inside May 2015

Cover story 16 Amazing cheap products 2 The best bargain appliances, electronics, food, and more. 22 Save more at your favorite stores How to get the best deals at Target, T.J.Maxx, and 9 other major retailers. 2 23 Departments Amazon has great deals, if you know 5 Shop smarter where to look. this month When not to shop, new deals at Amazon.com, and more! 7 Shoptalk Hot new stuff Our take on Apple’s smart watch, a robotic vac that really works, and glue that can fix almost anything. What’s the deal with ... Web retailers opening walk-in stores. Reader poll Why we argue about donating things. Now you know Makeup stars. Silly stuff The bacon edition! Does it really work? Wolfgang Puck’s ‘revolutionary’ oven. Site to see Lily & Strum. In every issue 3 Editor’s note 12 Ask our experts 14 Purse Smart: Travel deals 80 ShopSmart Extra: What we’ll do for a bargain 83 Recalls & safety alerts 84 Back in the day

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FEATURED ON OUR COVER 35 43 The Buying Guide B Home&Yard 29 Sleep better and save
The top mattresses for the money. Plus what not to buy. 2 31 Fast, fun bathroom redos Designers share their favorite low-cost decorating ideas. 34 Hot spring trends at home-goods stores Check out the great new stuff at Ikea, Pottery Barn, and other top retailers. 33 30 38 Home news A money-saving dryer and top dehumidifiers, plus organizing finds under $25. Food &Drink 39 15 healthy food bargains Stock up on these and eat better every day. 2 44 New grocery store services you’ll love Great freebies that can save you money and time at the supermarket! 46 5 surprising things Crunchy, munchy celery. 60 69 47 Food news Three veggies to spring for now, an ice cream alert, and more. Health&Safety 49 What to buy organic Fruits and veggies that can cut your pesticide exposure. 2 54 7 drugstore mistakes you’re probably making Stop overspending now! 58 Health news Why coffee is good for you, timing meals to prevent diabetes, and more. 49 67 Beauty&Fashion 59 Beauty in a box Discover great new cosmetics with these monthly services. 64 ShopSmart shops with ... YouTube beauty guru Michelle Phan. 66 Great buys at Forever 21 You don’t need to be a teenager to love these fashion finds! Cars &Tech 69 Cutting cable You can save by firing your telecom company. Here’s how to do it. 2 73 Better-sounding music We review the new high-res audio players. 74 Tech smart Cool things Windows 10 can do. 75 Tech news Speedy new printers, and more! 76 The safest cars for the money
Affordable models that aced tough crash tests. 2 Cover photograph by Monica Buck; peanut butter: Elizabeth Watt/Getty Images; peaches: Natikka/Getty Images; bed: 78 What if you need to haul something big? Karam Miri/Veer; facing page: Walter B. McKenzie/Getty Images. The do’s and don’ts of getting home safely.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 1 Join the conversation! www.facebook.com/shopsmartmag

JD514F editor’snote Good and cheap! he best things in life are cheap. OK, the free stuff is even better— love, family, friends. But it’s the cheap treats that make my day: jasmine green tea (Bigelow’s my favorite), dark chocolate with Talmonds (Dove), gel stick pens (Uni-ball), fleece sweat shirts (Uniqlo), and cherry chocolate chip soy ice cream (Trader Joe’s). And after putting together this issue, I have a few new favorites, including the cute $13 tassel necklace on page 67, which I can’t wait to wear with a T-shirt and flip-flops—it’s my ultimate cheap chic summer outfit! Throughout our bargain issue, you’ll find tons of amazing low-priced goodies. This really should be called the “Cheap Issue.” But put the word cheap in front of another word, and it can sound like an insult—a cheap person, a cheap suit, cheap perfume. Yes, cheap can be bad. And it’s not always easy to tell the difference between the bad and the good. So in addition to our roundup of amazing cheap products (see page 16) we list stuff that’s cheap for a reason—including a paint that will make stains stick to your walls, detergent that’s only slightly better than plain water, a door Throughout our bargain lock that burglars will love, and a treadmill that comes up short, literally. issue, you’ll find tons In this issue, you’ll also find amazing cheap vacation deals (page 14), of amazing low-priced mattresses (page 29), bathroom makeovers (page 31), drug prices (page 54), and cars (page 76). And on page 39 we’ll tell you about healthy foods goodies. This really should that are too cheap not to buy if you’re trying to eat better—no more excuses! be called the “Cheap Issue.” So get ready to read up and cheap out.

Lisa Lee Freeman Editor in Chief P.S. I’d love to hear from you! Please e-mail me at lisa.freeman@ cr.consumer.org. Also, you can follow me on Twitter (@lisaleefree). Get ShopSmart to go Look for us on your Kindle or Nook. Or The ShopSmart promise download the Zinio or WE WILL ALWAYS TELL YOU THE TRUTH. If we think Next Issue app. It’s also a product is great, we’ll tell you so. If it’s not, we’ll tell you available on Google Play. that, too. We can tell it like it is because we are nonprofit and For more info plus our we don’t take ads or free samples. As part of the Consumer blog, go to ShopSmart.org. Reports family, we spend millions of dollars a year to buy products so that we can test them in our 50 labs and at our Tell us what you think! auto test track. We also fight for laws to protect you from E-mail us at ShopSmart.org/letters dangerous products and unfair sales practices. Our mission Join us on Facebook is simple: to help you make the best choice every time. To us, go to LOOK FOR THESE SYMBOLS INSIDE: facebook.com/shopsmartmag B EXPERT TESTED C NOT SO HOT DDO NOT BUY Find us on Pinterest Go to pinterest.com/shopsmartdotorg

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 3 The advice you President and CEO need before Marta L. Tellado Executive Vice President Ricardo A. Castro you buy Vice President, Brand, Product Strategy, and Integration Leonora Wiener

Vice President and General Manager, Magazine and Newsletter Products Brent Diamond

Editor in Chief Lisa Lee Freeman Design Director Timothy LaPalme Creative Director Melissa Paterno Plonchak Deputy Editor Susan Millar Perry Senior Editor Jody L. Rohlena Managing Editor/Online Editor Scott Nyerges Art Directors Tammy Morton Fernandez, Julie Schrader Photo Editor Karen Shinbaum Contributing Editor Kenrya Rankin Naasel

Vice President, Integrated Content Creation Liam McCormack Senior Director, Content Strategy and Development Diane Salvatore On Sale Autos Mark Rechtin, Editor; Jonathan Linkov, Managing Editor Electronics Glenn Derene, Editor; Eileen McCooey, Deputy Editor Health & Food Ellen Kunes, Health and Food Content Development Team Leader; NOW! Chris Hendel, Associate Director, Health; Marvin Lipman, M.D., Medical Editor; Orly Avitzur, M.D., Associate Medical Editor Home Shax Riegler, Editor; Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, Deputy Editor Money Margot Gilman, Editor; Nikhil Hutheesing, Deputy Editor; Amanda Walker, Senior Project Editor

Contributing Photographers Rebekah Nemethy, Pete Pezzella, John Powers, John Walsh Imaging Specialists Frank Collado, Mark Linder Production Eric W. Norlander, Editorial Production Manager; Aileen McCluskey, Production Associate Essential Guide For: Content Operations David Fox, Director; William Breglio, Content Production Manager Copy Noreen Browne, Alison France, Michael A. Goodman, Wendy Greenfield, Copy Editors Research Jane Healey, Associate Director; Sarah Goralski, Senior Researcher; David Schipper, t Product Ratings Senior Research Specialist; Kathleen Adams and Sharon Riley, Researchers Administration Decarris Bryant Contributing Writers Jeff Blyskal, Patricia Calvo, Dan DiClerico, Dani Forshay, Kimberly Goad, t
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QBJOU Gordon Hard, Sari Harrar, Joyce Hendley, Kimberly Janeway, Adam Kaplan, Amanda Lecky, Hallie Levine, Carol Mangis, Ed Perratore, Maria Ricapito, Amy Roberts, Nicole Sarrubbo, David Schipper, Ginger Skinner, Donna Tapellini, Jim Travers, Zoey Washington, t
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BEWJDF ShopSmart (ISSN Violations of CR’s No Commercial Use policy 1932-3557) is published Our ratings and reports may not be used in by Consumer Reports, advertising. No other commercial use, including an independent, nonprofit any use on the Internet, is permitted without our t
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4 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART 5 ways to shop smarter Give better wedding gifts. Used to be that if you didn’t know what to get a new bride 1 and groom, you were stuck buying an expensive place setting or gravy boat from an old-style department-store registry. Luckily for today’s couples—and gift givers—wedding registries have grown up. New ones offer a fresh way for you to give brides and grooms the stuff they really want. For example, Best Buy just debuted its new registry, accessible via in-store kiosks and online at bestbuy.com/weddingregistry. It syncs with registry sites My Registry and The Knot. Then there’s Zola, which lets brides register for items at different places—traditional gifts as well as

ILLUSTRATIONS: ANDREW LYONS ILLUSTRATIONS: experiences such as cooking classes and cash for the honeymoon.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 5 SHOP SMARTER

Save more at Amazon. A new section of the mega- 3 retailer’s website, at amazon.com/ warehousedeals, sells returned, refurbished, open-box, and other used items at a discount. Some items might not be in perfect condition, but you’ll see a grade before you buy, such as “Used—Very Good” or even “Like New.” And if you’re not happy with what you get, Amazon’s standard 30-day return policy applies (so does free two-day shipping on eligible items with Amazon Prime). For more ways to save at Amazon, see page 23.

Get a deal on glasses. We’re big fans of Warby Parker’s 4 at-home try-on option (request five frames to try on at your leisure) and low prices, starting at $95 for a complete pair of glasses. Know when But until recently only people with single-vision prescriptions could take advantage. Now Warby not to shop. Parker offers progressive lenses, too, starting at 2 $295. Not a fan of the online option? If you’re in It’s no secret that food shopping one of the 11 states (so far) with a Warby Parker on an empty stomach is a bad idea. Well, store, stop in (check warbyparker.com/ turns out you shouldn’t shop for anything locations). Or order frames only and get lenses at a local optician or Costco (see page 12 for when you’re hungry. In a new University of more details). Minnesota study, famished volunteers spent 64 percent more money at the mall than shoppers who weren’t hungry. That’s because Spend less at hunger revs up the desire to hunt and gather, Target.com. the study says. Also, beware of the scent of Bucking a trend toward requiring 5 shoppers to spend more to get cinnamon. It can evoke emotions that might free shipping, Target.com has lowered its encourage you to spend more, according free-shipping minimum to $25. That means to research from the Stevens Institute of you can get free standard shipping on online orders totaling $25 or more. If you’re a Technology. And if you’re ovulating, stop REDcard holder, there’s no minimum—all of shopping! A new University of Texas study your orders ship free. Need your stuff now? found that women wanted to buy more stuff Order online and pick up at a local store. Target is one of many retailers now offering in the middle of their menstrual cycle, when free in-store pickup; others include Bed Bath they were most fertile. & Beyond, Gap, Macy’s, and Walmart.

6 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART NEWS, ADVICE, AND SMART IDEAS Hot new stuff

APPLE WATCH Price $350 and up (way up!) Why it’s hot Apple’s first watch isn’t exactly revolutionary, but it’s one you might The watch actually want to wear. It has nine customizable face is watch faces and can show notifications for a touch incoming e-mails, messages, and calls (via screen. an iPhone). You can make and receive calls thanks to a microphone and speaker. It’s also a fitness and payment device, and runs third-party apps from developers such as Shazam (what’s the name of that song?), ESPN (what’s the score of the UNC game?), The dial (aka Digital and Evernote (what time do I need to Crown) serves as a home pick up my son from soccer today?). The button and a zoom-in, stainless-steel version is shown at right; it zoom-out control. costs $550 and up, depending on watch size and band style. Bands come in different colors, such as pink and brown, and materials, including metal mesh. Bummers Don’t go swimming with your fancy new watch. Apple says even its Sports model (which starts at $350 and comes in five colors: white, pink, green, blue, and black) is just “water resistant.” Also, Apple claims the Built into watch has “all-day battery life,” which just the back of The case translates to “add another charger to your the watch is comes in two a heart-rate nightstand.” Plus it’s easy to spend more sizes: 38 mm monitor. than $1,000 on the watch, depending on the and 42 mm. options you choose, and that’s a lot to pay for a device that might be outdated in a few years. (The most expensive version, the Edition, runs as high as $17,000!) We’ll tell you more about the watch after our labs test it. Where to get it apple.com

All versions of the watch show texts, calls, and e-mail onscreen. You can respond using the watch or your iPhone.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 7 This dirt-sniffing More hot stuff robot uses built-in sensors to get your floors clean.

iROBOT ROOMBA 880 VACUUM CLEANING ROBOT Price $700 Why it’s hot Hate to vacuum? The new, improved Roomba may be cheaper than hiring a maid. Unlike some models, it has a HEPA filter and dirt-detecting sensors. It got our dirty floors Repair a and carpets cleaner than other bot vacs, but it still low-voltage can’t beat a regular vac for deep-carpet cleaning. phone charging Where to get it Best Buy, irobot.com cord and lots of other stuff. SUGRU MOULDABLE GLUE BREVILLE JUICE FOUNTAIN Price $12 for 3 packs ELITE 800JEXL/B Why it’s hot This silicone-rubber glue is a must for home fix-it kits. Price $300 Soft and bendy like Play-Doh, it can be molded into odd shapes, and it Why it’s hot It beat out 18 other juicers in our sticks to lots of surfaces, including ceramics, glass, metal, wood, and most tests to earn the No. 2 spot in our ratings. It’s plastics. It’s not especially strong, but it is good for mending thin objects not cheap—our top-ranked Juiceman costs just that need reinforcing or have pieces missing, such as a vase. Our testers $100—but you get some nice features, including a fixed a broken headset; a low-voltage, fraying phone charging cord; and superlarge feeding tube that saves chopping time other stuff. It comes in black, white, red, and seven other colors. and easily handles small whole apples, tomatoes, Where to get it amazon.com, sugru.com and other produce. It’s also dishwasher-safe and comes with a pulp container, a juicing pitcher, and recipes. And it’s countertop eye candy if you like the beefy, pro-style stainless-steel look. Where to get it Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams-Sonoma MR. COFFEE SMART OPTIMAL BREW BVMC-PSTX91WE COFFEEMAKER Price $150 Why it’s hot Hit the brew button and make coffee from bed! Using the free app and a smart phone or tablet (Apple or Android), or the iPod Touch, you can remotely turn the unit on and off, schedule brewing, and even get an alert when the pot needs cleaning. But keep your phone charged; this Mr. Coffee can’t be programmed from the machine itself. (Don’t need to brew from bed? See page 20 for the $40 Mr. Coffee that topped our tests.) Where to get it Target, Walmart

8 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART READER POLL WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH ... Shopper Websites coming to town confessions Do you ever argue with family More websites are opening tryouts. SwimSpot, for members about donating clothes physical stores, embracing example, began opening or other stuff? In our new poll, the “clicks-and-mortar” stores after realizing that one in four said they do. Here’s trend. Even online giant customers craved help what else they told us: Amazon now has a store, picking a bathing suit. on the Purdue University More retailers that have WHO IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD DO YOU ARGUE WITH THE campus in West Lafayette, gone offline include the MOST WHEN IT COMES TO Ind., where students can pick eyeglasses pioneer Warby DONATING STUFF?* up books, ramen noodles, Parker, which now has and other items ordered at 18 locations in 11 states. 78% 19% spouse/partner child amazon.com/student. Next Trendy clothing retailer up: more campus stores. Nasty Gal and shoe club Why get physical? Retailers JustFab recently opened 4% 5% that have expanded offline shops in Los Angeles. The parent someone else say that stores give customers beauty subscription service WHAT DO YOU a fuller experience by offering Birchbox has a store in New ARGUE ABOUT?* them better service. And York with stations to try they can introduce their makeup; build your own 67% Clothing or other brand to folks who haven’t boxful of products; and get items not being used discovered it online. The your hair, makeup, and nails 50% Not enough space/items biggest benefit for shoppers: done. Rent the Runway has cluttering the house You can check out a company’s stores where you can rent merchandise before you buy dresses and a warehouse it, which could mean fewer where you can buy garments 41% Items have sentimental value 10% hassles with returns. And for up to 90 percent off. And Items some products really lend L.L.Bean has announced that it don’t 11% Items are work themselves to in-store plans to open 100 stores. outdated or out of style

*Readers were allowed to give more than one answer. Based on 347 reader responses. NOW YOU KNOW TOP-SELLING NEW COSMETICS The hottest mass-market beauty products launched in the past year

1. CoverGirl Bombshell by LashBlast Very Black

4. L’Oréal Infallible 2. L’Oréal Never Fail 5. Wet n Wild Voluminous Silkissime Wild Shine Miss Manga 3. Profusion Twinkle Silky Pencil protective Blackest Black Twinkle 5 Color eye shadow Black eyeliner base coat

Source: Mintel GNPD IRIS , based on average weekly unit sales from January 2014 to December 2014. ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 9 THE BACON EDITION does this SILLY STUFF REALLY Look what we found this month! work?!

Bacon air freshener

THE AD SAYS

Feed your bacon mania while getting rid of that pesky new car smell.

SHOPSMART SAYS Pork my ride! WOLFGANG PUCK PRESSURE OVEN, $250 THE CLAIM In his TV infomercial, chef Wolfgang Puck makes some pretty bold claims about his “revolutionary” oven, including cooking a whole turkey in less than an hour. This unique appliance is also claimed to combine the time- and moisture-saving benefits of a pressure cooker with a regular oven to Mr. Bacon’s THE AD SAYS make “delicious meals in one-third the time.” But wait, there’s more: It roasts, toothpaste It’s the perfect way to keep your teeth and toasts, broils, and bakes, and according gums healthy while coating your mouth to Puck, “It’s the only oven you’ll ever with the delicious flavor of smoky meat! need.” Plus there are testimonials from users saying how it has replaced their SHOPSMART SAYS microwaves, toasters, and ovens. Ahh, bacon-fresh breath! THE CHECK Our testers pressure- cooked a turkey, pork, fish, and brownies using recipes that came with the oven. Then they cooked the same foods at similar temperatures in a regular oven Crispy bacon for comparison. wristlet purse BOTTOM LINE It is slightly faster than a conventional oven because of the THE AD SAYS pressure, and it does hold moisture in better. But it didn’t meet its claim of Made to fit everything cooking meals in one-third of the time you need day or night, of a regular oven. Also, if you already it’s a stylish look for every have an oven, you probably don’t need occasion and event. one of these things, unless you like to cook giant meals and could use the SHOPSMART SAYS extra capacity on occasion. Tastewise, Carry it everywhere—and the food comes out about the same be a sizzling-hot mess! as a regular oven. So it’s not exactly “revolutionary,” and it definitely doesn’t replace a toaster, microwave, and more.

10 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART SITE TO SEE Always give the perfect present LilyAndStrum.com Why you have to check it out Gift giving Sundance, and UncommonGoods, as well as is tricky business, but this site makes it easy. lesser-known gems such as Farm to People Just share a bit about the person you’re (artisanal foods) and Pink Olive (whimsical shopping for, your budget, and the date and home stuff), plus cool “item of the month” occasion. Then answer a few questions about clubs. As you veto and save ideas, the site the person’s interests and style, and the site makes more customized suggestions. You can will create a list of potential gifts. The picks even invite family and friends to weigh in. are drawn from more than 300 retailers, Then go to the retailer’s site to buy. All that’s including popular ones such as Nordstrom, left is to sit back and wait for a thank you. A GIFT THAT GROWS Mom love cooking? Then she’ll flip for this self-watering indoor herb garden from ClickandGrow.com. As you comb through Lily & Strum’s suggestions, you can click to buy or save for later.

Answer questions so that you can get better picks. THE ART OF GIVING Going to a wedding? The newlyweds might appreciate a subscription to Papirmass.com, an art-of-the-month club.

FREE NEW APPS TO TRY HEARTTHIS SCANNABLE THE HUNT TL;DR (TOO LONG, Follow and shop all of Aim your phone at a Post a pic of a stylish DIDN’T READ) your favorite stores document, receipt, or piece you covet and It condenses the first from this visually business card and it the network of more 30 words of e-mails driven app. It creates a perfect than 3 million users to Facebook-like automatically finds shareable scan; syncs will track it down. posts so that you can promo codes, too. with Evernote. Works on Android, read and reply faster. Works on Apple. Works on Apple. Apple. Works on Apple.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 11 askourexperts How alike are Q different brands of gasoline? Should I FILL ’ER UP just choose by price? In most cases, your car won’t —P. Galasso, Scranton, Pa. notice which brand you buy.

Each gasoline brand uses injection over time, leading 19,500 Consumer Reports different additives in its to a loss of power, hesitation— readers, Costco topped the formulation, but that’s nothing and possibly expensive repairs. ratings for overall satisfaction, to be concerned about, says So check with your dealership beating out retailers such as Jim Travers, autos editor. Our or owner’s manual. LensCrafters and Pearle Vision. advice is (and has always been) One drawback: You might have OUR PANEL to use whatever grade of gas is DISCOUNT GLASSES to wait a week or more for recommended in your owner’s What is the difference Costco or Walmart to prepare manual, and leave it at that. But Q in quality among your glasses. And be aware that if you own a car with a direct- eyeglasses purchased at designer frames available at injection engine, be aware that Walmart Vision Centers, those retailers are often made Jim Travers autos editor certain car manufacturers, mall shops, and optical by companies that license those including BMW, Kia, and stores? —K. Cook, via e-mail famous brands—not by the Toyota, have issued alerts to Just 38 percent of Americans designers themselves. That’s their dealers recommending buy their glasses from an eye not necessarily a bad thing. that drivers with direct- doctor or optometrist, according Most companies that license injection engines use only to Mintel, a market-research designer brands also make high- Sue Byrne health editor top-tier, name-brand detergent firm. Others take their eyeglass quality nondesigner frames— gasoline when fueling up prescriptions to discount some of which look almost and that you periodically retailers such as Costco Optical exactly like the name brands add a fuel-system cleaner. and Walmart Vision Centers. but cost a fraction of the price. The reason: There have been And with good reason, says reports of carbon buildup Sue Byrne, health editor. In our PRO PAINTING TRICK Rico de Paz paint tester on some engines with direct most recent survey of almost How do I get a true Q straight line at a wall or ceiling when I paint? Do any of the straight-edge paintbrushes really work? —L. Gee, via e-mail Nikhil EYE BUYS Paint tester Rico de Paz Hutheesing Costco beats finance editor chains such as recommends using a paint LensCrafters edger, which is a pad with guide for price and wheels that makes cutting in service. along ceilings and trim fast and easy. The trick is to keep Marvin M. the guide wheels clean by using Lipman chief medical a paint roller to load up the

adviser edger’s pad—don’t dip it directly IMAGES INBJ/GETTY BOTTOM: IMAGES; PLEASUREOFART/GETTY TOP:

12 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART into paint. (Check out the hopes to attract you as a new dizziness, confusion, Shur-Line 500 edger, $5 at customer. There are check- sleepiness, nausea, and Amazon.com.) Painter’s tape cashing services, too, but falls—after taking a drug for and angled brushes are another they charge hefty fees. months or years. Age-related way to get a really straight line, changes in your body’s but it’s more difficult and SUDDEN SIDE EFFECTS metabolism, such as an increase time-consuming going that Is it possible to in body fat and reduced kidney route. If you use a brush with Q develop side eff ects or liver function, may keep water-based paint, go with from a drug I’ve been medications in your system nylon/poly and not a natural taking for years without longer as you get older, raising bristle. The natural bristle is any previous problems? the risk of side effects. Adding Not an actual like hair in that when it gets —A. Wright, New York City new drugs, over-the-counter test! (He’s just excited wet, it becomes floppy and Yes, says Marvin M. Lipman, remedies, or supplements about testing doesn’t spread paint well. The M.D., chief medical adviser. to medications you already mattresses.) length of the handle doesn’t With most drugs, side effects take could cause matter, but before you buy usually occur within hours or interactions among a brush, hold it in your hand days. But you can experience medications, resulting to see which length gives you symptoms—including in new side effects. better control.

FASTER CHECK CASHING I was given a check Q but don’t want to TESTING 1-2-3 wait for it to clear at my A few questions for mattress bank. Is there a faster way tester Chris Regan for me to get the cash? —N. Taylor, Bronx, N.Y. Buying a mattress has to be one of You could take the check to the toughest purchases. Any advice? Three things: Always try to negotiate, don’t feel shy the issuer’s bank, which should about lying in your sleeping position on the mattress cash it right away. Many will at the store, and skip focusing too much on terms like do it free, though certain banks “firm” and “plush,” which can mean different things will charge a fee unless you with different manufacturers. open an account, says Nikhil How do you test mattresses? Hutheesing, finance editor. Comfort is subjective, so our tests focus on things you can There are two reasons banks measure, like the alignment of your spine when you’re lying provide the check-cashing on your side or back. We also drop a 38-pound weight on the service: First, the bank that mattress and measure to see how much vibration is absorbed, holds the account can verify to simulate a bedmate getting on and off the mattress. (Turn to page 29 to see our top picks from our latest tests.) immediately whether there is enough cash to cover the Sorry, but we have to ask— check, and second, the bank do you get to nap on the job? No naps, but I do lie down on all of the mattresses in our lab to get a feel for each one. One of my bosses came by with GET FREE ADVICE! E a tour group one day, and Got a question about electronics, appliances, or anything all they saw was my foot else you need to buy or already own? hanging off a mattress. E-mail our experts at ShopSmart.org/ So I popped up with questions. Letters might be edited for my clipboard to show space and clarity. Sorry, but we can’t I was working! answer every letter. pursesmart Travel bargain season is here! Booking during the April-May lull can cut vacation costs in half

he bargain bonanza known pools and other outdoor activity Eleuthera in March goes for $2,718; as the “shoulder season”— centers. But the discounts usually in May the price drops to $2,151. the two months after the make up for them. For example, in Here are a few other ways to save: Twinter travel season— Florida you can find deals like this starts in April and goes through one: At the Marco Beach Ocean HIT THE SLOPES Memorial Day. “The difference Resort, a $569 suite in March Ski resorts offer some of the best of a couple of months and degrees drops to $239 in May, a savings of discounts after the lift lines shut in temperature can add up to as 58 percent. In Hawaii a $479 room down and before the summer season much as a 60 percent savings,” says at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in starts up. A room that goes for $539 Jeanenne Tornatore, senior travel March can be had for $339 in May, in March at the Four Seasons Resort editor for Orbitz. 29 percent less. Jackson Hole costs $279 in May, a The trade-off: You might In Mexico and the Caribbean, drop of more than 48 percent. have to put up with some minor prices at resorts and private villas inconveniences as hotels and generally plummet after Easter, and TAKE A ONE-WAY VOYAGE resorts gear up for the summer: hurricane season doesn’t begin until Try a “repositioning” cruise. Ships painting, sprucing up gardens, June. A week in a two-bedroom that spend the winter in Hawaii or training new staff, and opening restored 19th-century cottage in Mexico have to relocate for their summer Alaska cruises; ships from East Coast ports need to get to NO CROWDS! It’s another Europe for Mediterranean and benefit of Northern European sailings. Because shoulder- the cruise lines don’t want to sail season travel. empty, per-diem rates are often much lower than for “regular” sailings. For details, go to cruisecritic. com/articles.cfm?ID=1212#spring.

LOOK FOR BENEFITS THAT ONLY LOCALS KNOW ABOUT For example, May is the best time for animal lovers to visit the mountains because critters emerge from hibernation or start to migrate to their summer grounds. Wildlife watchers might glimpse an elk calf or see trumpeter swans winging north. CabinFeverVacations.com offers two free nights if you book five in the Smoky Mountains of

Tennessee during April and May. IMAGES IMAGES/GETTY THINKSTOCK PHOTO:

14 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART WHAT TO TIP ON YOUR TRIP Can you trust Make sure you have extra cash on hand. Here are some tips: your financial O
At the airport Give a porter $5 for one bag and $3 to $5 for adviser? each additional bag he takes to a curbside check-in. O
Getting around For taxi service, tip 10 to 20 percent of the bill. For Discussing your investments town car or limo services, tip 15 to 20 percent if a gratuity isn’t included in the with a financial pro is even bill. Give courtesy shuttle drivers who help with your bags $1 to $2 per bag. more stressful than talking O
At a hotel Tip door attendants who hail cabs $2 to $5; bellhops, $5 per to a doctor about that weird bag in a five-star hotel ($1 to $2 per bag everywhere else). For a concierge who pain in your side and other gets theater tickets or dinner reservations, tip $5 to $10 (but $20 or more if weighty health matters, they’re difficult to get). Hotel maids should get $2 to $10 per night depending according to surveys. To on the type of hotel, and parking valets $3 to $5 each time they get your car. make the experience a little O
On the seas Check your cruise-ship company’s tipping policy. Consider less stressful, you can check giving cabin stewards $5 per night; baggage service, $2 per bag; bartenders, to make sure that your 15 to 20 percent of your total tab; and dining-room servers, $4 to $5 per day. financial adviser hasn’t taken O
Abroad The Global Tip Calculator Pro app gives advice for more than 140 advantage of other clients. countries (free for Android, Apple); GlobeTipping, for more than 200 ($1, Apple). A number of regulatory agencies provide online resources with just that sort of information.

BEFORE THE DELUGE, O
The Commodity Futures BUY FLOOD INSURANCE Trading Commission recently launched SmartCheck Spring is a good time to reassess (smartcheck.cftc.gov), your need for flood coverage, a site that lets you check even if you live nowhere near a the background of financial hurricane-prone coast. Flooding professionals. It also has news last year in Phoenix is a reminder and advice about investing that it can happen in unlikely scams and schemes. You can also use SmartCheck to file a places. And your homeowners complaint against an adviser. insurance usually won’t cover it. Just follow these tips before O
BrokerCheck (brokercheck. taking the plunge: DON’T GET SOAKED A regular homeowners finra.org) keeps tabs on more DON’T BOTHER PRICE SHOPPING. policy won’t cover you in case of a flood. than 600,000 brokers. It Most private insurers don’t sell was recently upgraded to their own flood coverage. Your $650 per year. You can see the include information on best source is federal flood premiums available by going to whether a broker is involved in a dispute or is facing insurance through the National floodsmart.gov and typing your disciplinary action. You can Flood Insurance Program, which address into the red search box also look into a broker’s is sold by insurance agents who on the right side. history and employment sell homeowners policies. Because SAVE WITH A HIGHER DEDUCTIBLE. status, and check industry it comes from one source, you Cut premiums by paying more out registrations. can’t shop among carriers. of pocket if your house is flooded. The Background Affiliation CHECK THE RANGE OF PREMIUMS. Deductibles start at $1,000 for O
Status Information Center They will vary depending on how moderate to low-risk areas. (nfa.futures.org/nfa-investor- much coverage you buy. For a ACT NOW. Usually there’s a 30-day information/publication- single-family residence, the cap waiting period before coverage library/basic.HTML) allows is $250,000 and $100,000 for its kicks in. If a storm is in the you to research background contents, but of course you can forecast and you have no coverage, info on commodity traders.

PHOTO: IMAGE SOURCE/GETTY IMAGES SOURCE/GETTY IMAGE PHOTO: buy less. The average policy costs it’s probably too late to buy.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 15 COVER STORY

AM a Z i Ng CHEAP PRODUCTS

e know a bargain when we see one. Our bargains don’t have fancy packaging or That’s because we test thousands of lots of frills. But some ranked near the top of our W products at a wide range of prices in ratings, including the store-brand dishwasher our laboratories each year. And in some cases, the pacs, snack bars, and sunscreen on the facing page. cheaper ones perform as well as—or even better Of course, sometimes products are cheap for a than—much more expensive ones. The items reason. Many low-cost lemons come through our featured on the next five pages are some of the labs; turn to page 21 for a list of this year’s. Also best low-cost products we tested in the past year. check out the savings tips throughout this article So if you hate to spend more than you need to, to get more for your money—no matter which you’ll love this list. products you pick. PHOTO: JAMES WORRELL; PROP STYLING: MIAKO KATOH MIAKO PROP STYLING: WORRELL; JAMES PHOTO:

16 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART $10 AND UNDER

EQUATE ULTRA PROTECTION SUNSCREEN (Walmart) SPF 50 Price $9 (16 ounces) Why it’s a bargain It was the best deal of the 20 sunscreens we tested, and it’s one of the best at blocking UVA/UVB rays.

ABOUND POMEGRANATE & CREE 9.5 WATT CRANBERRY SNACK BAR (CVS) (60 W) A19 Price 90 cents WARM LED Why it’s a bargain This drugstore- PICCOLO FIORE LIGHTBULB brand snack bar is about 35 cents cheaper than those from ROSSO DI SICILIA WINE Price $8.50 big names like Kind and Lärabar, and it will set you back only (Whole Foods) Why it’s a 150 calories. Some of the dozens of bars we tested had as Price $8 bargain The many as 280 calories—more than a regular Snickers bar. And Why it’s a bargain cheapest of our we love the yummy mix of protein- and fiber-packed berries, Another great store-brand top-rated LED bulbs, the Cree oats, and roasted almonds. deal, this light, fruity red gives off bright warm light and blend beat out bottles from is dimmable. Plus it comes with winemakers Columbia Crest a 10-year warranty. and Barons de Rothschild.

MEMBER’S MARK ULTIMATE CLEAN Cheapskate DISHWASHER PACS secret For great (Sam’s Club) Price $9.98 (10 cents per load) deals on wine, shop Why it’s a bargain This store at stores like Costco, brand cleaned our dishes and Sam’s Club, and Target. pots as well as the top-rated Cascade Complete ActionPacs, The prices are usually but for 19 cents less per load. lower, and the wine is Just be sure to keep the enticing—but poisonous— often fresher because

TAG, SNACK BARS, AND DISHWASHER PACS: JAMES WORRELL; FOOD STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; PROP STYLING: MIAKO KATOH MIAKO PROP STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; STYLING: FOOD WORRELL; JAMES PACS: BARS, AND DISHWASHER SNACK TAG, packets out of the reach of tots. turnover is faster.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 17 COVER STORY

INTERNATIONAL DELIGHT ICED COFFEE SWEET & CREAMY MOCHA Price $4 (49 cents per serving) Why it’s a bargain Keep this in your fridge and save on coffee-shop drinks. We loved its yummy mocha- HOOK AND LOOP WRAPS chocolate-caramel flavor. Price $2 (package of five) Why it’s a bargain The multicolored ties are about the cheapest way to tame wires outside of using ugly rubber bands.

L’ORÉAL SUBLIME DOWNY WRINKLE BRONZE PRO PERFECT RELEASER PLUS SALON AIRBRUSH Price $8 (33.8-ounce bottle) SUNLESS TANNER Why it’s a bargain Before Price $9.80 (4.6-ounce can) you send your wrinkled but Why it’s a bargain Out of six nonsmelly stuff to the cleaners, self-tanning sprays we tested, it try this spray. It works on most GREAT VALUE STRONG gave the most natural-looking fabrics, especially synthetics & ABSORBENT PAPER color, even beating out Clinique, and blends. (Sorry, but you’ll TOWELS (Walmart) $23, and St. Tropez, $35. still need an iron for cottons.) Price $2.09 per 100 square feet Why it’s a bargain If you go through paper towels like TAYLOR MEAT DIAL crazy, this brand will do 5939N LEAVE-IN mopping and sopping jobs ANALOG MEAT for about half the price of THERMOMETER top-scoring Bounty. Price $10 Why it’s a bargain Digital thermometers can cost hundreds of dollars. This leave-in one may be skimpy PANASONIC RP-TCM125 on features, but it’s accurate EARPHONES and easy to read. Price $10 DANNON VANILLA Why it’s a bargain If you YOGURT didn’t snatch up a pair of these Price 65 cents bargain earphones last year Why it’s a bargain This when they first made our inexpensive supermarket annual bargain list, you just staple was the yummiest of saved yourself $10! Panasonic the 10 vanilla yogurts we tested. recently slashed the price. And And although it’s low-fat, they still outperform models

it doesn’t taste like it. costing 10 times as much! STYLING: FOOD WORRELL; JAMES OF ICED COFFEE: GLASS KATOH MIAKO PROP STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; $25 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE ULTRA CLEAN AND FREE & CLEAR (Costco) Price $16.46 (11 cents per load) Why it’s a bargain It handled every stain in our UNDER tests for about half the price of top-rated Tide Ultra Stain Release and Tide HE Plus Bleach Alternative. It works well in cold water, too.

Cheapskate secret Pay nothing for detergent! If you have a top-loader that uses lots of hot water, switch to cold water. If you heat water with electricity, it could save up to $60 per year, about the price of a year’s worth of detergent.

BELLA LINEA COLLECTION 2-SLICE TOASTER Price $20 Why it’s a bargain It’s a pop of eye candy on a kitchen countertop, and GLIDDEN PREMIUM you can’t beat the price. It makes very EXTERIOR PAINT (Home good toast; the wide slots fit bagels, Depot), ALL SHEENS too. It also comes in blue. Price $25 This paint resists cracking and color change, it’s eco-friendly, and it costs $12 to $43 less per gallon than other top exterior paints.

TRUE VALUE EASYCARE ANKER ASTRO MINI ULTRA PREMIUM PORTABLE CHARGER INTERIOR PAINT Price $20 Price $24 Why it’s a bargain Mobile chargers Why it’s a bargain It’s half can cost twice as much. We love this the price of top-ranked Behr nice-priced, lipstick-sized one because Marquee, but in our tests it it tucks comfortably into a purse or covered old paint and resisted travel bag. And it works with Apple or

TAG AND BAGEL: JAMES WORRELL; FOOD STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; PROP STYLING: MIAKO KATOH MIAKO PROP STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; STYLING: FOOD WORRELL; JAMES AND BAGEL: TAG mildew and gloss change. Android smart phones and some tablets.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 19 COVER STORY

BISSELL PET HAIR ERASER 33A1 HAND VACUUM CLEANER Price $35 Why it’s a bargain This hand vac was $100 the cheapest model we tested and one of the best at carpet and bare-floor cleanup, OR LESS and along edges. Despite its name, though, it wasn’t great at picking up after pets.

MR. COFFEE BVMC- AMAZON FIRE TV CANON PIXMA MX EVENFLO SURERIDE SJX33GT COFFEEMAKER STICK MEDIA PLAYER 472 PRINTER CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT Price $40 Price $40 Price $70 Price $100 Why it’s a bargain This Why it’s a bargain It’s a Why it’s a bargain This Why it’s a bargain You can machine brews a cup of joe as cheap way to access many of cheapie prints great photos spend two or three times more good as our top-rated Cuisinart the same streaming services fast, is inexpensive to run, for a top car seat, but this drip model, which is five times you get with the $100 Fire TV and doesn’t use much ink to Evenflo model offers the best the price. Plus you get a water player, including Hulu Plus, maintain the print heads. The balance of crash protection, filter, a cleaning indicator, and Netflix, and more. (See page 72 trade-off: no slot for a memory ease of use, and ease of auto shutoff. for more details.) card from your camera. installation for the money.

BLACK & DECKER FUSION BLADE DIGITAL BL1820SG-P BLENDER Price $50 Why it’s a bargain It outperformed the $500 Vitamix 6000 and pricey models from Breville and Cuisinart. In addition to whipping up great smoothies, it was a whiz at puréeing. SUMMER INFANT 3D LITE BLACK & DECKER UMBRELLA STROLLER GH1100 ELECTRIC Price $80 STRING TRIMMER Why it’s a bargain Whether Price $70 you’re hitting the pavement or Why it’s a bargain It doesn’t the mall, this lightweight basic use polluting gas like some of stroller is easy to use and the pricier premium models. maneuver. And most And it whacked our weeds, important, it scored an edged quickly, and trimmed tall

excellent rating for safety. grass cleanly in a single pass. KATOH MIAKO PROP STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; STYLING: FOOD WORRELL; AND BLENDER: JAMES TAG CHEAP BUT NOT Other great deals! WORTH IT!

EUREKA AIRSPEED ABS Murray M22500 AS1050A VACUUM push lawn mower CLEANER (Walmart) Price $170 DELL VENUE 7 3000 Price $130 Save your back and your (WI-FI, 16GB) TABLET Why it’s a money. This model didn’t Price $130 bargain It’s noisy, Cascade Gel cut it in our mowing and Why it’s a bargain Unlike but this store- dishwasher detergent mulching tests. some low-priced tablets, the brand vac aced our Price $5 (9 cents per load) display looks great, there’s a tests for bare-floor Don’t mistake this worst- voice-typing feature so that you cleaning and scoring gel for its brandmate can dictate e-mail, and you can pet-hair pickup, Cascade Complete, which transfer files to and from a PC. and it did great is one of the best. Acer Aspire V5-123-3466 It also has a 12-hour battery life. on carpets. 10- to 11-inch laptop Price $275 This poky Acer is nothing to aspire to. No other model in recent tests got a lower score.

Weslo Cadence Great Value Naturals G 5.9 treadmill laundry detergent Price $300 (Walmart) This cheapie KENMORE 66227 Price $9 (14 cents per load) comes up short; the belt isn’t MICROWAVE OVEN KENMORE 13202 If you want natural, use plain long enough for long strides. Price $105 DISHWASHER water; this detergent wasn’t Why it’s a bargain You can Price $475 much better at removing spend as much as $500 for a Why it’s a bargain You’ll stains in our tests. microwave. But if all you use get top-notch washing, drying, one for is defrosting, making and efficiency, though there’s popcorn, and heating up a trade-off: It’s a little noisy Amana ADB1400PY[S] leftovers, this model will do the and its normal cycle time is dishwasher trick—and we love the color. a lengthy 155 minutes. Price $380 ColorPlace Interior It didn’t get our dishes clean, paint (Walmart) and it’s noisy. There are better Cheapskate KIA FORTE SEDAN Price $17 picks even at that low price. Price $19,215* If your walls could talk, they secret Instead of Why it’s a bargain would tell you not to buy For the puny price you this paint. It’s bad at resisting springing for pricey get a roomy cabin; a quiet, stains and gloss change, and comfy ride; and decent wipers, buy the cheap just so-so at hiding old paint. mileage (28 mpg). And Frigidaire Affinity ones and replace them the Kia ranked high in our FAHE1011M[W] every six months. owner-satisfaction survey. HE top-loader Price $550 It cleaned our loads but was rough on clothes. Weslock 671 door lock Price $30 Scion tC Our testers could drill, pick, Price $22,323* and kick their way through This little car looks cute and a door with this lock, and sporty, but it’s noisy and not so could a burglar. at all fun to drive. TAG: JAMES WORRELL; PROP STYLING: MIAKO KATOH MIAKO PROP STYLING: WORRELL; JAMES TAG:

*Price of tested model. ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 21 COVER STORY

Save more at your favorite stores Bloggers and brands share surprising ways to score bargains

ou probably already do lots of stuff to maximize savings at your Do this first! favorite stores, such as shopping the big sales and joining loyalty If you haven’t already taken clubs. But what if you could go deeper and uncover little-known these basic steps, start here Ytips that could help you save even more? We tapped expert bloggers for coupons and more: and retailers to get insider tricks that you won’t want to miss. For example, we found out when to shop for the best markdowns and how to score O Subscribe to retailer e-newsletters at websites. exclusive coupons. O Join loyalty clubs. The 11 retailers featured on the next several pages have big fan bases. O Download store apps. Some even have their own dedicated fan blogs, and all of them frequently O Follow brands on social media. show up in some of the big bargain blogs, such as Rather-Be-Shopping.com O Check coupon sites such as and TheKrazyCouponLady.com. It can really pay to check blogs regularly for RetailMeNot.com for promo coupons and tips. Retailers’ own blogs are best for keeping up with product codes before checking out

launches and store openings as well as behind-the-scenes shots. Happy savings! online or in a store. MOUTARDE COLONEL ILLUSTRATIONS:

22 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART Blogs to check out Amazopia.com, JungleDealsBlog.com Tips to try O
HIT THE DEALS SECTION. Check amazon.com/deals to find the best offers year-round, says Scott Stanzel, director of consumer communications at Amazon. You’ll see Deals of the Day, limited-time Lightning Deals, and info on sales, bonus offers, and coupons. (As we mentioned earlier, in ShopTalk, also check Amazon Warehouse Deals.) O
TRADE UP. You can earn Amazon gift cards by trading in unwanted books, laptops, phones, and more. Go to amazon.com/tradein. O
USE COUPONS. Before you check out, look for coupons, says Sarah Elizabeth of Jungle Deals. Click on “Today’s Deals” at the top left of Blogs to check out the screen, then “Coupons” to uncover EffortlessAnthropologie.blogspot. savings on everything from snacks to com, BehindTheDressingRoomDoor. Blog to check out makeup. If you come across a coupon blogspot.com, BreakfastAt Rather-Be-Shopping.com for a fixed discount—say, $4 off—you Anthropologie.blogspot.com might even score free items. Tips to try O
SUBSCRIBE TO SAVE. Amazon’s Tips to try O
ASK AND RECEIVE. Don’t Subscribe & Save program (where O
WAIT FOR SALES. The biggies hesitate to ask cashiers to give you you sign up for automatic delivery of happen in December and May, and 20 percent off if you forgot to grab items you buy regularly) is one of the discounts are at least 25 percent off the “20% off any 1 item” coupon that best, with discounts of 5 to 15 percent. already marked-down items, says comes in the mail, says Kyle James Elizabeth says that you can save even Elizabeth Tanin of Behind the Dressing from Rather Be Shopping. They usually more by using a coupon, too. Look just Room Door. have the coupons behind the counter. below the item’s list price in the center O
STAY UP LATE. Sales usually O
DON’T TOSS EXPIRED of the screen for a Clip Coupon & Save happen a couple of times each month, COUPONS. Bed Bath & Beyond will button. Click on it for a discount on starting on Mondays at 12:01 a.m. accept them in stores, James says. the price of your first shipment. Pacific Time on the website. Or head O
SIGN UP FOR EXTRA SAVINGS. O
BE A SQUEAKY WHEEL. to your local store that morning. Online newsletter subscribers Amazon Prime members, listen up: O
STAKE YOUR CLAIM. The frequently receive special coupon If an item arrives late, you may be website usually deletes a product that codes for 20 percent off that can be eligible for an extra month on your has sold out, but if it’s in many people’s used online or in person. (Those might membership, up to 12 times per year. carts or on their wish lists, the retailer not be accepted after expiration dates.) But it’s not automatic; you must contact will add it back to the site when returns And if you sign up for text messages, customer service, Elizabeth says. Late come in, Elizabeth says. Those so- you can get an additional code each delivery tends to happen more often called popbacks are often discounted, month for online or in-store purchases. during bad weather and the holidays. especially if the original purchasers O
SHIP TO STORE. Save time O
CELEBRATE WITH SAVINGS. waited awhile to return them. So if wandering the aisles and save shipping During holidays (including Memorial there’s something you love but can’t costs, too, with Bed Bath & Beyond’s Day!) you can pretty much rely on buy right away, put it in your cart or Reserve Online, Pay in Store program. Amazon to release a coupon code add it to your wish list. Just choose “Pick Up in a Store” as for an additional 20 to 30 percent off O
JOIN THE LOYALTY your delivery option and pay at the already discounted clothes, handbags, PROGRAM. You get a discount for customer-service counter. and shoes, Elizabeth says. Just click one purchase during your birthday O
TIME YOUR TRIP. Shop the on the “Sales and Deals” tab in the month, redeemable online or in-store. Semi-Annual Clearance Event fashion section to score up to Members also get two free shipping (in-store and online) in January and 75 percent off. periods each year and notices on sales. September for up to 50 percent off.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 23 COVER STORY

Blog to check out JCrewAficionada.blogspot.com Tips to try O
STOP BY THE BLOG. Check the home page for the most current coupon codes. O
GET SPECIAL DISCOUNTS. Teachers and college students with ID get a 15 percent discount on all in-store orders. Want something that’s online-only or sold out at your local store? Alexis of JCrew Aficionada suggests stopping by the store anyway. An associate can order it for you, apply the discount (which can be stacked on top of any current promos), and waive shipping fees. O
PHONE IT IN. If the store doesn’t have your size or the color you want, pick up the red phone in the store and you’ll be connected to a customer- service rep. You’ll get free shipping if you buy at least one full-priced item, Alexis says. Blogs to check out Blogs to check out COMPARE ONLINE PRICES. Rather-Be-Shopping.com, Rather-Be-Shopping.com, O
The discounted prices for the same TheKrazyCouponLady.com TheKrazyCouponLady.com item can vary between J.Crew stores Tips to try Tips to try and JCrew.com. So Demer and Wheeler O
GO FOR THE KILL. Look for the O
JOIN THE FAMILY. The free Ikea recommend taking a smart phone with “price kill”—Gap’s lowest possible Family program (info.Ikea-usa.com/ you when you shop in stores to check discount. Joanie Demer and Heather family) provides exclusive online and online prices. Just be sure to factor Wheeler of The Krazy Coupon Lady say in-store discounts; 30 minutes of kids’ in shipping costs. that you can tell whether you’re getting playtime so that you can shop in O
MAXIMIZE SALE SAVINGS it by reading the tag. If the price ends in peace; 90 days of price protection in AT WALK-IN STORES. Almost 97 cents, it’s the lowest it will ever go, case an item is marked down later; everything goes on sale at J.Crew making it a killer deal. Those items are free kids’ meals on Tuesdays; and free if you wait long enough, Demer and final sales and can’t be returned. breakfast on Mondays until 11 a.m. Wheeler say, with most pieces marked O
STOCK UP. Buy multiples of the O
GET THE MOVING DISCOUNT. down once or twice before they hit things you love during Gap’s limited- If you’re moving, go to info.Ikea-usa. the final price. They have noticed that time recurring sales, such as the com/moving. Sign up and get a $25 walk-in stores seem to mark down Biggest Little Kids & Baby Sale in coupon good for an in-store purchase full-price merch faster and more February and September, and the Get of $250 or more. significantly than the online store. Intimates event in February and late O
CHECK THE CHECKOUT Seasonal items usually remain at full May/early June. Demer and Wheeler DEALS. Shop the As-Is section, price for four to six weeks before the say that you can get seven pairs of usually near the checkout area, and first sale markdown, and year-round underwear for just $28—they’re save up to 50 percent on returned basics usually don’t get their first usually $8.50 to $14.50 per pair— products and other stuff, the Krazy markdown until they have been during the Get Intimates sale. Coupon Ladies say. available for six to 12 weeks. O
USE FACEBOOK. Can’t find a Gap O
PICK THE RIGHT DAY. Demer O
CHECK FOR SALE ITEMS ON coupon? Use the brand’s Facebook and Wheeler say that you can score SALE. The deepest discounts come page to send a message requesting a the biggest deals in the As-Is section from promotions on already discounted coupon, James says. You’ll probably by shopping on Early-Bird Sundays merch. They usually begin at 25 percent get a response within an hour during (10 a.m. to noon), Mattress Mondays, off sale items online or 30 percent business hours, and you could score a and Wacky Wednesdays; everything is in-store, then move incrementally to code for up to half off sale items. Try an additional 10 percent off. (Turn to 40 percent and occasionally 50 percent, that with other retailers, too. page 37 for some fun Ikea buys.) according to the Krazy Coupon Ladies.

24 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART Blogs to check out Blog to check out Lulumum.blogspot.com, Blogs to check out Sales-aholic.com LuluAddict.com AllThingsTarget.com, TotallyTarget. com, Target-Addict.blogspot.com Tips to try Tips to try O
TAKE A CHANCE. Anna Huynh DIAL FOR DISCOUNTS. Many Tips to try O
of Sales-aholic swears by Modcloth’s branches have their own Facebook O
DOWNLOAD THE APP. Target’s Stylish Surprise sales, which happen at pages and sometimes post items Cartwheel app can get you discounts least twice each year. In 2014, they were they have marked down, says Cristina of 5 to 50 percent in all sections of the in March, September, and November. Chalmers of Lulumum.blogspot.com. store. Download it on your smart phone You get mystery sale items for $5 or $10; If you spot something you want, call (Android or Apple) or computer (just you won’t know what you bought until and ask for a “charge-send.” That add coupons to your unique bar code it’s delivered. Everything is final sale, means you can purchase it over the and print it for use at the register). but a quick online search (try “Modcloth phone and have it shipped free. Most deals have a limit of four identical stylish surprise sale swap”) will turn up items per transaction, but Kerry Karp GET FREE TAILORING. O
places to swap with other Modcloth fans. Lululemon offers complimentary of Totally Target says that you can use SHOP END-OF-SEASON SALES. hemming, whether you purchased O
your bar code up to six times per day. The online retailer runs a promotion your pants or shirt online or in-store. O
GIFT FOR LESS. Target REDcard of 70 percent off at least twice a year, holders can score 5 percent off on SHOP MIDWEEK. Lululemon.com O
Huynh says. Winter merchandise goes posts marked-down items on its “We everything, including gift cards that the on sale in January, and summer stuff is Made Too Much” section on Thursdays store carries. You can get the discount marked down in August or September. around 9 a.m. Pacific Time, Chalmers on gift cards for iTunes and several GET THE STUDENT DISCOUNT. says. They’re added to the in-store O
restaurants (but not Target’s own cards). For 10 percent off, register at modcloth. mix on Wednesdays. Target REDcard holders also get perks com/students. throughout the year. Last Christmas, O
LOOK FOR PURPLE they got a free drink and an additional MARKDOWN STICKERS. And act fast: Lululemon refreshes its stock discount in stores, Karp says. weekly. New stuff is released on the O
GO FOR A TRIPLE PLAY. Christy first of each month, so sale items don’t Palmer of All Things Target says Target usually linger beyond three weeks. lets shoppers stack a store coupon, a manufacturer coupon, and a Cartwheel O
BE VIGILANT. Last Oct. 9 and 10, Lululemon.com had its first warehouse offer all on one item. sale, with no warning. Be on the lookout O
WAIT FOR MAJOR MARKDOWNS. Clearance markdowns this October for a repeat performance. Blogs to check out usually start at 30 percent, then are Rather-Be-Shopping.com, increased to 50 percent, and hit TheKrazyCouponLady.com 70 percent. (Holiday merchandise Tips to try even goes as low as 90 percent off.) O
JOIN UP. Become a member Palmer suggests checking the upper of the REI co-op for a one-time fee of right-hand corner of a clearance tag $20, and get access to exclusive sales to see which level the item has been and an annual dividend, which usually marked down to; “50” means it’s half off provides 10 percent back on purchases, the original price. Blogs to check out says Courtney Gearhart, earned media TAKE IT DAY BY DAY. Palmer Rather-Be-Shopping.com O
program manager at REI. Members can says that most Target stores follow the Tips to try also shop REI’s Garage Sale events same markdown schedule, as follows: O
WAIT FOR WEDNESDAY. twice annually. Monday electronics, accessories, kids’ James of Rather-Be-Shopping.com says O
CHAT UP A SALES REP. If you clothing, books, baby items, stationery. that T.J.Maxx marks down merchandise can’t find a coupon code, start a live Tuesday housewares, women’s on Wednesdays, so get there when the chat session on the site. Many reps have clothing, pet items, market items (food). doors open to nab the best deals. codes to share. Just ask a question about Wednesday men’s clothing, health O
LEARN THE CODES. Price-tag the item you are considering, then ask and beauty goods, diapers, lawn and colors at the store indicate your if there’s a coupon available. You could garden items, furniture. savings level: Red means the item score free shipping or 20 percent off. Thursday housewares, lingerie, has been marked down, and yellow O
GO BIG. REI offers volume discounts shoes, toys, sporting goods, home usually means that it has been marked on some items. For example, you can décor, luggage. down from the markdown price. save 10 percent if you buy three or Friday auto products, cosmetics, Purple is for high-end designer labels. more pairs of socks. hardware, jewelry.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 25 COVER STORY

Supercharge savings Take your bargain hunting to the next level by signing up for these store credit or debit cards. Just be sure to pay your bill every month; interest rates can eat up your savings fast.

Amazon O 3 percent back for every Amazon.com purchase Rewards Visa O 2 percent back at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores O 1 percent back elsewhere O Exclusive discount codes

GapCard O 5 points per dollar spent at Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta, and Piperlime O 1 point per dollar elsewhere O $10 coupon for every $200 spent O Exclusive sales, a birthday discount, and 10 percent off every Tuesday O 15 percent off an order bought the day you sign up

J.Crew O $25 coupon for every $500 spent Credit Card O Early access to select sale items, free standard alterations, a birthday “surprise,” and a priority number that lets you jump the line

REI Visa O 5 percent back on REI purchases O 1 percent elsewhere O Members-only discounts

Target REDcard O 5 percent off all purchases (debit or credit) O Free shipping on Target.com O 30 days additional for returns

TJX Rewards O $10 for every $200 spent at T.J.Maxx, Credit Card Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post O 1 point elsewhere O Instant coupon for 10 percent off at sign-up

Don’t want another credit card? See whether you can join a loyalty program anyway. It might not be advertised at checkout, so ask the sales clerk or check websites for information.

26 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART BF Buying Guide The best from our tests 198 PRODUCTS TESTED B 47 SMART PICKS

At our test track we assess how well different vehicles can help you prevent an accident. In one test, our auto experts swerve to avoid cones and turn suddenly at high speeds so that we can check for dangerous skidding. See page 76 for our list of the safest cars.

HOME FOOD HEALTH BEAUTY CARS & YARD & DRINK & SAFETY & FASHION & TECH p. 29 p. 39 p. 49 p. 59 p. 69 PHOTO: DAVID LEWIS TAYLOR; PROP STYLING: KARIN OLSEN KARIN PROP STYLING: LEWIS TAYLOR; DAVID PHOTO: ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 27 Get Ratings and Buying Advice with Consumer Reports® Publications.

From t Kitchen Planning & kitchens Buying Guide to cars, t Consumer Reports® we’ve got Buying Guide you covered t New Car Buying Guide

t Used Car Buying Guide

t Tech Electronics Buying Guide

t Best & Worst New Cars

t Food & Fitness

t New Car Preview

t Best SUVs & Trucks

t New Car Ratings Make & Reviews sure you buy only t Best Cars the best! t Appliance Buying Guide At bookstores nationwide or online at: www.ConsumerReports.org/books SSPUB01 &

EXPERT FB TESTED Sleep better and save The best mattresses for the money

f you’re dreaming of finding the perfect periods and return policies. If you buy a mattress for a great price, we’ve done most mattress from Casper, for example, you have of the legwork for you. And it’s a good 100 nights to sleep on it, and if you don’t like Ithing, because our research has revealed it, the company will pick it up and refund that some of the best mattresses for the money your money. Costco also offers a money-back are found at warehouse clubs and on company refund, has no specific time limit on returns, websites, which means that you can’t try them and offers free pickups for returns. Whichever in a store. Two of our top picks, from Casper mattress you buy, here are three ways to get and Tuft & Needle, are mostly sold online; the best deal: another Smart Pick, the Novaform Altabella, O Shop online. Even if you’re trying out is sold at Costco. mattresses in stores, check prices online. And Those companies make buying a mattress be on the lookout for sales staff who tell you sight unseen worry-free, with generous trial that the model you want has been replaced

Instead of counting sheep, she’s counting the dollars she saved on her mattress! PHOTO: EFENZI/GETTY IMAGES EFENZI/GETTY PHOTO:

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 29 EXPERT B TESTED

by another that’s “exactly the same.” In our tests, for Best mattresses example, the Serta iSeries 39 TESTED B 6 SMART PICKS Vantage innerspring, which we were told had replaced the top-ranked Serta Perfect Day iSeries Applause, scored notably lower for back and side support. So never accept a substitute. O Take advantage of trial periods. You’ll need two to four weeks to adjust to a mattress, and you still may end up not No. 1 for back for side liking it. So no matter where dreamiest sleepers sleepers you shop, check the return SLEEP NUMBER CHARLES P. ROGERS NOVAFORM policy. One of the best we’ve i8 BED POWERCORE ALTABELLA (COSTCO) seen is the 120-day trial period Price $3,000 ESTATE 5000 Price $1,300 Why we like it This Price $1,500 Why we like it This on some Serta models. But adjustable air mattress is Why we like it If you memory-foam mattress anything more than 30 nights, great for back and side want a durable innerspring offers very good side which Tuft & Needle offers, support. It’s also the top that’s great for back support, support, though back is plenty of time. choice for couples because this is the one. It also resists support was unimpressive. of air chambers that let bouncing, helpful if your It aced our durability test, O Look for gotchas. Be sure you pump up a different partner is a tosser and turner. which simulates about eight to check the fine print on refund firmness for each side. But the support for side years of use. Plus it resists and exchange policies for any Where to get it sleepers was only so-so. bouncing, helpful if you have hidden costs such as restocking/ Sleep Number stores, Where to get it a restless sleep partner. usage fees, which can be 15 to sleepnumber.com Charles P. Rogers Where to get it Costco 25 percent of the price. Pickup fees may also apply. For example, Macy’s and Sears usually charge both.

CF NOT SO HOT

O

STEARNS & FOSTER MEGAN-ROSE LUXURY PLUSH, $2,075 for restless for memory- bargain buy O

TEMPUR-PEDIC CLOUD sleepers foam fans TUFT & NEEDLE TEN SUPREME, $2,400 CASPER SERTA iCOMFORT Price $600 You’ll pay a lot but you won’t get THE CASPER SAVANT EVERFEEL Why we like it You can’t a lot of support for the money. Price $850 Price $1,575 beat the price of this foam The mattresses listed above are Why we like it This memory- Why we like it This mattress mattress, which held up nicely the lowest-scoring innerspring foam mattress got top ratings offers fine back support and to eight years of simulated and foam models, respectively, for side and back support. aced our durability test. Plus use and offered decent back in our tests. The Stearns & Foster Also, it doesn’t transfer it resists bouncing and allows and side support in our tests. is weak in back and side support. vibrations from one side to easy movement when you Plus it resists bouncing and The Tempur-Pedic is OK for side the other and allows easy need to change position. Side allows for easy movement support but got a rock-bottom movement as you change support wasn’t fabulous, and when you change sleep score on our test matching sleep positions. But it’s it’s not for those who like a position. the spine’s natural curve for primarily available online. firmer feel. Where to get it back sleepers. Where to get it Where to get it tuftandneedle.com casper.com us-mattress.com

30 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART NOTE: All prices are approximate retail for a queen-size mattress without a box spring, which costs an additional $150 to $300. DECORATING & Fast, fun bathroom redos Makeovers are cheaper and easier with these designer tricks

ou don’t need a sledgehammer that’s really all it takes,” she says. And and thousands of dollars to we’re not talking about pricey high-end get a fresh new look for your accessories, either. Francis achieved Ybathroom. “Because it’s a an elegant look on the cheap, buying the relatively small space, new accessories can shower curtain shown below at Target, make a big impact,” says Toronto-based the mirror at Ikea, the light fixtures at designer Vanessa Francis, who transformed Home Depot, and the framed art from the small bathroom pictured below. Etsy. For more low-cost ideas that can “A new shower curtain, a striking give your bathroom a stylish update, mirror, maybe some lighting or art— turn the page.

Oversized outdoor fixtures lend a modern edge. AFTER

BEFORE

QUICK UPGRADE This redo includes a new vanity, but you can still get a fresh look with wallpaper, a shower curtain, and

PHOTOS: LEAH KIRIN. DESIGN BY VANESSA FRANCIS; VANESSAFRANCIS.COM VANESSA LEAH KIRIN. DESIGN BY PHOTOS: just a few other extras.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 31 DECORATING

A woven grass Find deals on frame adds window treatments texture. and even hardware at outlet sites such as Overstock.com.

Eye-level sconces won’t create harsh shadows.

Flea markets can be a good source for pieces you can repurpose— even a vanity.

Add personality Unexpected design elements, such as a vanity created from a vintage cabinet or an antique mirror, will infuse the space with your own personality. And pale, soft colors create a soothing vibe. Blues and greens are perennial favorites for the bath, but gray is coming on strong as CRISP ARCHITECTS WITH THE DESIGN; PHOTO: CATHERINE TIGHE; DESIGN: PAUL RICE ARCHITECTURE TIGHE; DESIGN: PAUL CATHERINE WITH THE DESIGN; PHOTO: CRISP ARCHITECTS a sophisticated, serene alternative. DESIGNER: ROB KAROSIS. PHOTO: ALLEN. DESIGNER: ANDREW HOWARD; LUCAS PHOTO: FROM LEFT: CLOCKWISE

Hang a statement mirror The right mirror can make a strong style statement and visually expand your room. Avoid the common pitfall of the too-small mirror, Francis says: For a rectangular style over a single sink, Perk up an choose one that’s at least 30 inches wide and 36 inches tall; all-white space with bold color. for a round mirror, pick one that’s 30 inches in diameter. For And don’t forget larger vanities, use two mirrors—each centered above a sink— the floor! or a large one that spans the entire vanity. To find the right width, measure in 2 to 4 inches from either side of the vanity; anything narrower than that will look too tall and skinny. Hang the mirror high enough so that the top of the glass is about 2 inches above the head of the tallest user.

32 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART &

ikea. At PBteen, PBteen, At At Home At Sweet Jojo Sweet overstock.com. PBteen.com Knobdeals.com Worldmarket.com


Find fun, colorful Find fun, colorful at PBteen accessories Market; and World and on hardware save at KnobDeals. storage Shipping at $5; returns it starts At within 30 days. shipping Market, World at $5; returns starts At within 60 days. $13.25KnobDeals, it’s for (free per order of $100 andorders within returns more); only. credit for 45 days O O O ACCESSORIES chic outdoor fixtures. chic outdoor Shipping on free Depot, it’s of $45 and more; orders within 90 days. returns free Lamps Plus, it’s At returns items; on many within 60 days. allposters.com; allposters.com; Willow by Steven N. Meyers 14x12-inch 14x12-inch N. Meyers Steven by Willow Shown: Stabekk mirror in green, $99, $99, in green, Stabekk mirror Shown: com; art print, $58, curtain, $40, Stripes shower At Ikea, it Ikea, At cb2.com. Ikea.com Ikea.com Wayfair.com Homedepot.com Lampsplus.com



Shown: Pincher glass Pincher glass Shown: and Marble $10, canister, $10 bath accessories, $20, to O O O O Simple, contemporary contemporary Simple, start at Ikea mirrors Wayfair $30. around buthas higher prices, can daily sale items off. percent be 70 Shipping $10; at around starts within 90 days. returns free it’s Wayfair, At and of $49 on orders within returns more; 30 days. BRIGHT LIGHTING Check out the cheap, STYLISH MIRRORS STYLISH policies vary by vendor. vendor. by policies vary AllPosters.com, At at $4;shipping starts within 30 days. returns Littlepaperplanes, At at $4; see site it starts information. return for

At Etsy, At At Target, it’s Target, At Etsy.com AllPosters.com Littlepaper- planes.com Target.com HM.com Overstock.com Bedbathand- beyond.com








O O O O O START HERE START O O Etsy and AllPosters.com and AllPosters.com Etsy unframed have art; or framed Littlepaperplanes only. is unframed Shipping ELEGANT ART and return shipping fees COOL CURTAINS COOL curtains Striking shower $20. at just start Shipping of $25 or orders for free store to return more; H&M, At or website. package; any $6 for it’s within 30 days. returns Find discounted prices Find discounted and on hardware else you everything a bathroom. need for Shipping for free it’s Overstock, of $50 or more; orders within 30 days. returns Bed Bath & Beyond, At of orders for free it’s return and more; $49 or website. store to WHERE TO SHOP TO WHERE Look for Look or photos prints at Etsy or Art.com.

Express your unique aesthetic and give and give unique aesthetic your Express at the same bath an elegant finish your hanging personally significant time by or inexpensive photographs own art. Your don’t pick anything perfect—just prints are good ventilation, have “If you valuable. too says, Francis shouldn’t be an issue,” moisture painting or hang a fine wouldn’t “but I still frames, For art print in a bathroom.” a rare the designers do: Ikea. shop where Have fun with art Have

in some fresh flowers for a luxe touch. touch. a luxe for flowers in some fresh and rug, as in the bath pictured at left. Throw at left. Throw and rug, as in the bath pictured bursts of color with a new window treatment treatment window with a new of color bursts few bright accessories. Try adding small, intense adding small, Try bright accessories. few can also liven up what you already have with a have already you up what can also liven Reserve Semi-Gloss, $45, is a good choice.) You You $45, is a good choice.) Semi-Gloss, Reserve semigloss wall paint. (The highly rated Valspar Valspar highly rated paint. (The wall semigloss polished metallic finishes, and a super-shiny polished metallic finishes, and a super-shiny more reflective materials, including mirrors, mirrors, including materials, reflective more the existing light to reflect around the room. Add the room. around reflect light to the existing To brighten up a drab bathroom, try maximizing try maximizing bathroom, up a drab brighten To Bring in more light Bring in more TOP LEFT: PHOTO: LEAH KIRIN. DESIGN BY VANESSA FRANCIS; VANESSFRANCIS.COM FRANCIS; VANESSA BY DESIGN KIRIN. LEAH PHOTO: LEFT: TOP Make a tight bath Make with an larger feel mirror. oversized DESIGN

Pair indigo with Hot spring trends at coral against a background of neutrals for a pretty summer home-goods stores tabletop. Smart buys at Ikea, Pier 1, Pottery Barn, and more

ome-furnishings stores are bursting with fresh furniture and accessories Hfor the spring and summer seasons. And you’re going to love this year’s hottest warm-weather trends, which include lots of juicy colors that will get you in the vacation-season mood. Buy a few items to freshen things up, or redo a whole room. “When we go into spring, the looks are a little crisper, fresher, cleaner. It’s seasonal, just like on fashion runways,” says interior designer Michelle Wiebe, lead style spotter at High Point Market, the biannual furniture trade show where companies unveil their new designs. Here’s a roundup of what you’ll be seeing at your favorite houseware stores this season:

Pottery Barn WHAT’S NEW O
Indigo It’s a great foundational color that mixes with lots of other colors, especially neutrals, says Kelsey Jackson, Pottery Barn’s public-relations coordinator. “We’ve drawn inspiration from the great outdoors,” she says. Also look for sea-glass and coral accents to bring the outdoors in. O
Brass You’ll find brass everything, including light fixtures and accent Go for gleaming tables. Nail-head trim is also hot. It’s around the frames of many sofas and brass accents. Shown: Vince on statement pieces such as mirrors. accent stool, $299, Shipping Starts at $5. potterybarn.com. Returns 30 days; seven days for Quick Ship upholstery items. Shown above: Coastal and Starfish melamine plates, $34 for four; Isa Ikat napkins, $32 for four; Water Hyacinth place mat, $56 for four; Rope outdoor dinner plate in turquoise, $34 for four; Double old-fashioned and highball glasses, each $22 for four; Enamel flatware in coral, $42 for four place settings; Fish salt and pepper shakers, $30; Turquoise stone napkin ring, $30 for four; potterybarn.com.

34 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART & 35 |

crateandbarrel.com. Shown: AzulShown: MAY 2015 MAY Made of resin wicker wicker Made of resin aluminum, the over in blue. chair also comes Kruger dining chairShown: with cushion in Ribbon Red, $179, This sleek vessel sleek vessel This a water combines and tumbler pitcher in one. bedside carafe, $30, bedside carafe, crateandbarrel.com.

ShopSmart.org crateandbarrel.com. . Shown: Outdoor square poufs, square Outdoor Shown: $249 each, $249 pier1.com. These cozy, weather-resistant weather-resistant cozy, These cushions come in five fun colors. colors. fun in five cushions come Spring and summer For more soothing color more For

Starts at $5. 90 days for nonfurniture items; items; nonfurniture for 90 days Bright colors Bright colors Beachy hues Beachy Returns Returns within the company contact furniture, for within 30 days and return days seven Crate & Barrel Crate NEW WHAT’S O
eye-popping offer collections furniture dining chairs hues, including bright-red beds and turquoise rockers; and porch blue; chairs in sky Adirondack dressers; poufs and cushions in colors and outdoor such as fuchsia and chartreuse. O
items—from many find schemes, you’ll throws and lightweight pillows accent classic carafes—in and water vases to rich blues, soft colors: shore-inspired and calming neutrals. aquas, crisp whites, Shipping A mosaic table in a wavy chevron chevron A mosaic table in a wavy or a porch. up a room can liven pattern $100, table in blue, accent Cyprina Shown: Shown: Azure Medallion Azure Shown: $50, hanging lantern, pier1.com. Pier 1’s colorful colorful Pier 1’s mosaic designs artwork. look like You’ll find You’ll You’ll find You’ll

Look for for Look Starts at $5. 45 days. 45 days. Wicker wonderlands wonderlands Wicker Botanical patterns Botanical patterns Mediterranean blues Mediterranean pretty and practical handwoven wicker wicker handwoven and practical pretty dining and seating sets, and statement- as Pier 1’s chairs, as well making peacock and metal chairs wicker synthetic new of the rainbow. in all colors that come Shipping Returns garden-inspired prints on all kinds garden-inspired including upholstered of housewares, pottery, pillows, chairs, embroidered screens. and room-dividing tableware, O
O
WHAT’S NEW WHAT’S O
Pier 1 Imports tiled tables, in gorgeously this color and a capiz-shell pendant lamp, a hand-painted with tableware feel. Moroccan DESIGN

Pair with a matching three-globe floor lamp. This bold print is available on bed sheets, too. Shown: Kate Spade Saturday Globe table lamp in black, Shown: Anders chair in Kate $199, westelm.com. Spade Saturday floral print, $599, westelm.com.

Scatter them around or stack them together for a funky coffee table, as shown. Shown: Paradox nesting tables, $249, cb2.com.

West Elm WHAT’S NEW It also comes in brick red, white, O
Fun new prints West Elm specializes and carbon black. in furniture with a midcentury modern CB2 spin, but it often teams up with fashion Shown: TPS file cabinet in mint, $159, cb2.com. WHAT’S NEW designers and artists who bring their Stylish space savers Student signature looks to new lines. One of the O
designers from the School of the Art latest is Kate Spade Saturday. The fun Institute of Chicago have created great floral patterns and graphic black-and- pieces for small spaces, including the white prints grace furniture, bedding, trio of nesting tables shown above. rugs, lamps, pillows, and even patio Mirrored furniture that can make rooms umbrellas. Other collaborators include look bigger—such as side tables and fashion designer Steven Alan (check wardrobes—is also easy to find at CB2. out his shirting-striped bedding) and South African designer John Vogel O
Mint green The pretty pastel can (sleek, hand-woven wicker-and-teak be found on a metal file cabinet, at left, outdoor pieces). and matching desk. Also, metallics are O
Indoor/outdoor style Some of going strong, and we love them mixed West Elm’s deck furnishings are so with white, says Sara Harter, director of elegant, they’d look at home inside your visual merchandising at CB2. home. Check out the jute rugs with O
Original art They’re limited-edition, hints of metallic and the Bliss outdoor so act fast if you see something you like. sectional sofa, which has a rustproof Shipping Starts at $5. frame and all-weather upholstery. Returns For furniture, contact within Shipping Starts at $5 seven days and return within 30; Returns 30 days nonfurniture, 90 days.

36 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART This piece clicks together for Lilly Pulitzer’s easy assembly. cheery prints are Shown: Regissör now at Target. glass-door cabinet Shown: Lilly for in brown, $349, Target teak beach ikea-usa.com. chair in Nosie Posey, $60, target.com. &

It rolls where you go—or out of sight when you don’t need it. Shown: Risatorp utility cart in white, $60, ikea-usa.com. Target WHAT’S NEW O
Lilly Pulitzer designs Target, known for designer collaborations, Ikea will roll out its limited-edition Lilly WHAT’S NEW Pulitzer line on April 19. Check out her fun Palm Beach-y style and preppy O
No-tool assembly Ikea’s clean- lined items are easy on the wallet but prints in tabletop, home accents, and can be hard on you if you’re not handy. outdoor entertaining accessories. If So here’s good news: Last fall, Ikea flowery isn’t your thing, maybe the mod introduced Regissör: bookshelves, geometric decorative accessories from cabinets, and a coffee table with an Nate Berkus, another exclusive Target easier-to-assemble wedge-dowel design collaborator, will suit your style. construction. More pieces with that The small furniture items, wall hangings, clickable, no-tool system are on the way. and trays have a Southwestern feel. Mediterranean flair Also look O
Wireless charging furniture The O
line includes bedside tables, lamps, and for nonceleb lines of sofas, chairs, and desks with a built-in Qi-standard wireless accent pieces in Mediterranean-inspired device charger. If you don’t need a new colors such as indigo, sea glass, and coral, table but want to ditch the messy cables, and caramel wood finishes. check out the line’s sleek, plug-in wooden Shipping Depends on item’s weight, charging pads that sit on any surface. size, dimensions, or destination. O
Rolling organizers Storage products Returns 90 days; Target cardholders are an Ikea staple; look for more mobile get an additional 30 days. media and storage units that can be Cheap-chic extra wheeled into and out of view. seating! Poufs like O
Limited-edition artisan line The this can cost three Nipprig collection features handcrafted times as much. furnishings from Vietnam and Indonesia. Shown: Lilly for Target Shipping Cost determined by location, pouf in Boom Boom, weight, volume, and retail value. $45, target.com. Returns 90 days.

It has a built-in phone charger. Shown: Charging table, ikea-usa.com. (Price was not available at press time.)

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 37 THIS JUST IN The new Whirlpool Duet’s EcoBoost mode uses about 40 percent less electricity. Home news lab update DRYERS GET Great organizing finds under $25 A MAKEOVER Still haven’t started those spring-cleaning and organizing projects on Clothes dryers usually don’t get us your to-do list? For inspiration, buy some cute storage products. Before that excited, but the first models to be Energy Star qualified hit our labs and you head over to The Container Store or Bed Bath & Beyond, styling pro have us buzzing. Regular electric dryers Zoey Washington recommends scanning the pretty clutter-busters at Zara’s gobble more power than any other home-goods site, ZaraHome.com, and two sites known for kids’ products , home appliance except water heaters, Land of Nod and PB Teen, which have lots of affordable and adult-friendly but new eco-friendlier dryers use at room accessories. Here are a few examples: least 20 percent less energy. Energy Star estimates savings of about $20 per year in electricity (about half that for gas dryers) as long as the machines are always used in energy-saving mode. But there’s a trade-off: Our tests found that it takes much longer to dry laundry in energy-saving mode because boosting the dryer’s efficiency requires drying loads at a lower heat for a longer time. We tested five Energy Star models, including the $950 Whirlpool Duet WED87WEDW; in EcoBoost mode, They’re shaped just right for it used about 40 percent less electricity hats, but these pretty boxes but took 112 minutes to dry our 12-pound can stow gloves, scarves, and other out-of-season load. That’s 38 minutes longer than accessories. regular mode. The other tested dryers, Shown: Floral hat box, including two Whirlpool Duet machines $17 to $20, zarahome.com. and two Maytag Maxima models, took about as long. The savings could be Fun polka-dot lower, too: Longer drying time means dividers can instantly more air is moving from inside your transform a messy home to outside via the dryer vent—air drawer of socks, that you may be paying to heat or cool undies, belts, and Open bins that complement your place. Still, if you need a new other small stuff. a room’s décor are great for dryer and have the time to wait, the Drawer organizers, concealing bulky stuff such $12 to $16, pbteen.com. as heavy knits, blankets, and Energy Star models did well in our tests even a bunch of sneakers. and can be used in regular mode if Shown: Quartz floor bin, you’re in a rush. $25, landofnod.com.

Stamp out spring dampness Spring rains bring more than just flowers; DDR60A3GP, $250, shown at right. For rain and snow melt-off can cause wet smaller spaces, buy the 50-pint Kenmore basements. If you need to dry out a big 54550, $230. The two larger units have area, get a larger-capacity dehumidifier built-in pumps that let you expel water to that can efficiently remove moisture an elevated location, such as a utility sink from the air. The best of the biggies in or an open window—helpful if you want our test: the 70-pint Kenmore Elite to keep the machine running without 54571, $330, and the 60-pint Danby constantly emptying the bucket.

Look for sales on dehumidifiers from 38 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART June through August. &

15 healthy food bargains Eat better every day—and save!

eciding what to eat for dinner and pulling PROTEIN TREAT together all of Craving sweets? D Instead of pie, try a the ingredients to make peanut butter, berry, it can be a challenge on and chocolate busy weeknights. What’s quesadilla. even more challenging is trying to make those meals healthy. For starters, filling your cart with fresh, nutritious groceries isn’t cheap. So with the help of some of our favorite nutrition pros, we’ve come up with a shopping list of foods and seasonings that can make healthy cooking easier on you and your wallet. Stock up on these 15 low-cost staples and you’ll always have the ingredients for a nutritious dinner, says Jackie Topol, a registered dietitian and culinary nutritionist in New York. Long-keeping and versatile, all of the foods are great as is or as part of an easy-to-prepare recipe. Peanut butter Think of it as a protein-packed go-to seasoning heart-unhealthy hydrogenated fats, look for for sweet and savory dishes. Stir a little into a peanut butter with the simplest, shortest a stew, curry, or soup (pumpkin or butternut ingredients list. Smucker’s Natural Peanut squash is a natural), or blend with vinegar, Butter, for example, lists only peanuts and salt. oil, and a little soy sauce to make a quick MAKE IT YUMMY To make Topol’s dessert Asian-inspired salad dressing or dip for quesadilla (shown above), spread PB onto a vegetables and grilled meats. Its rich, nutty whole-wheat flour tortilla, then top with sliced depth can also perk up a smoothie, pancake berries and chocolate chips. Top with another batter, and even cake frosting. tortilla and heat through in a lightly greased

PHOTOS: JAMES WORRELL; FOOD STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; PROP STYLING: MIAKO KATOH MIAKO PROP STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; STYLING: FOOD WORRELL; JAMES PHOTOS: WHAT TO BUY To avoid added sugars and skillet. Cut into wedges and serve.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 39 INGREDIENTS

Rolled oats Think of oats as healthier, fiber-rich bread crumbs. You can scatter them on top of casseroles for a little crunch, or blend them into meatballs and meatloaf. Oats also make yummy toppings for fruit crumbles and cobblers, and a few spoonfuls stirred into muffin and pancake batters add a hearty texture and a healthy whole-grain boost. Topol likes to grind oats in a food processor and use them to coat fish fillets and chicken before sautéeing. Or whirl some oats into smoothies to thicken them up. WHAT TO BUY Instead of instant, go for old-fashioned oats, which stay with you longer. MAKE IT YUMMY Topol’s “no-bake energy bites” (shown below) are a mix of rolled oats with a little nut butter, dried CARB CUTTER fruit, chocolate bits, ground flaxseed, Instead of and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. toast, spice up Simply shape the mixture into balls. your eggs with a dollop of refried beans.

Refried beans Plain or spiced up with a little salsa, they make a quick side, a taco filling, or a hearty dip for veggie or tortilla chips. Their neutral flavor means that you can slip a few spoonfuls into soups, stews, and tomato sauce to boost fiber and protein, says Holly Clegg, author of the “Trim & Terrific” cookbook series (hollyclegg.com). WHAT TO BUY Look for fat-free versions. And if you can find them, choose beans in Tetra Pak containers or buy them Almond milk frozen to minimize your exposure Unsweetened almond milk has about to bisphenol A, a chemical used half the calories of cow’s milk per serving. in can linings that is linked to Almond milk can be used for cereal, coffee, diabetes and other health tea, and smoothies as well as in cooking. problems. Some companies claim “The almond flavor is subtle, so you can use that their cans are BPA-free, but it for both sweet and savory dishes,” Topol the jury is still out on materials says. Bonus: You’ll run out less often; it used to replace it. comes in shelf-stable packaging that can MAKE IT YUMMY Serve your stay unopened in a pantry for a long time. eggs with a side of refried beans WHAT TO BUY Be sure to go for instead of toast. “The extra unsweetened plain almond milk, and choose protein and fiber has staying brands that are nutrient-fortified to provide power to make you feel full health benefits similar to cow’s milk. longer,” Topol says. MAKE IT YUMMY For killer mashed potatoes, mash cooked Yukon gold spuds with almond milk, roast garlic, and chives.

40 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART & 41 |

MAY 2015 MAY VEGGIE HEAVEN Red-pepper a are crostini healthy tasty, snack. ShopSmart.org Topol’s quick crostini appetizers (shown above) above) (shown appetizers quick crostini Topol’s Look for organic peppers that are packed in brine packed peppers that are organic for Look Roasted red bell peppers red Roasted have if you a problem never That’s in the house? veggies No fresh or chopped, they’re Sliced peppers in jars. red of roasted a stash salads, sandwiches, and slip vitamins A and C into to way an easy or a quick sauce point for starting a great they’re Puréed, sautés. a sandwich make cheese to cream Or blend with reduced-fat soup. or dip. spread BUY TO WHAT in oil. in calories than those packed lower They’re or water. MAKE IT YUMMY with a little crushed peppers red Chop drained make. simple to are oil, then spoon the mixture basil, and olive garlic, chopped fresh red-pepper Serve rounds. bread French whole-wheat toasted onto a meal. make soup to of vegetable alongside bowls crostini

For a quick ratatouille, a quick ratatouille, For For a low-cal mac a low-cal For Choose brands that are that are Choose brands Look for frozen squash frozen for Look sauté sliced zucchini, yellow squash, onions, yellow zucchini, sliced sauté oil, then stir and bell peppers in a little olive and simmer briefly. sauce in marinara Cooked tomatoes are even better for you you for better even are tomatoes Cooked ones because the heat increases than raw rates lower to of lycopene—linked levels and heart disease—in the fruit. of cancer try using pizza and pasta, In addition to a quick gazpacho make to sauce marinara It also seafood. for sauce or a cocktail braising and tenderizing a tasty makes lean meats. liquid for BUY TO WHAT Homemade in sodium, such as Rao’s lower Marinara. and Victoria Marinara MAKE IT YUMMY Marinara sauce Marinara (acorn, butternut) that has already been that has already butternut) (acorn, in recipes use as a substitute to puréed foods. and other pumpkin pies, breads, for MAKE IT YUMMY Chunks of the veggie are as versatile as as versatile are Chunks of the veggie toss and roast, can mash, you potatoes; can also Pieces soups and stews. them into Plus squash is smoothies. into be whirred carotenoids. with heart-healthy packed BUY TO WHAT about squash for puréed swap and cheese, in your for called sauce half of the cheesy fat It cuts calories and recipe. favorite And without sacrificing kid-friendliness. Clegg says. food, comfort great still it’s Frozen winter squash winter Frozen INGREDIENTS Low-cal flavor boosters Spices and sauces are a great way to liven up meals instead of using high-cal and/or not-so-healthy ingredients such as butter, oil, sugar, and salt. Here Veggie burgers are some favorites of nutrition experts we interviewed: They’re a great stand-in for ground beef. Crumble them to use as a substitute for ground beef in a Bolognese sauce or in stuffed peppers. Or slice them into strips for pizza, salads, and tacos. WHAT TO BUY It’s worth spending a little more for organic brands like Amy’s. Nonorganic veggie burgers may be made with textured vegetable protein, which during processing may leave traces of hexane, an industrial solvent. MAKE IT YUMMY Prepare a fiber- and protein-rich hash by sautéing cubed veggie burgers with chopped potatoes and onions, thyme, and pepper. Top with a poached egg if you like.

TURMERIC A staple of Indian cuisine, the pungent, earthy spice can wake up ho-hum dishes like eggs, lentils, and tofu, says Patricia Bannan, a dietitian who specializes in nutrition and author of “Eat Right When Time Is Tight” (NorLightsPress, 2010). DIET BONUS Research suggests that a substance in turmeric, curcumin, may help fight infections and some cancers. MAKE IT YUMMY Add flavor without calories by rubbing turmeric on chicken before grilling. Or try a pinch of the spice in scrambled eggs. Hummus Just about anything mayo can do, hummus can, too—with more fiber, less UNSWEETENED ORGANIC fat, and a tangy flavor. Think chicken COCOA POWDER salad, deviled eggs, a sandwich spread, Keep a shaker on hand for desserts and more. or a burger topper. It’s also great on “Use it to sprinkle onto oatmeal and yogurt pizza dough, Topol says. Spread it on or stir into chili or coffee for an extra dose of a whole-wheat crust and top with salad healthfulness and a hint of decadence,” says Jackie greens, tomatoes, and olives. Newgent, dietitian, nutritionist, and author of “1,000 WHAT TO BUY Choose brands with Low-Calorie Recipes” (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012). the simplest, shortest ingredients list. DIET BONUS One tablespoon has only about 12 calories, MAKE IT YUMMY For an easy sauce, and studies suggest that the flavonols in cocoa have Clegg recommends spreading hummus heart-healthy benefits. on fish or chicken fillets before baking MAKE IT YUMMY Try a dusting on air-popped popcorn. them. The hummus will create a yummy sauce as it bakes.

42 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART MISO PASTE & Made from fermented soy beans, the paste is like an all-in-one fat and salt substitute. The nut-buttery texture adds creaminess, and the salty, earthy flavor gives foods more depth. Add a little to lean ground meat to give burgers an unexpected kick. Or whisk it into mashed potatoes instead of butter. DIET BONUS It has a fraction of the fat of oil or butter. And a little goes a long way. Also, it has just 34 calories per tablespoon (olive oil has 120). But miso is high in sodium, so don’t use salt and miso paste in the same recipe. MAKE IT YUMMY Mix up a lower-cal salad dressing by swapping a tablespoon of oil for a tablespoon of miso paste. Or try this recipe from Lauren Slayton, author of “The Little Book of Thin” (Perigree Books, 2013) and founder of Foodtrainers in New York City: Combine 1 tablespoon of miso paste, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and ¼ cup of olive oil in a jar. Shake, then toss with greens.

CINNAMON Even though there’s no sugar in it, this “sweet” spice is a go-to ingredient for sweet and savory dishes. “Add a pinch to plain chicken, lamb, meatloaf, pilaf, or vegetable soup to make it much more interesting for the palate,” Newgent says. DIET BONUS It’s a healthy way to add sweet flavor to foods. MAKE IT YUMMY Sprinkle a little on starchy veggies such as carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes before roasting.

HOT SAUCE Its tangy heat can liven up any bland dish for zip calories. DIET BONUS Hot peppers are loaded with capsaicin, a natural metabolism booster. MAKE IT YUMMY Slayton keeps a stash of hot-sauce packets in her makeup case—of all places—to make sure she’s never without. She likes the kick it gives pretty much everything she eats. “I like it on eggs, roasted brussels sprouts, shrimp cocktail, even sushi,” she says.

JASMINE GREEN TEA Even if you don’t sip it by the cupful, that subtle floral-flavored tea makes a great cooking broth that has almost no calories. Try simmering oatmeal, quinoa, or other grains in brewed jasmine green tea instead of water. DIET BONUS While infusing dishes with flavor, you’ll get a dose of antioxidants that have anti- carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. MAKE IT YUMMY “I use green tea as a poaching TEA TIME! liquid for chicken when making chicken salad,” Green tea is perfect Newgent says. And when a recipe needs a little water for sipping and to thin a sauce or dip, like hummus, she uses green simmering. tea instead.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 43 SUPERMARKET SMARTS

New grocery store services you’ll love Money- and time-saving apps, free nutrition advice, and more

hat grocery store services do you use? Odds are you’re Wdrawing a blank on that question—or maybe you’re thinking of the gloved clerk who slices your bologna or the cashier who rings you up at checkout. For many folks, that’s supermarket service. But with competition heating up for your food dollars, supermarkets are trying to be more super and are adding all kinds of new services to keep you coming back. Here are seven examples, according to industry experts Meg Major of Progressive Grocer and Carol Angrisani of Supermarket News. If you’re not sure whether your local stores offer the services, ask a store manager or check store websites.

SHOP SMARTER AND SAVE What’s new Upgraded apps. How they work Supermarket apps no longer include just the basics, such as a store locator and printable coupons. Albertsons, Meijer, Publix, Get your food delivered What’s new Web-based services that let you order online Safeway, and other chains offer apps for pickup (free) or delivery ($10 or less). that let you stash digital coupons How they work The convenience of online grocery ordering on your store loyalty card (no more is such big business—one industry report predicts that if the printing!), keep track of grocery trend continues, 70 percent of U.S. households will have online lists, alert you to sales on your shopping access—that even Amazon and Google are getting in favorite items, and scroll the weekly on the action. Supermarkets are pushing to keep up by offering circulars. Some also include recipes curbside pickup and home delivery. Hannaford, Harris Teeter, Hy-Vee, Stop & Shop, and other chains offer Web- or app-based and nutrition advice, and even ordering. Kroger and Walmart are piloting similar programs a food finder to help track down in select locations. Whole Foods Market has partnered with an ingredient you need while personal-shopper service Instacart to deliver groceries to your

you’re in the store. door within an hour (for a $6 fee) or 2 hours ($4) in 15 cities. ERIC PALMA ILLUSTRATIONS:

44 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART & 45 |

MAY 2015 MAY You might have might have You ShopSmart.org Groceraunts. ooms and bars. Newly ooms and bars. Newly KICK BACK AND CHOW DOWN AND CHOW KICK BACK new What’s work they How noticed the rise of comfy dine-in sections that serve Some foods. prepared freshly such as Wegmans, supermarkets, and Market, Whole Foods also installed have Hy-Vee, tap r including constructed stores, in Missouri, have Fricks Market been designed with drive-up complete with menu windows, So to go. for ordering boards and you at the store if you’re feel like just don’t decide you can hang you cooking or cleaning, a bite and maybe out and have get your a drink while you even Nice! shopping done. grocery loss programs advertised for advertised loss programs suchjust And some stores, $80. Giant Eagle, Pittsburgh-based as including medications, offer free blood pressure vitamins, prenatal and antibiotics with drugs, a prescription. Chains, including

Many retailers retailers Many In-store tutorials. In-store

Free consultations. Free Take cooking classes cooking Take new What’s work they How Whole Foods Market and some and some Market Foods Whole classes cooking host Publix stores, certain says Major fee. a low for at out gift cards give even stores might You the end of those classes. on beer-making, also find tutorials and more wine-and-cheese pairings, right Need advice local store. at your thought have might never You now? you can tell ask, but the butcher to and season cook to way the best bought. just that cut of meat you can probably And the florist bouquet the perfect recommend gift. as a hostess give to EAT AND LIVE HEALTHIER EAT new What’s work they How offer free personalized advice personalized offer free pharmacists and from They can consult nutritionists. with a to live on how with you such as diabetes, new diagnosis, or celiac high blood pressure, including what foods to disease, According eat and to avoid. Institute Marketing to a Food of at least 30 percent survey, employ in-store now retailers offer dietitians and 60 percent including nutrition counseling, find tours to help you store need. A surprising what you three-quarters host of retailers including classes, wellness support, nutrition weight-loss and smoking cessation classes, or seminars—again, usually free Angrisani says inexpensive. very weight- she has seen 10-week they can also save you big bucks you they can also save specialty catering services over and florists. One of the When grandma When grandma Custom services. Smart-phone Smart-phone CUSTOMIZE YOUR ORDERS YOUR CUSTOMIZE new What’s work they How How they work they How What’s new What’s PAY AS YOU SHOP AND YOU AS PAY CHECKOUT SPEED THROUGH biggest time-sucks of shopping checkout is the tedium of the app—a It! The Scan version line. of the in-store scanners at stores & Shop Giant and Stop in Martin’s and in the Northeast you and Maryland—lets Virginia with your groceries ring up your plus phone or iPhone, Android of your track keep lists, make advantage and take purchases, of digital coupons and other chain Mid-Atlantic discounts. ShopRite is testing the similar Scan in some stores; Mobile app Rewards Fetch the start-up has similar functionality and is at a bunch of available currently still You in the Midwest. stores register visit a checkout to have already you’ve but because to pay, bagged and scanned as you quick and painless. shopped, it’s to use. free And it’s scanners. shopped, odds are the butcher shopped, odds are she cut her meat just the way sliced her it and the baker liked stores Grocery to order. bread will still do those things and usually at no additional more, lots of expertise cost. “There’s for the within supermarkets Ask about says. Major taking,” catering and custom baking as well store services at your for arranging as special floral you’re parties or other events including Some stores, planning. do even in the Midwest, Hy-Vee The best part: The weddings! just convenient— services aren’t IN SEASON

5 surprising things about ... Celery

YOU CAN EASILY DE-STRING IT WITH A VEGGIE PEELER. Run the peeler, rib-side up, from one end to the other to strip off stringy fibers.

IT’S A MOUTH STALKS AND FRESHENER. If you can’t LEAVES ARE brush right after eating, FREEZABLE. munch on a celery stick. To keep celery Firm, crunchy produce recipe-ready, can trigger saliva flow, chop it up and which will help wash cook it in boiling harmful acids and food water for 2 to bits away from your teeth. 3 minutes, then drain, cool, and pat dry. Freeze in an airtight THE SEEDS ARE container and FREAKISHLY SMALL. just grab what They’re just slightly you need to use bigger than the period in cooking. at the end of this sentence. It takes just 4 tablespoons to grow an entire acre, or about NUTRITION 32,000 to 42,000 plants. LOWDOWN* ½ cup, chopped = O
8 calories O
0 grams fat It’s a leaf. Botanically speaking, a celery O
1 gram fiber O
20 milligrams calcium stalk is the stem of the leaf that connects O
40 milligrams sodium to the plant, also known as the petiole. PHOTO: LAURA JOHANSEN; FOOD STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; PROP STYLING: KIM FIELD PROP STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; STYLING: JOHANSEN; FOOD LAURA PHOTO:

46 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART *Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (Department of Agriculture). THIS JUST IN Does your ice cream have hormones? & Food news What to eat right now! Summer bummer Grab these yummy springtime veggies while you can because Here’s a reason to scream at ice cream this they’re here for only a few summer: Many brands use milk from cows that short weeks at farmers markets are given artificial growth hormones. But the and in some supermarket good news is that mainstream ice cream produce sections. makers are now going rBGH-free. Breyers RAMPS are wild leeks is the latest to ban the hormone, and its with a garliclike flavor. parent company, Unilever, is working to Use them in place of eliminate it in its other ice cream brands, chives or scallions in including Fruttare, Good Humor, Klondike, recipes. Chef Robert Magnum, and Popsicle. Ben & Jerry’s, Dannon, Stehling of Hominy Häagen-Dazs, Stonyfield Farm, and Yoplait are Grill in Charleston, already rBGH-free. It’s an important development—milk from cows given S.C., mixes ramps those treatments has contained higher levels of the hormone IGF-1, which into mashed some research has linked to breast, colon, and prostate cancers in humans. potatoes for a “chive If that’s not unappetizing enough, picture this: Hormone-treated cows get TY IMAGES experience on steroids.” more infections, which can mean they have to be pumped with antibiotics. “While almost all supermarkets carry milk without rBGH, ice cream has GARLIC SCAPES been a holdout,” says Michael Hansen, Ph.D., a senior staff scientist with are the skinny Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of ShopSmart and Consumer Reports. green stalks that Another way to make sure that your ice cream—or frozen yogurt—is free sprout out of garlic of synthetic growth hormones is to look for the organic seal. plants in spring; farmers snip them off hoping that more energy goes to form fatter garlic bulbs. They have a milder flavor than BULLETPROOF COFFEE, garlic and a crisp texture. Use should about $4 per cup them like garlic, says chef Bill Telepan of Telepan in New you eat WHAT’S IN IT The centerpiece of the popular York, who sautés chopped that?! Bulletproof diet is drinking butter- and oil-laced coffee for breakfast. It’s getting a lot of press scapes in a little olive oil to because of high-profile fans, including celebs such add to pastas, eggs, and pizza. as Jimmy Fallon and star athletes. And according to Or try garlic-scape pesto. our own recent Eating Trends Survey, both men and FIDDLEHEAD FERNS are the women are trying it. Bulletproof claims that making the drink your morning meal will suppress your tightly coiled baby fronds appetite while promoting fat loss and mental clarity. of ostrich ferns. They have a The recipe calls for 8 to 12 ounces of Bulletproof’s nutty and slightly grassy flavor. coffee ($19 for 12 ounces of whole or ground beans) Before eating, wash them well, mixed with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the company’s rub off the brown scales, and Brain Octane oil ($30 for 16 ounces) and 1 to steam or sauté 2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter ($4 for 8 ounces). them. Raw SHOPSMART SAYS Our taste testers say it isn’t as gross as it sounds, but the almost 500-calorie drink fiddlehead isn’t a smart breakfast. It’s loaded with saturated fat. ferns can make And if you sip the brew daily, you’ll down almost a you sick.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: JAMES WORRELL; FOOD STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; GETTY IMAGES, YINYANG/GETTY IMAGES; ERNST KUCKLICH/GET ERNST IMAGES; YINYANG/GETTY GETTY IMAGES, BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; STYLING: FOOD WORRELL; JAMES FROM TOP: CLOCKWISE cup of butter per week—and drain your wallet, too.

47 Build & Buy Car Buying Service

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* Guaranteed Savings not available in all states. In these states, a “Target Price” is presented, which reflects a market-based example of what you can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle with your desired options. Savings is guaranteed by the dealer and not Consumer Reports or TrueCar. Guaranteed Savings may not be available on select models or trims. See site for details. ** Between 4/1/14 and 6/30/14, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers to users of the Consumer Reports Build & Buy Car Buying Service based on users who configured virtual vehicles and subsequently purchased a new vehicle of the same make and model listed on the certificate from Certified Dealers, was $2,990 including applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”) is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer’s trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer. Neither TrueCar nor Consumer Reports brokers, sells or leases motor vehicles. Service not available in Canada. C7 &

EXPERT FB TESTED What to buy organic Our new analysis uncovers the produce that’s highest in pesticides

n an ideal world, every apple you bite into, potato you bake, and pepper you Islice would be organic. Fruits and veggies grown organically aren’t treated with pesticides in the same way that conventionally grown produce can be. And that’s better for your health as well as our soil, water, and air, not to mention the people who grow, pick, and handle our food. KNOW THE CODE But organic produce costs Always check Price more—49 percent more, on Look-Up (PLU) code average—and it’s not always stickers, which tell you at a glance easy to find, especially at whether it’s organic certain times of the year. or conventional. So what’s a health- conscious shopper to do? Prioritize your organic shopping list by focusing on produce with the highest levels of pesticides. You’ll find a bunch of produce you should always buy A five-digit code that starts with a organic on the next page, 9 means the item based on our new analysis is organic. of pesticides on 48 common fruits and veggies. And on the following page, A four-digit code you’ll find produce that’s means the item was grown conventionally. PHOTO: JAMES WORRELL; FOOD STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; PROP STYLING: MIAKO KATOH MIAKO PROP STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; STYLING: FOOD WORRELL; JAMES PHOTO: plenty safe to eat when SAFETY

conventionally grown. In some Just remember—and this is are real, eating a produce-rich cases, though, conventional important—even if you can’t find diet has lots of important health produce is safer when it comes organic produce or conventional benefits, which include lower risks from some countries and riskier produce from a specific country, of cardiovascular disease, high when it comes from others. The it’s still better to eat your fruits blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, info on those fruits and veggies and vegetables than to skip them. and obesity. Fruits and veggies starts on page 52. Though the risks from pesticides can also help to ward off cancer.

Best to buy organic To determine pesticide risks, we looked at the number of residues, the toxicity of the pesticides, and how often they were found on each type of produce. The fruits and vegetables shown here are the riskiest when grown conventionally, no matter which country they come from (except where specific countries are noted).

Shown (clockwise from top left) green beans, strawberries, sweet potatoes, tangerines, peaches, bell peppers, hot peppers, and nectarines from Chile.

Also worth buying organic carrots, cranberries, and U.S.-grown nectarines, though they pose a lower pesticide risk than the produce shown here.

50 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART &

OK to buy conventional When you can’t find organic or don’t want to pay the higher price, you can feel comfortable buying conventional versions of the fruits and veggies shown below, no matter where they’re grown.

Shown (clockwise from top left) Other low-risk choices bananas, grapes, cauliflower, cherries, cilantro, collards, pears, green onions, broccoli, corn, lettuce, onions, grapefruit, raspberries, oranges, papaya, spinach, mushrooms, cabbage, and watermelon. blueberries, and avocado. PHOTO: JAMES WORRELL; FOOD STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; PROP STYLING: MIAKO KATOH MIAKO PROP STYLING: BRIAN PRESTON-CAMPBELL; STYLING: FOOD WORRELL; JAMES PHOTO:

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 51 SAFETY

Buy by country Apples For some fruits and vegetables, buying INSTEAD OF conventional is OK, depending on where U.S. the item was grown. Our analysis shows CHOOSE Asparagus that pesticide levels can vary dramatically New Zealand in produce from different countries. And INSTEAD OF it doesn’t pay to always buy American; Peru sometimes it’s better to buy Mexican. CHOOSE Use our guide to pick produce from the Mexico, U.S. lower-risk countries; check for country-of- origin info on produce stickers or on signs in the display. (Our secret shoppers did some spot checks and found that nine times out of 10 the info was easy to find. Don’t see it? Ask the produce manager.) Of course, if you can’t find produce from the recommended countries, it’s always safe to buy organic.

Cantaloupe Celery INSTEAD OF INSTEAD OF U.S. U.S. CHOOSE CHOOSE Costa Rica, Mexico Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico

Cherry Cucumbers tomatoes INSTEAD OF Mexico, U.S.

INSTEAD OF CHOOSE Mexico Canada CHOOSE U.S. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ATOSS/GETTY IMAGES; WILLSELAREP/GETTY IMAGES; WDSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES; SUBJUG/GETTY IMAGES; IMAGES; SUBJUG/GETTY IMAGES; WDSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES; WILLSELAREP/GETTY IMAGES; ATOSS/GETTY FROM TOP: CLOCKWISE IMAGES TITZ/GETTY TOBIAS IMAGES; CALVERT/GETTY ROSEMARY IMAGES; NATIKKA/GETTY IMAGES; BARBRO BERGFELDT/GETTY

Eggplant Kale INSTEAD OF INSTEAD OF Mexico U.S. CHOOSE CHOOSE Honduras, U.S. Mexico

52 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART Mangoes Plums & INSTEAD OF INSTEAD OF Brazil Chile CHOOSE CHOOSE Guatemala, U.S. Mexico

Potatoes Snap peas INSTEAD OF INSTEAD OF U.S. Guatemala, Peru CHOOSE CHOOSE Canada Mexico, U.S.

Tomatoes INSTEAD OF Mexico, U.S. CHOOSE WASH IT RIGHT Canada You can’t completely wash away the pesticides on produce—or the risk. Pesticides stick well to soft skins, and the wax coating used on some fruits and vegetables can trap pesticide residues. Some pesticides are systemic, meaning they are taken up by a plant’s root system and absorbed into a fruit’s or vegetable’s flesh, so they can’t be washed off. But giving produce a good cleaning can remove the majority of pesticide residues as well as dirt FLOORTJE/GETTY IMAGES; JILL FROMER/GETTY IMAGES; KOROVIN/GETTY IMAGES; FLOORTJE/GETTY IMAGES FLOORTJE/GETTY IMAGES; KOROVIN/GETTY IMAGES; JILL FROMER/GETTY IMAGES; FLOORTJE/GETTY CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: STUART MINZEY/GETTY IMAGES; GABOR IZSO/GETTY IMAGES; CREATIVEYE99/GETTY IMAGES; IMAGES; CREATIVEYE99/GETTY IMAGES; GABOR IZSO/GETTY IMAGES; MINZEY/GETTY STUART LEFT: FROM TOP CLOCKWISE and bacteria picked up on the farm and in transit to market. So you should wash all produce, conventional Summer squash and organic. Here are some safety tips: INSTEAD OF U.S. O
STICK TO WATER. Rub produce under running CHOOSE water for 30 seconds to a minute. Don’t bother with Mexico soap or commercial vegetable washes. Researchers at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station tried out four of those washes—as well as a solution of dishwashing soap and water—and found that none of them did a better job than plain water.

O
USE A BRUSH. For produce with soft skins, such as peaches, gently rubbing produce with your hands is Winter squash all you need to do. But for harder items such as potatoes INSTEAD OF and carrots, you’ll need to use a produce brush to remove U.S. residues, dirt, and germs. And always wash produce before CHOOSE you peel it to prevent pesticide residue from getting Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico on your hands, then on the part you eat.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 53 MEDICATIONS

7 drugstore mistakes you’re probably making Stop doing these things and you’ll save money! Plus the results of our latest—and biggest ever—drugs price scan.

Shopping at One team of secret shoppers scanned the the wrong store OTC drug aisles in drugstores, big-box stores, could cost you and supermarkets around the country to find the hundreds of dollars per year. best deals on common meds used to treat allergies, heartburn, indigestion, and pain. (See page 57 for the results.) The other team worked the phones, making more than 200 calls to pharmacies to get retail prices—the cash price customers not using insurance would pay—for a month’s supply of five common generic prescription drugs: atorvastatin (the generic version of Lipitor), to lower cholesterol; clopidogrel (Plavix), a blood thinner; duloxetine (Cymbalta), to treat depression; montelukast (Singulair), for asthma; and pioglitazone (Actos), used to treat type 2 diabetes. After all of that, we uncovered seven common money-wasting mistakes that drug shoppers can easily make, along with smart advice about what to do instead so that you don’t spend a dime more than you need to.

Mistake No. 1 FREQUENTING THE CLOSEST PHARMACY IN YOUR AREA You need a prescription filled, so you head to the store closest to you. Sounds logical, right? But traveling just a bit farther might yield big savings, especially if you aren’t paying with insurance. f you regularly take prescription meds, our (We’ll explain why you might want to do that national telephone poll shows that you’re later.) You might think that prices would be about probably shelling out at least $700 per year. the same from one store to another, but that’s ITo help you keep some of that money in your not always the case. When our shoppers called pocket, we picked the brains of our experts at around to various pharmacies, they were quoted Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, who evaluate different—sometimes hugely different—prices for over-the-counter and prescription meds for safety, the same drugs. For example, a month’s supply effectiveness, and price. We also enlisted the help of duloxetine cost $220 at Kmart and Walgreens of our army of secret shoppers, sending them out in Raleigh, N.C., but $55 at a nearby Costco. to drugstores around the country to scout the What to do instead Before you head to your

best deals they could find. usual drugstore, call a few pharmacies—even OLSEN KARIN PROP STYLING: LEWIS TAYLOR; DAVID PHOTO:

54 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART & 55 |

MAY 2015 MAY ALWAYS ALWAYS ShopSmart.org price so that you can compare it can compare you price so that on that (More co-pay. with your senior, Also ask about any later.) discount student, or other special qualify for an to see whether you better deal. even Mistake No. 3 No. Mistake might assume that a co-pay You cheaper than paying theis always Often it is— (cash) price. retail ofcertain drugs cost hundreds USING YOUR INSURANCE USING YOUR It’s smart to fill all of your prescriptions fill all of your smart to It’s ask whether your drug is on the list. ask whether your ways Free shipping on many 90-day prescriptions 90-day shipping on many Free 10 percent off in-store health care services; services; health care off in-store 10 percent discounts immunizations; off most 20 percent 5 to supplies and diabetes on nebulizers None 30 percent off select brand-name drugs and off select brand-name 30 percent not part of the generics that are off many 40 percent offers health-screening free $4 generics program; None Up to 20 percent off select brand-name drugs; off select brand-name 20 percent Up to all other off off flu shot; 10 percent 20 percent immunizations At least 15 percent savings on select brand-name on select brand-name savings 15 percent least At $30 contraceptives; oral select generic drugs; $20 for strips test diabetes Aid Truetest of Rite 50-count for 10 percent off annual flu shot and in-store health in-store off annual flu shot and 10 percent and screenings services Use one pharmacy.

to check a box giving the pharmacy or third parties such as or third giving the pharmacy check a box to contact to permission companies and insurance drugmakers can join Ask whether you and promotions. with offers you check that box. don’t if you or get the discount the program at one store, so the pharmacist can flag any potential drug potential can flag any so the pharmacist at one store, a deal on offers So if a program or allergies. interactions spot. go-to that your make regularly, take a drug you O Always ask for Always Free $20 per year $20 per year per person, or $35 per family Free Free $10 per year $10 per year per household Free per person Also, certain certain Also, give me?” Case in point: A Target in point: A Target me?” Case give first Iowa, in Des Moines, pharmacy for duloxetine. quoted a price of $191 that the priceOur analysis suggested again called we too high, so was price the for the lowest and asked Our new deal: could offer. store at an got a price of $7.50 But we $160. 7 miles away. independent pharmacy not a misprint!) (That’s the lowest price. And even if you if you And even price. the lowest cash ask for the best insurance, have What to do instead to What Most stores have free free have stores Most $4 or $9/$10 or $24 $4 or $9/$10 $5, $10, or $15/ or $15/ $5, $10, or $30 $20, $10, $4 or $9/$10 or $24 $4 or $9/$10 $4 or $10 (30-day) $100 up to of charge; free select prescriptions Five $4/$10 $5, $10, or $12/$10, or $12/$10, $5, $10, or $36, $30, $15, $20, depending on drug $10/$16 $12 (90-day) $15 per year Program terms may require you you require may terms Program NOT NOT Check out loyalty programs. programs. Check out loyalty privacy. your Protect Prices can vary from state to state. to state from can vary Prices

WALMART $4 WALMART PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM WALGREENS WALGREENS PRESCRIPTION CLUB SAVINGS TARGET $4 GENERICS TARGET SAM’S CLUB PLUS CLUB SAM’S KROGER $4/$10 GENERICS KROGER $4/$10 KMART PRESCRIPTION CLUB SAVINGS RITE AID RX SAVINGS RITE AID RX SAVINGS PROGRAM CVS/PHARMACY HEALTH HEALTH CVS/PHARMACY PASS SAVINGS Program price 30/90-day Fee Extras membership programs that offer extra savings and coupons. savings extra that offer membership programs programs are offered only to people without insurance or people without insurance only to offered are programs drugs funded not cover may They drugs not covered. for programs. Medicaid, and other government Medicare, by O O SMART RX TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND SMART RX TIPS TO O THE BEST DEALS PHARMACY and al programs, Check out these pharmacies’ generics discount of insurance. with cash instead paying off better when you’re you tell to on pharmacy employees Don’t count In addition to getting different different In addition to getting pharmacies, different prices from sometimes were shoppers our secret the prices from quoted different the best same pharmacy! Often, not the first price quoted. deals were had to ask, Instead, our shoppers can price you “What is the lowest Mistake No. 2 No. Mistake a supermarket—and ask what they ask what they a supermarket—and prescription. your for charge would ASKING FOR THE LOWEST PRICE FOR THE LOWEST ASKING MEDICATIONS

dollars. But in some cases your co-pay may be more than the cash price. In fact, many stores offer hundreds of generic prescription When to skip your co-pay. drugs at deep discounts, with prices as low as $4 per month (see chart If it’s $11 or more, see whether paying on previous page). Some even offer cash is a better deal than using your discounts on brand-name drugs. insurance, our experts say. (Note: When buying meds through those discount programs, your purchase usually won’t count willing to give you a deal because of pain pills or allergy meds, toward your insurance deductible.) they may have more discretion than thinking that they’re the best value. What to do instead “Ask your the big chains over the prices they And sometimes they are. But not pharmacist, ‘What would this cost charge. To find out, make a few always. In our price scans over the if I didn’t use my insurance?’” says phone calls. You might be surprised. years, our secret shoppers have Stephen W. Schondelmeyer, Ph.D., (We were!) Independent pharmacies found that jumbo sizes aren’t a pharmaceutical economics may also match $4 prices offered always the best buy. What’s more, professor at the University of by chain pharmacies. Your best they can be a big waste of money Minnesota. As our chart shows, bet is to take the chain store’s list if you don’t take the drugs before many generic medications start and show it to the independent they expire, or within a year after at $4, which is lower than many pharmacist. the expiration date. (Our medical insurance co-pays. consultants say that generally, Mistake No. 5 SKIPPING drugs should be effective up to Mistake No. 4 IGNORING COSTCO WAREHOUSE CLUB 12 months after the date printed INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES In many states, you can fill on the package.) If you’ve overlooked your local prescriptions at Costco without What to do instead Go for the mom and pop pharmacy because being a member. Our shoppers medium size. Sometimes they are you figured it probably charged found that Costco’s retail prices almost as good a deal as the biggest more than the bigger chain stores, were much lower than other stores’. bottles, with about the same per-pill you might be missing out on some For our market basket of five prices. The results of our latest price good deals. Our secret shoppers prescription drugs, buying a scan are on the facing page. found rock-bottom prices at indies month’s supply at Costco would in Dallas, Denver, and other cities, save hundreds over the other stores. Mistake No. 7 HAVING with generic prices comparable to What to do instead Although Costco YOUR PRESCRIPTION FILLED the lowest average prices we found pharmacies may close earlier in the ONE MONTH AT A TIME nationally, at Costco. Two of the evening than some chain stores, it’s If you take certain medications long best deals we found: montelukast worth checking out their prices, term and you’re making a trip to the for $10 at Cherry Creek Pharmacy especially if you pay out of pocket pharmacy to fill your prescription in Denver and clopidogrel for $4 for your drugs. And if you are a every month, you might be wasting at Davis Drugs, in Kenley, N.C. member, you can use the Costco time and money. But we also found high prices Member Prescription Program, What to do instead Check with your at some local shops. Our secret which can net you savings of as insurance company to see whether shoppers found pioglitazone for much as 40 percent off brand-name you can get three months’ worth of wildly different prices at two and generic meds if you don’t have medication at a time. If you can, ask independent pharmacies in the drug coverage. your doctor to write you a 90-day Des Moines, Iowa, area. One store prescription. You could save big—by charged $328 for a month’s supply; Mistake No. 6 BUYING paying one co-pay instead of three, another charged $20. THE LARGEST OTC BOTTLE for example. Plus you’ll save time What to do instead Try negotiating. Speaking of Costco, you might be by not having to make multiple trips

Independents might be more tempted to buy supersized bottles to the pharmacy. OLSEN KARIN PROP STYLING: LEWIS TAYLOR; DAVID PHOTO:

56 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART & 57 |

¢ ¢ ¢ 6 93 3 ¢ MAY 2015 MAY 26 vs. 2 36 vs. ShopSmart.org Equate

63

Prilosec OTC, 14 count, Walgreens 14 count, Prilosec OTC, ibuprofen (Motrin IB); Equate acetaminophen (Motrin IB); Equate ibuprofen Walmart all 100 count, Strength), Extra (Tylenol prices Next-lowest Next-lowest prices Next-lowest (Pepcid AC famotidine Equate 9 cents, Walmart; 90 count, Original Strength), (Zantac 75), Up & Up ranitidine 9 cents, Target 80 count, PRICE HIGHEST Walgreens 14 count, 24HR, Prevacid (shown); Pain PRICES LOWEST ibuprofen Equate shown), of Advil, version (generic (Tylenol acetaminophen Equate 4 cents, 4 cents, Walmart; count, 24 Strength), Extra Walmart count, 24 (Advil), ibuprofen Equate PRICE HIGHEST Strength, Extra Tylenol Walgreens count, 24 Heartburn PRICE LOWEST ranitidine Equate Zantac 150 Maximum of version (generic Walmart 65 count, Strength), CVS 0 Walmart TargetSupermarketsWalgreens 1 28 2 6 7 35 RETAILER PRICES LOWEST PRICES HIGHEST ¢ ¢ 5 12 prices on drugs for each ailment; prices are per pill. are prices on drugs for each ailment; prices vs. 1.45 1.45 $ $ vs. big with store brands—up to 78 percent! The products shown below are are below shown The products 78 percent! to brands—up big with store 1.35 $

Equate Equate the lowest and highest and highest the lowest

Dulcolax Overnight Overnight Dulcolax Our secret shoppers checked the prices of dozens of over-the-counter drugs, including of over-the-counter of dozens the prices shoppers checked Our secret country. Walmart had the lowest prices on the most drugs; Walgreens and CVS had the and CVS drugs; Walgreens on the most prices had the lowest Walmart country. algreens, shown; algreens, Claritin), 45 count, Walmart Claritin), 45 count, brand names and generics, at CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, and supermarkets across the across and supermarkets Walmart, Walgreens, Target, and generics, at CVS, names brand you shop, you can save can you shop, you highest prices. But as you’ll see in our scorecard, you can overpay even at Walmart. Wherever Wherever at Walmart. even can overpay you see in our scorecard, But as you’ll prices. highest

ersion of Benadryl Allergy), ersion of Benadryl Allergy), Who sells it for less? it for sells Who PRICE-SCAN SCORECARD the number of times each retailer are These on all of prices and highest had the lowest features (Chart shopped for. the drugs we had sufficient which we for only products and includes ties.) all retailers data for 8 cents, Equate sennosides (Ex-Lax sennosides (Ex-Lax Equate 8 cents, Walmart; count, 24 Maximum Strength), softener plus stool senna laxative 13 cents, Target 30 count, (Senokot-S), PRICE HIGHEST 7 doses, Walgreens Miralax, Indigestion PRICE LOWEST bisacodyl Equate of version (generic Walmart 100 count, Laxative), Relief prices Next-lowest loratadine ( loratadine PRICE HIGHEST Walgreens 15 count, Claritin D, Allergies PRICES LOWEST diphenhydramine Wal-Dryl v (generic W 100 count, prices Next-lowest (Claritin), Up & Up loratadine 15 cents, Wal-Dryl 17 cents, Target; 30 count, (Benadryl Allergy), diphenhydramine Walgreens count, 24 THIS JUST IN Eating a big breakfast can be a lifesaver. Health news DRINK COFFEE—DOCTOR’S ORDERS That Starbucks addiction might dietary guidelines, the nutrition actually be a healthy habit. Citing advisory group said that there is a flood of research, a panel of “strong evidence” that having three 3 promising high-powered nutrition experts to five cups of coffee per day is recently announced that coffee isn’t “not associated with increased diabetes bad for you—and may actually be long-term health risks among stoppers very good for you. healthy individuals.” It also found New research has revealed In a report that will shape the evidence that moderate coffee some surprising risks and Department of Agriculture’s 2015 drinking has been linked to some some very doable remedies. major health benefits: a lower risk EAT EARLY. In a Tel Aviv JAVA JOY Turns for type 2 diabetes (see box at right University study, the sugar out your coffee for other diabetes fighters), heart levels of diabetic volunteers loves you back. dropped 20 percent with a disease, and Parkinson’s disease. 704-calorie breakfast and a (On average, coffee drinkers in 205-calorie dinner compared the U.S. sip one to two cups daily.) with those who ate the But there’s a catch: That reverse. (Lunch for each “moderate” amount of coffee group was 603 calories.) contains up to 400 milligrams of A hearty morning meal might caffeine, enough to interfere with reset genetic clocks that regulate insulin, the hormone sleep, according to one study. Also, that controls blood sugar. watch the extras. Stirring in cream, GET ENOUGH VITAMIN D. sweeteners, and flavorings can Low levels may raise your easily pile on saturated fat, sugar, type 2 diabetes risk, a recent and calories. “A latte can have as Spanish study found, by many calories as a chocolate bar,” interfering with pancreatic warns Thomas Brenna, Ph.D., an insulin-producing cells. People 70 and younger advisory committee member and should aim for 600 a professor of nutrition at Cornell international units (IU) daily, University. So skip the Frappuccino! 800 IU for those older than 70, according to the Institute of Medicine. Our chief medical adviser, Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., recommends Attention, hot mamas! 800 to 1,000 IU. LOSE THE BABY WEIGHT. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can cool If you had diabetes during pregnancy and need to lose menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. But an weight, a goal is to lose international team of researchers found that those 7 percent of your body weight with diet and exercise. taking it had a higher risk of ovarian cancer—about That cut the risk of later developing type 2 diabetes one additional case per 1,000 women. Overall risk by 35 percent, according is still low, but the National Cancer Institute noted to a new study from George Washington University.

that even short-term HRT may not be worth it. IMAGES S CHAPMAN/GETTY GARY TOP: IMAGES; LOUGHRIDGE/GETTY CINDY LEFT:

58 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART &

Beauty in a box Look what we got when we signed up for 8 monthly cosmetics subscription services!

hat’s better than month. All of the companies sell arriving home to find full-sized products on their websites, a pretty package full of and most offer discounts and rewards Wgoodies just for you? for purchases. Some services tailor That’s part of the appeal of beauty box product selections based on a quiz at subscription services, which deliver sign-up. We played it straight, with a sampling of makeup and skin-care answers that pointed toward classic products every month. We signed beauty rather than a trendy look. up for eight services to see what you Our take: The services are a great get for your money. They included way to discover new products. But Allure Sample Society, BeautyArmy, we learned in our informal tryout Birchbox, Blissmo, GlossyBox, that some give you a lot more for your Goodebox, Ipsy, and Julep Maven. money than others do. Turn the page You sign up with a credit card and to see what we got; services are listed cancel when you want to stop. Each in order from best value to worst sends about four to six samples per based on our editors’ evaluation.

TREAT YOURSELF! GlossyBox, with its luxe packaging and nice samples, was the clear winner. PHOTOS: DAVID LEWIS TAYLOR; PROP STYLING: KARIN OLSEN KARIN PROP STYLING: LEWIS TAYLOR; DAVID PHOTOS: TRYOUT

our fave GlossyBox glossybox.com Promise “Five luxury beauty products.” Price $21 month to month, $126 for six months, $220 for 12 months. How it works Answer a nine-question quiz designed to suss out your style, then products are curated for you. Best surprise A regular-sized bottle of OPI nail polish in a pretty neutral pink, which is a $10 value. We also loved the Bellapierre Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick in Burlesque, worth $20. Biggest head-scratcher Unlike most of the other services we tried, GlossyBox never let us down. We loved—or at least liked—everything. Editors’ notes This was our hands-down favorite! The box is indeed glossy; it’s a pretty pink (except in December, when it was a holiday pattern, shown at left, and February, which had a Valentine’s Day theme) with a nice ribbon inside, so it’s like opening a present. It costs more than most of the others, but we found it to be a good value. We mostly got full-sized items and products we’d actually use. Plus the colors were widely appealing—no goth looks Our December box had a here. And you get a nice card describing each holiday theme sample, plus helpful tips for using the products. inside and out.

just Birchbox birchbox.com $10 Promise “Cult brands, up-and-coming lines, and everything in between.” Price $10 month to month, $110 yearly. How it works Create a beauty profile at sign-up. Then every month you can choose one of the five items you will receive, and the other four are surprises. Or you can select the “Guest Editor” box (past offerings have been curated by BuzzFeed and Rent the Runway). Best surprise A full-sized Eyeko eye shadow stick (most products were smaller sizes, so it was a nice treat). Also, in December’s holiday shipment Birchbox included a coupon for $10 off any purchase at Gap. Biggest head-scratcher No disappointments here. We got good stuff every month. Editors’ notes This service is great for travelers; products are generous sample sizes—perfect to take on a trip. We got nice products from both fresh and familiar brands and no random stuff during our four-month trial. And $10 was the lowest A full-sized price of all the services. eye shadow (Ipsy, on the facing page, stick in a nice is the same price.) neutral color? Yes, please!

60 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART & 61 |

This soft eye soft eye This brush shadow a favorite. was MAY 2015 MAY A flimsy plastic votive votive plastic A flimsy ShopSmart.org Fill out a short beauty profile, Fill out a short beauty profile, We like the eco-friendly, charity- the eco-friendly, like We Soap from SoapBox, which donates SoapBox, Soap from All of this soap’s All of this soap’s are ingredients things you’ve of. heard “A selection of trial-sized healthy healthy selection of trial-sized “A We like getting a new getting a new like We $19 month to month, $54 for three three month, $54 for $19 month to beauty and natural wellness products.” wellness beauty and natural Price six months. for months, $102 it works How then choose monthly or bimonthly delivery. surprise Best bar it sells. every a needy child for a bar to head-scratcher Biggest though. It smelled nice, candle. notes Editors’ (in that Goodebox minded theme and appreciate empty your will recycle partnership with TerraCycle) send them if you containers of charge—and back, free free earn points toward you’ll every beauty samples. Also, offers month Goodebox buy any if you discounts online. of its products Goodebox goodebox.com Promise A nice, soft eye shadow brush. The brush. The shadow soft eye A nice, We liked the products we got in we the products liked We Answer a 10-question quiz at sign-up. quiz a 10-question Answer “Deluxe samples and full-sized samples and full-sized “Deluxe $10 per month. Ipsy ipsy.com Promise beauty products.” Price it works How surprise Best like We curler. got an eyelash month we following and as makeup as well includes beauty tools that Ipsy can reuse. bag you plus a cosmetics items, skin-care head-scratcher Biggest of the bags we month. But two bag every cosmetics bag patterned (The cheesy. pretty were received of the bunch.) the best at left was shown notes Editors’ we’d bags, which included appealing items our Ipsy that didn’t like But we $10. just all for actually use, we box; our first months for three wait had to we sign up with to opted because we wait-listed were account. of a Facebook instead an e-mail address beauty guru teen by curated are products The can find lots of how-to Michelle Phan, and you read (See page 64 to tips on the website. she likes.) products about more eco- friendly bag included TRYOUT

good coupons Allure Sample Society beautybar.com/samplesociety Promise Five “hand-picked, editor-tested products each month” from Allure magazine and BeautyBar.com. Price $15 per month. How it works No quiz; products are chosen by Allure editors. Best surprise A small spray bottle of new StriVectin Illuminating Serum. The full-sized version costs $89 on BeautyBar.com. Biggest head-scratcher The Batiste dry shampoo (in a handy travel-sized bottle) has a “fresh and fruity” scent called Blush, but we found it to be too cloying. Allure’s box Editors’ notes We got only one month of this relatively included a nice new service, but we were pretty pleased with everything mix of products. that came in our box. Plus your subscription comes with some cool extras, including a coupon for $10 off if you spend at least $50 at the website and free phone advice from a “beauty expert” (which we didn’t try).

Julep Maven julepmaven.com Promise “Over $40 worth of new beauty innovations and/or limited-run nail colors.” Price $25 month to month, $20 per month for three months. for nail How it works No quiz. You can choose a curated mavens box or customize it by swapping products or choosing a different color (red instead of blue nail polish, for example). Best surprise A full-sized nail polish in every box. We got three one month! This makes sense given that Julep is a nail-polish brand. Unfortunately, the polishes were mostly crazy shades, such as shimmery yellow, metallic glitter, and black. We also liked the full-sized Julep eyeliner in navy smoke. Biggest head-scratcher A tiny box of Junior Mints. Yum, but huh?! Editors’ notes We’re just not the target audience here. Though we like that we got lots of full-sized nail polishes, we wish the colors were more our style. This was the priciest service we tried, but it seemed like a decent value. Our take: It would make a good gift for a trendy young woman.

Junior Mints? You shouldn’t These were among have—really! the tamer polish colors we got!

62 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART green but not Blissmo & great blissmo.com Promise “Premium organic, nontoxic, and eco products. Full and trial size, $20-$40 of value/box.” Price $20 month to month, plus $5 shipping; Blissmo sent shipping is free if you sign up for six months. us lots and How it works No quiz, just choose between the lots of face beauty box and the snack box, Blissmo Bites. masks! Best surprise A nice-sized jar of pumpkin face renewal cream (Who couldn’t use some facial renewing?) in November. Biggest head-scratcher What’s with all of the facial masks and peels? We got them in three out of four boxes, and some months we got more than one! Plus the pumpkin face mask we got in December felt like a leftover. Editors’ notes We liked the enviro-friendly packaging and notes from our personal curator, Nichole. But many of the products were tiny samples, the kind of single-use packets you can get as free samples in a department store.

BeautyArmy beautyarmy.com bummer Promise “BeautyArmy technology matches box you to products that fit your specific needs.” Price $12 month to month, plus $3 for shipping; $132 for 12 months, with free shipping and one free month. We got many How it works Take a six-question quiz to disappointingly create your beauty profile. Each month choose tiny samples; six items from a selection of nine. we expected Best product We had to think hard to come more for $15. up with a product we actually liked. We finally landed on a small bottle of nail polish because we liked the color, a pretty pinky red. But the other services sent bigger bottles, so this one wasn’t up to par. Biggest head-scratcher A packet containing one Cetaphil wipe. That was one of many underwhelming single-use samples. Editors’ notes Even though we took a quiz and were able to customize our order somewhat, we still weren’t crazy about any of the options from BeautyArmy. The packaging and many of the products seemed designed for a teenager. And we didn’t think it was worth the money.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 63 SMART BUYS

SHOPSMART SHOPS WITH … MICHELLE PHAN Get more out of your makeup Michelle Phan knows as much about multitasking as she does about makeup—in other words, a lot. She checks e-mail while she showers (on her phone, in a waterproof case). She does squats while brushing her teeth. And she found time to write “Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success—Online and Off” (Harmony Books, 2014) while running her popular website. So, no surprise, her fave products are multitaskers, too. Here are her best multitasking tips and products:

Lip balm Pink lip color “If you’re without a brow pencil or When your eye makeup is in need gel, grab your favorite lip balm and of freshening up but your eye use your finger to swipe a dab across shadow is MIA, try this stand-in: your eyebrows,” Phan says. “The balm Apply lipstick to the back of your will darken your brows a bit and give hand, then swirl your finger in the them staying power.” Her favorite color and gently dab it across your balm: Vaseline. She also uses it to eyelid. “A light pink lid or bold one remove eye makeup and smooth in radiant orchid will be beautiful,” flyaways on a sleek ponytail. She Phan says. Bonus: Brushing has also combined a dot of Vaseline pink across your eyelid actually with a dusting of blush in her palm brightens your eyes. for do-it-yourself lip color. Shown: Dior Addict lipstick Shown: Vaseline petroleum jelly, $4. in Baby Rose, $33.

BB cream It’s the ultimate beauty multitasker. Phan also likes CC (color correction) creams. The Laneige BB Cushion cream comes in a compact, making it easy to apply and reapply on the go. Press the puff into the moistened sponge and pat on your face.

Shown: Laneige BB Cushion Light cream, $34 (also comes in Medium and Dark). KEENAN PHOTOGRAPHY STEFANIE PORTRAIT: LEWIS TAYLOR; DAVID PHOTOS:

64 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART NOTE: We did not test these products in our labs. & 65 |

MAY 2015 MAY Shown: e.l.f. mineral lipstick lipstick mineral e.l.f. Shown: Nymph, $5. in Natural Matte lipstick lipstick Matte or nude in rose can double as blush.These find the to have But you or creamy right product; look won’t formulas shiny cheeks. good on your “Use a secret: Phan’s it and warm lipstick matte fingers first your between the product down break to and thin it out so that skin, it when it hits your and pores clog your won’t a natural- will provide looking tint.” ShopSmart.org Creamy black eyeliner of a super- ‘The beauty this liner like soft creamy is its Starlooks one from says. Phan versatility,’ can smudge it after ‘You a smokyapplying to create tight line or apply a eye, lashes lower beneath your for something less dramatic.’ Shown: Starlooks Shown: pencil eye Kohl in Obsidian, $16. Baby wipes Baby at tools makeup don’t clean your If you application can week, each once least cleanings help plus regular be uneven; eye of brushes and prevent the life extend wipes Phan uses baby and skin infections. cleaning for perfect “They’re the job. for quick are brushes because they makeup she says. and easy,” Bee Bees Baby Burt’s Shown: wipes, $5. chlorine-free Shown: Shu Uemura eyelash curler, $20. curler, eyelash Shu Uemura Shown: Eyelash curler Eyelash might you short on time, you’re When lashes as something think of curling your lashes look shorter But straight can skip. you find trick is to The actually are. than they done with one a curler that gets the job this Phan says hinge. of the quick squeeze its curler does that, thanks to Shu Uemura mushroom-shaped handle, ergonomic pad, and hinge that applies just silicone eyelashes. to the right amount of pressure before you apply foundation. apply foundation. you before it evens out skin tone.” Use it out skin tone.” it evens Because yellow neutralizes blue, neutralizes Because yellow “an overall refreshed look. refreshed overall “an yellow-based concealers for for concealers yellow-based Above Cosmetics Nyx Shown: concealer Coverage Full & Beyond $5. in yellow, circles. Phan recommends Phan recommends circles. as blemishes and under-eye as blemishes and under-eye fastest way to hide flaws such hide flaws fastest to way A good concealer is the A good concealer Concealer Concealer For a cool new look, try ‘ear SMART FASHION jackets.’ The stud sits in front Scarves are still of your ear, and the hanging going strong. Try piece dangles behind it. one in a colorful Shown: Rhinestone chevron global print. ear jackets, $4. Shown: Abstract mixed-print scarf. Great buys at Forever 21 $ his retailer is not just for 9 teens. Yes, the stores are crawling with them, but Tbe brave! Part the sea of Emilys and Madisons and check one out. You’ll be rewarded with $ great spring buys for the weekend 15 and the office, says Genevieve Yraola, our consulting stylist. If you do nothing else, head to the accessories department, where you can pick up designer knockoffs for well under $20. Then push past the tees with the goofy slogans and head toward The new ‘it’ pants have A silky draped the figure-friendly Forever 21 a high waist (bye-bye blouse works Plus and Love 21 clothes designed muffin tops) and wide for most figures, for plus figures and regular non- bottoms. Pair them plus the salmon with tucked-in tops or color is skin- teenage bodies, respectively. “It’s you’ll look shapeless. flattering. a great place to experiment with Shown: High-waist wide-leg Shown: Forever 21 seasonal trends you don’t want to trousers in navy, $23. Love 21 layered split- front blouse, $20. spend a lot on,” Yraola says. Feel We love the casual-chic too self-conscious shopping Southwestern vibe. among a mob of teens? There’s Shown: Layered medallion necklace. always the Forever 21 website.

$28

SHOPPING INFO YOU SHOULD KNOW You have just 30 days for returns, This neutral tote and refunds are available only for is a standout with online purchases. Forever 21 has an unexpected more than 480 U.S. stores; go pop-of-blue lining. to forever21.com for info. Shipping Shown: Colorblocked for online orders starts at $6 and faux-leather tote. is free for orders of $50 and more. PHOTOS: JAMES WORRELL; MARKET EDITOR AND STYLIST: GENEVIEVE YRAOLA AND STYLIST: MARKET EDITOR WORRELL; JAMES PHOTOS:

66 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART & 67 |

MAY 2015 MAY Jumpsuits are Jumpsuits are back big-time! 21 Forever Shown: 21 sunflower- Love print jumpsuit. ShopSmart.org 28 25 $ $ Cool Chanel Cool knockoff! Faux Shown: pearl cuff in gold, $6. rose Throw this on-trend this on-trend Throw a over top kimono or dress dress strappy a tee. up jeans and 21 Plus Forever Shown: $30. cardigan, embroidered Blue denim puts a hip spin on a summer staple. Canvas Shown: in navy. espadrille wedges Shown: Stacked chain tassel chain Stacked Shown: $13. necklace, statement It’s an instant outfit outfit an instant It’s bib this maker—try tee. a over necklace Shown: Draped-lapel Draped-lapel Shown: $33. in charcoal, trenchcoat This silky, summer- silky, This looks jacket weight or belted great and can unbelted fall. into you take Shown: Cutout Shown: $5. cuff bracelet, This T-cuff T-cuff This is bracelet another hot style. jewelry WANT EVEN MORE GREAT INFORMATION FROM CONSUMER REPORTS? Get immediate access to all our Ratings, tests and CR Best Buy recommendations

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PE41MNB Cutting cable It’s easier than ever to fire your telecom company—here are the trade-offs

ant to get a roomful of people angry? Just ask them about their cable Wbills. Most folks think that they’re far too high. Consumers rated every single one of the 24 TV service providers in our recent survey “below average” for value; same for 39 out of the 40 Internet providers. The good news is that cord-cutting WATCH THIS! is more appealing—and easier—than Yes, you can get rid of your ever. For starters, the cable and satellite cable box and industry’s stranglehold on popular still enjoy lots channels seems to be weakening.

ILLUSTRATIONS: ESTHER AARTS ESTHER ILLUSTRATIONS: of great TV.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 69 TELECOM

In the past, if you wanted to stream content from HBO or ESPN over the Internet, you had no choice but to subscribe to those channels though your cable, satellite, or telecom provider, such as AT&T or Verizon FiOS. New service options have changed that: Dish Network recently kicked off an over-the-Internet, live-TV streaming service called Sling TV, which offers 17 channels—including biggies such as AMC, CNN, Disney Channel, ESPN, Food Network, and TBS—for $20 per month. (Four additional channel packages are available for $5 each per month.) Other options include Sony’s new PlayStation Vue service, which works Option 1 through that company’s gaming system. Keep your current It offers channel packages that range bundle plan from $50 to $70 per month. HBO just WHAT YOU GET The same service you’re used to. launched a streaming service called HBO You may not like your current cable, telecom, or satellite Now, open to nonsubscribers, for $15 per company, but if you’re a frequent channel hopper who month. And Apple is rumored to have its craves variety, no current cord-cutting option will completely own TV service in the works. match the fast broadband and hundreds of channels offered Then there’s all of the original content by the traditional providers. Also, sticking with what you have is easier. Rigging from existing streaming services. “House up an alternate setup doesn’t require a ton of technical of Cards” (Netflix) and “Transparent” skill, but you will need some patience. If the thought of (Amazon Instant Video) have won awards connecting multiple devices to your TV to receive less and critics’ raves, not to mention loads content and fewer channels gives you agita, then the brave of viewers. With so much good content new world of Internet-only TV watching is not for you. available, many people are giving up their WHAT YOU GIVE UP Savings. After exploring your options (keep reading for two ways to potentially cut traditional TV watching altogether. the cord), you may just have to accept that you have All of that means that if you’ve dreamed expensive taste in TV programming. Then again, maybe of telling your cable company to take its you can get a better deal from your current service TV service and shove it, now’s a good time. provider or by switching to another one. Most Americans But breaking free might mean giving up don’t have a lot of options where they live, but if you do, now is a good time to shop around. Many providers some of the variety and convenience are offering big discounts in the form of limited-time you’re used to. offers. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the calendar— What option is right for you? Think about those deals usually expire in 12 months, and sometimes the shows and channels that are important sooner, after which your bill shoots up. Also check to you, then base your decisions on cold, your current provider’s advertised promotions for new subscribers, then call the company, ask for the customer- hard math. To give you an idea of what retention department, and request to be treated like you might pay, we got price quotes from a new customer. If they say no, threaten to become a Comcast, the nation’s largest cable provider, “previous customer.” for a double-play bundle combining a WHAT YOU PAY midrange TV package and basic Internet O Service For a double-play package for the first 12 months, service. Then we priced two options for $80/month. cord cutters. Here’s what you get, what you O Equipment $10/month for one HD box and $8/month for a router (more if you hook up additional TVs or add give up, and what you pay; prices are for a DVR). the first year and include some one-time equipment purchases. TOTAL $1,176

70 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART Option 2 Option 3 Watch everything Use an antenna and new online with Amazon streaming services to and Netflix, etc. partially replicate your WHAT YOU GET Big savings, plus a growing cable package selection of quality programming. For some WHAT YOU GET Network TV, plus live streaming people, live TV is so 20th century. If you’re willing of some popular channels. If all you need are a few to watch everything online, all you’ll need is key channels, you have a better chance than ever to piece broadband Internet service. together a good cable substitute. Hook up an antenna to So what can you watch? Using Amazon Instant your TV to get local networks. Then add a new service from Video, Netflix, and other streaming services, you Dish called Sling TV, which gives you access to major sports, can get movies, recent episodes of current-season news, and kids’ channels, including CNN, Disney Channel, programs, and past seasons of shows such as and ESPN—up to 40 channels in all. Sony PlayStation 3 and “Breaking Bad” and “Mad Men,” as well as a growing 4 owners can also sign up for PlayStation Vue service for list of original content. But if you want to watch up to 84 channels. And if you’re an HBO fan, sign up for HD video without a lot of buffer breaks and fuzzy its new streaming service, HBO Now, for access to popular images due to over-compression, you’re going to shows such as “Game of Thrones” and “Girls.” need decent Internet speed—at least 5 megabits per second (which, according to the Federal WHAT YOU GIVE UP Lots of channels, single- Communications Commission, doesn’t even qualify remote simplicity. You may have to switch back and as broadband anymore). Plus those streaming forth between video streaming apps, which means you can’t services aren’t free, and if you don’t have a smart change channels with one remote. You may also have to TV, you’ll have to buy a streaming media player, occasionally fiddle with the HDMI inputs on your TV to jump such as the new Amazon Fire TV Stick. (Turn the from your antenna to various streaming media players. Plus, page to read more about it and other bargain- currently HBO Now works only on Apple TV and Sling TV priced players.) Still, if you’re willing to break works only on the Amazon Fire TV Stick—so if you want free from TV as you knew it, you can save some both services, you’ll need both players. And you’ll have to significant dough. put up with several seconds of buffering every time you change channels using Sling TV. Also, if you really load up Amazon and WHAT YOU GIVE UP Live TV. on the channels—adding additional Sling TV packages or Netflix don’t offer live TV or the most current Hulu, Netflix, or other services—you’ll find that you don’t seasons of most programs. Spoiler alert! really save that much compared with cable. WHAT YOU PAY WHAT YOU PAY $30/month for broadband; $99/year O Service O Service $30/month for broadband; $15/month for HBO for Amazon Prime, which includes Instant Video Now; $20/month for Sling TV Best of Live TV package and two-day shipping; $9/month for Netflix HD (four additional channel packages cost $5 each/month). service with two simultaneous streams. O Equipment Amazon Fire TV Stick, $40; Apple TV, $70; O Equipment Amazon Fire TV Stick, $40. RCA ANT111, $7.50. TOTAL $607 TOTAL $897.50

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 71 EXPERT B TESTED

Best streaming media players

12 TESTED B 4 SMART PICKS

If you’re looking to cut the cord but your TV doesn’t stream video, you can use one of these bargain-priced players:

ROKU STREAMING STICK GOOGLE CHROMECAST AMAZON FIRE TV STICK APPLE TV (HDMI VERSION) Price $35 Price $40 Price $70 Price $50 Why we like it The Why we like it Amazon Why we like it Though it Why we like it This tiny biggest bargain of the bunch, is the latest to join the doesn’t work with as many device plugs right into your Chromecast opens up a world streaming stick game, with streaming services as the TV’s HDMI port and can be of content for about the cost its nicely priced Fire TV Stick. other players, it’s great for powered either from a wall of a family night out at the Like Chromecast and the Apple content. (And the outlet or from a spare USB movies. Google pioneered the Roku Streaming Stick, it company is rumored to be port. It gives access to Roku’s HDMI stick form—in a device plugs directly into an HDMI developing its own 25-channel unparalleled selection of apps so small that it disappears port and can be powered TV service.) Plus Apple recently and games, including Amazon behind your TV. It can stream via a USB on the TV or from lowered the price by $30 and Instant Video, Google Play, content from your computer, a wall outlet. It can stream announced a three-month Netflix, Pandora, and now tablet, or phone; display content from a variety of exclusive streaming deal with Sling TV. It also allows you Web content; and cast video services, such as Hulu Plus, HBO Now, making it the only to stream content directly from major services such Netflix, and Sling TV, but— player to offer the premium from your smart phone or as Google Play, Hulu Plus, not surprisingly—it emphasizes channel’s new over-the- tablet to your TV so that Netflix, and Pandora. Amazon content. Internet service available you can watch Netflix and Bummers Unlike the other Bummers At press time, the to nonsubscribers. YouTube videos. devices here, Chromecast Fire TV Stick didn’t support Bummers Apple’s box is Bummers At press time, doesn’t come with a remote HBO Now. Its remote lacks small, but it’s the largest Roku devices did not support control. Instead, it requires the built-in microphone device of these four, so the new HBO Now service. a second connected device found in the controller for the you’re either going to need Also, the Streaming Stick such as a smart phone or more expensive, non-stick a table to put it on or some remote control doesn’t have tablet to control it and feed Fire TV, but you can still voice strong tape to stick it to the a built-in earphone jack, like it content. Also, Chromecast control the Fire TV Stick back of your TV. Also, Apple its more expensive sibling, doesn’t support some major through the companion app TV doesn’t support some the Roku 3, does. streaming services, such as (free for Android, Apple, and of the biggest streaming Amazon Instant Video, HBO Amazon devices). services, including Amazon Now, and Sling TV. Instant Video and Sling TV.

72 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART EXPERT B TESTED

Better-sounding music High-res audio promises to rock your world. We take a listen.

hen you hear a an album compared with about $10 heard little, if any, difference with Neil Young song, for an album download from iTunes. headphones that aren’t as good. it’ll probably be We also had other staffers listen Wrock. But lately the Can you hear the difference? with our best headphones (Grado legendary artist has been singing Our audio experts compared high-res Prestige SR325e, $300). When they a different kind of tune—the blues. songs to CD-quality versions and AAC listened intently, they all thought That’s because Young, and many downloads from iTunes. They played the high-res files sounded better, others, believe that most of today’s high-res tracks on three high-res from a little better to noticeably so. music doesn’t sound very good. players (see below) and the other They’re not criticizing the artists; tracks on the fifth-generation Apple Bottom line Unless you’re a serious they’re blaming technology. They iPod Touch. Their verdict? Our pros music lover with a great pair of say that sound quality has been on sometimes heard subtle differences— headphones, high-res probably isn’t the slide ever since the CD replaced more detail, better clarity—in for you, given the slight edge in the LP, and digital downloads and the high-res files, especially with quality and big difference in price online streaming have made it even top-quality headphones. They and storage requirements. worse. Their solution: a technology called high-resolution audio.

What is high-res audio? It refers to better-than-CD-quality The Astell & Kern AK100 II, $900, has sound. Most digital downloads the biggest touch are MP3 or AAC files, which use screen (3.3 inches something called lossy compression. wide) and lots of extra features. This means that some song data is removed to make files smaller, so you can download music faster and fit more on a portable player or phone. Streaming music is often compressed even more; that helps The $400 Pono prevent dropouts as it travels over a PonoPlayer’s Wi-Fi or cell-phone connection. In Toblerone-like either case, sound quality can suffer. shape makes it hard to tuck in High-res music starts out with a pocket, but it’s higher-than-CD-quality versions stable on a table. The $300 of songs. In some cases, they’re not Sony NWZ-A17 compressed at all. In others, all of Hi-Res Walkman the original info is preserved through is the smallest and cheapest, “lossless compression,” so the file is plus it has a theoretically identical to the original built-in FM recording. The downside: Whether radio and Bluetooth for compressed or not, high-res files take beaming music up a lot more storage space. High-res to a speaker. music is also pricey: $20 to $25 for

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 73 TECH SMART

Open new Windows A sneak preview of Microsoft’s cool new operating system

OUR EXPERT A new version of Microsoft O
VOICE ASSISTANT ON devices. With Windows 10, Windows is coming soon, YOUR PC. Unlike Apple’s there’s just one underlying and it’s bringing big changes. Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana will OS, providing a sense of I’ve been trying out a preview work on computers as well continuity when you move version of the software. as phones. Ask how long from your phone to your PC. Donna Tapellini Here’s a look at what I’ve it will take to get to work, Office apps on your phone electronics and Cortana will give you editor seen so far: will have features similar O
A NEW LOOK, SORT OF. a traffic report on your route. to those on your computer. The Windows 8 tile interface It will seek answers to your Apps will sync across devices, will be tweaked for Windows questions not only online but so, for example, you’ll see the 10. The Start button is back, also just about everywhere same recently opened files which launches a smaller tile else, including your hard on your phone and PC. screen with an integrated drive, OneDrive cloud O
MORE APPS, Start menu. You can easily storage, and even apps ESPECIALLY FOR MOBILE. expand the tile interface in the Microsoft store. Compared with the app into a full screen. There’s You’ll be able to multitask stores for Apple and Google, a new power button there when you use Cortana. Microsoft’s Windows store as well. The charms bar from So when you’re watching a has been disappointing. Windows 8 has now become movie, for example, you can With one operating system, a settings menu where you ask for the name of an actor it should be easier for can control things like privacy without interrupting the developers to write software and Wi-Fi. video or set up a meeting with across platforms, resulting someone at the same time in a more robust app store. you’re answering her e-mail. O
FREE ACCESS. Microsoft O
THE SAME WINDOWS is offering Windows 7 and ON EVERY DEVICE. Until 8.1 users a free upgrade to now, Microsoft used different Windows 10 for a year after operating systems for its its release. phone and computing BOTTOM LINE It’s too soon to give Windows 10 a thumbs-up yet. But I’m impressed with the Start menu that makes it easier to use, the unified operating system that works on all MICROSOFT MAKEOVER Windows devices, and the Windows’ tile interface digital assistant that you can gets a face-lift, above. use on a computer. I’ll keep Also new is Cortana, a voice-controlled you posted as the preview digital assistant, right. version gets updated.

74 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART THIS JUST IN Tech news Look out, lasers! Speedy inkjet printers are catching up Is your TV Until recently, if you wanted to buy a printer that could produce pages of text very quickly, you would have been best off with a black-and- spying on you? white laser printer. The reason? They were about twice as fast Some new smart TVs may be trying as inkjet printers, and they’re known for excellent text quality. But to outsmart their owners: Models from LG, Samsung, Vizio, and others lately inkjets have been catching up: Six of the top 10 inkjet all-in- are collecting data on your viewing ones we’ve tested in our labs churn out 15 pages of black-and-white habits and sharing it with third parties. text per minute—sometimes more. Inkjets are catching up in quality, That can happen when you’re watching too. The three printers listed below were tops in our tests; all churn a TV broadcast, streaming a movie, out quality pages in color and black and white, as well as photos. or playing a DVD. The technology capturing what you O HP OFFICEJET PRO watch is called automatic content 8620, $200 (shown) recognition (ACR). The companies O EPSON WORKFORCE behind it have seen its potential for PRO WF-4630, $200 informing targeted advertising— O CANON MAXIFY something like the eerily personal MB5020, $150 ads you see on your Google Gmail home page or on Facebook. The idea is that ads tailored to your interests will do a better job of enticing you to buy stuff. If you’d rather not have your info land in the hands of advertisers, you should know that all of the major TV This HP prints, manufacturers allow you to disable scans, copies, ACR—although it can require a deep and faxes. dive into the settings. You also could just refuse to accept ACR when you set up your new smart TV, which means taking the time to read through what can be some long and daunting privacy policies onscreen.

TECH TRANSLATION Net neutrality in a nutshell Net neutrality has been in the news a lot lately, based on its source, destination, or message. especially after the Federal Communications Commission That means, for example, that an ISP can’t slow down (FCC) recently took action in favor of it. But what the or block a streaming-video service because another one heck does net neutrality mean, exactly? It’s the principle pays a higher fee. So smaller companies have a chance of an open Internet, meaning that Internet service to succeed. Also, an ISP can’t block content that it dislikes providers (ISPs) are not allowed to filter or block lawful for political or public-image reasons. The upshot: Net websites for any reason. Under the new FCC ruling, neutrality is a win for consumers and for smaller online ISPs must treat all content, sites, and applications businesses. (Check out our video at ConsumerReports. equally, and can’t discriminate against any traffic org/cro/netneutrality.) SCREEN: ELENATHEWISE/GETTY IMAGES SCREEN: ELENATHEWISE/GETTY

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 75 EXPERT B TESTED

The safest cars less than $25,000 O
Honda Civic for the money O Hyundai Elantra O Kia Soul You don’t have to buy a giant SUV O Mazda3 to protect yourself on the road! O Subaru Impreza O Honda Accord 4-cyl. O Kia Optima 2.4 ave you ever looked over not only on crash tests but also on O Toyota Camry 4-cyl. at the next car and noticed our tough road tests and consumer O Subaru XV Crosstrek someone texting at the reliability surveys covering about wheel? Yep, we thought 1.1 million vehicles. $25,000 to $30,000 H O
Volkswagen Jetta TDI so. Odds are you’ve also been cut off In addition to having a car that will O Toyota Prius or tailgated by a car speeding in the protect you in case of a crash, it pays O Chevrolet Malibu 2.5 right lane. The reality is, even if you’re to have technology onboard that can O Ford Fusion 1.5T super-careful on the road, reckless help prevent an accident in the first O Kia Optima 2.0T drivers can put your life at risk. One place. Sophisticated crash-prevention O Mazda6 O Subaru Legacy 4-cyl. way to protect yourself is to buy a car systems have been available in some O Volkswagen Passat 4-cyl. that aces crash tests. To find the crash high-end luxury cars for years and O Honda CR-V kings, we looked to the Insurance are filtering down to mainstream O Mazda CX-5 Institute for Highway Safety, which vehicles. The systems can warn you O Nissan Rogue publishes its list of Top Safety Picks of impending danger; some even apply O Subaru Forester O Toyota RAV4 based on tough crash tests. The good the brakes automatically if you don’t O
Subaru Outback news is that lots of those cars are react quickly enough. A front-collision O Toyota Prius V moderately priced. warning system with automatic We took the IIHS 2015 crash-test braking can help you avoid colliding $30,000 to $35,000 winners list and narrowed it down to with another car or a pedestrian who O
Chevrolet Malibu 2.0T vehicles that cost less than $35,000. crosses into your path. See the facing O Ford Fusion 2.0T Then we further pruned the list page for details on some of the latest O Honda Accord V6 O Toyota Camry V6 by eliminating cars that don’t make safety features, and ask about whether O Toyota Highlander the cut at our test track. So all of the they’re available the next time you O Honda Odyssey

vehicles at right are safe bets based buy a new car. O
Toyota Sienna OLSEN KARIN PROP STYLING: LEWIS TAYLOR; DAVID PHOTO:

76 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART How safe Crash dummies One of the newest safety tests is a 40-mph partial frontal crash is your car? that simulates the front corner of a car hitting another vehicle It’s easy to find crash ratings for or an object like a tree. These 2015 models got a Poor grade: your vehicle. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducts the Audi A4 Kia Sportage O O most comprehensive crash tests and O Chrysler Town & Country O Lincoln MKS evaluations. Go to iihs.org and click O Dodge Grand Caravan O Mazda CX-9 the Ratings tab to find out about your O
Fiat 500 O Mazda5 O
Fiat 500L O
Mitsubishi Mirage car. The U.S. government’s crash-test O
Ford Escape O Nissan Juke results are at safercar.gov. Click the O Honda Pilot O Nissan Leaf Vehicle Shoppers tab, then “Search O Hyundai Accent O Nissan Quest 5-Star Safety Ratings.” You can also O
Hyundai Tucson O
Nissan Versa use that page to see whether your O Jeep Patriot O Toyota Prius C car has any outstanding recalls: Enter your car’s vehicle ID number, or VIN.

AVOID AN ACCIDENT IN THE FIRST PLACE Collision-avoidance systems use cameras, radar, and lasers (aka Lidar) to help keep you safe. They may sound an alarm, flash warning icons, or vibrate the seat or steering wheel to get your attention. Here’s what these features can do for you on the road:

ahead. Those with “autobrake” can feature that can self-steer, to some degree, apply the brakes to prevent or lessen the to keep you in your lane. We’ve found severity of a crash if you don’t or can’t LDW systems to be more useful on heed the warnings. We prefer those that highways than on rural roads. let you adjust your following distance. ERASE BLIND-SPOT WORRIES PREVENT YOUR CAR FROM Blind-spot warning systems alert you VEERING OVER THE LINE to traffic lurking in the blind zones on Lane-departure warning (LDW) systems the sides of your car. Some ratchet up the tell you if you cross lane markers without warnings if you signal an intent to cross GET EYES IN THE signaling. Some have a “driver assist” into the path of a car in your blind zone. BACK OF YOUR HEAD Rear cameras, like the one show above in a Ford Escape, give you a wide-angle view from behind, which can help prevent a back-over accident.

AVOID GETTING T-BONED Rear cross-traffic alert systems scan for hazards approaching from the sides. It’s very handy if you’re backing onto a busy road—or out of a parking space—and can’t see whether a car is coming. PARKING-LOT KEEP YOUR DISTANCE PROTECTION Ford’s FROM DANGER cross-traffic alert Forward-collision warning systems use system can prevent cameras and/or radar to sound alerts if a T-bone accident. you’re closing in too quickly on a vehicle

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 77 SAFETY

WHAT IF ... You need to haul something big? How to get bulky purchases home safely

accidents caused by unsecured HOLD ON THERE! loads on trucks and cars. Mattresses are You might not realize it, but very dangerous to haul by car. your car has a maximum carrying capacity that’s easier to exceed than you might expect. If five 165-pound guys get into a Honda Accord, for example, that’s already close to all the car can safely handle. Smaller cars like the BMW i3 and Mini Cooper have even smaller carrying capacities of well below 800 pounds. You can reach the weight limit in small SUVs with two hefty adults and some luggage. The limit for the Ford Escape, for example, is well below 900 pounds. Many furniture and appliance stores deliver bulky purchases for a relatively small charge. Costco, Ikea, and Sam’s Club, for example, will deliver a king-size bed for less than $130. Macy’s offers free delivery for mattresses priced over $787, and furniture delivery rates start at $65. It’s worth every dime. Many delivery people will often set up and dispose of whatever you’re replacing. new mattress or not to mention dangerous. Lumberyards and home a stack of two-by- So what do you do? centers often offer free delivery, fours aren’t exactly Our advice: Avoid it if you and chains like Home Depot and Aimpulse purchases. can. Most cars aren’t designed Lowe’s rent trucks or vans for But sometimes when a deal is to double as a delivery truck. about $15 per hour and 30 cents too good to pass up or you just Piling heavy loads on the roof per mile. If your car has an have to haul something home can put you and other drivers on attachment hitch, you can rent right now, you’re faced with a the road at risk. Vehicle-related an inexpensive trailer from major road challenge. Strapping road debris causes more than Budget Truck Rental or U-Haul. something big onto—or inside one out of every 1,000 accidents. But keep in mind that driving

of—your car can be daunting, And hundreds of people die in with a hitch can be tricky if you IMAGES MCVAY/GETTY RYAN PHOTO:

78 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART don’t have experience because the mattress to flip straight up inflated. Check the doorjamb of the added length and limited into the air, putting pressure for the recommended pressure. views around your vehicle. Plus on the twine and causing it to acceleration and braking are snap. If you absolutely must DO WATCH YOUR WEIGHT. affected. But if you must turn put a large object on the roof, As we mentioned earlier, it’s the family car into a hauler, here it should be tied not just at the easier to overload your car than are a few do’s and don’ts: sides but also from the front you might think, and that puts and rear of your car. Check a strain on your brakes and DO TRY TO FIT YOUR LOAD your vehicle for tie-down loops suspension. It can also make INSIDE THE CAR. It’s easier that you can use (see below). for dangerous handling and and safer to haul cargo inside increased stopping distances, the vehicle rather than on it. But DO CHECK YOUR TIRE especially in an emergency. even when inside, bulky items PRESSURE. Cars with tires Heavy loads increase the odds of should be secured so that they underinflated by 25 percent tire failure, including a blowout. don’t become projectiles in the or more are three times more The risk of an accident increases event of a sudden stop or crash. likely to be involved in a crash. when your car is top-heavy. Heavy loads increase the risk To check your car’s maximum DO INVEST IN A ROOF of tire failure even more. So weight capacity, look for a sticker RACK. If you tend to do a lot before carrying anything heavy with the number inside the of hauling, a roof rack can help on or in your car, make sure driver’s-side doorsill or in the you do it safely and securely. that all of the tires are properly owner’s manual. Thule and Yakima make racks that have specialized attachments for bicycles, canoes, kayaks, and other gear. They start at less than $200, and they’re a worthwhile If you haul around investment. Loading anything bulky stuff, get a roof rack. directly onto the roof can cause Shown: Yakima JayLow, scratches and dents. Also, the $170, yakima.com. curve of a vehicle’s roof can make it difficult to secure cargo.

DON’T USE BUNGEE CORDS. They aren’t secure enough to hold down heavy objects. One-inch tie-down straps with cinch buckles are strong and easier to use than rope. Available online or through outdoor retailers, they come in a variety of lengths and start at less than $10. Whether on a roof rack or inside the car, securing your load is essential.

DON’T CART MATTRESSES. Strapping one to the roof is Buy tie-down straps a bad idea, especially if you’re that are 1-inch wide. trying to secure it with twine Shown: Riverside heavy-duty utility straps, across the middle. That’s because twin pack, 21 feet, $17.50, Check for tie-down loops under your wind can cause the front half of rei.com. vehicle’s front and/or back bumpers.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 79 SHOPSMART EXTRA

Attention deal stalkers! If you’re obsessed with bargains, you’re not alone. Check out the results of our latest annual survey.

oin the bargain hunters’ club! Actually, you probably already belong. We interviewed 1,006 women nationwide for our annual Jbargain survey, and most are self-proclaimed bargain shoppers (see the breakdown on the facing page). Also, though many of us bargainistas are in it to save money, some just love the sport of it. Getting a deal is fun, and that feeling of pride when you’ve bagged a really big bargain is positively bragworthy. In fact, 93 percent of you say that when you score a big deal, you just have to tell people about it. More than 60 percent of you share the news with family and friends (up from less than 50 percent last year), and 27 percent share it with anyone who will

listen. Here’s what else you told us. IMAGES DOLLAR SIGNS: LOKFUNG/GETTY

80 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART THEN AND NOW Like last year, eight out of 10 of you told us How far HOW OBSESSED ARE that you are a proud YOU WITH HUNTING bargain shopper. will you go? FOR A BARGAIN? When we asked about Compared with two some bargain-hunting years ago, you are … behaviors, here’s what O
More obsessed 24% you told us: O Just as obsessed 49%
77% bought clothes O
Not as obsessed 25% at the end of the season TOP THINGS YOU LIKE to save money. TO GET DEALS ON 66% bought O
Clothing, shoes, something they didn’t or accessories need just because it was on sale. O
Groceries O
Appliances 65% went to another O
Electronics store to find an out-of- stock item. 65% bought multiples of the same item because What’s your main motivation it was a great deal. for being a bargain shopper? 53% snapped up an item with a scratch or 41% ‘I’m on a budget.’ 21% ‘I hate to overspend.’ other small defect—and asked for a discount. (That’s down from 48% 16% ‘I like to challenge last year; most of these myself to get the best deal.’ 45% added extra women budget because items to an online cart 10% ‘I learned from my to get free shipping. finances are tight. Others parents.’ say they do it mainly to track spending, save 6% ‘I enjoy the thrill.’ money, or out of habit.) 5% Some other reason.

33% Why millennials are missing out of women feel We crunched the numbers by age O Request price matching to get guilty when they to see whether different age groups another retailer’s lower price. pay full price. shop differently for bargains. And it O Ask for a price adjustment on an turns out that many people, regardless item they bought that later went on sale. (That’s down of age, are willing to try all of the tricks O Request a rain check. from 36% last to get a deal. But shoppers ages 18 to O Stack store and manufacturer year.) And 80% 34 are more likely to skip some basic coupons. would seek out money-saving strategies in stores, Turn the page to see what shoppers overall are doing to save money. a deal even if including the following: money didn’t

TOP: GOZDED/GETTY IMAGES; BOTTOM: JAMES WORRELL; PROP STYLING: MIAKO KATOH MIAKO PROP STYLING: WORRELL; JAMES BOTTOM: IMAGES; GOZDED/GETTY TOP: matter. SHOPSMART EXTRA Bargain shoppers’ favorite trıcks Coupons are the top bargain-hunting tool, and they’re becoming more popular: 86 percent of shoppers say they use paper and/or digital coupons in stores, up from 79 percent last year. A third of women say they’ve skipped shopping at a store because they didn’t have a coupon. All of the bargain-hunting behaviors we asked about below are up from last year.

IN STORES ONLINE Use a print coupon Look up an online coupon or promo code 72% More than half of shoppers 52% in all age groups except 65 64% 42% and older use coupon codes. Go straight to the sale rack 71% Compare prices using a search engine such as Google 62% 50% Combine store and manufacturer coupons 41% 80 percent of millennial 60% shoppers 49% Sign up for retailers’ e-mail alerts do this. 50% Ask for a rain check 40% 59% 52% Use discounts from social-media sites such as Facebook or Twitter Use a coupon you found online and printed 27% 47% 19% 39%

Request a price match to match Follow tips from blogs or other websites another store’s lower price 23% 47% 17% 36% Compare prices using PriceGrabber.com Show a coupon on your smart phone or other price-comparison sites 42% 19% 24% 14%

Use Groupon or other daily-deal sites 35- to 44-year- Shop flash sales 39% olds are most 13% Only 8 percent of shoppers likely to pull out 29% 65 and older snap up 10% their phones. limited-time deals. Request a price adjustment for an item that was marked down after you bought it Call customer service or use live chat 36% to haggle online (this is actually a great way to get a deal!) 26% 7% Use price-comparison apps 4% such as RedLaser = December 2014 21% = December 2013 18%

82 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART recalls&safetyalerts

Did you buy it?

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS and damage the integrated circuit, creating THE RECALL: 4.6 million Kidde a short circuit between the power supply and disposable fire extinguishers the subwoofer. If the wiring short-circuits, sold from August 2013 through it may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. November 2014 for $18 to $65 IF YOU OWN ONE Call Toyota at AUTOMOBILES (plus a $200 model). A faulty 888-270-9371. The dealer will fix the audio THE RECALL: 204,768 Hyundai Elantra valve component can cause the system free of charge. Until the remedy (model years 2008-2010) and Elantra extinguisher not to fully discharge is available, the dealer will disconnect Touring (model years 2009-2010) vehicles. when the lever is repeatedly pressed and the subwoofer. The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic released, posing a risk of injury. control unit may sense a discrepancy in the IF YOU OWN ONE Immediately contact steering input signals and disable steering Kidde at 855-283-7991 or go to kidde.com power assist. If assist is lost, you need for a replacement fire extinguisher. greater effort to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. IF YOU OWN ONE Call Hyundai at 855-671-3059. The dealer will verify the proper operation of the EPS and update The recall: 25,734 Chrysler 200 cars the control unit free of charge. (model year 2015 with a 9-speed automatic transmission). The automatic TOY TRUCKS transmission parking pawl, which keeps THE RECALL: 254,000 Tough Treadz the transmission from shifting when in Park, Auto Carrier toy trucks sold at Family Dollar may become contaminated, or the park Stores from September through December rod may become dislodged or broken. That 2014 for about $5. The included metal cars could prevent the transmission from shifting may have sharp edges that could cut skin. into the Park position. If the park lock IF YOU OWN ONE Return the toy to The recall: 51,495 Toyota Avalons doesn’t engage, the car might roll away. any Family Dollar Store for a full refund. (model years 2011 and 2012). The IF YOU OWN ONE Call Chrysler at Call Family Dollar at 800-547-0359 or subwoofer speaker in the trunk may 800-853-1403. The dealer will inspect go to www.familydollar.com for details. have an intermittent electrical short the transmission and replace it, if necessary.

IT’S OUTRAGEOUS! Risky diet supplements THE ISSUE About one in four Americans buys diet WHAT WE THINK Consumers Union, the advocacy supplements, and more than one-quarter of those say arm of ShopSmart and Consumer Reports, is working they tried the products because they felt they were with lawmakers on legislation that would give the safe or would help them lose weight faster than other Food and Drug Administration more authority to methods, according to a survey from the Consumer require supplement manufacturers to register their Reports National Research Center. But unlike prescription products and improve label information regarding and over-the-counter drugs, weight-loss supplements potential adverse reactions and safety concerns. don’t have to be proved effective and safe before they That’s critically important because our survey also hit store shelves. “The barrage of advertising leads us found that almost 20 percent of Americans mistakenly to think there’s a magic way to melt away 10 pounds, assume that weight-loss supplements are safer than even when we have no evidence that supplements prescription drugs because they’re “natural.” work,” says Pieter Cohen, M.D., a physician at Harvard WHAT YOU CAN DO A proper diet and regular exercise Medical School and the Cambridge Health Alliance who remain the most effective ways to lose weight. If you’re studies supplements. Worse, they can be dangerous. considering taking supplements, talk with your doctor Weight-loss products seem to cause more harm than before starting, something most people don’t do. “These other supplements; some have contained banned products can interact with prescription medications, prescription drugs. “There’s no way to know what’s but consumers often feel that supplements are different in the bottle,” Cohen says. “You’re at the mercy of from prescription drugs, and doctors don’t ask about the manufacturer.” them,” Cohen says.

ShopSmart.org MAY 2015 | 83 backintheday NEWS AND TIPS FROM OUR EXPERTS IN 1959

A safer way to smoke? Tips for living ADVICE FROM A JULY 1959 ARTICLE WE PUBLISHED ABOUT DEODORANTS AND ANTIPERSPIRANTS: WHAT A DRAG! Summing Vaping is just the latest “safe smoking” fad. It all started in up … it is clear the 1950s when medical studies linked smoking to cancer, and the tobacco industry responded with the Ventar, above, that no deodorant and other smoking contraptions. The Ventar poked tiny holes \\ or antiperspirant is near the mouth of the cigarette, mixing air with the smoke, which made it burn slower, reducing tar formation. But like a substitute today’s e-cigs, the Ventar didn’t deliver on risk-free smoking. for bathing. \\ BUY THIS AND GET THAT? ZAP IT Before Manufacturers in the 1950s offered all kinds of incentives microwaves, to stimulate sales. If you bought enough Brillo soap pads, there were tabletop ovens. for example, a 12-piece casserole set could be yours! Many of those gift-with-purchase pairs were bizarre, like AMAZING the bath towel set that you got for buying Brill’s Macaroni INVENTION Dinners and the “imported umbrella” you received for purchasing the dog food below. Our testers evaluated VELCRO some freebies and came to this conclusion: Most of them were a bunch of junk. Here are some examples: It was cool and new, but our testers wanted PRODUCT GIVEAWAY TESTERS’ TAKE to know whether it was as good Lux soap flakes Nylon Questionable Dinner shocker as a zipper. After (detergent) nightgown value Why just eat dinner at the table five launderings Blue Ribbon 4-piece beauty Poor value when you can cook it there, too? and dry cleanings, paper napkins brush set Because it’s dangerous! We tested and 32,500 opening-and- two portable tabletop ovens: the Rival dog food Imported Good value closing cycles, Munsey Baker 56 and the Knapp- umbrella the verdict was in: Monarch Redi-Baker, shown above. Zippers still ruled. Both were marketed as a way to Wheat Honeys Buffalo Bee Unsatisfactory They were better make meatloaf and more without cereal sweatshirt at resisting being a stove. Our testers found that they worked, but watch those forks— pulled open. But Kaiser Cap ’N Maverick belt Questionable Velcro lives on! Wrap foil value you could get shocked by the electric cookers.

Included a secret 84 | CONSUMER REPORTS SHOPSMART money pocket! Every issue at WHAT’S IN THE NEXT ISSUE Look for us on newsstands on May 12 your Summer fun for less PLUS Here’s what we’re New ways to save on movies, testing next in our labs: fingertips books, magazines, music, and more. O
Cars How safe is your shrimp? O
Bike helmets What our latest tests reveal. O
Electronics O
Grills DIY—don’t buy it! Six things you should always make O
Lawn mowers at home instead of purchasing at the O
Salt substitutes supermarket. See our easy recipes. O
and more!

For more great shopping tips, check out our daily blog at ShopSmart.org.

OOPS! In “Find Your Best Makeup” (March 2015), we reported that the Stash app is available for Android and Apple phones. Currently, the app is available only for Apple.

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SHOPSMART VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4

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Secrets revealed in recent issues: đ 12 unhealthy “health” foods (and what to eat instead). đ How to stay safe online – Free! đ Which store brands beat big brands. đ The most reliable and most well-liked cars. đ Best sunscreens and bug sprays. Try it đ Where to buy pet food for less. RISK- đ Shoes for less: FREE 7 websites you’ll love!

Make shopping easy, fast, fun. The secret is in ShopSmart.

TRY IT RISK-FREE. For off er details, go to: www.ShopSmart.org/secrets0515

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