Buddy
(350 O Ô O O © • 2 ^ 2-5 AtOtnN27O 160
N1030EA1E-1
ienovo ideaPad
350 O © O O © • ^5 ¿7 AtomN270 160
510-12ÜUW
HPMinÍlU6NF< O O © © O © 3 2.3 AlomN270 16
HPMÍnílO3ONR 350 -O O © © O Ô 2.75 2A AtomNZ70 16
COOKTOPS
All electric cooktops performed well overaii. Tliere are many competent gas cooktops
to choose from, too. Like gas cotiktops. electric smoothtop models can'l malch ihc
quick heating and instant response of inducUon models. But as the price column
shows, induction cooktops typically arc more expensive. Below are Select Ratings.
O) .0 0
•5. o
-J
al 1
"ai
5
i OJ G "ai
a
P I F I G IVGl E
30-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP MODELS
Electrolux Icon
EÎ0EC65EÎSSI 1 i' ¿
Kenmore (Sears) 4273IZI 500 0 2
0 « PiOfile PP945BMIBBÍ 1.050 2 0 2
INDUaiON COOKTOPS
Kenmore (SearsI Line
1.745 3 [ Q
GEP!Of¡lePHP900DU|BB| 1.700 n
KeumoreíSeari) Elite
1.575
4Í80I0I
î ^ * § s ä è
S- 5 9- ä o,
0 100 i
p I F I G I VGl t
36-INCH GAS COOKTOPS
GE Profile
JGP'J/'.WEKIWWI
GE Protile
30-inch electric cooktops: Eittt 4 2 e 0 [ 0 ] costs the least but has less
All are top performers. Paying more for the convenient controls.
EJectrolux Icon E30EC65E[SS], $1,200, buys
you five elements instead of four; the GE 36-lnch qss coolttops:
Proflie PP945BM[BB]. $1,050. adds smooth Between the Kenmore Eitte 324919], $1,150,
touch controls. The Kenmore 427312], S500, and the GE Profiie JGP975WEK[WW],
offers the most performance for the price. Sl,100, choose the Kenmore for its taster
heating. The GE JGP637WEJIWW] trades
30-inch Induction coohtops: some convenience features and some
All three offer ultrafast healing at a relatively simmering performance for a much lower
low price for induction. At Si.575. the Kenmore price; at S800, it's the best value.
0% s% 10% 20%
C O R D L E S S D R I L L S & D R I V E R S 207
0 lOQ
P I F I GIV6I E
0 18 NiCd 6.1
Hitachi DS18DMR 200 18 NiMK fi.H
MakHa LXT BDF451 280 18 li-lon 4.9
• Bosch J.)618-?G
Uahitaó347DWDE
200
200
18
18
NiCd
MiMH
Vi
5.4
• DeWalt DCD WOKX 200 14.4 "NlCil 0.7
• Craftsman 11543^,^;^, 130 19.2 NiCd 5.5
P I
DECK STAINS
Our three-year tests in sun. snow, and rain yielded several top picks that can protecl
both your deck and yflur house. Match stain to your local conditions. Pick a mildew
resistant product ifyour home is in the shade and a dirt-resistant one il it's iñ an urban
,irea. Below are Select Uatings.
Type Price Overall score Appearance Resists
0 100
P I f I G IVCI E
Ihp Behr Deck, Fence & Siding 200 iine, roughly one-lhird the volatile organic com-
opaque, S23 per gallon and sold a( Home Depot, pounds, which have been linked to pollution.
iiisted longest in our decking and siding tests. Thompson's WaterSeal Deck & House
The Sears Weatherbeater Deck, Fence semitransparent, S20 per gallon, protected
and SIdInq opaque did nearly as weii as best among semitransparent finishes on
!he Behr. costs just $16 per gallon, and has both decking and siding.
210 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
~ ai Oí .>< a tf I
Oo QD ü ; ^
lOQ -
I F I G IVGI F
COMPAa MODEIS
CMon PowerStioi GIO SWO O 14 200 400 iX
Canon PowerShot
AlOOO IS o © 10 7 100 450 AX
Panasonic Lumix
DMOTil
o © \2 6 200 340 4.6X,
3 § '^ (v
•^
OÍ
"^
,s
5.
S S a £ 5 :
m~ s
P I F t G I V&I I
SUBCOMPACT MODELS
Sony Cyber-stioi
0SC-W300
Canon PowerShol
SD880 IS ELPH
[ 7 1 Canon PowerShol
S012U0ISELPH
Canon PowerShol
SOWO IS ELPH
171 Fujifilm FlnePix
f200EXR
Canon PowerShol
SD970ISELPH
[71 Casio Exiiim Card
EX-S12
son¥Cvber-sholO5C-63 500
Nikon COülptxS710 300
, 71 Canon PowerShol
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-FXISO
Sony Cytiershot
05C-T900
Casio Exilim Card
EX-SIO
Nikon CoolpixS630
Sony Cvber-shoi
DSC-T90
Samsung SLiO?
Casio Exilim 2oom
EX-Z85
Pentax Optio P70
Casio High Speed
Exilim EX-FSIO
Kodak EasyShare
M 380 "
Sony Cyber-shot
LeitaClUX3
Samsung TUOO
Sony Cyber stiot
DSC-W220
212 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
s '-' E- —
00 iC t - a,
= â *
P I F i G I V«l
SUBCOMPAH MODELS continued
Canon PowerShot
AlIOO IS © © © o © I? 7 ;00 140 4X
Panasonic Luiniii
DMC-FS25
© © 9
© © 12 5 400 330 5X
PMtu0pUoW60 o © ©O O 10 5 50 205 5X
Nikon CoolplxS220
© © ©O 400 180 3X
Panasonic Liimix
OMC-FX35 o o © 9 400 Z90 4X
o © ©O © 10 5 200 160 W
CasioExilim Card EX-SS © © © 9 © 10 A 200 210 3X
Samsung SLS20 o o © 12 6 200 140 5X
Casio Exilim Zoom © 9
o © O 8 S ZOO 280 4X
EX-Z150 © 9
Nikon CoolpixS230 o © © 10 'j 400 160 3)(
Olympus Stylus lOSOSW © ©
© 9 9 10 6 ZOO zoo 3X
Nikon Cüülpix S60 o © © 9 © 10 6 100 140 5X
Olympus Stylus
o © © 9 O 10 6 100 230
TOUgh-6000
OiympiH Stylus 53OWP a © © 9 O 10 5 200 140 3X
Nikon CoolpixSZlO o © © 9 © 8 4 100 220
Fujifilm rineP« Z33WP
o © © 9 © 10 4 64 200 ÎX
Sony Cyber-shot
DSC-S9S0 o © ©O © 10 5 100 330 «
Casio Exjlim Zoom ©O
o © © 10 S 400 200 3X
© 9
FuJifiimFJnePixZ30 o © e © © 10 5 64 ZOO 3X
Fujifilm FinePixJ20 o © © Q © 10 4 200 165 3X
Olympus FE-3000 o © © 9 O 10 A 100 170 3X
D I G I T A L C A M E R A S , P O I N T & S H O O T 2t3
Kodak E.isvStiare
© © © a a 10 13 800 300 12X
Canon PowerShot
© © © © © li 24 100 4Z0 30X
SKllS
Casio rxNim EX-FH20 © o © © 9 21 200 430 20X •
Panasonic Lumix tsx •
© a © © a 10 15 800 460
Sonv Cyber-shot
DSC-H20
© © © © © 10 10 400 290 lOX
Fujifilm FInePJx
SlOOfS
© m© 0 © il 35 400 250 14.3X •
.c Ci. —
PIF I G
BA5IC
0%
SLR
Morí'
FuiifiliTi
Olympus
Canon
Nikon
10% 15%
218 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
3 fT3 ro
Si •— s ;
f >
P I F I G iVGl t
[^^ Digital Specmim
Memory Frame
10.0X 800x SaMMC.MS.
© Ö © 8,0X1.4 6Û0 XD.U5B
512
HF80Í
7.8« ÖOOx SD, MMC, MS.
Ë ipevo Kaieido R7 e Ô e 6.8x3.0 480 USB
[7! Pandi^tal 93X 800x 50. MMC. MS.
PAN70000W e ô e .8.1x1.4 600 XO.USB
1024
9ix BOOx 5D,MMCMS.
0 GiiNit Slope CiN-81? 90 o o © 6.0x0.8 600 CF.xD.-U5B
128
DISHWASHERS
You'll save money on your new dishwasher by passing on the hidden controls and
stainless-steel tub. Targeted spray jets, adjustable racks, and other features designed
to improve loading and washing peribrmance will also add to the price of many
dishwashers, but some high-scoring models in this report are equipped with those
conveniences and cost less.
OÍ C:
I .H g ¡w ^ ~
S S
0 :oo s 3
P 1 F I G IVGU
Bosch SHX98M0{9|
UCSHFüaMOtltK
Some
Bosch Evolution 500
Asko Encore
DÍ531XLHDÍSS]
Kenmore (Sear^) Elite
lllIi,iW,ishHE1315[2|
Kenmore
IG 5team
LDF7932[ST1
KitcbenAlil
KUDE7OCV[SS1
KUDf'OfV
Thermador
HO Series
Kenmore (Sears)
Pro 131713]
Kenmore (Sears)
KitchenAid
KUDS40CVIWH1
Kenmore (Sears)
131812]
GE Profile
PDWT5I0PIWW1
KitchenAid
KUDE60FVIWH1
Bosch SKE33M0ß|
DISHWASHERS 221
^ cy —ï is ^. -O
41 ~1 ^ E
o ^^
S .E g Si ™
Q 100
p IF I oivr.11
Whirlpool c>ol(j
Giiiaooxivioi ; voo
Whirlpool Gold
(,LIÎ(J0UXTV101 aoo
Kenmore (Sears)
I389Í21 500
Whirlpool Gold
550
KitctienAid
675
I
KU0S3ÜIVÍWHÍ
Asko O5253XXL 1,300
LG LDS482I 600
Kenmore (Spars)
690
Whirlpool 400
DU1O55XÎVIO]
Bosch SHE58C0[2]llC 900
Fisher RPaykel .^,,f.
Miele lns|]ir<i
G2H2SCIWHI
Bosch SHE45COU11JC 700
Kenmore (Sears)
tesiPd model.
QJ -o S-
o
P I F I GlVGi f
Dacor Epicure
$1550
ED?4[S)
Jenn-Air
JOBIlOSAWiWI
GEGLD5900NIWW]
GEGLDS800PIWW]
Samsung
DMR57LF[W]
Maytag
UDB660iAW|Wl
GEGLD6700NIWW]
KJtchenAid
KUDD03DÎIWH1
Haier ESD310
Maytag
MDPaOOOftWfSl
DRYERS
Most of the dryers we tested scored at least very good for drying performance. Those
that scored excellent were better at drying delicate clothes at low temperatures and
leaving loads damp enough for ironing. While we test only electric dryers, we've found
ihat g-as and electric dryers perform similarly. Electric dryers require a heavy-duty
240 volt line. Gas dryers cost more but are less expensive to operate, so you'll recoup
the added expense quickly
F l G
ELEaRiC DRYERS
Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE3
Steam 86MUI
Sl,400 e ©
Kenmore (Seaf5) Elite HE5
Steam 8772|1| 1,300
E!ilpHt.!jSrpjniS771(|
6E Profile Harmony
OPGT750ECIWW]
Kenmore (Sears) Oasis
Steam 6806[2|
íMii;SiíPjiní>Si»(l
DV4'IBAE[W1
LG OLE25t6(Wl
Kenmore (Sears) 800
Series 698212] aoo^nes 698311
DflY ERS 225
O 100
P I F I GlVGÍ f
MFDR800VIQI
Whirlpool Duel Sport
Amana NED72O0TIW1
Whirlpool Cabrio
Bosch N e m 800
WTMC832U1US
Electrotux Perfect Steam
EWMED65HIIW1
GE DCVH640EJ[WW|
Miele TOL)íhlroiiiíT%00
Frigidaire GüIlefY
CiLERlCI4FS(S|
Kenmore (Sears) 69W12)
a 100
p'l F I GIVGl Í
MEDC500VÍW]
0 © © 0
GEDTSR49SEFÍGG)
Prolite I>RSR4'<5GG|ÍG|
0 © © 0
Fisher« PavkelDEGX2 0 e 0 0
GE DRSR483EG[WW) 9 © © 0
Kenmore ¡Sears) 6952[2l 0 0
0 ©
Amana NED4800VIQ1 9 © © e
SUber HXO^3O4£ Q 0 0
GA5 DRYERS
Kenmore (Sears) Elite H B
Steam 9674[2]
Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5
SIMIH 9772111
GE Profile Harmony
DPGT750GC[WWl
Kenmore (Sears) Oasis
Steam 7808[î]
LGTrommDLG8388[W]
Maytag 5000 Series Steam
MGnE50ÜV¡W¡
L6 DLGS955IWI
IG SteamDryer
DíCiX3OO2|W]
Kenmore (Sears) Elite
Oasis 7703m i'
DRYERS 227
ceîain to
life cOTiparatíle lu iwtEd moäei. o Ë .2
ryingra
-s
S
o
i 2
3 tac
a.
o
'^
0 • 100
V.
a: Pli F 1• G 1 VGl E
SI,470
WrjD9600T|W]
Samsung Sieain
1.220
Q
Q Kenmore (Se^irs) 800 Series
798^121
GE Profile DPVH890GJ[WW] 1.250
p] Whirlpool Cabrio steain
W&D6Ó00VIWI
Q GEProtiieDPSE8lOGGlffT!
Maytag Bravos
MGD6400IIOI
Maytag Epie UGD97005IB] 1.180
Siemens un taSense
WTXD5122UC
Bosch Nexxl 500 Plus
series WTMC553I01US
Maytag Bravos Steam
M[,O880nviOI
Whirlpool Duet sport
WGD83OOSIfH
Amana NGD72OOTIW]
Whirlpool Cabrío
WGD62OOSÍW1
Kenmore (Sears) HE2
.^' âj ß ti
'M <rte comtfflatile lu tansl moûel
D
P i f I G IVGl E
GAS DRYERS continued
frigidaire LGO215MS1
(Lowe's) O o
Frigidaire AffînJtv
ACQÖOOOEIS) O o
Fisher &PavkelDG6?TGi e e o o
Fislier & Paykel
Intuitive DGIX2
o e o ©
ASÎCOTL751G)(XL{W1 o © e e
Maytag Centennial o e e o
M&DC500VIW1
GE 0RSR495&GIWW]
o e e o
Fisher & Paykel DGGX2 o e o o
GEI]RSß-483GG[WWl © o
Kenmore (Sears) 7952121 d e o o
Amana NE¡DdS0OV[Q| d e e Q
Staber HXt)a304G o Q
DVD PLAYERS
Standard DVD players continue to remain popular, partly because Blu-ray high-
definition players still cost quite a bit more. And they can give you a very enjoyable
viewing experience—the best picture you'll ever see on a standard-definition TV, and
a nicely detaiJed image on an HDTV. Below are Select Ratings,
'& a Si
le 2g E I
s "^0 s ^ s; c
=1 — =1 — OJ
•ë- o o
O e S
m
P I F I G IV6l f •"-
PROGRESSIVE-SCAN SINGLE-DISC P U Y E R S
Pioneer
DV-410V
$100
e
LG0NS98
QJ .= -s
0 IDO
P I F I G I Vt^l (
PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS
7.1.DTSDfgiiai5.1,DrS'HD
High RKOliiîion aufiio 7.1.
DTS-HD Master audio 7.1
OoiiîV Oigitül S.I.ft3lbvDißi-
Panasonic tai Plus 7.1, Dolhv rrueHO
OMP-BD80 7.1. DTS Digital S.1,DTS-HO
Hißh Resolution audio 71.
DTSHD Master audio 7,1
- • • !• - ' . -
Doíbv Dígita! 5.1,Dnlby Digi-
tal Plus 7.1, DollivlrueHt)
0 LGBD390 400
7.1.DÍSDigi[aí3.1.DISHD
High ResoiiiiJon audio 7.1
Sony
BOP-S36O e © • tone
OolbyDigllalilDolhy Dis-
Samsui^ tal Plus 7.1. DolbvlrueHD
BO-P36OO 7J.0TS Digital 5.1. DTS-HO
High fte-ioiution audio 7.1,
DIS HI) Hâitei audio 7.1
Dolby Oi^ital 5.1. DTS
e © • • Digital S.l
\7] Sharp
Aqios None
BD-HP2ÍU
1 HasoniyBamisView.noBDLive.
FLOORING
Top performers did best in our eyeryday abuse tests. For baths, we suggest vinyl or
ceramic tile for its moisture resistance. Below are Select Ratings.
o tou
p I F I G I vr.l f
ENGINEERED WOOD
[7] Armstrong Locking Hardwood Bamboo
CarboniMfi Natural EL58ßCCNLG i
pi Shaw Epic H.inlwooil Symphonic
SWll? 774 Reri Oak Natural -• o
pi Mannington American Classics
© 26
Collection Oregon Oak Ptank
33
0 BR-m Brazilian Cherry PFENGBU z a O ©
PUSTICUMINATE
Q Armstrong Nntüre's Gallery American
Duel L65Z¿-N8i Naiural Oak (narrow)
O © © 13
[7] Wifsonart Estate Plus Harvest Oak
© © © 20
W3oooin ...
PREFiNISHED SOLID WOOD
I
236 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I O t 2 0 1 0
GAS GRILLS
You'll pay $300 to $500 for a grill that can handle most of your cooking needs. Spending
more will get you more stainless-steel styling and additional convenience features, but
not necessarily better performance. Several midsized modeis that cost less than $500
performed as well inourtestsasothers that cost much more. Below are Select Ratings.
100
Pl F G I VGI E
URGE MODELS
Fiesta Blue Ernt^r ¡QUE
F&Q65O7')-11403 • Rotiss,
[Item #1522021 (Lowe's)
M ( S l
e e
Char-Broil Commercial Main
Quantum 463247209 500 © e e turn.
[item #66829] (Lowe's)
MEDIUM-SIZED MODELS
[71 Weber Genesis E320
» - • none
Qvmw EÎIO
Vermont Castings • none
Signature Sei-iesVCS35O7P
Q Char-Broil Red 4632S{H)9 ^ ^ Main
(Home Depot) - ,• twrn.
[Pi Brinkmann aiO-841OS
¿00 • none
(Home Depol)
Q Kenmore (Sears) 16641 • • none
Char-Broil Commercial
Series 463268008 B
[Item 9242266] (Lowe's) 300
Commercial SWWS 463247009
B Discontinued.
See report, page 60.
GPS NAVIGATORS
Portable GPS navigation systems diíFer most in ease of use and their features. For our
Ratings, we heavily factor in the qualities that make it easy to input destinations and
give the mosl helpful directions. Below are Select Rallngs,
Brand & modei Price Overall score Test results
^ £ Kffi
•3 ivpp,ais[ompar3ble[D ,2 S
teled moöel. 3 g
^ S
^1 i
P t F I GlVGl E
0 GarnilnNuvi885T 60ü
that doesn't have the latest Garmin software, previously found on more expensive modeis.
like the 765T, but stiii offers good value, Like othef TomToms, the One 140S offers
flaws. The Garmin Nuvi 770 and ttie Gaimin nice extras such as map sharinq and allowing
Nuvi 7B0 have the same features as the Nuvi users to install customized voices.
760, In addition, ttie Nuvi 770 adds preloaded The TomTom One 140, SWO, a CR Best
European maps, and the Nuvi 780 includes Buy, improves upon the One !30. It provides
an MSN traffic receiver enabling weather, gas, good performance and portatiility, but more
and movie information. The Garmin Nuvi 750 significant, it now includes features such
differs from the Nuvi 760 because it lacks as lane assistance and reality views that were
Bluetooth hands-free caliinq, and there is no previously found on more expensive models,
trafiic receiver included in the box. like other TomToms, the One 140 offers
nice extras such as map sharing and allowing
Best on a budqet: users to install customized woices.
The Garmin Nuvi 265T, $200, a CR Best The Maqeilan RoBdMate 1440, S)60,
Buy, shoulct be on the short list of choices for impresses with crisp graphics, attractive user
anyone in the market fot a full-featured GPS interface, and highway lane assist, but it does
unit with traffic services. It adheres to the not include multimedia features or Bluetooth
essv-to-usé Garmin tradition, and it includes connectivity for hands-free caliinq. This unit
some useful features, like spoken street is a marked improvement over previously
names. Bluetooth hands-iree calling, traffic tested fvlagellan devices. Small touches, such
receiver, and free traffic services. Although as shortcut keys, help but more Important, the
there are advertisements, they are not too overall presentation is on par with top-rated
intrusive, and may be worth the trade-off to units. However, we have (ound that the Road-
eliminate a monthly 'ee. Mate 1440 may provide unusual routes at times.
The TomTom One 140S, $t70. improves The Magellan RoadMate 1220. $125, is an
upon the previously tested One 130S. It entry-level navlqator with the ability lo speak
combines spoken street names with qood proper street names. It does not include mul-
performance and portability, but more timedia features or Bluetooth connectivity
significant, it now includes features such as for hands-tree calling, bul it does have crisp
lane assistance and reality views that were graphics and a user-friendly interface.
LAWN MOWERS 24;
LAWN MOWERS
Decide on a gas or electric (corded or cordless) mower based on your needs. Then sei
out Selecl Ratings for high-scoring models with specific strengths and value.
* Sí .S
•S
S
P I F I G IVGI E
SELF-PROPELIED
Honda KRX?17?HXA Variable Rear 21 19C
Q Toro Recycler 20333 ©© e variable Rear 72 19(1
Honda KRX2172VKA ©©o e e Variable Rear a 190
Honda HRR216K3VXA Variable Rear 21 160
Q
Q
Toro Recycler 20332
Craftsman Í7659
Craftsman 37104
Honda HRÍÍ2I6K3TDA
1
Rear
Rear
Front
22
22
22
21
22
190
190
175
160
190
I
Q Craftsman 37435 variable Rear 22 t90
Craftsman 37654 Variable Front 22 160
John Deere i^Vi Var¡able Real 21 190
John Own JS25 Variable Rear 21 190
snapper SPVH2Í67S variable Rear 21 190
Cub Cadet t2AtSMC Rear 19 173
Craftsman 57077 variable Rear 2\ 190
Craftsman 37639 I Front 22 J90
0 Lawn-Boy 10641 1 Rear 20 190
Snapper SPV21675E Variable Rear 21 190
í''] Craftsman 37624 1 Front 22 190
Snapper
SPV22675HW Front 22 190
Craftsman
500 Rear 21 179
l'rofession.-il 88921 e O e ©e e 6
cubcaileti2AEiaM 290 e oe oo e i Rear 19 173
Husqvarna 5S21CHV 450 ooooo o 1 Front 21 160
242 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
0 S
P 1 F I G I Vil E
GAS POWERED PUSH MODELS
Craftsman 38820
o o o o 21 I90CC
Craftsman 38901
o o o o 21 158CC
Trov-BHt 11A-542O
o o o o a I90CC
o o o o ©© 21 160Cf
Ariens 901360006
.21 M9CC
Yard Machines o o o © © o
1IA-54MÏ ?i I73CC
o o o © © o
Brute BT2265HW 22 190CC
o © o © ©©
LAWN MOWERS 24.
IS E .p
g
' g t 1 -I Sí Ï--
0 It»
P I F I G IVGl E
ELECTRIC PUSH MODELS
Black & Decker CUM[20a
o a o © © o 19 ¿4v
Black & Decker MM875 '
o a ©© o © 19 12amp
Craftsman 37048
oooo ©© 19 48v
Worn m 780
o © ©© a o 19 ^4v
o © o © © o 19 36V
Earthwise 60120
o Q e © © o 20 Mv
o © • © o © 20 I2amp
< Used a plug-in power conl.
Best for most smaller lawns; has a blade-brake clutch. The Toro Recycler
Amonq qas push mowers, choose the Lawn- 20332, $390, IS relatively similar but iacks
Boy 10640, $260, for its better mulching and the clutch, while the Toro Recycler 20330,
side-discharging, the Cub C«det 1IA-IBMC, S32O, is front-drive-fine tor reiatively flat
$260, for its bagging. Between electrics, pay- lawns, though rear-drive provides better
ing more for the Black & Decker CHMIZOO, traclion uphill. The Craftsman 37435, $300,
$400, buys cordless cutting. Lawn-Boy 10641, $290, and front-drive,
Among seif-propelled mowers, all three electric-start Craftsman 37624, S300, give
Toros offer top performance for relatively up some performance but cost a bit less and
little money: The Toro Recycler 20333, S420, are fine choices.
244 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
LAWN TRACTORS
The Ratings rank tractors and zero-turn-radius mowers by overall score. While th
liigher-priced tractors indude tighter turning, several others perform similarly wil
for huiulrods ot\lo!lars less. Below are SCIL'CI Ratings.
iwnS model, SB
O 100
P I F i GlVbl í
AUTOMATIC-DRIVE UOOELS
John Deere X3O4
Craftîman m'a
MONITORS
Ihese Ratings select, from among 24 tested monitors, those models that were vet
good or better and offered exceptional features, value, or both.
1 1
I -I
IT!
o 100 Q =•
p I F I CIVSi E
TO 20 INCH MODELS
LCD20
AcerPI91W
Compaq Presario
WF1907
BenQ FP92W
Gateway FPD1976W
ViewSonic V6930m
Gateway HD190G
DEillJllr3Sharp?009W
HPLIVOSw
AOC9I7VW
22 TO 26-INCH MODELS
Apple ¿4" LED Cinema
ÜiMiliiV
Lenovo ThinkVision
ViewSonic VX2240W
Samsung SyntUasier
Deil S2409W
ViewSonic VX2260wm
LCD22WMGX
AOC ?2m
Gateway HD22O1
248 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
~ dû 'S
™ o Vi -= ? "ö
o IOO
p I F I G I VËl E
22- TO 26-INCH MODELS continued
NeurokOplics22"iZ30 e o e •
Gateway FHD24gi_ 415 © ô- Q _r f _ _•
Virio VMM26 400 © 0 0 " • • •
See report, page 94.
PAINTS, Exterior
Flat and satin finishes are usually applied to the body of the house; semigloss, to doors,
windows, irim, und shutters for added protection and visual interest. Match paint to
your local conditions: Pick a mildew-resistant paint if your home is in the shade and
a dirt-resistant one if it's in an urhan area. Below are Select Ratings.
S ™ Í5
S ^ ^
S. ^ 1
0 100 ** •*
p I F I GIVGl E
PAINTS, Interior
No single interior paint can work for al) of your household projects. Some finisli,
excel at hiding, making them ideal for painting over dark surface-s with a Ught-coloi.
paint. Others are hetter at resisting mildew, key (or use in damp areas, such as a hal I
room. Below are Select Ratings.
a t
üi g
100
P i f i GiVGiE •^
0 TrueValuetasyCiire ^
Dutch Boy Home (Wai-Hart) \^^
Winners Irt one-coat ability: These top-choice paints leave behind the
• Behr Premium Plus Enanwl, S24, fewest marks from application, providing a
CR Best Buy neat look.
• Kllz Casual Colors, $ZX CR Best Buy
- Benjamin Moore Aura, $57 Top low-VOC finishes:
• Behr Premium Plus Enamel, $22, • Benjamin Moore Aura, $57
CR Best Buy • True Vatue Easy Care, $25
• Sears Best Easy Lfvinq Ultra, S25, • Olympic Premium, $17. CR Best Buy
CR Best Buy • Sears Best Easy LIvinq Uitra, $25.
CR Best Buy
These paints were best at hiding with a single
coat, especially when applied over a lighter These earned good to exceiient scores in
color. Benjamin Moore Aura and Sears Best most tests we perform.
Easy Living Ultra are lower-VOC paints.
PRINTERS, A L L - I N - O N E 25.
PRINTERS, ALL-IN-ONE
If all you'do is print, you can save money and space by purchasing a dedicated prinfi
But if there's any chance you niighf want to copy or scan, it's worth investigating ,
ail-in-one. While most model-s are bigger than the typical new stand alone prinli
fhey take up less space and cost less than a separate printer, scanner, and copier, Iioln
arcSclecl Ratings.
m •Èf S
id CT S- ö S -^ J-
i s ISI m
I f 1 GIVGl t
INKJET MODELS
CanonPtxma ..,,, n ^ ^
MP970 '''^"^ " ^ "
^m © 0.9 1.8 O 9.7 © © O © Ethwnei •
LASER MODELS
Brother NA M NA
•"' MFC-7340 O O O *
See report, page 96':
RANGES
You can find a high-performing electric range without spending a bundle. Several
models we tested costing $450 to $1,400 outperformed ranges costing $1,600 or more.
Brand s model Pnce Overall score Test results
4^
^
11 •I S
- ai a i'
D 100
Iê A .2;
'S
E oi
P I F I G I VGI E
30-INCH COIL MODELS
$700 C
0 Kenmore (Sears)
• Hotpoint
RB757WH[WW|
Whirlpool
500
30-fNCH INDUCTION MODELS
Kwimore (Sears)
Elite 9991131 3 1 0 «
D GEJE1700DNIWW]
Electrolux
tW3O£f65GIWI
Kenmore (Sears)
D F h le 980219)
• Kenmore (Sears)
964|¡íl%4J|l
Kenmore (Sears)
974S191
FC0321HTUX
GE JBP81SLISSI
Illf SISMI I
GEJSP't2DN|WW]
Amana AER6011VAS
GE ISP46DMWW1
GE PB970SMISSI
256 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
dcli. in smjil
type, are tonipaïahli' lo
•3 tötetl model. o. t ca. i
O 1DÜ
P I F I GIVGI E
JB968TKIWW1
Maytag Gemini
[]
GE PB975SM|SS1
Frigidaire Galiery
Kenmore (Sears)
Kenmore {Searsi
9800[3l
Whirlpool
WFr371LVB
Maytag
MER5752BA[W]
ElearotuK
EW1OFS65G[W|
ienn-Air
J£R88SSRA|SI
GEÍSP42WKIWW1
GEJBP64SMISS]
Maytag
KitchenAid
Architocl Series
KERS8O7S1SS!
Whirlpool Gold
GYÎ99LXU[Q|
Hotpoint
RB787WH[WW!
Jenn-Air
JES885OBA[W1
Bosch HES71I5I2
K8-34Z5LS ^'^^^
¡Í b £ s "ffi a;
Ö T^ ^
¡••i,ipj mmtel. |1§I
D 100
P I F I G IVGl E
30-INCH DUAL-FUEL MODELS continued
e © e Ö eO
Kenmore (Sears) Pro
4.000
e e e ©e 1
Wotf DF304
GECale
5.200
oe ©©o0 3
2,800
C2S980SEMISS1 © ©o © o ¿
Viking VOSC53OISS] 5,500 O © O © © O 4
Jeiin-Air
2,750 O O
JDSa860BD[Pl © O O © í
Dacor Epicure Efl30D 6,000 O ©"o o o ô 3
KitchenAid Architea
Series KDRP707filSSI
4,300 O » © 0 0 « 4 • «
Kenmore (Sears)
O ©e © © 2
71Ï819] a
B GE Prolilc
© © © 0 © o 1 2 2
Q Hotpoint
RGB745WEHIWW1 o ©© © © o I 2 1
a Kenmore (Sears)
7744|9| o ©© o © o 1 1
Maytag
MGS5775Ba[Sl
© ©© o O © 1 ? 1
Amana AGRftOiivos 9 ©© o © o 1 1 1
GE IGBP36OEMÍSS1 O © ©o © o 1 1 I
Thermador
© 0© o 0
1=1
;'i0fessioii,ilPG304B[S) © ©
Kenmore (Sears)
o ©© 9 © © 1 2 1
Eiectrotux
EW3OCF65GIWI o © ©© © o '
GE Profile
IGBP9Î8WEKIWW! © ©e O © o J 2
FrigtifaireFGi^óSGlS] 600 o ©© e o 1 2 1
258 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
bumei
n-powE
o .^ ï
x::
Cooi(topi
S a
lesied model. S
a.
1 3i .
ï^
Oven'
o
0 c 'S
100
Pi F I IVGl t
30-INCH GAS MODELS continued
GE Cafe
S2.7DO Q © © Ö © o ?
CGS9aOSEM|SS]
Frigidaire Gaiief y
C.LGF3860!S] © © © o © o 2
Maytag UGRä75IAD(Wl
O © © o ©© I
Bosch HGS7U5]2
O © © o ©ô 1
ienn-Alr o o ©© 2
O ©
IGR8890ADIP]
Electrolux © Öo o 2
EW30GS6SGIW]
GEPG5975SEMI5SJ O © © © o Q 1.
Whirlpool Gold
GW399LXUWI O © ©ooo 2
Wtliripool
SF265LXTIQ1 O © © Ô OO 1
DCS RGTC305SS © © © 9 9 9 S
Maytag Gemini
MGR6775BDfS] O © O © © O 2
KJUhenAld Architect
J í r i e s KGflS8O7S[SS]
iooo o • © © O O i
36-INCH DUAL-FUEL ÍMODELS
Kenmore (Sears) Pro
7962Í7] © O O. O._^
KitchenAJd Arctiitect
series KDRP462U5SÍ 6050 o ©o ©o
ArchtectScflesKDBPtóWSSL '
fcdlitffl Seró KDBP467KIS51
KltdVtlAiO ^ m ^ ^ Q H ^ Q 0% 5%
Jenn-Ari I B ^ H H H B
5% 10% 2'i%
KitchenAid and Jenn-Air have been among KitchenAid has been the most repair-prone
the most repair-prone brands of electric brand of gas range, while Maytag has been
range. That's what we found when we asked among the more repair-prone brands. That's
almost 75,000 readers who bought an elec- what we found when we asked more than
tric range between 2002 and 2008 about 26,000 readers who bought a gas range
their experiences. The graph shows the per- between 2002 and 2008 about their expe-
centage of models for each brand that were riences with these appliances. Although we
repaired or had a serious problem. Differ- lacked sufficient historical data for ail years
ences of less than 3 points aren't meaning- to include Viking gas ranges in the chart,
ful, and we've adjusted the data to eliminate our data indicate it has been a repair prone
differences linked solely to the age of the brand. Similarly, our data show that among
electric range. Although we lacked sufficient dual fuei ranges Frigidaire, General Electric,
historical data to include these brands in the and Kenmore have been reiiabie, but Jenn-
chart, Bosch has been repair-prone and LG Air has been repair-prone. The graph shows
about average, according to our analysis. the percentage of brands thai needed a re-
Models within a brand can vary, and design pair or had a serious problem. Differences
or manufacture changes might affect future of less than 3 points aren't meaningful, and
reiiabiiity. Still, choosing a brand with a good we've adjusted the data to eliminate dif-
repair history can improve your odds of get- ferences linked solely to the age of the gas
ting a reliable model. range. Models within a brand may vary, and
design or manufacture changes may affect
future reliability. Still, choosing a brand with
Source: Annual Pfoduct Reliability Survey, Consumer
Reports National Research Center. a good repair history can impnave your odds
of gettinq a reliable modei.
REFRIGERATORS
Unce you know how much space you have, particularly the width, our Ratings will help
you find models ihat fit in thai space. Models that have higher energy-etïiciency scores
use less electricity for their capacity. And if your household isn't large, remember that a
smaller refrigerator is likely lo use less electricity overall than a larger model.
= . .i— - - . . • _ -
s" =1 ' - ' -s "^ ob.^ •€ .S ei.E
iñiEd modeL
•S S -B ¿33l~*"-ë
IJ; n. " ^ --' (_ ^ ^-
^. ^ iQ ^ ^ a .B ï=
>»• LU '—' O ¡^ ni ÖJ tli
1.350
PTS22LHRIWWI
Pradle FtWi HSf 1
0 e e e e ^8 i6,8 68 33 32
Haier RRTG18PAA|W1 D
HRiliISl'nflll O © O 58 13.1 66 30 31
BOTTOM-FREEZERS
[71 Kenmore (Sears) Eliie
© © 52 17.1 71 36 14
7759I2Í
Q Whirlpool Gold
O © W 16,2 70 36 33
GXÍFHTXVIQI
Amana AFI2538AEIW) O © 65 14.8 71 36 5
Q Samsung
© e 75 18.4 70 Î6 33
fiF.'6()AB¡WP|
Q Amana ABB2Z2ÍFEIW] O © 61 15 70 H 32
Kenmore (Sears) Elite
787313] ® e SS m .TU 36 n
262 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
Whirlpool Gold o o o 36 33
66 14.9 71
GI5FSAXVI0)
Samsung 70
RB197ABIWP1
© o 63 13.1
LGLFC20760ISWI o e 65 Ü.7
Jenn-Air JFC2O89HP[R1 a © 77 13,2 71
Maytag MFC2061KEIW] o o 74 14.2 71 36 27
Maytag Ice 2 0
MFI2067AE[W) o © 81 12.1 71 36 28
ViWngVCFF036(SS) o e 82 D.6 70 36 28
GE Profile
PFSF6PKX[WW]
© e 101 16.6 70 36 33
SIDE-8Y-StDE
g Hotpoint O © 62 15.1 68 34 32
HSS22GFTIWWI
0 Samsung RS275AC[WP| 80 18.1 70 Î7 34
WhirípooiGold © © e 73 16.6 70 36 31
GO5OHAXVÍ0I
GECaléCSHS5llGXlS5| 69 15.3 70 36 i?.
REFRIGERATORS 263
Q Whiripooi
_ E05HVEXV[01
r,/1 Jenn-Air
ICD?290HE|W!
Frigidaire Professional
PHS6')tJiSSl
. Kenmore {Sears)
GEGSS2S0GTIWWI
Etectrolux
Samsung
RSG2ii7AA[WP!
Amana AS02524VEIW] 1.200
GE GSHF6PHXIWW1 1.7'i(l
ElecIroluK
BUILMNS
Jenn-Alr
7.200 67 17.3 84 42 26
)S42PPOIIOB|SS1
Thermador
7.600 © 71 16 84 42 26
K8UDT4265EIS1
264 C O N $ U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
lypt'.arecomparablPtu
iBted model. ii
0 IDO
P i F I G IVGI I
BUILT-INS continued
0 KitchenAid
KBFC42FISS] • 7300 O © 66 16.1 84 43 28
£5
Refrigerators, top-freezer
Maytag has been the most repair-prone
MfKf
brand of top-freezer models without ice-
makers. We have also sufficient dala to
i
conclude that their modeis with icemalters
have also been repair-prone. That's what
FríBidaire we found when we asked over 64,000
readers who bouqht a refrigerator between
Maytag 2004 and 2008 about their experiences.
The graph shows the percentage of mod-
Whirliioûl 7 els for each brand Ihat were repaired or
Frigidaire
had a serious probiem. Differences of less
than 5 points aren't meaningful, and we've
Gi it adiusted the data to eliminate differences
1 1 linked solely to the age of the refrigerator.
0% 5% 10%
Although we lacked sufficient historical
Refrigerators, bottom-freezer data to include'Sub-Zero side-t)y-sides in
the chart, they have not been repair-prone
Mme
in receñí years, according to our analysis.
Models within a brand can vary, and design
or manufacture changes might affect future
reliability. Slill, choosing a brand with a
good repair history can Improve your odds
of getting a reliable model.
Refrigerators, s i d e - b y s i d e
2 6 8 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B J Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
SMART PHONES
Decide how "smart" a phone you wanl. Some phones offer busîness-foirused capabili-
ties in a palm-fiuing package. Other.s are geared toward personal use. They'refinetor
playing music and other multimedia, reading e-mail messages, and opening Office-type
attachments, but they don't allow you to create or edit documents and spreadsheets.
Below are Select Ratings.
Brand & model Price overall score Testresuits
= j:inll.H
.9 ~
s in wijit tyi».
bl
tBia) model. 11 ll
o IDO I l
P I F I GIVGÍ E
Fiip82Z0(Htotlile)
[71 BtockBerry Pearl o ©o ©a a ©e s BB 1.9 L
a
[71 BlackBerry
Pearl 8130 50 o a o ©©o a o s BB 1.9 H
(Sprint Nextel)
See 'epofl. paqe77.
TVs, LCD
Most of the TVs in the Ratings have very good or excellent picture quality, so there arc
I'lcnly of good choices available. Still, check detailed results for the highest-scoring
models if you want top picture quality.
All tested sets 37 inches and up. and many of the 32-inchers. have 1080p resolution,
ITiis has become the norm. In smaller sets. 720p resolution is still common, and it's all
you need, unless you want U) use the TV as a computer monitor, in which case higher
rcMilLitimi is a plus.
.£ .£r "^ 2r
15 "rS s 15
=3 =3 •« s
er c? 00 er
Pif I G IVtl t
27-INCH AND SMALLER MODELS
Sony Bravia O 26
1366X
60
KDLZ6L5000 768
ViewSonic I366i(
O 26 60
768
E Insignia
NS-U60-10Â
© 26
768
60
Q Sanyo DP26649 e 26
1366X
768
60
1366)1
SK26H57OO O 26
768
60
Toshiba 1366X
O 26
768
60
32-INCH MODELS
192OX !20,
1080 60
Panasonic Viera
60
Sony Bravia 1920)t 120,
1080 60
I^ Insignia
NS-U32Q-10A
© 32 (Q^¿J 60
Q VÍZJOVO320E O © 32 ,,0 60
272 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
•â -S £
Sj r
100 5
P I F i G I V6I E X
32-INCH MODELS continoeci
1920X
JVC LT-32J3OO 60 3 2
a e O e 1080
Sony Bravia 60 3 ?
^ " 1080
KDL-32S51OO
LG32LH2O
e 3. «- 60 2 1
û „ O66x
Sanyo DP32649 2 ?
*• ^^ 768
(K:AL32KD31R 60 2 1
440 60 2 2
37-INCH MODELS
Samsung
0 LN37B650
Panasonic Viera
0 TCJ.37S1
L637LH3O
0 VlzloV0370M 600
4 0 - TO 42-INCH MODELS
Toshiba Regza 1920X 120,
Í.IOO © © © © O © 42 1080 4 2
42XV54OU 60
Toshiba Regza 19Z0X •240".
42ZV650U
1.200 e e © O O © 42 1080 60 4 2
Samsung 1920X 120.
i.600 © © o o © © 40 1080 60 4 1
UN40B6000
JVC LT-42P3OO 850 3 2
1080
Insignia
700 ©©ooo 4 2
NS-L43Q-IOA 1080
Sony Bravia !920x 120.
1.300 ©©o © o 40 4 2
KOI-40VES 1080 60
1920X 120.
L642LH40 1.200 ©©©© o 42 1080 60 4 2
1920X
Sanyo 0P42849 650 ©©e o © 4? 1080 60 3 2
0 Sony Bravia
KLV-40ZX1M
2.200 ©©©© o © ^^ 1080 60
120,
1 G
_ ,., 1920X 120.
LG42LH5O ¡.100 ©©©o o ® "^ 1080 60
4 2
Philips
42PFL6704D
1.130 ©©©o Ö O ^' ifiûfi 120 4 2
TVs. L C D Z73
S S <U »^- e •
•f .1 S s
o 100
p I F i G IVGl [
40- TO 42-INCH MODELS continued
40- and 42-Inch sets: viewing angle and so-so remote. Also, it's a
Toshiba Reqza 42XV540U. S1,1OO: This monitor with no tuner, so it requires an exter-
42 inch loaop Toshiba boasts excellent nal tuner to receive over-the-air broadcasts.
HD picture quality, and is well-priced for a It has only one HOMI as its input, so consider
set with I20HZ technology, which reduces pairing It with a digital receiver.
motion blur. HD content was detailed and
had'great color and a satisfying level of 46- and 47-incti sets:
brightness. It also has a betterthan-averaqe Sony Bravia KDL-46XBRe, S3,000: This
viewing angle. 46-inch XBR-series lOBOp set from Sony is
a clear, if pricey, winner. It uses a full-array
Samsunt) UN40B6000, $1,600: This 40- LED backlight rather than a conventional
inch lOaOp ôOOO-series LCD from Samsunq lamp, which enables the set to produce excel-
delivers excellent picture quality and detail, lent deep black levels, on par with the best
with very accuiate colors. Like 8000- and sets we've tested, it has Sony's MotionFlow
7000-series sets, it uses edge-mounted I20HZ technology to reduce motion blur, and
LEDs rather than conventional lamps, which will accept an optional Bravia Internet link
accounts for its slim profile and higher price. for access to online content,
Unlike those models, though, it includes RSS
feeds from USA Today rather than the full Samsunq UN46B7000, $2,300: This 46-
Medl#2.0 Internet service. It also has 120Hz inch 1080p LCD from Samsung Is a top-notch
technology to reduce motion biyr. set with excellent picture quality_and detail
and very accurate colors. Like Samsung's
JVC LT-42P300, S850: This 42-inch 1080p 8000- and 6000-series sets, it uses edge-
LCD from JVC is a CR Best Buy, offering mounted LEDs rather than conventional
very good picture quality ät a very low price, lamps, which accounts for its slim profile
plus an iPod dock. An illuminated remote and higher price. The 120HZ feature reduces
would have been helpful though, since the motion blur, and internet connectivity pro-
iPod's functions can be controlled with it. vides access to various online services.
The DLNA feature aiiows it to browse and
insignia NS-L420-10A, $700: This 42-inch play content sent over your home network.
1080p LCD from Insignia, Best Buy's house
brand, delivers excellent picture quality and Samsung UN46B6000, S2,100; This 46-
a lot of performance for a (airly low price, Inch tOBOp LCD from Samsung is a top-notch
making it a CR B«st Buy, though It's not the set with excellent HO picture quality and
best choice for a brightly lit room. detail and very accurate colors. Its perfor-
mance with standard-def programs was a
Sony Bravia KLV-40ZX1M, $2,200: This notch below its 7000-series sibling. Like that
super-slim 1080p Sony LCD is a showpiece set. It uses edge-mounted LEDs rather than
model that borrows some design elements conventional lamps, which accounts for its
from Sony's It-inch OLED TV. The set, which slim profile and higher price. It also includes
uses edge LED backlighling, delivers excellent l20Hz technology that reduces motion biur.
overall picture quality, albeit at a fairly high The set comes with RSS feeds from USA
price. It also includes i20Hz technology to Today rather than the full Medi@i2.0 Internet
reduce motion blur. It would have scored service on the 7000-series. But that differ-
higher except for its narrower-than-average ence will save you a few hundred dollars.
TVs. LCD 277
Mitsubishi
TVs. PLASMA 279
TVs, Plasma
Plasma TVs are well worth consideration, especially in 50-Inch and larger sizes, wher.
they offer a strong alternative to LCD sets. In fact, when you factor in their unlimited
viewing angle and the generally superior hlack level and shadow detail of the betti
models, plus their ability to handle fast motion with virtually no visible blurring
plasma displays oflcr meaningful advantages over LCDs.
The plasma TVs we tested did very well, as you can see from the excellent and ver\
good picture quality scores on the chart. Given the overall high quality, it's hard to g^
too tar wrong with any of the TVs in the Ratings.
Brand S model Price Overall score Test results
tí
2: ¿r
^ r=
I
IDO a
G IVGI E
42 TO 46-INCH MODELS
(Panasonic Viera ,, , „ , ,
TCP42S1 *^''^^ O © o o 57 42 3 2
Panasonic Viera , .,,,
rcMöSi ' ^ O e o o 55 46 ] 2
Panasonic Viera
TC-P42G10
1,150 o e o o 53 42 3 2
Panasonic Viera
1.400 o a o o 54 46 3 2
T[P46Gl'i
0 Panasonic Viera
TC-P42X1
jr^
^" o e o o 41 42 3 2
LG 42PO3O 700 e o e © 47 42768 3 2
*;Xl-m ^« © © © O © • ^7 42 I024X
'Sfl^
768
2 2
50-INCH MODELS
Samsung
PN5OB65O
1.700 O © © © 66 50 '2= 4
Samsung
O © © © 47 50 ^^¡ A 1
Panasonic Viera
I t PSOGIO O © o o 50 so ^^^ 3 2
Panasonic ViL>r;i
© © O O 50 50 ^]lf 3 2
Panasonic Viera
TC-P50C1 © © O O 36 50 ' ^ " 2 2
i365x
IG 5OP03O 0 0 © © 57 50 768 .1 ¿
IS50P560 © © © O © © 50 S 4 2
280 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
E S II i li
p { F I GlyGl f
50-INCH MODELS continued
Insignia I365X
NS-P501Q'10A © e O o 33 50
Insignia 1920X
1,300 50
NS-P5O20-1OÄ o
54-INCH AND LARGER MODELS
0 Samsung
PN5SB650
2.700 © e
0 Panasonk Viera
ÎC-P54V10
2,300 o e
0 Samsung
PN58B850
3,400 © e
Panasonic Vier<i
TC-P54S1
1,800 o o 47
1080
Panasonic Viera W20x
K:-P54G1O
1,900
e o o 65 J080
LG6ÛPS60 ¿.300 © e e o e e
VACUUM CLEANERS
New designs and features are producing increasingly high-tech vacuums, but high-
•, feature-laden machines don't necessarily clean better. Below are select ratings
i f I
il "^
D 100
P I F I GiVGl E
UPRIGHTS
Hoover WincITunnel
Annive5(ii-V Edition
UÓ485-90O
n IIK5DCI00
[7\ Hoover Plaiinum Bagged
UHÎOOIOCOM .- ©g - O © © © •
Q Kenmore Progressive
35922 PtoBTMsiw! ï59?î e ©©o ©o © • • • •
[7] Hoover wiiiöruiinel
A E I l t
1-900
©©©o ©o © • • •
g Kenmore Progressive
36932 PpogrMsiwj6W3 ©©eo©o© •• •
Q Eureka 8oss Smart Vac
© © O O © Ô © » » •
Hoover WindTunnel
Aiinivprs3iy Edition
Bagiess U5786'900
WiralliKinfl JiDnlmiWfY Fdllton
©© o o ©o © • •
B.lglMSUH4006i.Win(IlUtinel
l
Q Eureha Comfort Clean
OtiM?î5|| ©©©o © o • 20
v ] Dfrt Devil Fiîatherlite
BaEiessM0S5845 (Target) © © o o ©© 13
[^ ai5sell Momentiim 82G7I
'—' «(>»ic;miiii BJtn [Um\ CluW.
Momeniutn a a / H (Hcune DepoiJ
©©©o © o • 18
0
P i F I G IVGl E
CANISTER
Kenmore intuition
2 8 0 ) 4 intiiit.inn?80l5
O
Kenmore Progressive
27514 p(0Eiis5iw,?a6ii. 300 O O © O © • • 21
Q Hoover WimlTunnel
S3670 © © e o © © © • •
n Hoover windTunnel
Bagless S3765-040 © © © O © © O • • 22
WM'uiinel teHlW S37S5
-1 Self-|iropelled. '£ D o e not accept tools.
Rainbow
20%
the less reliable. That's what we found w h e n adjusted the data to eliminate differences
we asked 156,000 readers w h o bought a linked solely to age and use of the vacuum.
vacuum between 2 0 0 4 a n d 2 0 0 8 about Models within a brand may vary, and design
their experiences. The graph shows t h e or manufacture changes may affect future
percentage of brands that needed a repair reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a
or had a serious p r o b l e m . (Belt replace- good repair history can improve your odds
ment isn't included because it's usually an of getting a reliable model,
inexpensive fix.) Differences of less t h a n
4 points aren't m e a n i n g f u l , a n d we've Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer
Reports Nalional Research Center.
WALL OVENS 287
WALL OVENS
Electric wall ovens are another appliance where price can have little to do with per-
formance. While the lop-scoring Thermador is pricey, several models cooked nearly
as well tor hundreds tif.dollars less. Note that mosi wall ovens are available wilh
stainless-steel trim {typically $100 to $3t)0 extra).
small Tvpf^
moiM
i ^
o IDO I I
P I F I GlVfil I
0 M Prarile PT9Z5DNIBB1
f^i Bosch HBIMNIUC
Electroiu« Icon E3OEW75EISS]
IcantJULwnGlS^I
0 GE JtP70SM[SS|
WASHERS
Great washing isn't a given, especially in top-loaders, so check our washing-perfor-
mance scores. Each improvement in energy-efliciency scares, from good to very g(M>d,
for instance, cuts an average of $10 to $20 from your annual energy expenditllre^,
More-efficient washers also extract more water from each load, shortening drying
time, llie higher the capacity, the fewer loads you'll need to do. And the shorter the
cycle time, the greater chance you can finish multiple loads in a day.
lï()e.('pFecoiiii)ii[iiWiMo
leAvtí mortel.
n3 OJ ii
I '^ 11 i I
0 1D0
I ^i I §
P I F I G IVGI f
FRONT-LO&DING
Samsung WF448AAIWI ., © © © © © © 90 •
Electrolux W.ivcTouth ,,
EWILW6SH1WI '•'
GEWCVH6800J[WWl 800 © © ^ © © © 0 70 •
GE Profile Sieamwasher . ,^^
WPflH8900l|WW| • © ©©©O©©75 •
GE Profile ,„„
WPf)H8800J[WWl '•'^"' © ©©©O©©80«
Washer WM3001HIW1A ''^^ © ©©©O©Oi05« •
Samsung WF419AA[W]:i 1.^00 O ©©©OO©80«
Whirlpool OiiPi SlPiim ,
© ©©©O©O95 •
Whirlpool Oiiet Sieam , „ -
WFW9600T[WI "^^ © © © © O © © 9 5 - .
Maytag 9000 Senes ,,„„
S[f.ni! MHWE900VIW1 ''^ O © © © © O © 95 •
Kenmore (Sears) Elite ,^,,
H f y Steam 4778111 '•'^'^ .% © @ @ e © © 100 • •
IG WM0642H(W) 900 © © © © © © « 9 5 • .
LG Allergiene , „f.
WM2688HIWM1A '-^^ © © © © O © Ô 9 5 • •
Bosch NPÍXI Î00Series „^n
wruc;i?c(i|ii[
© © © © O © Ô lOíi •
LGWU2MKIW] 900 © © © © © O © 100«
Whirlpool Out'l Steam , ,j,„
WF W'.'SSOWiWl
© © © © © © o 100«
So'ir™'
H i e l e Touchtronic
kir «n « n . ___
.» B ^ g e © g o • e .00 .
' The manufacturer informal us of a cttange that cauh) aKeci washing performance. We plan to lesi Ifiis change.
290 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
p I F I GlV(.¡ E
FRONT-LOADING continuée!
Q Frigidaire (iallerv
GLTF?q40f|S!FTTK © e © © e O 65 •
Kenmore tSears) Elite
HE5t Steam 4770(11 © © © © O © o 100 •
LGWM27OIHV © © © © O © e 85 •
Whiripoot Duel Steam
WfW9500T|Wl © © © © © © © 90 •
Kenmoire (Sears) Bite
HE5t47O8!l] © © © © e © © 105 •
Whirlpool [)uel Spori
HTWFW8400T(W| © © © © ö o e 100 •
ATF8000FlS]ATFB8Q0üfl| o © © © © Q o 55 •
(B«stBliv).LTr8aiOñlllO«'5)
0 GE WBVH53O0K1WW] 700 e © © © © © o 70 •
800 © © © © © © o 90 •
Bosch Nexxt 800 Sefies
© © © © © © o 105 •
Kenmore (Sears) HE3t
Sleam 4674121 © © © © o © © 95 •
Whirlpool Duet HT
WFW9400SIWÍ © © © © © © O 105 •
maytag 5000 Series
MHWESOOVIW]
© © © © © © W 70 •
Frigidaire Affinitv
FAfW3577KiWl o © © © © o O 55 •
Samsung WF21&ANIWÍ © © © © © o O 90 •
Bosdi Nexxi 500 Plus
Series WFMC544I01UC
o ©©©o o O 75 •
Frigidaire Affinity
ATf6000F[Sl
o ©©©o o O 55 •
0 © © © © © © O 8S •
Maytag Epie Z
MHWZ600T101
© ©a ©o o © 95 •
KcnnHHï (Sears) HE2I
4756111 HE2l.475:ilJ
© ©©©© o O 95 •
WASHERS 291
Simjldtmfkiels,iiisfflali
SiSBñ^
-!= Oi OJ
P I F I G IVnl E
S£ î
FRONT-LOADING continued
Kenmore (Ssars)HE2
O ©©©©00
O ©©©©OÖ
WWrIpool Duet Sport
WFW83OOS[W1 O ©0©©00
AskOLIIlr,icareWL6511 1.300
TOP-LOADING
Maytag Bravos
MVWB75OWI0I. 950 © © © © O O 50
WMripool Cal]ho
)W|w] © © © © 0 0 t1 50 • •
I Cabrio HE
WTW660D5[W]
i.000 © © o © © © 1M S • .
Uaytag Sravos
HTW6f}O0T[0l © a o © o a 11 60 •
Whirlpool Cabrio HE
WTWMOOWÍWl
1.000 a © © © 0 0 11 50 •
Maytag Bravos
MVWBBOOVlO]
non © © © © 0 0 ií 55 •
Haytag Bravos
MTW67OOr[Q) 1,000 a a © o 0 1^
© 60 •
Whirlpool Cabrio
WTW6700T[Vií|
1,000 a a a © o 0 i1 65 «
WPH£6E50K[WT| © o © a e o 1í 60 •
GE W]RE55OOG|WW| © o o © o o 1M 5 •
Kenmore (Seai^) Etito
Oasis 2803(21 © o e © o o €& 65 • «
292 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
modBis, m sïïiiili
••romparaùiew
— Si Ö ^ S
^J Í Í ^ I =• e
D too
P I F 1 G I VCl E
I
TOP-LOADING coniimted
Fisher &Pavkei
S 800
Intuitive IWL16
Haier Encore
Gwn50A[W|
Whirlpool WTW58OOS1W] 550
lK
Maytag MVWC6ES|W1 ÖO©«O©60 •
StaberHXW23Û4 O
GEWHflE555ÛK(WWl
Maytag Centennial
MVWC300V[W| o oe©eo 45
GEWLSR22OOJ1WWI © o ©o o 45
RoperRTW4440V[Cli
Kenmore (Sears)
800 Series 2982(31
O © « O © 6 0
Whirlpool WTW57ESVÍW1
GEWWSË524O(^[WW1
Kenmore (Sears)
500 Series 2952Í21
Hotpoint
VWSR4160G[WW)
O o© © 0 o ^^ 40
GEWHDSH1O9J(WW1 © © Q O © o 1^ 50
Frigidaire FWS1233F[Sj © o © © © © €^ 30
Whirlpool WTW53OOVIW] © o © © © O Í1 45
Front^loading
For cleaninq ability and efficiency: GE WBVH5300KÍWW], $700
GE WCVH6800J[WW], SSOO, CR Best Buy • Overall, this washer was very good.
• Overall, this washer was excellent. • Washing performance is very good.
• Washing performance is very good. • Energy efficiency is excellent.
• Energy efficiency is excellent. • Water efficiency is excellent.
• Water efficiency is excellent. • Capacity is excellent.
• Capacity is excellent. • Gentleness is very good.
• Gentleness is very good. • Noise is very good.
• Noise is very good. • Vibration is just good.
• Vibration is just good. • Has a cycle time of 69 minutes,
• Has a cycle time of 70 minutes. • Comes with a 1 year warranty.
• Comes with a ! year warranty.
For qentleness;
Friqidaire Gallery GLTF2940F(S], $650 LG WM2016CtWl, $800
• Overall, this washer was vDiy good. • Overall, this washer was very good.
• Washing performance is very good. • Washing performance is very good,
• Energy efficiency is excellent. • Energy efficiency is very good.
• Water efficiency is very good. • Water efficiency is exceilent.
• Capacity is very good. • Capacity is excellent.
• Gentleness is very good. • Gentleness is excellent,
• Noise is very good. • Noise is very good.
• Vibration is ¡ust good. • Vibration is just good.
• Has a cycle time of 65 minutes. • Has a cycle time of 90 minutes.
• Comes with a 1 year warranty. • Comes with a 1 year warranty.
294 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 0
Washers
Amana and Fisher & Paykei have been
•PWPt More among the repair-prone top-loading brands.
repairs repairs That's what we found when we asked over
100,000 readers who bought a washer
Whirlpool i H I I H ^ m ! between 20O4 and 2008 about their expe-
riences. The graph shows the percentage
Frigidaire ^ • • H H I D
of brands that needed a repair or had a
".enmore (Sears) ^ • ^ ^ • ¡ ^ B serious problem. Differences of less than
4 points aren't meaningful, and we've ad-
Maytag L^ggjjuim justed the data to eliminate differences
ùFnFrai tieclric ^ H ^ H ^ I ^ I linked solely to age and use of the washer.