Winter Driving Survival Guide Top Tire and Vehicle Choices Plus Expert Safety Tips
REVIEWS & RATINGS Microwaves Toaster Ovens Blenders Food Processors Pressure Cookers Your Smart Guide to Healthier Eating > Lower your sugar and salt–– and still love every bite > The risks of going gluten-free > 4 sneaky package claims you can’t always trust
GUESS WHICH SIDE OF THE BURGER IS HEALTHIER AND WHY see page 3
Beyond Slow Cookers Best new countertop meal makers “Wow” TV Great 4K/HDR models for every budget Breathe Easier Pick the right Smarter choices air purifier & for a better world vacuum NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG Get reviews, ratings, and buying advice with Consumer Reports publications
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CRM7BBS Table of Contents NOVEMBER 2017, VOL. 82 NO. 11
Features In Every Issue
18 Eat Smarter, 4 From the President: Eat Healthier A Diet of Good Information Confused about conflicting We want you to know what’s nutrition news on salt, sugar, really in the food you eat. fat, and gluten? We separate fact from fiction to help you 5 Building a Better choose healthier foods and World, Together still love every bite you take. 6 Your Feedback 34 Countertop Intelligence 16 Recalls We tested the newest kitchen appliances—from microwaves 66 Index to multi-cookers—to tell you 67 Selling It which can whip up healthy Goofs and gaffes. meals faster. RATINGS Road Report
52 Winter Driving: Your Survival Guide Be safer on the road by using our guide to the best winter tires for SUVs and cars. RATINGS INSTANT POT DUO60 7-IN-1 $100 62 Road Test 44 Welcome to ‘Wow!’ TV The Jaguar XE, Alfa Romeo High dynamic range, or HDR, Giulia, Land Rover P. 52 is the new TV tech everyone Discovery, and Audi Q5. is buzzing about. Our pros RATINGS scrutinize the data and arrive at recommended models for every budget. RATINGS 16 Microsoft Surface Laptops Are No Longer ABOUT THE COVER Recommended Did our cover photo make you do a double take? What looks like one Product Updates Don’t miss this important burger is actually two, fused together. Though both are tasty, the right side is healthier than the left thanks to the ingredients noted. For more news if you’re shopping nutrition strategies, see “Eat Smarter, Eat Healthier,” on page 18. 8 Clearing the Air for a new laptop. The concentration of air White-flour 100 percent pollution inside your home brioche bun whole-wheat bun can be five times higher Insights Thousand Avocado than in the air outside. Island dressing Tomato But can buying an air purifier 17 Ask Our Experts Jarred pickle Unsalted help? We investigate these How to protect your car’s American cheese mozzarella widely sold machines, wires from rodents, the 6 ounces 4 ounces conventional organic along with vacuums best way to clean a smoothtop beef lean beef and other clever ways to stove, and when it’s a Iceberg Romaine bust your dust. good idea to increase your lettuce lettuce RATINGS credit limit.
ABOUT CONSUMER REPORTS accept paid advertising. We TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION We are the world’s largest don’t accept free test samples from Go to CR.org/lettertoeditor. Go to CR.org/magazine independent, nonprofit, consumer- manufacturers. We do not NEWS TIPS AND STORY IDEAS or call 800-333-0663. product-testing organization, allow our name or content to be Go to CR.org/tips. See page 65 for more details. based in Yonkers, N.Y. We survey used for any promotional purposes. EMAIL SUBMISSIONS RATINGS Overall scores are based millions of consumers about HOW TO REACH US For Selling It send items to on a scale of 0 to 100. We rate their experiences with products Write to us at Consumer Reports, [email protected] products using these symbols: and services. We pay for all the 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703, or call 800-333-0663. 1 POOR 2 FAIR 3 GOOD products we rate. We don’t Attn.: Customer Service. See page 67 for more details. 4 VERY GOOD 5 EXCELLENT FOOD STYLING JAMIE (COVER): KIMM
COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY SAM KAPLAN NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 3 From the President
President and CEO Marta L. Tellado Senior Vice President, Brand & Strategy Leonora Wiener Vice President, Chief Content Officer Gwendolyn Bounds Editor in Chief Diane Salvatore Executive Editor Kevin Doyle Features Editor Natalie van der Meer Design Director Matthew Lenning Creative Director, Brand Young Kim Associate Design Director Mike Smith Manager, Art Operations Sheri Geller Art Directors Tammy Morton Fernandez, Ewelina Mrowiec, Lisa Slater, Tracy Stora, Sarah Viñas Photo Editors Emilie Harjes, Stephanie Jones, Karen Shinbaum Director, Content Development Glenn Derene Deputy Director, Content Development Christopher Kirkpatrick Senior Director, Product Testing Mark Connelly Director, Content Impact & Corporate Outreach Jen Shecter Director, Special Projects Sandy Keenan Deputy, Special Projects Joel Keehn Associate Director, Content Development Scott Billings Cars Patrick Olsen, Content Lead Editors: Jeff S. Bartlett, Nick Kurczewski, Jonathan Linkov, A Diet of Good Information Mike Monticello, Jeff Plungis Auto Test Center: Jake Fisher, Jennifer Stockburger, Directors Product Testers: Mike Bloch, John Ibbotson, Chris Jones, Anita Lam, IT WAS ALMOST 100 years This month, we’re bringing Gene Petersen, Ryan Pszczolkowski, Mike Quincy, Gabe Shenhar, Shawn ago, in 1918, when Lulu Hunt the full weight of our scientific Sinclair, Emily A. Thomas, Joe Veselak, Seung Min “Mel” Yu Peters, M.D., told Americans expertise to your questions Electronics Jerry Beilinson, Content Lead Editors: Tercius Bufete, Bree Fowler, Christopher Raymond, that they could stay healthy about nutrition so that you Allen St. John, James Willcox by counting and capping their can make better-informed Product Testers: Maria Rerecich, Testing Lead; Elias Arias, Antonette Asedillo, calorie intake, in what is widely decisions. Our independent Claudio Ciacci, Charles Davidman, Richard Fisco, Richard Sulin, Maurice Wynn Health & Food Ellen Kunes, Content Lead considered the first best-selling experts provide clarity on Editors: Orly Avitzur, M.D.; Trisha Calvo; Julia Calderone; nutrition book in U.S. history. hidden sugars, stealthy Lauren F. Friedman; Chris Hendel; Jeneen Interlandi; Marvin M. Lipman, M.D.; In the century since, healthy sodium, and ways to minimize Catherine Roberts; Diane Umansky Product Testers: Maxine Siegel, Testing Lead; Amy Keating, Ellen Klosz eating advice has erupted into meat for a healthier diet. We’ll Home & Appliance Eric Hagerman, Content Lead an enormously lucrative—and clarify whether foods such as Editors: Mary Farrell, Paul Hope, Kimberly Janeway, Sara Morrow Product Testers: John Galeotafiore, James Nanni, Testing Leads; Peter Anzalone, frequently confusing—industry, eggs, soy, and honey are good John Banta, Susan Booth, Tara Casaregola, Lawrence Ciufo, Enrique de Paz, one populated not only by for you—or not. And we’ll bring Bernard Deitrick, Cindy Fisher, Emilio Gonzalez, Ginny Lui, Joan Muratore, contradictory scientific claims you up to speed on the ways Joseph Pacella, Christopher Regan, Frank Spinelli, David Trezza, Michael Visconti Money Margot Gilman, Content Lead but also by a host of charlatans that some food labels can be Editors: Octavio Blanco, Jeffrey Blyskal, Anthony Giorgianni, and questionable corporate deceiving, while showcasing Nikhil Hutheesing, Donna Rosato, Tobie Stanger, Penelope Wang backers. As with so many areas what to look for if you want Chief Scientific Officer James H. Dickerson of our lives today, healthy meat and poultry that’s raised Food Safety James Rogers, Director; Sana Mujahid; Henry Akinleye, Charlotte Vallaeys Product Safety Don Huber, Director; Doris Sullivan, Associate Director eating has become vexingly without antibiotics. At CR, Health Ratings Doris Peter, Director complex; consumers are we are working hard with Best Buy Drugs Lisa Gill, Deputy; Editor: Ginger Skinner inundated with marketplace consumers, businesses, and Content Systems & Operations Strategy Peter Meirs, Director noise that can leave us lawmakers to improve those Content Operations David Fox, Director; William Breglio; Anthony Terzo uncertain about whom we can labels and improve the quality Production Eric W. Norlander, Manager; Letitia Hughes, Terri Kazin Imaging Francisco Collado, Mark Linder trust when it comes to advice of the food that gets brought Content Coordination Nancy Crowfoot; Diane Chesler, Aileen McCluskey about cholesterol, “good” fats, to market, so you can focus on Copy Editing Leslie Monthan, Copy Chief; Noreen Browne, Alison France, Wendy Greenfield Fact Checking David Schipper, Manager; Kathleen Adams, and every other nutritional making smart, healthy choices. Tracy Anderman, Sarah Goralski, Lee Anna Jackson, Sharon MacBride Riley choice we make. Year after Administration Decarris Bryant year, Americans have been Consumer Engagement Testing Charu Ahuja, Director; instructed that the real key to Linda Greene, Adam Kaplan Statistics Michael Saccucci, Director; Andrew Cohen, Keith Newsom-Stewart, health is to avoid sugar, dairy, Martin Romm meat, or gluten; to cut carbs or Survey Research Karen Jaffe, Simon Slater; Dave Gopoian, Kendra Johnson, stick to seafood; to eat three Debra Kalensky, Martin Lachter, Jane Manweiler, Olufemi Olu-Lafe, Adam Troy square meals a day or many Administration John McCowen Marta L. Tellado, small ones; or to embark on an Consumer Insight Monica Liriano, Associate Director; Frank Yang; President and CEO Chris Holmes, Teneisha Thomas endless parade of juice Follow me on Twitter Newsstand Marketing Patricia McSorley, Associate Director cleanses and trendy diets. @MLTellado Procurement Operations Steven Schiavone, Associate Director Vice President, Chief Communications Officer Matt Anchin; Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis JoAnne Boyd; Vice President, Human Resources Lisa Cribari; Vice President, Data & Marketing Operations Brent Diamond; Vice President, Chief Digital Officer Jason Fox; Vice President, Research, Testing & Insights Liam McCormack; Vice President, Business Strategy & Planning Betsy Parker; Vice President, Consumer Policy & Mobilization Jessica Rich; Vice President, General Counsel Steven Schwartz; Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Kim Stehle; Vice President, Development Shar Taylor; Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Eric Wayne PHOTO: MELANIE DUNEAPHOTO:
4 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 Building a Better World, Together Join with us to make a safer, fairer, healthier marketplace
across the country, hearing the success of these efforts has necessary, the agency imposes Affordable aids will soon be sold over the often been weak. fines and other penalties for counter. By driving down That’s why the Consumer improper or illegal conduct. Hearing Aids the cost of hearing aids and Product Safety Commission, CR supports the CPSC holding what’s at stake spurring more innovation, this which oversees recalls for more companies accountable. In July we told you about a bill will make a life-changing than 15,000 types of products, what you can do CR-backed bill in Congress that difference for millions of recently held a workshop on We highlight noteworthy aimed to make hearing aids Americans —exactly the kind improving the process. recalls in every issue of the more accessible and affordable. of work CU excels in.” CR’s experts attended and magazine. Turn to page 16 for Now, we’re happy to report what you can do offered advice, as well as this month’s list. You can also that the bill hit its bull’s-eye. If you need a hearing aid before encouraged companies to find the latest government The Over-the-Counter Hearing these devices hit shelves, see be proactive in identifying alerts at recalls.gov. To report Aid Act was passed and signed “No More Suffering in Silence?” and safeguarding against a dangerous product, go to into law as part of the FDA in our March 2017 issue, or go to dangerous products. saferproducts.gov. And always Reauthorization Act of 2017. CR.org/hearingaid. Companies should put at least register the products you buy. The law directs the Food and as much effort into recalling Drug Administration to issue a product as into selling it, regulations making prescription- we said. That means knowing quality hearing aids available More Robust how to alert customers, Lifesaving without a medical exam or whether by direct mail, prescription for adults with Recalls targeted ads, or social Car Laws mild to moderate hearing loss. what’s at stake media, and providing clear what’s at stake Before this bill, only hearing-aid Notifying consumers about information on what to do. On average, 37 U.S. children look-alike devices were available product recalls, and repairing or Customers also need an die each year after being left without a prescription. Called removing those defective items option to register purchases at in overheated cars. It takes “sound amplifiers,” or PSAPs, from homes and the marketplace the point of sale so that they can just minutes for a car to reach they aren’t regulated, don’t are complex challenges. Even be easily alerted to any recalls. dangerous temperatures. provide much benefit, and though manufacturers have the The CPSC educates and Trapped children have died could even cause additional ability to issue recalls and the trains manufacturers on how from heatstroke even when hearing damage. government has similar options, to carry out recalls, and when the outside temperature was Thanks to the new law, the as low as 60° F. FDA is now required to create To prevent these tragedies, rules ensuring that new OTC Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) hearing aids meet the same and Al Franken (D-Minn.) high standards for safety, introduced the HOT CARS Act labeling, and manufacturing as in the U.S. Senate. The bill all medical devices do. would require cars to come The legislation was equipped with technology sponsored by a bipartisan that alerts drivers if a child is group: Sens. Elizabeth Warren left in the backseat after the (D-Mass.), Chuck Grassley ignition is turned off. Though (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), the technology is currently and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), as available, it’s not yet widely well as Reps. Joe Kennedy III offered. A House committee has (D-Mass.) and Marsha recently approved a bipartisan Blackburn (R-Tenn.), who led a bill that would make this type companion bill. of safety system mandatory. CR and its policy and “Congress should quickly mobilization arm, Consumers pass the HOT CARS Act to help Union, were strong and parents avoid the devastation steadfast supporters of this of losing a child to heatstroke,” common-sense legislation and says David Friedman, our urged lawmakers to pass it. director of cars and product “This measure will increase policy and analysis. “Until there consumer choice and value,” are alerts in every car that are Sen. Grassley said. “Consumers reliable and effective, parents Union was early to recognize should look before they lock.” these benefits and helped Child Protection what you can do spread the word. I’m grateful A proposed bill would Contact your lawmakers at for their support.” make alerts to parents congress.gov and urge them to Sen. Warren said, “Thanks mandatory when a support the Act. To learn more to the support of groups like child is left in a car. about this safety technology, go Consumers Union and people to CR.org/hotcars1117.
ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN RITTER NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 5 Your Feedback Readers’ comments about our content, in email & social media
previous fractures when I began taking it. Doctors need to be more careful when prescribing medication. There are alternatives. —Sharon Herman, via CR.org
EDITOR’S NOTE There is a rare risk of certain types of thigh fractures when bisphosphonate drugs are taken for longer than five years. That’s why CR Best Buy Drugs advises taking a “drug holiday” after five years (talk to your doctor about how long a break)—and skipping these meds entirely if you’ve received a diagnosis of osteopenia or “pre- osteoporosis,” because there is little evidence that they help. Instead, consume foods high in calcium and vitamin D, and do weight-bearing exercises to help strengthen bones and Being Mindful About Medications reduce the risk of falling. And don’t smoke; it can worsen Our September cover article, “Too Many Meds?” resulted in bone loss. much thoughtful discussion about the amount of drugs I HAVE PERSONAL experience consumers are being prescribed in the U.S. today—possibly with taking too many to the point of overmedication—and what ought to be done medications for over a decade. It was a mess! Now, I let food about it. You can join the conversation at CR.org/meds1117. be my medicine and am much better. I wish more physicians would study nutrition and its power to prevent illness. All I YOUR COVER STORY discussed addiction, it could reduce EDITOR’S NOTE Most people know is I have my life back and the totals drug companies the incessant, sometimes can receive all the vitamins it’s better than before! Thanks spent on marketing their irresponsible ads and help to and minerals they need from for shining a light on this issue. products last year to counteract its contribution to their daily food, though some —Joyce Barrier, via CR.org consumers and doctors overmedication of Americans. exceptions apply. If your doctor through ads pushing —Patrick Connally, recommends a vitamin, opt for I BELIEVE YOUR article and its their latest nostrum for Paso Robles, CA one with a mark from the U.S. headline, “Too Many Meds? questionable problems like Pharmacopeia—a group that America’s Love Affair With “low T.” Every time I see a IT ISN’T JUST prescription ensures the product’s potency and Prescription Medication” [on commercial on television or drugs that can cause purity. Otherwise, CR medical CR.org], do more harm than online, I can’t help but think problems. I had a strange advisers don’t recommend good. I’m a board-certified about how these billions colitis for years until my new supplements because they aren’t family nurse practitioner who of dollars could be better M.D. noticed an extremely held to the same regulatory works at a small charity clinic. spent. If the drug companies high level of vitamin B in my standards as prescription or I’m fighting an uphill battle were required to set aside blood chemistry. Sure enough, over-the-counter drugs. to convince my patients of 10 cents for every dollar my daily multivitamin had the importance of taking the they spent on advertising an excessive amount. Once I THANK YOU for writing the medications I prescribe. There to fund research on drug stopped taking it, the colitis article about the dangers is a problem in America of disappeared. The vitamins of bisphosphonates. I was patients who do not take their were from a well-respected prescribed one for five years medications but take useless or Go to CR.org/ label from my food co-op. I beginning in 2010. In 2015, I even harmful medications or lettertoeditor to share never looked carefully at the broke both femurs and now herbals. CR would have served your comments for amount of each ingredient. have rods in both legs. It’s the public better by addressing WRITE publication. Now I focus on getting been a difficult journey the the issue of health literacy in nutrients from food vs. last two years to get my life America, or the lack thereof. chemicals. back. And still, I have pain. —Ralph Grinnell, FNP-BC, —Helen Palisin, Seattle I had osteopenia and no San Antonio
6 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 Solar-Roof Smarts WHILE THE NAME EDITOR’S NOTE Consumers WHEN YOU DISCUSSED the recognition of Tesla may Union, the policy and cost vs. benefit of solar roof lead to an increase in market mobilization arm of Consumer tiles (“Something New Under penetration, readers should Reports, strongly supports the the Sun,” September 2017), know that Tesla is not the only Justice for Victims of Fraud Act, you compared the cost of manufacturer of these tiles which would prevent Wells Fargo installing the tiles to the and certainly not the first. from applying its mandatory expected savings over time. The article comes across as an arbitration clause to the millions One important consideration I ad for Tesla—from the article of potentially fake accounts did not see addressed was the title and reliance solely on it created in order to keep cost of solar tiles compared Tesla’s cost calculator to the Cash-back consumers from taking the bank to regular tiles. My roof is exclusion of other solar roof to court. The bill is pending in approaching 20 years and may tile manufacturers. I look rewards can Congress. Go to ConsumersUnion. need replacing soon. Do solar forward to a future review and be richer if org/WellsFargoConsumerRights tiles makes more economic comparison of solar roof tile to learn more. sense if you’re already and battery storage options. you are planning to replace the roof? —Vestal Tutterow, Vienna, VA organized I’M NOT SURE why CR suggests —Jim Mangi, Bethel, CT only a two-card combo. My EDITOR’S NOTE It’s true that enough to wife and I use a four-card EDITOR’S NOTE You probably Tesla is neither the first nor juggle three or combo: the best card for shouldn’t tear up brand new the only company to introduce gas, 5 percent; the best for traditional roofing for solar a line of solar roof tiles, or four cards. groceries, 6 percent; the best roofing. But if you need a new whole-house battery storage. for restaurants and travel, —The Editors roof anyway, you might prefer In fact, we covered three such 3 percent; and a 2 percent to apply the cost toward a roof products in our August 2016 card for everything else. that also generates electricity. article, “Shedding Light on —Christian Martin, via CR.org While reporting, we priced out Solar Power.” Dow has since a Tesla Solar Roof for a home stopped producing its solar two repellents with the same EDITOR’S NOTE We agree that near Yonkers, N.Y., at $33,000. roofing tiles. CertainTeed and active ingredients can still have the rewards can be richer if you We also got two quotes for an Solarmass still manufacture different blends of inactive juggle three or four cards—as long asphalt-shingle roof; both came solar roofing, but finding ingredients that make their as you stay organized! If you find in around $6,800. However, if third-party pros skilled in effectiveness vary. it tricky to remember when to use you bought the asphalt roofing both roofing and electrical which card, try keeping a list of and a traditional solar panel wiring to set these systems up Cashing In With Cards cards and reward types on your system, the cost would increase presents a challenge, according I USE A cash-back card (“How phone or affixing stickers that to about $19,000, according to to several industry experts to Cash In on Cash-Back Credit signify what to use each card for. EnergySage, an online resource and contractors we spoke Cards,” September 2017) for for comparing solar quotes. to. Installations of Tesla’s the majority of my purchases. Wiser WiFi Solar Roof will be handled by I have a trigger set to send me IN “HOME SWEET HOME SolarCity, a Tesla subsidiary, a check every time my point OFFICE” (September 2017) you which could streamline setup. balance reaches a certain talk about getting stronger FOLLOW US point. Very convenient. routers that cover a larger Rating Repellents —Ginger Smietana, via CR.org area. Your suggestions use a FACEBOOK IN THE SEPTEMBER 2017 issue back-channel network between fb.com/ you rated bug repellents (“How THE SEPTEMBER article on each router to cover a large consumerreports to Keep the Bugs Away”). credit cards focuses only on area for big houses. But if you fb.com/SomosCR The No. 3, No. 11, and No. 14 cash, with no regard for other live in a WiFi-congested small products have the same active aspects of the relationship apartment, it is better to be YOUTUBE /consumerreports ingredients but different between consumer and bank. smarter than stronger, using a ratings. Why? My No. 1 criterion for a bank set of routers than can adapt to INSTAGRAM —Walter Lorys, Dacula, PA or credit card is how the bank their surroundings. I’ve bought @consumerreports treats me, other customers, Plume WiFi for my 800-square- EDITOR’S NOTE According to and the environment—how foot apartment, and it’s great. TWITTER our testing and experts, the two it operates. How can you —Felipe Cypriano, San Francisco @consumerreports biggest factors that influence recommend a bank like Wells @SomosCR how effective a repellent will be Fargo that has repeated EDITOR’S NOTE Router makers are the active ingredient and multimillion-dollar settlements have brought many innovative PINTEREST its concentration. But a for defrauding its customers? solutions to market recently. /consumerreports product’s other ingredients— At least include a socially CR hasn’t yet evaluated Plume
LINKEDIN referred to as “inactive” responsible bank or card in products, but we have noted /company/ because they don’t directly your list of “cards with other great performance from several consumer-reports repel insects—can still influence benefits worth considering.” routers, such as models from
PHOTO: DAN SAELINGER DAN PHOTO: how well a product works. So —Brian Smucker, Sonoma, CA Asus, Eero, Linksys, and Netgear.
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 7 Sizing up ˜0.3 microns indoor air Smallest size of pollution particle an air Air purifiers with purifier can filter Product HEPA filters can capture particles as small as ˜5 microns 0.3 microns, Pet dander which is far Updates smaller even than the ˜10 microns diameter of a Pollen, dust, The latest ratings from our labs human hair. and mold
Clearing the Air
The air in your house can be five times more polluted than the air outside. Use our purifier ratings and tips to keep indoor air clean. by Mary H.J. Farrell
Pet Peeve Households with animals require special attention to keep the air free of dander and other allergens.
8 ˜60 microns Human hair
YOUR WINDOWS MAY BE spotless endorsement of their use.” According to portable air purifi ers can lower indoor and your fl oors may sparkle, but the agency, the best way to avoid health levels of particulate matter caused by for millions of adults and children problems caused by indoor air pollution smoke pollution and, in doing so, benefi t with allergies, asthma, and other is to control or eliminate the sources of respiratory and cardiovascular health. respiratory conditions, a house is pollutants (by banning smoking in the only as clean as its air. house, for instance) and to ventilate Picking the Right Type Though it might be hard to believe, the home with clean outdoor air. (To There are several types of air purifi ers, indoor air can be fi ve times dirtier than minimize indoor air pollution without including ionizing, ultraviolet, and fi lter- what we breathe outside, exposing us an air purifi er, see “13 Ways to Bust the based. At CR we test portable fi lter-based to carcinogens including radon and Dust,” on page 11.) models, which are the most common. formaldehyde, as well as quotidian Though the benefi ts of portable (We usually don’t test models that use lung-gunking impurities such as pollen, air purifi ers are still being debated only electrostatic-precipitator or ionizer dust mites, pet dander, and a variety by the scientifi c community, recent technology, both of which produce of particulate matter created when we research suggests that they could pro- ozone—a gas that smells fresh but has burn candles or cook. tect against the ill eff ects of air pollu- been proved to be a lung irritant.) Judging from the skyward trend tion under certain conditions. A small, “Filter-based air purifi ers are pretty in sales fi gures, Americans are well-designed study, funded in part simple machines that employ a fan turning to portable air purifi ers in by China’s National Health and Family to pull air through a fi lter that traps increasing numbers, paying hundreds Planning Commission and conducted particles,” says CR test engineer Dave or even thousands of dollars to at a Shanghai university, found that the Trezza, who runs the air purifi ers reduce indoor air pollutants and the use of fi lter-based air purifi ers was asso- lab. HEPA fi lter-based purifi ers are sniffl es, sneezes, coughs, and asthma ciated with reducing the adverse health claimed to capture “up to 99.97%” of attacks they can trigger. eff ects caused by polluted air. Another allergens and pollutants as small as But whether air purifi ers can study, conducted by Canada’s British approximately 0.3 microns, which is improve health is still up for debate. Columbia Centre for Disease Control and about the size of fi ne dust and smoke “There’s very little good science on other Canadian governmental and aca- particles. To test them we blow smoke air purifi ers,” says Norman Edelman, demic groups, concluded that the use of and fi ne clay dust into an airtight M.D., senior scientifi c adviser for the chamber, then measure how quickly American Lung Association. “Used a purifi er can clear the air‚ or not. properly, they have been shown to The very best models in our tests are BLUEAIR modestly reduce allergy symptoms. BLUE eff ective at removing smoke and dust at However, the data on reduction of PURE 211 both high and low speeds. That means $250 asthma attacks is less clear.” they should also be able to capture The Environmental Protection 089 pollen and mold, which are larger. But Agency evaluates the energy OVERALL once pollen and mold spores land on consumption of air purifi ers for its SCORE the fl oor, nothing but a good vacuum Energy Star program but is careful to will remove them. (See “Best Vacuums issue a disclaimer about their health for Allergy Suff erers,” on page 13.) benefi ts: “While some home air Filter-based air purifi ers cannot cleaning devices may be useful in some capture gases, so they won’t protect
PHOTO: JACK JEFFRIES/CAVAN IMAGES/OFFSET JEFFRIES/CAVAN JACK PHOTO: circumstances, EPA makes no broad you from some of the most dangerous
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 9 Product Updates
indoor air impurities, including carbon delivery rate” and indicates the volume buy a large unit and run it on a lower, monoxide, nitrogen oxides, radon, of filtered air a unit delivers. Most air quieter speed,” Trezza says. and volatile organic compounds. And purifier packaging will display three Energy Star. Models that carry this unless they have a carbon filter, they CADR numbers, one each for dust, familiar blue logo are 40 percent more won’t rid your home of odors, so even if smoke, and pollen. “The higher the efficient than non-Energy Star models. cigarette smoke has been filtered from number, the faster the unit filters the That’s an important consideration for the air, the smell will remain. air,” Trezza says. “Look for a CADR an appliance that people tend to run Portable air purifiers might not even above 250. Anything below 100 isn’t 24 hours a day. reduce the symptoms of allergies or very effective.” HEPA filters. Many air purifiers have the frequency of asthma attacks. But if Room size. Manufacturers make claims a HEPA filter, which can capture very you’ve taken pains to keep allergens and that their air purifiers can clean rooms fine particles. Some units also use a other pollutants out of your home, an of a certain size, usually expressed in prefilter to capture larger airborne air purifier could help to reduce them square feet or as small, medium, or particles, which can save you money further. And running one in the bedroom large. But in our tests we found that by extending the life of the HEPA filter. of a child who suffers from asthma many models weren’t able to capably (For important cost considerations, see certainly won’t hurt and might even be of clean a room of the size claimed on the “The Cost of Clean Air,” below.) some benefit. If you decide an air purifier box. To get the best performance, choose is for you, check our ratings, on page one of the seven models that we recom- Help May Be in 14, and keep these things in mind when mend for large rooms (350 to 650 square Your Basement considering which one to buy: feet), even if you’re going to use it in a If your home relies on forced-air CADR. This stands for “clean air smaller space. “We recommend that you heating and cooling (as most
$2,000 The Cost of Clean Air The air purifiers we tested range from $50 to $900, but replacement filters and $1,500 energy costs can add significantly to your initial outlay. We’ve calculated the cost of ownership of our five top-rated models after $1,000 one year and five years of operation.
Cost After 5 Years $500
Cost After 1 Year
Purchase Price $250 $250 $250 $600 $900 $0 Blueair Honeywell Idylis Alen Blueair Blue Pure 211 HPA300 AC-2118 Breathesmart Classic 605
Filter Cost $120 $127 $90 $104 $160
Annual Energy Cost $51 $76 $31 $87 $64
10 newer homes do), an effective 13 Ways to Bust the Dust and efficient way to improve your Easy habits to reduce indoor air pollution. indoor air quality is simply to upgrade the system’s filter, according to Trezza. That’s because heating, POLLUTANTS CAN BE 2. BAN SMOKING (For more on replacing ventilation, and air conditioning introduced into the “Absolutely no cigarette filters, see “Time for a (HVAC) systems recirculate the entire air of your home in smoke,” says Norman Change,” on page 12.) a number of ways. Edelman, M.D., senior volume of air in your house, drawing Some are carried in on scientific adviser for 7. SKIP FIRES it through intake vents, filtering it, the breeze; some are the American Lung Flames dancing in the and distributing it through ducts to carried in, unwittingly, Association. Second- fireplace look delightful, every room. by you. “A lot of things hand smoke impairs but they release soot But to turn your HVAC system come into our homes respiratory health and and smoke into the air. on our clothing, is responsible for some into an air purifier, you may need including pollen 3,000 lung cancer 8. DON’T COVER to modify it slightly. Most HVAC and cat allergens,” deaths a year in non- UP ODORS Avoid air fresheners, systems are installed with 1-inch-thick says Elliott Horner, smokers, according to scented candles, filters designed only to protect the Ph.D., lead scientist the Environmental incense, or other odor- for UL Environment Protection Agency. mechanical workings; retrofitting masking fragrances, (Underwriters the system to accommodate special which can trigger Laboratories). Other 3. GIVE FIDO A BATH asthma. filters that are 2 to 5 inches thick will pollutants originate If you have pets, trap more impurities. Unless you’re inside the home, bathe them and wash very handy, you’ll need to pay a such as when you pet their bedding often 9. VACUUM OFTEN Do this especially if you your dog and release to reduce allergy- one-time fee to have the new, larger have a pet. Brooms can filter housing installed between the dander into the air causing dander. And just stir up more dust. or burn a piece of we hate to break it return air duct and the intake. Costs toast and send smoke to you, but you should 10. USE A MICROFIBER vary depending on your system and streaming into the also keep them out DUSTING CLOTH where you live, but HomeAdvisor, kitchen. It’s difficult not of bedrooms. It will capture more dust a website that compiles home to generate indoor air than a cotton rag. remodeling and repair costs, pegs the pollution in your home, 4. USE EXHAUST FANS Horner says. Run fans in the kitchen 11. MINIMIZE CARPET national average at about $1,500. To get rid of (removes cooking It can trap pollutants In the lab, CR’s experts have found impurities, you need fumes) and bathroom such as dust mites, pet consistently that the thicker the to pursue several lines (removes steam) that dander, mold spores, filter, the better it works to reduce of attack. Following vent outside. Also be and other dirt and dust. impurities and the less often you’ll the checklist below will sure that your dryer Choose hard-surface flooring instead. need to replace it. “These thicker help you to minimize vents to the outside to indoor air pollution minimize lint. To reduce filters are better for you and for your so that a portable air the level of pollen 12. TRY TO STAY DRY HVAC system,” Trezza says. purifier won’t have to in the air on days it’s To reduce mold, keep Our recommended filters for work as hard, if you not possible to open moisture down by HVAC systems (see page 15) are the even need one at all. the windows, run your using a dehumidifier best at removing dust, pollen, and window air conditioner and cleaning the filter 1. OPEN A WINDOW on the fan setting with regularly. smoke without impeding the flow of Adequate ventilation a clean filter. air. “These filters clean all of the air is key to promoting 13. STORE in your house,” Trezza says, “but only healthy indoor air, 5. USE A DOORMAT CHEMICALS SAFELY when the system is running.” and opening windows Wiping shoes can Store solvents, glues, and pesticides away An HVAC system retrofitted with (when it’s not too cold reduce pollutants or the pollen count carried into the house. from living areas, and, a thicker filter requires no special is not too high, of Better yet, establish a when possible, use attention. “Just change the filter course) is an easy way shoes-off policy. homemade cleaning every three months or as often as the to encourage a good products such as manufacturer recommends,” Trezza exchange of indoor and 6. CHANGE FILTERS a mixture of white vinegar and water. says. “And be careful not to put it outdoor air. If you have a forced- in backward, which could reduce air heating and cooling system, change the the flow of air.” The annual cost of filters more often when replacing the filters we tested ranges there is more smoke from $20 to $130. or pollen in the air.
CR.ORG 11 Time for a Change 9 Home Filters You Should Be Cleaning or Replacing 3 Our stay-fresh guide tells you the smartest time to clean or swap out an old filter to spruce up your appliances and your air quality.
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AIR PURIFIER “So if you run your purifier less ROOM AIR CONDITIONER CENTRAL HEATING AND 1 3 4 Most air purifiers have a often, you should inspect the filter All window units have a COOLING SYSTEM filter indicator (often a light) that before tossing it to keep from filter, and many come with If you have a combined forced- alerts you when the filter should replacing it unnecessarily,” says a filter indicator that signals air heating and cooling system, be checked and possibly replaced. CR test engineer Dave Trezza. when it needs cleaning to keep follow the filter manufacturer’s Though you can simply wipe down cooling your home efficiently. recommendation on how often to most prefilters, the main HEPA DEHUMIDIFIER If yours doesn’t, check the filter change it. In general, the thicker 2 filter should be replaced about Though your dehumidifier is at least once a month during the disposable filter, the less often every six to 12 months, or as your easy to forget about—especially if periods of heavy use, or year- it needs to be changed. (The manual advises. We factor this it’s out of sight in the basement— round if you live in a warm models we test last between three expense—new filters can cost most dirty dehumidifier filters can climate. Remove the filter and and 12 months.) Washable filters between $50 and $100 or more be easily cleaned in just a few use your vacuum’s upholstery usually require monthly cleaning, annually—into the annual costs minutes rather than replaced. A brush to suck up any heavy dirt, but “none of the ones we’ve tested listed in our ratings, on page 14. quick cleaning will improve your then wash the filter using a mild have performed very well, so at Keep in mind that some newer air quality and the machine’s solution of dishwashing liquid this point we don’t recommend air purifiers will tell you when it’s performance. This is especially and warm water. Wait until it’s them,” Trezza says. time to change a filter based on important to do when humidity dry to reinsert. “Some filters are how much you’ve used the unit, levels rise above 50 percent, which easier to remove than others, so and others base their alert on a can lead to the growth of dust consult the owner’s manual for set number of hours. mites, mildew, and mold on your guidance,” says CR’s Christopher filter. (If you see any of these, it’s Regan, who oversees testing for time for a new filter.) room air conditioners.
12 CR.ORG RANGE HOODS 6 Some models have filter- Best Vacuums for maintenance lights; if not, check Allergy Sufferers and clean this filter every one to three months—or more often if you cook frequently. Slide the A GOOD VACUUM is a formidable first defense against filter out of the range hood and indoor air pollution—especially if you have allergies. into a sink filled with hot water Unlike an air purifier, it can remove pollen, dander, and and a good degreasing soap. Let other allergens after they’ve fallen to the floor. The it soak for at least 10 minutes. Use key test CR performs for allergy sufferers measures a sponge to carefully remove any emissions: The best models keep dirt well-contained; the remaining grease or debris. Then air-dry and replace. If a good worst spew some of the fine dust and debris they collect cleaning doesn’t get the grime off, back into the air. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation you’ll need a replacement, which of America recommends buying a vacuum with a HEPA usually costs about $10 to $15. filter, and we think bagged models have an edge over bagless because emptying the bin of a bagless vacuum 6 MICROWAVE OVEN can produce a cloud of dust that exacerbates symptoms. 7 Over-the-range microwaves Here are four vacuums that scored Excellent on our also have filters that need emissions test and Very Good or Excellent in our tests attention (unlike countertop units, on cleaning carpet, bare floors, and picking up pet hair. which don’t). A filter with grease buildup results in a fan that can’t exhaust properly or capture UPRIGHTS cooking fumes, leaving a sticky film on appliances and kitchen walls. To keep it clean, wash OVERALL OVERALL 74 SCORE 64 SCORE the filter in warm, soapy water 0 0 at least twice a year, and more KENMORE ELITE PET MAYTAG M1200 often if you cook at home most FRIENDLY 31150 $350 $700 nights. Some microwaves have Has strong Its brush on/ dishwasher-safe filters. tool airflow, off switch giving the safeguards CLOTHES DRYER vacuum’s bare floors 8 A dirty lint filter can accessories and prevents extend drying time and can plenty of the scattering lead to lint buildup in the power for of dust and dryer’s cabinet and duct. So cleaning. debris. in addition to cleaning the lint filter between loads of laundry, also inspect the duct and cabinet every few months to check for any lint buildup, which poses a fire hazard. Some newer dryers, such as the Samsung GAS FURNACE DV56H9100EG, have blocked- CANISTERS 5 As with a central A/C vent sensors that detect reduced system, a dirty filter can airflow, but not all the sensors prevent airflow, leaving the performed well in our clothes- OVERALL OVERALL 73 SCORE 75 SCORE equipment struggling, so dryer tests, making a visual 0 0 replace a disposable one as inspection the safest bet. KENMORE ELITE PET MIELE COMPLETE C3 the manufacturer advises. FRIENDLY ULTRAPLUSH MARIN $1,100 (Again, most models will need VACUUM CLEANER 81714 $400 9 to be changed roughly every Failing to change the This model Manual three to 12 months.) When filters in your vacuum cleaner is one of the carpet-height you remove the old filter, take may cause it to lose suction or, few that can adjustment note of the size and the arrow worse, spew dust back into the take on the allows optimal that indicates the direction of air. Changing the filters regularly, new ultraplush matching of the the airflow—both should be especially on bagless models, carpets. beater brush to printed on the filter. One of the saves work and aggravation. the pile. biggest mistakes people tend Frank Rizzi, who tests vacuums to make doing this chore is for Consumer Reports, says that putting the new replacement every model is very different, so filter in backward. consult the owner’s manual to see how often the filter should be changed and whether it can just be washed instead.
ILLUSTRATION BY L-DOPA 13 Ratings Breathe Easier The best portable air purifiers and filters for home HVAC systems can trap many allergens and other irritants floating through the house.
Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results
When choosing a portable air purifier, look for first-rate filtering for dust, pollen, and smoke, and a low annual operating cost. Recommended Rank Dust/pollen/ smoke removal (high) Dust/pollen/ smoke removal (low) Noise speed)(high Noise speed) (low cost Annual
LARGE ROOM (350 TO 650 SQUARE FEET)
0$ 1 Blueair Blue Pure 211 ⁄ 89 $250 005 005 002 300 $171
0! 2 Blueair Classic 605 88 $900 500 500 100 400 $224
0! 3 Honeywell HPA300 76 $250 500 400 300 300 $203
0! 4 Alen Breathesmart ⁄ 72 $600 500 400 300 300 $190
0! 5 Idylis AC-2118 68 $250 500 300 200 300 $121
6 SPT AC-2102 65 $325 500 400 200 300 $395 Electrolux Oxygen Ultra 7 64 $300 $163 EL500AZ 500 300 100 300 8 Winix FresHome WACP450 64 $230 500 300 300 300 $112
9 Kenmore 83396 63 $200 400 300 200 300 $187
10 Winix 5300-2 59 $150 500 200 400 400 $90
11 Airmega 300 59 $550 500 200 300 400 $110
12 Holmes HAP756 59 $140 500 300 200 300 $103
13 Blueair 403 (Costco Exclusive) 58 $440 500 300 200 500 $181
14 Honeywell HPA250B 58 $230 400 300 300 300 $137
MEDIUM ROOM (250 TO 400 SQUARE FEET)
1 Honeywell Air Genius HFD310 59 $145 400 300 300 400 $80
2 Electrolux ELAP30D7PW 54 $290 400 200 300 300 $127
3 LG PuriCare AS401VGA1 54 $350 400 200 300 400 $107
4 Oreck AIR108 52 $400 400 200 300 500 $42
5 GermGuardian AC9200WCA 52 $325 400 200 200 400 $222
6 Febreze FHT190W 51 $99 400 300 300 300 $89
7 Sharp FP-F60UW 51 $225 400 300 200 300 $54
8 Hunter 408940 ⁄ 48 $130 300 300 200 300 $190
9 Vornado PCO300 ⁄ 47 $350 300 300 200 300 $157
10 Therapure TTP640 46 $180 300 300 200 300 $59
11 Therapure TPP240 46 $150 300 200 200 400 $64
12 Friedrich AP260 46 $250 300 200 200 400 $168
13 Rowenta PU6020 45 $400 300 200 200 500 $100
14 Allergy Pro AP200 45 $120 300 200 200 300 $67
15 SPT Magic Clean AC-3000i ⁄ 44 $75 300 200 200 400 $147
16 Honeywell HFD230B 42 $170 300 200 300 400 $74
17 GermGuardian AC5000 ⁄ 41 $100 200 200 200 300 $126
14 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 ⁄Not Energy Star certified. 1 2 3 4 5 POOR EXCELLENT
$ CR BEST BUY ! RECOMMENDED
Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Recommended Rank Dust/pollen/ smoke removal (high) Dust/pollen/ smoke removal (low) Noise speed)(high Noise speed) (low cost Annual
SMALL ROOM (100 TO 300 SQUARE FEET)
1 Ionic Pro Platinum TA750 33 $200 002 002 003 400 $9
2 Dyson Pure Cool Link ⁄ 26 $500 002 001 002 500 $102
3 Hoover WH10600 ⁄ 20 $165 002 001 003 300 $61 Hamilton Beach 4 18 $50 $25 TrueAir 04383 ⁄ 001 001 003 400
HOW WE TEST: Overall Score is smoke removal is how well models Room size—small, medium, or large— based primarily on how well models capture cigarette smoke and fine is our recommendation based on remove dust and smoke from a test clay dust. Noise is a measurement performance. Annual cost combines chamber, plus quietness. Dust/pollen/ of decibels at high and low speeds. filters and electricity.
Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results
Our recommended air filters for HVAC systems remove dust, pollen, and smoke, and don’t impede airflow through the unit. Recommended Rank Dust/pollen/ smoke removal (high) Dust/pollen/ smoke removal (low) Airflow resistance cost Annual Thickness (in.)
AIR FILTERS
Lennox Healthy Climate 0! 1 70 $100 $100 5 CarbonClean 16 04 04 04 Filtrete Healthy Living Ultra 0! 2 70 $29 $29 4 Allergen 4 MPR1550 04 04 04
0! 3 Carrier EZ Flex Filter Cabinet 68 $64 04 03 04 $128 5
Filtrete Healthy Living Ultimate 0! 4 64 $20 $80 1 Allergen Reduction 1900 MPR 04 03 04 Filtrete Healthy Living Elite 5 59 $25 $80 1 Allergen 2200 MPR 04 03 04 Honeywell Superior Allergen 6 39 $20 $68 1 FPR 9 03 02 03 Flanders High Efficiency Air 7 39 $30 $19 3 Cleaner MERV 11 Model 82755 03 02 04 Filtrete Micro Allergen 8 37 $15 $48 1 Defense 1000 MPR 03 02 04 Flanders NaturalAire Pleated 9 23 $11 $44 1 Microparticle MERV 10 02 02 03
10 Filtrete 600 Dust & Pollen 20 $9 02 01 03 $36 1
Flanders Precisionaire 11 11 $7 $84 2 Pre-Pleat 40 01 01 04
12 Web Eco Filter Plus FPR 4 11 $22 01 01 04 $0 1
HOW WE TEST: Overall Score is how freely air passed through the mainly how well models removed unit. Annual cost is estimated dust and smoke from a test based on number of replacement chamber. Airflow resistance is filters needed.
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 15 Product Updates
Microsoft Surface Laptops Are No Longer Recommended RECALLS
2006 TO 2016 IN AUGUST WE removed our Surface Book (128GB and experiences or capture the VOLKSWAGENS “recommended” designation 512GB versions), which have performance and reliability Volkswagen from four Microsoft laptops detachable keyboards, and improvements made with is recalling 280,915 model and can’t recommend any Surface Laptop (128GB every Surface generation.” year 2006 to 2010 Passats other Microsoft laptops and 256GB versions), with and Passat Wagons, and 2009 to 2016 CC vehicles. or tablets because of poor pure clamshell designs. reliability vs. performance Interrupted electrical power predicted reliability compared Consumer Reports’ lab to the fuel-pump control with most other brands. what the statistics mean testing measures how well a module can cause the To judge reliability, The estimated breakage laptop or tablet performs for pump to fail and the we survey hundreds of rates for Microsoft laptops a range of factors, including engine to stall, increasing thousands of subscribers and tablets are higher than display quality, battery life, the risk of a crash. annually about the products most other brands’ in our speed, and ergonomics. What to do: VW will replace they own and use. New analyses by a statistically Several Microsoft products the module free. Call studies conducted by the significant margin. have performed well in 800-893-5298 for details. Consumer Reports National That comparison—not any CR labs, including the new Research Center estimate preset cutoff for breakage Microsoft Surface Pro, PROPANE that 25 percent of Microsoft rates—is why Microsoft which earned Very Good or CYLINDERS laptops and tablets will doesn’t meet CR’s standards Excellent scores on multiple YSN Imports is present their owners with for recommended products. factors when we tested it as recalling about problems by the end of the In an emailed statement, a tablet and then again with 24,000 refillable propane second year of ownership. Microsoft defended its the keyboard attached. cylinders because they Microsoft is relatively new products. “Microsoft’s real- However, shoppers care can leak propane gas, posing fire and explosion to the hardware business, world return and support about more than just things hazards. They were sold and this is the first year rates for past models we can test in the lab. at stores nationwide and CR has had enough data to differ significantly from “Consumers tell us that online from November estimate predicted reliability Consumer Reports’ breakage reliability is a major factor 2013 through September for the company’s laptops. predictability,” the company when they’re choosing a 2016 for $10 to $15. The four laptops losing said. “We don’t believe tablet or laptop,” says Simon What to do: Stop using their previous recommended these findings accurately Slater, a Consumer Reports it and call YSN Imports status are the company’s reflect Surface owners’ true survey manager. “And people at 855-215-4970 or go to can improve their chances of flameking.com/recall for getting a more dependable a full refund or a Estimated breakage rate of laptops by brand device by considering our replacement cylinder. by the end of the second year of ownership brand-reliability findings.” Respondents told us BOTTLE AND DISH SOAP APPLE 10% about a variety of concerns with their Surface devices. Dr. Brown’s is SAMSUNG 16% Some reported problems recalling about 23,000 bottle and 18% during startup. A few said ACER dish soaps that their machines froze or shut 20% may contain harmful HP down unexpectedly, and bacteria, which could ASUS 20% others said the touch screens cause respiratory and weren’t responsive enough. other infections in those LENOVO 21% The new studies with compromised immune DELL 22% of laptop and tablet systems. The soaps were reliability are based on sold at stores nationwide TOSHIBA 24% more than 50,000 tablets and Amazon from MICROSOFT 25% and 41,000 laptops that September 2016 to June 2017 for $3 to $7. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% subscribers bought new from 2014 to early 2017 (details What to do: Boil or sanitize Conclusions are based on subscribers’ experiences with 41,304 laptops bought new at left). Predicted reliability anything cleaned with between 2014 and the first quarter of 2017. Our statistical model holds for laptops not is a projection of how new the soap. Call 877-962-2525 covered by a service contract. Models within a brand may vary, and changes in design or go to drbrownsbaby.com or production may affect future reliability. Differences of fewer than 5 points aren’t models from each brand will statistically meaningful. In this case, Microsoft’s rate is at least 5 points worse than most to get a free replacement. other brands in our nine-brand pool, and therefore its products can’t be recommended. fare based on models already No other brand crosses that threshold. in users’ hands.
16 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 Insights Ask Our Experts
Is there ever a downside to a credit card company increasing my credit limit?
A higher credit limit can be a good thing if the circumstances are right, says Tobie Stanger, a CR senior money editor. “It can raise your credit score—but only if you don’t increase your monthly debt along with it.” Here’s the deal: If your credit limit rises but your spending stays the same, you reduce your debt-to-credit utilization ratio. That ratio is the sum of all your credit card balances divided by the total limit on your cards—and it accounts for 30 percent of your FICO score (used most often by lenders). Ideally, your ratio shouldn’t be more than 10 percent of the total limit, Stanger says. My neighbor said rodents What’s the best way to clean But there’s a key difference my smoothtop range? between a lender raising your credit limit of its own chewed through the wiring in While glass-ceramic smoothtop accord—which could be done ranges are easier to clean than to reward increased card his car. How can I prevent gas or electric coil ranges, they use and a history of on-time still need some TLC to sparkle. payments—and your asking this from happening to me? “Playing offense by catching for an increase. The latter may messes early is the real key to trigger a credit check to prove keeping your cooktop pristine,” that you can handle a higher When varmints get into your greener parts (likely to be in says Tara Casaregola, the lead limit. That “hard pull” can ding vehicle, it’s no joke: They can millions of cars) may be an engineer in CR’s oven and your score slightly. chomp right through important extra lure for hungry critters. range lab. She suggests wiping Also keep in mind that having wires running under the hood. Many dealers won’t cover away spills with a soft, damp too many rarely used credit lines And it happens more than rodent-related repairs sponge after each use, before may make you less attractive you’d think, especially to idle even when the car is under gunk hardens. And take note for mortgage or auto loans. So cars in cold climates, when warranty. Some Honda and of her tool: A soft sponge is how much credit should you rodents may seek shelter in Toyota owners have filed class- best for mopping up, because hold? Add up all of your limits, your engine bay. action lawsuits that claim the an abrasive scrubber can etch then multiply by 0.03; that’s the “Though rodent-inflicted automakers used soy-based fine lines into the glass. (For minimum monthly payment damage is an age-old problem, wire coatings that appeal to baked-on debris, Casaregola you’d probably owe if you incidents have increased as rodents; those owners want carefully uses a razor blade, at maxed out all of your cards at automakers use more plant- restitution for the repairs. a 45-degree angle, to lift it.) once. If you couldn’t afford that based biodegradable materials There’s not much you can do Once large spills and food sum, decline the increase. to reduce waste—and costs,” to prevent mice from getting bits are removed, use a dry says John Ibbotson, chief into the engine bay in the first paper towel and dedicated mechanic for Consumer place. But if you see evidence of glass-ceramic cooktop cleaner, Reports at our auto test track intruders, we found a smart fix like Cerama Bryte or Weiman in Connecticut. Although good in a Honda service bulletin: Ask Glass Cook Top Cleaner & for the environment, these a mechanic to cover important Polish. Wipe off excess with wires with rodent-deterrent a fresh paper towel or a fine tape, which is treated with microfiber cloth. Never use a We have more than super-spicy capsaicin. Honda household glass cleaner—the 140 in-house experts says it’s “the stuff that puts ammonia can streak or stain. who research, test, and LEARN the fire in a bowl of five-alarm “Also, lift heavy pans to compare! Submit your chili.” The tape (part number move them between burners,” questions at CR.org/ askourexperts ... and 4019-2317) is sold online and at Casaregola says. “Dragging watch for the answers. Honda dealers for about $30 to them across can make hard-to- $34 for a 20-meter roll. clean grooves in the glass.”
ILLUSTRATIONS BY SERGE BLOCH NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 17 Eat Smarter, Eat Healthier Confused about conflicting nutrition news on sugar, salt, fat, and gluten? CR’s experts help you separate food fact from fiction and give you simple strategies to make healthy choices that still let you love every bite of what you eat.
18 CR.ORG FOOD STYLING: JAMIE KIMM JAMIE STYLING: FOOD
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SAM KAPLAN 1 Sugar The Gateway to Weight Gain
How Sweet It Is Though it's easy to spot sugar here, you'll need to scan labels to detect it in breads and other packaged foods. Eat Smarter, Eat Healthier
Is Sugar in Fruit Better?
THE TYPES OF sugar found naturally in fruit are processed by your body in the exact same ways as the white mound you In the last year, we’ve learned women and children. Children under spoon into your morning of a food fraud that may have been the age of 2 should consume no added coffee. The difference perpetrated on the American public. sugars at all, the AHA advises. is the “sugar delivery A report published in JAMA Internal One thing there’s little doubt about system,” if you will. For example, the sugars in an Medicine revealed that in the 1960s, now: Added sugars are bad for you. “It’s apple are encapsulated scientific research—secretly bankrolled settled science that a high intake of sugary by the plant-cell walls, by the sugar industry—was released drinks, the No. 1 source of added sugars in says David Ludwig, M.D., that downplayed the health effects of the American diet, is associated with an Ph.D., director of the a sugar-laden diet and instead called increased risk of overweight and obesity— New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention out “saturated fat” as the real dietary conditions that are directly linked to the Center at Boston demon responsible for heart disease. development of type 2 diabetes,” says Children’s Hospital. It (See “Fat,” on page 27.) And media Rachel K. Johnson, Ph.D., R.D., a professor takes time for the body to outlets, food manufacturers, and of nutrition at the University of Vermont. break down the fruit, so ordinary citizens ate it up. A 2015 study of more than 1,700 adults the sugars get into your That bit of nutritional subterfuge may found that the odds of being overweight system slowly and don’t cause a spike in blood or obese were 54 percent greater among have been at least partly responsible sugar (glucose) levels for 50 years of misleading public individuals with the highest intake of that triggers the body to health advice. And the resulting flood sugars compared with those with the pump out large amounts of packaged foods that were low in fat lowest intake. of insulin. By contrast, but high in sugars and refined grains According to David Ludwig, M.D., added sugars that are not an intrinsic part of a may have contributed to the current Ph.D., director of the New Balance food cause a blood sugar epidemic of obesity and its related Foundation Obesity Prevention Center spike because they are diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and at Boston Children’s Hospital, sugar has digested quickly. This can heart disease, in the U.S. a specific metabolic effect on your body raise the risk of type 2 Today, the typical American diet is that contributes to weight gain. Most diabetes and weight gain. (Fruit juice, by the way, is packed with huge amounts of added sugars are a combination of fructose and almost as bad. Though sugars: We’re talking those used as glucose. “Too much glucose raises blood its sugars naturally come ingredients in many packaged foods—not sugar and insulin. And because insulin from the fruit, they are no the ones naturally found in foods such is a potent fat-storage hormone, too longer “bound,” so they as fruit and milk. According to the most much insulin is linked to weight gain.” are digested quickly.) recent data from the National Health and What’s more, Ludwig adds, “an overload What’s more, you’d have to eat six navel Nutrition Examination Survey, Americans of fructose goes straight to the liver, oranges to get the eat about 17 teaspoons (73 grams) of overwhelming its ability to process it.” amount of sugars added sugars per day, on average, That excess may raise the risk of fatty (71 grams) in one with teenagers consuming the most, liver disease and type 2 diabetes. 20-ounce bottle of orange about 20 teaspoons (82 grams). That’s And even if your sweet tooth hasn’t Crush soda. And fruit provides antioxidants, significantly more than the American made you gain weight, it may still be fiber, vitamins, minerals, Heart Association’s recommendation of putting you at increased risk of heart and other healthy 9 (or fewer) teaspoons (36 grams) a day disease. A 2014 analysis of 40 studies compounds. for men and 6 teaspoons (24 grams) for published in the American Journal of —Catherine Roberts PHOTO: SAM KAPLAN; SAM STYLING: FOOD KIMM JAMIE PHOTO:
CR.ORG 21 Fake Sugar Shock Clinical Nutrition found that a higher with a splash of no-sugar-added juice; sugar intake also meant higher levels of reduce portion sizes of desserts and DIET BEVERAGES are the top total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, other sweets if you can’t eliminate source of artificial sweeten- and triglycerides no matter how much them altogether. ers in consumers’ diets. Some one weighed. Another study published # Learn all of the sugar synonyms on scientific evidence suggests that in JAMA Internal Medicine found ingredients labels. That will give you a they don’t help with weight loss and may actually lead to weight that people who got 17 to 21 percent rough idea of how much “added sugars” gain. It’s possible that the of their calories from added sugars are present. Agave syrup, cane sugar or sweeteners somehow stimulate had a 38 percent higher risk of dying juice, coconut sugar, corn syrup, fruit the appetite so that people end up eating more. They may also from heart disease than those who got juice concentrate, honey, and almost alter the gut microbiome, which 8 percent or less. anything that ends in “-ose” (such as may affect how the body uses Perhaps the trickiest thing about fructose) are all added sugars. Some of fat. More concerning, a small cutting back on added sugars is that you these sugars may sound healthier, but but growing pool of research has linked consumption of diet can’t always rely on food labels to guide “once it’s in your bloodstream, it has the drinks to increased risk of dia- you. (See “How Food Packaging Claims same metabolic effect,” Johnson says. betes, heart attack, and stroke. Can Fool You,” on the facing page.) The # Scan for hidden sugars in foods such None of these studies proves Food and Drug Administration’s plan as bread, granola, pasta sauce, frozen that artificial sweeteners per se are to blame, says Ralph for new food labels that call out these dinners, and salad dressings. About L. Sacco, M.D., professor and worrisome sugars has been postponed. three-quarters of packaged foods on chairman of neurology at the Some food manufacturers, such as store shelves contain added sugars, and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Diet soda aficio- Campbell’s and Mars, are using the new a few grams here and there can easily nados may be at higher risk to labels on at least some of their products add up to more per day than you should begin with, he says. But until we anyway, but otherwise, consumers have be consuming. know more, the American Heart to fend for themselves. # Add your own sugar. Buy unsweetened Association advises that “people should use artificially sweetened versions of foods like cereal, oatmeal, and drinks cautiously.” How to Reduce Sugar Intake yogurt, and sweeten them with a little —Julia Calderone # Swap sugar-sweetened sodas, bottled honey or sugar yourself if you need to. ice teas, and sports drinks for seltzer —Sally Wadyka
1. Eliminate stealth sugars. 2. Eat together whenever 3. Include fruits and veggies Kids and teens should have possible. If your child regularly at every single meal. 3 Ways less than 25 grams—or sees you eating healthy foods, This is actually easier than it 6 teaspoons—of added sugars he or she is more likely to do sounds with a little bit of clever per day, according to the so as well. Dining as a family camouflage. For example, to Raise American Heart Association. has been linked with better serve salsa as a dip with a few (Children under age 2 shouldn’t academic performance, and low-sodium corn chips, add a Healthy have any.) But that doesn’t lower risks of depression and mashed banana to plain yogurt, mean no dessert. “Limiting the substance abuse, as well as and toss microwaved frozen Eater added sugars your child gets lower rates of obesity and riced cauliflower into mac and Getting children to from everyday staples (such eating disorders. cheese. Less than 60 percent of enjoy healthier foods as cereal and yogurt) and toddlers get one serving each may be as simple foods you don’t normally think of fruits and vegetables on any as putting a few key of as sweet (such as bread, given day, according to a recent changes in place. condiments, pasta sauce, and study from the University of peanut butter) leaves room for North Carolina. “Eating more the occasional cookie or ice produce is protective against cream cone,” says Amy Keating, cardiovascular disease and R.D., a CR dietitian. And don’t may help to prevent childhood keep sugary drinks, such as fruit obesity,” says Jennette Palcic drinks and soda, in the house. Moreno, Ph.D., a childhood Kids ages 2 to 19 get about of nutrition researcher at Baylor 7 percent of their daily calories College of Medicine in Houston. from these beverages. —Rachel Meltzer Warren
22 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 How Food Packaging Claims Can Fool You
“NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS.” “Good BEWARE WHEN whole-wheat cracker. But this “no high-fructose corn syrup,” source of fiber.” “Contains You see a nutrient one is made with white flour but the top three ingredients sea salt.” All these package claim, such as 'good plus a smattering of cracked are corn syrup, water, and claims and more might make source of calcium' wheat, and consequently has sugars, meaning it’s still full of you snatch a product off the about a third of the fiber of a added sugars. supermarket shelf and feel Calling out just one or true whole-wheat cracker. virtuous about doing so. two nutrients can mislead consumers to assume one “Food manufacturers use BEWARE WHEN product is healthier overall every possible word they BEWARE WHEN The words 'simple,' can to magnify the desirability than another. For instance, The package is of a product,” says Walter highlighting the calcium content 'natural,' or 'free from' Willett, M.D., professor of on plain yogurt is one thing plastered with healthy are used epidemiology and nutrition because overall, plain yogurt is buzzwords So-called clean labels at the Harvard T.H. Chan a healthy food and calcium is They can catch your attention, are increasingly popular. School of Public Health. naturally present. But a calcium but you can’t rely on buzzwords “Consumers want simpler And that language can lead claim on a cookie? It might to be a shortcut to finding a formulas, with ingredients that you to believe you’ve picked make you feel better about healthy food. In some cases, they can easily understand something that’s going to make eating it, but there’s probably the food may contain so little of and fewer or no processed you healthier—even though little benefit. For example, Stella the ingredient that it’s ingredients,” says Francine what’s inside that box may not D’oro Breakfast Treats carry the irrelevant nutritionally. For Schoenwetter, director of be all that good for you. claim “good source of calcium,” example, the dehydrated content at New Hope Network, Companies have to carefully and the product does supply vegetables in roasted vegetable a research firm. “Label claims choose their marketing pitches 10 percent of the daily value for Ritz crackers, which tout such as ‘simple’ and ‘natural’ because some terms are calcium from added calcium “made with real vegetables” don’t have to be verified,” says regulated by the Food and carbonate. But with 90 calories, on the package, don’t change Charlotte Vallaeys, Consumer Drug Administration, such as 6 grams of sugars, and zero the nutritional makeup of the Reports’ senior policy analyst low-sodium (meaning the food fiber, the cookie is far from a crackers much at all compared and food labeling expert. You has 140 mg or less per serving) health food. with regular Ritz. Refined wheat need to look closely to see or “good source of” (meaning it flour is the first ingredient whether the manufacturers’ provides 10 to 19 percent of the listed in both, and each serving definition of the terms matches daily value for a nutrient). BEWARE WHEN has 80 calories and no fiber. yours. Kozy Shack Simply Little wonder, then, that food The name of the In fact, the veggie crackers Well chocolate pudding touts marketers strive to come up product itself have 150 mg of sodium per that it is made with simple, with healthy-sounding slogans sounds healthy serving compared with 105 wholesome ingredients, but that fall outside FDA regulation. in the regular version. And most people probably wouldn’t It unfairly falls to shoppers, says The nutrition count of Simply candy labeled “made with consider inulin (a type of added Willett, to sleuth out what truly Lay’s Sea Salted potato chips real honey,” as Brach’s candy fiber), sucralose (an artificial makes a food healthy. “Turn is practically identical to Lay’s corn is, may be making a true sweetener), and carrageenan (a the package around,” he says, Classic potato chips, with just claim. But honey is a form of thickener) “simple.” “Free from” “and read the ingredients and 10 fewer grams of sodium. added sugar and, in this case, claims, such as no artificial nutrition facts label, paying Quaker Oats Select Starts the candy also has four other colors, must be truthful. But attention to crucial things like Protein instant oatmeals have types of sugars (sugar, corn the food can still be less than sodium, sugar, whole grains, 10 grams of protein per packet syrup, confectioner’s glaze, healthy. For example, Kraft type of fat, and calories.” And (from added whey protein), but and dextrose), for a total of Macaroni and Cheese proudly watch out for front-of-package also 12 to 13 grams of sugars. 28 grams of sugars per serving. proclaims “no artificial flavors, tricks like these. Or consider Stoned Wheat This warning applies when the preservatives or dyes” Thins: The word “wheat” in package alerts you to what’s on the package. However, each this product name may be not there, too. For example, Log cup prepared contains 720 mg confusing, leading consumers Cabin pancake syrup proclaims of sodium. to believe they’re getting a —Sally Wadyka
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 23 Top Ten 2 Pizza is a major contributor of sodium in our Salt diets. How Too Much Taxes Your Heart Eat Smarter, Eat Healthier
Say So Long to Sodium
The blends below can really kick up the flavor of your food—minus the sodium. Suggestions are There’s plenty of scientific How to Reduce Salt Intake for 1 pound of each food. evidence showing that too much sodium # Cut back by inches. “Some studies is bad for your heart. And yet, most show that if you gradually reduce salt, Pasta Americans—including children—are your taste buds adjust,” says Maxine 2 teaspoons lemon zest consuming about 3,500 mg of sodium Siegel, R.D., who heads CR’s food-testing 1⁄₃ cup basil, mint, per day, according to the latest Dietary lab. “And once you get used to less, you chives, or parsley, or a Guidelines for Americans. That’s about won’t miss it.” combination 50 percent more than the maximum # Don’t blame the salt shaker. A Pork of 2,300 mg per day the guidelines 2017 study published in the journal 1 teaspoon fennel seed recommend. Circulation found that only 11 percent 3 tablespoons fresh Experts say that sticking to that of the sodium in our diets comes from rosemary or sage, or a 2,300 mg is essential to lowering your the salt we add to food ourselves, and combination risk of high blood pressure. “There is about 71 percent comes from packaged Potatoes no question that going from very high and restaurant food. You have to 1 tablespoon fresh sodium intake to moderate sodium intake reduce the restaurant dishes and rosemary improves cardiovascular health,” says commercially processed and packaged ¼ cup fresh parsley Andreas Kalogeropoulos, M.D., Ph.D., food that you’re eating—or consistently or chives, or a combination associate professor of cardiology at Stony choose low- or no-sodium versions Brook University School of Medicine. of the ones you buy often—to really Poultry and Fish Consuming too much sodium can make a dent. And sodium is lurking in 1 teaspoon lemon zest overwhelm the kidneys’ ability to some foods you wouldn’t necessarily 2 tablespoons fresh process and excrete it. The excess then suspect. According to the Centers oregano or thyme, or a gets stored in the blood, which increases for Disease Control and Prevention, combination water retention and blood volume. All of 10 categories of food (breads, pizza, Steak that results in your heart having to work sandwiches, cold cuts and cured meats, Make a dry rub of harder to pump blood, increasing the soups, burritos and tacos, savory snacks, ½ teaspoon each black pressure on your arteries and causing chicken, cheese, eggs and omelets) pepper, cinnamon, them to stiffen. Research shows that account for 44 percent of our overall chili powder, cumin, and oregano following a DASH (Dietary Approaches sodium intake. to Stop Hypertension) diet—a plan lower # Cook at home. There’s a shocking Green Vegetables in sodium, saturated fat, sugars, and amount of sodium in restaurant foods. 1 teaspoon lemon zest processed food—that limits sodium to For example, the grilled chicken 1 tablespoon fresh 2,300 mg a day can lower systolic blood parmigiana at Olive Garden has 2,000 mg parsley or thyme, or a combination pressure by about 7 points and diastolic of sodium, and an Egg McMuffin at by about 3.5 points. McDonald’s has 750 mg. (And these You may have heard that the need aren’t even the highest-sodium items to reduce sodium is controversial, but on the menus.) A home-cooked meal most experts agree that Americans allows you to control the salt shaker eat too much salty stuff. What is in and to use whole foods—whole grains, question is whether going below fruit, vegetables, legumes—and stay 2,300 mg daily is necessary, or realistic below the 2,300 mg threshold.
PHOTO: SAM KAPLAN; SAM STYLING: FOOD KIMM JAMIE PHOTO: in our current food environment. —Sally Wadyka
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 25 Eat Smarter, Eat Healthier
Smart 90 270 310 530 mg sodium mg sodium mg sodium mg sodium Sodium Swaps
PACKAGED FOODS may be a big source of sodium, but the amount varies widely among VS. VS. brands even in the same product category. “You can slash a lot of sodium from your diet simply by comparing sodium amounts on a few similar products side by side on the store Ghirardelli Premium Land O’Lakes Cocoa Muir Glen Bertolli shelf,” says Maxine Siegel, R.D., who heads Double Chocolate Classics Chocolate Organic Tomato Organic Tomato & CR’s food-testing lab. Cocoa Mix 7 oz. Supreme Cocoa 7 oz. Basil Sauce ½ cup Basil Sauce ½ cup
00180390 790 250 mg sodium mg sodium mg sodium mg sodium mg sodium mg sodium
VS. VS. VS.
Lärabar Clif Bar Healthy Choice Campbell’s Birds Eye Alexia Blueberry Blueberry Chicken Homestyle Steamfresh Whole French Herb Green Muffin 1.6 oz. Crisp 2.4 oz. Noodle Soup 1 cup Chicken Noodle 1 cup Green Beans 1 cup Beans ²/₃ cup
All values apply per package prep direction.
IF YOU’RE EATING a typical choy, broccoli, broccoli rabe, Potassium. Less than American diet, chances are kale, canned salmon with bones, 2 percent of Americans get the 5 Nutrients you’re falling short on some tofu, and white beans. recommended 4,700 mg per important nutrients. Diet day. Too little potassium can You May changes, not supplements, are Fiber. It helps control your cause abnormal heart rhythms, the answer. “Food supplies the weight, lower blood pressure weak muscles, and a minor rise proper mix of nutrients that and cholesterol, ease in blood pressure. Though most Be Missing work synergistically to promote constipation, fight inflammation, of us associate potassium with health,” says Marvin M. Lipman, and boost your immune system. bananas, other foods such as M.D., CR’s chief medical Adding a regular rotation of leafy greens, potatoes, legumes, adviser. “Plus it’s too easy to whole grains, legumes, nuts and and salmon provide more. A get too much of a particular seeds, and fruits and vegetables meal that includes 1 cup of Swiss nutrient from a pill, and some to your diet will help you get the chard, 1 cup of acorn squash, supplements may be harmful. recommended 20 to 30 grams and 5 ounces of salmon, for Some people may actually of fiber daily. example, supplies more than need supplements, but that half your daily recommendation. decision should be made with Magnesium. Nearly half your doctor.” Below are five key of all Americans fail to get Vitamin B12. Anemia, fatigue, vitamins and minerals that your enough magnesium each day weakness, constipation, loss of diet may be lacking, and simple (experts recommend 320 mg appetite, and weight loss are dietary fixes to up your intake. for women and 420 mg for all signs of a B12 deficiency, men), which could cause which becomes more common Calcium. The mineral is appetite loss, fatigue, weakness, as you age. Four ounces of fish important for bone health and nausea, vomiting, and in and about 6 ounces of beef blood pressure control; adults severe deficiencies, irregular provide more than the daily need 1,000 to 1,200 mg per heart rhythm, muscle cramps, recommended 2.4 micrograms day. A cup of milk, 6 ounces of personality changes, sensations (mcg), but eating dairy yogurt, and 1½ ounces of hard of numbness and tingling, and products such as cheese, eggs, cheeses (like cheddar) each seizures. Dark leafy greens, milk, and yogurt will give your supply about 300 mg. Calcium legumes, nuts, and whole grains B12 levels a boost, too. is also found in almonds, bok are the best sources. —Julia Calderone PHOTOS, TOP: JOHN WALSH; PHOTO, FACING PAGE: SAM KAPLAN; SAM STYLING: FOOD PAGE: KIMM JAMIE FACING PHOTO, JOHN WALSH; TOP: PHOTOS,
26 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 3 Fat Cutting Back Is Only Half the Battle
Meet in the Middle You can still eat steak—in moderation, and hold the butter. Fat is a complicated topic, and in place of fat in processed foods. are bad.” In other words, just because well-intentioned efforts to simplify Margarine—made from partially these studies couldn’t make a clear public health messages have only led hydrogenated oils, a source of condemnation of saturated fat, that to confusion. unhealthy trans fats—replaced butter doesn’t mean you can safely reach for In the 1980s and ’90s, experts on our morning toast. Trans fats a brick of butter with your toast. advised everyone to eat less fat, were used in baked goods and other On the other hand, swapping in period. Cashews and olive oil were packaged products, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats (fish, nuts, olive oil) lumped into the same category monos and polys got sidelined. or healthy carbs (grains, legumes, as cheese and butter. But even Now, the fat facts are being produce) for saturated fats does, in back then, the research showed scrambled again, with highly fact, protect your heart. In a study that that different types of fats— publicized studies suggesting that analyzed data from the large, long- monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated fat may not be so bad for us. running Nurses’ Health and Health and saturated—had varied effects on And again, black-and-white thinking is Professionals Follow-Up Studies, Hu health. The thought was that a one- poised to do some dietary damage. and his colleagues found that replacing note message—cut fat—would be easier According to Frank Hu, M.D., 5 percent of calories from saturated for the public to grasp and would Ph.D., professor of nutrition and fats with polyunsaturated fats reduced automatically hit the real target: epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan heart disease risk by 25 percent. When reducing the amount of cholesterol- School of Public Health, we should monounsaturated fats were subbed in, raising saturated fat people ate. still pay attention to our saturated the risk dropped by 15 percent, and It did, but it also had unintended fat intake. The likely reason that with healthy carbs by 9 percent. There consequences. Low-fat became some studies have not found an was no change in heart risk in people the healthy eater’s battle cry, and association between saturated fat who cut saturated fat but ate refined to compensate, people downed and heart disease is that they did not carbs in their place. more carbs, but not the “good” take into account what was swapped kind like whole grains. Instead, in for the saturated fat. “When we How to Fine-Tune Your people traded steak for pasta, and replace saturated fats with refined Fat Strategy food manufacturers used refined carbohydrates and added sugars, it’s # Avoid trans fats. If there’s a “bad” fat, carbohydrates (white flour and sugars) a nutritional wash,” Hu says. “Both this is it; it raises LDL (bad) cholesterol
MORE THAN 3 MILLION people a lower risk of heart disease, those who ate nutritious plant in the U.S. are vegetarian obesity, and type 2 diabetes foods, even when they included Making (avoiding meat but still eating than omnivores. an average of three servings of eggs or dairy) or vegan But even small decreases in a meat and/or dairy a day, were Room (avoiding all meat and animal person’s intake of animal foods 25 percent less likely to develop products), according to a survey are linked with a decreased heart disease than those for Meat from market-research firm likelihood of developing who ate twice that amount. NPD Group. Compare that heart disease, as long as he Flexitarian diets may also lower Being a part-time with the 26 million who identify or she is eating more healthy your risk of diabetes. vegetarian may be best. as “flexitarian,” or flexible plant foods like beans and Some experts believe that Here’s why and how. vegetarians. These are people vegetables in their place, says flexitarianism may be the best who eat a plant-centric diet Kim A. Williams, M.D., chief of choice of all, because it’s a more most of the time but do include cardiology at Rush University sustainable and realistic option some fish, meat, poultry, dairy, Medical Center. A recent for many. “Following a strict and eggs in their meals. Harvard University study in the vegan or vegetarian diet can be Those who follow a healthy Journal of the American College daunting,” says Amy Keating, vegan or vegetarian diet have of Cardiology revealed that R.D., a CR dietitian. “And many
28 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 Healthy or Not? Test Your Food IQ Think you’re sure whether these foods are good for you—or not? Make an educated guess and check our answers on the next page. and lowers HDL (good) cholesterol. Fortunately, this is an easy step. In 2015 the Food and Drug Administration Eggs Honey
removed partially hydrogenated oils ● HEALTHY ● NOT HEALTHY ● HEALTHY ● NOT HEALTHY (the biggest source of artificial trans fats) from the list of ingredients it calls “generally recognized as safe” (aka GRAS) and gave food manufacturers and restaurants three years to phase them out of their products. Many have already done so, and all will have to comply by Jerky Potatoes
the scheduled deadline of spring 2018. ● HEALTHY ● NOT HEALTHY ● HEALTHY ● NOT HEALTHY # Eat more foods that contain unsaturated fat. Avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish should all appear regularly on your plate. The latest U.S. dietary guidelines don’t put limits on these healthy fats, as long as you keep an eye on calories. # Follow a whole-foods, plant-based diet. Pretzels Red Wine
Instead of trying to slash saturated fat, ● HEALTHY ● NOT HEALTHY ● HEALTHY ● NOT HEALTHY make whole grains, legumes, fruit, and vegetables the centerpiece of your meals. Minimize your intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates. That way, you’ll naturally be getting less saturated fat in the healthiest way possible. —Thomas Germain Soy Sushi
● HEALTHY ● NOT HEALTHY ● HEALTHY ● NOT HEALTHY
people replace the meat with a whole grain, and vegetables. refined carbohydrates," such as Make a meatloaf using bread, pasta, or rice. Indeed, mushrooms or lentils in place the same Harvard study found of some of the ground meat. that following a not-so-healthy Or include thin strips of steak vegetarian diet actually raised in a stir-fry that’s much heavier heart disease risk by 32 percent. on the vegetables and whole Veggie Sticks Easy, Healthy Ways grains. ● HEALTHY ● NOT HEALTHY to Go Flexitarian # Go pescatarian. Meaning, # Eat meat at meals, but swap meat for fish. much less of it. Instead of # Make some meals meatless. TURN TO building your meals around a Pick an entire day or two each PAGE 30 steak or chicken breast, think week to forgo meat and dairy FOR of meat more as a side dish. products. Or try the popular ANSWERS For example, toss 2 ounces “eat vegan before 6,” introduced of chicken into a green salad by food writer Mark Bittman.
PHOTOS: GETTYPHOTOS: IMAGES with chickpeas, orange slices, —Rachel Meltzer Warren Healthy or Not? Test Your Food IQ Continued from previous page
Eggs Honey
HEALTHY. They’re rich in NOT HEALTHY. Adding nutrients that are good for honey to foods is just like your brain and eyes, and adding table sugar, as far though they do contain as your body is concerned. dietary cholesterol, it When it’s an ingredient doesn’t appear to have in packaged foods, it’s much of an effect on blood considered an added cholesterol levels. Even sugar—which you should so, most doctors say you try to avoid whenever shouldn’t eat more than possible. seven eggs per week.
Jerky Potatoes
NOT HEALTHY. Though it’s HEALTHY. They’re a good a lean source of protein, source of fiber, potassium, it’s also a high-sodium and vitamin C. And unless processed meat. Frequent they’re fried or served with consumption of processed high-calorie toppings, they meats has been linked to won’t pack on the pounds. an increased risk of colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Pretzels Red Wine
NOT HEALTHY. Though HEALTHY. The evidence is they’re low in fat, most are pretty clear that alcohol made with refined white may protect your heart. flour; just five twists may But limit it to 5 ounces contain 20 percent of the for women or 10 ounces for maximum amount of men per day. And if you sodium you should have don’t drink, there’s no all day. reason to start.
Soy Sushi and environmental groups.* Taking It grades the country’s top 25 HEALTHY. Edamame, tofu, HEALTHY. It can be a fast food and casual chains and tempeh are associated low-calorie source of Antibiotics on their policies and practices with a lower risk of some lean protein and healthy regarding antibiotic use in the cancers and heart disease. omega-3 fatty acids. Off Your Fast meat and poultry they serve, Stick with these whole (Though eating raw fish and the implementation and forms, which are what have may carry some food- Food Menu transparency of those been used in the studies safety risks.) Just lay off policies. In its first year, only that show benefits. the high-sodium soy sauce. five chains received a passing And avoid tuna because IN AN EFFORT to help consumers know which grade; in this—its third year— Veggie Sticks it’s high in mercury. restaurant chains are the more than half do. Panera Bread and Chipotle NOT HEALTHY. Most are most responsible when it made with primarily potato comes to offering meat and still lead the pack with starch or rice flour—not poultry raised without the A grades. Nearly all their veggies—and have little routine use of antibiotics, meat and poultry are raised fiber or other nutritional the Chain Reaction Report without antibiotics. Most benefits. What’s more, they was launched by Consumers other chains that scored in Union and five other health the B to D range have policies can also have about 200 mg KAPLAN/TRUNK SAM ARCHIVE PHOTO: of sodium per ounce. How to Choose 'No Antibiotic' Meat and Poultry in Your Supermarket
MORE THAN HALF of consumers Here are the definitions No medically important are concerned about the of the most common “no antibiotics. This means biggest consequences of antibiotic” claims you’ll find on that drugs used to treat antibiotic use in animals raised supermarket labels: people—such as amoxicillin, for food, according to a 2016 erythromycin, and CR nationally representative Organic. Meat and poultry that tetracycline—aren’t given to the survey of more than 1,000 carry this seal must be raised animals. But this still allows for people. The consumer without antibiotics, with one the use of antibiotics that aren’t pressure is driving suppliers exception: Chickens and turkeys medically important, which can to give “food” animals fewer can be given the drugs while the lead to antibiotic resistance to antibiotics, which in turn chick is still in the egg and on its other drugs. protects public health. “The first day of life. Centers for Disease Control and No growth-promoting Prevention and most medical Raised without antibiotics. antibiotics. This is an indication experts agree that widespread This and related phrases, that no antibiotics were fed to use of these drugs to prevent such as “no antibiotics ever” the animal to accelerate growth. disease in healthy animals or and “never given antibiotics,” According to guidelines from the to promote growth contributes aren't required to be verified Food and Drug Administration, to the spread of drug-resistant but are usually reliable. You medically important antibiotics bacteria,” says Jean Halloran, know for certain if the claim can no longer be used for director of food policy is accompanied by either the growth promotion, although Word on the Bird initiatives at Consumers Union, USDA Process Verified Shield drugs not used in people can ‘No-antibiotic’ chicken is getting the policy and mobilization or Organic seal. Sick animals be used, so this practice is only easier to find in the arm of Consumer Reports. “As that need antibiotics would a slight improvement over the meat case, and in antibiotic resistance grows, be removed from the “no industry standard. And the packaged foods, the medications used to treat antibiotic” line and sent for drugs are still given to animals like soups and infections in people become processing with animals raised to prevent disease. frozen dinners. less effective.” conventionally. —Trisha Calvo
that restrict antibiotics Cheesecake Factory. use only in chicken. The “Fast food restaurants biggest mover since last should help protect year is KFC: It went from public health by moving an F to a B- because it away from serving announced that it would meat and poultry from stop serving chicken suppliers who misuse raised with medically these vital drugs," says important antibiotics by Jean Halloran, director the end of 2018. of food policy initiatives Some smaller chains at Consumers Union, the not represented on policy and mobilization the scorecard are also arm of Consumer Reports. making progress. For “The future effectiveness example, all of the of antibiotics depends on chicken served at Dickey’s making sure they are used BBQ is no-antibiotic, as only to treat sick animals, Grade A 91-100 B+ 77-83 C+ 52-59 D+ 29-35 F <19 is all of the beef, pork, or stop a verified disease Scale A- 84-90 B 67-76 C 43-51 D 19-28 and poultry served at outbreak." B- 60-66 C- 36-42
*Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for Food Safety, Friends of the Earth, Food Animal Concerns Trust, and U.S. Public Interest Research Group. CR.ORG 31 4 Gluten For Most People, Eating Less Gluten May Be Risky
Diet Damage A gluten-free diet isn’t necessarily a healthy diet. Eat Smarter, Eat Healthier
For nearly a decade, less than 7 percent of Americans. Reports’ food-safety experts have found popular diet plans have proposed that For people without celiac or NCGS, that rice and rice-based products can gluten—a protein found in wheat, rye, there’s not much to recommend gluten- have worrying amounts of arsenic. and barley—is responsible for many free. A 2017 study in the British Medical “The bottom line is that by common health problems, igniting Journal found no connection between eliminating gluten from your diet an anti-gluten wildfire that just won’t eating gluten and an increased risk of unnecessarily, you are missing out on extinguish. About a third of Americans heart disease in people without celiac some important aspects of nutrition,” buy gluten-free foods, according to disease. In fact, giving up gluten may says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., Consumer market research firm Mintel, believing actually be harmful. The same study Reports’ chief medical adviser. that eliminating gluten is healthier, showed that people who chose a gluten- and that it helps with weight loss, free diet were more likely to eat fewer Follow These Gluten Guidelines skin conditions, inflammation, and whole grains—and thereby deprive # Eat whole grains. Some popular attention deficit disorder. themselves of the health benefits of gluten-free diets (such as Wheat Belly It’s not surprising then that sales whole grains. and Grain Brain) are essentially low- of gluten-free foods have increased What’s more, because gluten-free grain diets. But everyone—including 178 percent from 2013 to 2016. foods can be gummy and unpalatable, those with celiac or NCGS—should eat The craze has been making food manufacturers often add sodium, more whole grains (amaranth, millet, manufacturers fat and happy with sugar, and fat to overcome this—which and quinoa are a few gluten-free profits to the tune of a new market also adds calories, points out Alice grains). They’ve been shown again and that’s worth almost $14 billion. Lichtenstein, D.Sc., a professor of again to help protect against cancer
I/STOCKFOOD; ISTOCK; DREAMSTIME.COM ISTOCK; I/STOCKFOOD; The trouble is there’s little evidence nutrition science and policy at Tufts and heart disease. They’re also high in that a gluten-free diet has any health University. The second downside is that fiber, which lowers your risk of type 2 benefits for most people. Some it may increase your intake of arsenic diabetes and can help you lose weight people do need to avoid gluten: those and other heavy metals. A recent study by making you feel full. with celiac disease, an autoimmune published in the journal Epidemiology # Choose gluten-free foods carefully. condition, for whom gluten causes showed that people who were on a You’re likely to eat some no-gluten intestinal inflammation and damage, gluten-free diet had up to twice the foods, even if you aren’t giving and those who have a condition amount of arsenic and 70 percent more up gluten. Scrutinize the labels for known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity mercury in their systems than people high fat, sugars, or sodium levels. (NCGS) that can cause gastrointestinal who were not. That’s because gluten- If you see any of them, seriously symptoms in response to gluten. But free cereals, crackers, and pastas are consider skipping the item. these two conditions combined affect often made with rice flour. Consumer —Catherine Roberts
5 Healthy Whole Grains
Whole-grain foods, such as whole- wheat bread, are those that contain the entire grain kernel—the bran, endosperm, and germ. Refined grains, such as white flour and white rice, contain only the endosperm. This distinction is important because the Amaranth Freekeh Millet Quinoa Teff bran and germ are where most of Serve with fruits This roasted, To enhance flavor, Rinse before This tiny grain can the healthy stuff—antioxidants, B and nuts as a hot young, green toast in a skillet cooking. Use as be used in place of vitamins, fiber, magnesium, and other cereal, or with wheat can be used before boiling. Add a base for chili or rice in a pilaf or a nutrients—is found. Though opting thyme or other in any recipe in to salads or soups. soup, or serve with porridge, or stirred for whole-grain versions of bread and herbs as a side place of rice. And millet flour can herbs and onion as into chili or soup. cereals is a good idea, the best way to dish. be used for baking. a side dish. get your whole grains is to eat them 251 Calories 173 Calories 207 Calories 222 Calories 255 Calories in their most natural state—meaning 9 Protein (g) 8 Protein (g) 6 Protein (g) 8 Protein (g) 10 Protein (g) the grain itself (we’re talking bulgur 4 Fat (g) 1 Fat (g) 2 Fat (g) 4 Fat (g) 2 Fat (g) and oats). Also experiment with these less well-known but highly nutritious 46 Carbs (g) 37 Carbs (g) 41 Carbs (g) 39 Carbs (g) 50 Carbs (g) 5 Fiber (g) 5 Fiber (g) 2 Fiber (g) 5 Fiber (g) 7 Fiber (g) PHOTO, FACING PAGE: SAM KAPLAN; FOOD STYLING: JAMIE KIMM; PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT: GETTY IMAGES; DREAMSTIME.COM; MICHAEL BERNHARD MICHAEL DREAMSTIME.COM; GETTY IMAGES; RIGHT: TO LEFT PHOTOS, KIMM; JAMIE STYLING: FOOD KAPLAN; SAM PAGE: FACING PHOTO, whole grains. —Catherine Roberts Per 1 Cup, Cooked
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 33 34 CR.ORG Countertop Intelligence The best of the new countertop appliances make fast work of fresh and healthy meals. We put them to the test to help you decide which deserve a place in your kitchen—and provide ratings on blenders, microwaves, toaster ovens, and more. by Kimberly Janeway
When the going gets tough, often be quite a challenge for people.” “speeds up cooking by 2 to 6 times” the tough order takeout. Last year One way home cooks are bucking the or the $1,000 All-Clad Prep & Cook Americans spent about $720 billion takeout trend and eating more healthy that’s supposed to act as “your very at restaurants, a 19 percent increase foods is with countertop appliances own sous chef”), it’s hard to tell since 2012 and nearly half of what that reduce prep and cooking time and what’s worth the investment—and the we spent on food overall. But do more of the work. “Sales of multi- precious real estate on your counter. restaurant meals—and the frozen ones cookers, air fryers, pressure cookers, To guide you, we’ve put a collection we heat up when we’re pressed for and toaster ovens are up,” says Joe of trendy, time-saving specialty kitchen time—are often high in fat and sodium, Derochowski, an industry analyst at the appliances to the test, along with the which means that what we gain in market research firm NPD Group. “This blenders, food processors, toaster convenience we often lose in terms is due in part to consumers’ desire to ovens, and microwaves we evaluate of a healthy diet. “The only way eat healthier.” throughout the year. Turn the page to to have complete control over But in a field crowded with learn which ones really will save you ingredients and portion size is to cook appliances that manufacturers claim time, which ones provide convenience, at home,” says Maxine Siegel, a CR can save the consumer time and and which ones will make a worthwhile
PHOTO: BRIAN FINKE/GALLERY STOCK FINKE/GALLERY BRIAN PHOTO: dietitian. “But finding time for that can effort (like the $100 Instant Pot that addition to your countertop arsenal.
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 35 Pressure Cookers How to Cook Faster With an Updated Classic
TIME-STARVED CHEFS always, it's best to 12-hour soak) were ready STOVETOP are increasingly turning follow the manufacturer's in about an hour. The to pressure cookers to instructions for the stovetop models are get meals on the table safest operation. better at browning and x in short order. Sales We tested five 6-quart are generally faster are up more than models, cooking healthy than the electric ones FISSLER VITAQUICK PHILIPPE RICHARD ALUMINUM TTUI9554 25 percent in the past and affordable staples but require a bit FISS-60030006079 F6 $200 $30 12 months, according to such as brown rice, black more attention. the market research firm beans, and chicken thighs. Some foods, such NPD Group. The food consistently as rice and beans, The stainless steel Fissler This inexpensive aluminum is pricey but works with cooker isn’t as quick, in Earlier versions had a turned out tender and need room to expand, all range types and cooks part because the bottom reputation for exploding delicious, and was ready so follow the instructions the fastest of all the isn’t perfectly flat, so it (cookers create intense considerably faster than on how full the pot tested models. Another doesn’t make complete internal pressure). But when prepared by more should be. When using time-saver? This cooker is contact with electric today’s models have conventional methods. an electric model, dishwasher safe. smoothtop and coil-top safety mechanisms Dried beans that might enhance the flavor of warranty Limited lifetime surfaces. The model does that make it less likely require at least 2 hours meat by browning it in pick up speed, though, on you’ll ever have to scrape on the stovetop or 12 in a skillet before putting it a gas range. stew off the ceiling. As a slow cooker (after a in the cooker. warranty Limited lifetime
ALL-CLAD PREP & Can Cutting-Edge COOK HP503152 FOOD-PREP $1,000 FACE-OFF Food Choppers Live Up to Their Pricey Promise?
ALL-CLAD VOWS that its use, and are sold with the steamed the mussels $1,000 Prep & Cook will promise—among other faster, but it wasn’t become “your very own things—to whip up risotto good at caramelizing sous chef.” Bellini claims with the push of a few onions. It prepared tasty that “there is no better buttons and without any Bolognese, garlic mashed assistant” than its $550 supervision. potatoes, and other Kitchen Master. The Bellini produced dishes, but none were a These appliances, good-tasting fare, but revelation. Prepping and best described as food its aggressive stirring cooking in a single bowl choppers that also cook, changed the food’s cuts down on dirty dishes, are marketed as a way texture. “The Bolognese but the small size (both to make preparing a and caramelized onions have a capacity under meal from scratch easier were finer-textured than 3 quarts) means you can’t than ever. They can whip usual, and the rice broke feed a crowd. up soups, stews, and down, making the risotto The verdict: The All-Clad chocolate mousse—but mushy,” says Bernie did better than the Bellini, at prices like these, we Deitrick, a CR engineer. but neither impressed half expected them to “And not all the steamed us enough to earn also clean up and walk mussels, which typically precious counter space. the dog. We decided take only a few minutes A food chopper or food to see whether they on the stovetop, were processor (see ratings measure up to the hype. done after 15 minutes.” on page 42) won’t cook CR's findings: Both The All-Clad did a but can handle much of appliances have digital much better job with the same food prep at a displays, are intuitive to the risotto, and it fraction of the price.
36 PHOTOGRAPH BY BRENDAN WIXTED 1 2 3 4 5 POOR EXCELLENT Air Fryers How to Conquer Your Fear of Frying
THERE’S NOTHING quite like the crunchy, lip-smacking taste of fried food. Too bad much of that flavor ELECTRIC comes from the fat the food is fried in, which has been linked to ills including obesity and heart disease. xx3 Air fryers, which cook with very hot circulating air, are supposed to FAGOR PREMIUM CUISINART CPC-600 POWER PRESSURE provide a healthier alternative to PRESSURE & RICE COOKER $100 COOKER XL PPC conventional frying because they use 670041930 $100 $97 little or no oil. While they technically cook by convection roasting rather Slightly faster than other This Cuisinart comes The slowest in every test, than frying, we found that an air comparable electric with all the basic settings this model took 50 percent fryer can, in fact, deliver results cookers, the Fagor offers (browning, simmering, longer than the Fagor to similar to the real thing. more settings than most sautéing) and an automatic reach pressure. There’s We tried out the $350 Philips (such as risotto and rice). keep-warm feature. an automatic keep-warm HD9230/26 Digital Airfryer, which You can program it for up Like the other electric mode and a 4-hour delay to 6 hours in advance, and cookers shown here, it setting, but the shockingly measures roughly 12 inches wide and the cooker switches to has a dishwasher-safe short warranty suggests weighs in at 15 pounds. It houses keep-warm mode for up removable bowl with a this cooker might not a food basket, an electric heating to 12 hours. nonstick interior. stand the test of time. element, and a fan. A digital touch warranty Limited 1 year warranty Limited 3 years warranty 60 days screen lets you set a timer and the temp (330° F, 360° F, or 390° F). Our testers air-fried french fries (fresh and frozen), sweet-potato fries, and chicken tenders with fantastic
BELLINI KITCHEN results. They also loved how the air MASTER fryer cooked steak, sausage, toasted BMKM510CL cheese sandwiches, and burgers. $550 “The sweet-potato fries were very crispy, the sausage was delicious, and the frozen fries tasted better than those cooked in regular and convection ovens,” says Bernie Deitrick, a CR engineer. “Everything we made was as good as or better than when cooked in the oven.” Deitrick's main piece of advice for using an air fryer? Don’t overload the basket. “It can slow down cooking and block the air from reaching all the food, so some pieces will turn out better than others,” he says. We’re not claiming that foods cooked in an air fryer are the healthiest choices. But eating yummy versions cooked with less oil is certainly a good place to start.
Full of Hot Air Air fryers like the Philips HD9230/26 can cook many foods to a satisfying crunch using little or no oil.
CR.ORG 37 Multi-Cookers These Multitaskers Are Big Time-Savers, Too
LIKE A SLOW COOKER quinoa, and even KITCHENAID KMC4241 CUISINART 3-IN-1 COOK BLACK+DECKER on steroids, multi- yogurt. They free you MULTI-COOKER CENTRAL MSC-600 MC1100S cookers steam, slow- up from time otherwise $250 $159 $100 cook, brown, bake, spent at the stove capacity 4 quarts capacity 6 quarts capacity 6.5 quarts and keep food warm and come in handy This multi-cooker Though this model Less powerful than the without the constant when a recipe requires made dishes as good doesn’t prepare rice, it Cuisinart, this cooker temperature monitor- more than one form as—or better than— fared better in cooking, is slower to heat. ing and other super- of cooking, such as those made on a generally, than the lower- Cooking temperatures vision that stovetop a roast that calls for rangetop, though not priced Black+Decker, range from 200° F to cooking entails. browning and then as quickly. It’s also a providing a better sear 450° F, but generally We tried out the slow cooking. For best bit noisier than other and a more uniform we found that food cookers at right, using results with these, models we tested. sauté. Its functions didn’t turn out as well. them to prepare stir- chop your veggies The $150 Stir Tower include simmering, The roast function was fried Kung Pao chicken, in uniform sizes to KST4054 accessory slow cooking, steaming, disappointing: The slow-cooked beef ensure even cooking adds considerably to and high-heat cooking chicken we made stew, roasted chicken when steaming or the cost, but it frees (up to 400° F). wasn’t well-browned breasts, steamed making soup, and don’t you from stirring risotto warranty 3 years and tasted steamed, broccoli, brown rice, crowd the pot when or caramelized onions. not roasted. white rice, risotto, searing meat. warranty 1 year warranty 2 years
Instant Pot THE ONE-OF-A-KIND Instant the speed of an electric pressure Pot, which pressure-cooks cooker with a variety of A Closer Look at and does a number of other other functions, it offers hands- cooking tasks, has quite a off cooking that frees you to do a Very Popular Pot following. Its official Facebook other things. It doesn’t make community page has more better-tasting food, but it's than 630,000 members, who faster and easier than cooking swap recipes for roast chicken, on a stovetop.” Greek yogurt, 5-minute salmon Two cups of brown rice took and pilaf, and other fare. 43 minutes in pressure-cooker Readers urged us to weigh mode vs. 60 minutes on the in on it, so we bought the stove. A pound of red beans— $100 Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1, which we didn’t soak first, which has seven functions to save time—turned out tender (pressure cooking, rice cooking, and delicious in an hour. slow cooking, steaming, Ditto dried pinto and black sautéing, yogurt making, and beans, both of which would take warming). Preset programs at least 2 hours on the stove eliminate guesswork for cooking after an overnight soak. chili, stew, and other popular, (All our listed cooking times hearty dishes, and the inner include the time the pot took stainless pot has a 6-quart to reach pressure and later capacity. (An 8-quart model release it.) is also available.) The warranty The Instant Pot lacks the is for one year. power to sear meat, so while So how well did the Instant our Kung Pao chicken cooked Pot live up to the promise to nicely, it didn’t brown. But An Instant Hit “cook healthy food fast”? that’s all we found to complain The Instant Pot's “The Instant Pot is what it about after putting this pot versatility has won claims to be," says Bernie Deitrick, through its paces—and that’s it legions of fans. a CR test engineer. “Combining really saying something.
38 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 BATTLE OF THE LOOK-ALIKE We Pit a High-End Blender BLENDERS Against a Low-Cost Copycat
IF IMITATION IS the decisions. Could this experts reported that stopped working. reliable full-sized blender sincerest form of flattery, relatively inexpensive the Vitamix performed “Most blenders do brand than most in our then Vitamix, a maker blender measure up to those tasks better. The well in our durability test; survey of more than of high-priced blenders, a similar-looking model Vitamix is much better only six of the 86 we 29,000 readers. (Kalorik, ought to be blushing. that costs hundreds at crushing ice—and tested failed,” says Cindy a lesser-known brand in When our testers more? To find out, we put quieter while doing it. Fisher, who oversees CR’s the U.S., wasn’t included unpacked the $130 them through our series After our performance blender test program. in that survey.) Kalorik 1500 Series Pro of blender tests. tests, we ran a durability “The first Kalorik we The verdict: In this case, blender, they noticed CR's findings: Both test to see how well the tested failed at the 32nd the higher price buys that it bore a striking blenders, which have blenders might fare cycle; the second one you not just better overall resemblance to the similar dimensions and over time. That’s where we tested passed.” (The performance but $400 Vitamix 5200. We an 8-cup capacity, the disparity became results are combined to probable longevity, certainly understand the scored in the same clear. In the durability create a durability score, too, which may be why money-saving appeal neighborhood on several test, our engineers crush which you can see below.) the Vitamix motor is of the Kalorik, but we key tests. Although they ice 45 times over a The Vitamix 5200 aced covered under warranty think that performance are both rated Excellent two-day period. Kalorik our durability test, which for seven years. The and reliability also ought for making icy drinks essentially cracked under isn’t surprising: Vitamix Kalorik’s motor has a to factor into buying and puréeing soup, CR’s the pressure: It simply turned out to be a more two-year warranty.
Face-Off
VITAMIX KALORIK 5200 1500 SERIES PRO BL43310
079 OVERALL 059 SCORE
$400 PRICE $130
ICY DRINKS 05 (SMOOTHIES) 05
04 CONVENIENCE 04
05 PURÉE 05
04 ICE CRUSH 03
03 NOISE 02
05 DURABILITY 03
PHOTOGRAPH BY BRENDAN WIXTED CR.ORG 39 Ratings Countertop All-Stars To make it even easier to outfit your kitchen with small appliances, we rounded up our top-scoring countertop microwaves, toaster ovens, food processors, and full-sized and immersion blenders.
COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES
Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Features Recommended Rank Heating evenness Defrosting evenness Speed of heating Microwaving noise use of Ease capacityUsable (cu. ft.) Sensor Convection mode Dimensions (HxWxD)
MIDSIZED COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES
0! 1 LG LCS1112ST 72 $140 004 005 004 004 005 0.6 12x20x16
0! 2 Avanti MO1250TW 72 $130 004 004 004 004 005 0.8 12x22x17
3 Summit SCM1000SS 71 $250 004 NA 004 004 004 0.8 13x21x18
4 Frigidaire FFCM1134L[S] 71 $120 004 005 003 004 004 0.5 12x21x16
5 General GEW1000E 70 $350 004 NA 003 005 004 0.8 12x20x16
6 Panasonic Genius Prestige NN-SD681S 70 $180 004 005 004 003 005 0.7 12x21x16
7 Panasonic Prestige NN-SD372S 68 $140 003 005 003 004 004 0.5 11x19x15
8 Danby DMW111KBLDB 68 $90 004 004 003 004 005 0.6 12x21x16
9 Samsung MC12J8035CT 67 $500 003 005 003 005 004 0.8 16x21x19
10 Samsung MC11H6033CT 67 $300 004 004 003 004 004 0.8 12x21x20
11 Sharp R331ZS 64 $125 004 004 003 004 004 0.7 12x20x16
12 GE Profile PEM31SFSS 63 $320 003 005 002 005 005 0.6 12x24x13
13 Magic Chef MCM1110ST 61 $80 003 003 003 005 005 0.6 12x20x17
LARGE COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES
0! 1 Panasonic NN-SD945S 75 $170 003 005 004 004 005 1.4 14x24x20
0! 2 Oster OGG61403 74 $120 004 005 004 004 005 0.8 13x22x20
0! 3 LG LCRT2010[ST] 73 $200 004 004 004 004 005 1.2 14x24x20
4 Panasonic NN-SN966S 72 $250 004 005 004 004 004 1.4 14x24x19
5 GE Profile JES2251SJ[SS] 72 $280 004 004 004 004 005 1.5 14x24x19
6 LG LCRT1513ST 71 $150 003 005 004 004 004 0.9 13x22x17
7 Panasonic NN-SE785S 70 $290 004 004 005 004 005 0.9 12x22x19
8 Sharp R551ZS 70 $160 004 004 003 004 005 1.1 14x23x19
9 GE JES2051SN[SS] 70 $250 004 004 004 004 005 1.2 14x25x20
10 Sharp R651ZS 69 $180 004 004 003 004 004 1.3 14x24x20
11 Magic Chef MCD1611ST 68 $140 004 005 004 003 004 1.1 14x24x19
12 LG LMC1575 68 $200 003 005 004 004 004 0.8 13x22x17
13 KitchenAid KCMS2255BSS 68 $540 004 003 004 004 005 1.3 14x24x20
14 Whirlpool WMC50522AWS 68 $270 004 003 004 004 005 1.3 14x24x20
15 Kenmore Elite 79393 67 $250 003 004 004 004 004 1.4 15x25x21
16 Danby DMW14SA1BDB 67 $150 003 003 003 005 005 0.7 13x21x17
17 Frigidaire Gallery FGMO205K[F] 67 $320 04 04 04 04 04 1.2 14x24x19
18 Hamilton Beach P10034AL-T4A 67 $140 03 04 03 05 04 0.8 12x21x19
19 Frigidaire FFCE1439LB 67 $150 04 04 03 04 04 0.7 13x21x17
40 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 1 2 3 4 5 POOR EXCELLENT
! RECOMMENDED COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES
Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Features Recommended Rank Heating evenness Defrosting evenness Speed of heating Microwaving noise use of Ease capacityUsable (cu. ft.) Sensor Convection mode Dimensions (HxWxD)
LARGE COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES Continued
20 Panasonic NN-SD745S 66 $195 03 04 04 04 05 0.9 12x22x20
21 Panasonic NN-SN736B 66 $135 03 04 04 04 04 0.9 12x22x20
22 Magic Chef MCD1811ST 65 $140 03 04 04 05 04 1.1 14x24x19
23 GE Profile PEB7226SFSS 65 $330 04 04 03 04 05 1.3 14x24x20
24 GE Café CEB1599SJSS 65 $620 03 04 03 05 04 0.8 13x22x20
25 GE Profile PEB9159SJSS 63 $610 03 04 03 05 04 0.8 13x22x21
26 Frigidaire FFCE2278L[S] 62 $190 04 05 04 03 03 1.3 14x25x21
27 Oster OGYZ1602B 62 $110 04 04 03 04 04 0.9 13x22x19
28 Electrolux EI24MO45IB 62 $470 04 03 03 03 04 1.2 14x25x20
Online subscribers can go to CR.org/microwaves for complete up-to-date ratings.
TOASTER OVENS
Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Features Recommended Rank Baking Broiling use of Ease of Ease cleaning range Color Full batch sliceOne Convection oven Dimensions (HxWxD)
0! 1 Breville Smart Oven Pro BOV845BSS 76 $270 04 05 05 04 04 04 05 11x19x16
0! 2 Wolf Gourmet Countertop WGCO100S Oven 74 $550 04 04 05 04 03 05 05 13x23x17
0! 3 Cuisinart Chef’s Toaster Convection TOB-260N 74 $260 04 04 05 04 03 05 05 11x21x17
0! 4 Krups DeLuxe Convection OK710D51 72 $120 04 05 05 04 02 04 04 12x20x17
0! 5 Breville Smart Oven BOV800XL 72 $250 04 04 05 04 04 05 04 19x11x16
0! 6 DeLonghi Livenza Stainless EO 241250M 70 $269 04 04 05 04 03 04 04 12x19x18
7 Cuisinart TOB-260 Oven 69 $260 04 04 05 04 03 04 04 11x21x18
8 Breville Smart Oven Air Convection BOV900BSSUSC 69 $400 04 04 05 04 03 04 05 13x21x18
9 Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P Oven 68 $125 04 NA 05 03 04 04 04 10x13x12
10 Breville BOV650XL Oven 67 $180 04 04 04 04 04 04 05 9x17x15
11 Black+Decker Dining In Digital TO3280SSD Oven 65 $90 04 04 04 04 03 04 03 12x18x15
12 Oster TSSTTVMNDG Oven 64 $80 04 04 03 03 03 04 04 12x20x16
13 Frigidaire FPCO06D7MS Oven 64 $120 04 05 04 03 02 04 04 12x18x16
14 Hamilton Beach Toaststation 22720 63 $50 03 NA 04 03 05 04 04 8x16x9
15 KitchenAid Digital Convection Countertop KCO273SS 63 $250 03 04 05 04 04 03 04 12x18x14
Online subscribers can go to CR.org/toasters for complete up-to-date ratings.
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 41 Ratings Countertop All-Stars
IMMERSION BLENDERS
Overall Test Brand & Model Score Price Results Rec. Rank Yogurt blend Soup purée
0! 1 Breville Control Grip BSB510XL 92 $100 05 05
2 Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75 76 $35 04 05
3 Electrolux Masterpiece ELHB10B9PS 69 $230 04 03
4 Oxo Bright Digital Immersion Blender 65 $90 04 04
5 Bodum Bistro Blenderstick 64 $60 03 04
Online subscribers can go to CR.org/blenders for complete up-to-date ratings.
FOOD PROCESSORS
Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Features Rec. Rank Chopping Slicing Shredding Pureéing Grating Noise (lb.) Weight Claimed capacity (cups)
0! 1 Breville Sous Chef BFP800XL/A 81 $400 05 05 05 04 05 04 19 16
0! 2 Cuisinart Elite Collection 2.0 FP-12BCN 67 $200 04 05 04 03 03 05 16 12 Oster Pro 1200 Plus Food Processor 67 $90 65 0! 3 Attachment BLSTMB-CBF-000 ⁄ 04 04 04 04 05 03 0! 4 Cuisinart Custom 14 DFP-14BCNY 66 $180 05 04 04 03 04 05 15 14
5 Breville Sous Chef 12 BFP660 SIL 64 $300 04 05 04 03 03 04 16 9
6 Oster Versa 1100 Series Performance ⁄ 64 $150 05 05 04 03 02 03 75
7 Electrolux Masterpiece PowerTilt ELFP15D9PS 64 $500 04 03 04 03 04 05 20 18
8 Cuisinart Elite Die-Cast 16-Cup 63 $300 04 04 04 03 03 04 19 16
9 Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus DLC-2011CHBY 63 $180 04 03 04 03 04 04 13 11
Online subscribers can go to CR.org/foodprocessors for complete up-to-date ratings.
RECALL UPDATE: CUISINART’S FOOD PROCESSOR BLADES
A FOOD PROCESSOR without pieces of broken blades that Cuisinart customer service a blade is useless. Yet some wound up in food. in early September for an consumers say that Cuisinart A Cuisinart rep told CR update on the blade she still hasn’t sent their free last February that customers had requested in late March, replacement blade after the would receive replacements she was told the company company recalled a record in the order they registered was shipping orders placed 8 million food processors in online or called in. in early March. December 2016. The models, In mid-August, a Cuisinart haven’t received theirs. “Still You can call Cuisinart at sold between July 1996 spokesperson told us the waiting, with no updates,” 877-339-2534 for an update and December 2015, were company had shipped commented one reader on your blade, or join other recalled following 30 reports about 90 percent of the on CR.org. “Same old song consumers and make of mouth lacerations requested blades. But we’ve and dance,” wrote another. your voice heard on the or tooth injuries caused by heard from consumers who When a CR staffer called company’s Facebook page.
42 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 1 2 3 4 5 POOR EXCELLENT
! RECOMMENDED FULL-SIZED BLENDERS
Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Features Rec. Rank Icy drinks (smoothies) Convenience Purée crush Ice Noise Durability (lb.) Weight (in.) Height Claimed capacity (cups)
0! 1 Vitamix Professional Series 750 85 $650 05 04 05 05 03 05 13 18 8
0! 2 Blendtec Designer 725 84 $650 05 04 05 04 03 05 11 16 5
3 Cuisinart Hurricane Pro CBT-2000 80 $300 05 05 05 04 02 05 11 18 8
4 Vitamix 5200 79 $400 05 04 05 04 03 05 11 20 8
5 Dash Chef Series Digital 78 $200 05 04 05 03 03 05 11 22 8
6 Ninja Professional NJ600 78 $100 05 05 04 05 03 05 7189
7 Ninja with Auto-iQ BL642-30 77 $200 05 05 04 04 03 05 17 18 9
8 L’Equip RPM Professional 77 $380 05 03 05 04 03 05 9197 Tribest Dynablend Horsepower Plus High Power 9 75 $160 10 17 7 DB-850GA 04 04 05 05 03 05
10 Blendtec Designer 625 74 $500 04 04 05 04 03 05 9155
11 Wolf Gourmet High Performance WGBL100S 73 $600 04 04 05 04 03 05 13 17 8
12 Breville The Boss BBL910XL 71 $400 04 04 05 04 02 05 13 18 8
13 Dash Chef Series Power Blender 70 $180 05 04 05 03 03 05 11 21 9
14 Braun PureMix JB7172BK 69 $160 04 04 05 04 04 05 10 16 7
15 Breville Hemisphere Control BBL605XL 69 $200 04 04 04 04 03 05 9176
16 Oster Versa 1100 Series Performance 68 $150 04 04 05 04 03 05 7178
17 Ninja BL770 ⁄ 68 $200 04 05 04 04 02 05 9189
18 Hamilton Beach Commercial Tempest HBH650 68 $450 03 04 05 04 03 05 12 18 8
19 Ninja BlendMax Duo with Auto-iQ Boost BL2013 68 $220 04 05 05 04 03 05 11 18 11
20 Cuisinart Hurricane 2.25Peak HP CBT-1500 68 $200 04 05 05 04 03 05 8178
21 Electrolux Masterpiece ELJB74D9PS 68 $350 04 05 03 04 03 05 9166
Online subscribers can go to CR.org/blenders for complete up-to-date ratings.
HOW WE TEST: The Overall Score for power; and ease of use. For toaster light, medium, and dark toast. The durability, crushing ice 45 times over microwaves combines results from ovens, we bake muffins and pizza, Overall Score for full-sized blenders two days. To test food processors, we our tests for heating and defrosting check to see how well the appliances takes into account how well they make evaluate how well they chop almonds evenness, in which we reheat a dish of broil, evaluate them for ease of use icy drinks and smoothies, and how and onions, slice celery and onions, cold mashed potatoes and defrost a and ease of cleaning, and put them well they purée soup and crush ice. We shred carrots and cheddar cheese, pound of ground chuck; the speed of through three separate toasting tests factor in convenience and noise levels purée peas and carrots, and more. heating water; the noise level on high to determine which excel at making on maximum speed. We also test for Prices are approximate retail.
⁄Blender/food processor/mixer. NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 43 Welcome to ‘ Wow! ’ TV
True Colors Expert ratings from our labs cut through the BEHIND THE marketing mumbo- SCENES AT jumbo you’ll encounter CR’S LABS in a showroom.
44 Wondering if all the fuss about 4K TVs with HDR—or high dynamic range—is warranted? We now have enough testing data to give the new technologies a thumbs-up—and to recommend the best models for every budget. by James K. Willcox
IF YOU’RE BUYING a television for “specular highlights,” which are glints the first time in a few years, get ready of light, such as the sun’s reflection off for the brave new world of even a car’s chrome bumper or an airplane higher tech TVs. wing. With HDR, those highlights pop; Almost all TVs—especially the bigger without it, they wouldn’t stand out ones that you might want for a living against other bright objects. room or home theater—now come with HDR does all that by increasing a collection of advanced features. the contrast between the brightest For one, most are now “smart,” whites and the darkest blacks a TV can meaning they let you stream shows produce. That’s where the “dynamic from services such as Netflix without range” in the name comes from. plugging in extra equipment. “When done well, HDR presents They’re also 4K—aka ultra-high defini- more natural illumination of image con- tion, or UHD—with four times as many tent,” says Claudio Ciacci, who heads pixels as regular HDTVs. The extra Consumer Reports’ TV testing pro- pixels, or tiny dots that make up gram. “HDR can flex its dynamic-range the picture, allow the sets to display muscles in strong sunlit scenes that sharper, more detailed images, espe- push the TV’s contrast to the limits,” he cially on TVs with bigger screens. adds, “but you’ll also see HDR’s subtler Newest—and best of all, say our TV benefits on more simply lit scenes.” testers—many of today’s TVs can show Typically, HDR TVs also produce images with “high dynamic range,” or more vibrant, varied colors than other HDR. When done right, HDR boosts a sets. That’s because HDR is often TV’s brightness, contrast, and color, paired with “wide color gamut,” or making the pictures on the screen look WCG, capability. more like real life. Standard HDTVs can display about But all those features and acronyms 17 million colors, while those with WCG can also make buying a TV more daunt- can display up to a billion. That’s like ing than it deserves to be. And not all of giving your TV a larger box of crayons the new TVs perform equally well. to play with. Here’s what you need to know to But you won’t see all that fantastic make a good choice. contrast and color every time you turn on the TV. You have to be playing a What Makes HDR So Special? movie or TV show that’s been mastered When HDR is at work, you’ll see details to take advantage of HDR and WCG. that might not otherwise be obvious, Those offerings are a bit thin right from the texture of the brick on a shady now, but a lot of new content is walkway to nuances in the white clouds expected later this year and in 2018. in a daytime sky. (See “What You Can Watch on Your You’ll also see brighter, more realistic New TV,” on page 46.)
PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRIAN FINKE CR.ORG 45 Are All HDR TVs Created Equal? smoke, as if you were really there. How Can I Tell a Great HDR TV No. Our tests show that not every TV “The benefits of HDR are often lost From a Bad One? with HDR written on the box produces with mediocre displays,” Ciacci says. Not by just looking at the box—or even equally rich, lifelike images. There’s one more difference between how the picture looks in the store. First of all, TVs range all over the map HDR sets that you may hear about. While some TVs carry an “Ultra HD when it comes to picture quality, HDR While all these TVs support a standard Premium” logo, indicating they’ve been or no HDR. But there are also challenges called HDR10, sets from some com- certified as high-performance sets by an specific to this technology. panies also work with a kind of HDR industry group called the UHD Alliance, Most notably, a TV might not be bright called Dolby Vision. not all companies are going along. For enough to deliver on HDR. To under- That format lets the TV fine-tune example, LG and Samsung participate in stand why, you need to know your “nits,” the brightness of each scene, rather the program; Sony and Vizio don’t. the unit used to measure brightness. than establish one brightness level for What to do instead? Check our TV Better-performing HDR TVs typically the whole movie. To make things more ratings, on page 49. generate at least 600 nits of peak bright- confusing, another version, called As you’ll see, the TVs with the best ness, with top performers hitting 1,000 HDR10+, is coming soon that will make HDR tend to be the priciest. But there nits or more. But many HDR TVs pro- HDR10 more like Dolby Vision. are good choices for people who want to duce only 100 to 300 nits. It’s not yet clear whether one of these spend less. And if you’re buying a smaller With an underpowered TV, the fire will prove to be best for most consum- set, or just want to wait on 4K and HDR, of a rocket launch becomes a single ers. But in the lab we’ve seen that top- there are several good—and inexpensive— massive white flare. With a brighter performing TVs can do a great job with options. (See “Budget-Friendly Models television, you’d see tongues of fire and either HDR10 or Dolby Vision. That Dazzle,” on page 47.)
What You Can Watch on Your New TV You’ve got a set that rocks 4K with HDR. But which movies and TV series really take advantage of the technology?
THERE ARE NOW lots of also supports Dolby best choice. Plenty of such as “The Defenders” 4K TVs with HDR chops Vision, with content that HDR content is on the and “Jessica Jones,” along available—but not as includes season two of way. And you can get a with lots of other shows, much to watch on those “Bosch” and movies from good player for $200. including the macabre TVs. While 4K content Sony Pictures that can comedy “Santa Clarita has expanded quickly, be bought from Amazon YouTube Diet.” But to see this fewer shows and movies Video. The company You can find a decent programming, you will Vudu also use HDR. Here’s a doesn’t charge extra for amount of 4K content need to spring for ”Guardians of The Galaxy 2” quick guide to what is 4K/HDR content. with HDR here, mostly the company’s pricier available, or will be soon. user-generated videos $12-per-month Netflix Vudu FandangoNow and movie trailers. 4-Screen plan. This pay-per-view This service (formerly Search “HDR Launch.” service was among the M-Go) has a growing Cable and Satellite first to support Dolby collection of movies Generally, cable services Vision. Recent titles in HDR10, including don’t yet offer 4K with include “Guardians “Wonder Woman” and HDR, but the DirecTV of the Galaxy 2” and “The Fate of the Furious.” and Dish satellite services “Ghost in the Shell.” Amazon Prime You need to buy most both have some 4K HDR10 titles are ”The Grand Tour” titles—typically for content. planned. You’ll typically $20 to $30—but some Netflix pay about $30 to Amazon Prime can be rented. ”Jessica Jones” Apple purchase a movie with Many of Amazon’s Expect to see a new Dolby Vision, and as original shows are 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Netflix Apple TV with 4K HDR much as $10 to rent one. now shot with HDR10, If you want premium Many new Netflix original soon, plus HDR content including “The Grand picture and sound series and movies available through iTunes. Tour” with Jeremy quality, 4K Blu-ray is your are shot in HDR. That
Clarkson. Amazon includes Marvel titles DISNEY CO./EVERETT COLLECTION WALT RIGHT: PHOTO,
46 CR.ORG Get Smart About Budget-Friendly Models Smart TV That Dazzle If you don’t like how your TV streams The best HDR TVs can cost $2,000 or more. Here are 3 options that cost less but still online shows, there’s an easy fix. have good HDR—plus 3 sets for anyone looking for a really low price.
MOST TVs, ESPECIALLY bigger sets, are now 4K TVs With Good HDR—$1,100 or Less “smart,” letting you stream movies and TV shows without adding hardware. Not all SAMSUNG LG LG are equally easy to use, but you don’t UN49MU800D 55UJ6540 60UJ7700 need to focus too much on a TV’s built-in $880 $600 $1,100 system. Why? Because if you don’t like OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL it, you can add an Apple TV, Chromecast, 077 SCORE 074 SCORE 073 SCORE Roku, or similar player later. They cost Don’t need a jumbo- This 55-inch TV from LG, It’s not easy finding a as little as $35 and can be simpler and more sized TV? This 49-inch sold only at Walmart and really big 4K TV with versatile—in a word, smarter—than the set from Samsung, Sam’s Club, offers very satisfying HDR for close TV’s own system. Still, it is worth knowing the found mainly in Costco good HD picture quality to $1,000, but that’s basics before you go shopping for a TV. warehouse clubs, has and UHD performance. It what you get with this LG’s WebOS 3.5 has an easy-to-use excellent HD and UHD has a fairly wide viewing 60-inch set. It has very layout, with a row of app cards across performance, plus very angle. And the excellent good HD picture quality the bottom of the home screen. You can good sound. We’ve sound means you don’t and UHD performance, a customize the screen to highlight favorites. recently seen this model need to buy a separate fairly wide viewing angle, And its remote control lets you point- for less than $800. sound bar. and very good sound. and-click, scroll, or use voice commands. Samsung’s Tizen system is similar, with customizable apps at the bottom of Regular HDTVs With Great Performance—$600 or Less* the screen. Like LG’s WebOS, it offers voice control via a microphone in the remote. SAMSUNG SAMSUNG LG Sony and Vizio sets use versions of UN50J6200 UN43J5200 55LJ5500 Google’s Android TV. We find Sony’s plat- $600 $380 $500
form, which requires a Google account, OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL too complicated. But we like the voice 068 SCORE 067 SCORE 066 SCORE control and search functions. Vizio’s version, This 50-inch Samsung If you don’t want or need Offering a nice balance of SmartCast, initially required you to use set proves you can get a huge TV, this 43-inch price, performance, and your own mobile device to stream, but the excellent high-definition smart TV from Samsung screen size, this 55-inch newest version moves some functionality picture quality without delivers the goods, with 1080p smart TV from LG to the TV and a remote. paying a fortune. It’s a excellent high-definition serves up very good high- Roku TV is built into sets from Hisense, smart model that offers picture quality, plus very definition picture quality Hitachi, and TCL. We like the interface, access to several online good sound. And we’ve and a wider-than-average choice of content, and search capability, but streaming services. recently seen this model viewing angle. few of the sets have done well in our testing. for only $400 or so. Amazon Fire TV comes in some Element TVs, which have not done well in CR testing.
HDTVs These are the pixels as HDTVs—about 8 blacks and whitest HDR10+, are on the way. Terms You regular high-definition TVs million rather than an HD whites they can show, WCG Wide color gamut Need many people own. They set’s 2 million. The terms compared with other is a capability often typically have a screen 4K and ultra-high defini- TVs. Note that there are included with HDR. It lets to Know resolution of 1920 x 1080. tion, or UHD, are usually now two versions of HDR: TVs display more grada- (The numbers tell you how used interchangeably. HDR10, which works on tions of color than other many pixels the screen HDR This acronym stands all HDR TVs; and Dolby TVs—a lot more. has, horizontally and for high dynamic range. Vision, which is avail- Nits This is a measure of vertically.) HDTVs are also Most new, large-screen able on some TVs and brightness. Top HDR TVs called 1080p TVs. TVs have HDR. It means fine-tunes the brightness can get very bright, gen- 4K and UHD TVs These sets there’s a greater range scene by scene. And erally hitting 600 to 1,000 have four times as many between the blackest other versions, such as nits or even more.
*HDTVs are not included in the ratings on pages 49-51. For full TV ratings, NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 47 subscribers to our website can go to CR.org/tvs. In Living Color A CR tester uses a pattern that challenges BEHIND THE a TV’s ability to SCENES AT produce a range CR’S LABS of colors.
IN A SEMI-LIT room with many tests our TV experts whether a TV can preserve at CR, “but you also want CR Experts multiple TVs lined up rolled out to assess the the nuanced shadow to watch real movies and Put the New along the walls, a small performance of the newest gradations across the videos to get a practical group of black-lab- trend in TVs: HDR, or high full range of a display’s sense of how well a TV will TV Tech coated technicians take dynamic range. brightness and color do for normal viewing.” turns peering into what Another tool the techs capability. That means our testers to the Test looks like an old video use, the circular color But TV testing also relies spend hours in the camera—but is actually pattern shown above, helps on our experts’ experienced darkened lab, watching a $35,000 state-of-the-art them judge how well eyes when they view real- clips from 4K Blu-ray meter that measures each TV can reproduce world videos. “Test patterns movies shot in HDR— a TV’s brightness and colors as the display’s are certainly important and for example, “X-Men: color accuracy. brightness increases. revealing,” says Claudio Apocalypse”—just like That is just one of the Still more tests reveal Ciacci, head of TV testing you would at home. Ratings Bright Futures TVs are organized by HDR performance within screen size categories.
How to Shop With Confidence Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Tips for getting a great TV at a super price
When to Shop when these specs You’re in luck—it’s just a few are provided by the weeks until that bacchanal manufacturer, they’re of bargains, Black Friday, largely meaningless. Recommended Screen size (in.) quality picture HD UHD performance Viewing angle Sound quality one of the best times of the Viewing angle. How well 60-INCH AND LARGER TVs year to buy a TV. a TV maintains its picture We took a deep dive into quality when viewed from VERY EFFECTIVE HDR TV pricing using data from an angle is important. But the marketing firm Gap almost all TVs claim they 0! LG OLED65W7P 89 $8,000 65 05 05 05 05 Intelligence, and found that have wide viewing angles. 0! LG OLED65C7P 88 $4,000 65 05 05 05 05 many sets sell for as little They don’t. Our ratings rely as 50 percent of their on our expert testers, who 0! LG OLED65B7P 88 $3,950 65 05 05 05 04 original price during Black carefully view each TV from Friday sales. multiple angles. 0! LG OLED65G7P 87 $6,500 65 05 05 05 04 Not ready to buy right Refresh rate. How 0! LG OLED65E7P 86 $5,000 65 05 05 05 04 now? You’ll also find deals frequently a screen redraws Sony XBR- on 2017 sets just before the picture can affect 82 $3,000 65 0! 65X930E 05 05 03 04 the Super Bowl in early how well it handles motion. Samsung 79 $6,000 65 February, and then again But TV makers often 0! QN65Q9F 05 05 03 04 in late February through provide misleading March, when retailers will numbers. Again, our ratings EFFECTIVE HDR be clearing TV inventory to are based on expert Sony Bravia 0! 88 $5,500 65 05 05 05 04 make way for 2018 models. judgment of how well a XBR-65A1E set shows blur-free images 0! LG 65SJ9500 81 $4,000 65 05 04 04 05 during motion. Where to Go Samsung 80 $3,900 65 You’ve got lots of good Contrast ratio. Like HDR, 0! QN65Q7C 05 05 03 05 choices—including this ratio has to do with Samsung 0! 80 $4,800 65 05 05 03 05 websites. the difference between QN65Q8C Samsung In our most recent survey the bright and dark parts 80 $4,000 75 0! UN75MU800D 05 05 03 05 on electronics shopping by of a display. But it’s a Samsung 79 $3,600 65 Consumer Reports readers, meaningless spec, because 0! QN65Q7F 05 05 03 05 people using online there’s no standard 0$ LG 65SJ8000 79 $1,900 65 retailers reported being way to measure it. 05 05 04 04 Samsung more satisfied than walk-in 0$ 79 $2,380 65 05 05 03 05 customers with their How to Save UN65MU850D Samsung 79 $2,200 65 overall experience. Buy cheap cables. 0$ UN65MU8500 05 05 03 05 However, most respondents Expensive ones don’t work Samsung 78 $2,800 65 have good experiences in better. On sites such 0! UN65LS003 05 05 03 05 walk-in stores, too. as Amazon and Monoprice, Samsung 0$ 78 $2,180 65 05 05 03 04 In our survey, among the 6-foot HDMI cables UN65MU800D Samsung retailers that sell TVs, both go for around $10. 77 $2,200 65 0$ UN65MU8000 05 05 03 04 B&H Photo and Abt earned Skip the extended high marks from online and warranty. Our recent 0! LG 65SJ8500 77 $2,800 65 04 04 04 05 walk-in customers alike. reliability survey shows Sony 0$ 76 $2,000 65 05 05 03 03 that major-brand TVs XBR-65X900E How to Own the Aisles tend to be reliable. But 0! LG 75SJ8570 76 $3,300 75 04 04 04 04 Ignore what a TV’s picture do pay with a credit Samsung 74 $2,600 65 looks like when it’s on card or choose a retailer 0! UN65MU9000 05 05 03 03 display in the store— such as Costco that 0$ LG 60UJ7700 73 $1,400 60 special retail settings automatically extends a 04 04 04 04 make it impossible to tell manufacturer’s warranty. 0$ LG 65UJ7700 73 $1,500 65 04 04 04 04 how the image will appear Ask for a 30-day price- Samsung 72 $1,700 65 when you set it up at match guarantee. Then 0$ UN65MU700D 05 05 03 03 home. Instead, rely on watch for cheaper Sony XBR- 71 $1,800 65 CR’s ratings. prices and, if you see one, 0$ 65X850E 05 04 03 03 You should also ignore contact the seller to Samsung 0$ 71 $1,500 65 05 05 03 03 the following tech terms— refund the difference. UN65MU7000
CR.ORG 49 Ratings Bright Futures TVs are organized by HDR performance within screen size categories.
Overall Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Recommended Screen size (in.) quality picture HD UHD performance Viewing angle Sound quality Recommended Screen size (in.) quality picture HD UHD performance Viewing angle Sound quality
60-INCH AND LARGER TVs Continued 55- TO 59-INCH TVs Continued
EFFECTIVE HDR EFFECTIVE HDR Samsung Samsung 71 $1,700 65 78 $1,480 55 0$ UN65MU7500 05 05 03 03 0! UN55MU800D 05 05 03 04 Samsung Vizio P65-E1 67 $1,700 65 77 $1,500 55 0$ 05 04 03 03 0! UN55MU8500 05 05 03 05 LG 65UJ6300 64 $1,400 65 04 04 04 03 0! LG 55SJ8500 77 $2,000 55 04 04 04 05 Samsung 77 $1,500 55 LIMITED HDR EFFECTIVENESS 0! UN55MU8000 05 05 03 04 Samsung 74 $1,400 65 0! Sony XBR-55X900E 76 $1,500 55 05 05 03 03 0$ UN65MU6300 05 04 03 04 Samsung 72 $1,500 65 0$ LG 55UJ7700 76 $1,000 55 05 04 04 04 0$ UN65MU650D 05 04 03 04 0! Sony XBR-75X850E 71 $3,000 75 04 04 04 03 0$ LG 55UJ6540 74 $600 55 04 04 04 05 Samsung 71 $1,500 65 Hisense 55H9D 62 $900 55 04 04 02 03 0$ UN65MU6500 05 04 03 03 Hisense 65H6D 63 $830 65 04 04 03 02 Hisense 55DU6070 62 $400 55 04 04 02 03
HDR NOT EFFECTIVE TCL 55P605 58 $600 55 04 04 03 03
Vizio E80-E3 62 $3,400 80 05 04 03 03 LIMITED HDR EFFECTIVENESS Samsung 74 $800 55 Vizio E75-E3 62 $2,000 65 05 04 03 03 0$ UN55MU6300 05 04 03 04 Samsung 73 $1,000 55 Vizio E65-E1 59 $850 65 05 04 03 02 0$ UN55MU6500 05 04 03 04 Samsung 73 $800 55 Vizio E65-E0 59 $780 65 05 03 03 03 0$ UN55MU630D 05 04 03 04 Samsung 73 $900 55 Philips 65PFL5602 56 $850 65 04 04 03 03 0$ UN55MU7000 05 04 03 04 Samsung 73 $1,100 55 HDR NOT SUPPORTED 0$ UN55MU700D 05 04 03 04 Samsung 73 $1,100 55 0$ Vizio D65-E0 65 $890 65 05 03 03 03 0$ UN55MU7500 05 04 03 04 Samsung 70 $1,000 55 55- TO 59-INCH TVs 0$ UN55MU650D 05 04 03 03 Sony 68 $1,200 55 VERY EFFECTIVE HDR 0! XBR-55X800E 04 04 04 03
0! LG OLED55C7P 88 $2,800 55 05 05 05 05 0$ Vizio P55-E1 67 $1,000 55 05 04 04 03
0! LG OLED55B7P 88 $2,750 55 05 05 05 04 LG 55UJ6300 62 $800 55 03 04 04 03
0! Sony XBR-55X930E 81 $2,000 55 05 05 03 04 Vizio M55-E0 62 $700 55 05 04 03 02 Samsung 78 $2,800 55 Hisense 55H6D 59 $470 55 04 04 02 02 0! QN55Q7C 05 05 03 05
EFFECTIVE HDR HDR NOT EFFECTIVE
Sony Bravia 88 $4,000 55 LeEco Super4 X55 59 $800 55 04 04 02 03 0! XBR-55A1E 05 05 05 04 0! LG OLED55E7P 86 $4,000 55 05 05 05 04 Vizio E55-E2 58 $515 55 05 03 02 03 Samsung 78 $1,800 55 TCL 55S405 53 $450 55 03 04 02 03 0! UN55MU9000 05 05 03 04 Samsung 78 $2,600 55 TCL 55S403 52 $420 55 03 04 02 02 0! QN55Q7F 05 05 03 05 Samsung 78 $3,500 55 0! QN55Q8C 05 05 03 05
50 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 1 2 3 4 5 $ ! POOR EXCELLENT CR BEST BUY RECOMMENDED
Overall Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Recommended Screen size (in.) quality picture HD UHD performance Viewing angle Sound quality Recommended Screen size (in.) quality picture HD UHD performance Viewing angle Sound quality
55- TO 59-INCH TVs Continued 46- TO 52-INCH TVs Continued
HDR NOT SUPPORTED HDR NOT SUPPORTED
Philips 55PFL5602 53 $500 55 04 03 04 02 Vizio E50x-E1 58 $525 50 05 03 02 02 Element 52 $650 55 EL4KAMZ5517 03 04 02 03 Vizio D50-E1 56 $500 50 04 03 02 02 RCA RTU5540 47 $330 55 Element 04 02 02 02 51 $400 50 E4SFC5017 04 03 02 02 46- TO 52-INCH TVs RCA RTU4921 45 $280 49 03 02 03 02 EFFECTIVE HDR 39- TO 43-INCH TVs Samsung 0! 77 $880 49 05 05 03 04 UN49MU800D EFFECTIVE HDR Samsung 0! 75 $1,200 49 05 05 03 04 Sony UN49MU8000 0! 68 $750 43 04 04 04 03 Sony XBR- XBR-43X800E 0! 73 $1,200 49 05 04 03 03 49X900E LIMITED HDR EFFECTIVENESS Samsung 0! 70 $900 49 UN49MU7500 05 04 03 03 Samsung 74 $600 43 0! UN43MU6300 05 04 04 04 LIMITED HDR EFFECTIVENESS Samsung 71 $550 40 0! UN40MU6300 05 04 02 04 0! LG 49UJ7700 73 $800 49 05 04 04 03 Samsung 0! 70 $500 43 Samsung UN43MU630D 04 04 04 04 0! 72 $700 50 05 04 03 04 UN50MU6300 Samsung 0! 70 $700 40 Samsung UN40MU7000 05 04 02 04 72 $730 49 0! UN49MU650D 05 04 03 04 LG 43UJ6300 63 $500 43 Samsung 04 04 04 03 69 $800 49 0! UN49MU7000 05 04 03 03 Hisense 43H6D 61 $350 43 04 04 02 03 0! LG 49UJ6500 68 $630 49 04 04 04 03 Sony HDR NOT EFFECTIVE 68 $850 49 0! XBR-49X800E 04 04 04 03 0! LG 49UJ6300 65 $600 49 04 04 04 03 TCL 43S405 53 $400 43 03 04 03 02 Insignia 61 $400 50 Philips 43PFL5602 52 $380 43 03 04 04 02 NS-50DR620NA18 04 03 03 02 Hisense 50H6D 60 $400 50 04 04 02 03 HDR NOT SUPPORTED
HDR NOT EFFECTIVE Vizio D43-E2 59 $420 43 04 03 04 02
Online subscribers can go to for complete up-to-date ratings. TCL 49S403 53 $380 49 03 04 02 02 CR.org/TVs TCL 49S405 53 $380 49 03 04 02 02
HOW WE TEST: The Overall Score is player, a cable box, and professional stored on a USB flash drive. also invokes a “smooth motion” effect, based on HD picture quality, UHD broadcast equipment and meters. Viewing angle is an evaluation of the feature is turned off for our test. performance, sound quality, viewing Ultra HD performance ratings picture quality for clarity and color Sound quality is measured from the angle, motion-blur performance, represents a composite of observations accuracy at various horizontal and set’s built-in speakers using audio test ease of use, versatility, and power related to the TV’s ability to reproduce vertical viewing angles. Excellent means equipment with additional subjective consumption. The displayed score is out full UHD image detail when presented unlimited, Very Good means wide, testing by a listening panel. We listen of a total of 100 points. with 4K content. For those with HDR Good equals moderate, Fair means for overall clarity of sound, depth HD picture quality is based on objective capability, it includes the effectiveness narrow, and Poor indicates of bass, effective volume level, and tests and subjective evaluations by of this feature’s performance, how very narrow. audible distortion for dialog, music, and expert testers after a TV is adjusted well a TV can upconvert HD source The motion blur score is an evaluation movie soundtrack content. using standard picture controls to material to the TV’s higher native UHD of how well the TV can present a Energy cost is evaluated after the TV achieve the highest-fidelity image resolution, and whether it’s capable of blur-free image during motion scenes. is optimized for best picture quality, possible. Tested image attributes playing 4K UHD content from its HDMI TVs with a native 120Hz frame rate not using any energy-saving modes or include detail color accuracy, and input, streaming online video, or a file generally perform better than 60Hz technology included in the set. contrast using signals from a Blu-ray sets. But if the blur-reduction feature
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 51 Percentage of vehicles rated Very Good in snow driving
With Without 92% winter winter 90% Road tires tires 81% 82% 68% 70% 61% Report 46% SUVs/ SUVs/ Ratings from our test track plus expert car advice Cars Wagons Cars Wagons (Non-AWD/4WD) (AWD/4WD)
Winter Driving: Your Survival Guide
We rate the best and worst tires for all vehicles and steer you to the best retailers. Plus, heed our expert driving tips for icy roads, and check out cold-weather upgrades worth springing for. by Mike Monticello
Slippery Slopes The right car choice and tire type can make the difference between a sketchy drive and a secure one.
52 Source: CR 2016 Annual Auto Survey. IT HAS BEEN 40 YEARS since Goodyear introduced the very first all-season Expert Tips for the Safest Trips tire with its Tiempo line. Before the Patience, preparation, and anticipation will help launch of all-seasons, mainstream tires keep you safe in snow and ice. were designed for most wet and dry conditions, but if you wanted to travel DRIVING IN WINTER will Smooth out your “Four-wheel-drive on snow and icy roads, you’d need test even the most driving style. On slippery and AWD systems something more aggressive: either snow attentive, skillful driver. roads, tires lose their provide extra tires or chains wrapped around your Heavy snowfall can grip more easily. traction only when daily tires to provide winter traction. reduce visibility, and “The key is to drive as accelerating. These days most vehicles are slippery road conditions smoothly as possible, They provide no can send your car avoiding sudden actions advantage when outfitted with all-season tires from the sliding off in unexpected or rapid movements of braking.” factory. All-season tires feature extra directions with no notice. any kind,” says Gene slits (called sipes) and a tread designed CR’s engineers routinely Petersen, program Don’t pass the snow to give them better gripping ability test tires and vehicles manager for tires at plows. “Let the trucks on snow and ice. They can handle in snowy, icy conditions. Consumer Reports. do their job,” says These tips from our “Drive as if you have a John Ibbotson, chief most weather situations, but they track experts can help full cup of coffee on the mechanic at Consumer don’t deliver the best performance you make it to spring dashboard and don’t Reports. “The road is when conditions get really bad. That’s unscathed. want to spill any.” likely more treacherous because no one tire can perform in front of those trucks, perfectly in every situation. Clear the snow and Steer into a slide. and you run the risk of “Even though all-season tires ice off your vehicle’s When your car’s rear sliding as you accelerate hood, roof, and windows begins to slide during to pass them. Don’t offer good traction in most weather before you drive. a turn, gently let up follow too closely—you conditions, they are a compromise,” Be sure to use a brush on the accelerator and might wind up with a says Gene Petersen, CR tire program with soft bristles, so you turn the steering wheel cracked windshield manager. “They neither perform as don’t scratch the car’s in the direction that from flying pebbles.” well in the dry and wet as summer tires paint. “Your visibility the car is sliding. This will improve dramati- will help straighten it Use winter-grade nor give as much traction in snow as cally, and other drivers out. If your car is sliding windshield cleaner. winter/snow tires.” Consumer Reports’ won’t have to dodge straight ahead when It is specially formulated tests show that when roads get nasty, clumps of snow or ice you’re trying to make a to stay fluid, even in winter/snow tires easily outperform that can become air- turn, your initial reaction the coldest weather. most all-season tires. borne as you speed might be to keep turning Slick roads are often down the highway,” the wheel. That could treated with a salty Winter/snow tires tend to have a says Jake Fisher, direc- hurt more than help. solution, salt crystals, deeper tread to grip snow, plus rubber tor of auto testing at Instead, lift gently off and/or sand to provide compounds designed to remain pliable CR. Plus, ignoring your either the accelerator traction. This “wintry in the cold. car’s snow load could or the brake and mix” can really hurt If you regularly drive on snow- cost you. Several states, straighten the wheel— your visibility when it’s covered roads or if you have to be including Connecticut which gives your tires a splashed onto your and New Jersey, can fine chance to regain grip. windshield, especially at work regardless of the weather you if you don’t clear when you’re driving into conditions, we recommend getting the snow off before All-wheel drive isn’t the sun. Keep an extra four winter/snow tires for balanced driving. Don’t forget to all-wheel stop. bottle of wiper fluid traction and handling. On the other check your headlamps “Despite what many in the trunk in case hand, if you rarely get snow—or if it’s and taillights; they could drivers think, vehicles you run out at an be covered in snow, ice, with four- or all-wheel inconvenient moment. gone quickly—stick with all-seasons, or road salt. drive can slide on slick preferably a set that is rated highly for surfaces,” says Shawn snow traction and ice braking. (See our Sinclair, automotive
PHOTO: ALICIA BOCK/STOCKSY ALICIA PHOTO: ratings, on page 56.) engineer at CR.
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 53 Road Report
7 Car Features That Take the Sting Out of Winter Driving
MORE CARS ARE OFFERING winter-friendly features than ever before. Though some of these are rare, others are showing up even in less expensive models. Often, several of these features are bundled in a cold-weather package, so they can Get a Grip The blocky tread be difficult to order à la carte. Some of pattern helps them are just for convenience, but many winter/snow tires will keep you safer, too. bite into snow. Remote start. Like a remote control for your car, these devices let you start your car’s engine from inside your home or office to warm up the the option with cloth upholstery. in your wiper blades and block your cabin in advance. Certain newer Heated steering wheel. An electric washer jets, so some cars have vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz heating element runs along the outside electric heating elements underneath and Volvo models, can remote start of the wheel to warm it, giving drivers the resting position of wiper blades via smartphone. a comfortable, mitten-free grip. Some and in the jets to melt icy obstructions Heated seats. Seating surfaces can wheels—in select BMW, Fiat Chrysler, away. Some luxury vehicles from warm you faster than your car’s heater and Volkswagen models—can be set to carmakers such as Audi, BMW, can warm the cabin air. Certain luxury turn on when the temperature drops Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and cars, such as the BMW 5 and 7 Series below a set point. Volvo also have washer jets for the and Mercedes-Benz S- and E-Class, Heated side mirrors. Heating elements headlights to keep them clear—and have heated armrests and door trims as like the ones used to defrost your back you safer. That will get the grime off well. A few years ago you had to spring window can clear ice and frost from the headlights, but if they’re caked for leather upholstery to get heated mirrors without the need for scraping. in snow or ice, you should clear your seats, but many automakers, such as Windshield wiper de-icers and headlights off before driving. Hyundai, Jeep, and Subaru, now offer washer jets. Ice and slush can cake up Heated windshield. These are still rare (seen on certain Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo models), but they can make clearing ice easier. One downside: The heating elements are made up of wavy Know Your Snow lines across the windshield that can No single tire handles every type of winter weather. Here’s how each type be distracting. Plus, we’ve found that deals with snow, slush, and everything in between. these elements can block the signal of toll transponders such as E-ZPass. Snow-friendly ‘beam’ windshield Deep, packed snow. Slick, icy roads. Stud-able on ice; you can actually wipers. These one-piece wiper blades This is where winter/ and studless winter/snow hear that sound when snow tires shine. They’re tires work well here. Stud- you stop. have spring steel incorporated into engineered to provide able ones have holes in Melted snow and dry the rubber. As a result, they can optimum traction here, the tread to hold metal pavement. In these provide a more uniform pressure with rubber that stays studs; the studs claw conditions winter/snow on windshields and a better soft and pliable in bitter the ice, improving grip. tires generally do not grip wiping performance. But our temperatures (which Studless tires have rubber as well as all-season tires, improves grip). These tires that has been formulated and their tread wears testing has shown that cheap beam also have slits that act to enhance grip on snow faster. You’ll want to swap replacements can hurt performance. as biting edges to help and ice, and therefore them for your regular tires Good ones cost $20 to $60 for a pair at maintain control. don’t need studs. They when spring rolls around. Amazon.com; a pair of conventional work like a squeegee
wipers can cost $15 to $50. GETTY IMAGES PHOTO:
54 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 The Care and Is All-Wheel Drive All You Need—or Not? Feeding of Your Winter Tires
IT’S GENERALLY BETTER to new car and live in an better than others. All Spare wheels. If you live in a snowy have four wheels pulling area where roadways respondents had driven climate, it’s prudent to buy a set your car forward than are regularly covered their vehicles without of steel wheels for your dedicated just two when conditions with ice or snow, consider changing to winter/snow are slippery. Vehicles these top-ranked models tires and had faced winter/snow tires. Although there is with all- and four-wheel- from our 2016 Annual at least six snowy days some initial cost, you can usually drive systems feed power Auto Survey. We asked during the winter get at least two to three seasons of to each tire to provide subscribers to rate their of 2015 to 2016. The use out of your winter tires. Then maximum traction when vehicle’s performance in rankings are based the same wheels can be used again you’re going forward. snowy conditions. The on the percentage of But these systems results, based on 36,000 vehicles that were rated for a new set of tires. Steel wheels aren’t foolproof—they vehicles between model Very Good in snow generally cost $50 to $75 apiece, but if do nothing to improve years 2013 and 2016, performance. Winter tires they aren’t available for your model, braking on slick surfaces. show that some AWD will make these cars and you’ll be forced to buy more expensive If you’re shopping for a and 4WD models are SUVs perform even better. aluminum wheels. Tire-pressure monitors. These have Best SUVs and Wagons in Snow Best Cars in Snow been standard equipment on all Subaru Outback Audi A4 new cars since the 2008 model year. Subaru Forester Subaru Legacy Many systems use a sensor in each Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL Audi A6 wheel to communicate with an onboard Subaru Crosstrek Mercedes-Benz C-Class computer via radio frequency. We Toyota 4Runner Mercedes-Benz E-Class recommend installing these sensors Jeep Grand Cherokee on your replacement wheels if your Buick Enclave Worst Vehicles Overall in Snow* car came with the system. The sensors Volvo XC60 Ford Focus vary in cost, but expect to pay Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon Hyundai Elantra around $30 per wheel. Jeep Wrangler Kia Optima Storage. Store the wheels and Chevrolet Volt tires inside, out of direct sunlight, Ford C-Max to maintain their longevity.
Cell phone. Warning light, Tire jack and Tubes of sand. You Foil-lined safety Don’t Also pack a car hazard triangle, lug wrench, can find these at blanket and extra Leave charger because or flares. tire sealant, hardware stores in layers of clothing. areas with weak Make sure that or portable the winter. Spread The blanket’s foil Home reception can flares are kept compressor. the sand around helps reflect body kill your battery dry and out of the Whether you have your tires for extra heat, keeping Without quickly. reach of children a spare or not grip if you are you warmer. Also These and that they have (many new cars stuck in the snow. pack winter boots First-aid kit. not expired. don’t), know how to and socks. Emergencies on the Many new cars fix or change a flat Jumper cables road can be extra- have one; if your Water and before it happens. or a portable Make sure your dangerous and car doesn’t, foods with a battery booster. kit is safely stressful in frigid make your own long shelf life. Flashlight. Make sure to top secured in your weather. Here’s with bandages, Think granola Check it monthly off and check the vehicle. Store it what to include gauze pads, and protein bars, to make sure it’s charge on battery in the trunk, or in your wintertime medical tape, and which can last still working, and booster packs pack it safely car safety kit. antiseptic wipes. through the winter pack an extra set every so often. in the very back months. of batteries. of an SUV.
*Year-round cars, excluding sports cars. NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 55 Ratings SUV and Truck Tires
All-season truck tires handle most conditions, including wet and dry pavement and light All-Season snow, reasonably well. All-terrain tires have a more aggressive tread pattern for better off-road grip, but the emphasis is still on on-road use. Crossover SUV tires deliver the ride comfort, quietness, and long tread life of a car all-season tire, but in the sizes to fit the and All-Terrain wheels used on SUVs.
Overall Winter Ownership Brand & Model Score Price Three-Season Driving Driving Comfort Factors Recommended Rank Dry braking braking Wet Handling Hydroplaning tractionSnow braking Ice Ride Noise resistanceRolling Tread life (miles)
ALL-SEASON TRUCK TIRES
0! 1 Continental CrossContact LX20 EcoPlus 74 $153 04 03 03 04 04 03 04 05 04 65,000
0! 2 Michelin Premier LTX 74 $181 04 03 03 04 03 04 03 05 05 40,000
0! 3 Firestone Destination LE 2 72 $148 03 03 03 04 04 04 03 05 04 65,000
0! 4 Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus 72 $177 04 03 03 05 04 02 03 05 04 65,000
0! 5 Michelin Defender LTX M/S 72 $170 03 02 03 05 04 04 03 05 04 85,000
6 Cooper Discoverer SRX 70 $163 03 03 03 05 04 03 04 04 04 55,000
7 General Grabber HTS60 70 $136 04 03 03 04 03 03 04 05 03 65,000
8 Kumho Crugen HT51 68 $107 03 02 03 04 05 04 03 04 05 60,000
9 Hankook Dynapro HT 68 $127 03 02 03 04 03 04 03 05 04 70,000
10 Nexen Roadian HTX RH5 68 $122 04 03 03 04 03 03 03 05 04 70,000
11 Laufenn X Fit HT 68 $120 04 02 03 04 03 04 04 04 04 70,000
12 Bridgestone Dueler LTH 66 $175 03 02 03 04 03 03 03 05 03 75,000
13 Nokian WR G3 SUV 66 $124 03 02 03 05 05 04 02 03 05 55,000
14 Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus 66 $160 03 03 03 04 03 03 03 05 04 65,000
15 GT Radial Savero HT2 66 $105 04 02 03 04 03 03 02 05 05 65,000
16 Uniroyal Laredo Cross Country Tour 64 $115 03 02 03 04 04 04 03 04 03 65,000
17 Maxxis 770 Bravo H/T 64 $143 04 02 03 05 02 03 03 05 04 60,000
18 Falken WildPeak H/T HT01 64 $129 04 02 03 04 02 03 03 05 04 80,000
19 Yokohama Geolandar H/T G056 64 $125 04 02 03 04 02 03 03 05 03 70,000
20 Nitto Dura Grappler Highway Terrain 62 $135 03 02 03 04 03 03 03 04 03 70,000
21 Fuzion SUV 62 $117 04 02 03 04 03 03 03 04 04 70,000
22 Sumitomo Encounter HT 62 $121 03 01 03 04 03 04 03 04 03 75,000
23 Toyo Open Country H/T 56 $147 03 01 03 04 02 03 03 04 03 65,000
56 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 1 2 3 4 5 POOR EXCELLENT
! RECOMMENDED
Overall Winter Ownership Brand & Model Score Price Three-Season Driving Driving Comfort Factors Recommended Rank Dry braking braking Wet Handling Hydroplaning tractionSnow braking Ice Ride Noise resistanceRolling Tread life (miles)
ALL-TERRAIN TRUCK TIRES
0! 1 Continental TerrainContact A/T 72 $159 04 03 04 04 03 03 03 04 02 65,000
0! 2 Michelin LTX A/T 2 72 $199 03 02 03 05 04 04 04 03 05 85,000
0! 3 Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT 68 $157 04 03 04 04 04 04 03 04 03 50,000
0! 4 Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 68 $128 03 02 03 05 04 04 03 04 02 60,000
0! 5 Nexen Roadian AT Pro RA8 68 $124 03 02 03 04 04 04 03 04 03 75,000
0! 6 Falken WildPeak A/T AT3W 68 $126 03 03 03 04 04 04 03 02 03 70,000
7 Nokian Rotiiva AT 66 $133 03 02 03 04 05 03 04 04 04 60,000
8 Laufenn X Fit AT 66 $126 03 02 03 04 04 04 03 04 04 75,000
9 Hankook Dynapro AT-M 66 $139 03 02 03 04 04 04 02 03 04 85,000
10 Pirelli Scorpion ATR 66 $159 03 02 03 04 04 03 04 04 03 60,000
11 Cooper Discoverer A/T3 64 $124 04 02 03 05 03 03 04 03 03 60,000
12 Cooper Discoverer A/TW 64 $136 03 02 03 05 04 03 03 03 03 55,000
13 Firestone Destination A/T 64 $147 03 02 03 04 03 03 03 04 03 55,000
14 Toyo Open Country A/T II 62 $144 04 02 03 04 03 03 03 02 03 75,000
15 GT Radial Adventuro AT3 62 $118 03 02 03 05 02 03 03 04 03 55,000
16 Maxxis 771 Bravo A/T 60 $141 04 02 03 05 01 03 03 03 03 65,000
17 Kumho Road Venture AT51 58 $126 03 02 03 04 04 04 03 03 03 45,000
ALL-SEASON CROSSOVER/SUV TIRES
0! 1 Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max 70 $133 40000 30000 40000 50000 40000 30000 40000 40000 50000 40,000
0! 2 Kumho Crugen Premium 68 $101 40000 30000 30000 40000 40000 30000 30000 40000 40000 60,000
0! 3 Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia 68 $139 40000 30000 30000 30000 40000 30000 40000 40000 50000 65,000
0! 4 Sumitomo HTR Enhance C/X 68 $89 40000 30000 40000 50000 30000 20000 40000 40000 30000 60,000
5 Hankook Dynapro HP2 66 $116 40000 20000 30000 40000 40000 20000 30000 40000 40000 75,000
6 Nitto NT 421Q 66 $124 30000 30000 30000 50000 40000 30000 40000 40000 20000 65,000
7 Toyo Open Country Q/T 66 $127 30000 20000 30000 50000 40000 30000 30000 40000 30000 65,000
8 Yokohama Geolandar G055 64 $119 30000 20000 30000 40000 40000 20000 30000 40000 40000 75,000
9 Toyo Celsius CUV 64 $121 30000 20000 30000 50000 40000 30000 40000 20000 30000 75,000
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 57 Ratings Tires for Hatchbacks, Sedans, Wagons, and Minivans
These are designed to handle most conditions—including wet and dry pavement and light All-Season snow—reasonably well. They’re designed for a comfortable and quiet ride, predictable handling, and long wear. That makes them a sound choice for most drivers, except where winters are severe. Performance and ultra-high-performance versions provide additional grip in high-speed turning maneuvers and are available in the larger sizes often found on sports cars.
Overall Winter Ownership Brand & Model Score Price Three-Season Driving Driving Comfort Factors Recommended Rank Dry braking braking Wet Handling Hydroplaning tractionSnow braking Ice Ride Noise resistanceRolling Tread life (miles)
ALL-SEASON CAR TIRES
0! 1 Michelin Defender 70 $120 04 03 04 04 04 03 03 05 04 90,000
0! 2 Continental TrueContact 68 $106 04 03 04 04 04 02 04 04 05 60,000
0! 3 General Altimax RT43 66 $90 04 03 03 04 05 03 04 04 04 65,000
0! 4 Pirelli P4 Four Seasons Plus 66 $100 04 03 03 04 04 03 04 04 05 100,000
5 Nexen Aria AH7 64 $119 04 03 03 03 04 03 03 05 04 75,000
6 Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season 62 $121 04 03 04 04 03 01 03 04 03 80,000
7 Kumho Solus TA11 62 $108 04 02 03 04 04 03 03 04 05 55,000
8 Cooper CS5 Grand Touring 62 $91 04 03 03 04 04 01 04 04 04 70,000
PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON H-SPEED-RATED CAR TIRES
0! 1 Continental PureContact 70 $112 04 04 04 04 04 02 04 04 04 55,000
00! 2 Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 70 $105 04 03 03 04 04 03 04 04 05 70,000
00! 3 Michelin Premier A/S 70 $135 04 04 03 04 04 03 04 04 04 85,000
4 Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max 68 $97 04 04 04 04 03 03 03 04 05 60,000
5 General Altimax RT43 68 $91 04 03 04 04 03 03 04 04 04 65,000
6 Nokian Entyre 2.0 68 $139 04 04 04 05 03 02 04 04 04 35,000
7 Nexen N5000 Plus 66 $131 04 02 04 04 04 03 04 04 05 75,000
8 Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring 64 $89 04 03 04 04 03 01 04 04 03 60,000
9 Dunlop SP Sport 7000 A/S 64 $105 04 03 03 04 03 03 03 04 03 65,000
10 Kumho Solus TA31 64 $115 04 03 04 04 03 02 03 03 05 55,000
PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON, V-SPEED-RATED CAR TIRES
0! 1 Continental PureContact 70 $111 04 04 04 04 04 02 04 04 04 55,000
00! 2 Michelin Premier A/S 70 $140 04 04 04 04 04 02 04 04 03 80,000
00! 3 Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 70 $109 04 03 03 04 04 02 04 04 05 65,000
58 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 1 2 3 4 5 POOR EXCELLENT
! RECOMMENDED
Overall Winter Ownership Brand & Model Score Price Three-Season Driving Driving Comfort Factors Recommended Rank Dry braking braking Wet Handling Hydroplaning tractionSnow braking Ice Ride Noise resistanceRolling Tread life (miles)
PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON, V-SPEED-RATED CAR TIRES Continued
4 General Altimax RT43 68 $93 04 03 04 04 03 02 04 04 04 55,000
5 Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season 64 $115 04 03 04 04 03 01 03 03 04 70,000
6 Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring 62 $117 04 02 03 04 04 02 04 04 04 75,000
7 Yokohama Avid Ascend 62 $97 04 02 03 04 03 02 04 04 03 85,000
ULTRA-HIGH-PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON CAR TIRES
000! 1 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ 78 $152 50000 40000 50000 40000 30000 30000 30000 40000 20000 55,000
000! 2 Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus 76 $126 40000 40000 50000 50000 30000 30000 30000 50000 20000 50,000
000! 3 Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 76 $141 50000 40000 40000 40000 20000 30000 30000 40000 20000 45,000
000! 4 BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S 74 $116 40000 40000 50000 40000 40000 40000 20000 10000 20000 60,000
5 Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season 72 $144 40000 30000 40000 40000 30000 30000 20000 40000 30000 70,000
6 Yokohama Advan Sport A/S 72 $118 40000 40000 40000 40000 20000 30000 30000 40000 30000 60,000
7 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season 72 $147 50000 40000 40000 40000 20000 30000 20000 20000 20000 50,000
8 Hankook Ventus S1 noble 2 72 $128 50000 30000 40000 50000 20000 30000 20000 40000 40000 45,000
9 Dunlop Signature HP 72 $122 50000 40000 50000 50000 20000 30000 20000 30000 20000 40,000
10 General G-Max AS-03 70 $111 40000 30000 40000 50000 30000 30000 10000 10000 20000 50,000
11 Falken Azenis FK450 A/S 68 $129 50000 40000 40000 50000 30000 20000 20000 40000 30000 40,000
12 Kumho Ecsta 4X II 68 $131 40000 40000 50000 40000 20000 30000 30000 30000 10000 40,000
13 Cooper Zeon RS-3G1 68 $140 40000 40000 40000 40000 20000 20000 20000 40000 20000 35,000
14 Bridgestone Potenza RE970 AS Pole Position 68 $144 40000 40000 40000 40000 10000 20000 20000 40000 10000 45,000
15 Laufenn S Fit AS 68 $84 40000 30000 40000 40000 30000 20000 30000 40000 30000 60,000
16 Nitto Motivo 66 $112 40000 30000 40000 40000 20000 30000 20000 40000 20000 50,000
17 Fuzion UHP Sport A/S 64 $79 40000 20000 40000 40000 30000 30000 20000 40000 20000 55,000
18 Toyo Proxes 4 Plus 62 $127 40000 20000 40000 40000 30000 20000 30000 40000 20000 50,000
HOW WE TEST: Overall Score is based how well a tire did in wet and dry denote how far a vehicle has to travel wear potential from our 16,000- or on more than a dozen tests, with cornering grip, steering feel, an to accelerate from 5 to 20 mph on 20,000-mile mixed-vehicle driving test. braking, handling, and hydroplaning emergency handling maneuver, and flat, moderately packed snow. Ride Recommended notes high-scoring tires resistance more heavily weighted for performance on our wet handling comfort and noise are evaluated and tires that typically reflect well- all but winter/snow tires. Braking tests circuit, depending on the type of tire. subjectively, on rough and smooth rounded performance. Price is what we on ice are from 10 mph; on dry and Hydroplaning denotes a tire’s ability roads. Rolling resistance, as measured paid per tire. For more on tires, go to wet pavement, from 60 mph. Handling to resist skimming along the surface on a dynamometer, is a factor in CR.org/tires. is based on some combination of of standing water. Snow traction tests fuel economy. Tread life indicates
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 59 Ratings Winter/Snow Tires for Cars, SUVs, and Pickups 1 2 3 4 5 POOR EXCELLENT
! RECOMMENDED
Distinguished by a three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall, these are Winter/Snow designed for maximum grip on snowy and icy roads. Their deep tread and many slits act as biting edges, and the softer tread compound stays pliable in cold temperatures. They have potentially shorter tread life and some reduced grip on cleared roads. Performance winter/ snow tires come in larger sizes to fit sports cars.
Overall Brand & Model Score Price Three-Season Driving Winter Driving Comfort Recommended Rank Dry braking braking Wet Handling Hydroplaning tractionSnow braking Ice Ride Noise Rolling resistance
WINTER/SNOW CAR TIRES
0! 1 Michelin X-Ice XI3 70 $117 02 01 02 02 05 05 05 05 05 0! 2 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 70 $135 02 01 02 02 05 05 05 04 05 0! 3 Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 66 $112 02 01 02 02 05 05 05 02 03 4 Cooper Weather-Master WSC 64 $92 02 02 02 04 04 04 04 04 03 5 Toyo Observe G3-ICE 64 $173 02 01 02 03 05 04 05 02 04 0! 6 Continental WinterContact SI 64 $136 02 01 01 02 05 05 05 02 04 7 General Altimax Arctic 64 $90 02 02 02 03 05 04 05 04 03 8 Dunlop Winter Maxx 64 $103 02 01 02 02 05 05 05 03 04 0! 9 Nokian WR G3 64 $116 03 03 03 04 04 03 04 05 03 0! 10 Toyo Celsius 64 $108 03 02 03 04 04 03 03 04 03 11 Vredestein WinTrac Xtreme S 62 $149 03 03 02 04 04 03 04 04 04 12 Hankook Winter i*Pike RS 62 $120 02 01 02 03 04 04 05 04 04
PERFORMANCE WINTER/SNOW CAR TIRES
0! 1 Yokohama W.drive V905 70 $180 03 03 03 04 05 05 03 02 03 0! 2 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 66 $200 03 03 03 04 05 05 03 03 02 3 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 62 $190 03 03 03 04 04 05 03 02 02 4 Hankook Winter i*Cept Evo2 62 $156 03 02 03 04 04 05 03 04 03 5 Falken Espia EZP II 50 $109 02 01 03 03 05 05 02 02 02
WINTER/SNOW TRUCK TIRES
0! 1 Michelin Latitude X-Ice XI2 74 $181 02 02 03 03 05 05 03 05 05 0! 2 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV 68 $166 03 02 03 04 05 04 04 04 04 0! 3 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 68 $141 02 02 02 04 05 05 04 03 03 4 General Grabber Arctic 66 $111 02 02 02 04 05 04 04 04 04 5 Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 66 $161 02 01 01 04 05 05 04 05 03 6 Yokohama IceGuard iG51v 66 $132 02 02 02 05 05 04 04 03 03 7 Nexen WinGuard WinSpike 62 $122 02 02 02 04 05 04 03 04 04 8 Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT SUV 62 $169 03 02 02 04 05 04 03 03 03 9 Toyo Observe GSi-5 60 $122 02 01 01 04 05 04 04 03 04 10 Hankook i*Pike RW11 56 $132 03 02 03 05 04 04 03 03 04 11 Firestone Winterforce UV 56 $110 03 02 01 04 05 03 03 03 03 12 Cooper Discoverer M+S 54 $117 02 02 02 05 05 03 03 03 02
60 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 Ratings The Most (and Least) Satisfying Tire Retailers Choosing a 1 2 3 4 5 tire is just part of the replacement process. Our survey of almost WORSE BETTER 50,000 subscribers shows that where you buy matters.
Reader Median Retailer Score Price Survey Results Price paid Price Selection Sales service Free perks Quality of installation Time for installation Waiting area Checkout ease Returns and exchanges
1 Costco Wholesale 90 $166 05 03 04 04 05 03 03 04 05 2 Tirerack.com 90 $177 04 05 —————05 04 3 Les Schwab Tire Centers 90 $187 03 03 05 05 05 04 05 05 05 4 Discount Tire 90 $173 04 04 05 03 05 04 05 05 04 5 Independent Retailers 90 $167 04 04 05 03 05 04 03 05 04 6 Fountain Tire 89 — 03 03 04 01 04 04 04 04 — 7 Amazon.com 89 $124 05 05 —————05 — 8 Tire Barn 89 $183 03 04 04 05 04 03 03 04 — 9 Tirebuyer.com 88 $147 05 05 —————05 — 10 Belle Tire Distributors 88 $168 03 04 04 04 04 03 04 05 03 11 BJ’s Wholesale Club 88 $154 04 03 03 04 04 03 03 04 03 12 Kal Tire 88 $259 03 04 04 03 04 03 04 04 03 13 Kauffman Tire 87 $166 04 04 04 03 04 03 05 04 — 14 Dunn Tire 87 $155 03 04 04 05 04 03 04 04 — 15 Sullivan Tire 86 $179 03 04 04 01 04 03 04 04 — 16 Sam’s Club 86 $148 04 03 03 03 04 03 02 04 04 17 Just Tires 86 — 03 03 04 03 04 03 03 04 — 18 Car Dealerships 86 $194 03 03 04 02 04 03 05 04 04 19 Big O Tires 86 $168 03 03 04 05 04 03 03 04 03 20 Tire Discounters 85 $183 03 04 04 05 04 03 04 04 — 21 Goodyear Auto Service 85 $166 03 03 04 03 04 03 03 04 03 22 Firestone Complete Auto Care 84 $152 03 03 04 03 04 03 04 04 03 23 Tire Warehouse 84 $161 04 04 04 03 04 03 02 04 — 24 Tires Plus 83 $158 03 03 04 03 04 03 03 04 03 25 Town Fair Tire Centers 82 $171 03 04 03 04 04 02 01 04 03 26 Monro Muffler Brake 82 — 03 — 04 — 04 03 02 04 — 27 American Tire Depot 82 — 03 04 03 03 03 03 03 04 — 28 Mr. Tire 81 $175 03 03 03 04 03 03 02 04 — 29 Walmart 81 $118 04 03 02 01 03 02 01 03 03 30 Merchant’s 81 — 03 03 03 01 03 02 03 03 — 31 Sears 80 $164 03 03 03 01 03 02 02 03 02 32 NTB 80 $162 03 03 03 02 03 02 03 03 03 33 Pep Boys 80 $145 03 03 03 02 03 02 02 03 03 34 Tire Kingdom 79 $172 03 03 03 02 03 02 03 04 — 35 Mavis Discount Tire 78 $159 03 03 03 01 03 02 03 03 03
HOW WE SURVEY: Ratings are based installation experience. For online-only separate walk-in retailers. Differences car type. A dash (—) indicates that a on the feedback of 48,525 Consumer retailers, Reader Score represents an of fewer than 5 points are not sample size was too small to calculate Reports subscribers reporting on average of consumers’ satisfaction meaningful. Median Price reflects the an accurate rating or a rating was not 50,125 tire-buying experiences in with their tire purchase from these amount paid for each tire, including applicable to a particular retailer. For 2016. Reader Score reflects overall retailers and their satisfaction with installation and balancing fees, when more on tires, go to CR.org/tires. satisfaction with the tire purchase and the installation process performed by purchasing four tires, controlling for
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 61 We conduct more than 50 tests on each vehicle at our 327-acre Road Test Auto Test Center. For complete road tests, go to CR.org/cars.
sprint, the XE trails competitors LUXURY COMPACT CARS by about a second. The AWD model we bought registered Jaguar XE 25 mpg overall, a middling number for its class. The eight- OVERALL SCORE 54 speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. But ROAD-TEST SCORE 69 in urban settings, drivers and passengers will be annoyed HIGHS with the stop/start system as it Handling, agility, steering restarts with a shudder. Overall, the ride is steady and LOWS Tight quarters, seat comfort, IT’S NOT EASY to take on the controlled, with some bounce controls, interior is short on Overpromised, small-sports-sedan masters—the and jiggles only evident over the luxury BMW 3 Series and Audi A4—but roughest pavement. Underdelivered the new XE makes an admirable While the interior looks good, POWERTRAIN 247-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder The Jaguar XE is fun to attempt with mixed results. wide panel gaps and flimsy- turbo engine; 8-speed drive but trails its competitors The XE has sporty and athletic feeling materials detract from automatic transmission; when it comes to luxury handling characteristics, but the experience. The controls all-wheel drive and refinement. it misses with an interior that range from odd to frustrating. FUEL feels cheaper than it should. The standard front seats can 25 mpg We expect more from a nearly accommodate most, but they $50,000 car. lack adjustable lumbar support. PRICE AS TESTED On the road, the XE is a And the cabin is super snug. The $47,378 delight to drive as it carves rear seat is cramped even by winding roads with ease. Press the modest standards of the class. down on the gas pedal and CR wishes that a host of the four-cylinder turbo engine optional advanced safety and responds quickly, although at driver assistance features were 7.7 seconds in the 0-to-60 mph standard across all trims.
note some people may find LUXURY COMPACT CARS too loud. Despite its sporty track performance, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Giulia still returned 27 mpg overall, making it among the OVERALL SCORE 52 most frugal in its segment. The Giulia’s firm ride soaks ROAD-TEST SCORE 70 up the impact from most bumps and ruts, but the road and wind HIGHS noise are intrusive for this class. Agile handling, fuel economy This Alfa has more than its MANY HAVE WELCOMED the share of infuriating design LOWS Controls, tight rear Frugal and Fun, new Giulia and its fresh styling quirks. For instance, the engine seat, limited driver’s-seat But Flawed with a hearty “Ciao!” And on start button is awkwardly adjustments the road and test track, CR located on the steering wheel, Defined by style and heritage, testers found the car nimble the shifter annoyingly requires POWERTRAIN 280-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four- the new Alfa Romeo Giulia and kicky to drive. drivers to press a button to cylinder engine; 8-speed is rewarding to drive but Still, we think this Italian go from Reverse to Drive, and automatic transmission; hamstrung by ergonomic flaws luxury compact sedan falls the infotainment system is all-wheel drive and reliability concerns. short on interior quality and cumbersome to use. FUEL ergonomics and is full of little The driver’s seat has a short 27 mpg everyday annoyances. bottom cushion that can’t The Giulia has the handling be tilted up to improve thigh PRICE AS TESTED chops to qualify as a driver’s support, compromising the $48,890 car, but the eight-speed driving position. automatic stumbles at low Key safety systems, such as speeds before it gets going. forward-collision warning and Its turbo four-cylinder engine automatic emergency braking, churns out robust acceleration aren’t standard—a notable with a deep roar of an exhaust omission for a new, upscale car.
62 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 1 2 3 4 5 WORSE BETTER
power on demand, but the price LUXURY MIDSIZED SUVs is a trucklike 17 mpg overall. On the road, the Discovery Land Rover Discovery is more hippo in a tutu than dancing queen: It has lots of OVERALL SCORE 51 body roll when it turns. Its overly light steering and hefty ROAD-TEST SCORE 71 5,400 pounds detract from a sense of precision. The optional HIGHS air suspension not only steadies Acceleration, ride, quietness, the Discovery but also absorbs front-seat comfort, fit and finish all but the nastiest potholes. POPULAR WITH ROYALTY, The plush cabin is as quiet LOWS Is Beauty Only sports stars, and jet-setters, as Wimbledon’s Centre Court Agility, fuel economy, few brands can boast Land before a serve, and it features controls, low rear seat, third- row access Skin-Deep? Rover’s brand swagger. Land firm, thronelike seats. But the The Land Rover Discovery Rovers have traditionally low second-row seat lacks thigh POWERTRAIN enjoys unparalleled cachet. been robust off-roaders, but support and forces adults to sit 340-hp, 3.0-liter But the SUV’s lumbering recent models focus less on with their knees high in the air. supercharged V6 engine; handling, thirst for fuel, and dirt trails and more on modern In addition, Land Rover’s 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive uncertain reliability keep it from creature comforts. Though confusing controls result in being a truly class act. the new Discovery has a more simple tasks, such as changing FUEL curvaceous look and rides audio settings, becoming multi- 17 mpg smoothly, it’s still a thirsty, step processes. lumbering SUV. Despite a $56,950 base PRICE AS TESTED $69,260 The Discovery mates price, forward-collision warning a powerful 3.0-liter, and automatic emergency supercharged V6 engine braking aren’t standard on to a smooth eight-speed the HSE-trim Discovery that transmission. Drivers get CR tested.
of 3 mpg relative to the previous LUXURY COMPACT SUVs Q5. Though the new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic has a slight Audi Q5 delay during rolling stops, it delivers brisk, smooth shifts after OVERALL SCORE 78 that. But it’s counterintuitive to push the shifter forward for ROAD-TEST SCORE 83 Reverse, and you must press a separate button for Park. HIGHS The Q5 ranks at the top of the Quietness, seat comfort, fuel class in cabin tranquility, with a economy THE NEW Q5’s subtle redesign premium-looking interior that’s LOWS Understated barely hints at the many clean and uncluttered. The MMI Unintuitive gear selector, Status Symbol improvements made compared infotainment system is filled controls require a learning with the previous generation. with features and proves logical curve More gusto, better efficiency, Even though the ride is firm, once mastered. Android Auto POWERTRAIN and a smoother ride help the Q5’s suspension very and Apple CarPlay are standard. 252-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder make the redesigned Audi Q5 effectively absorbs each bump. There’s more passenger space turbo engine; 7-speed a well-rounded choice. The engine is also quieter, inside the Q5 than its shape dual-clutch automatic and the appealing interior suggests. The driver has plenty transmission; all-wheel drive is brimming with high-tech of space, and the supportive FUEL features. To top it off, the Q5 front seats are firm and well- 24 mpg is quicker even while the fuel padded, with a range of power economy is better. adjustments. The rear seat is PRICE AS TESTED Audi’s new 2.0-liter turbo surprisingly roomy for this class. $51,570 four-cylinder engine is smooth And last, we applaud Audi and energetic, powering for making forward-collision the Q5 to 60 mph in a scant warning and low-speed 6.8 seconds. More impressive, it automatic emergency braking
PHOTOS: JOHN POWERS PHOTOS: managed 24 mpg overall, a gain standard on all 2018 Q5s.
NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 63 Ratings Three Levels of Luxury These cars and SUVs can get you from 1 2 3 4 5 A to B like any other vehicle. But they do it with greater WORSE BETTER levels of comfort and performance, and have more amenities. ! RECOMMENDED
Overall Survey Make & Model Score Price Results Safety Road-Test Results Recommended tested As Predicted reliability Owner satisfaction Front-crash prevention Road-test score Overall mpg Acceleration sec. 0-60 mph, Dry braking 60-0 mph, ft. Avoidance- speed, maneuver mph Routine handling Ride Noise Seat comfort front/rear Controls Luggage, suitcases+duffels/ cargo volume, cu. ft.
LUXURY COMPACT CARS
!0 Audi A4 Premium Plus 81 $48,890 04 04 Std. / x00 88 27 6.3 135 53.5 05 04 05 50 / 03 03 2+2 !0 BMW 330i xDrive 76 $51,745 03 03 Opt. 86 26 6.9 129 55.0 05 04 04 50 / 03 03 2+2 !0 Volvo S60 T5 73 $39,925 03 03 Std. / c00 80 25 7.9 128 54.0 04 03 04 50 / 03 04 3+0 Infiniti Q50 3.0t 71 $48,775 Opt. 85 22 5.7 126 56.0 / 2+1 Premium (AWD) 02 01 04 04 04 40 03 03 Mercedes-Benz C300 67 $47,560 Std. / 85 26 6.8 136 55.5 / 2+1 (4MATIC) 02 03 x00 04 05 04 50 03 02 Lexus IS300 (AWD) 66 $48,149 05 02 Std. / 500 56 20 6.5 139 53.0 04 03 04 40 / 02 03 2+1 Cadillac ATS Luxury 60 $43,295 Opt. 79 23 6.5 125 57.5 / 2+1 (2.0T) 01 02 05 04 04 50 02 01 Acura TLX SH-AWD 59 $42,345 01 03 Std. / 500 75 25 6.5 129 55.0 04 04 04 40 / 03 02 2+2 Jaguar XE Premium 25t 54 $47,378 Opt. 69 25 7.7 133 53.0 / 1+2 (AWD) 02 04 05 04 04 30 02 03 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti 52 $48,890 Opt. 70 27 6.7 136 53.0 / 1+2 (AWD) 01 04 05 04 04 40 03 02
LUXURY COMPACT SUVs
Mercedes-Benz GLC 79 $49,105 Std. / 81 22 6.8 132 50.0 / 28.0 !0 300 05 04 x00 04 04 04 50 04 02 !0 Audi Q5 Premium Plus 78 $51,570 04 04 Std. / x00 83 24 6.8 130 52.5 04 04 04 40 / 04 03 27.0 !0 Lexus NX 200t 76 $43,284 05 03 Opt. 74 24 7.5 132 49.5 04 03 04 40 / 04 03 28.5 !0 Porsche Macan S 74 $63,290 03 05 Opt. 85 19 6.4 130 51.0 05 03 05 50 / 04 03 29.0 !0 Acura RDX 72 $38,990 04 03 Opt. 75 22 6.6 132 51.0 03 03 04 50 / 04 03 31.5 Cadillac XT5 Luxury 67 $51,025 03 05 Opt. 76 20 7.1 132 53.5 04 03 05 40 / 04 02 33.0 Buick Envision Premium 66 $45,380 03 04 Opt. 67 21 7.9 128 55.0 03 03 03 30 / 04 05 32.5 Jaguar F-Pace Prestige 56 $53,895 02 04 Opt. 72 20 6.0 129 50.5 04 03 03 50 / 04 03 28.5 Lincoln MKC Reserve 54 $46,485 01 03 Opt. 72 19 7.8 125 54.0 03 03 04 40 / 03 03 30.5 Land Rover Discovery 43 $49,895 Opt. 58 21 8.6 136 50.5 / 33.0 Sport HSE 01 03 03 02 03 40 05 03
LUXURY MIDSIZED 3-ROW SUVs
!0 Audi Q7 Premium Plus 90 $68,695 05 05 Std. / x00 96 20 6.7 127 50.0 04 04 05 50 / 05 03 35.5 !0 GMC Acadia Denali 76 $51,585 03 04 Opt. 83 19 6.8 130 53.5 04 04 04 40 / 05 05 40.5 !0 Lexus GX 460 75 $58,428 05 04 Opt. 70 17 7.5 136 48.0 03 03 04 50 / 04 04 36.5 !0 Acura MDX Tech 73 $51,410 03 03 Std. / 500 79 21 6.8 135 52.0 03 04 04 40 / 04 02 34.0 !0 BMW X5 xDrive35i 72 $70,050 03 04 Opt. 84 21 7.4 137 52.0 04 04 05 50 / 04 02 34.5 Infiniti QX60 (3.5L) 65 $51,920 02 02 Opt. 79 19 8.3 137 47.0 03 04 05 50 / 03 05 39.0 Volvo XC90 T6 65 $56,805 Std. / 84 20 7.7 126 52.5 / 35.0 Momentum 01 04 500 03 03 04 50 05 02 Land Rover Discovery 51 $69,260 Opt. 71 17 7.3 138 47.5 / 42.5 HSE 01 04 03 04 05 40 03 03
HOW WE TEST: Recommended models the availability of front-crash prevention system is offered; Opt. means it’s these features are standard. We now did well in our Overall Score, which features, such as forward-collision available on some versions but not deduct points from the Overall Score factors in Road-Test Results, predicted warning and automatic emergency necessarily on the one we tested; and if a vehicle’s shifter is confusing, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety, braking at city or highway speeds. models with standard systems are rated lacks fail-safes, or is difficult to operate. which includes crash-test results and For these systems, NA means no such from 3 to 5 based on how many of For full ratings, go to CR.org/cars.
ALERT This vehicle can be outfitted with a semi-autonomous driving package. Consumer Reports believes automakers should take stronger steps CR.ORG 64 to ensure that vehicles with those systems are designed, deployed, and marketed safely. Please heed all warnings and keep your hands on the wheel. Customer Care You can call us about your Buy Right Every Time subscription at 800-333-0663. Or write to us: Consumer Reports Customer Care P.O. Box 2109, Harlan, IA 51593-0298 Please include or copy address label from issue. (Allow four to six weeks for processing.) Visit us online: CR.org/magazine Use our website to: Renew or pay for your current subscription Give a gift subscription • Change your address Report a delivery problem • Cancel your subscription
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NOVEMBER 2017 CR.ORG 65 Index
a Bluetooth phone calls ...... Oct 17, 58 Driving health in-dash navigation ...... Oct 17, 56 seniors ...... Jul 17, 18 high-deductible ...... Jan 17, 16 Accommodations services ...... Jun 17, 22 voice commands ...... Oct 17, 59 Drones ...... Jan 17, 44 homeowner ...... Aug 17, 36 Air filters, home Insurance Drugs Investment changing & cleaning ...... Nov 17, 12 price disparities ...... Jul 17, 52 off-label ...... Feb 17, 12 for kids...... Dec 16, 31 Air purifiers ...... Nov 17, 8 savings ...... Mar 17, 42 prescription overabundance ...... Sep 17, 24 Kitchen equipment costs ...... Nov 17, 10 Owner satisfaction ...... Feb 17, 46 sleeping pills ...... Feb 17, 16 appliance suites ...... Oct 17, 20 Air-ambulance companies ...... May 17, 52 Profiles, 2017 ...... Apr 17, 52 storage & disposal ...... Jun 17, 30 best bundles ...... Oct 17, 22 Assisted living...... Oct 17, 28 Ratings, 2017 ...... Apr 17, 40 Dryers ...... Aug 17, 12 as gifts ...... Dec 16, 18 contract details ...... Oct 17, 34 Reliability ...... Dec 16, 66; Apr 17, 86 compact ...... Jan 17, 12 for healthy cooking ...... Nov 17, 34 finances ...... Oct 17, 36 Safety systems ...... Aug 17, 52 Samsung vs. LG ...... Oct 17, 14 multi-cookers ...... Nov 17, 38 insurance ...... Oct 17, 40 Self-driving cars ...... Apr 17, 10 Small SUVs ...... Apr 17, 7 AUTOMOBILE RATINGS Tires ...... Apr 17, 17; Nov 17, 52 l–p Alfa Romeo Giulia ...... Nov 17, 62 e–g ultra-high-performance ...... Jan 17, 52 Laundry detergent Audi Q5 ...... Nov 17, 63 Top Picks for 2017 ...... Apr 17, 22 Earphones ...... Jun 17, 18 safety alert ...... Oct 17, 18 BMW 330i ...... Feb 17, 54 Used cars ...... Apr 17, 49 Electronics Laundry machines BMW 530i xDrive ...... Jul 17, 63 reliability ...... Sep 17, 52 as gifts ...... Dec 16, 26 compact ...... Jan 17, 12 Buick Envision ...... Jan 17, 59 Winter driving ...... Nov 17, 52 for social media users ...... Dec 16, 38 pairs ...... Aug 17, 12 Buick LaCrosse...... May 17, 59 retailer ratings ...... Dec 16, 33 Samsung vs. LG ...... Oct 17, 14 Buick Regal ...... Feb 17, 46 Entertainment Lawn mowers Cadillac CT6 ...... Dec 16, 75 b–d as gifts ...... Dec 16, 57 electric ...... May 17, 9 Cadillac XT5 ...... Dec 16, 74 Eyeglasses, prescription ...... Feb 17, 7 Luggage ...... Dec 16, 12 Chevrolet Bolt ...... Sep 17, 62 Back pain ...... Jun 17, 33 Fitness trackers ...... Aug 17, 8 Mattresses ...... Feb 17, 16 Chevrolet Corvette ...... Feb 17, 46 Behavior taxes...... Oct 17, 48 Flooring ...... Aug 17, 44 Microsoft hardware Chevrolet Equinox ...... Aug 17, 58 Blenders Food poor predicted reliability ...... Nov 17, 16 Chrysler Pacifica ...... Feb 17, 46 Vitamix vs. Kalorik ...... Nov 17, 39 antibiotics in ...... Nov 17, 30 Multi-cookers...... Nov 17, 38 Hybrid ...... Oct 17, 63 Cable TV/internet services ...... Aug 17, 24 as gifts ...... Dec 16, 34 Off-label drugs ...... Feb 17, 12 Fiat 124 Spider ...... Jun 17, 58 Chicken at the mall ...... Mar 17, 36 Outdoor equipment Ford Escape ...... Jun 17, 59 nutritional value ...... Oct 17, 44 for parties ...... Jan 17, 9 as gifts ...... Dec 16, 46 Ford Expedition ...... Feb 17, 46 Coffee shopping ...... Jul 17, 30 Pain relief Ford F-150...... Feb 17, 46 beans and equipment...... Oct 17, 8 weird products ...... Jul 17, 14 back pain ...... Jun 17, 33 Genesis G90 ...... May 17, 58 as gifts ...... Dec 16, 58 Gift cards ...... Dec 16, 25 Paint GMC Acadia ...... Mar 17, 63 packaging claims ...... Oct 17, 10 Gift registries ...... Dec 16, 41 interior ...... May 17, 38 Honda CR-V (LX/EX) ...... Jun 17, 59 Consumer action Gifts Pasta Honda Odyssey ...... Oct 17, 63 airline reform ...... Aug 17, 5 for coffee connoisseurs ...... Dec 16, 58 alternative ingredients ...... May 17, 14 Honda Ridgeline ...... Feb 17, 46; Mar 17, 62 antibiotic scorecard, fast food ...... Dec 16, 8 for family chefs ...... Dec 16, 18 Pillows ...... Feb 17, 16 Hyundai Genesis ...... Feb 17, 46 antibiotic-free chicken for food lovers ...... Dec 16, 34 Popcorn ...... Jun 17, 15 Hyundai Ioniq ...... Sep 17, 63 at Kentucky Fried Chicken ...... Jun 17, 8 for gadget geeks ...... Dec 16, 26 Printers ...... Mar 17, 9 Infiniti Q50 ...... Feb 17, 54 bank fraud victims’ rights ...... Mar 17, 8 high-end ...... Dec 16, 62 Infiniti QX30 ...... Mar 17, 63 banking complaints ...... Dec 16, 8 for home entertainment Jaguar F-Pace ...... Dec 16, 74 clean power...... Jan 17, 8 enthusiasts ...... Dec 16, 52 r–s Jaguar XE ...... Nov 17, 62 consumer empowerment Q&A ...... Sep 17, 5 for outdoor enthusiasts ...... Dec 16, 46 Remodeling ...... Jul 17, 44 Jaguar XF ...... Dec 16, 75 Consumer Financial for social media users ...... Dec 16, 38 Retirement ...... Jan 17, 22 Jeep Compass ...... Aug 17, 58 Protection Bureau ...... Aug 17, 5 for travelers ...... Dec 16, 42 Shopping Kia Cadenza ...... Jul 17, 62 CR digital privacy standard ...... Jun 17, 8 Grain bowls ...... Oct 17, 42 best fall deals ...... Sep 17, 40 Kia Niro ...... Sep 17, 63 electric vehicle sales ...... May 17, 8 Grills...... Jun 17, 46 Sleep aids ...... Feb 17, 16 Kia Optima ...... Feb 17, 46 energy costs ...... Jun 17, 8 Smartphones ...... Mar 17, 48 Kia Sorento ...... Feb 17, 46 fraud restitution ...... Apr 17, 6 Snow blowers ...... Dec 16, 9 Land Rover Discovery ...... Nov 17, 63 free speech in customer reviews ...... Mar 17, 8 h–k Soda alternatives ...... Oct 17, 52 Lincoln Continental ...... May 17, 58 fuel economy ...... Apr 17, 6 Solar roof tiles ...... Sep 17, 18 Mazda CX-5 ...... Aug 17, 59 furniture tipping hazards ...... Jul 17, 5 Headphones ...... Jun 17, 18 Stores Mercedes-Benz E300 ...... Feb 17, 55 hair dye safety ...... Jun 17, 8 Health insurance return policies ...... Dec 16, 30 Mini Cooper Countryman ...... Aug 17, 59 hearing aids ...... Jul 17, 5; Nov 17, 5 high-deductible ...... Jan 17, 16 Sunscreens ...... Jul 17, 8 Nissan Armada ...... May 17, 59 hospital infections ...... May 17, 8 Healthy eating ...... Nov 17, 18 Porsche 718 Boxster ...... Jun 17, 58 hot car child protection ...... Nov 17, 5 antibiotics in food ...... Nov 17, 30 Porsche Macan ...... Feb 17, 46 medical bills fat ...... Nov 17, 27 t Subaru Impreza ...... Jul 17, 62 surprise bills ...... Dec 16, 8 gluten ...... Nov 17, 32 Talking about money ...... May 17, 44 Tesla Model X ...... Jan 17, 59 merger opposition packaging claims ...... Nov 17, 23 Television sets ...... Feb 17, 30 Toyota Highlander ...... Jul 17, 63 health insurers ...... May 17, 8 promoting in children ...... Nov 17, 22 4K ...... Nov 17, 44 Toyota Mirai ...... Oct 17, 62 media companies ...... Mar 17, 8 salt ...... Nov 17, 24 how to shop for ...... Nov 17, 49 Toyota Prius ...... Feb 17, 46 net neutrality ...... Aug 17, 5 sugar...... Nov 17, 20 satisfying lower-priced models ...... Nov 17, 47 Prius Prime ...... Sep 17, 62 prepaid cards ...... Jan 17, 8 Hearing aids ...... Mar 17, 15 Travel Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ...... Feb 17, 46 privacy protection ...... Jan 17, 8 Heart health ...... May 17, 24 gifts suitable for ...... Dec 16, 42 Volkswagen Alltrack ...... Mar 17, 62 recall reform ...... Nov 17, 5 Heart-surgery devices Volkswagen Atlas ...... Oct 17, 62 recalled-car rental reform ...... Apr 17, 6 infections from ...... Jan 17, 41 Volvo S90...... Feb 17, 55 robocalls ...... Oct 17, 5 Home entertainment equipment v–y self-driving cars ...... Feb 17, 6; Oct 17, 5 as gifts ...... Dec 16, 52 Vacuums ...... Jun 17, 9 AUTOMOBILES & AUTO EQUIPMENT solar power ...... Feb 17, 6 Home office equipment ...... Sep 17, 8 for allergy sufferers ...... Nov 17, 13 Best & worst lists ...... Apr 17, 30 student debt ...... Oct 17, 5 Home remodeling ...... Jul 17, 44 Video Brand Report Card ...... Apr 17, 36 borrower defense ...... Feb 17, 6 Homeowner insurance ...... Aug 17, 36 4K content availability ...... Nov 17, 46 Child car seats ...... Jan 17, 56 vehicle-to-vehicle communication ...... Jul 17, 5 Homeowner tips ...... Mar 17, 22 how to shoot ...... May 17, 18 Coming in 2017 ...... Apr 17, 38 Consumer Reports Hospital infections ...... Jan 17, 32 Washing machines ...... Aug 17, 12 Dash cams ...... Mar 17, 58 tough safety scoring...... Apr 17, 6 Insect repellent ...... Sep 17, 16 compact ...... Jan 17, 12 Gear shifters Conversations about money ...... May 17, 44 Insurance Samsung vs. LG ...... Oct 17, 14 flawed designs ...... Apr 17, 20 Credit cards car Winter driving ...... Nov 17, 52 In-car entertainment systems ...... Oct 17, 54 cash-back ...... Sep 17, 46 price disparities ...... Jul 17, 52 Yogurts audio streaming ...... Oct 17, 57 Dating services, online ...... Feb 17, 38 savings ...... Mar 17, 42 whole-milk ...... Aug 17, 18
66 CR.ORG NOVEMBER 2017 Selling It
Mashed Potatoes & Minced Words All the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner—with a few misgivings, too
The End Is Near Who knew that infinity ends at five glasses? Submitted by Robert Osicka of Cleveland, Ohio
Overstaying Their Welcome Everyone loves leftovers, but not 899 years’ worth. Submitted by Frances Huwe of Glencoe, Minn.
Bottoms Up A Zero-Sum Game Perhaps a perfect You have to admire their honesty, Thanksgiving but announcing zero savings dinner for those might be spreading it on too thick. on a liquid diet? Submitted by Eugene Uphoff Submitted by of Portland, Ore. Katelyn Chanko of Lancaster, Pa.
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