RATINGS

Gas & Electric Ranges Family Sedans SUVs Coffee Makers & Coffee Nut Butters

SMARTER CHOICES FOR A BETTER WORLD How to Protect Your Privacy Smart and easy ways to keep your data safe

PLUS

Top-Rated The End of Cash? Chain Restaurants The good, Including notable the bad, and newcomers the risks NOVEMBER 2016 CR.ORG Contents NOVEMBER 2016, VOL. 81 NO. 11

66 Ways to Protect Your Privacy Right Now

There’s plenty you can do to prevent hackers and crafty companies from capturing your data. We bring you easy, effective solutions, as well as reporter Julia Angwin ’s essay on how she got started on her own data-protection journey.

P. 24

38 Where America Eats 48 Cashing Out 54 What’s Cooking in Ranges Our biggest-ever subscriber survey Digital payment technologies are Thanks to a wave of new styles about restaurant chains dishes up which making life tough for legal tender. and features, you have a wealth of hot ones hit the spot—and highlights some Our examination of our increasingly new options when it comes to your tasty new trends. RATINGS cashless society investigates the kitchen’s key appliance. RATINGS conveniences as well as the risks. ILLUSTRATION: MICHAEL BRANDON MYERS MYERS BRANDON MICHAEL ILLUSTRATION:

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY ROB DOBI NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 3 Contents

IN EVERY ISSUE INSIGHTS

5 From the President: 20 Your Health The Evolution of Is Priceless Consumer Reports But health insurance is To serve you better, we expensive. During open- introduce a clearer, crisper enrollment season, we offer Consumer Reports while up a streamlined guide to also preserving our bedrock picking a plan that saves principles. money and still gets you the protection you want. 6 Your Feedback 23 Ask Our Experts Readers’ comments about our recent content. How to stop a smoke detector’s false alarm, the 10 Building a Better best money-back credit cards World, Together for groceries, and the right way to load flatware in your Calling out self-driving car dishwasher. claims, combating consumer- unfriendly mergers, and PRODUCT UPDATES protecting your right to publicly critique goods and services. 11 Escape Your 16 Start Spreading Daily Grind the News … 19 Recalls Elevate your morning ... about nut butters. We wake-up cup to a dream pass on the peanuts and go 70 Index caffeine fix with our top nuts testing the best almond A year’s worth of products. recommendations for coffees, and cashew choices. coffee makers, and best RATINGS 71 Selling It brewing practices. RATINGS Goofs and gaffes.

OUR NEW LOOK ROAD REPORT 2 We’ve Always 60 Best Family Cars 66 Road Tests Been Changing Car choices get personal We rate the new and Key covers over the last when it comes to fitting improved Audi A4, the 80 years show how our different family needs. Our remastered Chrysler Pacifica, name and logo underwent recommendations take the stylish Mazda CX-9, and various makeovers. those into account. the problematic Nissan Titan. RATINGS RATINGS 8 Welcome to What’s New Use this handy guide to get the most out of our new, more intuitive ratings format, created with your input. Tell us what you think by filling out our special survey.

4 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 From the President

President and CEO Marta L. Tellado Senior Vice President, Brand & Strategy Leonora Wiener The Evolution Editor in Chief Diane Salvatore Executive Editor Kevin Doyle of Consumer Senior Editor Jessica Branch Design Director Matthew Lenning Reports Associate Design Director Mike Smith Manager, Art Operations Sheri Geller Art Directors Tammy Morton Fernandez, Janice Hogan, “EvEryonE thinks of Ewelina Mrowiec, Lisa Slater, Tracy Stora, Joseph Ulatowski changing the world,” the Photo Editors Emilie Harjes, Karen Shinbaum celebrated author Leo Tolstoy Vice President, Publishing & Marketing Operations Brent Diamond once wrote, “but no one Vice President, Integrated Content Creation Liam McCormack thinks of changing himself.” Vice President, Digital Jason Fox Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer Kim Miller At Consumer Reports, we Vice President, Consumer Policy & Mobilization Lau ra MacCleery strive every day to change Executive Director, Content Gwendolyn Bounds the world by working with Senior Director, Product Testing Mark Connelly consumers to build a fairer, Director, Content Development Glenn Derene safer, healthier marketplace. Though our Associate Director, Content Development Scott Billings And today, in the service Director, Special Projects Sandy Keenan Director, Content Impact & Corporate Outreach Jen Shecter of that enduring mission, colors may be we are changing ourselves. Cars Editors: Jeffrey Bartlett, Jonathan Linkov, Mike Monticello, Michelle Naranjo new, the Auto Test Center: Jake Fisher, Jennifer Stockburger, Directors Let’s start with what’s new. Product Testers: Mike Bloch, John Ibbotson, Chris Jones, Anita Lam, You may have already Emily A. Thomas, Tom Mutchler, Gene Petersen, Ryan Pszczolkowski, principles they Mike Quincy, Gabe Shenhar, Shawn Sinclair, Joe Veselak, Seung Min “Mel” Yu noticed our cover and the Electronics Jerry Beilinson, Content Lead fresh look and feel of Consumer reflect are Editors: Patrick Austin, Tercius Bufete, Michael Gikas, Christopher Raymond, Reports, including our new Terry Sullivan, James Willcox timeless and Product Testers: Maria Rerecich, Testing Lead; Kerry Allen, Elias Arias, color scheme and new “CR” Claudio Ciacci, Charles Davidman, Richard Fisco, Dean Gallea, logo built to represent us unshakable. Joseph Lazzaro, Richard Sulin, Maurice Wynn to the world consistently— Health & Food Ellen Kunes, Content Lead Editors: Orly Avitzur, M.D.; Trisha Calvo; Julia Calderone; Lauren Cooper; to subscribers, on every Chris Hendel; Jeneen Interlandi; Joel Keehn; Marvin M. Lipman, M.D.; newsstand, and on all sorts of Diane Umansky screens. Inside, we’ll introduce Product Testers: Maxine Siegel, Testing Lead; Amy Keating, Ellen Klosz you to our new, simpler-to­ Health Ratings Doris Peter, Director navigate ratings design. nuance that sets us apart. The Best Buy Drugs Lisa Gill, Deputy Editors: Teresa Carr, Ginger Skinner, Steve Mitchell Created with your input changes you’ll see beginning Consumer Safety and Sustainability Doris Sullivan, Henry Akinleye and feedback, these new with this issue add up to a Home & Appliance Eric Hagerman, Content Lead ratings are easy to interpret, clearer, crisper, more intuitive Editors: Dan DiClerico, Mary Farrell, Kimberly Janeway, are digital-friendly, and don’t Consumer Reports, one that Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman Product Testers: John Galeotafiore, James Nanni, Testing Leads; Peter require any special knowledge delivers the same quality Anzalone, John Banta, Susan Booth, Tara Casaregola, Lawrence Ciufo, (or especially strong reading you’ve always relied on in ways Enrique de Paz, Bernard Deitrick, Cindy Fisher, Emilio Gonzalez, Ginny Lui, Joan Muratore, Joseph Pacella, Christopher Regan, Peter Sawchuk, Pat Slaven, glasses) to decode, whether that reflect your life today. Frank Spinelli, David Trezza, Michael Visconti you’re a longtime reader Though our colors may be Money Margot Gilman, Content Lead or brand new to Consumer new, the principles they reflect Editors: Jeff rey Blyskal, Anthony Giorgianni, Nikhil Hutheesing, Tod Marks, Donna Rosato, Tobie Stanger, Mandy Walker Reports. As one of the many are timeless and unshakable. subscribers who got a sneak We will never compromise our Content Systems & Operations Strategy Peter Meirs, Director peek at our new ratings system ironclad independence. We Content Operations David Fox, Director; William Breglio; Wayne Lizardi, Anthony Terzo told us, “It’s easy to read, easy will never sacrifice substance Production Eric W. Norlander; Terri Kazin, Aileen McCluskey to follow … it’s more accurate … for style. We will never deliver Imaging Francisco Collado, Mark Linder it’s easier on the eyes.” These anything short of best-in-class Content Coordination Nancy Crowfoot; Diane Chesler visual changes are part of a testing and reporting. And, Copy Editing Leslie Monthan, Copy Chief; Noreen Browne, Alison France, Wendy Greenfield broader transformation, one as we have for 80 years and Fact Checking David Schipper, Manager; Kathleen Adams, Tracy Anderman, that, beyond the pages of our counting, we will never stop Sarah Goralski, Sharon Riley magazine, will see us take listening to you—and working Administration Decarris Bryant, Elizabeth Scotton strides to better connect you with you—to provide smarter Consumer Engagement Testing Charu Ahuja, Director; with the trusted information choices for a better world. Linda Greene, Adam Kaplan you need. Statistics Michael Saccucci, Director; Keith Newsom-Stewart, Martin Romm, Andrew Cohen As consumers, you face Survey Research Steven Witten, Director; Karen Jaffe, enough complexity in the Simon Slater; Mei Fong, James David Gopoian, Kendra Johnson, marketplace. We owe it to you Debra Kalensky, Martin Lachter, Olufemi Olu-Lafe, Adam Troy to do everything we can to Consumer Insight Ed Farrell, Director; Karen Hoffman; Chris Holmes, make getting reliable ratings, Rachel Lynch, Teneisha Thomas Marta L. Tellado, Newsstand Marketing Patricia McSorley, Associate Director reporting, and analysis as President and CEO Procurement Operations Steven Schiavone, Associate Director simple as possible without Follow me on Twitter

PHOTO: MELANIE DUNEA sacrificing any of the rigor or @MLTellado

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 5 Your Feedback Reader’s comments about our content, in email & social media

symptoms. As a physician assistant in the emergency department for the last 20 years, I can tell you that supplements are as dangerous as any other over-the-counter medicines we think are innocuous. They need just as much regulation as the prescription ones, if not more since the common man has less experience dosing himself. The government is remiss when it ignores the supplement industry and puts the public at risk. A call for more regulation is needed and sadly will only come about after more people die. —Shannon Courtleigh, Doylestown, PA

i Agree thAt you need to be smart when you take supplements. But I fear that government regulation will How Safe Are Supplements? hand the production of virtually all supplements over Our cover report in September 2016 about dietary supplements to the huge drug companies, drew more than 2,000 responses. Readers debated whether which can afford to comply with costly governmental the industry needs more oversight, whether prescription drugs requirements. And I trust many are equally dangerous, and more. Join the conversation at reputable (though unregulated) supplement brands that have ConsumerReports.org/vitamins-supplements/supplements­ been researched by my naturopathic doctor far more can-make-you-sick. than I’d ever trust the big guys like Merck (even if they are As A physiciAn, I appreciate this A tAkeAWAy from the article and to ensure that the Food and supposedly regulated). I don’t type of report. Most of the drugs on supplements is that the Drug Administration and the feel their mission is to promote I prescribe have definite side FDA and the Federal Trade FTC have the resources they need health and well-being. It’s to sell effects, but they are regulated Commission are inadequately to provide effective oversight. drugs. Not all supplements are by the FDA. Supplements are funded to do their job. I hope perfect, but I believe they are not; they should all be taken that Consumer Reports will hAving Worked the retail far safer than pharmaceuticals. with caution. All are made by advocate for Congress to end at CVS, I can tell you that And as a consumer, I don’t want folks looking to make a profit. provide much more funding we were instructed to direct to have my options removed The point of the article is for those agencies to effectively questions about supplements and have the government spot on: Supplements are not monitor and enforce existing and all over-the-counter decide what is okay for me to regulated and often not studied, regulations of dietary medicines to the pharmacy have access to when it comes and there can be all sorts of supplements. That would go a staff. Do you really want to to herbs and food-based chemicals, contaminants, and long way to protect the public. take advice from a sales clerk? supplements. dangerous substances in there —Ravid Raphael, People need to be aware —Molly Maloney, via legally. They are rarely tested Santa Barbara, CA that if we are not behind the ConsumerReports.org in terms of side effects with pharmacy counter, we are prescription drugs, let alone Editor’s notE We agree that not given any information or Mind Control? with each other. this is a significant concern. training on these products. While i AppreciAte your —Paul Reiss, medical director As noted in the article, the — Jill Jerez, Kernersville, NC efforts to educate consumers at ACO of the Green Mountains, number of dietary supplements in your September article via ConsumerReports.org has grown from about 4,000 imAgine telling a parent that “Speakers of the House,” it in 1994 to more than 90,000 their child is in liver failure made me incredibly sad for today. Consumers Union, the and will most likely need an the future of our country. The Go to Consumer policy and mobilization arm of emergency liver transplant American consumer is being Reports.org/ Consumer Reports, is working to because of a toxic ingestion of trained to no longer think, Write lettertoeditorLearn Share to Video WRITE share your comments strengthen laws and regulations black cohosh, a supplement research, study, or enjoy the for publication. relating to supplement safety, used to relieve menopause pursuit of knowledge. We are

Insight Road report Recall Advocacy

6 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 raising children who don’t vegetables spoil or go without. The Life You Save know how to research without We are encouraged to buy May Be Your Own a computer and don’t have to produce for health reasons, but i Read your August 2016 report Watch read because a robot will do it there is a lot of waste, and many “The Three Seconds That Save for them. I feel very sorry for of these items do not come in Lives” and can attest to the fact Our all those “techies” out there alternate sizes for an individual that safety belts, airbags, and Stories tied to their electronic devices. or a small household. Good for crush-zone technology save —Cheryle Beaufait, the growers and sellers but not lives in a crash. On June 29 a Leap Off Jacksonville, FL consumers. truck pulled out in front of me —Ginger Yazak, while I was traveling at 55 mph. the Page While i can appreciate the Lake Havasu City, AZ I had only a brief second to slam many benefits of virtual devices, on the brakes before impact. In this issue you’ll have I have to wonder to what extent youR aRticle does not promote The vehicle’s safety features the chance to see such technology will become personal composting, which performed as designed and some of our articles the virtual homework assistant surprised us. Here in Nova I suffered only a sore neck, in another dimension for our kids. I can only imagine Scotia, every home is supplied bruises, and minor scrapes. with the Blippar app. the temptation to tell Junior to a “green cart” for spoiled or My 2016 Chrysler Town & Blippar brings bonus ask Alexa the answer to that leftover food, which is collected Country minivan saved my life Consumer Reports homework problem rather than on garbage day and composted. because I always buckle up. features to your spend the time to learn how to Personally, we have a backyard —Lynn Loebs, Rochester, MI smartphone or tablet, work it through. Granted, any composter for everything but allowing you to shop technology can be abused, but meat that eventually produces No-Scream Ice Cream for the products we in the absence of good parental nutrient-rich soil for our gardens. Being vegetaRian and often recommend and view guidance, devices like Alexa Congratulations to Seattle and vegan, I have tried many videos and other high­ can only stifle young minds San Francisco for being leaders nondairy frozen desserts like lights that will enhance looking for any quick and easy in this initiative. those in “The Cold, Hard Truth” your experience with way to avoid having to “work” —Helen and Harold Cook, (August 2016). Although their the magazine. at learning. I know I would have South Ohio, Nova Scotia nutritional value may not be if Alexa been at my disposal vastly better, I encourage your way back when! Page 57 of the September 2016 readers to try them for another —Rick Music, Nicholasville, KY issue repeats the standard reason: Switching to nondairy advice that bread (and various in general helps to decrease other foods) should not be cruelty in the dairy industry. refrigerated. In the real world, —Melanie Ross, San Diego this standard advice poses a 1. Download the free severe dilemma for a small Here Comes the Sun Blippar app from the household whose preferred in RegaRd to “Shedding Light Apple Store or Google brand of bread has no calcium on Solar Power” (August 2016): Play. (Need help? Go to propionate preservative: Pig out I installed a 6.2 kW system on ConsumerReports.org/ or throw out. Supermarket bread my roof in the spring. It pretty blippar.) needs toasting anyway to taste much takes me off the grid. Less Waste Not, Want Not good; refrigerated bread just coal to mine and transport, RegaRding youR article takes a little longer to toast. Long fewer carbon emissions, fewer “Spoiler Alert” (September after bread at room temperature greenhouse gases. When the 2016) on food waste: You did has become adorned with green grid goes out, I still have access not mention one large issue fuzz, refrigerated bread is just to power generated right on my that causes a lot of food waste— fine. People who do not yet roof. Win, win, win, win. I’ve packaging sizes. Many items have a toaster can find ratings reduced my monthly utility bill come prepackaged in clamshells of toasters (and many other to about the cost of a nice steak or sealed bags. You either have to things) in a magazine called dinner at Outback. 2. Scan, or “blipp,” buy more than you can possibly Consumer Reports. —Ron Buck, via any page with this icon. use before the fruit and/or —Barry Rosen, Stormville, NY ConsumerReports.org

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NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 7 Welcome HOW TO USE THE RATINGS IN THE MAGAZINE Our new ratings charts appear in the magazine in this issue and on ConsumerReports.org to What’s starting Sept. 20. Below is a sample. New 1 POOR 2 F AIR 3 GOOD 4 VERY GOOD 5 EXCELLENT We hope you’ll love our revamped, easy-to-navigate ratings. Brand & Model Price Score Test Results Specs Use our guide to get the most out

of the changes.

consumer reports has enjoyed a long Recommended Rank Temperature Performance Energy Efficiency Ease of Use Noise Number Doors of Claimed Capacity (Cu. Ft.) Usable Total Capacity (Cu. Ft.) Exterior Height (In.) Exterior Width (In.) Depth Exterior (In.) relationship with the many millions of consumers we serve. It’s common for brands A. THREE-DOOR FRENCH-DOOR like ours to refresh their look and utility to 0! 1 Samsung RF28HDEDPWW $2,330 87 05 05 04 05 03 27.8 20.0 69 36 34 stay current and keep customers engaged. In fact, we’ve done this many times over our 0$ 12 LG LFC24770ST $1,500 81 05 05 04 05 03 23.8 17.4 69 33 33 80-year history. At the core of this history 05 05 02 04 03 22.1 15.5 69 33 32 has been the use of ratings to reflect our test 26 Bosch 800 Series B22FT80SNS $2,100 78 findings for quality and safety. The red and 38 KitchenAid KBFS22ECMS $1,800 76 05 05 03 04 03 22.1 15.5 69 33 32 black circles that current subscribers are familiar with have been in use for 35 years. 62 Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF170ADUSX4 $2,400 69 05 03 03 04 03 17.2 12.6 68 32 28 (The color scheme was chosen because of the 89 Viking DDFF136D[SS] $3,700 57 05 02 03 03 03 19.8 11.7 69 36 28 limitations of two-color printing at the time.) Recently, we tested a new look with B. FOUR-DOOR (OR MORE) FRENCH-DOOR consumers and learned that our charts were 1 Samsung RF28HMELBSR $2,200 31 05 01 04 05 04 28.2 18.5 69 36 34 difficult for many to understand, particularly those new to Consumer Reports. One major confusion was that the color red—our prior “excellent” color—typically signals “stop” or “danger.” And in digital environments that We still rate The consumers increasingly use (on smartphone products and numerical apps, and on social feeds such as Facebook, services the same way values paired with Twitter, and Instagram), information needs we always have, and we the colors allows you to be presented in quick-to-take-in graphics. continually improve our to see differences Happily, our new ratings work seamlessly methodologies to better among models at a across print and digital. serve consumers. glance.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK OUR NEW LOGO

We built our new ratings format with feed­ back from longtime and new subscribers. We very much want to keep hearing from more of you about your reactions. You can do so by filling out a survey we’ve created especially for this purpose at CRresearch.org/feedback.

8 NOVEMBER 2016 HOW TO USE THE RATINGS ON THE WEBSITE

The colors of our ratings are On CR.org, you’ll find the same fresh, information quickly while still allowing now more universally modern look for our ratings whether you’re you to dig deeper for more detail. intuitive—green for using your desktop, your tablet, or your Our video hub is brand new as “go” and red for phone. Thanks to technology upgrades, well, offering new and improved “stop.” the pages will load much faster onto search and browsing tools. You’ll also whatever screen you’re using. The ratings find more 360-degree videos (go to charts will also respond to your prefer­ ConsumerReports.org/360video) ences in real time so that you can reorder so that you can get an in-depth view of, 1 POOR 2 FAIR 3 GOOD 4 VERY GOOD 5 EXCELLENT a chart of products by characteristics that for example, how we test refrigerators; $ CR BEST BUY ! RECOMMENDED matter to you most. and soon you’ll be able to take a We overhauled our buying guides, virtual tour through a home renovation Brand & Model Price Score Test Results Specs too, adding interactive videos to some underway by one of our writers. To and images that help you with the buying check out the changes on our site, go

process. The buying guides deliver key to ConsumerReports.org/changes.

Recommended Rank Temperature Performance Energy iciency Eff Ease of Use Noise Number Doors of Claimed Capacity (Cu. Ft.) Usable Total Capacity (Cu. Ft.) Exterior Height (In.) Exterior Width (In.) Depth Exterior (In.)

A. THREE-DOOR FRENCH-DOOR

0! 1 Samsung RF28HDEDPWW $2,330 87 05 05 04 05 03 27.8 20.0 69 36 34

0$ 12 LG LFC24770ST $1,500 81 05 05 04 05 03 23.8 17.4 69 33 33

26 Bosch 800 Series B22FT80SNS $2,100 78 05 05 02 04 03 22.1 15.5 69 33 32

38 KitchenAid KBFS22ECMS $1,800 76 05 05 03 04 03 22.1 15.5 69 33 32

62 Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF170ADUSX4 $2,400 69 05 03 03 04 03 17.2 12.6 68 32 28

89 Viking DDFF136D[SS] $3,700 57 05 02 03 03 03 19.8 11.7 69 36 28

B. FOUR-DOOR (OR MORE) FRENCH-DOOR

1 Samsung RF28HMELBSR $2,200 31 05 01 04 05 04 28.2 18.5 69 36 34

Inside our colored circles, you’ll find arrows pointing up and down (two up for excellent and two down for poor). This will come in handy for black-and-white presentations and will help anyone who has trouble distinguishing colors.

Our new logo Ratings charts introduces CR as an on CR.org can be acronym, which gives reordered in an instant us—and you—the ability to based on preferences you utilize this fast shorthand. enter into filters (see left), For instance, to get to allowing you to make our site just type in choices tailored to your CR.org. specific needs.

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 9 Building a Better World, Together Join with us to make a safer, healthier marketplace

Protecting Your Legal Right to Complain

If you’ve ever been less than satisfied with a purchase, you may have promptly posted a negative review online. But speaking out like that can sometimes trigger legal action or financial penalties. It stems from a sneaky item buried in the fine print of some contracts for goods and services. Called a “non-disparagement clause,” it’s basically a forced “agreement” that a consumer will never write a bad review about what she’s buying. The safety groups in sending a letter challenging Aetna’s $37 billion buyers are almost never aware Hitting the of complaint to the Federal deal to buy Humana and a of the clauses—but even if they Trade Commission, and publicly $54 billion acquisition of Cigna were, they have no choice but to Brakes on called on Mercedes to take by Anthem; the latter would sign if they want the products. action. The automaker pulled be the largest merger in the In one case, an online Confusing Car the ads the day after. history of the health insurance retailer slapped a couple “We’re relieved that they’re industry. Anthem claims that with a $3,500 bill after they Claims doing the right thing for it expects the merger to save posted a negative review consumers, who deserve clear it $2 billion in operating costs, about their purchase. There Consumer reports scored a communication about what but the company won’t make have been reports of similar victory for safety by successfully new technologies in vehicles any pledges to pass on those attempts to enforce clauses by pushing Mercedes-Benz to stop can and cannot do,” says savings to policyholders. a variety of businesses, ranging an advertising campaign that William Wallace, policy analyst Prior to the DOJ’s suit, from landlords to wedding wrongly billed its 2017 E-Class for Consumers Union, the Consumer Reports and other contractors—even pet sitters. sedan as self-driving. policy and mobilization arm of advocacy groups met with and Consumer Reports believes The automaker’s print ads Consumer Reports. raised concerns to the DOJ. One the clauses are an outrageous touted the car’s advancements important reason: Research attempt to silence the consumer by calling it “a self-driving car,” suggests that previous health voice in the marketplace. and its television ads included insurance mergers haven’t Customer reviews are an a misleading voice-over and worked out well for consumers. important way in which people footage of the driver taking Fighting For example, a July 2015 share knowledge and hold his hands off the wheel, which study in the Journal of Health businesses accountable. That’s could leave the impression that Merger Mania Economics concluded that why we support a bipartisan- the car drives autonomously. insurance premiums tend to backed bill in Congress called Though the new E-Class does in Health be higher in markets with less the Consumer Review Fairness offer “driver assistance” sys­ competition. And a study from Act, which would render such tems, including advanced cruise Insurance 2012 found that premiums went clauses null and void. The control and automated steering, up after Aetna and Prudential Senate voted for it last year; it doesn’t meet the government’s the Department of JustICe merged in 1999. a House committee recently definition of a fully or even a is suing to block two proposed A federal trial to determine approved a similar measure. partially self-driving car. That mergers, each between two of whether the Anthem-Cigna The bill also gives the Federal was painfully obvious during the nation’s five largest health deal can move forward is ex­ Trade Commission and state our test of the sedan, which insurers, saying the deals pected to start as early as mid- attorneys general the authority headed off the road when we violate competition laws and November. The Aetna-Humana to take enforcement action (mis)used the system on a gently would ultimately leave trial is slated to take place some against businesses that attempt curving off-ramp. consumers with fewer policy time in December of 2016. to use those clauses to keep In the space of a single day, options, higher premiums, and Check ConsumerReports.org consumers quiet. We’ll keep Consumer Reports tested the less access to quality care. for our updates on the proceed­ pushing for the legislation to new E-Class, joined other auto The government is ings as they unfold. protect all of our rights.

10 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN RITTER Product Updates The latest ratings from our labs

Escape Your Daily Grind

The coffees, coffee makers, and brewing advice that will perk up your morning cup. by Sara Brown

in a simpler time—not much more All- In-One Convenience than 10 years ago—making coffee was 066 CUISINART BURR GRIND & BREW DGB - 700BC $170 as easy as spooning your favorite OVERALL SCORE Filtered water and freshly brand of vacuum-sealed grounds from ground beans make the tastiest coffee. This machine a can into a drip coffee maker and comes with a water filter, a pushing the start button. built- in burr grinder (the best kind, see why on page 13), But today, a growing number of and a half- pound hopper that Americans want more from their keeps beans fresh. The only downside of this space - morning joe than just a jolt, and they’re saver: It has more parts to clean than basic models.

Continued on next page

PHOTOGRAPH BY THE VOORHES NOVEMBER 2016 11 Product Updates

willing to pay a premium—and even artisanal brands and beans from of Americans now own pod coffee grind their own beans—to get it. far-flung places such as Costa Rica, makers—even though our tests Last year, almost a third of the Honduras, Indonesia, and Vietnam to show that the brew they produce country’s coffee drinkers reported that meet the increased demand. doesn’t stand up to that made by they regularly drink gourmet brews But those who want a satisfying, drip machines. (premium whole bean or ground) daily, hot cup without a lot of fuss remain No matter which coffee camp you up from 24 percent in 2010, according in the majority, which is why ground fall into, here’s all the advice and to the National Coffee Association. coffee still outsells whole beans by ratings on machines and beans that Supermarkets and websites are stocking almost 10 to 1, and more than a third you need to make a better brew.

Dream Machines Drip and pod coffee makers that rose to the top of our ratings

078 078 076 072 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL SCORE SCORE SCORE SCORE

Swift Single-Server Perfect for a Party A Full-Featured Favorite Flavor Saver DELONGHI NESCAFÉ CUISINART COFFEE ON KENMORE ELITE 76772 $100 MR. COFFEE OPTIMAL DOLCE GUSTO GENIO DEMAND DCC-3000 $100 The 12-cup coffee maker is BREW BVMC-PSTX95 $100 EDG455T $130 The 12-cup machine has especially easy to use, and The insulated carafe keeps Brewing speed and size top-notch brewing and a its carafe is comfortable to coffee warm without consistency were excellent, dispenser that allows hold, pour from, and empty. imparting the burnt flavor and the unit was fairly easy guests to serve themselves. It has a small-batch setting that sitting on a hotplate to operate. On the minus Water and coffee reservoirs and lets you control brew can add. This model has a side, it uses only Nescafé are removable for cleaning, strength. It also has a water filter and removable “flavor capsules.” and an indicator tells you permanent filter, a removable reservoir but lost points for when it’s time to clean the reservoir, and an indicator to an especially heavy carafe machine. tell you when the machine that’s difficult to drain. needs cleaning.

Bean Bags Colombian whole-bean coffees that impressed our expert tasters

088 080 067 066 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL SCORE SCORE SCORE SCORE Cool Beans Loose Beans Ground Beans Bargain Beans COUNTER CULTURE LA ALLEGRO COLOMBIA DUNKIN’ DONUTS KIRKLAND SIGNATURE GOLONDRINA COLOMBIA AGUSTINO FOREST COLOMBIAN COLOMBIAN SUPREMO CERTIFIED ORGANIC (WHOLE FOODS) $13 per pound; 25 cents (COSTCO) $23 per pound; 59 cents $10 per pound; 23 cents per 6-ounce cup $5 per pound; 13 cents per per 6-ounce cup per 6-ounce cup Solid cup with some fruity 6-ounce cup Complex and intensely Bright, tangy, and complex, and chocolate notes. The medium dark roast is flavorful, this medium-body with citrus, honey, milk Impressively, it tasted better moderately bitter, with coffee has fruit and citrus chocolate, and vanilla than many of the coffees we notes of chocolate and flavors with traces of berries notes. It’s sold as loose made from whole beans. dried fruit, though it has and chocolate. Pricey but beans, so you can buy as some burnt flavors, too. still less than a cup at the much or as little as you like. coffeehouse. PHOTOS: REBEKAH PETE PEZZELLA; NEMETHY; PHOTOS: WIXTED BRENDAN

Scan any page in this article using the Blippar app to see our coffee 12 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG Buying Guides, watch video, and shop (see page 7 for details). Knowing how to choose the right beans and the The Path to proper way to prepare them can make all the difference between a steamy, dreamy cup of coffee the Perfect Cup and one that’s weak, watery, or bitter.

1. Harvesting 2. Roasting 3. Buying The coffee bean During roasting, any Freshly ground whole beans is actually a remaining moisture in usually make the best- small seed inside the beans evaporates, tasting coffee. Buying loose a fruit, the coffee the sugars caramelize, whole beans, as opposed to cherry. The the beans begin to bagged ones, lets you buy cherry can be brown and swell, and smaller quantities, so you washed off the their aromas and flavor can sample new varieties seed (wet are developed. Terms without having to buy a processing) or such as “medium roast” whole bag. But loose beans left whole to dry and “dark roast” can may not be as fresh as (natural or dry vary by brand. bagged beans, which are processing). often vacuum-sealed.

6. Selecting the Grind 5. Grinding Match the grind size to the type of coffee maker. If the grind is too fine, too much coffee will be Avoid using the extracted, giving you a bitter brew. If the grind is grinding machine at too coarse, your coffee will be watery-tasting. the market: Your Generally, use medium grind for drip coffee coffee can pick up makers, slightly coarser grind for French press, flavors of other beans and fine grind for an espresso machine. that have been ground in it that day. Burr grinders are more expensive than blade grinders but 4. Storing are a good investment because they grind Keep beans in an airtight beans more evenly, container—stainless steel, ceramic, allowing more even or opaque glass—out of direct extraction of flavors sunlight. Heat and light oxidizes from the coffee. For the oils in the beans, diminishing the best taste, brew freshness. Don’t store beans in grounds right the refrigerator or freezer, where after grinding. they can absorb the flavors of other foods. Leaving them in a kitchen cabinet is fine.

7. Water Filtering 8. Water Heating 9. Measuring Most tap water is If the water’s not hot The ratio of coffee to water chlorinated, which kills enough—195° F to 205° F— it is important. Start with bacteria but also affects won’t extract all of the flavors 15 grams—about a heaping the taste of the coffee. from your coffee and can tablespoon—of coffee for Filtering tap water with make a weaker brew. If the every 8 ounces of water, a simple carbon filter water’s too hot, it will extract and experiment. (Measure may reduce chlorine undesirable flavors such as both so that once you’ve taste and improve the bitterness. (We rate coffee found a ratio you like, you’ll flavor of your coffee, no makers by how well they be able to do it again.) An matter how it’s brewed. reach the ideal brewing inexpensive kitchen scale temperature for 5 to helps. Drink coffee right 6 minutes, the industry away or pour it into an standard for optimal insulated carafe. Coffee will brewing.) develop harsh, acid flavors if you leave it on the hotplate.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ED NACIONAL 13 Ratings Brew Mastery: Drip Coffee Makers, Pod Coffee Makers, and Colombian Coffees

Brand & Model Price Score Test Results Specs

Rec. Rank Brew Performance Convenience Carafe Handling Programmable Thermal Carafe/Mug Small-Batch Setting Brew- Strength Control

DRIP COFFEE MAKERS WITH CARAFE

0! 1 Cuisinart Perfec Temp DCC-2800 $100 85 05 04 04 · · · !0 2 Kenmore Elite 12-cup 76772 $100 76 04 05 04 · · · 3 Black+Decker CM4000S (Target) $40 74 04 05 04 · · 4 Frigidaire Professional Programmable Drip FPDC12D7MS $90 73 04 04 05 · · 5 Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew BVMC-PSTX95 $100 72 05 04 03 · · 6 Ninja Coffee Bar CF085 $180 71 05 04 03 · · · · 7 Mr. Coffee Smart Optimal Brew BVMC-PSTX91WE $150 71 05 04 03 · · 8 Cooks Programmable 12-cup (JCPenney) $60 70 04 04 04 · 9 Bella Triple Brew 14405 $90 70 04 04 04 · · · 10 Black+Decker CM2020B $30 69 03 05 05 · · ·

GRIND-AND-BREW COFFEE MAKERS

0! 1 Cuisinart Burr Grind & Brew DGB-700BC $170 66 04 04 05 · · ·

SELF-SERVE DRIP COFFEE MAKERS

0! 1 Cuisinart Coffee on Demand DCC-3000 $100 78 05 04 NA · NA ·

Brand & Model Price Score Test Results Specs

Rec. Rank First-Cup Speed Repeat Speed Temperature Consistency Size Consistency Brewing Range Taste Convenience Maximum Mug Height (In.)

POD COFFEE MAKERS

0! 1 DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Genio EDG455T $130 78 05 05 04 05 04 03 04 6.50 0! 2 DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Circolo Flow Stop $180 73 05 05 04 04 04 03 04 7.25 0! 3 Starbucks Verismo 600 $150 73 05 05 04 05 03 03 04 6.75 0! 4 DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Esperta $150 73 05 04 03 05 04 03 04 8.00 0! 5 Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 49988 $100 71 04 04 05 05 03 03 03 8.00 6 KitchenAid Nespresso by KitchenAid KES0504 $450 70 05 05 04 03 02 03 04 5.75 7 Hamilton Beach Flex Brew Generation 2 49997 $60 69 05 04 05 05 04 02 03 7.50 8 Nespresso VertuoLine $250 68 04 04 03 05 05 03 04 6.75 9 Bosch Tassimo T55 $170 67 04 03 05 05 03 03 04 7.00 10 Keurig 2.0 Brewer K550 $200 67 03 05 04 05 04 03 05 7.50

HOW WE TEST: Drip Coffee Makers filling reservoir, placing filter, gaug- Pod Coffee Makers Overall score is subsequent cups. Brewing Range is With Carafe Overall score is based ing amount of coffee remaining, and mainly speed, temperature and size the ability to produce weak to strong on brew performance, convenience, cleaning up. It also reflects how clear consistency, taste, and convenience. brews using controls and various and carafe handling. The displayed controls are to use. Carafe Handling First-Cup Speed and Repeat Speed amounts of water and beverage pack- score is out of a total of 100 points. covers handle comfort, tendency to are speed of brewing first and sec- ets. Taste is based on coffee experts’ Brew Performance is the ability to drip while pouring, balance of a full ond cups of coffee (about 7 ounces). judgment. Convenience is ease of reach 195° F to 205° F for 5 or 6 min- carafe, and how easy it is to empty the Temperature Consistency and Size controls, reservoir refill, and cleanup. utes. Convenience reflects ease of last liquid. Price is approximate retail. Consistency compare first and Price is approximate retail.

Scan any page in this section using the Blippar app to see our coffee 14 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG Buying Guides, watch video, and shop (see page 7 for details). 1 POOR 2 FAIR 3 GOOD 4 VERY GOOD 5 EXCELLENT $ CR BEST BUY ! RECOMMENDED

Brand & Variety Price Score Specs Flavor Notes

⁄ Rec. Rank Package Per Per Lb. ($) Per 6-Oz. Cup ($) Type Darker Roast

COLOMBIAN Counter Culture La Golondrina Whole Bright cup with intense fruity flavors, including citrus, and trace 0! Colombia Certified Organic 23 0.59 1 $17.25 88 Bean of berries. Floral note with trace of chocolate. Medium body. whole bean (12 oz.) Allegro (Whole Foods) Organic Whole Bright cup with lots of top notes of milk chocolate, fruit, citrus, 00$ Espresso Colombia Tres Cruces 16 0.37 2 $12.00 86 Bean floral, buttery toast, and honey. Balanced. Medium body. whole bean (12 oz.) Allegro (Whole Foods) Colombia Whole Bright cup with citrus, honey, milk chocolate, vanilla, and a 10 0.23 0$ 3 Agustino Forest whole bean, $10.00 80 Bean trace of malt and toast. Complex, but one lot a touch faded. sold as loose beans (16 oz.) Medium body. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Whole Flavors of fruit and citrus with traces of honey, malt, floral, and 25 0.58 0! 4 Colombia Narino Borderlands $19.00 68 Bean toast. Grassy note of underdevelopment is its minor drawback. whole bean (12 oz.) Medium body. Cafe Altura Organic Colombian Whole Very Good with notes of fruit and chocolate. Fairly strong flavor. 0! 5 14 0.35 whole bean (32 oz.) $28.00 68 Bean One lot tastes underripe. Medium body.

Very Good medium to light roasted coffee with fruity top 0$ Gevalia Colombia ground (12 oz.) 9 0.16 Ground 6 $7.00 67 notes. One lot has a trace of woody (old) taste. Medium body.

Dunkin’ Donuts Solid cup with some fruity and chocolate character, but some 0! 7 13 0.25 Ground Colombian ground (11 oz.) $8.70 67 lots woody (old) tasting. Medium body.

Kirkland Signature (Costco) Whole Medium dark roast with chocolate, hint of dried fruit with 5 0.13 0$ 8 Colombian Supremo whole bean $15.60 66 Bean · moderate bitterness and some burnt notes. Trace of woody. (48 oz.) € Medium to full body. Medium dark roast with top notes of chocolate and McCafé Colombian ground 0$ 9 9 0.16 66 Ground fruit with a trace of citrus. Medium to full body with a trace (12 oz.) € $6.75 · of woody. Starbucks Colombia ground Bold, dark roast (burnt note) with dark chocolate, fruit, earthy, and 10 11 0.24 64 Ground (12 oz.) € $8.00 · nutty flavors. Bitter and a trace woody with medium to full body. Dark roast that’s bold, with burnt, smokey character. A trace of Peet’s Coffee Colombia ground 11 12 0.28 62 Ground fruit and dark chocolate flavors but bitter and aggressive. (12 oz.) € $9.00 · Medium to full body. Daily Chef (Sam’s Club) Whole Dark roast. Flavors of dark chocolate, cherry; burnt and some­ 12 Colombian Supremo whole bean 6 0.14 $15.00 57 Bean · what harsh. Bitter with astringency. Medium to full bodied. (40 oz.) € Great Value (Walmart) Decent cup with some positives (fruit, chocolate, trace citrus), 13 6 0.09 Ground 100% Colombian ground (11.3 oz.) $4.00 57 but woody (old tasting) and one lot past crop. Medium body. Jim’s Organic Coffee Colombian Whole Flavors of dark chocolate and cherry; burnt and a bit harsh; 14 Santa Marta Montesierra whole 13 0.33 $10.00 56 Bean · one lot woody. Bitter with astringency. Medium to full body. bean (12 oz.) € Eight O’Clock 100% Colombian Whole Okay cup with a trace of fruit. Papery note detracts. 15 7 0.13 Peaks whole bean (33 oz.) $15.00 55 Bean Medium body.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Whole Medium dark roast with earthy, leather character. A touch 11 0.18 16 Colombia Organic whole bean $21.00 49 Bean · harsh, with one lot we tested tasting woody (old tasting). (32 oz.) € Moderately bitter. Trader Joe’s Colombia Supremo Whole Somewhat simple, lighter-bodied with just a trace of fruit. 17 8 0.14 whole bean (14 oz.) $7.00 47 Bean Tastes woody and papery.

Maxwell House 100% Colombian Tastes earthy, with woody and papery off-notes. Lighter- 18 5 0.05 Ground ground (28 oz.) $9.50 46 bodied and on the weak side. Soft cup (less acidity). Earthy flavor with hint of chocolate Folgers 100% Colombian ground 19 6 0.06 Ground and fruit marred by woody note and a trace fermented. On (24.2 oz.) $9.50 44 the weak side. Chock Full o’Nuts Soft cup. Trace of earthy, chocolate, and fruit, but papery and 100% Colombian ground 8 0.09 Ground 20 $5.25 40 trace of ferment detract. Medium body. (10.3 oz.) Millstone Colombian Supremo Whole Fairly astringent, weak, and thin cup with little complexity. 21 13 0.11 whole bean (40 oz.) $33.00 35 Bean A trace fruity and earthy, with papery off-note. Lighter body.

HOW WE TEST: Colombian Coffees with a burr grinder set to medium, Buys. Those higher in the ratings gen- Two coffee experts tested and rated and each brew was prepared accord- erally had a more complex flavor and 21 whole bean and ground Colombian ing to package directions, if available, fewer defects. Price is per package; coffees, one of the most widely sold or manufacturer’s directions. Eleven prices Per Pound and Per 6-Ounce varietals. Whole beans were ground brands were rated excellent or very Cup are also listed. good, and five of those are CR Best

⁄Darker roast is medium to dark or dark roast. €Per-pound price is rounded to the nearest dollar. NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 15 Product Updates

Start Spreading the News ...

... about almond and cashew butters. Are they healthier than plain peanut butter? We put a dozen to the test. by Rachel Meltzer-Warren

Top It Off Nut butters are tasty on almost any fruit or vegetable.

16 Your choices in nut butters are a lot What’s more, the fat in nuts is mostly more interesting these days; no longer the healthy kind. “The unsaturated fatty are “creamy” and “crunchy” peanut acids in nuts lower inflammation and butter your only options. In the past reduce LDL [bad] cholesterol, which is six months, 28 percent of consumers beneficial in preventing heart disease,” said they had purchased spreads made says Ying Bao, M.D., an assistant from almonds, cashews, or other nuts professor of medicine at Harvard’s or seeds, according to Mintel, a market medical school. They supply antioxidants research firm. that may help reduce cancer risk. And One reason for the interest is they provide nutrients that boost heart that people tend to assume that the health, such as cholesterol-lowering other butters are a better source fiber; potassium, which helps control of filling protein than pedestrian Beyond blood pressure; and arginine, an amino peanut varieties. But they’re not. Two Sandwiches acid that helps your body make nitric tablespoons of peanut butter have oxide, a compound that relaxes blood 7 grams of protein; the same size serving There’s a simple, sublime vessels. “The nutrients work together, pleasure in spreading of cashew or almond butter is 4 grams enhancing the benefits of each.” nut butter on a piece of and 7 grams, respectively. bread—and let us suggest Some research has concluded that Are there other nutritional reasons fig jam on toasted seven­ nuts and nut butters offer similar to step out of your culinary comfort grain—but there are many benefits. But a study from Maastricht zone when it comes to nut butters? other culinary uses: University in the Netherlands that Absolutely. All nuts (and peanuts, looked at peanuts and nuts separately Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons which are legumes) have similar from peanut butter found that nut into a smoothie to add pro­ amounts of calories and fat, but each tein and help thicken it. intake was linked with lower mortality one has a different health benefit. Whisk almond butter with but that eating peanut butter wasn’t. Cashews, for instance, have more warm water and fiery Srira­ The study said that may have been copper—which supports the immune cha sauce for a zesty dip for because of the sodium and artery- veggies. system—than other nuts. One-fourth clogging trans fat content of the Dutch Blend unsalted, unroasted cup of whole cashews provides about cashew butter with lemon peanut butter. 38 percent of the mineral you should juice, fresh garlic, water, salt, A high calorie count—about 160 to get per day. Almonds are rich in and pepper to make a rich 200 calories per ounce—is the one vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that and completely plant-based drawback of nuts. And in butter form, helps protect the body from the type Alfredo sauce. it’s all too easy to spread or spoon on Whisk it into soups and of cell damage that may lead to cancer stews as a thickener. Try a more than you should. But nuts help and heart disease. They’re also a decent traditional African peanut you feel full, and if you stick with the source of bone-strengthening calcium. stew recipe or almond butter recommended 1½ ounces of nuts or Just 2 tablespoons of almond butter in your favorite chicken or 2 to 3 tablespoons of nut butter per day, provide 8 percent of your daily need. pumpkin soup. you’ll get the benefits without going Swirl it into cooked oatmeal overboard on calories. to add creaminess and make A LONG AND NUTTY LIFE your cereal an even more Alternative nut butters can often Research supports making any type stick-to-your-ribs, protein- replace the “P” in a PB&J sandwich of nut a regular part of your diet. In powered breakfast. for people allergic to peanuts. You a study of almost 120,000 men and Make a Chinese takeout should check with your doctor, but favorite, sesame noodles, at women, those who ate about an ounce “not everyone with a peanut allergy home using peanut butter. of nuts every day were 20 percent less Combine it with soy sauce, is allergic to tree nuts, and they often likely to die of any cause during the sesame oil, a sprinkle of can be safely brought into a peanut-free 30-year study period—and 29 percent sugar, a little hot water, and school,” says Todd D. Green, M.D., an and 11 percent less likely to die from a pinch of red-pepper flakes. associate professor of pediatrics at the heart disease and cancer, respectively— Toss with whole-grain spa­ Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of ghetti, chopped vegetables, compared with people who didn’t eat and chopped chicken or tofu, UPMC. Of the one-third of U.S. schools nuts. Other research has linked nut and then garnish with sesame that restrict the type of food that can consumption with a lower risk of type 2 seeds and chopped scallion. be brought in, 97 percent prohibit diabetes and obesity. peanuts, according to the School

PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE VOORHES NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 17 Product Updates

Nutrition Association. But 60 percent The 12 almond and cashew butters we tested are organized allow other nuts. The Best below according to their taste score. Nutritionally, the Read nut-butter labels carefully. If best nut butters are those that contain only nuts. A little bit Butters of salt is okay, too. But when choosing one, keep a product contains peanuts, the Food the other ingredients, including sugars, to a minimum. and Drug Administration requires the manufacturer to note it on the label. You may also see such warnings as Almond Butter “may contain peanuts” or “produced in a facility that processes peanuts.”

WE CRUNCHED THE NUT NUMBERS 0 0 0 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL With the growing number of nut butters SCORE SCORE SCORE available, you have a lot of 365 EVERYDAY VALUE KIRKLAND SIGNATURE TRADER JOE’S RAW tasty options. To see whether there [WHOLE FOODS] [COSTCO] CREAMY ALMOND BUTTER were considerable differences among ALMOND BUTTER ALMOND BUTTER ⁄€ CREAMY ⁄€ CREAMY ⁄ 50 cents per 2 tbsp. 57 cents per 2 tbsp. brands, Consumer Reports evaluated 57 cents per 2 tbsp. Calories 210 | Fat 18 g | Calories 190 | Fat 16 g | a dozen almond and cashew spreads Calories 190 | Fat 17 g | Sat. Fat 1.5 g | Sodium Sat. Fat 1 g | Sodium Sat. Fat 1.5 g | Sodium 0 mg | Fiber 3 g | Sugars 0 mg | Fiber 4 g | Sugars for nutrition, taste, and price. Both 0 mg | Fiber 3 g | Sugars 2 g | Protein 6 g 1 g | Protein 7 g were similar in calories and fat, but 2 g | Protein 7 g Almondy, with a slight Big raw almond flavor. sodium and protein varied. And the Distinct roasted nut roasted note and Very finely ground. Thin flavor; slightly fruity. natural sweetness. consistency; sticky. best ones had the fewest ingredients Very finely ground. Thin and slightly sticky. Needs stirring. and tasted just like the nuts themselves. Thin and slightly sticky. Needs stirring. Needs stirring. Some had a consistency that was somewhat runny and thin, which might make for a messy sandwich. Some nut butters separate; the oil from the nuts rises to the top of 0 0 0 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL the jar, so you have to stir before you SCORE SCORE SCORE spread. To prevent that separation JUSTIN’S CLASSIC ONCE AGAIN MARANATHA ALMOND and give nut butters a creamy texture, ALMOND BUTTER AMERICAN CLASSIC BUTTER CREAMY some manufacturers add hydrogenated 79 cents per 2 tbsp. CREAMY ALMOND 73 cents per 2 tbsp. Calories 190 | Fat 16 g | BUTTER Calories 190 | Fat 16 g | vegetable oil or palm or palm fruit Sat. Fat 2 g | Sodium 87 cents per 2 tbsp. Sat. Fat 2 g | Sodium oil. Those are mostly saturated fats 0 mg | Fiber 3 g | Sugars Calories 190 | Fat 17 g | 60 mg | Fiber 3 g | 2 g | Protein 7 g Sat. Fat 3 g | Sodium Sugars 3 g | Protein 6 g that keep the butter together because 0 mg | Fiber 3 g | Sugars Big roasted nut flavor; Roasted nut flavor with 1 g | Protein 6 g they’re solid at room temperature. hint of sweetness and honeylike note; slightly Five of the almond butters and one of salt. Slightly thick. Moderate roasted nut salty and sweet. Coarser than others, flavor; slight earthy Smooth and thick. No the cashew butters we tested have one with crunchy nut pieces. note. Thick and a bit need to stir. of those oils. The amount was small, Some jars need stirring. coarse. No need to stir. but too much saturated fat can be bad for your heart.

WITH THE SURGE in popularity of Nutella, the On the whole, the honey-flavored spreads Finding That chocolate-hazelnut spread, Biscoff Cookie struck a nice balance of sweet and salty. The Butter, and other sweetened spreads from Bee’s Knees from Peanut Butter & Co. had a Sweet Spot Europe, it’s no wonder many big brands are distinct honey flavor and was among the lowest now getting in on the action. priced of the six products we tested (36 cents “Consumers see these products as a permis­ per 2-tablespoon serving). It did have the most sible indulgence,” says Mimi Bonnett, director sugars, with 2 teaspoons per serving. of food and drink reports at Mintel, a market re­ Three products had 1 teaspoon of sugars search firm. In our review of 12 chocolate- and or less per serving. Justin’s Honey Almond honey-flavored nut spreads, all but four hit that Butter and Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter

sweet-but-not-too-sweet spot. Blend both had good roasted nut flavor with NEMETHYAH REBEK PHOTOS:

⁄Nuts are the only ingredient. €According to the manufacturer, the product doesn’t contain peanuts, 18 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG isn’t made in a facility that processes peanuts, or isn’t made on equipment that processes peanuts. 1 POOR 2 FAIR 3 GOOD 4 VERY GOOD 5 EXCELLENT

RECALLS

CLOG REMOVERS Cashew Butter Clorox is recalling about 5.4 million bottles of Liquid- Plumr because they’re not child-resistant. Kids can 0 0 0 remove the tops, creating a risk of chemical burns and OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL irritation to skin and eyes. SCORE SCORE SCORE The three types of Liquid- BARNEY BUTTER BARE 365 EVERYDAY VALUE JIF CASHEW BUTTER Plumr are Pro-Strength ALMOND SMOOTH € [WHOLE FOODS] CREAMY € Foaming Clog Fighter, 71 cents per 2 tbsp. CASHEW BUTTER 85 cents per 2 tbsp. Industrial Strength Urgent Calories 180 | Fat 16 g | CREAMY Calories 200 | Fat 17 g | Clear, and Pro-Strength Sat. Fat 1 g | Sodium 64 cents per 2 tbsp. Sat. Fat 3.5 g | Sodium 0 mg | Fiber 4 g | Sugars Calories 190 | Fat 17 g | 105 mg | Fiber 0.5 g | Urgent Clear. They were 1 g | Protein 7 g Sat. Fat 3 g | Sodium Sugars 3 g | Protein 4 g sold online and at stores Mild flavor; not very 0 mg | Fiber 1 g | Sugars Smooth and creamy, nationwide from January salty or sweet. Thick 1 g | Protein 4 g with a slightly roasted 2012 through May 2016. and smooth. Needs Roasted nut flavor with nut flavor; slightly salty. What to do Keep the prod­ stirring. little sweetness or No need to stir. ucts away from children. saltiness. Needs Call 855-490-0705 or go to stirring; thickens with liquidplumr.com and click on refrigeration. “Important Safety Recall Notice” for disposal and refund instructions.

ACTIVITY WRISTBANDS 0 0 0 McDonald’s is recalling about OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL 29 million Step-iT children’s SCORE SCORE SCORE activity wristbands because they can cause skin irritation JIF ALMOND BUTTER TRADER JOE’S ONCE AGAIN CREAMY € CREAMY SALTED ORGANIC CREAMY or burns. They were given out 80 cents per 2 tbsp. CASHEW BUTTER € CASHEW BUTTER nationwide Aug. 9-17, 2016 Calories 190 | Fat 16 g | 57 cents per 2 tbsp. 90 cents per 2 tbsp. with Happy Meals and Mighty Sat. Fat 2 g | Sodium Calories 190 | Fat 16 g | Calories 180 | Fat 16 g | Kid’s Meals. 110 mg | Fiber 3 g | Sat. Fat 3 g | Sodium Sat. Fat 3 g | Sodium What to do Take the wrist­ Sugars 3 g | Protein 7 g 100 mg | Fiber 1 g | 0 mg | Fiber 1 g | Sugars bands away from your Sugars 1 g | Protein 4 g 0 g | Protein 5 g Slightly salty and children. Return them to any sweet; moderate Slight to moderate Roasted nut flavor; not McDonald’s restaurant to roasted and mild nut roasted, salted flavor. very salty or sweet. flavor. Smooth; no need Needs stirring; thickens Very finely ground. obtain a free replacement toy to stir. with refrigeration. Slightly thick and and a free food item. sticky. Needs stirring. DRINKING STRAWS About 2.5 million Cold-to-Go reusable stainless steel drink straws sold by Starbucks are being recalled because they can poke children in the a hint of honey. Barney Butter Almond Butter The nutrition clunkers were chocolate mouth and injure them. The straws were sold online Honey + Flax had just a half-teaspoon of sug­ spreads from the big brands: Hershey’s and at Starbucks stores ars, but not much honey flavor. Spreads Chocolate with Almond, Nutella nationwide from June 2012 and If you’re looking for a chocolate-infused Hazelnut Spread, Reese’s Spreads Pea­ through June 2016 in sets of spread with less sugar, we found three that nut Butter Chocolate. They each had about three and paired with cups. stood out for taste. Saratoga Peanut Butter the same amount of sugars (and more calo­ What to do Don’t allow your Company’s Chillin’ Chocolate had 1 tea­ ries and fat) as Duncan Hines chocolate frost­ children to use the straws. spoon per serving. It was peanutty and mildly ing, about 20 grams—that’s 5 teaspoons—in For more information about sweet. Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter a serving of 2 tablespoons. That’s too much, the recall, call Starbucks Blend and Dark Chocolate Dreams from Pea­ our experts say, and those brands aren’t tasty at 800-782-7282 or go to nut Butter & Co. were also good choices. enough to be worth the calories. news.starbucks.com.

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 19 Insights Notable news and smart solutions

Your Health Is Priceless

But health insurance can be expensive. As open enrollment begins, we show you how to avoid costly mistakes and still get the coverage you need. by Donna Rosato

A Maze of Options Some Affordable Care Act exchanges offer about 50 health insurance plans in large markets.

20 ILLUSTRATION BY C.J. BURTON Whether You get your American adults have to choose THE RISING PRICE to localhelp.healthcare.gov. health insurance through your their health insurance plan for OF HEALTH INSURANCE Medicare offers counseling employer, Medicare, or one 2017. Deadlines are Dec. 15 for Average annual premium through its State Health of the Affordable Care Act ACA coverage that begins on contributions paid by Insurance Assistance Programs (ACA) exchanges, there’s a Jan. 1 and Dec. 7 for Medicare. people in employer-provided (shiptacenter.org), and about good chance you’re paying Most employers have their open insurance plans. 50 percent of companies offer more than you need to. enrollment period in November. one-on-one help to employees. According to a study last To help you navigate your way year by the National Bureau of through all the offerings, we The Big Mistake Miscalculating— Economic Research, 63 percent looked at four common mistakes or having no idea—how much you

of the 50,000 employees at a people make when choosing $4,955 spend on healthcare. You can’t Fortune 100 company selected insurance plans and provide choose the most cost-effective a health plan that was not the advice on how to avoid them. So coverage without knowing how most cost-effective option. put down your toilet brush and much you’re likely to spend on Other studies have shown that follow these easy steps. healthcare in the coming year. most people pick a plan that’s Only then will you be able to

more expensive than they need. The Big Mistake Automatically $2,661 make an informed decision Why are so many people re-enrolling in the same plan year between, say, choosing a plan electing insurance plans that after year. Given the distaste for with a high or low deductible.

aren’t the best fit? Because it’s researching health-insurance $4,955 But few people take the time downright confusing, so much so plans, it’s not surprising the to calculate their medical that a 2015 study commissioned Aflac study found that nine out $1,071 spending or even know how to

by the insurance company Aflac of 10 workers stick with the $558 do it. A study by the National found that more people would same benefits year after year. Bureau of Economic Research 2004 2015 2004 2015 rather scrub their toilets than Other research shows that found that only about one-third research insurance plans. only 13 percent of Medicare Family Individual of workers at a large firm could Despite recent announce­ users switch drug plans each Coverage Coverage answer questions correctly ments from major insurers year, despite the fact that they about their own recent including Aetna and could save money by doing so. healthcare spending. UnitedHealthcare that they And just under 60 percent of The Remedy Of course, no won’t be participating in Obamacare enrollees stayed one has a crystal ball to see some ACA exchanges in 2017, in the same plan in 2016, even Premiums for Affordable into the future, but the amount consumers in large markets though a 2015 Department of Care Act health insurance you and other family members can still have as many as Health and Human Services are projected to be higher spent on healthcare this year is next year, but tax subsidies 50 plans to choose from. There analysis found that eight in 10 a good indicator of about how will offset the increase for are hundreds of Medicare could find a plan with a lower most people. much you’ll spend next year, prescription drug plans and premium that offers the same says Kim Buckey, vice president Medicare Advantage plans, and coverage if they switched. AVERAGE MONTHLY PREMIUMS ⁄ of client services at DirectPath, even employers may offer two The Remedy Review all a benefit and compliance or more choices. the offerings each year; plan 2016 $257 management firm. You can Making the right health benefits change frequently. find your claims (including insurance choice has never Participating doctors are 2017 (projected) $281 what you spent out-of-pocket) been more important because added and deleted, and on your insurer’s website. Your consumers are shouldering drug formularies—the lists of pay stub will show how much more of the rising cost of health prescription medications a plan WHERE AMERICANS GET you paid in monthly premiums services. (For example, average covers—are revised. Other THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE € and your pharmacy will have a annual deductibles for people plan benefits, reimbursement record of how much you spent buying individual coverage rates, and premiums (the 2% on medication. through their employer have amount you pay each month After you’ve determined risen 255 percent in the past for coverage) may also change 6% how much you paid last year, 49% decade, according to the Kaiser from year to year. Insurance “think about what could be Family Foundation.) companies provide much of 10% different next year,” Buckey Autumn is the period for this information online and says. Was someone in your open enrollment, when most in the multipage packets your family diagnosed with a health 13% benefits department hands out. condition that requires new But talking with an informed 19% medication? Are you planning source can be more efficient, to start a family and make more Consumer Reports helps you understand informative, and pleasant Employer- Individual visits to the ob/gyn? Are you Write Learn Share Video based purchase/ LEARN what you need to than sifting through all that finally going to get that surgery know when choosing information on your own. Medicaid ACA for your bunions? Talk with health insurance. Medicare Military/ Insight Road report Recall Advocacy People who are covered under Veteran doctors about the cost and then Watch the videos at Uninsured ConsumerHealth the ACA can discuss their see how much will be covered Choices.org/insurance. options with someone by going Source Kaiser Family Foundation. by the plans you’re offered.

⁄Data is for a 40-year-old nonsmoker for the lowest-cost Silver plan; premiums for 2017 are based on 17 marketplaces and are still subject to state and federal approval. CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 21 €Numbers may not equal 100 percent because of rounding. Insights

The Big Mistake Picking the MEDICARE ADVANTAGE deductible last year, you might The Remedy Focus on what’s plan with the lowest premiums. PLAN COSTS VARY do fine sticking with it. But if covered if you want to go out It’s tempting to try to save CONSIDERABLY BY STATE you quickly hit your deductible of network (to a well-known money by choosing a plan with Average monthly premiums (perhaps because of a chronic cancer treatment center, for the lowest monthly premium, for Medicare Advantage plans health condition that requires instance). Some plans provide but that strategy can backfire. have dropped since 2010, but frequent doctor visits), choosing no coverage for out-of-network there are vast differences in “If you shop by premiums alone, a plan with a higher premium nonemergency services, but how much you pay depending you could spend a lot more in on where you live. and a lower deductible could others will provide some level out-of-pocket costs than if you save you money overall. of reimbursement. So even if had gone with a higher premium MINNESOTA $138 your doctor isn’t in the plan, plan,” says Kev Coleman, $138 The Big Mistake Staying you could afford the cost. But if head of research and data at with (or switching to) a plan your plan offers little or no out­ HealthPocket, a technology just because your doctor is in of-network coverage, you’ll be company that compares and its network. Just because he or stuck with most or all of the bill ranks health insurance plans. she is in your plan’s network except in emergency situations. The Remedy In addition NORTH DAKOTA $123 doesn’t mean it offers the —Look for more coverage of to premiums, consider the broad choices of specialists and health insurance strategies in amount of the deductible— hospitals you may want. future issues. how much you have to spend before the insurance company begins covering expenses. Remember: The cost of many preventive measures, such as Making a Smart Tax Plan mammograms, colonoscopies, MASSACHUSETTS $102 The open enrollment period is also when you may be able and cholesterol screening, are to start a flexible-spending account (FSA) or health savings covered 100 percent before account (HSA). Both allow you to set aside tax-free dollars you meet your deductible and MICHIGAN $93 to cover out-of-pocket medical costs in the coming year. require no co-pay. Here’s how the savings plans stack up. Deductibles can range from about $500 to $5,000 or more, HAWAII $86 FLEXIBLE-SPENDING ACCOUNT but among low-premium plans, PENNSYLVANIA $83 Who’s eligible Participants in employer-provided insurance the average today is closer to plans that offer this feature. the high end of that range. What it covers A wide range of medical expenses, Also look at co-pays (the flat including co-payments and deductibles (though not IDAHO $73 charge you pay every time you premiums), prescription drugs, and medical equipment. go to a doctor, hospital, or other Maximum contribution $2,550 per year pretax from your pay. healthcare provider) and co­ Benefits If you contribute the max and are in the 33 percent insurance (the percentage of tax bracket, you avoid about $840 per year in taxes. The Medicare Advantage the bill that you have to pay for average monthly downside is that if you don’t use the money within the treatments). You’re responsible premiums are more plan year (there may be a grace period), you lose it. Go to for co-pays and co-insurance than $70 per year in fsastore.com to purchase FSA-eligible items, including for doctor visits and procedures seven states and less sunscreen, condoms, and reading eyeglasses. even after you’ve met your than $20 in seven states. deductible and until you hit HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT your out-of-pocket maximum, Who’s eligible Participants in a high-deductible health which is yet another number plan, which must have a deductible of at least $1,300 for you need to know. an individual and $2,600 for a family. As its name suggests, the out- AVERAGE $37 What’s covered Medical expenses including deductibles, of-pocket max is the most you co-payments, and bills not covered by insurance, such as have to pay for covered services dental care. Check IRS Publication 502. in one year. After you’ve reached Maximum contribution $3,350 per year pretax for singles it, the insurer pays 100 percent and $6,750 for a family. If you’re over 55, you can put in of the costs. That max counts an extra $1,000 per year. About half of employers make a deductibles, co-payments, and contribution to the account, too. co-insurance but not premiums Benefits Unlike an FSA, an HSA is portable and can be LOUISIANA $17 or out-of-network services your MISSOURI AND TEXAS $16 invested—like a 401(k) for medical expenses. You can ARIZONA $15 plan doesn’t cover. Generally, IOWA $13 retain the account even if you switch jobs or insurance plans with lower premiums have NEVADA $11 plans. Earnings aren’t taxed, and if you use the money higher out-of-pocket maximums for qualified medical expenses, you pay no tax when FLORIDA $7 and vice versa. you spend it. But if you spend the money on nonmedical If you’re in a low-premium/ expenses before age 65, you’ll pay taxes plus a possible high deductible plan and didn’t 20 percent penalty. come close to meeting your Source Kaiser Family Foundation.

22 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 Insights Ask Our Experts

yearly at U.S. supermarkets, the card would return $810 over the first three years. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday came in next, offering $505 back during the first three years. And the Chase Freedom card could net that family $420 during the first three years. To help you navigate this tricky territory on your own, Consumer Reports created the Credit Card Adviser Comparison Tool, which guides you to good options by calculating the costs and benefits of major cash-back cards based on your buying patterns. Go to ConsumerReports.org/ cardcompare to try the tool.

I put cutlery in the dishwasher handles down; my sister does handles says. First, try the reset button up. Who’s right? My neighbors’ smoke alarm on each alarm. If that doesn’t work, flipping the circuit You’re both partly right, went off at 3 a.m. Fortunately, it breaker off and back on might says Larry Ciufo, who leads stop the noise. If all of that dishwasher testing in our Home was a false alarm, but they didn’t fails, your ultimate solution & Appliance testing labs. “Load may be to disconnect the units forks with the tines up, so they know how to turn it off. What and remove their batteries get more exposure to the jets one by one. A small connector of water and detergent—same do I do if mine does the same? at the back of each alarm can for the bowls of spoons,” he be unclipped to let you safely advises. “Knives should go in remove it from the network. with the sharp point down, so In 2014, 33 percent of false sources: replaceable batteries, Then it may be time for new you can avoid cutting yourself alarms that fire departments long-life lithium batteries, alarms. Our top recommended as you remove them.” responded to were caused by and 120-volt hardwiring (with model is the First Alert 3120B, It’s also important to rinse malfunctioning smoke alarms, batteries as backup power an interconnectable hardwired cutlery before loading because according to the National Fire sources). Always assume a model with dual sensors foods like coffee, mustard, Protection Association. Those sounding alarm means there’s and battery backup. CR.org and eggs can corrode the metal. noisy mistakes can be caused a fire and get to safety if need subscribers can find full ratings “And avoid overcrowding,” by dust, humidity, electrical be. But once you’re sure it’s an at ConsumerReports.org/ Ciufo warns. “If your dishwasher malfunctions, and even spiders error, your approach should smokealarmratings. has an open basket, mix spoons, crawling inside, says Bernie vary based on the type of forks, and knives to prevent Deitrick, a senior engineer in power your alarm uses. Your What’s the best them from nesting.” CR.org our testing department. first step is to find the device cash-back credit card subscribers can find detergent To know how to resolve a that’s going off and reset it by for groceries? ratings at ConsumerReports. false alarm quickly, you need pressing and holding the reset org/dishdetergentratings. to understand your home’s button. If that doesn’t work, Finding the best card for you alarms and how they operate. take the device down. If you involves taking into account There are three types of power can, remove the batteries; if not just how much cash you get the alarm has a lithium battery back but also the card’s fees you can’t take out, muffle it in a and rebate rules. We recently We have more than blanket, under a sofa cushion, ran the numbers for a family 140 in-house experts

Write Learn Share Video or in your freezer until it stops. that spends $375 per month LEARN who research, test, and compare—so you As for hardwired detectors, on groceries. The top choice don’t have to! Send “they’re interconnected through we found among more than Insight Road report yourRecall questionsAdvocacy to: the electrical wires, so if one 50 widely used credit cards: the ConsumerReports. alarm sounds, they’ll all sound American Express Blue Cash org/askourexperts ... and watch this space and it can be difficult to figure Preferred. With a 6 percent for the answers. out what’s going on,” Deitrick rebate on charges up to $6,000

ILLUSTRATIONS BY SERGE BLOCH NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 23 66 Ways to Protect Your Privacy Right Now

Ah, the joys of the connected life: opportunities to engage with global communities, be educated and entertained, and shop with ease. But these go hand in glove with intrusions from marketers and threats from criminals. The tips on the following pages, compiled with input from dozens of security experts, will help you take control. Start on page 28.

24 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG PROTECTING YOUR DATA PRIVACY

But first, read what investigative reporter Julia Angwin learned in her own quest to boost her privacy.

When I Was growing up in the 1980s, my parents would occasionally take my brother and me for a special treat: an evening spent browsing for software at a local computer store. We would wander among the aisles of shiny, shrink-wrapped boxes, lobbying our parents to buy us games such as the geog­ raphy spy mystery “Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?,” which cost about $40 a pop. Flash-forward nearly 30 years, and my own kids can’t believe I ever paid so much for a computer game. Most software packages— from games to productivity apps to health-tracking apps—are free. There’s only one catch: We pay for all this software with a new currency, our personal data. Whenever we download an app, visit a website, watch a smart TV, use free WiFi, or partake of most of the joys of the information age, we agree to give up previously unimaginable amounts of personal data. The shift toward data as currency began somewhat innocu­ ously. At first, we simply accepted ads targeted to our search queries. But now, a decade later, the trade-offs have become more extreme. We implicitly agree to have our movements followed both virtually, as we browse the web, and physi­ cally, as our phones transmit our locations. We agree to have our interests cataloged and analyzed. We agree to have the

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MICHAEL BRANDON MYERS 25 content of our emails scanned. We agree to have our friends could be stealing my data. I installed software and adjusted the identified and analyzed in ‘‘social graphs.’’ We agree to have privacy settings on my web browser to block the most common our images stored, shared, and tagged and our faces analyzed types of tracking used by advertisers. I purchased software to to help companies perfect their facial recognition tools. We help me generate and manage strong passwords. I covered my agree to have our voices analyzed, our fingerprints scanned, laptop camera with tape so that hackers couldn’t see anything and soon enough, the iris patterns of our eyes stored in vast, if they took control of it remotely (which unfortunately is easy remote databases. for them to do). Theoretically, we could read all the fine print in the “terms Once I had secured most of the entry points to my digital and conditions” and “privacy policies” foisted on us and refuse domain, I began trying to reclaim my data from as many to use products that track us egregiously. But who has time to places as possible. I took some big steps, and I realize not do that? In a 2016 experiment by researchers at Toronto’s York everyone will want to follow my lead. University and the University of Connecticut, 74 percent of people First, I stopped using the who joined a fictitious social network skipped reading the privacy social networks LinkedIn policy altogether. And those who opened the terms and condi­ “I’ve called the and Facebook. Surprisingly, tions must not have read them very carefully—because all of I didn’t miss them much—I them agreed to give up their firstborn child to the social network. bluff of those discovered that I preferred In fact, failing to read privacy policies is perfectly rational. staying in touch with friends In 2008, Carnegie Mellon researchers estimated that it would who believe through phone calls and vis­ take an average individual 154 hours to skim the privacy poli­ privacy is its. Next, I decided to break cies for the approximately 1,462 websites they encountered up with Google. The com- each year. In terms of wages and lost time, that would amount dead. In fact, pany had famously prom­ to $2,226 per person. ised not to be “evil” in its Even if we read all those policies, we still couldn’t accurately there’s a lot corporate motto. But when weigh our privacy trade-offs. Our data is a currency that we you can do." I checked my account’s pri­ trade for services, but we don’t really know what the data will vacy dashboard, I saw that cost us in the future. Could it keep us from landing a job? Rob Google had more intimate us of a good deal on insurance? Get us thrown in jail? It’s im­ information about me than possible to say. my closest friends and family. Google’s search history revealed All we know for sure is that it seems like it would cost a lot that I often browsed for shoes when I was stressed out on tight of time and energy now to try to keep our data from costing work deadlines. Google Maps recalled all the trips I had taken, us even more in the future. No wonder most people feel over­ foreign and domestic, along with my precise routes. And I al­ whelmed by the task. ready knew that Google’s Gmail recorded the fact that I emailed my close girlfriends more than my husband. Paging Ida Tarbell I started by abandoning Google’s admittedly excellent search One day in 2012, I was on a city bus talking to a friend about how engine. I began searching on the website DuckDuckGo.com, hopeless privacy trade-offs can seem. She asked: “Is it hopeless which doesn’t track its users. It makes money the quaint old- because no one cares? Or is it truly hopeless?” In a flash, I real­ fashioned way, by showing so-called “contextual” ads related ized that I didn’t know the answer. I hadn’t ever really tried to to the search query rather than “behavioral” ads that track protect my privacy because I assumed it would be too difficult. users across websites. So I began a privacy experiment. For a year I sought to pro­ Replacing Gmail with a service that promised not to scan tect my data as much as possible while continuing to remain my personal correspondence was more expensive. I gave up connected to the internet, my phone and my friends, and all both Gmail and Google Docs, and ended up paying about $200 the joys of the information age. per year for an encrypted cloud storage system—and then What I found was that protecting my privacy wasn’t as difficult invested $100 for a hard drive to store my emails at home. I was as I thought. There were plenty of steps I—or anyone—could take starting to feel like a data survivalist, stockpiling terabytes of that were simple, cheap, and effective. And most important, personal info. my actions gave me a feeling of reclaiming control over the Yet all these digital barriers didn’t help me hide the details technology invading every corner of my life. of my offline life—whom I had coffee with, where I saw movies, I started with the basics of computer security—essentially, whom I emailed. So I pulled a real Jason Bourne move: I cre­ locking the doors of my digital home. I updated all my software ated a fake identity. (Yes, it is legal to maintain an alias if it’s so I wasn’t vulnerable to criminals who might exploit flaws in old not used for fraud.) I began using the name Ida Tarbell, after versions. I deleted free applications that I was no longer using that the turn-of-the-century muckraker who revealed Standard Oil’s

26 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 abuse of its monopoly power. I set up Ida with a Ida Tarbell: credit card (linked to my account), an email address, Muckraker and the author 's an Amazon account, a postal address, a cell phone, favorite alias. and even a few social media accounts. Even though Ida was the thinnest of disguises— any decent investigator could link her to me—I found using her as an alias to be incredibly satisfy­ ing. I loved booking a restaurant reservation under her name and being greeted as Ida. I loved ordering books about the history of the National Security Agency from her account rather than mine. I loved using her name to sign up for stupid online games that I was embarrassed to be caught playing. Ida is my homage to the fleeting pleasures of the past, a past anyone over the age of 40 can recall but younger people may find hard to grasp. Back when buying a video game or a frivolous magazine or a drink with an old boyfriend didn’t create a data trail to be stored, scrutinized, and analyzed for generations to come. Using Ida’s name empowers me by restoring anonymity to everyday life.

Privacy as Mindfulness Armed with my tracker-blocking software, my secure passwords—and, of course, Ida—I believe I’ve called the bluff of those who claim that privacy is dead. In fact, there’s a lot you can do. And yet. The multibillion-dollar trade in personal data— what’s often called the surveillance-industrial complex—continues to expand. I’ve had wins in my personal Instead I choose to pay whenever possible with dollars, with battles, and so have many others. But a larger win would be a my effort, and with my time. Three years after my experiment shift in the balance of power between the data collectors and was supposed to end, I still do most of my privacy-protecting the rest of us. moves. I secure my computer. I block tracking. I reclaim my You see, I wouldn’t mind some of my behavior being tracked data when I can. I hoard my data at home. And I delight in using if I knew the data wasn’t going to end up denying me a job or my fake identities. (Yes, I have a few others, too.) a loan one day. If I knew that I could successfully dispute it in Despite its hassles, I’ve grown to like the practice of privacy. court. If I didn’t constantly have to sign unconscionable con­ To me, it’s another form of mindfulness. Even though I know tracts allowing companies to use my data however they liked. my victories are incomplete, they give me a sense of control If I knew that the data collectors would protect my information over the technology that is encroaching on my life. Each new from being hacked. If I knew that my children’s future wouldn’t act of resistance gives me strength to imagine a better world, be forever marked by an idiotic video they posted when they one where we have some assurances about how our data is used. were 8. If I knew that I could indulge in ephemeral, innocent It’s not that hard. And I hope that others find a few acts of joys without leaving a permanent record. resistance that work for them, too. But I don’t have any of those guarantees today. In Europe, Julia Angwin is an award-winning senior reporter at companies that collect personal data are required to give ProPublica who covers technology and surveillance. people access to their data, the ability to dispute it, and in She is also the author of “Dragnet Nation: A Quest for some cases, the right to remove it. But the United States has Privacy, Security, and Freedom in a World of Relentless no such laws. And the companies themselves don’t seem to Surveillance” (Times Books, 2014). be leading the way. So until I can be assured how my data will be used in the future, I’m reluctant to employ it as a currency to buy services. Continued on next page

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 27 If it has a 66 Ways to screen, it needs a password Take Control or PIN. Do one, some, or all. Each one will make a big difference.

1 | Check Your devices let you delete networks Data Breach Status one by one, but if you have an Takes 14 seconds iPhone or iPad, you need to go to Reset Network settings under Wondering whether General settings and delete all of your personal data is them at once. for sale on the web? At haveibeenpwned.com 3 | Use 10-Minute Mail You’re often asked for an email you can check your address to access a website or email addresses and sign up for a loyalty card, even if usernames against you want to use the service just lists from 120 known once. Comply, and you’re in for years of marketing come-ons. breaches at com­ “Everyone wants your email ad­ panies including Adobe, dress these days,” says Nathan LinkedIn, and Snapchat. White, senior legislative manager Lock Your Screens. (You'll need to register to at Access Now, a digital-rights or­ check the full database.) ganization. But you don’t have to Set a password or PIN for every laptop, smartphone, and provide a real one. White recom­ If your name pops up, tablet you own. Any lost device without a screen lock is an mends 10minutemail.com, where unprotected gateway for thieves, who may be able to access change the password you can get a functional email your email, banking, and social accounts, changing pass­ address for 10 minutes (or 20, if for the compromised words and taking control of your digital life. Here's how to you need it), just long enough for account and any other do a screen lock right: you to log on to a site. When the site where—tut, tut— time is up, the email address self­ you were using the same destructs—and 10minutemail.com 5 | Go Long doesn’t retain any personal data. password. Use a screen-lock PIN made (Bonus tip: Pros pronounce “pwned” up of at least six digits, not four. as “poned,” not “pawned.”) 4 | See Who Shared (See page 30 for an explanation Your Private Data of the math behind that.) 2 | Stop WiFi Imposters Sometimes you need to register Laptops, smartphones, and for a website with your real email 6 | Try to Be Unique ... other WiFi-enabled devices can address, say, if you plan to log in Don’t use any of the following automatically connect to familiar repeatedly to make purchases. PINs because they’re far too networks. That’s convenient—no Here’s a neat hack for ferreting 8 | Do Better Finger Art common, accounting for almost one wants to enter a password out which companies are sharing Android users can unlock their for their home or work WiFi every your data with email lists, if you 20 percent of those currently in phones by tracing a pattern on day—but it can also be risky. A have a Gmail account: Type “+” use: 0000, 1111, 1212, and 1234. the screen. To be safe it needs to hacker can set up a rogue WiFi before the @ symbol and add the be unpredictable, but often it’s network with the same name as website’s name. Email addressed 7 | ... but Not not. For her master’s thesis at the a legitimate one such as “Google to YourName+Websitename.com@ Too Personal Norwegian University of Science Starbucks” or attwifi and trick gmail.com will go to the regular Your birth date? The last four and Technology, Marte Løge your gadgets into joining it. inbox for [email protected]. digits of your Social Security analyzed thousands of patterns. Periodically get a fresh start But now it will carry an extra crumb number? Your phone number? Seventy-seven percent began in by using your devices’ network of data, and if you get spam from Those are all terrible, horrible, a corner. One in 10 formed a let­ or WiFi settings to prune the net­ a company you’ve never heard of, no-good, very bad PINs. Don’t ter—such as the Z above—often works you join automatically. Most you’ll know whom to blame. use them. the first initial of the user’s name.

28 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 my favorite tip Snail-Mail Privacy.

9 | Shred These 5 Document Types 10 | Shut Off the Flow Do you really need to destroy every piece of paper that has your name of Credit Card Offers and address on it? “Probably not, but I shred a lot,” says Kelley Long, These unsolicited mailings can a CPA and certified financial planner at Financial Finesse, a company be intercepted and filled out hired by HR departments to coach employees on personal financial by identity thieves who have issues. In particular, Long recommends destroying any health-related credit cards sent to their own ad­ documents. “Medical identity theft is a growing threat,” she says. dresses, then start piling up debt Dan Guido Your Long-approved list of paperwork to shred includes any docu­ in your good name. You can put ments containing the following: a stop to most of these offers by CEO of Trail of Bits, a digital security firm > SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (even just the last four digits) going to optoutprescreen.com or > BIRTH DATE calling 888-567-8688. The ser­ > CREDIT CARD NUMBERS vice, run by the Consumer Credit > ACCOUNT NUMBERS FROM FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Reporting Industry, will turn off > MEDICAL INSURANCE NUMBERS the spigot permanently or for five years. You can always opt back in. 14 Make Sure 11 | Receive Less Mail Does it When you give a company your There's Info- show your name and address, chances are Security birth date? good that the information will Shred it. be added to direct-marketing Staff lists and used by other compa­ nies to send you solicitations. Go “It’s hard to judge to dmachoice.org to remove your how well compa­ info from many mailing lists if you nies guard your don’t want the offers. data, but here are two smell tests 12 | Return to Sender for how seriously Life as a direct-marketing target: they take security. You go to the mailbox, filter out I like doing these the offers you don’t want, put before giving up them in the recycling bin—and personal data to a repeat. But if an unwanted enve­ company or setting lope is printed with the phrase up its devices on “Address Correction Requested” my network. First, or “Return Postage Guaranteed,” does the company you have an alternative. You can have separate write “Refused/Return to Sender” contact informa­ and mail it back—no postage tion for reporting required. You’ll keep your security issues? recycling bin svelte while making You don’t want that the marketing company pay the kind of problem return-trip postage. It’s a tiny win, to languish in a but still a win. general customer service box. An­ other test: I check out the company 13 | Turn on Automatic Updates on LinkedIn. Is Keeping your software up-to-date is the most critical step you can take to boost there someone with security, according to professionals surveyed last year by Google. “Software ‘security’ in their title at the com­ updates are like oil changes,” says Mark Surman, executive director of the Mozilla pany? I wouldn’t Foundation. “They can be a hassle in the moment but a lifesaver in hindsight.” entrust my security Hackers are always exploiting more vulnerabilities, while security pros play to any company nonstop malware whack-a-mole. If you’ve got old software, you’re missing the that doesn’t have a latest protections. “Most modern software will update itself if you let it,” Surman software engineer dealing with these says. Make sure you have auto-updates turned on across the board. issues full time.”

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 29 You need a password words and string them together manager. into a nonsense sentence that You just do. you can remember.

16 | Use a Password Manager Here’s the rub: We all have a lot of passwords, and it’s tough to remember long strings of random characters. Password manag­ ers can generate a complex, unique password for each ac­ count. “They used to be hard to navigate, or you had to copy and paste,” Gosney says. “But now they actually eliminate steps from my workflow.” He likes LastPass and 1Password. (LastPass was hacked last year, but users’ pass­ words apparently remained safe.) You’ll still need one well-crafted password for your password man­ ager account—so review Tip 15.

17 | Got a Great One? Okay, Write It Down. Everyone tells you not to commit your passwords to paper. Ignore of characters, how long is long that. “As long as you’re not leav­ Make Unbreakable. enough? Security experts use ing Post-it notes under keyboards, some quick math to get the an­ it’s totally cool to write passwords Passwords. swer (see below). That’s the the­ down,” Gosney says. He keeps vi­ ory, but you don’t need to crunch tal passwords—including the one It’s easy to create passwords that are difficult for hackers to crack, but numbers to boost your password for his password manager and his not enough people do it. Jeremi Gosney, the head of the password- potency. Just do the following: phone’s lock screen—in a sealed security firm Sagitta HPC and co-founder of a hacker conference called envelope to be opened only if PasswordsCon, recently cracked 173 million of them in just six days. 15 | Stop Making Sense he’s incapacitated. That way, his That represented 98 percent of the passwords stolen from LinkedIn in Takes 75 seconds loved ones can access his online a huge data breach in 2012. One way to make a great pass­ accounts to pay bills and take A major problem, Gosney says, is that most passwords are just too word is to string together unre­ care of other business. predictable. “We know every trick people use: foreign words, movie lated words. “It’s the Diceware or book titles, patterns on the keyboard, anything you can think of,” he method, in effect,” Gosney says. 18 | Be Password Loyal says. And it doesn’t take long for experts armed with the latest com­ Diceware is a low-tech way to People also tell you to change puter technology to run through all of the familiar patterns. pick passwords that was devel­ passwords regularly. Don’t, un­ Strong passwords have two things in common: They avoid patterns oped in the 1990s. You roll dice less there’s a good reason, such and they’re just too darned long for a brute-force attack—in which a to pick from a list of 7,776 words. as responding to a data breach. computer runs through every possible combination of characters—to But you don’t have to actually roll Switch often and you’ll probably succeed. But assuming that a password is a truly random collection dice. Just pick five long, random end up using weak options.

Password Math 1. E stands for “entropy,” which is 4. The number R to the L power is the opposite of an ordered pattern. 540,360,087,662,636,962,890,625—which 1 2 3 Entropy is good: The bigger the E, is how many possible passwords you’ve the harder a password is to crack. got. Quite a mouthful, isn’t it? 5. That’s the same as 278.9—and the log of l 2. Let’s say your keyboard has 2 95 unique characters. If you’re ran­ that is 78.9. In info-security lingo, it’s 78.9 domly constructing a password from bits of entropy. That approaches the “ex­ E=log (R ) ponential wall,” where a password could 2 that whole set, R=95. 4 take ages to crack. And yes, 12 characters 3. Let’s say you have a 12-character picked at random from a keyboard will do 5 password. If so, L=12. the job. Or just see Tip 15.

30 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 19 | Stop ID My fAvOrITE TIP Theft After 20 | Go Belt and Suspenders a Death with Two-Factor Authentication Identity theft affects Two-factor authentication (or 2FA) helps prevent unauthorized 2.5 million estates every year, accord- access to email, financial, and other accounts if someone ing to the IRS. If a steals your password. It’s available for many businesses, loved one has died, send a copy of the from Google to Fidelity Investments to Snapchat. Once death certificate to you enable 2FA, you’ll have to enter an additional piece of the IRS (the funeral Nathan White home may help with information—usually a set of numbers sent by text to your Senior legislative that). Also, cancel manager at Access any driver’s license, phone—with your password when you log in to your Now, a digital and notify credit account. So a criminal would need both your password and human-rights agencies, banks, organization insurance firms, and and your phone to cause trouble. Go to twofactorauth.org financial institutions. for a partial list of sites that offer 2FA. 23 Let Google IT HAPPENED TO ME Scan Your My Mobile Account Was Hijacked Files By Lorrie Cranor “If you’re just a Chief Technologist, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. bit suspicious of a document you’ve received by email, early one evening last save it to Google spring, my mobile phone Drive and open it stopped working. I wasn’t too there. If there’s any worried, but the next morn­ malware enclosed, ing my husband’s phone it will be isolated in wasn’t working, either. We a virtual environ­ went to one of the carrier’s ment, away from stores and learned that two your operating iPhones had been purchased system. As a second on our account. benefit, Google When I called the carrier’s the incident. So I filled out a How to keep it from Drive automati­ fraud department, the rep template at identitytheft.gov, happening to you: cally scans files for confirmed that someone had a site run by the Federal Trade known viruses. “upgraded” our two phones Commission where you can 21 | Activate a PIN This doesn’t take and transferred our numbers. report thefts like this, and Sprint requires customers the place of your I immediately logged in mailed it in to the carrier. to set a PIN and security own antivirus to my account and changed Two months later, I re- questions for their accounts, software, but it’s a the password. I also placed ceived the records. I learned and the other major mobile simple way to add a a fraud alert with the credit- that the thief had acquired the providers offer customers layer of protection.” reporting agencies. And I had iPhones in Ohio, hundreds of the option. Take it. Having a to spend many hours getting miles from my home, at one PIN can help keep strangers the carrier to finish cleaning of my mobile carrier’s retail from making changes to up the mess. stores. She used a fake ID with your account. But I still didn’t know how my name and her photo. Ac- the theft happened. Section cording to the records, the 22 | Watch Your Bills 609(e) of the Fair Credit store clerk “followed proper Many wireless plans are based Reporting Act requires com- authentication procedures.” on a flat rate, so make sure your panies to provide victims The thief probably sold the bill is consistent from month to of identity theft with all phones quickly. And as far as I month. If it’s not, take a closer business records related to know, she hasn’t been caught. look at your account.

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 31 24 | Check on the Kids Prepare Your. Minors had their identity stolen 51 times more often than adults in Laptop. a study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University. Keep an eye out for letters from collection agencies, bills for unpaid balances, or for an Outing. a warning that pops up when you try to file your taxes electronically Lots of stuff that's fine at home—hang­ if you list your child as a dependent. But sometimes there’s no hint ing out in your PJs, using WiFi file that a minor is a victim of identity theft. To be safe, request reports sharing, eating peanut butter from the from the three big credit-rating agencies by the time your children jar—is totally inappropriate at a cof­ turn 15. That will give you time to clear up any problems before they fee shop. Here's how to get your laptop ready to leave your home network. apply for college loans, jobs, or credit cards. 28 | Deploy Your Firewall Bad guys hang out at cafes and other public places, waiting for innocent laptops to wander Combat Snooping.Gadgets. by. To stop them, first turn on your firewall. This is software built into your laptop that restricts Web-connected devices promise convenience, but some can leak private data. how outside computers can link to it. (At home, Here's how to keep your information safe. your WiFi network is probably protected by the firewall built into your router.) You'll find firewall 25 | Lock Down Your create a unique username transmit data to analytics controls under your laptop’s Security settings.

Baby Monitor and password. Also, turn off companies that may use it 29 | Restrict File Sharing Hackers sometimes break the babycam when it’s not in for marketing. You’ve already Takes 23 seconds into WiFi-connected baby- use. That will make hackers paid for your TV with money. File sharing makes it easy to swap documents cams, even hijacking the less likely to discover it. If you don’t want to pay among devices. If you’re on your home net­ speakers to talk to children again with your data, hunt work, that’s good. When you’re on public WiFi, and caretakers. That’s often 26 | Outwit Your through your TV’s “smart” it’s bad. Turn it off under the Sharing settings because users don’t know Smart TV settings for the feature— on your computer. to change the default set- Automatic content recogni- which may be called Live tings. When you set up any tion (ACR) systems built Plus, SynPlus, or anything internet-enabled camera, into many smart televisions but ACR—and turn it off. 30 | Cloak Your Computer You just turned off file sharing, right? Also turn off Network Discovery to make it more 27 | Shut Down difficult for other devices on the network to Webcam Creeps find your laptop. On PCs, it’s under Advanced Takes 8 seconds Sharing settings. Mac users can enter Stealth Malicious actors mode through Firewall Options. have repeatedly 31 | Do All of This Automatically proven that they can Clicking away at laptop menus every time turn on a laptop’s you leave home can be annoying. Windows makes it easy to automate the process using camera without the Advanced Sharing settings. Also, whenever user’s knowledge. you join a new WiFi network, Windows asks The simplest solu­ whether to add it to your “home” or “public” profile; the operating system forgets the tion? Do what Face- public networks when you log off. To do book CEO Mark something comparable on a Mac, use the Zuckerberg and free-to-download ControlPlane app. FBI director James 32 | Use a VPN Comey do—put a Virtual public networks route your traffic piece of tape or a through a single remote server that has tight security in place. Traveling with a work laptop? Post-it note over Turn on your company’s VPN even for personal it. Hackers haven’t use, if that doesn’t conflict with company Change default policies. Or consider using a paid service such credentials on yet cracked the as IVPN or the free VPN that was recently intro­ smart devices. adhesive code. duced by the Opera web browser. my favorite tip 33 | You Know What? Use Everyday Encryption. Just Fake It. Toymakers are rolling “Encryption is for everybody—activists, journalists, secretaries, grandmas,” says Matt Mitchell, aka Geminiimatt, an info-security out connected kids' consultant and host of monthly cryptography-instruction gatherings products—including in Harlem. “When you mail a letter, you seal the envelope so tablets and talking no one can read it. It’s the same idea with your data and encryption.” Basically, encryption scrambles your data so that it’s unreadable by dolls—and asking fami­ anyone who doesn’t have permission to access it. lies to divulge personal Jeremiah information to register 34 | Do Your Phone First Grossman “Your smartphone knows everything about you,” Mitchell points out. them. But that essen­ Chief of security New iOS and many Android smartphones are encrypted by default; if strategy at tially provides marketers you have an older mobile OS, you’ll need to go into Settings. SentinelOne, a and potential hackers digital-security with details about your 35 | Next, Your Computer Files company You can encrypt your whole machine or just sensitive files. To encrypt children. So consider specific files on a Mac, use the Disk Utility. Windows 10 Home users can providing fake informa­ download a free app such as GPG4win (aka Gnu Privacy Guard). tion. For an address, 43 may we suggest Bart 36 | Finally, Your USB Drive Use Flash drives can be misplaced—along with your files. Mitchell recom­ Simpson’s—742 mends Apricorn flash drives with built-in encryption. He says they’re separate Evergreen Terrace? pricey but worth it, starting at $99 for 8GB. browsers for low- and Stop Oversharing. high-stakes on Facebook. websites “Both my brows­ It doesn't cost old-fashioned money to use ers are set up with Facebook, but you pay for access with your anti-tracking and data, which is vacuumed up by the $350 bil­ ad-blocking exten­ lion behemoth in ways both obvious and hid­ sions, but I use one den. Take these steps to boost privacy and exclusively for all of my most important limit how much Facebook—and its partners things, like bank­ and users—can learn about you. ing and shopping. The other one I call 37 | Keep GPS Data Private 40 | Leave a Group my ‘promiscuous’ Facebook can extract your whereabouts from your Facebook lets users add friends to groups without browser, and I do mobile phone. But you can turn the function off their consent. But you can remove yourself from any everything else on using your phone settings. For an iPhone, you'll find group by going to your Activity Log. it, like reading the the controls under Location Services. If you've got news or search­ an Android device, look under Facebook Permis- 41 | Reduce Ad Overload ing or whatever. sions in Applications Manager. You know those posts that read “So-and-so If something bad likes this” with a sponsored link? You can avoid happens within 38 | Turn on Log-In Approvals being used in ads by tinkering with Facebook’s my promiscuous This is Facebook’s name for two-factor authentica- Ad settings. browser—a mali­ tion. (What’s that? See Tip 20.) It keeps strangers cious software at­ from accessing your account—even if they steal 42 | Hide ID-Theft Clues tack—it can’t affect your password. Your birthday. Your hometown. Your alma mater. my bank account Those are all things Facebook can reveal to the or credit card, be­ 39 | Become Elusive world—and they’re answers to potential security cause the promiscu­ Don’t want people finding your Facebook page questions. Hide such information by using the ous browser doesn’t when they type your name into a search engine? You Privacy Checkup Tool found under the padlock on even know those can change that and more under the “Who Can Look the upper right of any Facebook page. accounts exist.” Me Up?” section of Facebook Settings.

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 33 All your data goes through 49 | Embrace your router. Encryption Lock it tight. Fasten your jargon seatbelts: You need to switch from WEP to WPA2-AES and disable the PIN method of using WPS. These acronyms represent ways to encrypt communications on your WiFi network. You want WPA2-AES because it’s the newest and strongest. If you have really old devices, they may not be able to connect this way. And that means it’s time to replace them.

50 | Update Firmware Some routers today automati­ cally update their firmware—they check for updates, install new software, and reboot in the middle of the night. But not all of them do—and many routers that say they have automatic updates require users to log on and hit “Okay.” So do that.

51 | Make Sure Remote The local IP address is very Management Is Off Do an Engine Tuneup on. likely to be 192.168.1.1, but you Are you going to need to can double-check by looking in change your router settings Home WiFi Privacy. the router’s manual. Lost it? Go when you’re far away from to www.routeripaddress.com home? Probably not. Do you and enter the model name to A couple of years ago, Craig Young, who works on the Vulner­ want to allow anyone else to do find it. You’re in. Congratula­ ability and Exposures Research Team at a security firm called it? No, so make sure that this tions! Now let’s get to work. Tripwire, found that 20 of the 25 most popular home routers feature is disabled. It’s often sold on Amazon contained big security holes. (Some of those referred to either as Remote 46 | Update the User- Management, Remote Access, have since been patched.) And in 2014, it took Young just a name and Password or Remote Administration. few hours to find 10 flaws in wireless routers during a compe­ If you never changed the default tition at Def Con, a hacking conference in Las Vegas. settings, do that now. (See Tips 52 | Shut It Down This is bad, because the laptops, smartphones, and other 15-18 for password advice.) Going out of town? Turn off the devices you use at home all connect to the internet through router unless you need it to ac­ your router. And so do web-connected devices such as smart 47 | Change the SSID ... cess smart devices such as your TVs and some security cams and children’s toys. Your SSID—service set identi­ thermostat or a security camera. Here’s how you can make your router more secure. The fier—is your home network’s whole project shouldn't take more than 10 minutes. name. Replace the default SSID 53 | And, Uh—Maybe with something more creative Get a New Router 44 | Find an Ethernet Cable but not too personal. There’s Signs it could be time for an Then use it to temporarily connect the router to your computer. no need to identify this as your upgrade: One, the router is too You’ll be updating your router’s firmware. And losing your connection network, is there? old to have WPA2-AES (see Tip during that process could turn your router into a doorstop. It’s safer to 49); or two, it follows an old WiFi rely on old-fashioned wires and plugs. 48 | ... Then Hide It standard such as 802.11b or Router settings allow you to hide 802.11g. If you’re getting a new 45 | Get the IP Number your WiFi network from prying router, skip 802.11n devices Every router has two IP (internet protocol) addresses, an external outsiders. Note that once you and choose one that follows the one for communicating with the internet through a modem and an do this, you’ll stop seeing the newer, faster 802.11ac standard. internal one for your laptop, smart TV, and other devices. To make network pop up in your own (We know—more jargon. Con­ changes to your router’s settings, you need to access it through your devices’ WiFi lists, and you’ll sult our routers buying guide browser using the local IP address. (Owners of Apple’s Airport routers need to type the SSID into each at ConsumerReports.org for who have a Mac can make changes via Airport Utility.) device you want to connect. more details.)

34 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 about your online activity to their 54 | Check Links Up-Armor Your Browsers. data-collecting masters. Before You Click “These ads aren’t like bill­ Suspicious of a link in an Web browsers don't come with every protection you might boards” that just sit by the side of email or online ad? Check want. Download extensions to improve security. a road, says Chris Jay Hoofnagle, its safety with Sucuri Site- who teaches privacy and internet Check (sitecheck.sucuri.net) 55 | Add HTTPS the Electronic Frontier Founda­ law at the University of California, or urlvoid.com. First, hover Everywhere tion, and your connections will Berkeley. “They’re live code be­ over the suspicious link and When you see “https” and a green be encrypted anytime you con­ ing run by people you don’t know the full address will appear padlock alongside a URL in your nect to a website that supports and should not trust.” https. It works with the Chrome, in the bottom corner of your browser’s address bar, it means Extensions including Adblock Firefox, and Opera browsers. Plus, Disconnect, Ghostery, browser; right-click to ac­ that the data is encrypted as it Privacy Badger, and uBlock ad­ cess the drop-down menu, travels back and forth between the website and your computer. 56 | Block Snoops dress this issue using varying ap­ and select Copy Link. Now (The “s” stands for “secure.”) Hate ads that steamroll over a proaches. Most let you add URLs paste the URL into your Some sites that support https web page? That’s not the half of to a “whitelist” of sites they won’t link checker to get a report. use it inconsistently. Add the it. Many ads, along with webpage check. You can do that if a favor­ Foolproof? No. A good hint HTTPS Everywhere extension, elements such as the Facebook ite website stops working once if there's a problem? Yes. which you can download from “Like” button, send information you download the extension.

IT HAPPENED TO ME My Files Were Locked Up by Ransomware

By Raul Glasgow Owner, Shortcircuited Computer Repair Services, Brooklyn, New York

i do info-tech consulting and com­ with had its patients’ X-rays puter repair. I’m basically the com­ encrypted by ransomware, and puter guy for a number of dental and they had no backups of those medical offices. One day last summer files. The ransom was lower this I got up and checked on the server time, about $300 worth of bit- where I keep my website—and the coin, and the client decided to pay up. How to keep it from happening to you: site was just gone. The files were en­ There was no other good option. crypted, and I saw a message appear­ With my own website, I really didn’t 57 | Back Up Your Data ing in a pop-up window. want to pay a ransom so I said the hell Use a system that backs up your files au­ This wasn’t the first time I’d encoun­ with it—I’m just going to restore every­ tomatically. If you’re hit with ransomware, tered ransomware, so I knew what the thing from a backup. you’ll have the option of restoring the data. message was going to say: To get the That would have been a big job. files back I’d have to pay the hackers in But then I saw that one of the major 58 | Keep Software Updated bitcoin, a digital currency. anti-malware companies had a fix for at Ideally, set your computer and key pro­ I started seeing ransomware attacks least some ransomware attacks—as long grams to update automatically (see Tip 13). targeting some of my clients two or as you had a few of the files backed up three years ago, and since then it’s and knew what ransomware software 59 | Try Haggling ... become more common. was involved. It wasn’t something a lot Ransomware crooks are honing their “cus­ The first time it was a dental office, of nontechnical people would be able tomer service,” according to Philip Casesa, and they were being told to pay about to use, but it worked for me. $2,000 in bitcoin to get their files back. From what I’ve seen, antivirus com­ a strategist at the International Information But we were worried they could lose panies are working on the problem, System Security Certification Consortium. the money if the hackers didn’t actu­ and they’re starting to catch up. But So it’s worth asking for a ransom discount. ally restore the files—after all, we didn’t the hackers are introducing even stron­ know who these guys were. We ended ger encryption. And it’s not always real 60 | ... But Not Right Away up wiping everything and starting fresh hackers, people with skills. Anyone Wait to click on the pop-up until you’ve with a new computer. We could do that can just go online these days and buy obtained bitcoin, which can take time. The because everything was backed up. the software they need to start a ran­ reason: The criminals will likely impose a A few weeks before my own site was somware business. Instead of dealing time limit before deleting your data—and hacked, another dental office I work drugs, a criminal can get into hacking. the clock starts ticking as soon as you click.

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 35 my favorite tip Slip Through Phishing Nets.

Pokémon Go is a mobile game—maybe you’ve One way to stay safe is to use two-factor heard of it. It was downloaded an estimated authentication, which prevents a criminal 75 million times in less than three weeks last armed just with a password from accessing summer, breaking records and attracting your accounts (see Tip 20). criminals armed with a phishing scam. Here are two more: Phishing is when someone poses as a legiti­ mate business to trick consumers into divulging 62 | Scoff at Fake Email Notices Cory Doctorow information. In this case, fraudsters emailed Surprised to find an email from a bank or Digital-privacy activist, co-editor Pokémon Go users saying that because of the social site asking you to log on? Don’t click; of Boing Boing, and author of popularity of the app, the game’s servers were open a new browser window and type in the many books, most recently overwhelmed (that much was true) and that address of the company website instead. “In Real Life," a graphic novel developers were starting to charge users $12.99 per account (a lie). The email prompted users to 63 | Call Customer Service click on a link that went to a website that looked Be leery if an institution asks for your log-on like the real Pokémon Go site and log in to their credentials through email or a text message. 61 accounts. The goal? To get passwords. Instead of replying, call the company. Use the Ubuntu OS What Americans Say “Since 2006, I’ve used an oper­ Consumer Reports asked about privacy and security in a nationally representative ating system called Ubuntu, a survey of 1,012 adults. We wanted to explore two issues. Which marketing practices variant of the GNU/Linux proj­ feel most intrusive? And how do people try to guard against tech-savvy criminals? ect, which binds together the work of volunteers, businesses, are marketing practices intrusive? and nonprofits to produce one of the most stable, robust, and How do people feel about these real-world digital-marketing scenarios? secure software projects in the history of computing. “You research an illness “Without your knowledge, “The manufacturer of It encrypts your hard drive, online, and then ads for a data firm collects your your smart TV tracks what has an easy-to-configure fire­ remedies pop up in web browsing and shop­ shows you watch, then wall, and adds some esoteric your browser.” ping history, then leases uses the information to sell under-the-hood protections. the information to ads targeting your family Because all its software is under advertising companies.” without your knowledge.” free/open licenses, the Ubuntu project can distribute updates through one simple app, so my programs are always patched against all known attacks. Ubuntu began as an OS that could run unsupported in poor sub-Saharan schoolhouses, and ○ NOT AT ALL INTRUSIVE | ○ SOMEWHAT INTRUSIVE | ○ VERY INTRUSIVE | ○ DON’T KNOW it relies on a community of us­ ers. It got its name from a Zulu word that means something like What people do to protect themselves WANT TO DO IT ‘humanity towards each other.’ How many Americans take these simple steps to YOURSELF? See these tips to This approach is our only hope foil hackers?* learn how. for secure computing. Individu­ ally, we need good technology COVER WEBCAMS 28% TIP 27 to protect our privacy—sure—but together we all need the rule of BACK UP COMPUTERS 45% TIP 57 law when it comes to both cor­ porate and government surveil­ USE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION 62% TIP 20 lance. That’s why the best way SET A SMARTPHONE SCREEN LOCK 75% TIP 5 to use technology to protect your privacy is to go online and PROTECT HOME WIFI WITH A PASSWORD 86% TIP 46 tell your lawmakers how much this stuff matters to you.” WORTH JONATHAN PHOTO:

36 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG *Percentages don’t include people who responded “not sure” or “not applicable.” WHERE CONSUMER REPORTS STANDS ON PRIVACY

Consumer Reports believes companies should tell you in simple language about the kinds of personal informa­ tion they collect and how your information could be shared, sold, and used. You should be given clear options to control the collection and use of your data. And you should be confident that companies are handling your information securely. Tighten.Google.Privacy. Here at Consumer Reports, we strive to make our own privacy policies clear, concise, and actionable. We listen For a seemingly all-knowing data machine, the search giant to our customers, and we take the safety of their data very gives users a large amount of control. seriously. In our business relationships with digital compa­ nies such as Google and other third parties, we follow best 64 | Tweak the Settings 65 | Make Google practices and strive to always act responsibly. Our ultimate Go to My Account to control what Forget You goal is for our practices to reflect the ideal marketplace we data about you is being collected Takes 35 seconds want to achieve. While we are not there yet, we will con­ and how it’s being shared. In Ready to push the big red tinue to innovate and champion on behalf of consumers. particular, go to the Personal Info Destruct button on Gmail, Google We believe that for too long, consumers have carried & Privacy section to review Loca­ Drive, and the rest? You’ll still be the entire burden of protecting their personal data online. tion, Search, and YouTube Search able to use tools such as Search Privacy policies are often drafted with an eye on the com­ History. You can delete records but your account and—Google pany’s liability rather than the consumer’s understanding. one entry at a time or all at once, promises—the data used to target That’s why we have advocated for laws to better protect and if you’d like to, you can pre­ you with ads will disappear. Go to your privacy. We need clear rules of the road for companies vent Google from recording data My Account and look for Delete to safeguard your data and ensure you have a say in how going forward. Privacy Checkup Your Account or Services. Take a your information is used. lets you control what shows up on deep breath (you can’t undo this) For starters, we need a strong law to help prevent harm­ Google+, the social network. and follow the prompts. ful data breaches. According to the nonprofit Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, more than 900 million records have been compromised from more than 5,000 data breaches made public since 2005. 66 | Keep Your Fitness Data to Yourself Members of Congress have introduced legislation en­ Many wearables are paired with users’ dorsed by Consumer Reports that would set minimum smartphones using Bluetooth technology—but standards for the security of your data, including require­ those phones may not be the only hardware ments for companies to promptly notify you and the government when they discover a breach. But despite the scooping up the signals. A 2014 study by the long list of breaches we’ve seen in recent years—from Home security firm Symantec and a June 2015 study by Depot to Target to eBay—Congress still hasn’t reached a Germany’s AV-Test.org found that many Bluetooth consensus on how to put strong protections in place. devices don’t prevent data access by “sniffers” Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission has proposed privacy rules for broadband internet provid­ located nearby. Fitness trackers and running ers, in light of the vast amount of personal information watches can broadcast sensitive information such available to these companies as well as how essential as the user’s name, address, password, and GPS broadband has become to our daily lives. The details of the data. Not all trackers let you shut off Bluetooth, but rules are still being hammered out, and we have urged the FCC to ensure that consumers have the safeguards they many do. If possible, keep your wireless settings need so their private lives won’t become an open book. turned off until you choose to upload the data to At the same time we’re pressing for rules of the road, we your phone at the end of a workout or at night. (As encourage companies to highlight and compete on how an added benefit, that will extend the battery life.) they handle their customers’ data. Your personal information has tremendous value, and consumers should be able to exercise choice and control over the use of their data. When it comes to the sharing of Reporting by Andrew Chaikivsky. Additional reporting by Tercius Bufete and Cath­ your information, consumers and companies should have a erine Roberts. Special thanks to Access Now, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, fair and open exchange, where the benefits and obligations the Federal Trade Commission, Fight for the Future, the Ford Foundation, the Mozilla Foundation, the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, and associate professor Lujo Bauer, are clear and meaningful to the consumer. who teaches computer security at Carnegie Mellon University.

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 37 Where America Eats Our readers rated 238 of the nation’s restaurant chains to serve up 117 highly satisfying options. Plus, learn about notable newcomers and tasty trends. By Tod Marks

38 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 United Plates of America We gathered your Instagram photos of the restaurants in our survey to create this colorful culinary map.

@haochuan.huang, @beckyitsme, @yazmeeaann, @letsplayoc, @y_goldenskin, @chan_kluda, @woozysoozy, @bougiebella, @lynelicious, @oshun99, @avggirlsguide, @charessamedici, @303eatschi, @annemarieplado, @adriana_del_rio80, @alisonjleaonard, @sabbarbino, @insta_howie7, @madisond77, @tinawashea, @tfortamikos, @nycfoodsnob, @robbies777, @kitchenspired, @tetigrams, @titaniumpegasus, @mikejchao, @ravendarkchild, @lonestarwoodpens, @kylie_arras, @j.whodat, @dallaspartyof2, @akoreangirleats, @annieohkly, @seanward516, @breakinrox, @justanotherfoodstagram_, @brookecb1977, @dannyfcarranza, @jacqueline_731, @lmf_fitness, @hungrytravelerrr, @currentafare, @king13felix, @bundleuvstix03, @charliepbowen, @chitownmo1973, @chitown_eater, @tasty416, @lizfoodnous, @saedganda, @oiledwithfaith, @hungryhugh, @krown_ki, @holographicmatt, @ririndannysma, @noahleejordan, @nicksmom2007, @ali_eats, @happie97, @islandgal29412, @nataliahubbert, @wasabigollum, @linda.v89, @alisa.ny, @bey1021, @colin929, @alexlimo213, @t1mp0w, @alfie_the_ don, @drazpa, @kcorbett1970, @pghfooddude, @veganchefkayla, @apl_peeler, @hunenu19, @amyelizathom, @tallyeatz, @wicked_eatz, @mv_428, @moody_foodleee, @alifewortheating_ by_tommy, @ziabouch, @goodgollymcmolli, @206foodie, @brittanyrai, @tonyalight, @_georgiakaye_, @holistic_helen, @marquetta_ wilson, @rusty3314, @_dctwo, @caca_tipfit, @imichael77m, @jennaaayyygump, @melisalovewell, @daniellejoette, @ ellarosies.momma, @daniel19901226, @obanec, @prettylittleceliac, @malee78, @jennealogy, @tattooed_teacher77, @timjdillon, @carter4372, @grubnnat, @lovemandis, @ghconniewoo, @jmw01226, @haymaker_87, @mz.lgordon, @alohasavani, @nickipooh, @adiandkiki, @themusecrypt, @drive_thrive_alive, @girl_vs_food_, @mindyyyng, @mapsandsnaps, @thepinkfoodie, @texas_freak, @daaanicotinic PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: FRANCISCO COLLADO FRANCISCO ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO

CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 39 ▶ Eating out isn’t just for special occasions anymore: It’s now to the island lifestyle that the singer captures in his music. Buca the American way of life. We’ll spend an estimated $720 bil­ di Beppo, loosely translated as “Joe’s basement,” serves “immi­ lion at restaurants this year, up 19 percent from 2012. That grant” food in a kitschy vintage atmosphere where the walls are breaks down to $1.97 billion per day—or roughly $2,222 per covered with photos of ethnic icons including Joe DiMaggio and year for every man, woman, and child in the U.S. It’s almost Sophia Loren while classics by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin half of every food dollar we spend. play in the background. Other chains work a more sophisticated A lot of those dollars—$262 billion, in fact—are going to fast-food ambience. Case in point: Chart House, known for seafood served emporiums such as McDonald’s and Burger King. But Americans in historic buildings such as the John Hancock counting house in are also spending $206 billion at restaurants with table service Boston or in buildings with spectacular settings such as a bird’s­ such as California Pizza Kitchen, Chili’s, Red Lobster, and Waffle eye view of the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. House, among many others. Our new survey findings repre­ As we’ve found in the past, many newbies to our survey raised sent the largest sit-down restaurant ratings ever reported by the the bar, and not just in terms of dining experience. Some category Consumer Reports National leaders reveal just how diverse Research Center, reflecting American tastes have become: the experiences of 68,950 sub­ Hillstone, our overall top- scribers who frequented a re­ scoring chain, features unique cord 238 restaurant chains and artwork and dishes made with had 170,838 meals. (We’ve in­ local ingredients at each spot. cluded the top 117 chains, those Seasons 52, a casually so­ rated very satisfactory, on page phisticated eatery and wine 46. ConsumerReports.org sub­ bar known for seasonally in­ scribers can find the full rat­ spired menus. ings at ConsumerReports.org/ The Counter, a high-end restaurantratings.) Overall, our build-your-own-burger (or­ survey surfaces praiseworthy ganic bison, vegan veggie, options for almost every pal­ crab, and more) chain featur­ ate and budget, from informal ing premium cheeses, sauces, homestyle family restaurants and toppings. in the coffee-shop class, Primanti Bros., a Pittsburgh- such as Elmer’s, to sophisti­ area institution known for its cated white-tablecloth din­ giant signature sandwiches ner houses, such as Mastro’s stuffed with french fries. (“Proper Attire is Required”). Rudy’s Country Store and Although megachains like Elmer’s Bar-B-Q, originally a com­ our five most frequented— bination gas station, garage, Applebee’s, Olive Garden, and grocery store in Texas. The Cheesecake Factory, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, and The company added a barbecue pit to the operation in 1989. IHOP—are well-represented, this year is notable for 141 newcom­ Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, a culinary spinoff of the ers to our survey, making a strong showing in ethnic and or­ islands-inspired lifestyle and clothing brand. ganic foods. New favorites run the gamut: all-natural, organic Ultimately, though, survey respondents told us that nothing Bareburger; made-from-scratch Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar; and matters more in their choice of a restaurant than the quality of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, where the menu is planned the food. But our scores show that just 20 chains served truly to pair with the company’s wines. Others that were once only inspired fare, and 30 received a below-average rating. local hits, such as Chuy’s, a Tex-Mex chain from Austin, Texas, We also saw that, to attract and keep more customers, food have expanded geographically. Indeed, reflecting America’s establishments are trying to evolve. In particular, we found four broadening tastes, our new ratings cover 11 cuisine categories and major trends that are shaping today’s chain-restaurant landscape. contain our most eclectic mix of flavor profiles to date, including Japanese barbecue (Gyu-Kaku), Irish specialties (Fadó Irish Pub), Cuisine Gets a Conscience tapas (Barcelona Wine Bar), and Cajun cuisine (Razzoo’s Cajun 1 Consumers are increasingly interested in finding op­ Cafe), among many others. tions that are healthy—not just for themselves (though Respondents also enjoyed eateries that rely on different themes they want that, too: See “A Healthy Appetite,” on page 44) but

and atmospheres. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville pays homage for the environment. @KOL10 PHOTO:

40 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 Sixty-eight percent of consumers polled by the National The Table Becomes To-Go Restaurant Association as part of its 2016 Industry Forecast 2 Full-service eateries are facing increased competi­ said they’re more likely to go to a restaurant that offers lo­ tion from chains that offer only limited service, such cally sourced food, and 60 percent said they prefer those that as Panera Bread and Chipotle Mexican Grill, a category not engage in environmentally conscious practices such as water covered in our survey. They’re also losing business to super­ conservation and recycling. More diners also care about the markets, which are reinventing themselves as “grocerants,” humane treatment of animals. Other trends gaining traction industry-speak for food stores that incorporate restaurant-style, include food that’s “clean” (free from additives and close to sit-down aesthetics. In fact, in-store dining and purchases of nature) and sustainable (not depleting our natural resources). take-out prepared foods from grocers have grown 30 percent Our survey confirms the growing appeal of restaurants since 2008, says trend tracker The NPD Group. Perhaps in re­ that consumers can feel good about. Thirty-eight percent of sponse, chain-restaurant takeout has taken off. More of us are Consumer Reports subscribers surveyed said the availability of ordering our food to go, and takeout and delivery services healthy menu options figures are flourishing among table- prominently in their choice service eateries. That includes of a restaurant, and 50 per- Rudy’s Biaggi’s even pricey, sophisticated cent said it was “somewhat Country Ristorante chains such as Morton’s The Store and important.” The use of locally Italiano Steakhouse. Takeout will con­ Bar-B - Q sourced food or meat from ani­ tinue to boom, according to mals raised without antibiot­ Technomic’s Tristano, driven ics was significant to around by Generation Z consumers 15 percent; about 10 percent (those born after 1995), who said they especially seek out tend to be comfortable eating places that use organic ingredi­ on the go and in their cars. ents. About 10 percent are also Adding tech to the trend, many especially drawn to those serv- Abuelo’s Eddie V’s full-service chains are making ing foods without genetically Prime it easier for takeout customers modified organisms. Seafood by accepting online and mobile But don’t expect to find or­ orders and allowing them to ganic items and food grown or pay electronically in advance; raised in an environmentally some also provide local home sustainable way at many ca­ delivery and curbside pickup. sual and family dining chains. With Outback Steakhouse, Darren Tristano, president for instance, you place a de­ of Technomic, an industry tailed online order, down to consulting and research firm, the smallest details, such as said that high costs and limited whether you want to skip the availability mean it’s not practical or plausible everywhere. Such butter or add extra cheese, set a pickup time, and in as little as foods cost more, and there’s just not enough to go around. 20 minutes your meal is ready. At Applebee’s, Outback, and Red Despite the costs, some casual dining chains are starting to Robin, a staffer will run your order out to your car for you. And answer the call, saying their food is sourced in a way that’s Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, Legal Sea Foods, and Red Robin sell safe, ethical, responsible, and sustainable. Those claims can some of their signature items in supermarkets or online. vary widely in meaning, says Charlotte Vallaeys, a senior policy analyst for Consumer Reports’ Food Safety and Sustainabil­ Curiosity Turns Culinary ity Center, because they may be unverified, may not yet be 3 Consumers are eager to try innovative fare that they implemented, or may address only part of the story. There are can’t replicate at home, says Annika Stensson, director many key components of sustainability and animal welfare that of research communications for the National Restaurant Associa­ restaurants should address, including reducing or eliminating tion. Those ages 18 to 34 in particular consider the availability the use of antibiotics, pesticides, and GMOs on farms, and of unique, creative, and unfamiliar cuisine important factors improving living conditions for farm animals. Ideally, chains in choosing a restaurant. would have commitments that have been implemented and are Our survey also shows that consumers are giving a thumbs-up backed by verified labels with meaningful and comprehensive to unconventional chains. For starters, there’s HuHot Mongolian

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: @HANNAHSTEFFAN; @ALI_EATS; @AG1STUNNNA81; @CURIOUSABODE @AG1STUNNNA81; @ALI_EATS; @HANNAHSTEFFAN; LEFT: CLOCKWISE TOP FROM PHOTOS, standards, such as certified organic and Certified Humane. Grill, where guests can imaginatively mix and match protein

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 41 sources wit h various typ es of noodles, rice, vegetables, and Redstone American Grill, a nd Cooper’s Hawk Wi nery & Restaurants. sauces; Umami Burger, which showcases seafood, b eef, veggi e, We found th at chains are maki ng an effort to keep customers and poult ry patties with i nventive ingredients and di shes—such happier here, too. Some casual ch ains such as Texas Roadhouse as truffle aioli, m aple b acon fries, soy pi ckl es, and carameli zed are now encouragi ng call-ahead seating, which gets your name ki mchi; a nd The Melting Pot, which sp eciali zes in fondue. on the wait li st before you’ve even left home rather than after you arrive. Carrabb a’s It ali an Grill a nd Outback Ste akhouse introduced Waits Start to Shrink a new twist called Click-Th ru Seating th at allows you to monitor 4 The subscrib ers in our survey made reservations for only real-time seating avail ability at your local restaurant by c omputer 6 percent of their restaurant outings. But for the most or smartphone and put your name on the wait li st for now or later. part, lacki ng one did n’t slow thi ngs d own: The medi an wait t ime As for waiting for your food, the medi an time was 15 minutes wit hout a reservation among all chains was less than 5 minutes. among all ch ains in our survey. But 17 percent of vi sits resulted During peak periods, like F rid ay and Saturday evenings, a nd at in waits of 20 minutes or longer. Th at, too, may ch ange b ecause highly p opular chains, though, the wait c an be much longer if you several ch ains have started employi ng technology to speed up don’t book ahead. At C armine’s, for example, guests waited an service. Tables at Chili’s are equipp ed with t ablet computers average of 15 minutes for a t able, and seating took al most as long that let guests peruse menu items and specials, as well as order at Benih ana, Texas de B razil Churrascaria, Maggi ano’s Lit tle It aly, whenever the craving strikes and pay when they choose.

Top Complaints and Worst Offenders

Even a delicious dinner can leave a bad taste in your mouth if the restaurant’s floor is littered with leftovers or you can’t carry on a conversation because the room is too raucous. For our survey respondents, the biggest bugaboo was noise— loud customers and blaring music. Second-rate service was another key annoyance, and of course people complained about food that was cold, burnt, over- or underseasoned, or unappealing. They had gripes about dirty floors, tables, bathrooms, and silverware on just 7 percent of visits. The 25 chains below received the most complaints in our survey; they’re listed in order of the number of overall complaints each received per 100 visits. The percentages represent the proportion of dining experiences for which a complaint was reported.

CHAIN EXCESSIVE NOISE LEVELS POOR SERVICE PROBLEMATIC FOOD PREP DIRTY ENVIRONMENT

Average Percentage for All Chains 16% 12% 8% 7% Fricker’s 22% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 22% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 12% ■■ ■■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ 22% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Dave & Busters 32% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 23% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ 13% ■■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ 14% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ Taco Mac 24% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 28% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 13% ■■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ 9% ■ ■ ■ ■■■■■■ ■■ Native Grill & Wings 23% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ 19% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ 13% ■■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ 15% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ Quaker Steak & Lube 25% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 18% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ 11% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ 12% ■■ ■■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ Buffalo Wild Wings 30% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 17% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ 12% ■■ ■■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ The Green Turtle Sports Bar & Grille 25% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 20% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 12% ■■ ■■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ Huddle House 15% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 20% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 13% ■■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ 23% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ P.J. Whelihan’s Pub and Restaurant 31% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 13% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ 8% ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■■ ■■■ ■■■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ Joe’s Crab Shack 24% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ 18% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ 11% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 11% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Hurricane Grill & Wings 21% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 20% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 11% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ Wild Wing Cafe 24% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 20% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ 11% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Hard Rock Cafe 31% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 20% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 11% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 7% ■■■ ■■ ■■ ■■■ Rainforest Cafe NA NA NA NA Iron Skillet 11% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 19% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ 16% ■■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ 16% ■■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ Texas Roadhouse 38% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ 7% ■■■ ■■■ ■■■■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ Buffalo Wings & Rings 31% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 16% ■■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ 9% ■ ■ ■ ■■■■■■ ■■ Dick’s Last Resort 18% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ 20% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 9% ■ ■ ■■■■■■ ■■ 16% ■■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ Logan’s Roadhouse 24% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ 15% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ 12% ■■ ■■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ 14% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ House of Blues 19% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ 19% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ 14% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ Bar Louie 25% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 16% ■■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ 8% ■■ ■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■■ Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews 26% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 16% ■■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ 9% ■ ■ ■ ■■■■■■ ■■ Waffle House 17% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ 12% ■■ ■■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ 9% ■ ■ ■ ■■■■■■ ■■ 22% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill 27% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 11% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 12% ■■ ■■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ 11% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Duffy’s Sports Grill 33% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14% ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ 10% ■■ ■■■ ■■■■ ■■■ ■ ■■■ ■■ 5% ■■■■■■■■■■■

42 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 The Top of the Food Chains Best options and budget gems in steak, seafood, and Asian restaurants, per our survey

Consumers want TOP yet comfortable TOP SEAFOOD Roy’s THE TOP ASIAN bang for their res- STEAKHOUSES atmosphere with RESTAURANTS READER SCORE 87 RESTAURANT taurant bucks, espe­ mahogany panel- Inspired by the fla­ cially when they’re ing and art deco vors of the Pacific shelling out a lot of chandeliers. Median Rim, this newcomer them, as they often check per person: to our survey is the are for our three $27 for lunch, $64 brainchild of master most expensive for dinner. chef and James cuisine categories— Fogo de Chão Eddie V’s Beard Award-winner Nobu steak, seafood, and READER SCORE 87 Ruth’s Chris Prime Seafood Roy Yamaguchi, who READER SCORE 87 Asian. And even A Brazilian Steak House READER SCORE 87 was born in Tokyo Showcasing modern though they don’t steakhouse built READER SCORE 87 With an emphasis and pioneered the Japanese cuisine, expect the same ex- around the The nation’s largest on wine selec- concept of Hawaiian classic dishes, and perience at Denny’s, centuries-old fine-dining steak- tion and live jazz fusion cuisine. Each hibachi cooking, this where those sur- gaucho-inspired house chain, with performances, this of the 21 Roy’s loca- high-scoring favorite veyed paid a median grilling tradition of more than 130 res- fine-dining chain tions, most of which is the brainchild of of $12 for dinner, churrasco, in which taurants, is known gets high marks for are in California and international chef as they do at Del food is slowly for its prime steaks, service and setting. Florida, has its own Nobu Matsuhisa, Frisco’s Double Eagle cooked over fire. finished with butter In each of its 14 loca- seasonally inspired restaurateur Drew Steak House, where There are 32 and served sizzling tions from California menu prepared by Nieporent, and actor the typical check restaurants across on a 500° F plate. to Virginia, Eddie local chefs. Median Robert De Niro. Chef per person was the country, most in Our subscribers V’s features unique dinner check per Nobu, a classically six times as much, major cities such as gave high marks artwork and décor, person: $54. trained sushi chef, they were generally Atlanta, Boston, to the service and as well as specialties has restaurants on underwhelmed by Miami, and Portland, ambience as well like swordfish from VALUE PICK TO TRY five continents. the value they were Ore. Median as the food. Median Block Island, R.I., There are now getting, according to dinner check per dinner check per and yellowfin tuna 12 Nobus in the U.S., our survey. A mere person: $59. person: $66. from the Caribbean. in locations that 11 chains received Median dinner check include San Diego; favorable marks, and VALUE PICK TO TRY per person: $60. Malibu, Calif.; and 75 earned subpar Las Vegas. Median scores. In fact, in Ocean Prime Anthony’s dinner check per steak, seafood, and READER SCORE 87 Restaurants person: $77. Asian, all but two A small chain (12 lo- READER SCORE 84 of the overall top- cations coast to A local favorite VALUE PICK TO TRY scoring restaurants The Capital Grille coast, with two more in the Pacific delivered disap- READER SCORE 87 LongHorn scheduled to open Northwest, pointing value—even Known for its dry- Steakhouse by the end of 2016) Anthony’s features when the food was aged beef, it consists READER SCORE 82 of modern American 25 relaxed dinner rated top-notch. of 56 restaurants in With more than eateries in carefully houses, many in and That’s why we’re 25 states and the 470 restaurants in chosen settings from around the Puget highlighting here the District of Colum- 40 states, LongHorn, entrepreneur and Sound area. The HuHot winners in our three bia, many in urban where the décor re- Culinary Institute of locally owned Mongolian Grill most costly catego- locations includ- sembles a rancher’s America-trained chef company (which READER SCORE 80 ries, plus our picks ing New York City home, is available to Cameron Mitchell. All also runs other Guests mix and for higher value and Chicago; and a wide swath of con- of the locations have restaurants) has its match meats and potential—places popular destinations sumers. The chain earned WIne Specta- own wholesale seafood with rice, we think are well such as Las Vegas; sells a variety of cuts tor awards, and all seafood operation noodles, veggies, worth trying, based Memphis, Tenn.; including its signa- claim solicitous staffs, that supplies its and sauces. Most of on a combination and Seattle. The ture bone-in Outlaw which may be why restaurants with fish its 59 venues are in of factors, includ- chain rated well on Ribeye. Median the chain was rated from the Northwest, the Midwest and ing cuisine quality, ambience, and each check per person: highly for service. Alaska, and Hawaii. West. Median check value, and relatively restaurant strives $16 for lunch, $24 Median dinner check Median dinner check per person: $12 for low price. for a sophisticated for dinner. per person: $64. per person: $28. lunch, $14 for dinner. PHOTOS: FOGO DE CHAO: @YOKO.0313; LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE: BENJHS_92 STEAKHOUSE: LONGHORN @YOKO.0313; CHAO: DE FOGO PHOTOS:

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 43 A Healthy Appetite We analyzed the menus of the five most frequented chains in our survey to ferret out ways you may get fooled into making unhealthy choices—and give you sensible fixes

The nutrition experts 22 grams of fat, FOOLED the Bacon Tempta- menus, five Lighter can you base your se­ at Consumer Reports’ 7 grams of saturated Misleading tion Omelette at IHOP Italian Fare meals at lection on more infor­ food testing lab re- fat, and 770 mg of meal names. has 1,080 calories, Olive Garden, and mation than you’ll see viewed the nutrition sodium. If you don’t eat out would you think that two IHOP Simple & Fit on a menu (and avoid information for lunch We discovered op- very often, what you the Garden Omelette dishes, both centered scrolling through your and dinner dishes tions at each chain pick might not carry has 840? on eggs. And if you’re phone at the table), at the five sit-down that met at least one as much weight. But Salads aren’t always eating somewhere but you also might restaurant chains of those criteria, but if, like one-third of the a great choice, either, that doesn’t have a be less swayed by that respondents to scoping them out people we surveyed, “especially when they lighter menu, split an high-calorie options our current survey took some digging. you eat dinner at a res- have creamy dress- entrée with a friend if you aren’t hungry visited most often. (“Best Selling vs. taurant at least once ings and little crunchy or ask your waiter to when you make your In order, they were Better for You,” on a week, you really things on top,” says box half of your meal decision, according Applebee’s, Olive the facing page, lists have to make smart Julie Downs, Ph.D., before bringing it to to a recent study Garden, The Cheese- our picks.) “To make choices—and that’s associate professor the table. by Downs and her cake Factory, Cracker informed choices, not easy, says Lisa of decision science colleagues. Barrel Old Country consumers who want Sasson, M.S., R.D., at Carnegie Mellon FOOLED Store, and IHOP. The to eat more healthfully clinical associate pro- University. “Some- Too little FOOLED nutrition information need more nutrition fessor of nutrition at times a salad can have information. Sneaky sodium. came from menus we information than they New York University. as many calories as Applebee’s, The About 90 percent picked up at restau- can find on most “Even menu items the hamburger next Cheesecake Factory, of Americans get rant locations in our menus,” says Ellen that sound healthy to it—or more.” That IHOP, and Olive Gar- more than the recom­ area or from the com- Klosz, who conducted may still be high in can be the case at den list calorie counts mended daily maxi­ panies’ websites. Our our review. “And even calories,” Sasson says. Applebee’s: The Ori- on their menus. mum of 2,300 mg, goal: to identify the when it is available, it Take the Eggplant ental Grilled Chicken Cracker Barrel does and a good chunk meals that a health- can be a challenge for Parmigiana at Olive Salad has 1,290 calo- for its Wholesome comes from restau­ conscious diner could consumers to inter- Garden. Eggplant is ries vs. 780 in the Fixin’s dishes. That’s rant food. And if you feel comfortable or- pret it.” We focused a veggie, so it seems Classic Burger. helpful, but it’s not think “lighter” dishes dering. Ideally, those on three common better than Chicken enough: “Lower calo- are less salty, think are dishes with about consumer-confusing Parmigiana, right? But FIX rie” doesn’t automati- again. Four of six a third of a day’s nutri- problems and found each has 1,060 calo- Look for the light. cally mean healthier. Lighter Fare entrées at tion intake, based on a the fixes that can ries. And though you “Most of the dishes “A healthy meal is also Applebee’s have more 2,000-calorie diet—at help you eat healthier probably wouldn’t be we recommend come lower in fat, saturated than 2,000 mg of so- or below 670 calories, anywhere. surprised to see that from the chains’ fat, and sodium,” dium. With 2,450 mg lighter menus,” Klosz Klosz says. of sodium, the Lighter says. “But we also You can often find Fare Shrimp Wonton chose dishes from the additional nutrition Stir-Fry alone exceeds regular menus that information on a the daily maximum. came closest to meet- restaurant’s website. ing our nutritional Applebee’s, IHOP, and FIX criteria.” Fortunately, Olive Garden all list at Set a sodium strat­ lighter menus nowa- least carbohydrates, egy. Anything with days have more to fat, saturated fat, fiber, cheese or a sauce is offer than plain green protein, sodium, and practically guaranteed salads or cottage sugars online. to be a sodium bomb, cheese and fruit. Klosz says. Request At press time, The FIX sauces and dressings Cheesecake Factory Research what you’ll on the side, and use had around 40 dishes order beforehand. just a little bit, which on its SkinnyLicious Check chain restau- may save you calories menu. We also found rants’ websites in and fat, too. Also try A Big Fish six Lighter Fare dishes advance, review the simply asking your Olive Garden’s at Applebee’s, eight available nutrition server whether the Herb-Grilled Salmon Wholesome Fixin’s information, and pick kitchen can cut the is a healthier choice. on Cracker Barrel’s one or two dishes to salt on your dish. lunch and dinner choose from. Not only —Julia Calderone

44 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 GARLIC GRILLED CHICKEN ROSEMARY TILAPIA PICCATA THAI SHRIMP BREAST WITH HEARTY CHICKEN Calories 450 SALAD GRAINS AND GARLICKY Calories 540 Fat 24 g ⁄ Calories 380 GREEN BEANS Fat 19 g Sat. Fat 10 g ⁄ Fat 19 g Calories 620 Sat. Fat 7 g Sodium 1,010 mg ⁄ Sat. Fat 3 g Fat 20 g Sodium 1,630 mg ⁄ Sodium 1,620 g ⁄ Sat. Fat 8 g ⁄ Sodium 1,900 mg ⁄ Best Selling vs. Better Better for You for You Better Olive for You We asked the five chains our survey respondents visited most to identify some of their best-selling dishes overall. Garden Applebee’s HERB-GRILLED Then, based on nutrition (not taste), our own food experts SALMON independently chose a few of the “better for you” dishes on Calories 460 ⁄ PEPPER-CRUSTED Fat 28 g each chain’s menu to suggest. (Note that not all of our “better ⁄ SIRLOIN Sat. Fat 8 g & WHOLE GRAINS for you” picks entirely met our definition of “healthy,” so we’ve Sodium 570 mg Calories 380 noted the values that exceed our criteria.) The Cheesecake Best Fat 12 g Selling Sat. Fat 3.5 g Best Factory said it could not supply us with a list of its best-selling Sodium 1,820 mg ⁄ Selling dishes. All of the nutrition information came from LASAGNA the companies’ menus or websites, except for the CLASSICO Calories 930 The Cheesecake Factory and Cracker Barrel values. They Fat 53 g currently list only calories, so the companies gave CHICKEN Sat. Fat 28 g BONELESS ALFREDO Sodium 2,070 mg WINGS (WITH­ us the additional nutrition information here. Cracker Calories 1,480 OUT SAUCE OR Fat 94 g THE ALL-DAY Barrel said it plans to provide more complete DRESSING) Sat. Fat 56 g BRUNCH BURGER Calories 680 nutrition information for its dishes on its Sodium 1,480 mg Fat 35 g Calories 1,190 SHRIMP Sat. Fat 7 g Fat 81 g website by the fall. SCAMPI Sodium 1,760 mg Sat. Fat 29 g Calories 570 Sodium 2,370 mg Fat 24 g Sat. Fat 13 g Sodium 1,800 mg BOURBON STREET CHICKEN & SHRIMP Calories 640 Fat 31 g Better Sat. Fat 9 g HARVEST GRAIN Sodium 2,040 mg for You PEPPER-GRILLED IHOP ‘N NUT PANCAKES SIRLOIN WITH WITH BLUEBERRY STEAMED BROCCOLI COMPOTE € AND BAKED SWEET (HALF ORDER) POTATO STRAWBERRY Calories 560 BANANA ⁄ Calories 560 Fat 24 g FRENCH TOAST Fat 14 g Sat. Fat 5 g (4 PIECES) € ⁄ Sat. Fat 6 g Sodium 1,000 mg Sodium 210 mg Calories 550 SHORT STACK Fat 17 g Cracker OF BUTTERMILK Better Sat. Fat 7 g Barrel Old PANCAKES (3) Sodium 570 mg for You Calories 430 SIMPLE & FIT Country PECAN CRUSTED Fat 17 g VEGETABLE CATFISH WITH Sat. Fat 7 g OMELETTE WITH Store STEAMED BROCCOLI Sodium 1,390 mg MIXED FRUIT BUTTERMILK AND BABY CARROTS Best Calories 310 OVEN FRIED CHICKEN Calories 380 Selling Fat 12 g BREAST WITH STEAMED Fat 11 g Sat. Fat 4.5 g BROCCOLI AND Sat. Fat 4 g Sodium 690 mg MIXED GREENS WITH Sodium 765 mg BACON CHEESEBURGER VINAIGRETTE CHICKEN Calories 830 Calories 470 FAJITA OMELETTE Best Fat 19 g Fat 54 g Sat. Fat 25 g Calories 960 Selling Sat. Fat 4 g Fat 63 g ⁄ Sodium 1,760 mg Sodium 1,195 mg Sat. Fat 24 g Sodium 2,110 mg

HOMEMADE CHICKEN SOUTHERN N’ DUMPLINGS GRILLED CHICKEN (WITHOUT SIDES) CAESAR SALAD Calories 340 Calories 540 SKINNYLICIOUS Fat 7 g Fat 33 g CHICKEN PASTA Sat. Fat 2 g Sat. Fat 8 g Calories 590 TUSCAN Sodium 1,300 mg Sodium 1,290 mg Sat. Fat 1 g CHICKEN MEATLOAF The Sodium 655 Calories 590 Calories 520 Cheesecake Sat. Fat 2 g Fat 35 g Factory Sodium 755 Sat. Fat 14 g SKINNYLICIOUS Sodium 930 mg GRILLED SALMON Calories 590 Better Sat. Fat 7 g ■ Better-for-You Meals for You Sodium 695 ■ Best-Selling Meals

⁄Value exceeds our criteria for healthy meal. €There weren’t many options at IHOP that met our nutrition criteria. So we customized the order for these dishes, and the values are for just part of the meal. 45 46 Ratings 10 10 13 14 12 11 11 9 9 6 6 6 4 4 4 8 8 3 3 3 5 5 5 2 2 2 7 7 7 1 1 1 Rank Ruth’s Chris Steak House House Steak Chris Ruth’s Kona Grill Cafe Fatz Ninety Nine Restaurants Charleston’s Ruby’s Diner Bob Evans Evans Bob Silver Diner Pancake House Original The Le Peep Peep Le Hillstone Hillstone Seasons 52 & Grille Perry’s Steakhouse Claim Jumper Cafe Lux Grand Winery & Restaurants Cooper’s Hawk Fired Grill Firebirds Wood Steakhouse & Wine Bar Prime Fleming’s Restaurants Mastro’s Grille Capital The Steakhouse Brazilian Chão de Fogo &I Egg The First Watch The Cheesecake Factory Churrascaria Brazil Texas de Gourmet Deli Original TooJay’s Cafe Egg Broken Another Old Country Store Barrel Cracker Elmer’s Cotton Patch Cafe Cafe Patch Cotton Houston’s J. Alexander’s CONTEMPORARY/TRADITIONAL AMERICAN STEAKHOUSE FAMILY CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG

Restaurant hi Reactions Chain

⁄

85 85 86 86 87 87 87 80 80 81 81 81 81 81 81 82 83 85 80 80 80 80 80 80 83 83 84 85 86 86 87 88 Reader Score 0 05 0 0 0 0 5 0 05 0 0 0 0 5 0 05 0 0 0 0 5 05 0 03 0 0 0 0 3 0 03 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 03 0 0 0 0 3 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 04 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 03 0 0 0 0 3 0 03 0 0 0 0 3 0 03 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 5 05 Food 04 4 04 4 04 4 04 03 3 04 4 03 3 03 3 03 4 03 3 04 3 03 3 04 4 03 3 03 3 03 4 03 Survey Results Menu Variety 02 2 01 2 02 2 03 03 3 03 3 03 3 04 3 03 3 03 2 02 3 03 3 03 3 03 3 03 3 03 3 03 None of the restaurants in our 11th category, Burgers & Sandwiches, scored high enough to be included in this chart. chart. this in included be to enough high scored &Sandwiches, Burgers category, 11th our in restaurants the of None Value 05 5 05 5 05 5 05 03 3 03 3 03 3 03 3 04 3 04 3 03 3 03 3 03 3 04 4 04 4 04 4 04 Service 05 5 05 4 05 5 04 03 3 02 2 03 3 03 2 03 3 03 4 03 2 03 3 03 4 04 4 04 4 04 5 05 Ambience 40 30 64 36 66 38 86 59 59 54 32 28 28 24 24 22 37 57 16 18 13 13 13 15 15 17 Dinner Price ($) 10 10 16 19 18 13 13 14 14 15 12 12 17 11 11 6 9 9 6 4 4 8 8 3 3 5 5 2 2 7 1 1 Rank Seafood House & Sushi Bar Sakura Steak, Japanese +Bar Steakhouse Keg The Smith & Wollensky Texas Roadhouse Seafood Room Oceanaire The Steak House Eagle Double Frisco’s Del Roy’s Roy’s Eddie V’s Prime Seafood Seafood Prime V’s Eddie Bonefish Grill Grill Bonefish Mitchell’s Fish Market Grill Bristol Seafood Nobu Black Angus Steakhouse Shula’s Steak House Legal Sea Foods King’s Fish House House Fish King’s House Chart Restaurants Anthony’s Seafood Kitchen Pappadeux Truluck’s Ocean Prime Restaurant Kabuki Japanese Benihana LongHorn Steakhouse Merlot’s Eddie Morton’s The Steakhouse McCormick & Schmick’s Grill Mongolian HuHot Saltgrass Steak House P.F. Chang’s Chang’s P.F. Sullivan’s Steakhouse The Palm Restaurant The Palm Restaurant SEAFOOD STEAKHOUSE ASIAN

Restaurant

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81 81 82 82 82 83 85 85 85 81 81 82 83 83 84 84 84 85 85 86 87 87 87 80 80 81 82 83 87 80 80 81 Reader Score 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 05 0 0 0 0 5 0 05 0 0 0 0 5 05 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 05 0 0 0 0 5 0 05 0 0 0 0 5 05 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 05 3 04 4 04 Food 3 03 3 04 3 04 3 03 3 03 3 04 4 04 3 04 4 03 4 04 4 04 3 03 3 03 3 04 3 03 3 03 Survey Results Menu Variety 2 03 2 02 2 02 2 02 3 02 2 02 3 03 3 02 3 02 2 03 2 02 2 03 3 02 3 02 3 01 3 03 Value 4 03 4 04 4 05 4 04 4 04 4 04 4 04 4 04 4 04 4 04 5 05 3 03 3 04 4 05 3 04 3 03 Service 4 03 4 05 4 05 5 04 4 04 3 05 4 05 4 04 4 05 5 05 5 05 3 02 3 04 4 05 3 04 3 02 Ambience 60 40 40 30 46 64 66 34 65 59 35 35 58 54 54 42 23 28 28 28 28 24 73 57 27 27 77 77 19 31 14 71 Dinner Price ($) sumer Reports National Research Research National Reports sumer Center’s 2016 Winter Survey of of Survey Winter 2016 Center’s 68,950 subscribers reporting on on reporting 68,950 subscribers 170,838 restaurant visits from mid- from visits 170,838 restaurant 2015 to early 2016. Reader Score Score Reader 2016. early to 2015 € ⁄ RATINGS ARE BASED ARE RATINGS Median dinner price for Gloria’s Latin Cuisine combines lunch and dinner costs because of small sample sizes for each meal individually. individually. meal each for sizes sample small of because costs dinner and lunch dishes. combines seafood Cuisine and Latin steaks Gloria’s offer for price locations of dinner types Median Both locations. house) seafood (i.e., club ocean and steakhouse have Restaurants Mastro’s 10 16 13 14 15 15 12 17 11 9 9 6 6 4 4 8 8 3 3 5 5 2 2 7 7 1 1 Rank Johnny Carino’s Zio’s Italian Kitchen Italy Little Maggiano’s &Grill BBQ Ranch Wood House Fish McGrath’s The Old Spaghetti Factory Bar-B-Que Lucille’s Smokehouse Store and Bar-B-Q Bar-B-Q and Store Country Rudy’s Fired Pizza Pizza Fired Coal Anthony’s Landry’s Seafood Il Fornaio Fornaio Il Sonny’s BBQ Grill and Bar Flanigan’s Seafood Fired Pizza Pizza Fired Wood Brixx Carmine’s Francesca’s Restaurants Italiana Cucina Bravo Ristorante Italiano Biaggi’s LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria Romano’s Macaroni Grill Grill Italian Carrabba’s Grille Tuscan Brio Dave’s Famous RibCrib Bar-B-Q Nick’s ’N Jim Red Hot & Blue &Blue Hot Red Pappas Bar-B-Q BARBECUE SEAFOOD ITALIAN/PIZZA Restaurant

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on the Con

- 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 81 81 83 83 83 84 84 85 80 80 80 81 81 81 82 83 85 80 80 81 Reader Score represents subscribers’ overall overall subscribers’ represents satisfaction with their diningsatisfaction experi ence. A score of 100 would mean mean would 100 of Ascore ence. that all respondents are completely completely are respondents all that satisfied; a score of 80 indicates that that indicates 80 of ascore satisfied; they’re very satisfied, on average; average; on satisfied, very they’re 0 03 0 0 0 0 3 0 03 0 0 0 0 4 0 03 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 4 04 0 04 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 0 03 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 0 03 0 0 0 0 4 0 03 0 0 0 0 4 04 0 03 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 04 Food 03 2 03 3 3 3 3 03 01 3 3 3 03 3 3 03 3 3 03 04 03 03 03 3 3 3 3 03 3 3 3 3 02 03 03 Survey Results Menu Variety 03 3 3 3 03 03 4 03 03 03 03 3 03 02 04 03 04 03 03 02 Value 03 03 03 3 3 03 03 4 4 04 4 4 04 4 4 04 03 03 03 03 04 03 04 Service 03 02 03 02 4 03 04 04 04 03 03 03 02 03 02 04

Ambience 20 39 38 33 26 23 23 28 25 25 24 24 16 16 19 18 18 18 13 31 14 14 15 15 21 17 17 - Dinner Price ($) 60, fairly well satisfied. Differences Differences satisfied. well fairly 60, of fewer than 5 points are not mean- not are 5 points than fewer of ingful. The ratings attributes listed listed attributes ratings The ingful. under Survey Results reflect average average reflect Results Survey under scores on a scale from very poor to to poor very from ascale on scores excellent. Food is a combined rating rating acombined is Food excellent. 10 16 12 11 9 6 6 6 4 4 4 8 3 3 3 5 5 5 2 2 2 7 7 1 1 1 Rank and Tavern and Restaurant Bucket Rusty Cuisine Latin Gloria’s New Orleans of Copeland’s Cafe Cajun Razzoo’s Restaurant & Bar Tommy Bahama Grill Ted’s Montana Giordano’s Redstone American Grill Grill American Redstone Not Your Average Joe’s Joe’s Your Average Not &Brewery Food City Granite Restaurant & Bar Rafferty’s Restaurant Mexican Fenix El Island Grille Grille Island Breeze Bahama Houlihan’s Grill Burtons Kitchen Scratch Cheddar’s Tavern Marlow’s Abuelo’s & Drafthouse & Drafthouse Restaurant Street 54th Restaurants Mexican Hacienda The Melting Pot Pot Melting The Daily Grill Pappasito’s Cantina Cantina Laredo Laredo Cantina Barcelona Wine Bar Chuy’s SPECIALTY BAR & GRILL ITALIAN/PIZZA MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

Restaurant

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81 81 82 82 83 83 85 80 80 81 82 83 84 84 80 80 81 81 81 81 81 81 82 82 83 85 Reader Score

of two separate attributes: food taste taste food attributes: separate two of and food quality. Dinner Price re­ Price Dinner quality. food and flects the median price paid for food food for paid price median the flects and drinks per person. These results results These person. per drinks and may not be representative of the the of representative be not may general U.S. population. 1 WORSE WORSE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 03 0 0 0 0 4 4 0 03 0 0 0 0 4 04 04 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 04 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 0 03 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 0 03 0 0 0 0 4 0 04 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 0 04 0 0 0 0 4 04 4 04 03 Food 3 3 03 04 3 3 04 02 3 03 3 3 3 04 3 3 3 3 03 03 03 3 3 3 03 03 3 03 3 03 03 Survey Results 2 Menu Variety 03 3 3 3 04 03 03 1 02 03 02 03 03 02 03 4 03 2 03 04

Value 3

4 4 03 04 4 4 04 03 4 4 03 03 04 03 03 04 04 3 3 03 4 4 04 03 Service 4 03 03 04 03 04 4 04 04 03 03 4 04 04 03 04 03

Ambience BETTER 30 44 39 34 35 23 23 28 24 24 22 37 27 19 19 19 19 19 18 15 15 15 21 17 17 17 5 47 Dinner Price ($) From Dollars to Digital The way people pay may change how they spend.

48 Cashing Out New technologies are making the convenience of living cash-free a reality. But consumers need to understand the trade-offs of abandoning paper money entirely. by Jeff Blyskal

Cash is king, right? But check your pockets. Almost half America has been on a steady march toward becoming a cash­ of us walk around with less than $20, according to a 2014 less society since the 1950s, when Diner’s Club, American Express, survey by Bankrate.com. And with so many other ways to and Bank of America launched the first modern charge and credit pay—a dozen and counting, including mobile wallets and cards. Through the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, plastic gradually store-branded payment apps, and, of course, old-fashioned muscled in on cash as a main way to pay. In many respects, the credit and debit cards—legal tender today is becoming more new mobile payment methods are simply virtual versions of pay­ minion than monarch. ment cards—because an underlying credit, debit, or prepaid card, Bryce Mendelsohn, 36, a San Francisco physician, has all but or a checking account, is still required to fund the transactions. abandoned paper money. He usually carries no more than $20 But now that smartphones and other electronic devices are and favors Apple Pay, mobile wallet software that came preloaded becoming part of the payment process, the way we spend cash­ on his iPhone 6. It’s faster and more secure than cash and doesn’t lessly is dramatically shifting, presenting new benefits and some stuff up his pockets. So he actively seeks out retailers that let him potentially negative consequences—from privacy concerns to wor­ pay by holding up his iPhone to the cashier’s payment card reader. ries about overspending because it’s so quick and easy. And how a With one touch of his finger, a transaction is complete. lost, broken, or dead-battery phone can disable your ability to pay. Mendelsohn uses a different kind of mobile payment platform Research shows that all consumers are wading into some to pay baby sitters (Venmo) and tutors (PayPal) without physical mobile payments technology, but younger ones are going all-in money. Those are person-to-person, known as P2P, smartphone sooner; 34 percent of those ages 18 to 29 are now using mo­ payment apps that let anyone send money to anyone else in a bile payments vs. only 16 percent of consumers ages 45 to 59, snap (see “A Field Guide to Mobile Money,” on page 52). and 7 percent of those 60 and older, according to a May 2015 Elizabeth White, who usually carries less than $5 or no paper Federal Reserve Board survey. “My parents have no interest in money at all, is another cashless embracer. She lives in New Apple Pay,” Mendelsohn says. His theory? “My guess is there’s York City and loves to collect miles on travel rewards credit something tangible about cash.” And they may have concerns cards, onto which she charges “everything,” even small pur­ about actually using the device. chases such as a pack of gum. For other expenditures, White, Now, as retailers scramble to keep up with mobile payment 37, now pays with electronic alternatives—Apple Pay for gro­ adopters, the rest of us may also decide that it’s time to rethink ceries and coffee, the Square Cash app for her hairdresser, the the way we pay for goods and services. Uber app for car service around town, and a transponder (hers is E-ZPass) for electronic bridge, tunnel, and turnpike tolls. Continued on next page

PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE VOORHES NOVEMBER 2016 49 You’re probably already helping to make cash obsolete if THE DECLINE & FALL OF CASH you’re among the 20 million who have access to Walmart Pay or are a driver with one of the 37 million electronic toll tran­ 1958 sponders. Thirty years ago, 36 percent of consumer purchases (as measured by dollar volume) were paid for with the green The BankAmericard stuff, according to the Federal Reserve. By 2012, that number revolving credit card — 1984 which eventually had dropped to just 14 percent. becomes known as Banks issue the first Other countries have been quicker to change, according to Visa — is test -marketed debit cards. With the some industry research. In Belgium, France, Canada, the United in Fresno, Calif., then MasterCard or Visa rolled out nationally. Kingdom, and Sweden, cashless payments—which still include logos added, the cards can be used nationally old-fashioned checks—now comprise 89 to 93 percent of con­ 1989 to pay for purchases sumer spending. In Sweden the switch had such a negative im­ at retail stores. pact on tithing that houses of worship began installing a sort of First electronic toll tags 1990 digital collection basket, to take offerings via text and credit and come into use on the debit cards, and through apps. In Denmark last year, lawmakers Dallas North Tollway. The first general purpose reloadable prepaid proposed allowing some retailers to refuse cash entirely. cards are established by And in June, Canadians began paying select merchants and 1998 federal legislation as an friends with MintChip, a digital equivalent of cash developed by alternative to paper food the Royal Canadian Mint and acquired by nanoPay, a private tech PayPal creates a stamps. The cards would way for consumers later evolve into general company. MintChip is an encrypted digital currency, based on to pay for internet purpose reloadable the Canadian dollar, which can be loaded onto your smartphone prepaid cards available purchases from small or other device to pay merchants and send money to friends online merchants to the public. who don ’t accept instantaneously. (The government was its original architect to 2009 credit cards. Instead, ensure that the system was affordable, private, and secure.) payment is made online Starbucks But Americans are catching up. A MasterCard study of 33 ma­ using a consumer ’s launches one PayPal account, whose jor economies says that the U.S. is at a “tipping point,” beyond of the first funds come from the smartphone apps which near cashlessness is inevitable, because disruptive new owner ’s bank account that lets customers or credit cards. 2011 digital payment products are expected to change entrenched pay for in - store consumer habits that still favor cash—to settle small-dollar pur­ purchases with their phones and chases or preserve the anonymity of a transaction. earn loyalty The infrastructure for accepting cashless payments hasn’t always rewards. been available at every point of purchase, either. But that’s chang­ ing. Handheld and mobile technology such as Square has made Google Wallet 2016 introduces the first cashlessness possible for a whole new class of merchants. Food mobile wallet app, trucks, art shows, street festival vendors, and plumbers can now available on the Sprint Rising mobile wallet Nexus S 4G smartphone. acceptance. Apple use their iPhone and Square technology to accept payment cards. Initially accepted at Pay says it is now Cash may never go away completely; there’s still about about 150,000 U.S. accepted at 3 million $1.5 trillion in U.S. paper and coin circulating the globe. And the merchants. U.S. merchants. physical stuff continues to have a comforting effect on Ameri­ cans, particularly when natural disaster threatens. “Before a SHARE OF TRANSACTIONS hurricane makes landfall, the Federal Reserve gets on average BY VALUE OF PAYMENTS Credit Card Other a 25 percent increase in currency orders from financial insti­ 16% 5% tutions in the path of the storm,” says Barbara Bennett, vice president of the National Cash Product Office at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. And paper money is likely to always be required when the tooth fairy calls. New cashless technologies are in the works that will allow consumers to leave phones and mobile wallets at home. Technol­ Electronic* Check Debit Cash Text and ogy is already allowing consumers to authorize payment with 27% 19% Card 14% Mobile only fingerprint detection. “Eyeprint” readers could be next. 18% Payment < 1% Here are some pros and cons, in four key areas, to help you decide whether it’s time to abandon cash.

*Online bill payment and bank account number payment. ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL BRANDON MYERS Source The Federal Reserve System Cash Product Office. Convenience pros Consumers value convenience as the most important characteristic of any way to pay, according to research by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, and they rate cash, debit cards, and credit cards as highly convenient. But the newer alterna­ tives can involve even fewer hassles than carrying cash. For example, when you owe money to a friend, P2P pay­ ment apps eliminate the chore of writing a check or running to the ATM to make a withdrawal. The P2P app Venmo is so popular that its trademark name is starting to be used as a verb. “If I have dinner with friends, one of us will pay and the others Venmo him their share of the bill,” says Owen Clapp, 25, a Los Angeles musician who usually carries less than $10. He says that’s simpler than splitting the bill with several payment cards. Branded apps like the ones from Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts let you earn discounts and rewards when you use them The Cost of to make payments, eliminating actual coupons. “The customer No Cash response to our mobile apps has been phenomenal. Not only Digital transactions are they using their phone as a wallet, but as a connection can lead to higher product prices. point to Starbucks,” explained Adam Brotman, general man­ ager of Starbucks Digital Ventures, on the anniversary of the app’s rollout. Soon, digital payments are expected to radically change the the likelihood of spending, concluded researchers Priya Raghu­ way we shop in stores with an app that will allow customers to bir and Joydeep Srivastava in their 2008 study. scan merchandise and pay for it in the aisles, then simply walk There are additional downsides. Kari Paul, a Brooklyn-based out the door with their purchases, says Amitaabh Malhotra, freelance writer, has noticed that “Venmo is turning our friends chief marketing officer for OmnyPay, which creates those shop­ into petty jerks,” because it allows them to pester each other ping and payment functions within apps. for reimbursement on tabs they used to pick up as a kindness. cons All of those goodies may appear to be free, because con­ sumers pay little to no explicit charges for most cashless trans­ actions. But consumers ultimately pay billions in fees each year Security when they pay without cash. pros In surveys, consumers say they believe credit and debit The fees are not so transparent because banks charge mer­ cards are in some ways more secure than cash, in part because chants for each cashless transaction, and merchants ultimately stolen cash is gone forever but fraudulent card charges can be pass on those added costs to consumers in the form of higher reversed. Consumers don’t seem to have as much faith in mobile prices, says Mallory Duncan, general counsel at the National payments, rating them as the least secure, says economist Scott Retail Federation trade group. “That means everybody is now Schuh, director of the Consumer Payments Research Center at paying $100 for what would otherwise be a $99 basket of goods. the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. That hurts customers, especially the poor,” Duncan says. That lack of confidence is a bit misplaced, considering smart- Cashless convenience has some other drawbacks. “It defi­ phones that make mobile cashless payments possible are nitely encourages you to spend more money too easily,” says drawing from an underlying debit or credit card. That means William Sanchez, 41, a web operations manager at a radio net­ both mobile and plastic payments are covered by the same work with $4 in his pocket. He learned that after noticing how small- to zero-loss liability consumers are protected by. Mo­ T-shirt and raffle-ticket sales skyrocketed once his son’s Cub bile technology secures transactions as well as—or sometimes Scout den started using a Square reader during fundraisers. better than—credit and debit cards alone. Here’s an example: Retailers have seen that, too. Apple Pay stores payment credentials on an encrypted “secure Costco members who have the store’s official credit card element” chip built into the phone. That substitutes the ac­ spend more, on average, than those without it, says Richard tual payment account number with an encrypted “token” and Galanti, chief financial officer of the big-box chain. Cashless ways to pay reduce the friction and frustration, which increases Continued on next page

NOVEMBER 2016 51 A FIELD GUIDE TO MOBILE MONEY

Person-to-Person Branded Mobile Wallets (P2P) Payments Payment Apps Electronic Toll Tags

What do they do? Let you pay What do they do? Let you send What do they do? Let you What do they do? Let you for purchases at physical retail money to another person via pay for purchases only at the pay for highway, express lane, stores and online. the app, email, or text. merchant brand’s physical bridge, and tunnel tolls, as well Noteworthy brands Android Noteworthy brands BBVA/ stores and service providers, as parking at some airports. Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Dwolla, Chase QuickPay, and their online counterparts. Noteworthy brands Express- Samsung Pay. ClearXchange, Facebook Noteworthy brands Dunkin’ Toll, E-ZPass, FasTrak, Good To Setup Register your credit, Payments in Messenger, Donuts, Lyft, PayByPhone, Go, MnPass, SunPass, TxTag. debit, or (in some cases) pre- Popmoney, Snapcash, Square Starbucks, Uber, Walmart Pay. Setup Purchase a tag, which paid cards with your phone’s Cash, and Venmo. Setup Download the brand’s is a transponder or sticker mobile wallet. Those card Setup Non-bank P2P: Download proprietary smartphone app, with an embedded microchip, accounts fund the wallet a P2P app, create an account, create an account, and enter the and affix it to your car. Create transactions. and digitally link it to your bank credit, debit, or—if accepted— an account online, register How it works Hold the phone account or a credit, debit, or prepaid card or PayPal account the tag’s ID number, and link up to a merchant’s payment prepaid card. Bank P2P: Sign that you want to fund payments. a credit or debit card to the card reader and follow any in- up for your bank’s online or How it works Payment proce­ account to fund it manually, structions on it and your phone. mobile banking app, enroll in the dures vary: Your smartphone periodically, or automatically Pay for online purchases by optional P2P feature, and link screen may display a QR code when the prepaid balance clicking the onscreen wallet but- your email address or mobile or bar code read by a device at drops below a certain level. ton at checkout in a mobile app phone number to the service. the checkout, your phone may How it works Instead of using and increasingly on a website. How it works Senders must read a QR code on a merchant’s the cash toll booths, simply Cost No direct fees. enter the dollar amount and the payment card reader, users drive through the designated What we like Apple Pay is now recipient’s contact information. may enter a location number toll lanes with readers, which accepted at 3 million stores in Recipients get a notification found on compatible parking let you pay without stopping. the U.S. because retailers are when someone sends them meters, or you may simply click In some states, high occupancy equipped with new EMV chip money, with instructions on an onscreen payment button. vehicle carpoolers can flip a card readers that also have near how to retrieve it. Cost Generally no direct fees. switch on the tag to use tolled field communication (NFC) Cost Usually recipients never What we like These apps express lanes free. technology. Android Pay and pay, and fees for sending vary combine payment, loyalty pro- Cost No fees beyond the Apple Pay need NFC to transact from free to up to 3 percent or grams, and ordering capabili­ toll itself. with cash registers. Samsung more if paid for with a credit ties. Uber automatically charges What we like Commuters can Pay can be used at more than card or some debit cards. you for your ride. PayByPhone knock 20 minutes to an hour off 10 million U.S. merchants, What we like It’s super-easy. lets you extend parking meter their daily drive, says J.J. Eden, because it employs NFC plus a Can transfer money fast (but minutes from wherever you president of the Alliance for Toll second technology that lets it see caveats). All the services are. Walmart Pay can be set Interoperability. No stopping. communicate via magnetic strip take steps to ensure security. up to scan electronic Walmart No need to scramble for cash or with readers that don’t have Caveats How quickly recipients receipts, compare advertised change. Some agencies offer functioning NFC. Mobile wallets get their money varies, depend- local competitors’ prices, and electronic toll discounts of 10 to add extra security by transmit­ ing on the service. For example, credit the difference. 25 percent or more. Unlike most ting an encrypted “token.” money moves instantly via Caveats Can be used for only tags, usable in only one state, Caveats PayPal is mostly for Facebook Payments in Mes- one merchant brand. You can’t E-ZPass works in 16 Eastern and online shopping and has very senger and by ClearXchange, pay if your phone runs out of Midwest states. But toll agen­ limited acceptance at retail but your bank may take up to power. The Lyft app may hold cies are working to make tags stores. Apple Pay works only five business days to make the onto more than the cost of your usable on any other system. on certain more recent iPhones; funds available to you. Venmo ride for several days, which in Caveats High traffic volume Samsung Pay works only on also moves money in an instant, turn could cause an overdraft can clog up even the toll tag certain Samsung devices. You but it will take the recipient an- if it is funded with a debit card. lanes. And now the discounts, can’t pay with a wallet if your other day before the funds move Some PayByPhone locations used to lure new customers, phone runs out of power. from Venmo to a bank account. charge a fee of 25 cents to $1. are starting to go away.

52 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL BRANDON MYERS creates a one-time-use code for each transaction—that would be a publisher of advertising, including targeted ads. useless to a hacker who captured them. To authorize payment, One of the biggest privacy concerns is unanticipated uses of the shopper must enter a PIN or use fingerprint touch ID. So your data, because privacy policies tend to give their authors basically, if you lose your credit card, someone can pick it up broad permission for uses that may not even exist yet, says and use it, but it’s more difficult for a crook to use your Apple Claire Gartland, consumer protection counsel at the Electronic Pay if you lose your iPhone. Privacy Information Center: “It’s a take-it-or-leave-it disclaimer cons The digitization of dollars puts them at risk of hackers that codifies your consent for the company to do anything con­ looking to find and exploit security weaknesses. In 2015, crooks ceivable with your information.” found a way around Apple Pay’s state-of-the-art security. They acquired iPhones—probably using stolen identities—and loaded stolen credit card account numbers onto the devices. Marketplace Fairness Apple wouldn’t comment on the record about that secu­ pros About 34 million low-income consumers have little or no rity problem, which has since been resolved. But the scam access to traditional banking services and wind up paying the illustrates the relentlessness of hackers. An estimated 112,000 most to use their own money. The U.S. Postal Service inspec­ consumer accounts—across all brands of mobile wallets—were tor general estimates that those consumers spend more than taken over last year, according to Javelin Strategy and Research, $2,400 per year in interest and fees on high-priced alternative a California-based consulting firm. financial services. Because 84 percent of adults earning less Officials from Javelin warn that as mobile wallets gain popu­ than $30,000 per year own a cell phone or a smartphone, the larity, they’ll continue to be a target for cybercriminals. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Federal Deposit To protect yourself, before setting up your mobile wallet in­ Insurance Corporation see mobile financial services as a po­ stall anti-malware software on your smartphone; anti-malware tential money saver for lower-income consumers. is not available for iPhone. Use strong, unique passwords with Virtual banks such as Ally Bank and GoBank—which are essen­ your mobile carrier’s online account. tially a smartphone app—can open the door to a variety of more economical banking services. With those accounts, consumers can use P2P services, e-toll tags, and mobile wallets. Android Privacy Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay also support participating pros Mobile payment transactions can generate a mountain prepaid cards—payment cards that are preloaded with funds of digital data, including your Social Security number, internet and can be used like a normal credit card, with no credit check protocol address, and payment card account numbers. Also col­ or bank account needed. lected is your spending information detailing what you bought, cons Mobile financial ser­ where, when, and for how much. ‘Going cashless vices have some critical That data is necessary to provide the payment services and drawbacks. The cost of process the transactions you want. It’s also used to authenticate encourages cellular and data services your identity, and detect and prevent fraud. you to spend can often be prohibitive, The already digitized transaction data can also serve as the especially for low-income necessary raw material for household budgeting and money more money consumers, and wireless management software. “What’s great about being mostly cash­ service can be spotty. less is the fact that I can automatically import 95 percent of my too easily.’ Security is a major con­ spending transactions into Mint,” says White, the cashless fan, —William Sanchez, 41 cern. Low-income consum­ referring to the online budgeting and money management tool. ers worry about transacting Customized advertisements and coupons can be another financial business via smart- benefit, if you don’t mind being targeted in that way. phone, in part because they don’t have the financial cushion cons Unfortunately, that huge trail of info can tell lots about necessary to handle even temporary loss of access to their us that we may not want others to know. Mix that with other funds due to fraud. Fear over loss or theft of their phone is information that can be gleaned from a smartphone and mobile another concern. payment companies can see you in even greater detail. Last, consumer protections vary. “The world of mobile fi­ Google’s Android Pay mobile wallet also captures your nancial services remains complex,” says Suzanne Martindale, search queries and information from third parties, includ­ staff attorney at Consumers Union, the policy and mobiliza­ ing your credit report. Their privacy policy says they don’t tion arm of Consumer Reports. “The potential benefits these share sensitive personal information with companies out­ services offer may in some cases be undercut by gaps and side of Google without your opt-in consent. But Google, uneven consumer protections that may leave economically which did not respond to a request for comment, is itself vulnerable consumers at greater risk of fraud or loss.”

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 53 What’s Cooking in Ranges The dazzling sheen and bling in appliance aisles can blind shoppers to what matters most in a new range. Here, we give you clear-eyed advice and share ratings of the best and the worst. by Kimberly Janeway

54 NOVEMBER 2016 Like any workhorse, the kitchen range is something we we’ve sorted popular features in order of importance: usually take for granted. Until it breaks down, that is, and EssEntial High-power burners and elements are great for all we’re left with is four walls and a sink. A range fills the bringing water to a fast boil and for stir-frying a big pan of food. home with appetizing aromas, is command central for holiday Control lockouts let you disable the oven controls on ranges gatherings, and sustains the family—with some help from the and are recommended when the control panel is at the front of house chef, of course. Thanks to new features and more stylish the range, especially when young children are afoot. choices, the old workhorse has become something of a show Hot-surface warning lights tell you when an electric heat­ pony: New designs and placement of the controls have boosted ing element is still hot (one warning light per element is best, their visual appeal. The latest models have powerful burners though one overall light will probably cost less). or heating elements to get pots boiling quickly and two ovens nicE to HavE Oval gas burners can accommodate griddles for more versatility, and some even pair a gas cooktop with an and elongated pans. (On electric ranges, an elongated bridge electric oven to give you even more choices. Whether you need element that spans two burners serves the same purpose.) Most a new range now or are just considering an upgrade, here’s how radiant smoothtops have elements that expand or shrink to to navigate the options. match a pot’s diameter. When shopping for a new range, it’s easy to be seduced by Convection can speed up baking and roasting, and improve brown­ fancy features—even if you don’t really need them. But remem­ ing. See “Mastering Convection Cooking,” on page 56, for details. ber that the more bells and whistles a range has, the higher its A warming drawer comes in handy when hosting large gather­ price. And more extras don’t necessarily mean that a range will ings or feeding stragglers. be better at the basics or more reliable in the long run. skippablE WiFi-enabled ranges let you preheat the oven, The best approach is to zero in on the features that increase change the temperature, and more from another room or from safety, save time, and add convenience—and forget about the across town. But for safety’s sake, it’s better to be close by when rest. To help you do that (and stay focused during a sales pitch), the range is on.

A Hot Topic: Gas or Electric?

What’s better— But fans of gas On radiant Electric induction be flat-bottomed If you absolutely gas or electric ranges argue that smoothtop ranges entered for better contact can’t decide ranges? Each has it’s easier to control ranges—the most the market about a with the surface. between gas and its advantages. the heat when popular electric decade ago. Their Though induction electric, consider Electric ranges are cooking on the type—it can take cooktop elements technology is one of the new dual- more popular than stove. They have a few minutes for use electromagnetic popular in Europe, fuel models, which gas, and the best a point: When you the cooktop heat to energy to heat only it hasn’t really taken have a gas cooktop electric models in turn down a flame fully reduce, which the pan, leaving the off in the U.S., and an electric oven. our tests consis­ on a gas range, can lead to burned surface cooler than perhaps because One last thing to tently outperform the heat reaching the or overdone food. a range with radiant models are often consider: If you live the top gas models, food is reduced Flat-bottom elements. The more expensive in a place prone to largely because almost immediately. cookware makes result is faster heat, than either gas power outages, you their most powerful Grates on gas better contact precise simmering, or conventional might want to go for rangetop element rangetops can with the cooktop instantaneous electric ranges— a gas range, which delivers faster heat stand up to any type surface. But the heat control, easy though they’re allows you to cook and their broilers of cookware. ceramic glass cleanup, and added coming down a hot meal with just tend to cook more cooktop can safety. Induction in price. the strike of a match. evenly because scratch or crack cooktops work only With an electric they cover a larger under heavy pots. with cookware that range, you’ll be area than those in contains magnetic eating cold cereal most gas ranges. material and should by candlelight. PHOTO: GETTYPHOTO: IMAGES

Scan any page in this section using the Blippar app to CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 55 see our kitchen range Buying Guide (see page 7 for details). Getting the Best From Your Broiler

For time-starved, health-conscious cooks, broiling is an easy and flavorful way to cook tender cuts of meat and fatty fish filets, sear in juices, and get a meal to the table quickly. But missteps can lead to burnt or overcooked dinners and even grease fires. Here’s how to make the most of your broiler.

Preheat. For the best Locate the sweet you can move the Use a broiler pan. It browning, fire up spots. Place nine oven rack higher or lets grease drip rather the broiler 2 to 5 min­ slices of white bread lower to increase than collect and pose utes before cooking. on a pan and broil for or decrease the heat a fire risk. That is a minute. Are some intensity. Use the low particularly important Get the basics right. of the slices much setting (or position the with fatty meats. With most electric darker than others? rack farther from ranges, you need to Watch closely. Food Are some slices the broiler) for thicker 3 Things a keep the oven door under a broiler can go barely broiled? You’ll cuts or foods you slightly ajar while from rare to burnt in Sales Rep want to place food want browned and broiling. With gas just a minute or two. where the heat is cooked all the way Won’t Tell You ranges, you usually most intense. through. Use the high Flip food. To ensure close the door for an setting (or position even broiling, flip optimal mix of gas Use the right setting. 1. Some ranges with front control the rack closer to the halfway through. and air. Check the Most ranges have panels and no back panel vent broiler) for thinner owners’ manual variable broil, which the oven’s air out the front. cuts and foods you Be safe. If a fire starts, for advice on your allows you to adjust Not only does that heat up want seared but less close the oven door particular broiler. the heat from low to the kitchen but it also may done inside. to cut off oxygen, and make you feel uncomfortable high. Alternatively, turn off the heat. while you’re stirring your gravy. When shopping for a front- control range, including pro-styles, see how it vents the oven’s warm air and how it keeps Mastering Convection Cooking the controls cool during baking and cooktop use. AIR MOVEMENT in conventional ovens is Lower the recommended cooking slow, which can lead to uneven cooking temperature by 25° F, and check your 2. Few ranges are silent, but (although some conventional ovens do a baking 5 to 10 minutes sooner than the some are noisier than others. good job of heating evenly). Convection recipe calls for. For instance, you may hear the ovens use one or more fans to circulate fan (or fans) whirring during the hot air, which can lead to more uniform Place a pan filled with an inch of cooking or self-cleaning cycles heating and faster cooking. Once reserved simmering water on the oven floor before or when using the convection only for top-end ranges, that feature now baking artisanal breads. The steam helps feature. And the elements on comes on models that cost as little as $650. to create a crispy, crackly crust. induction ranges may hum or “Convection ovens can do things a buzz at higher settings. Before Consider dry brining and refrigerating regular oven can’t,” says chef Susan Reid, buying, ask the sales rep about meat and chicken for at least an hour food editor of Sift magazine, published by noise from fans and heating before roasting. It dries the skin or King Arthur Flour. “They can preheat and elements, and also check the outside of the meat and helps it cook faster, hasten dehydration, and cook manufacturer’s website to learn form a seal in the oven more quickly greater volume at one time,” Reid says. what noises you should expect to keep the meat from drying out. According to our own tests, convection from a model. Check doneness in half the time of a also improves browning and crisping, conventional recipe. 3. Oven racks can be hard to though not all ovens with convection move around, which for bakers heat evenly. To get the most out of Bake biscuits, scones, and pizza crusts can be especially annoying. your convection oven, Reid recommends using convection. They need quick heat Even gliding racks, which are that you: for best results. made to be easy to push in and Use pans with low sides so that the Skip convection when baking quick pull out, can be hard to switch to circulating air can work its magic. Light- breads, wet muffin batters, cakes, another position. Move the racks colored aluminum is ideal for baking and for cupcakes, sandwich breads, and sweet around before you buy. If they roasting vegetables, and to prevent cookie yeast baking. “The convection fan drive you crazy now, imagine bottoms from overbrowning and the natural has a tendency to dry the tops of some how you’ll feel after a decade of sugars in vegetables from burning faster. things,” Reid says. wrestling with them. PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS ASSOCIATED PHOTO:

56 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 These four popular range categories—from affordable, freestanding models A Range to stalwart-looking pro-styles—each have their own advantages and drawbacks. To help you narrow your choices, we spell out the pros and cons of Options of each, and provide a high-performing example from our ratings.

Gas Single Freestanding Oven (30-Inch) SAMSUNG Highs They are the least expensive—and Lows Some models with front-panel controls NX58F5700WS most popular—option. Freestanding ranges and no back panel have their primary oven $1,600 can be placed anywhere, so there’s no need vents near the top of the door and blow out to cut out a chunk of your counter to accom­ warm air (the oven air is cooled with room modate one. Though the controls have air). Even so, you’ll pay a hefty premium for traditionally been set on a back panel that juts this popular style. above the stovetop, some now come with 79 Price $450 to $2,600 0 controls on the front for a more modern look. OVERALL SCORE

Electric Slide-In Smoothtop Double Oven Highs Slide-ins are installed between cabinets Lows The range must be precisely fitted into (30-Inch) or in an island; the cooktop overlaps the its cutout; the gap between the back of the SAMSUNG counter on the right and left sides, for a range and wall needs to be filled for a finished NE58F9710WS $1,800 sleek, built-in look. Controls are up front, so look, which requires extra work. The primary they won’t obscure a decorative backsplash. oven vents may be located near the top of the door and blow out warm air. Front-mounted 85 touchpad controls may be activated if you 0 inadvertently brush up against them. OVERALL SCORE Price $1,300 to $2,600

Gas/Dual-Fuel Double Oven Double Oven (30-Inch) Highs Available in freestanding or slide-in Lows The bottom oven is low to the floor, LG LDG4315ST versions, these usually have a small top oven which can make lifting out a heavy roast a $1,740 for light jobs and a larger bottom oven for Herculean effort. And say goodbye to the bigger jobs such as roasting turkeys. Both storage drawer. come in handy when preparing large, multi- Price $1,275 to $3,300 course meals. Some models have two ovens 73 of equal size. The Samsung Flex Duo-Oven 0 range has a large single oven that converts into two separate ones, each with its own tem­ OVERALL SCORE perature control, when you slide in a partition.

Pro-Style Pro-Style Dual-Fuel (30-Inch) Highs These mimic the industrial look of Lows Although they’re among the most KITCHENAID restaurant ranges, with heavy burners, beefy expensive of all the options, these ranges KDRS407VSS knobs, and stainless steel finishes (although aren’t the top performers in our tests. Some $4,140 some come in bold colors). Typically pow­ have small ovens or lack a self-clean feature, ered by gas, they usually have three or more and some have their primary oven vents near high-powered burners for fast heat. Dual-fuel the top of the door and blow out warm air 72 models, which combine the control of a gas (the oven air is cooled with room air). 0 rangetop with an electric oven, are also avail­ Price $2,500 to $7,700 able. Some models offer the option of a back OVERALL SCORE panel and a shelf for added style and storage.

Scan any page in this section using the Blippar app to CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 57 see our kitchen range Buying Guide (see page 7 for details). Ratings Red-Hot Ranges OF THE 109 RANGES we tested, the order of performance in each and solid reliability. For highest scored 89; the lowest, category. They made our full ratings, available to 23. The ranges presented here recommended list, meaning online subscribers, go to are the highest scoring in they have excellent performance ConsumerReports.org.

Brand & Model Price Score Test Results Features

Recommended Rank Cooktop High Cooktop Low Baking Broiling Oven Capacity Self-Cleaning Slide-In High-PowerNumber of Elements/Burners Mode Convection

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP single oven (30-inch)

0! 1 Kenmore 95052 $1,300 87 05 05 05 04 04 05 2 · 0! 2 LG LRE3083SW $800 86 05 05 04 05 05 04 2 · 0! 3 Frigidaire Gallery FGEF3035RF $870 86 05 05 04 05 04 05 2 · 0! 4 GE Café CS980STSS $2,550 86 04 05 05 05 05 03 1 · 0! 5 GE Profile PB911SJSS $1,100 85 05 05 04 04 05 05 2 · 0! 6 Samsung NE58F9500SS $1,640 83 05 05 04 05 04 04 · 2 · 0! 7 GE PS920SFSS $1,800 83 05 05 04 04 05 05 · 1 · 0! 8 LG LSE4613ST $1,700 82 05 05 04 05 05 03 2 · 0! 9 Whirlpool WFE905C0ES $900 81 05 05 04 04 04 04 2 ·

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP double oven (30-inch)

0! 1 LG LDE3037BD $1,620 89 05 05 05 05 05 05 2 · 0! 2 Samsung NE58F9710WS $1,800 85 04 05 04 05 04 05 · 1 · 0! 3 Samsung NE59J7850WS $1,400 82 04 05 04 05 05 04 1 · 0! 4 LG LDE4415ST $1,640 81 05 05 04 04 05 04 2 ·

ELECTRIC INDUCTION

0! 1 Kenmore 95073 $1,700 89 05 05 04 04 04 05 2 · 0! 2 Kenmore 95103 $1,400 88 05 05 4 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 2 · 0! 3 Samsung NE58H9970WS $3,400 86 04 05 04 05 04 05 · 3 · !0 4 Bosch HIIP054U $3,200 81 05 05 4 0 5 0 3 0 3 0 · 2 · 0! 5 Frigidaire Gallery FGIF3061NF $1,540 81 05 05 04 03 04 04 2 ·

ELECTRIC COIL

0$ 1 Kenmore 94142 $560 81 04 05 04 03 05 05 2

GAS single oven (30-inch)

0! 1 Samsung NX58F5700WS $1,600 79 04 05 05 04 04 04 2 · 0! 2 Samsung NX58H9500WS $2,000 77 04 05 04 04 04 04 · 2 · 0! 3 GE PGS920SEFSS $2,550 73 04 05 05 03 04 03 · 1 · 0! 4 Samsung NX58H5600SS $1,000 73 03 05 04 04 05 03 2 · 0! 5 Kenmore 74132 $700 71 04 04 04 03 04 05 2 0! 6 Samsung NX58F5500SS $680 71 03 05 04 03 05 03 2 0! 7 Frigidaire Gallery FGGF3058RF $1,100 69 04 04 04 03 04 05 2 · 0! 8 GE PGB911ZEJSS $1,100 69 04 05 04 03 04 03 2 ·

Scan any page in this section using the Blippar app to 58 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG see our kitchen range Buying Guide (see page 7 for details). *Dual-fuel, pairing a gas rangetop and an electric oven. oven. electric an and rangetop agas pairing *Dual-fuel, the lowest-powered burner keeps a keeps burner lowest-powered the well how note we heat, cooktop low For anear-boil. to water of pot 6-liter a bring to takes burner powered highest- the long how time we heat, HOW WE TEST: TEST: WE HOW 0! 0! 0! 0 0 ! !

changes might affect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a lower estimated failure rate can improve your odds of getting a dependable model. model. dependable a getting of odds your improve can rate failure estimated lower a with brand a choosing Still, manufacture or reliability. design future and vary, can affect might abrand within changes Models ranges. gas for points of 4 percentage differences meaningful; not ranges, are points electric For 5 percentage contract. than fewer aservice by covered not and new purchased were that brand by ranges gas and electric for ownership of year Source least or most the as out stood brand no 2015, and 2010 between new purchased ranges electric of 6,880 owners of survey our In Brands Reliable & Least Most Recommended KitchenAid KitchenAid LG Samsung Maytag Kenmore Frigidaire Whirlpool GE ELECTRIC 2 2 1 1 1 Rank Our findings are based on Consumer Reports’ 2015 Summer Product Reliability Survey. The graphs show the estimated failure rates by the third third the by rates failure estimated the show graphs The Survey. Reliability Product Summer 2015 Reports’ Consumer on based are findings Our GE MonogramGE ZDP364NDPSS* LDG4315ST LG KitchenAid KitchenAid KitchenAid NY58J9850WS* Samsung PRO-STYLE DUAL-FUEL PRO-STYLE DUAL-FUEL GAS AND DUAL-FUEL

To test high cooktop cooktop high To test

KDRS407VSS* KDRU763VSS* 10% 10% 10% 12% 12%

8% 8% 5% 7% 7% doubleoven (30-inch)

ESTIMATED FAILURE RATE RATE FAILURE ESTIMATED (30-inch) (36-inch)

Brand &Model low temperature (such as for melting melting for as (such temperature low test how evenly the ovens ovens the evenly how test To aboil. below sauce tomato holds low, on set burner, highest-power the well how and chocolate),

LG, and KitchenAid. In our survey survey our In KitchenAid. LG, and Samsung, than better fully meaning- is GE However, reliable.

NOVEMBER 2016

and Maytag were among the more more the among were Maytag and KitchenAid, Whirlpool, 2015, and 2010 between new purchased ranges gas of 6,114 owners of then And space. usable measure we capacity, oven To evaluate searing. high-heat check to and brown they evenly how out find to burgers of apan We broil racks. oven two on cookies and cakes bake we bake, Maytag Maytag KitchenAid Whirlpool GE Kenmore Frigidaire LG GAS GAS $3,300 $7,300 $7,600 $4,140 rc Score Price $1,740 72 72 74 73 79

1 POOR POOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 04 0 0 0 0 3 04 4 04 12% 12% 12% 11% 11% 6% 5% 7% 7% Cooktop High 2

ESTIMATED FAILURE RATE RATE FAILURE ESTIMATED

05 5 05 4 05 FAIR FAIR

Cooktop Low Test Results

Frigidaire, Kenmore, and GE. LG, than reliable less meaningfully repair-prone. Those brands are 04 4 04 4 04 3 Price is approximate retail. setting. self-cleaning the on food other and filling, pie eggs, cheese, of mix abaked-on remove to ability oven’s the We test messy: gets it Baking CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG GOOD GOOD $ 03 3 04 3 05 Broiling CR BEST BUY BUY BEST CR

4 03 4 04 4 04

Oven Capacity GOOD VERY 04 4 04 4 03 Self-Cleaning ! RECOMMENDED Features Features

Slide-In 5 EXCELLENT EXCELLENT 3 4 3 2 2

Number of High-Power Elements/Burners

· · · · · 59

Convection Mode Road Report Ratings from our test track plus expert car advice

Baby Boon Parents will love the Best Family Cars roomy (from top) Audi Q7, Hyundai Azera, and We factored in safety, performance, and Dodge Durango. convenience to recommend smart choices for a variety of different family types. by Mike Monticello

60 ILLUSTRATIONS BY CRISTIANA COUCERIO once upon a time, a station wagon or minivan was what people pictured as intuitive infotainment system. But the go-to transportation choice for a family. Then, for a while, a midsized SUV beyond that, it’s a great fit for families with young children. It has plenty of was a pretty good proxy for a typical “family vehicle.” But these days, there’s cabin space—with a particularly roomy no such thing as a typical family. After all, a young couple with one or two rear seat—and is extremely child-seat­ small kids doesn’t have the same needs—or the same budget—as a family with friendly. In fact, it was easier to fit a three lanky teenagers. And what if you have an infant, but you’re also caring child seat in the Azera than in many for an aging parent? considerably larger sedans. Leather seats come standard, so cleaning To help families select vehicles that fit their needs, we started out by burped-up formula is a snap. If all of that studying the specific requirements families have during different stages of isn’t enough, the Azera isn’t a big seller, growth and change. Our pool of choices included only vehicles that earn so you can easily negotiate a discount. a Consumer Reports recommendation and boast a competitive Overall Score. Each delivered strong performance in our more than 50 tests; received good SUBARU IMPREZA marks in safety areas including insurance industry and/or government HATCHBACK crash tests; and rated average or better for reliability and owner satisfaction, 77 ROAD-TEST SCORE 76 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 5 based on our exclusive owner surveys. OWNER SATISFACTION 3 To create family-focused recommendations, we filtered our test-based ratings OVERALL SCORE OVERALL MPG 26 by emphasizing various factors: ease of child-seat installation for families with PRICE RANGE $18,295-$23,595 young children; short-person access and ability to see out the rear windows for school-age kids; rear-seat head and leg room for families with teenagers; The Impreza Hatchback is proof that and front and rear ease-of-access for families with aging parents. The result: terrific family vehicles don’t have to be a selection of standout vehicles for the needs of your family. large or expensive. Its comfortable ride will keep young ones from jostling about over bumps, and standard all-wheel drive aids traction in snowy AUDI Q7 winters. The 148-hp four-cylinder ROAD-TEST SCORE Families With 96 gives adequate acceleration and PREDICTED RELIABILITY 3 87 a decent 26 mpg. Despite the owner’s OWNER SATISFACTION 4 Young Children manual caution that seats may not be OVERALL MPG 20 OVERALL secure in the center, we were successful SCORE PRICE RANGE $54,800-$64,300 at getting a tight installation there BaBies and young ones require lots of with the belts, and the lower LATCH stuff—changes of clothes, strollers, diaper The seven-passenger Q7 has a luxurious, anchors in the outboard seats are easy bags, toys, special food, and more—so super-accommodating, and quiet to access. The hatchback body style is many people prioritize cargo space when cabin that’s perfect for a family with handy for stashing baby-related gear. purchasing their first family car. But the three or more children. It’s the highest- most critical consideration for transporting rated SUV we’ve ever tested, and it infants and toddlers is how the vehicle excels at accommodating child seats. DODGE DURANGO

accommodates car seats. All rear seats are equipped with ROAD-TEST SCORE 83 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 3 Your child should be restrained in a their own lower LATCH and tether 76 OWNER SATISFACTION 5 child seat from the moment you take your anchors—a rarity among SUVs—and you OVERALL MPG 18 baby home from the hospital until he or can fit three child seats across the OVERALL SCORE PRICE RANGE $30,495-$44,595 she begins using the seat belts, usually second row. Plus, key safety features around the age of 7 or 8 with a booster such as forward-collision warning with seat. Every state requires that kids up to automatic emergency braking come The three-row Durango impressively 4 years old ride in child seats. standard. Despite its size, the Q7 is blends workhorse utility with copious While we check to see how every easy to drive. Expensive, yes, but it’s creature comforts and bountiful tested child seat fits into vehicles, we also worth every penny. cargo space. But it stands out as a look at each tested vehicle’s child-seat great family vehicle because it makes friendliness: how easy it is to attach and child-seat installation a snap. Most secure LATCH and top tether straps, how HYUNDAI AZERA forward- and rear-facing child seats easy it is to securely install the seats using ROAD-TEST SCORE 80 prove secure in the second row PREDICTED RELIABILITY 4 both LATCH and belts, and how much 79 when installed with the Durango’s OWNER SATISFACTION 4 space is left over for other passengers. seat belts, and LATCH anchors OVERALL MPG 23 The following vehicles score highly for OVERALL are easily accessible in the outboard SCORE PRICE RANGE $34,100-$39,300 child-seat friendliness and will make the seating positions. The Durango comes harried lives of parents a bit easier. with either a V6 or a V8, each mated Remember, with little ones messes are The Azera is refined and loaded with to a smooth eight-speed automatic inevitable. To make cleaning up easier, features, from its smooth V6 and six-speed transmission, in either rear- or

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES GETTY IMAGES PHOTOS: consider leather seats—either real or faux. automatic to a luxurious interior and all-wheel drive.

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Families With Have Tykes, Will Travel School-Age Kids The interior of the Toyota Highlander can hold everything from bikes to preteens. As kids prepAre to start elementary school, they begin transitioning out of their harnessed car seats and into boosters or sitting with just a seat belt. Your not-so-little ones will gain newfound independence as they begin entering and exiting the car on their own, which makes ease of access a key factor. For this category, we specifically screened for vehicles with rear seats that were easy to get into. Another consideration: As older kids lose the benefit of a booster seat, it can be harder for them to see out the rear windows. So we explicitly looked for cars with low beltlines that give kids access to views of the outside world. After all, it’s better for your kids to be staring at the scenery than annoying each other on long road trips. Three-row vehicles can also be big aids for this age group, as sleepovers, TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SUVs. Fuel economy from the four- playdates, and carpools become ROAD-TEST SCORE 84 cylinder engine is excellent at more common. And cargo capacity 82 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 5 30 mpg overall—which can take the is more important than ever, for OWNER SATISFACTION 5 sting out of long commutes, road big-box store runs as well as bicycles OVERALL OVERALL MPG 20 trips, and the day-to-day stop-and-go SCORE and musical instruments. PRICE RANGE $30,490-$50,485 consumption of the family taxi. In theory your kids won’t be as messy The V6 model gives a more spirited at this age, so easy-to-clean seating punch but sacrifices 4 mpg overall. surfaces are less critical. But you might Big doors, flat sills, and a low step-in Front and rear cabin access is want to consider a rear DVD player or, height give the Highlander almost very easy, and the windows offer a at the least, multiple power outlets and minivanlike access—perfect for satisfying view out. USB ports to keep the kids charged young kids. Its low beltline allows kids and entertained on longer trips. to see outside ... not just the back of the front-seat headrest. The LEXUS ES

Highlander’s smooth V6 drivetrain ROAD-TEST SCORE 79 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 5 KIA SORENTO returns a reasonable 20 mpg overall, 79 ROAD-TEST SCORE 84 OWNER SATISFACTION 5 and the hybrid model achieved 84 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 5 OVERALL OVERALL MPG 25 an impressive 25 mpg. Its comfy SCORE OWNER SATISFACTION 5 PRICE RANGE $38,100-$41,020 ride makes this SUV an easy-to-drive OVERALL OVERALL MPG 21 daily companion. Interior room (with SCORE PRICE RANGE $25,100-$43,300 seating for up to eight) is generous, The upscale ES is luxurious and thanks to its wide third-row seat, and pampering to its occupants, but it Our top-rated midsized SUV provides cargo space is quite good. isn’t as exciting to drive as the the room and space to keep a family Accord. We were impressed by how comfortable and to bring along their gear. easy it is for kids and young adults to Rear-seat access is commendable for HONDA ACCORD get into the back. The car’s stylishly an SUV. In fact, it’s better than in ROAD-TEST SCORE 85 sloping roofline will make adults PREDICTED RELIABILITY 5 many cars, which sit lower to the ground. 82 have to duck their heads to get back OWNER SATISFACTION 4 The third row is tight for adults, but kids there, but it poses no problem for shouldn’t have any trouble climbing in OVERALL OVERALL MPG 30 kids. The 3.5-liter V6 returned a SCORE or getting comfortable. You’ll be more PRICE RANGE $22,205-$34,680 commendable 25 mpg overall, with than impressed with its smooth V6 the Hybrid model proving considerably powertrain and 21 mpg overall. Rear-seat If an SUV isn’t to your liking, the more frugal at 36 mpg overall, including passengers have access to a USB port and family-friendly Accord offers 44 mpg on the highway. Reliability higher-voltage power outlets. the agility and frugality not found in has been excellent.

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TOYOTA AVALON The seats are comfortable, the suspension soaks up bumps nicely, and the quiet cabin Families ROAD-TEST SCORE 80 makes it an enjoyable long-distance hauler. 79 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 4 The 288-hp, 3.6-liter V6 is smooth, but With Teenagers OWNER SATISFACTION 5 fuel economy is a paltry 15 mpg overall. A OVERALL OVERALL MPG 24 SCORE PRICE RANGE $32,650-$41,950 redesign is on the horizon, so this could be a good time to snatch an outgoing Enclave Teenagers presenT unique challenges at significant savings. for parents, and we’re not just talking The large Avalon sedan is perfect for hauling about missed curfews, dating drama, or around adult passengers. Its roomy cabin FORD FLEX rebellious attitudes. Teens quite often managed the best combined score of rear-seat ROAD-TEST SCORE 73 dwarf their elders, yet on family outings head and leg room of any non-ultra-luxury 71 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 3 kids usually still end up in the backseats. sedan we’ve tested. Its trunk is expansive and OWNER SATISFACTION 4 So for the sake of family togetherness, well-suited to stuffing with everything from OVERALL OVERALL MPG 18 SCORE rear-seat head and leg room should be musical instruments to sports gear. And if fuel PRICE RANGE $29,600-$42,600 important. Plus, USB connections remain efficiency is a priority, Toyota offers a hybrid key as teens’ phones are almost a natural version that achieves an outstanding 36 mpg extension of their hands, and cargo space overall without much of a compromise to The three-row Ford Flex has the room is needed to accommodate everything cargo space. The Avalon is also available with of an SUV with the ride height of a from backpacks to sports equipment. Toyota’s Safety Sense-P with forward-collision sedan. It stands out from the swoopy­ But no teen wants to stay in the backseat warning and automatic braking. styled people movers with its distinct, for long. You’ll want a car that will help rectangle-on-wheels styling, which is your child learn to drive and provide safe BUICK ENCLAVE what makes it amazing at hauling families transportation once he or she gets a license. ROAD-TEST SCORE 77 and their stuff. The Flex rides comfortably The potential for a teen driving your new 76 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 4 and is quiet. Its second-row head room car is a reason to make sure it has the latest OWNER SATISFACTION 4 rests head and shoulders above most of and greatest in terms of safety features, OVERALL OVERALL MPG 15 its rivals. And though it doesn’t quite SCORE including forward-collision warning and PRICE RANGE $39,065-$49,515 match ultra-luxury cars such as the Audi automatic emergency braking, to help him A8 in terms of rear leg room, there’s stay safe while learning how to drive. still ample space in the back for all but The well-equipped Enclave is exceptionally the tallest adults. Two V6 engines are roomy, with generous rear leg room and available, although neither one is a fuel SUBARU OUTBACK a third row that is large enough for teens. economy standout. ROAD-TEST SCORE 82 80 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 4 OWNER SATISFACTION 5 OVERALL OVERALL MPG 24 SCORE Room for the PRICE RANGE $24,995-$33,395 Whole Brood The Toyota Avalon The Outback is basically a wagon with can cart infants and a raised ride height for light off-road teens all at once. duty and a modicum of SUV-like styling. Somehow this practical, durable, and extremely functional machine matches the Toyota Sienna minivan in terms of second-row head room, an impressive feat achieved courtesy of its tall stance. Its comfortable ride, secure handling, top safety marks, and standard all-wheel drive make it incredibly well-rounded. Cargo capacity is spacious, and the load height is low. We recommend the EyeSight safety suite, which adds forward-collision warning with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It’s standard on the Touring trim and optional on Premium and Limited Outbacks, and at less than $2,000, it is a bargain for those technologies. The Outback also meets our criteria as a good choice for a teenage driver, if you choose to share it or pass it down.

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TOYOTA RAV4 Great for ROAD-TEST SCORE 75 Grandparents 76 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 5 The Toyota Prius OWNER SATISFACTION 3 V’s big doors OVERALL OVERALL MPG 24 and roomy cabin SCORE PRICE RANGE $24,350-$33,610 make it simple to get in and out. The RAV4 is a standout small SUV for transporting older folks. Its front- and rear-access scores rank alongside larger SUVs and minivans, and rear-seat head room is surprisingly airy. The RAV4’s four-cylinder is energetic and fuel efficient, and handling is responsive and secure. There’s even a hybrid model, which gets a terrific 31 mpg overall. Front-wheel drive comes standard; all-wheel drive is optional. A safety suite with a pre-collision system is available, but models so equipped cost almost $30,000.

TOYOTA PRIUS V ROAD-TEST SCORE 73 75 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 4 OWNER SATISFACTION 4 OVERALL OVERALL MPG 41 SCORE PRICE RANGE $26,675-$30,935

The wagon version of the previous- generation Prius is a supremely fuel- efficient, versatile car with superb rear-seat access scores. In addition to the easy cabin entry, rear head room is also excellent, an elderly passenger ends up. That means leg room is generous, thigh support is Families With you or your spouse might end up in back, good, and the seatbacks can recline. so these vehicles also have generous rear- If that isn’t enough, there’s space to fit Grandparents seat head and leg room. three adults across in relative comfort. Its outstanding 41 mpg overall fuel economy, cavernous cargo capacity, and ACURA MDX composed ride add further family appeal. GettinG into and out of the car ROAD-TEST SCORE 89 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 4 can be the hardest part of traveling 79 OWNER SATISFACTION 5 for older adults. Combine that with an KIA SOUL OVERALL OVERALL MPG 21 ROAD-TEST SCORE 74 uncomfortable seat and a harsh ride, SCORE PRICE RANGE $43,015-$57,230 PREDICTED RELIABILITY 4 and you have enough factors to deter 72 OWNER SATISFACTION 4 anyone from wanting to suffer through OVERALL MPG 26 a multi-hour trip. For those reasons, The MDX is a functional, competitively OVERALL SCORE PRICE RANGE $15,900-$35,950 we focused on models with good cabin priced, family-friendly luxury SUV. It access. At the same time, we wanted has space for seven occupants, although roomy, comfortable vehicles that would the third row is snug for adults. Big Cabin access is a snap in Kia’s tall, budget be satisfying for anyone to drive. square doors and almost flat sills make hatchback. The big entryway opens to a Our screening yielded mostly all small entry and exit easy, with a natural flat, firm, and supportive front passenger SUVs. Why? Their seat height makes it step-in height. The front seats are large seat that sits at a perfect chair height. easy for older adults to slide in and out with soft-yet-supportive cushions. Three Rear-seat access is almost as generous, rather than being forced to duck in, as adults can fit in the second-row seat for although head room is only sufficient for with sedans, or to climb up, as with some short trips, and the reclining seatback sub-six-footers. The Soul’s small size makes midsized and large SUVs. makes it easy to find a comfortable seating it easy to drive and park, and the 2.0-liter Because the front passenger seat is position. The standard AcuraWatch four-cylinder engine has sufficient power. usually the easiest to access—in addition safety system includes forward-collision Pricing starts at less than $16,000, but to being more comfortable and offering warning with automatic braking and you’ll need to spend into the mid-$20,000 more seat adjustments—that’s often where lane-departure warning. range to get forward-collision warning.

Scan this page using the Blippar app to sign up for 64 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG our free Cars email newsletter (see page 7 for details). it comes standard with all-wheel drive. Families With a Getting in and out is effortless, thanks to low door sills, big door openings, and well- For Furry Bit of Everything positioned seats. The rear seat has plenty of head and leg room for two adults, and Family three can fit in a pinch. This small SUV also has top crash-test scores, great outward Members the vehicles here are suitable for visibility, and advanced safety gear that’s families as they move from one stage readily available. RESTRAINING YOUR pets is of their lives to the next. as much about your safety In analyzing our test ratings from as theirs. If a vehicle brakes LEXUS RX different family perspectives, several heavily or is involved in a ROAD-TEST SCORE 80/77 models routinely made the cut. With 81 crash, an unrestrained pet— PREDICTED RELIABILITY 5 these versatile vehicles, child-seat 78 of any size—hurtling through OWNER SATISFACTION 5 installation is a snap; cabin entry is easy the cabin can be a dangerous OVERALL OVERALL MPG 29/22 whether you’re small, tall, young, or old; projectile that risks injury to SCORE PRICE RANGE $41,900-$57,045 and the rear seats are large enough for human occupants and to the growing teens. animal. Loose pets may also These do-everything models range The Lexus RX SUV is defined by a be a driver distraction. from small and midsized SUVs to a luxurious interior that seals out road Many products are avail­ minivan and a luxury sedan. They are and wind noise. The wide, supple leather able to help restrain our furry excellent at keeping everyone safe and seats are the definition of plush, and the friends, but unlike restraints offer plenty of room, whether your ride is soft and cushy—but the handling is for humans, there are no stan­ budget is tight or a bit more flexible. rather clumsy. Big doors and chair-height dards or industry tests for pet seats make getting in and out a snap, restraints. Even those labeled and the rear seat has plenty of head and “crash-tested” are usually LEXUS LS 460 leg room; three adults can fit comfortably. based only on each manufac­ ROAD-TEST SCORE 89 The 3.5-liter V6 provides strong power turer’s claims and not indica­ PREDICTED RELIABILITY 5 86 and is linked to a smooth eight-speed tions that the products meet a OWNER SATISFACTION 5 automatic; the hybrid version gets an standard requirement. OVERALL MPG 21 OVERALL impressive 29 mpg overall. The nonprofit group Center SCORE PRICE RANGE $72,520-$82,305 for Pet Safety (CPS), with support from Subaru, con­ TOYOTA SIENNA High-end, large sedans are expensive ducted independent tests of ROAD-TEST SCORE 80/78 but notably roomy for all. The LS 460 is 80 dog crates, harnesses, and PREDICTED RELIABILITY 4 Lexus’ flagship, a luxurious and highly 78 carriers. The top-performing OWNER SATISFACTION 4 refined sedan with a serene ride and an models from CPS’ 2015 tests OVERALL OVERALL MPG 20/19 exceptionally quiet, feature-laden cabin. include the carriers PetEgo Jet SCORE SCORE PRICE RANGE $28,850-$46,410 Fit and finish is superb. There’s space Set Forma Frame Carrier with aplenty, whether up front or in the rear an Isofix-LATCH connection, seat, especially so if you order the After all of these years, minivans—whether $252, and Sleepypod Mobile long-wheelbase model. The rear seat is you love them or hate them—do the job Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock, sumptuous and provides plenty of room of hauling families around with an ease $170 to $190; for crates, the for child-seat installation. The 4.6-liter like no other type of vehicle. The top- Gunner Kennels G1 Intermedi­ V8 and eight-speed automatic make scoring Sienna has available seating for ate, $500, with 8-inch tie- this a smooth and responsive package, eight. Its front doors are large for easy down straps, $75 additional; and fuel economy is on par with some entry, and the sliding side doors give huge and for harnesses, the Sleepy- smaller luxury sedans. openings for passengers. The second-row pod Clickit Sport and Clickit Auto Access seat is a unique option. That Utility, $70 to $100. Prices may optional, factory-installed seat is designed vary. For more information, go SUBARU FORESTER to swivel and power out from the van to aid to centerforpetsafety.org.

ROAD-TEST SCORE 85 passengers with mobility problems. The PREDICTED RELIABILITY 4 83 V6 is lively, and the ride is comfy. Bonus OWNER SATISFACTION 5 points for being the only minivan available OVERALL MPG 26 OVERALL with all-wheel drive. SCORE PRICE RANGE $22,395-$33,795

Go to ConsumerReports.org/ The Forester doesn’t just hit the sweet spot familycars2016 to view Quick Drive videos of the models spotlighted among small SUVs—it’sWrite a standoutLearn amongShare Video WATCH here, as well as direct links to all family-focused vehicles for comfort, the model pages for additional cabin access, cargo-friendliness, and information on each vehicle, including road-test results, reliability interior room. OnInsight top of that,Road report the ForesterRecall Advocacy is affordable, durable, and efficient, and data, and more.

1 2 3 4 5 NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 65 WORSE BETTER Road Report We conduct more than 50 tests on each vehicle at our 327-acre Auto Test Center.

engines. In fact, the new dual-clutch transmission AUDI A4 85 works so well that most drivers 0 ROAD-TEST SCORE 88 will assume it’s a traditional OVERALL automatic. The combination SCORE HIGHS results in a quick and eager Ride, handling, quietness, AWD car that also returns a transmission, fit and commendable 27 mpg overall. finish, fuel economy This redesign has resulted in a car that is satisfying to drive, LOWS with sporty handling and good Controls take getting used to, unintuitive gear steering feedback. Even more LUXURY COMPACT SEDANS selector, tight rear seat impressive is how the A4 soaks Audi A4 up pavement imperfections, POWERTRAIN with a comfortable ride not 252-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine; 7-speed Shaking up the sports sedan class, seen in past Audis. dual-clutch automatic Audi tips the scales in its favor Slide into the cabin and you’re greeted by a high- transmission; all-wheel drive quality interior, with controls FUEL that respond with a satisfying 27 mpg The compeTiTion for best makes greater use of weight- click and a clean, modern sports sedan has long been a saving aluminium, and it look. Adding the Technology PRICE AS TESTED tug-of-war between BMW and features a reworked powertrain package brings a digital won­ $48,890 Mercedes-Benz. Yet Audi has and suspension. derland, from a touchpad taken a runaway lead in what Updates to the familiar to a high-resolution gauge has become a three-way race. 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo display. The variety of menus At first glance, the new A4 engine have resulted in a and ways to input commands looks remarkably like the old gain of 32 hp. That engine is is overwhelming at first, model. But don’t be fooled smoother than most but over time, the tech by the cover; the new sedan competitors’ small turbo proves intuitive.

21 mpg overall. That feat is in part due to the nine-speed CHRYSLER PACIFICA 68 automatic. 0 ROAD-TEST SCORE 85 Keeping a cavernous minivan OVERALL quiet inside can be challeng­ SCORE HIGHS ing, but the Pacifica’s interior Interior space and flexibility, proves hushed. It retains ride, quietness, Uconnect 8.4 Chrysler’s second-row seats infotainment system, that fold into the floor, and it access, fuel economy offers seven- and eight-seat configurations. Though mini­ LOWS MINIVANS van interiors tend to feel in­ Chrysler’s reliability reputation, expensive advanced safety dustrial, higher-trim Pacificas gear, coarse-sounding engine Chrysler Pacifica evoke a business-jet ambience, The originator of the minivan long had uninspired with well-thought-out details. POWERTRAIN products. Now it’s back with a vengeance. The optional Uconnect 8.4 287-hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine; touch-screen infotainment 9-speed automatic system remains the benchmark transmission; front-wheel drive for ease of use. FUEL The march of time has Sienna and Honda Odyssey Advanced safety gear is 21 mpg been cruel to Chrysler. The class leaders, responding finally available on a Chrysler minivan pioneer stumbled like a good midsized sedan minivan, but forward-collision PRICE AS TESTED when knockoffs from Honda rather than a living room warning with automatic brak­ $38,245 and Toyota leapfrogged it. This on wheels. Ride comfort is ing is offered only on trims entirely new Pacifica makes a very good, so impacts from that cost more than $40,000. strong argument for choosing a rough roads won’t disturb Overall, the Pacifica is minivan over a three-row SUV— slumbering children. an inviting minivan. But our and for considering a Chrysler. Our Touring L proved to be lingering concern is with In performance, the Pacifica quick and fuel-efficient, tying reliability, which hasn’t

cedes nothing to the Toyota the Odyssey with an impressive been a Chrysler hallmark. POWERS JOHN PHOTOS:

Scan these pages using the Blippar app to see how 66 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG the cars perform on our test track (see page 7 for details). by 1 to 2 mpg. But it lacks the polish of a V6. MAZDA CX-9 76 This family hauler not 0 ROAD-TEST SCORE 80 only feels light on its feet in OVERALL the corners but also shrugs SCORE HIGHS off bumps with aplomb, Ride, agility, quietness, particularly on the standard fuel economy, high-end 18-inch tires. versions feel upscale Inside, you’ll encounter a plush feel, even in our LOWS test vehicle’s midlevel Touring Cumbersome infotainment system, rear visibility, trim. But the hushed cabin MIDSIZED SUVS tight driving position, limited has limited front seat adjust­ front-seat adjustments Mazda CX-9 ments and the narrow cockpit compromises comfort. POWERTRAIN The new Mazda CX-9 provides a stylish The roomy second row can 227-hp, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine; alternative to me-too family SUVs slide fore and aft to give space to the kids in the cramped 6-speed automatic third row. Features such transmission; all-wheel drive as a panoramic sunroof, FUEL The Mazda CX-9 is a compel­ model, and Mazda offers ventilated front seats, and a 22 mpg ling alternative to mainstream just a turbocharged four- heated steering wheel aren’t three-row midsized SUVs, cylinder rather than a larger even available. PRICE AS TESTED providing agile handling V6. Nonetheless, this smaller The Mazda Connect $40,470 and a quiet interior for the engine puts out more torque infotainment system falls soccer-mom mobile crowd. than its peers do, making short, with a cumbersome Long, sleek, and rakish, the the CX-9 feel fleet-footed and console-mounted controller all-new CX-9 does more with responsive in everyday and tedious logic. In addition, less. It dropped 250 pounds driving. At 22 mpg overall, the it lacks Apple CarPlay and compared with the previous CX-9 betters the competition Android Auto compatibility.

But after that, the XD falls short. In terms of payload ca­ NISSAN TITAN 48 pacity, it is closer to a light-duty 0 ROAD-TEST SCORE 55 truck. Omnipresent diesel clat­ OVERALL ter makes it seem as if you’re SCORE HIGHS driving a big rig, but the XD’s Kinder and gentler than 15 mpg overall is just 1 mpg bet­ other HD trucks, towing ter than what a true heavy-duty capacity, light tailgate, diesel truck delivers. simple controls The split personality is evident on the road as well. LOWS PICKUP TRUCKS The ride is more civilized than Clumsy handling, stiff ride, short rear seat, high step-in Nissan Titan a heavy-duty truck, and the tailgate doesn’t require a lot POWERTRAIN Nissan aims for a smooth-riding of muscle to raise or lower. 310-hp, 5.0-liter V8 turbodiesel heavy-duty truck but misses the mark But the Titan XD’s handling is engine; 6-speed automatic clumsy, with very slow steer­ transmission; four-wheel drive ing response. Safety gear like forward- FUEL 15 mpg In an efforT to step out of the XD lies under the hood, in its collision warning or automatic realm of irrelevance among 5.0-liter V8 turbodiesel from braking isn’t available. PRICE AS TESTED competing pickup trucks, respected heavy-duty engine In the end, this niche- $51,075 Nissan tried to meld the best manufacturer Cummins. targeted Titan offers a tad more qualities of light- and heavy- That engine delivers a crush­ refinement with a hint better duty pickups into one truck, ing 555 pound-feet of torque, fuel economy than a heavy- creating a vehicle that delivers meaning it can tow more than duty truck for about $5,000 “extra duty.” But mostly, the a light-duty pickup is able to. less. But the Titan XD is pon­ new Titan XD has none of the Trailering equipment is ex­ derous to drive and doesn’t benefits of either. tensive; the Titan XD is even approach the payload or towing The main appeal of the Titan prepped for fifth-wheel towing. capabilities of HD trucks.

1 2 3 4 5 NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 67 WORSE BETTER Ratings People movers ranging from sedans and 1 2 3 4 5 SUVs to minivans and pickup trucks. WORSE BETTER ! RECOMMENDED

Make & Model Price Overall Safety Road-Test Results Score

Rec. Rank Tested As Predicted Reliability Owner Satisfaction Crash Front Prevention Road-Test Score Overall MPG Dry Braking, 60-0 MPH, Ft. Acceleration, 0-60 MPH, Sec. Avoidance- Maneuver MPH Speed, Routine Handling Ride/Noise Seat Comfort, Front/Rear Controls Luggage: Suitcases+ or els Duff Cargo Volume, Ft. Cu.

LUXURY COMPACT SEDANS

0! 1 Audi A4 Premium Plus $48,890 85 04* 04* Std./04 88 27 135 6.3 53.5 05 04/05 5/3 03 2+2

0! 2 BMW 328i** $43,195 75 03 04 Opt. 84 28 132 6.3 54.5 05 04/ 04 04/3 03 2+1 Mercedes-Benz C300 3 Std./05 85 26 136 6.8 55.5 / / 2+1 (4Matic) $47,560 65 01 04 04 05 4 05 3 02 4 Lexus IS300 (AWD) $48,149 63 05 03 Opt. 56 20 139 6.5 53.0 04 3/4 04/2 03 2+1

5 Cadillac ATS Luxury (turbo) $43,295 57 01 02 Opt. 79 23 125 6.5 57.5 05 04/04 05/2 01 2+1

6 Acura TLX SH-AWD $42,345 55 01 04 Opt. 75 25 129 6.5 55.0 04 04/ 04 04/ 03 02 2+2

MINIVANS

0! 1 Toyota Sienna XLE (FWD) $35,810 80 04 04 Opt. 80 20 134 8.8 49.0 03 04/4 4/05 04 70.5

!0 2 Honda Odyssey EX-L $38,055 78 03 04 Opt. 84 21 136 8.4 47.5 04 04/ 04 05/5 0 4 0 61.5

3 Kia Sedona EX $34,795 69 03* 04* Opt. 70 20 133 8.0 48.0 03 3/04 4/05 04 46.0

4 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L $38,245 68 02* 04* Opt. 85 21 136 8.0 51.0 03 04/ 04 04/5 0 50 66.0

! 5 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T $37,295 62 03 02 NA 72 17 141 8.1 49.0 03 04/04 04/04 03 61.5

3-ROW MIDSIZED SUVs

0! 1 Kia Sorento EX (V6) $37,915 84 05 05 Opt. 84 21 131 7.4 49.5 04 04/04 04/04 05 37.5

0! 2 Toyota Highlander XLE (V6) $38,941 82 05 05 Opt. 84 20 134 7.5 50.5 03 04/ 04 05/4 04 40.5 Dodge Durango 3 Opt. 83 18 134 8.3 48.0 / / 44.0 0! Limited (V6) $43,525 76 03 05 03 4 05 05 4 05 0! 4 Honda Pilot EX-L $39,585 76 30* 4 0* Opt. 80 20 136 7.5 49.5 03 04/ 04 4/5 0 3 0 48.0

0! 5 Mazda CX-9 Touring $40,470 76 03* 04* Opt. 80 22 139 7.9 50.0 04 04/04 04/05 03 34.0

0 6 Ford Explorer XLT (V6) $39,275 64 03 03 Opt. 67 18 135 7.9 49.5 03 04/ 04 04/4 0 2 0 42.0

Overall Make & Model Price Score Safety Road-Test Results

Rec. Rank Tested As Predicted Reliability Owner Satisfaction Crash Front Prevention Road-Test Score Overall MPG Acceleration, 0-60 MPH, Sec. Dry Braking, 60-0 MPH, Ft. Avoidance- Maneuver MPH Speed, Routine Handling Ride/Noise Seat Comfort, Front/Rear Towing Capacity, Lb. Lb. Payload,

FULL-SIZED PICKUP TRUCKS Ford F-150 XLT (3.5 V6 0! 1 04 05 Opt. 80 16 7.2 139 46.5 / / 10,700 1,925 EcoBoost) $46,755 77 02 2 05 4 05 0 2 Toyota Tundra SR5 (5.7L V8) $38,715 66 05 04 NA 63 15 6.7 153 44.5 30 2/ 04 04/3 10,000 1,395 Ram 1500 Big Horn 3 02 04 NA 82 20 9.5 143 47.0 / / 8,750 1,170 (V6, diesel) $49,155 62 02 04 04 4 05 Chevrolet Silverado 4 01 04 Opt. 80 16 7.5 138 45.5 / / 11,200 1,705 1500 LT (5.3L V8) $42,070 59 30 2 05 3 05 5 Nissan Titan XD SV $51,075 48 02* 03* NA 55 15 10.6 147 45.0 01 2/03 4/03 12,315 1,600

Scores in Context Recommended availability of front crash prevention models did well in our Overall Score, features, such as forward-collision which factors in road-test results, warning and automatic emergency predicted reliability, owner sat- braking. For full ratings, go to isfaction, crash-test results, and ConsumerReports.org/cars.

! Caution (subpar crash-test results) 68 NOVEMBER 2016 *Based on limited data. **Powertrain has changed since last test.

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NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 69 Index

A reliability ������������Dec 15, 62; Apr 16, 86 • Food R–S safety features� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Apr 16, 24 as gifts �����������������������Dec 15, 28 • Air conditioners� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jul 16, 17 • Ranges ������������� Aug 16, 40; Nov 16, 54 • Air travel seat belts ���������������������Aug 16, 61 food baskets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 38 self-driving cars� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 44 history of Consumer Reports • Recycled wrapping paper � � � � � � � �Dec 15, 25 industry trends � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Oct 16, 18 • Refrigerators � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 40 passenger tips� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Oct 16, 18 tires ��������������������������Apr 16, 84 advocacy �������������������� May 16, 52 • Regifting � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 43 • Antibiotics � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 11 top picks for 2016 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Apr 16, 10 industry practices � � � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 50 in meat �������������� Jan 16, 40; Jun 16, 8 Toyota Prius ������������������� Apr 16, 14 irradiation ����������������������Dec 15, 6 • Restaurants, casual� � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 38 • Audio equipment for urban driving � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Sep 16, 60 labeling • Reverse mortgages� � � � � � � � � � � � � �May 16, 14 as gifts ���������������������� Dec 15, 40 used cars ���������������������Apr 16, 79 dates ������������������������Dec 15, 14 • Roadside assistance � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 69 shopping ��������������������Jun 16, 57 GMO �������������������������Mar 16, 8 • Robocalls � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Mar 16, 8 “natural” ���������������������Mar 16, 10 AUTOMOBILE RATINGS: • Routers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 12 Acura MDX ������������������� Nov 16, 60 B–D meal-kit delivery services� � � � � � � �Oct 16, 32 prepared �������������������� Mar 16, 38 • Scales Audi A4 ���������������������� Nov 16, 66 • Banks & financial institutions storage ���������������������� Sep 16, 50 smart� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Mar 16, 16 Audi Q7� � � � Jul 16, 62; Oct 16, 57; Nov 16, 60 services ����������������������Jan 16, 24 waste reduction � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Sep 16, 50 • Scams Audi TT ���������������������� Mar 16, 56 • Batteries � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 36 • Generators � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Oct 16, 14 BMW 7 Series� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Oct 16, 57 • Bicycle helmets� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 20 home security � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 13 • Gift cards � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 44 BMW 750i �������������������� May 16, 66 • Cash medical identity theft � � � � � � � � � � �Oct 16, 42 • Gift etiquette � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 53 BMW X1� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jul 16, 63 as a gift �����������������������Dec 15, 57 taxes ������������������������� Feb 16, 11 • Gift-wrapping services� � � � � � � � � � �Dec 15, 24 Buick Cascada� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Oct 16, 63 • Cashless payment� � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 48 • Shaving supplies • Grills � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jul 16, 30 Buick Enclave� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 60 • Casual restaurants � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 38 subscription services � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 11 Chevrolet Camaro� � � � � � � � � � � � � �Oct 16, 63 • Charities � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Dec 15, 23 • Sleep aids � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Feb 16, 32 Chevrolet Cruze � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Sep 16, 66 H–K • Chicken • Smartphones Chevrolet Malibu� � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Oct 16, 62 food safety ���������������������Jun 16, 8 • Headphones � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jul 16, 44 devices & services � � � � � � � � � � � � �Feb 16, 46 Chevrolet Sonic 1�8� � � � � � � � � � � � Sep 16, 60 • Clothing • Health insurance photo lens add-ons� � � � � � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 10 Chevrolet Spark �����Sep 16, 66; Oct 16, 57 insect-repellent-treated � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 25 open enrollment � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 20 Chevrolet Volt LT� � � � � � � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 68 • Cloud services� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Feb 16, 13 • Healthcare photo storage � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Dec 15, 10 Chrysler Pacifica � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 66 • Coffee � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 11 advances ����������������������Jul 16, 52 Samsung Galaxy S line� � � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 27 Dodge Durango� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 60 cold-brew ���������������������Jun 16, 23 history of Consumer Reports • Snow blowers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 34 Fiat 500X ���������������������Jan 16, 59 • Computers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 21 advocacy ��������������������� Jul 16, 54 • Snow shovels� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 38 Ford Flex ��������������������� Nov 16, 60 convertible tablets � � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 24 • Helmets • Soft drinks Honda Accord ������ Sep 16, 63; Nov 16, 60 bicycle ���������������������� Aug 16, 20 laptops reduced-calorie � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 10 Honda Civic ����������May 16, 67; Sep 16, reliability ��������������������� Jan 16, 18 • Home appliances • Solar power � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Aug 16, 10 63; Oct 16, 57 • Consumer action as gifts �������������Dec 15, 48; Dec 15, 54 • Space heaters � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 22 Honda Fit �������������������� Sep 16, 60 antibiotic-free chicken • Home improvements Honda HR-V ������������������ Sep 16, 60 at Pizza Hut ������������������� Oct 16, 8 for increasing value � � � � � � � � � � � Mar 16, 30 • Speakers Hyundai Azera � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 60 cable costs �������������������� Aug 16, 8 renovation ��������������������Jun 16, 40 wireless �������������Mar 16, 20; Jul 16, 44 Hyundai Elantra� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Sep 16, 67 car advertising, misleading � � � � � �Nov 16, 10 • Home ownership • Stores Hyundai Tucson� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 57 drug prices ��������������������Oct 16, 8 financing �������������������� Mar 16, 34 return policies � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 58 Kia Optima ���������� Jun 16, 62; Oct 16, 57 financial advisers� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Jul 16, 8 trends ������������������������Mar 16, 26 • Streaming media Kia Sorento ������������������Nov 16, 60 • Homeopathy � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Mar 16, 15 food services & players � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 15 Kia Soul �������� Sep 16, 60, 63; Nov 16, 60 arsenic levels� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Jul 16, 8 • Humidifiers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 9 streaming music services � � � � � � � Jul 16, 44 Kia Sportage ������������������Oct 16, 62 labeling� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Oct 16, 8 • Identity theft • Student debt � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 28 Lexus ES ��������������������� Nov 16, 60 fuel economy� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Sep 16, 8 medical� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Oct 16, 42 Lexus LS 460 ����������������� Nov 16, 60 health insurance mergers � � � � � � �Nov 16, 10 • In-home care � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 12 key questions� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 34 Lexus RX �����������May 16, 65; Nov 16, 60 Ikea dresser recall � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Sep 16, 8 • Insect repellents � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jul 16, 40 • Sunscreens � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 12; Jul 16, 20 Lincoln MKX ���������May 16, 64; Oct 16, 57 medical bills clothing ��������������������� Aug 16, 25 • Supplements � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Sep 16, 20 Mazda CX-3 ���������Jan 16, 58; Sep 16, 60 surprise bills� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 8 • Insurance � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 11 Mazda CX-9 ������������������ Nov 16, 67 net neutrality � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Sep 16, 8 for pets �����������������������May 16, 12 T Mazda MX-5 Miata� � � � � � � � � � � � � �Mar 16, 57 non-disparagement clauses � � � � �Nov 16, 10 • Juice cleanses � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Mar 16, 19 • Taxes Mazda3 ���������������������� Sep 16, 63 payday loans � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Oct 16, 8 • Kettles Mercedes-Benz GLC300 � � � � � � � � Jul 16, 62 student debt ����������Aug 16, 8; Oct 16, 8 electric ����������������������� Sep 16, 9 scams ������������������������ Feb 16, 11 Mini Clubman � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Sep 16, 67 • Coolers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jul 16, 15 • Kitchen appliances tips �������������������������� Feb 16, 11 Mitsubishi Outlander � � � � � � � � � � �Feb 16, 59 • Countertops � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 11 as gifts �����������������������Dec 15, 16 • Tax-preparation software � � � � � � � � � Mar 16, 21 Nissan Maxima � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 71 kitchen ���������������������� Aug 16, 40 • Kitchens • Telephones Nissan Sentra� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Oct 16, 57 • Credit cards remodeling ������������������Aug 16, 40 smartphones Nissan Titan XD � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 67 rewards �����������������������Dec 15, 26 Samsung Galaxy S line� � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 27 Nissan Versa Note � � � � � � � � � � � � � Sep 16, 60 L–P • Crowdfunding • Television services Scion iA ���������Mar 16, 58; Sep 16, 60, 63 scams ������������������������ Jan 16, 10 • Laundry detergents � � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 56 Pay-TV �������������������������Dec 15, 6 Scion iM ����������������������Feb 16, 58 • Debt • Laundry machines � � � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 56 • Television sets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Sep 16, 34 scoring system � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Apr 16, 8 educational/student � � � � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 28 • Lawn care� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �May 16, 18 Smart ForTwo �������Mar 16, 59; Oct 16, 57 key questions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 34 • Lawn mowers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 22 Ultra HD ����������������������Mar 16, 15 Subaru Forester ����� Sep 16, 63; Nov 16, 60 • Dishwashers ����������Feb 16, 13; Aug 16, 40 • Lightbulbs • Tickets Subaru Impreza Hatchback � � � � � Nov 16, 60 detergents ������������������� May 16, 25 smart� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 9 pricing, scalpers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Aug 16, 16 Subaru Legacy � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Sep 16, 63 drying function � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 26 • Loans • Timeshares� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Mar 16, 48 Subaru Outback � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 60 odors ������������������������Mar 16, 15 mortgages • Toilets � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 13 Toyota Avalon �������Jun 16, 64; Nov 16, 60 reverse ����������������������May 16, 14 • Doctors • Tools Toyota Highlander� � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 60 disciplinary status � � � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 30 • Lottery � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 44 as gifts ���������������������� Dec 15, 54 Toyota Prius �������������������Oct 16, 57 • Driveway patches � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Mar 16, 20 • Luggage • Towels Prius Three ������������������ Aug 16, 67 • Drugs carry-on ����������������������Feb 16, 12 Prius V ���������������������Nov 16, 60 pain relievers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 28 • Maple syrup � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Mar 16, 20 sandproof ����������������������Jul 16, 15 Toyota RAV4 ������������������ Jul 16, 63; pricing ������������� Jan 16, 13; Aug 16, 52 • Mattresses � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Feb 16, 34 • Transportation Sep 16, 63; Nov 16, 60 sleeping pills ������������������Feb 16, 22 • Meal-kit delivery services� � � � � � � � �Oct 16, 32 coming developments � � � � � � � � � Oct 16, 50 Toyota Sienna ����������������Nov 16, 60 • Dryers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 56 • Medical alert systems� � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 24 history of Consumer Reports Toyota Tacoma ������ Jun 16, 63; Oct 16, 57 • Medical bills� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Mar 16, 8 advocacy �������������������� Oct 16, 52 Volkswagen Jetta � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Feb 16, 59 E–G • Medical marijuana� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 28 Volvo XC90 �������������������Jan 16, 56 • Mortgages • Education debt � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 28 reverse �����������������������May 16, 14 U–W key questions� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Aug 16, 34 AUTOMOBILES & AUTO EQUIPMENT • Nut butters� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Nov 16, 16 • Umbrellas automatic braking� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 8 • Electronics • Outdoor equipment beach �������������������������Jul 16, 15 batteries ����������������������Jan 16, 53 as gifts �����������������������Dec 15, 32 as gifts ���������������������� Dec 15, 54 • Vacuum cleaners brand report card � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Apr 16, 23 shopping for ������������������Dec 15, 37 • Pain relief � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 28 performance on child safety seats� � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Feb 16, 55 • Exercise equipment � � � � � � � � � � � � � Feb 16, 14 • Pasta � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dec 15, 13 choosing a car� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Apr 16, 16 • Facial recognition � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Feb 16, 40 • Pet insurance� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �May 16, 12 super-plush carpet ������������� Mar 16, 9 coming in 2016 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Apr 16, 20 • Financial services • Photography, smartphone � � � � � � � � Jun 16, 10 • Veggie burgers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Jun 16, 20 for families ������������������� Nov 16, 60 planners �����������������������Dec 15, 6 • Pillows � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Feb 16, 34 • Virtual reality � � � � � � � � � Mar 16, 12; Oct 16, 10 for first-time drivers � � � � � � � � � � � Sep 16, 63 robo-advisers ����������������� Sep 16, 44 • Portable devices • Voice-activated devices� � � � � � � � � �Sep 16, 10 as gifts ���������������������� Dec 15, 46 • Fireplaces as gifts ���������������������� Dec 15, 40 • Voting infotainment systems � � � � � � � � � � � Jul 16, 58 gas ���������������������������Feb 16, 9 • Prepaid cards� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Sep 16, 18 online �������������������������Jul 16, 10 mechanics ��������������������Mar 16, 53 • Fitness trackers � � � � � � � � �Feb 16, 20; Jul 16, 9 • Pressure cookers� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Oct 16, 9 • Waffle makers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Mar 16, 20 new car preview � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Oct 16, 57 • Flooring • Pressure washers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Mar 16, 22 owner satisfaction� � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jan 16, 49 formaldehyde in � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Sep 16, 15 • Printers � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Dec 15, 10 • Washing machines � � � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 56 profiles, 2016 ������������������Apr 16, 32 kitchen ���������������������� Aug 16, 40 • Privacy, personal data � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 24 • Wedding industry � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Jun 16, 48 ratings, 2015 ������������������Apr 16, 70 • Flower delivery � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � May 16, 26 protection tips� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Nov 16, 28 • Windshield defrosting � � � � � � � � � � � Feb 16, 13

70 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 Selling It

Garble, Garble For this month of family feasts, we found retailers serving up some real turkeys

Spectral Sale Savings disappear before your very eyes! Submitted by Jane Wilhoite of Cary, N.C.

Freshens Breath, Cures the Black Death “If only they had these things in the Middle Ages,” said Rebecca Jaklich of Spokane, Wash.

Angling for a Job? We hope the new hires make a splash. Submitted by John Pavlick, Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Good for What “Ales” You Well, they do say that people look better after a six-pack or two. Submitted by Pam Stuckman, via email

Be on the lookout for goofs and glitches like these. Share them with us—by email at [email protected]; by mail to Selling It, Consumer Reports, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703; or by social media using the hashtag #CRSellingIt—

Write Learn Share Video SHARE and we might publish yours. Please include key information, such as the publication’s name and date.

Insight Road report Recall Advocacy NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 71 Ranges 36a CANADA Coffee Makers 36b Canada Pod Coffee Makers 36b Recalls 36c Canadian information in 4-page insert Autos 36d Extra Contact Info 36d

How to Use the Canada Extra Section

every month, Canada Extra provides with each Canadian report. (For some in Canadian stores can be bought online.) Canadian pricing and availability products, the Canadian model designation We appreciate your support, but information about products tested for that differs slightly from the one used in the U.S.) we don’t take it for granted. Please write issue. The ratings in this section are based In most cases, the prices we list here are to [email protected] and on this month’s reports, but they narrow the approximate retail in Canadian dollars; tell us what you think. We can’t reply to your choices to the products that are sold manufacturers’ list prices are indicated every email message or implement every in Canada. by an asterisk (*). Check marks identify suggestion, but with your help we’ll try to You can use this section in either of two CR Best Buys or recommended products keep growing to serve your needs. ways: Start with the main report, read about in the U.S. ratings. “NA” in a chart means the products that interest you, and turn to that information wasn’t available from the this section to find whether they’re sold— manufacturer. We include, in the Contact $ CR Best Buy Products with this icon and for what price—in Canada. Or start here, Info list on page 36d, the manufacturer’s offer the best combination of performance find products sold in Canada whose price phone number and web address in Canada and price. All are recommended. and overall score appear promising, and so that you can call or go online to get ! Recommended Models with this read more about them in the main report information on a model you can’t find in the designation perform well and stand out and full ratings chart; page numbers appear stores. (Many products that aren’t available for reasons we note.

Ranges Sixteen of the top-scoring ranges are available. Report and Ratings, pages 54-59

Brand & Model Price Score Brand & Model Price Score Rec. Rank Rec. Rank

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP single oven (30-inch) GAS single oven (30-inch)

0! 2 LG LRE6383SW $1,450 86 0! 2 Samsung NX58H9500WS $2,700 77

0! 3 Frigidaire Gallery CGEF3035RF $1,100 86 0! 4 Samsung NX58H5600SS $1,500 73

0! 6 Samsung NE58F9500SS $2,100 83 0! 7 Frigidaire Gallery FGGF3058RF $1,500 69

0! 8 LG LSE5613ST $2,500 82 GAS AND DUAL-FUEL double oven (30-inch)

ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP double oven (30-inch) 0! 1 Samsung NY58J9850WS ⁄ $4,000 79

0! 1 LG LDE3037BD $2,350 89 PRO-STYLE DUAL-FUEL (36-inch)

0! 2 Samsung NE58F9710WS $2,400 85 0! 2 GE Monogram ZDP364NDPSS ⁄ $12,500* 72

0! 3 Samsung NE59J7850WS $1,850 82 PRO-STYLE DUAL-FUEL (30-inch)

0! 4 LG LDE5415ST $2,500 81 0! 1 KitchenAid KDRS407VSS ⁄ $6,800 72

ELECTRIC INDUCTION

0! 3 Samsung NE58H9970WS $4,000 86

0! 5 Frigidaire Gallery CGIF3061NF $2,200 81

⁄ Dual-fuel, pairing a gas rangetop and an electric oven. NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 36a Coffee Makers Fifteen of the tested coffee makers are available, including four of the recommended models. Report and Ratings, pages 11-15

Brand & Model Price Score 074 073 OVERALL SCORE OVERALL SCORE Black+Decker

Rec. Rank CM4000SC Frigidaire $60 Professional DRIP COFFEE MAKERS WITH CARAFE Programmable Drip 3 Black+Decker CM4000SC $60 74 FPDC12D7MS $90 4 Frigidaire Professional Programmable Drip FPDC12D7MS $90 73 5 Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew BVMC-PSTX95GTF $110 72 72 66 6 Ninja Bar Brewer CF085 $200 71 0 0 Mr. Coffee Smart Optimal 7 OVERALL SCORE OVERALL SCORE Brew BVMC-PSTX91WE $170 71

9 Bella Triple Brew 14405 $100 70 Mr. Coffee Cuisinart Optimal Brew Grind & Brew GRIND-AND-BREW COFFEE MAKERS BVMC- DGB-700BC PSTX95GTF $220 $110 0! 1 Cuisinart Grind & Brew DGB-700BC $220 66

SELF-SERVE DRIP COFFEE MAKERS

0! 1 Cuisinart Coffee on Demand DCC-3000 $130 78

Pod Coffee Makers

Brand & Model Price Score 073 OVERALL SCORE

Rec. Rank Starbucks Verismo 600 POD COFFEE MAKERS $150

0! 3 Starbucks Verismo 600 $150 73 !0 5 Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 49988 $120 71

6 KitchenAid Nespresso by KitchenAid KES0504 $550 70 7 Hamilton Beach Flex Brew Generation 2 49997 $60 69 8 Nespresso VertuoLine $250 68

9 Bosch Tassimo T55 $180 67

10 Keurig 2.0 Brewer K550 $230 67

36b CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016 Recalls

2005-2011 Ford, Lincoln, 2008-2015 Mitsubishi models 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade models and Mercury models On certain vehicles operated in areas On certain vehicles equipped with an Ford Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety of heavy road-salt usage, a mixture of snow, optional factory trailer tow hitch package, Improvement Program involving passenger water, and road-salt solution may infiltrate the trailer tow hitch may have been incorrectly airbag inflators in certain vehicles equipped between the front impact sensor and the assembled to the vehicle structure, which with Takata airbags that were originally sold bracket that attaches it to the vehicle. Over could result in a partial or complete separation or ever registered in certain high humidity time that could cause a crack to develop in of the trailer tow hitch. areas of the U.S. Ford will replace the driver the sensor case, allowing water intrusion and Models 1,034 vehicles. or passenger inflator on affected vehicles, causing a short circuit of the sensor, resulting What to Do Have the dealer inspect and install depending on the vehicle involved. in delayed deployment of the driver and any missing fasteners to the trailer tow hitch Models 5,886 2007-2010 Ford Edge, 2006­ passenger front airbags. assembly. 2011 Fusion, 2005-2006 GT, 2005-2011 Models 66,076 2008-2015 Lancer, 2008­ Mustang, and 2007-2011 Ranger; 2007-2011 2015 Lancer Evolution, and 2009-2015 Lancer 2015-2016 Mitsubishi models Lincoln MKZ; and 2006-2011 Mercury Milan Sportback vehicles. On certain vehicles equipped with a vehicles. What to Do Have the dealer inspect the front continuously variable transmission (CVT), What to Do Owners who believe that their impact sensor and replace it if it’s cracked. the range switch could momentarily vehicles may have been originally purchased An updated designed bracket and cover will experience a loss of signal. That may cause an or registered in Alabama; Arizona; Arkansas; also be installed. unexpected reduction of vehicle acceleration. California; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Hawaii; Models 10,833 2015-2016 Lancer and 2016 Illinois; Indiana; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; 2009-2010 Mazda6 models Outlander and RVR vehicles. Maryland; Mississippi; Missouri; Nebraska; On certain vehicles, a defect in the What to Do Have the dealer reprogram the Nevada; New Jersey; New Mexico; North supplemental restraint system (SRS) CVT-ECU. Carolina; Ohio; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; controller could result in airbags and seat­ South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas; Virginia; belt pretensioners failing to deploy. 2016-2017 Mini Clubman models Washington, D.C.; West Virginia; Puerto Rico; Models 7,575 vehicles. On certain vehicles, the fabric cover of or the U.S. Virgin Islands should contact What to Do Have the dealer replace the SRS the side curtain airbags may not have been a Ford dealer. This action is not being control unit. Note: The condition would cause pre-perforated correctly, preventing the conducted under the requirements of the the illumination of the SRS warning light. airbag from deploying as intended. Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Models 1,048 vehicles. 2015 Mitsubishi RVR models What to Do Have the dealer rework the fabric 2006-2011 Lexus On certain vehicles equipped with a covers of the side curtain airbags. and Toyota models continuously variable transmission (CVT), On certain vehicles, the rear-wheel the clamp(s) on the transmission fluid hoses 2017 Audi Q7 models suspension link arms could separate, may not have been properly closed during On certain vehicles, the software of the resulting in loss of vehicle control. the assembly process. That could cause airbag control module may be incorrect, Models 21,722 2010 Lexus HS250H and a hose to disconnect from the transmission which could cause the frontal airbags to 2006-2011 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. fitting, leading to a transmission fluid leak deploy with too much force in relation What to Do Have the dealer replace both and loss of motive power. to the type of crash. suspension link arms and encase them in Models 4,917 vehicles. Models 2,163 vehicles. epoxy to prevent future improper servicing. What to Do Have the dealer inspect and close What to Do Have the dealer update the Note: This recall supersedes recall 2013327. any open transmission fluid hose clamps. airbag control module software. As part of the previous recall, dealers were to inspect the suspension arms for corrosion, replace them depending on their condition, and encase them in epoxy. Only vehicles that did not receive replacement of both suspension arms through the previous recall will need to be repaired under this campaign.

2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 models On certain vehicles, the front suspension ball joint could separate from the lower control arm due to corrosion caused by saltwater intrusion. That could result in loss of steering control. Models 28,727 vehicles. What to Do Have the dealer replace the lower control arm with an updated version. Mini Clubman

NOVEMBER 2016 CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG 36c Autos All of the tested vehicles are available in Canada. Report and Ratings, pages 66-68

Acceleration (Sec.) Fuel Economy (Liters per 100 km) Make & Model Price Range 0-50 km/h 0-100 km/h 80-100 km/h 500 Meters City Driving Highway Driving Overall

LUXURY COMPACT SEDAN

Audi A4 $38,500–$50,600 2.8 6.7 3.1 17.0 13.2 5.9 8.6

MINIVAN

Chrysler Pacifica $43,995–$52,995 3.2 8.4 4.1 18.5 18.7 7.1 11.5

3-ROW MIDSIZED SUV

Mazda CX-9 $35,300–$50,100 3.2 8.3 3.6 18.7 15.9 7.3 10.5

FULL-SIZED PICKUP TRUCK

Nissan Titan XD $45,900–$74,900 4.6 11.2 4.6 20.9 22.5 11.5 15.6

085 068 OVERALL SCORE OVERALL SCORE

Audi Chrysler A4 Pacifica

076 048 OVERALL SCORE OVERALL SCORE

Mazda Nissan CX-9 Titan

Contact Info How to reach manufacturers in Canada.

Bella Cuisinart Hamilton Beach LG Ninja 866-832-4843 800-472-7606 800-267-2826 888-542-2623 877-646-5288 bellahousewares.com cuisinart.ca hamiltonbeach.ca lg.com/ca ninjakitchen.com

Black+Decker Frigidaire Keurig Mr. Coffee Samsung 800-231-9786 800-265-8352 866-901-2739 800-672-6333 800-726-7864 blackanddecker.ca frigidaire.ca keurig.ca mrcoffee.com samsung.ca

Bosch GE KitchenAid Nespresso Starbucks 877-834-7271 877-994-5366 800-807-6777 855-325-5781 800-782-7282 bosch.ca geappliances.ca kitchenaid.ca nespresso.ca starbucks.ca

36d CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG NOVEMBER 2016