Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2013: Home Appliances

C O O K T O P S 35
Quick
Guide
COOKTOPS
Remodeiing your kitchen? Now's the time to consider
the added flexibility of a separate cooktop and wall-oven
combo. WW\\e gas and smoothtop electric cooktops still
make up most of the market, prices are dropping for induction,
which speeds cooking using an electromagnetic field.
What to looic for
A gas cooktop if you want
the visual confirmation of a
flame, a smoothtop electric for
easy cleaning
An induction model for
quick heating; some now cost
just over $1,000, though you
can still pay far more
At least one high-powered
gas burner or electric element
for quick heating
What to skip
Buying by Btu. Short for Brit-
ish Thermal Unit, this merely
indicates gas used and heat
generated and doesn't guaran-
tee better or faster cooking
Models with recipe databases
and other pricey features if you
just want good cooking
What you'll pay
You'll probably pay $1,300 or
more for a separate cooktop
and wall oven, while some
high-performing electric and
gas ranges sell for less than
half that amount.
For more buying advice, go to
ConsumerReports,org/cooktops
Shopping tip
Remember
that you'll
need magnetic
CQOkware for
the induction
cooktop
technology
to work.
Scan this or see how. page 11
Brand S model Price Overall score Test Features
results
Similar models, in small
type, are comparable to
tested modei.
il il
I F I G I V G l E
A 36-I NCH G AS COOKTOPS
0 1 ThermadorSGSX365fS $1,900
HTI 2 G E Monogram
ZGU385N5M[SS]
f TI 3 GE Profile
1GP975WEKIWW]
M 4 GECafeCGP6505ETSS
' ' Profiie PGP986SETS5
[71 S Electrolux
EW36GC55G[S1
0 6 LG LCG369U5T]
0 7 Bosch NGM8654UC
0 8 Kenmore 32313 32333
e
o
o
o
o
e
o
e
e
e
e
3
3
1
1
2
2
4
2
2
2
2
3
2
2
0
2
0
0
2
1
1
1
1
1

3 6 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
B r a n d & m o d e l
O v e r a l l score Test F e a t u r e s
r e s u l t s
.SP
-= i ^ o
: tu n3 (
L E -g (
0 1 0 0
p I F I G I V G l E
B 30-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP MODELS
0 1 Kenmore 44273
Q 2 Ke n m o r e 42733
[ 7 1 3 F r i gi d a i r e P rofessional
FP E C 3085K[S ]
0 4 G E C afe C P 3505T S S
[ 7 ] 5 E l e c t r o l u x I con
E 30E C 65E 1S S I
0 6 LG LC E 3O 81[S T 1
Q 7 Whirlpool
G 7C E 3034XP
[ 7 ] 8 G E P r o f i l e
P P 945B M [B B 1
0 9 Bosch N E T 5054U C
C 30-INCH INDUCTION COOKTOPS
[ > ^ 1 Ke n m o r e 4 38 2 0
[ 7 1 2 G E P r o f i l e
P HP 900D M 1B B 1
0 3 Kenmore 43800
0 4 Bosch N I T 5065U C
[ 7 ] 5 E l e c t r o l u x I con
E 30I C 75F[S S ]
Q 6 F r i gi d a i r e P rofessional
FP C C 3085K[S ]
[ 7 | 8 KitchenAid
KI C U 500XB
Q 9 Whirlpool
G C I3O 61X[B ]
0 10 LG LC E 30845
D 36-INCH ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP MODELS
1 F r i gi d a i r e P rofessional
FP E C 3685K[S 1
1,000 1 3
Ra t i n gs Key E xc e l l e n t V e r y good O G o o d Fa i r P o o r
Q CR B e s t Buy T hese models o ffe r the best c o mbin a tio n of p erformance and p r i c e . Al l are recommended.
0 Re c o m m e n d e d T hese are high-p e r fo r min g models tha t s ta n d o ut.

C O O K T O P S 37
Most & Least Reliable
COOKTOPS
GE
Whi rl pool
Frigidaire
Kenmore
KitchenAid
Jenn-Air
KitchenAid
GE
Kenmore
Wolf
Jenn-Air
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
ELECTRIC
,,, GAS
J e n n - A i r vas t h e m o st r e p a i r - p r o n e br a n d
o f e l e c t r i c c o o kt o p s a n d a m o n g t h e m o st
r e p a i r - p r o n e g a s c o o kt o p s. A l t h o ug h we
l a c ke d suf f i c i e n t h i st o r i c a l d a t a t o i n c l ud e
Da c o r a n d W h i r l p o o l g a s c o o kt o p s,. we d i d
h a ve e n o ug h i n f o r m a t i o n t o c o n c l ud e t h a t
W h i r l p o o l has be e n r e l i a bl e a n d Da c o r
r e p a i r - p r o n e . Th a t ' s wh a t we f o un d wh e n
we a ske d o ve r 16, 000 r e a d e r s wh o bo ug h t
a c o o kt o p be t we e n 2007 a n d 2011 a bo ut
t h e i r e xp e r i e n c e s. Th e g r a p h sh o ws t h e
p e r c e n t a g e o f m o d e l s f o r e a c h br a n d t h a t
we r e r e p a i r e d o r h a d a se r i o us p r o bl e m .
Di f f e r e n c e s o f l ess t h a n 4 p o i n t s a r e n ' t
m e a n i n g f ul , a n d we ' ve a d j ust e d t h e d a t a
t o e l i m i n a t e d i f f e r e n c e s l i n ke d so l e l y t o
p r o d uc t a g e . Mo d e l s wi t h i n a br a n d m a y
va r y, a n d c h a n g e s i n d e si g n o r m a n uf a c -
t ur e m a y a f f e c t f ut ur e r e l i a bi l i t y. St i l l ,
c h o o si n g a br a n d wi t h a g o o d r e p a i r h i st o r y
c a n i m p r o ve yo ur o d d s of g e t t i n g a r e l i - ,
a bl e m o d e l .
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,
Consumer Reports National Research Center.
Guide to the Ratings
Overall score refl ects cooktop performance at high and low heat. The displayed score is out
of a t ot al of 100 points. Hlqh heat refl ects how quickly the highest-powered element heated
a large pot of water to near boi l i ng. Low heat refl ects how well t he lowest-powered element
melted and held chocolate wi t hout scorching and how the most powerful element, set to low,
held t omat o sauce below a boi l . Price is approximate retai l cost.

Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be
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56
C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Quick
G uide
D I S HWAS HE R S
Y ou don't have to spend top dollar for great clean-
ing or endure longer cycles to get an energy-
saving dishwasher that's easy on your wallet.
S hopping tip
The three basic
cycles-light,
normal, and
heavy-should be
enough for most
chores, even for
baked-on food.
Scan this or see how, page 11
B rand 8 model
What to look for
Adjustable racks and other
loading aids for flexibility
A soil sensor to adjust the
cycle's time and water use,
improving efficiency
Rinse/hold cycle, to prevent
soil from setting while you
wait for a full load
What to sitip
Drawer models, which are
expensive and tend to use
more energy and water than
regular models
If noise is one of your con-
cerns, look for a model with
a manual-clean filter
What you'ii pay
You can pay $1,500 or more
for a dishwasher with hidden
controls, interactive digital
displays, and special grime-
fighting cycles. But when it
comes to clean dishes, spar-
kling performance starts at
about $550.
ConsumerReports.org/dishwashers
P r ic e O veraii sc or e T est r e su its
fiimiiar modeis, in small
tested model.
I I I 3 I I g
^ 5 QD ^ O S aJ
LJJ '.^3 rd
aj
11
1 1
0 100
P I F I G I V G l
A C O N V E N T I O N AL D I S HWAS HE R
g 1 B oscii Ascenta SHX3AR7[51
U C Ascenta S HX 3 AR 5 I I LC . Ascenta
S HE 3AR 71 lue, Ascenta S HE 3AB F11
U C (Lowe's)
0 2 B osch SHX98M0191UC
[ 7 ] 3 B O S C il 800 Series SHE68R5121
U C 80 0 S eries S HV 68R 5I 3 1 U C , 80 0
S eries S HX68R 511U C
4 16 5team LDF7932[ST1
[ 7 ] 5 M ieie Futura Oimension
G 5 5 7 5 S C S F Futura D imension P lus
G 57O 5[ 1, Futura D imension G 55D 51 1 ,
Futura D imension G S 57S S C V , Futura
D imension P lus G 5775S C 11
1,550
1,000
1,950
95 All
115 Some
115 Some
130 Some
150 . All

D I S H W A S H E R S
Brand & model Price Overaii score Test results- Features
t y p e , are comparable t o
tested m odel.
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p I F i G I V Gl E
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A CONV ENTIONAL DISHWASHER c o n t i n ue d
1,800
n^ 6 KitchenAid KIIOE5OCX[SS]
' ' KU 0 E4 8 rX(l,KU DE2 0 1 XIl,KU DE2 0 FXn , $ 1 , 350
KU 0 E4 0 FX1 1
p ] 7 Bosch 8 0 0 Plus Serles
SHX9ER5151UC
8 0 0 Plus Series SHE9ER5I5IU C,
8 0 0 Plus Se rie s SHV9ER5I31UC
p ] 8 Bosch Evo lutio n 50 0
SHE55M1[21UC
9 LG L0F69201WW]
0 10 Kenmore Pro HE 1317[3I
0 11 Kenmore 1 32 8 [3]i30 4 [ 1,132711
0 12 Bosch 50 0 Series SHX55R5[5]
U C 50 0 Series SHV55R5B1UC,
50 0 Series SHE5SR5nuC
[ 71 13 Therm adorOWH0 65lJFP
' O H0 64 0 1 FM, OWH0 64 0 i FP, OWHO-
6S01FP, a HD651 JFM. 0 AHO650 1 FM
[ 1 14 KitchenAid KU 0E70FX[SSI
KU DE60 FXI1 , KU 0 E60 HX[l
15 Bosch SHE6AP0 I2 1 U CC]
SHE4 AP0 [ l ue (Lowe's)
16 KitchenAid KU0S30SX[SS]
17 Bosch 30 0 Series
SHX33RL15]UC 300 series
SHX43R51 l u e . 30 0 Series SHX43RL151
ue . 30 0 Series SHE43RSI l u e , 30 0
Series SHX33RF[ l u e (Lo we 's ) . 30 0
Serles SHE4 3RFI l u e (Lo we 's ) . 30 0
Series SHE4 3RLI l ue
18 Kenmore Elite 1 4 0 4 [3] El
El i t e 139711
19 M ieie Futura Crystal
G51 O55C Fut ur a e r y s t a l G5175Se
20 Kenmore Elite 139612]
El i t e 1 394 1 1
Discontinued
O a 125
a
120 All
a a 110
a a a 125 All
a 145 Some
o a 120 All
a a
. Al l
2 ,2 0 0
1,600
o a 115 All
a o a 135
a o a 115 Some
a o uo
Al l
1,000
1,530
1,000
a a 135 . Ail
a O a 145
a o 135 . AH
Ratings Key Exc e l l e n t a ve r y go o d OGo o d Fa i r Po o r
D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and p ric e . All are recommended.
0 Recommended Ttiese are h igh -p e rfo rm in g models th a t stand o ut .

58 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model
S
s i m i i a r models, in small
t y p e . 3K comparahle t o
tested m o d e l.
Price Overaii score Test resuits
S!
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r
g
y
u
g
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s
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ai qj
100
F I G I V G l E
C O N V E N T iO N AL D I S HWAS HE R c o n t i n ue d
2 1 Kenmore F lite 1392[2]
E l i t e 13931 i
22 B o s c i i As c e n t a S HE 6AP l [ 2] U C
23 LG LO F75511S T ] LD F75611S T 1
24 B o s c h I n t e gr a 800 P l us
S HX58E 2l5]U C 800 P lus series
S HX8E R 5I l ue , 800 P l us S e rie s
S HE 8E R 5I l ue , 800 P lus S eries
S HV 7E R 5[ l ue , 800 P lus S e rie s
S HE 7E R 5I l u e . 800 P lus S e rie s
S HX7E R 5I l ue
25 LG L0F 80721S T ] LD r8S 74[S Tl
26 S a m s un g 0M T 800R H[ W]
27 G E G D WT 668V 1S S ]
G D Wn 68V [ S S l , G 0WT 368V I S S ],
G D WT 308V [ | . 60WT 608V [ l .
G D Wr 7O 8V ( l
28 G E P r o fi l e P 0WT 580V (S S I
M o n o gr a m 2B D 89 00V 11. P r o fi l e
P ,D WT 500V [ 1, P r o fi l e P 0WT 480V I S S 1.
C afe e a WT 9 80V | S S l , M o n o gr a m
Z B D 69 00V I 1. M o n o gra m Z B 06920V [S S I .
M o n o gra m 2B D 792O V I S S ]. M o n o gra m
Z B D 8920V I S S 1
2 9 K i t c i i e n Ai d KU 0S 30F X[S S ]
KU D S 30a | 1. KU D eiO I X[ 1. KU D C I O F XI 1,
KU D S 30I XI 1
30 Mi e i e F ut ur a C lassic G 4205S C
31 G E P r o fi l e P 0WT 200V [ WW]
P r o fi l e P 0WT 180V I S S 1, P r o fi l e
P D WT I O O V I I . P r o fi i e P D WT 28O V [S S 1.
e a fe e D WT 280V ( s s | . P r o fi l e
P D WT 380V I S S 1. P r o fi i e P D WT 300V I 1
32 As i (O D 589 4XXL[ HS l
056S 4XXLI HS 1
33 As ko 05634XXL[HSl
D 5434XXU 1
34 W i i i r i p o o i G old
WD T 770P AY [M ]
35 G E G O WFIO O V IWW] G O WF M V I 1.
G D WT 166V1S S I, G HD T 108V [ | (Ho m e
D e p o t ) , G HD T 168V I S S 1 (Ho m e D e p o t )
36 Ma y t a g M D B 4709AW[W]
900
1,500
1,450 B l
OO1 3 5
105
144 . Ail
a 125 . Ail
e e e e 144 . AU
e o 120 Ail
e e o e 135 Ali
e
Ai l
O a 115 Ail
o 145
O a 140 Ail
130 A H
O 150 S ome
O 115 Ail
a O O 110
a o 125

Brand & model
: Similar models, in si nal l
' t ype, are comparable to
t est ed model .
Price Overall score Test resui t s Features
Si 3!
I
l 1 ^
at qj
0 10 0
P I F I G I V Gl E
CONVENTIONAL DISHWASHER continued
37 Frigidaire Gallery
FGH0 2465N[F]
P rof essional FP HD 248 5N[ri
38 Jenn-Air Trif ecta
ID B8 70 0 AW[P l
FGBD 2431K[W]
4 0 Frigidaire Gallery
FGBD 2432K W] Gallery
BBBD 2432KI1 ( Best Bu y) . Gallery
L GeD 2432Kl l ( L ow e's) . Gai i ery
D GBD 2432Kn
4 1 Mayt ag iV I0 B8 959SA[S]
4 2 Scholtes L FD S3X160 HZ
4 3 Frigidaire Gallery
FGBD 2445N1F]
4 4 Kenmore 132613] 1325(1,132911
4 6 SmegSTA861 4XU
4 7 Mayt ag MD B47O9P A[M1
M0 B6 7 6 9 P A[ l
4 8 WiiiripoolGold
W D F5 30 P A Y [ W ] GO I ( 1W D T 7 10 P A Y [ 1
4 9 GE Monogram ZBD 990 0 R[ll]
5 0 Samsung OW7933LRA1SR1
5 1 LG L D F9932IST]
52 Jenn-Air Trif ecta
J0 B8 20 0 AW[S]
53 WiiiripoolGold
WD F730PAY1M1
5 4 Frigidaire Gaiiery
FGHO2433K1F1
5 5 Samsung D MT30 0 RFIW]
5 6 Frigidaire P rof essional
L P HD 2491KIFJ
1.000
600
450
e O
e e
o o
6 130
O 170
o 155
Some
Ail
e e o e 145
e
e
e
e

o
o
O

O

O

O
O
O O
112
105
120
130
112
120
O 104
O 105
O 180
151
140
O 170
115
135
170
180
Ail
Ali
Ail
Some

6 0 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand $ model
s i mi l a r mo d e l s , in siTOll
i\'pe, are comparable to
tested model .
Price Overall score Test results
S S i
Oi . S
s ; eu
re Cl.
S =
0 100
P I F I G I V G l E
C ON V E N TI ON A L D I S H W A S H E R con tin ued
57 E lectrolux Wave-T ouch t, .,^^
E WD W65O 5G [WS 1 ' ' ' ' ' ^""
58 Ken more 139112] 131390(1 560
5 9 Jen n -A ir JD B 3200AW1W1 1,100
6 0 G E G LD 28O O V [V I/W1
G LD 4 64 4 V [S Al.G LD 2850V [C 51, 3 0 0
G LD 4 604 V ] . G LD 4664V I S S 1
6 1 Mayt ag M D B 4 4 09P AI W] 380
6 2 G E G LD 57 66V [ S S 1G LO 57 O 8V I I ,
G LD 5604V I1, G LD 57G 6V I1, G LD 5606V [ 1,
G tO 5768V [S S l, G LO 5666V [S S 1, 5 2 0
G LO 5664V [S S 1. G lD 5808V [ |.
G tO 5868V [S S ]
6 3 E lectrolux 10 E ID W5905J[S J 900
6 4 Fagor LFA-086XL 1,300
65 E lectrolux I con , . .
E D W7505HP [S ] ' ' ^"^
6 6 Biomberg 0WT 57500[S S ] 1,000
67 Fri gi d ai re G allery
FG B D 2435N [W] ^"^
6 8 Frigid aire FFB D 2409L1S ] 380
6 9 i k e a N u t i d 650
7 0 G E G LD 6904R [WW] 500
7 1 AskoD 5233XXU HS ] 1,300
72 HaierD WL3225S D [S S ) . o n
73 G E G LD 4408R [WW] 360
74 HaierD WL7075M C [S S l 7^0
O A 1 4 0 3 5 M C 1 ' "-'
75 V i ki n g P rofessional
V D B 45O E [S S 1 1,800
O esigner S eries D FB 450E
E l D iscontinued
135
O 115
O 125
O 100
O 113
O O 140
A l l
O 90
O 120
125
O 125
e O O 135
O O 125
O 125
115
180
O O 120
O 135
O O O 120
A l l
A l l
A l l
A l l
All
O O 170
A l l
A l l
R a t i n g s Key E xcel i ent V ery good O G ood F a i r P o o r
D C R Best Buy T hese modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
l i l J R ecommen d ed T hese are hig h-performing models that stand out.

Brand S model
similar models, in small
type, are cofnparable to,
tested model.
Price Overaii score Test resuits Features
2 S
m O-
S ^ a
< u .a ai
5 ^ 1
0 100
P I F I G I V Gl E
C ON V EN TION AL DISHWASHER continued
76 BiombergOWT55100[SSl $850
77 WiiiripoolGold
WD T 9 1 O S A Y [ M 1 GO I ( 1 WD T - 750
79OS AV | l,GoldV (Df75OS AYII
78 BfombergDWT24100[S S ] 600
79 WiliripOOi WDF310P AA[W] i r ^
WDF3iOP L A[l, / DF31OP C AIl
80 Amana A0B1400PYIS] 380
o o
o
O O
e 125
125
a no
9 115
o 115
Ail
AH
Overall score is mostly washing performance and inclu des energy and water use (not shown),
noise, cycle tinne, and ease of u se. Displayed scores are rou nded; models are listed by precise
overall score. Washing is normal-cycle resu lts with very dirty fu ll load. Energy use is energy
and water use for normal cycle. N oise covers listener ju dgments and sou nd-level measu rements.
Ease of use inclu des convenience factors and loading. C ycle time (rou nded to the nearest
5 minu tes) is for normal cycle with very dirty fu ll load; inclu des temperatu re-boost option and,
if available, heated dry. Under brand & model, bracketed letters or nu mbers mean color code.
Price is approximate retail.

62
W h i r l p o o l
B oseh
K e n m o r e ( w i t h
p u l l o u t d r a w e r )
K e n m o r e
M i e l e
K i t e h e n A i d
l e n n - A i r
G E
Asko
f r i g i d a i r e
Fisher S P aykel (with
puilout drawer)
A m a n a
M a y t a g
LG
0% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Frigidaire, Fisher S P ayke!, Amana, M aytag,
and LG were among the most r e p a i r - p r o n e
brands; Amana and M aytag repair records
were a f f e ct e d by major recalis in 2010.
T hat's what we f o u n d when we asked more
t h a n 82 ,0 0 0 readers who bought a dish-
washer between 2 0 0 7 and 2011 a bo u t t h e i r
experiences. T he graph shows t h e percent-
age of models f o r each brand t h a t were
repaired or had a serious p r o bl e m . D i f f e r -
ences of fewer t h a n 5 points a r e n 't mean-
i n g f u l , and we've adjusted data t o e l i m i n a t e
differences linked solely t o age and usage.
M odels w i t h i n a brand may vary, and chang-
es in design or m a n u f a ct u r e may a f f e ct f u -
t u r e r e l i a bi l i t y . S t i l l , choosing a brand w i t h a
good repair h i s t o r y can improve your odds
of g e t t i n g a reliable m o d e l .
S ource: Annual P roduct R eliability S urvey,
C onsumer R eports N ational R esearch C enter.


D R Y E R S 63
Quick
Guide
DRYERS
iviost dryers scored at least Very Good for drying
performance. While the gas dryers in our Ratings
are similar to the electric models ve test, we've
found that gas and eiectric dryers perform simiiariy.
What to look for
A moisture sensor, to cut
down on energy costs and
avoid overdrying clothes
An extended-tumble set-
ting without heat, to prevent
wrinkles when you don't
remove clothes immediately
What to skip
Extra large, super, and super-
plus dryer capacity, because
the differences aren't meaii'-
ingful for everyday use
Specialty cycles such as
"speed dry," which usually
can be replicated with stan-
dard settings
What you'll pay
Gas dryers cost about $80 to
$150 more than comparable
electric models, but the likely
savings in fuel costs should
more than make up the dif-
ference in the long run.
ConsumerReports.org/dryers
Shopping tip
Many models
have a warning
light that teils
you it's time to
clean the filter.
I Scan this or see how, page 11
Brand & Model
g - Simiiar modeis, in smali type.
'io S ,ire coniparable to tested modei.
Price Overaii score Test results Features
g I o ^ E .o
^ : -i ^ ob g-
oj .S 2 ^
QJ iJ > - b= E
I F I G IVGl E
A ELECTRIC DRYERS
1 I G DL EX 3 4 7 0 IW1
2 Samsung 0 V5 4 5 1 A EIW]
3 IG0LEX38851W1DLEX3875I1
4 LG OLEX517O[W1
5 Samsung DV5 4 7 1 A E[ W]
6 L GDL EX 5 1 O1 [ W1 DL E5 OO1 [ 1
7 LG DL EX 3 3 60 tWl
8 LG DLEX255O[W]
a

64
I Brand S Model Price Overall score Testresuits Features
-S
viniilar models, in small type.
aie comparable to tested modei. ro n3 ^
5 5 "
1 i
2 S .
DO o
P I F I G I V G l E
A ELECTRIC DRYERS continued
0 10
0 11
Q 12
0
0 14
Kenmore 680012]
Samsung D V 52O AE [P ]
LG D LE 2240[WI
LG O LE 225O [W1
K e nm ore Eiite 692712]
LG 0LE 2650[W]
B GAS DRYERS
0 1 LG DLG X34711W]
0 2 Samsung 0V 5451AG [W]
0 3 LG D LG X3886[W]D LG X3876[1
0 4 LG D LG X517HW]
0 S Samsung D V 547I AG [W]
0 6 LG D LG X5O O 21W]D iG 5O O 2ll
0 7 LG D LG X3361[W]
0 8 LG D LG X255U W]
Q 9 Kenmore 780012]
0 10 Samsung D V 52O AG IP ]
B 11 LG D LG 224U W]
Q 12 LG D LG 2251IW]
0 13 Kenmore E lite 7927[2]
0 14 LG 0LG X26511W]

Ratings Key E xcellent V erygood O G ood Fair P oor
H CR Best Buy T hese modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
U u Recommended T hese are high-performing models that stand out.

D R Y E R S 65
DRYERS
LG
Sa m s u n g
W h i r l p o o l
K e n m o re
M a y t a g
Bosch
r i g i d a i r e
GE
F i s h e r s
P aykei
LG
W h i r l p o o l
GE
M a y t a g
K e n m o r e
F r i g i d a i r e
S
J E
W S E
: 8
6
' 7
7
7
1
8
EE
F is h e r & P a y k e l was t h e m o s t r e p a i r -p r o n e
br a n d of e l e c t r i c c l o t h e s d r y e r s . Th a t 's
wh a t we fo u n d wh e n we a s k e d o ve r 75,000
r e a d e r s wh o bo u g h t a d r y e r be t we e n 2007
a n d 2011 a bo u t t h e i r e xp e r i e n c e s . Th e
g r a p h s h o ws t h e p e r c e n t a g e of br a n d s t h a t
n e e d e d a r e p a i r o r h a d a s e r i o u s p r o bl e m .
Di ffe r e n c e s o f less t h a n 3 p o i n t s a r e n 't
m e a n i n g fu l , a n d we 've a d ju s t e d t h e d a t a
t o e l i m i n a t e d i ffe r e n c e s l i n k e d s o l e l y t o
age a n d use o f t h e d r y e r . M o d e ls wi t h i n
a br a n d m a y va r y , a n d d e s i g n o r m a n u fa c -
t u r e c h a n g e s m a y a ffe c t fu t u r e r e l i a bi l i t y .
St i l l , c h o o s i n g a br a n d wi t h a g o o d r e p a i r
h i s t o r y ca n i m p r o ve y o u r o d d s o f g e t t i n g
a r e l i a bl e m o d e l .
Source: Annual Product Reiiability Survey,
5% 10% 15% 2 0% 2 5% 30%
I ELECTRI C
GAS
Overall score is ba s e d p r i m a r i l y o n d r y i n g p e r fo r r n a n c e , d r u m vo l u m e , a n d n o is e . Th e d i s p l a y e d
s c o r e is o u t o f a t o t a i o f 100 p o i n t s . Dryinq performance is m e a s u r e d fo r m u l t i p l e fa br i c s a n d
lo a d s ize s . Capacity r e fe r s t o t h e d r u m vo l u m e of m o d e ls we t e s t e d , wh i c h va r i e d fr o m a bo u t
6 t o 8 c u . ft . Convenience ta k e s i n t o a c c o u n t c o n t r o l s a n d e r g o n o m i c s , s u c h as ease o f l o a d i n g
a n d u n l o a d i n g , s e r vi c i n g t h e l i n t fi l t e r , wh e t h e r t h e d o o r c o u i d c l e a r a t a l l ba s k e t , a n d wh e t h e r
t h e m a c h i n e has a r a is e d e d g e t o c o n t a i n s p i l l s . Noise r e fl e c t s p a n e l i s t s ' ju d g m e n t s . Un d e r Fea-
t u r e s , a stainless-steel drum is l i k e l y t o r e s i s t d a m a g e be t t e r t h a n p l a s t i c a n d p a i n t e d m e t a l
d r u m s . A porcelain top r e s i s t s s c r a t c h i n g be t t e r t h a n a p a i n t e d o n e bu t g e n e r a l l y a d d s t o a
d r y e r 's c o s t . Drying rack a t t a c h e s i n s i d e t h e d r u m t o ke e p i t e m s s u c h as s n e a k e rs o r s we a t e r s
fr o m t u m bl i n g . Custom programs a llo ws y o u t o save y o u r fa vo r i t e s e t t i n g s . Ge n e r a lly , a wa t e r
h o o k -u p is r e qu i r e d wi t h t h e steam option fe a t u r e . I n t h i s c y c l e , a s m a l l a m o u n t o f wa t e r is
s p r a y e d i n t o t h e d r u m wh i l e t u m bl i n g wi t h h e a t . I t h e lp s t o r e d u c e wr i n k l e s a n d o d o r s , bu t i t is
i n t e n d e d o n l y fo r a fe w g a r m e n t s a t a t i m e . Price is a p p r o xi m a t e r e t a i l fo r e l e c t r i c d r y e r s .


GAS GRILLS
Quick
Guide
The best grills can turn your backyard or deci< into an
outdoor i<itchen. Our tests show that you don't haye to
spend a fortune for eyen heating, sturdy construction,
and a raft of work-saying conyenlences.
What to look for
Burners made of high-
quality stainless steel, cast iron,
or cast brass, which typi-
cally carry a 10-year or longer
warranty
Stainless-steel and cast-
iron grates for sturdiness and
rust-resistance (you'll need to
oil uncoated cast grates)
A battery-powered elec-
tronic igniter, usually easier
and more reliable than push-
button or rotary starters
Side burners to handle the
veggies while the burgers
cook; some can sear meat
What to skip
Buying by Btu, because
more Btu/hr. doesn't guaran-
tee faster preheating or better
searing and cooking
What you'll pay
Figure on $300 to $500 for
a grill that can handle most
of your cooking needs; some
include stainless trim at that
^rice. Several midsized grills
that cost less than $500 out-
cooked models that cost hun-
dreds of dollars more.
ConsumerReports.org/grls
Shopping tip
T he more stable
tine grill, the
better. When
shopping, gently
push the grili
from several
angles to see
if it tips.
S can this or see how, page 11
Brand & model
Simiiar madsls, in small
tested model.
A LARGE miODELS
Prrce Overaii score Test resuits Features
^
tiD O J i/i c t/i tn
.E -S i S -S
= D O t=i b =
F I G I V G I E
cu i_ a; cj oi ra
! s; t; S V
oj cu Q. a => t n ^
I"! 1 11
M 1
Q 1 Huntington P atriot
6581 84
[ 7 ] 2 Jenn-Air 72 0 -0 70 9
(S am's C lub)
0 . 3 Weber S ummit E -670
Q 4 Master Forge 3 2 1 8LT N
[I tem #6554] (Lowe's)
Q 5 Kenmore 1 61 3 61 61 57.1 61 56
O
e e o
e e e '
e e e e *
e e a o

G A S G R I L L S
Brand & model Pnce Overall score Testresui ts Features
.s
Simiiar modeis, in small
S t ype, are comr ar abl e to
tested model.
A LA RGE MODELS continued
a -i =
J w s; r j Sj
3-.S w I
j aj o. f" o
-;r ro
O 100
P I F 1 G I V G I E
6 B i u e E m b e r B E6 5 07 8 -5 8 4
(Home O epot)
7 KitchenA id KFR5361TS5Q
KFRU361V SS
8 Brinitmann 810-1575-W
(Waimart) 810-1575-0
9 Brinkmann 810 2575-F
(Waimart)
B MEDiUM-SIZE MODELS
O

o
o
[71 1 Vermont Castings Signa-
t ur e Series VCS300SSP
Signature Series VCS322SSP
g 2 Char-Broil Red 463250511
(Home O epot) El Gourmet IRU- 400
Inf rared 463250512 (Home oepot)
Q 3 Kenmore 16142 350
0 4 Weber Genesis E-330
[ 7 ] S Cbar-Broii Red 463250811
(Home O epot) El Gourmet TRU-
inf rared 463251012 (Home O epot)
[ 7 ] 6 Weber Genesis S-330
' ' Genesis 5310
Q 7 Brinkmann 810-2545-W
(Waimart)
[ 7 ] 8 Biue Ember BE50070-584
(Home Depot)
Q 9 A ussie V antage Series
6 7 C 3
[ 7 ] 10 Kenmore 03982838
(Kmart) 03982844 (Kmart)
0 11 Jenn-A ir 72O -O 336C(BJs)
g 12 char-Broil Classic
463211512 (Home O epot)
[ 7 ] 13 Brinkmann Zone 5-i n-l
810-2390-S (Home O epot)
[ 7 1 14 Weber Summit S-470
Summit E-470
[ 7 ] IS Jenn-A ir 720-0720
(Costco)
B Discontinued

6

9
O
O
O
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Brand & modei
; g type, are comparable to
1 tested model.
Price Overaii score Testresuits Features
e
m
p
e
r
a
t
e
r
f
o
r
m
a
e
s
s
p
.

e
y
e
n
n
e
c
t

c
o
o
k
n
e
e
aj
1
B
s
t
e
e
l

g
r
a
r
o
n
i
t
e
s
m
-
t
l
y
s
t
a
i
n
l
i
g
-
w
a
r
r
a
e
r
s
b
u
r
n
n
e
r
S
i
d
e

b
u
r
0 100
P I F I G I V G l E '
C PORTABLE OR SMALL MODELS
[7] 1 Napoieon T errace
S E 325P K
Q 2 Char-Broii T R U -lnfrared
P rofessional 340 IR
463269011
Q 3 Char-Broii Red Patio
463250211 (Home D epot) 0
G ourmet I R U - lnf rared 463250212
(Home D epot)
D D iscontinued
e o o
Ratings Key E xcellent yei y good O G ood Fai r P oor
Q CR Best Buy T hese models offer the best combination of performance and price. Ali are recommended.
[^ Recommended T hese are high-performing modeis that stand out.
Overall score is based on perf ormance, convenience, and features. Lovi temperature
performance combines ttie evenness of tieating over the grill's surface at the low setting
and the model's ability to cook chick en and fish on the grill at that setting without burning
the f ood. Hlqh temp, evenness evaluates the evenness of heating over the griil's surface
at the high setting. Indirect cooking indicates how well the griii slow cook s foods when
oniy some of the burners are on and f ood isn't directiy over flames. Convenience evaluates
construction and materiais, ease of use, accessory burners, and propensity f or f lare-up.
Price is approximate retail.


MICROWAVES
Quick
Guide
Most models did well with basic tasks like defrosting
meats, reheating leftovers, and making popcorn.
Some offer convection, speed-cook, and a vast
menu of programs for preparing main meais.
What to look for
A sensor, which helps pre-
vent over- or undercooking
by measuring emitted steam
to gauge when food is done
Convection, speed-cook,
and grilling features if you
want to use your microwave
as a second ovenand are
willing to pay more
What to skip
A raft of prepregrammed
shortcut keys if you're mostly
defrosting and popping corn
What you'll pay
Countertop models cost the
least (about $80 to $300) and
are best for kitchens with
lots of counter space. Mid-
sized and large models add
capacity and features, with
midsized models selling the
most overall. Over-the-range
microwaves ($300 to $900)
save space but don't vent
as well as well as a capable
range hood.
ConsumerReports,org/microwaves
Shopping tip
Some brands
overstate usable
space, so be sure
to bring along
a large platter
v^hen you shop,
to see if it fits.
Brands model I Price I Overall score I Test results
SifAiiar models,
in snidll rype.
arecoinpaialile
lo tested motlel.
. s >- "
0 IOO
P I F I G I V GI E
.S !
A MIDSIZED COUNTERTOP MODELS
1 Kenmore 6633[9]
2 Kenmore 6325[2]
69121)
3 Kenmore 6622 [Item
#1345111] (Kmart) 105
523784U (Kmarl)
B LARGE COUNTERTOP MODELS
0.8 1.2 1200
0.9 1.2 1200
0.6 1.1 1100
1 Whiripooi
MT41555P I81
2 GE P rofile
JES22515J[55L
0.9 1.5 1200
e 1-5 2.2 1200

M I C R O W A V E S
Brand S modei Pnce Overaii score Test resuits
E
Similar modeis,
insiralltvpe.
are coinparable
to tesEd model.
g o
g -o
at 2
s, s.
S! 1= s -
.'S 5 i
. P. S E
g iS
0 10 0
p I F I G I V G l E
3 . 1
B LARGE COUNTERTOP iUlODELS continued
Whirip ool G old
6T4175SPIB1
Panasonic I nverter
NNT945IS1F
Kenmore Elite
791519]
GE Profile
PEB2060DM1BB1
150
270
C OVER-THE RANGE MODELS
[ ] 1 Kenmore Elite
8852[2]
0 2 LG LMHM2017I5W1
[ 71 3 Kenmore Elite
8601(3]
[ 7] 4 Whirip ooi
G H72O8XR10]
M S Panasonic G enius
Prestige NN-5D297[SR]
p ] 6 Kenmore Elite
8600[31
[ ] 7 GE Profile Advantiiim
P5A1201R[5S] Profiie
Advantiiim PSA1200R[ 1
H 8 Kenmore 850419]
630
950
260
Rati ngs Key Excellent V ery good OG ood Fa i r Poor
D CR Best Buy These modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. Aii are recommended.
l ^ Re c o m m e n d e d These are high-performing models that stand out.

Overall score is based mainly on evenness of heating, ease of use, and auto-defrosting abil-
ity. T he displayed score is out of a totai of 1 0 0 points. Heating evenness refiects how evenly
a model reheated a dish of cold mashed potatoes. Auto defrost is based on how well the
automatic-defrost program defrosted 1 pound of frozen ground chuck. Ease of use includes
how easy it is to set the microwave without referring to the instructions. MIcrowaving noise
reflects how quiet the oven is while microwaving on high. Usable capacity (cu.ft.) is the
usable space based on our measurements, and excludes the corner spaces for models with
rotating turntables. N ote that most over-the-range models allow you to turn the rotation off
to fit large dishes (a few countertop models also offer that feature). With the rotation off.
measured capacity approximates claimed. However, food may reguire extra tending and stir-
ring. Price is approximate retail.
MiCROWAVES
0 % 5% 1 5 % 2 0 % 2 5 % 30 %
S ource; Annual P roduct R eliability S urvey,
We found no meaningful differences among the
brands for which we had enough data to include
in our chart. Although we lacked sufficient data
to include KitchenAid, data we have indicates it
has been among the more repair-prone brands.
T hat's what we found when we asked more than
1 4,0 0 0 readers who bought an over-the-range
microwave oven between 2 0 0 7 and 2 0 1 1 . T he
graph shows the percentage of brands that
needed repair or had a serious problem. We've
adjusted the data to eliminate differences linked
solely to product age. M odels within a brand may
vary, and design or manufacture changes may
affect future reliability. S till, choosing a brand
with a good repair history can improve your
odds of getting a reliable model.


R A N G E S 99
Quick
Guide
RANGES
You'll find a smorgasbord of choices that outcook pro-style
ranges. Still want to go pro? We've got several money-
saving options.
What to iook for
On electric and gas ranges,
at least one high-heat element
or burner to heat large quan-
tities of food quickly
Dual ovens if you want to
cook two meals at once
Induction, which uses a
magnetic field to heat more
quickly and efficiently. Prices
are dropping, though you'll
need magnetic cookware
At least five oven-rack posi-
tions for flexibility
What to skip
Dual-fuel models, which
blend a gas cooktop with
an electric oven but haven't
performed better overall in
our tests
What you'ii pay
About $400 to $600 for coil;
$700 to $1,700 for smoothtop;
$1,700 to $2,700 for induc-
tion; $600 to $2,000 for gas;
$3,000-plus for pro-style.
ConsumerReports,org/ranges
Shopping tip
! Many midpriced
; models include a
' convection oven,
which can reduce
cooking time,
especially for
large roasts.
Brands modei Price Overall score Testresuits
g g" " .$ ' Elements
QJ O iO
0 10 0
P I F I G I V Gl E
A 30 -liV CH SMOOTHTOP MODELS
Kenmore 92163
GECafe
CS980 SNSS1
GE PB920 ST5S
Kenmore 9280 3
Mavtag
MET8885X1S]
6 Eiectroiux
EW30 EF65G[W]
7 GEJB650 0 TWW
8 IGLDE30 15ST
9 LG LRE3O125T

B ra n d S m o d el Price O v e r a l l score T e s t r e s u i t s
s
E
o
0 100
I 4
p I F I G I VG l E
A 30-INCH SMOOTHTOP MODELS continued
10 LG LS E 3O 925T
11 Samsung
FE -R 300S B
,12 G E JS P 42D N [WW]
13 G E 1S P 46D N [WW]
14 LG LR E 30453IS B J
15 Kitc he n Aid
Architect S eries I I
KE R S 507XS S
16 El e c t r o l u x
E W3O E S 65G [W1
17 Ma yt a g
M E R 8770W[W]
18 Whi r i po o l
WFE 371LVB
19 I G LR E 30955[S T ]
20 Ke n m o re 98053
21 Fr i gi d a i r e P rofes-
sional FP E F3081M F
22 Fr i gi d a i r e G allery
FG E F3031K1W]
2 G E JB 850D T WW
24 Ke n m o re 92603
25 Fr i gi d a i r e G allery
FG E F3O 32M F
26 Sa m s u n g
FE 710D R S
27 G E P B 975S T S S
28 Kit c he n Aid
Architect S eries
KE R S 807S 1S S ]
29 Whi r l po o l
G G E 388LX[Q1
3 0 Je n n -Air
JE R 8885R A[S 1

a
o
a

a
a a

a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
o
a
o
o
a
a
a
o
o
a
o
a
o
a
o
a
o
o
a
o
a
a
o
o
o
o
o
a
a
a
o
a
o
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
0
0
2
2
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
0
2
2
Ra t i n gs Key E xcellent Verygood O G ood Fai r P oor
D CR B e s t B u y T hese models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
l ^ Re c o m m e n d e d T hese are high-performing models that stand out.

R A N G E S 101
Brand model Pnce Overallscore Testresults
^ DJO OD >- OD
J O E E ~ E
l l f l l
\ ^ " - ' LJ IJ
1 0 0
I F I G IV Gl
Elements
I I - S e "
A 30-INCH SMOOTHTOP MODELS continued
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Samsung
FT0 353IWUX
Maytag
MER7765W1 W1
LGLDE30 1 7ST
Whirlpool
GFE461 LV [Q1
Whirlpool Gold
GY399LXU1 0 1
Samsung
FTQ387LWGX
Frigidaire
FGEF3O4DK[W1
Whiripool
WFE72OHOAS
KitchenAid
KER52O6XWH
GE PB9755M1 S51
Whirlpool
WFE51O5OAW
Maytag
MER8674AS
Whirlpool
WFE361 LV [Q1
Frigidaire
FGEF30 6TM
Amana
AER583OV AB
Kenmore 91 31 2
Maytag
MER8880 A5
850
450
1.300
B 30 -INCH COIL MODELS
O
O O
o
o
o o
o e
o
o
o o
oo

o o
a

o o o NA
o o
2 o 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
1 2 1
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
2 O 2
1 1 2
1 2 1
GE1 BP35SM[S51
Hotpoint
R B 7 5 7 D P I W H ]
Amana
AER5523XAW
Whiripool
RF263LXTQ1
400

B rands model Price I Overall score Testresults
. $ = Elements . = ^ ~ '^M
I I lll
O 100
S
p I F I G I V G l E
B 30-INCH COIL MODELS continued
S s
5 Kenmore 90313
6 Kenmore 90112
7 W h irlp ool
WFC 34050AW
C 30-INCH INDUCTION MODELS
O 2 0 2
O O O O N A 2 0 2
a a a a 2 0 2
1 G E P rofile
P HB 9255P [551
2 Kenmore E lite
97203
3 Samsung
FT 0307N WG X
4 Electrolux
E W30I 565JS
5 Maytag
M I R 8890AS
2,400
2.500
1,800
3,200
- 1,800
D 30-INCH GAS AND DUAL-FUEL MODELS
1 G E P rofile
P G B 9105E M I S S 1
2 LG LR G 3O 97[S T 1
3 LG LR G 309515T 1
4 Frigidaire G allery
FG G F3O 32M W
5 KitchenAid
KO R 55O 5X1S S 1
(dual-fuel)
6 LG LR G 3091S W
7 Electrolux
E W30G F65G IW1
8 Maytag
M G R 8772W[W1
9 G E JG B 523S E T S S
10 Frigidaire G allery
FG G F3O 31K[Wj
a O a O 1 2 2
a a O 2 2 1
a a o -2 2 1
o o 2 2 1
2,000
Ratings Key E xcellent V ery good O G ood Fair P oor
Q C R Best Btiy T hese models offer the best corhbination of p erformance and p rice. All are recommended.
blJ R ecommended T hese are high-p erforming models that stand out.

R A N G E S 103
Brands modei Pnce Overaii score Test resuits
g .& g Elements .g 5 fc .= 5 .sd
=? S- 5^ tt o .g .E
0 100
p I F I G I V G i E
D 30-INCH GAS AND DUAL-FUEL MODELS continued
U Maytag
MGR7665W1B1
12 Wh i ri p ooi Gold
GW399LXU101
13 Fri gi dai re
FGF368G[Sj
1 4 Samsung
FX710BGS
15 GEJGB600SETSS
16 Fri gi dai re
FGF382HIS1
17 GECafe
CGS980SEM1SS]
18 Mayt ag
MGR76611WW]
19 GE Cafe
C2S98OSEM[SS1
( du a l-fu el)
2 0 GE1GB870SETSS
2 1 GECafe
CGS985SETSS
22 Jenn-Air
J0S8860BOIP1
( du a l-fu el)
23 GEJGBP28OEMIBB1
2 4 Fri gi dai re Galler y
FGGF3054K[Wj
25 Amana
AGR6011V DS
2 6 GEJGB800SEPSS
2 7 GEJGB296SETSS
2 8 Eiectroiux
EW3OGS65G[W1
2 9 Kenmore 72703
3 0 KitchenAid
KGRS206XWH
3 1 GE JGB281SERSS
32 GE PGS975SEM1SS] 2.100
33 Kenmore 78013 1,800

Brand S model Price Overaii score Testresuits
0 100
p I FI G i V G l E -.,
30-INCH GAS AND DUAL-FUEL MODELS continued
op 3 g
1 S
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Jenn-Air
JG R 889O AD [P I
I G LO G 3O 155T
G E C afe
C G S 990 S E T 5S
Whirlpool
G G G 3 88tX[0 ]
Whirlpool
WFG 51 0 S 0 AS
Kenmore 72 3 1 3
Whirlpool
WFG 52O S O AS
Kenmore 72 90 3
Kenmore 72 50 3
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
Frigidaire P rofes
si onal FP G 3 0 81 KF
G E C afe
C 2 59855E T S S
Dual-fuel
Hotpoint
R G B 790 0 E R WW
Whiripooi
WFG 3 61 Ly[Q]
Maytag
M G R 8880 AS
Maytag
M G R 8674AS
Kenmore 70 60 2
Maytag
M G T 8885X[S 1
Kenmore 70 50 2
KitciienAid
Archi tect S eries
KG R 580 75[55]
700
1.000
2 .70 0
1.700
oeooe
o e o o
eo
o oo
OO e e
e o e e e
o o e e
e o e o e
ooe ee
o o e e e 2 2 1
e oe 2 2 1
2 2 0
0 2 1
2 2 1
1 2 1
1 2 1
2 2 1
2 1 1
2 2 1
o e o e
o ee e o
00 e e
o o e e
e e e o NA
o e o
o e e o NA
o e e o o
1 2 1
1 2 1
2 2 1
2 2 1
1 3 1
1 2 2
1 3 0
2 0 2
E 30-INCH PROFESSIONAL MODELS: GAS AND DUAL-FUEL
KitchenAid KD R S -
40 7V 5S (dual -fuei )
WOlfOF304
Puai-fuel
5,200
e eo O e
oeeeo
3 o l
3 i o

R A N G E S
Brand&model Pnce Overallscore Testresuits
a g . $ Elements
^^11 I I I I I
S- 3 m
100
F I G IV Gl E
E 30-INCH PROFESSIONAL MODELS: GAS AND DUAL-FUEL continued
GE Monogram
ZGP304NRSS
Kenmore Pro
7952[3! (dual-fuel)
$ 5 , 0 0 0
3 , 4 0 0
J Thermador Profes- r ^nn
sional PG304B1S] ^' ""^
6 Jenn-Air ,
1GRP430WP ''''""
7 DCSRGU-305 3,70 0
8 DCS RGTC3O5SS
9 Dacor Epicure
ER30GSCH
10 Viking VDSC530[SS!
(dual-fuel)
U Dacor Epicure
ER30D (dual-fuel)
12 Viking
VGSC5304BSS
13 WolfR304
14 Fisher & Paykel
0 R30 SN0 GXI
15 American Range
ARR304
16 Blue Star
RNB304BSS
17 Bertazzoni A30
4GGV XE
4 , 7 0 0 EMM
3,60 0 EH
5,30 0 BH
5, 0 0 0 EM
4,000 EQB
3, 70 0 Eau
3, 60 0 M
3,7 0 0 im
2 ,4 0 0 EM
F 36 - INCH PROFESSIONAL MODELS
I O a O O 1 3 0
I a a a 1 3 I
I a o o 4 0 0
o o a 3 0 1
O O a O N A 5 0 0
5 0 0
OOOON A 3 1 0
o a o a a o 4 o o
o o o o 3 1 0
a a 4 0 0
a o o a N A 4 0 0
a a N A i 4 0
a o a N A 3 1 0
a a a NA 3 o
o o NA 1 1 2
GAS AND DUAL-FUEL
KitchenAid
KDRU763V1SS1
(dual-fuel)
GE Monogram
ZDP364NDP1SS1
(dual-fuel)
Thermador Pro
Grand PG366B[S1
V iking VGSC536-4G 7,200
Kenmore Pro
7962131 (dual-fuel)
6, 0 0 0
7,500
6, 0 0 0 '
3 0 1
o a o a a 4 o o
a o a o 6 o o
a a a o 4 o o

Overall score reflects cooktop performance, oven capacity, baking, broiling, and oven cleaning.
T he displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Cooktop high is how quickly the highest-
powered element heated water to near-boii. Cooktop low is how well the lowest-powered
element melted and held chocolate without scorching and how well the most powerful element,
set on low, held tomato sauce below a boil. Bakinq reflects even browning of cakes and cookies
I n multi-rack baking tests. Broilinq is even browning of a pan of burgers and high-heat searing.
Oven capacity is our evaluation of usable space. Oven cleaning is the self-cleaning cycle's effec-
tiveness after the oven is coated with a mixture of eggs, cheese, pie filling, and other ingredients.
Price Is approximate retail.
GAS/DUAL-FUEL RANGES
H otpoint
G E
F rigidaire
K enmore
W hirlpool
M a y t a g
K itchenA id
G E
0%
H otpoint
G E
W hirlpool
F rigidaire
K enmore
M aytag
K itchenA id
J enn-A ir
30%
ELECTRIC RANGES
5% 10% 20% 25% 30%
Hotpoint and G eneral E lectric were among the
least repair-prone electric-range brands; Kitchen-
Aid ahd Jenn-Air were the most repair-prohe.
KitchenAid was also the most repair-prone for
gas ranges. We lacked enough data to include
Kenmore dual-fuei and Jenn-Air gas and dual-fuel
ranges; data we have indicate Kenmore dual-fuel
models have been reliable and Jenn-Air gas and
dual-fuel repair-prone. T hat's what we found
when we asked over 76,0 0 0 readers who bought
an electric range between 2 0 0 5 and 2011, or a gas
or dual-fuel range between 2 0 0 5 and the first half
of 2011, about their experiences. T he graphs show
the percentage of models for each brand that
were repaired or had a serious problem. D iffer-
ences ofless thah 3 points aren't meaningful, and
data are adjusted to eliminate differences linked
solely to age. M odels within a brand may vary,
and changes in design or manufacture may
affect future reliability. S till, choosing a brand with
a good repair history cah improve your odds of
getting a reliable model.
S ource: Annual P roduct R eliability S urvey,


R E F R I G E R A T O R S 107
Quick
Guide
REFRIGERATORS
Sluggish sales have manufacturers working harder for your business,
with temperature-controlled drawers, internal water dispensers, and
other once-premium features on more and more mainstream models.
Shopping tip
Energy Star
refrigerators
must be at least
20 percent more
efficient than
the minimum
reguired by
federal standards.
Brand & model
What to look for
Print-resistant stainless steel
or faux-stainless finishes for
busy kitchens (also consider
classic white or black)
Temperature-controlled
drawers to keep meat, fish,
cold cuts, and other foods at
lower temperatures
Split shelves to make space
for taller items as needed
Adjustable door bins and
shelves, to make the most of
available storage space
What to skip
Automatic icemakers. Sure,
they're convenientand an
integral part of through-the-
door dispensers. But that
luxury comes at a cost: Our
annual reliability surveys
have long shown that refrig-
erators with icemakers tend
to be more repair-prone
What you'll pay
Capable top-freezer fridges
start at well under $1,000.
Figure on $1,000 to $2,200
for most bottom-freezer and
side-by-side models, $2,500
to $3,500 for cabinet-depth.
ConsumerReports.org/refrigerators
: Similar models, in small type,
: are comparable to tested model.
A TOP FREEZERS
QJ + ^ -
0 IOO
P I F I G I V G l E
s
o
go
.SP -a o.
.O O O
1 GE P rofile PTS22LHS[WW1
P rofile P T S22SH 5tl
$1,4 00
0 2 Kenmore 793012] 1,100
0 3 Whirlpool WRT771REY[W1 1,100
Q 4 Frigidaire Gallery FGUI2149L1P1 850
5 GEGT H 18KBX[ W W H 3GT H I 8I BX[ 1 1,000
0 6 LG LTC2235OISS] 1,000
Q 7 Frigidaire Gallery fGHT2l44K[F] ,
" Gallery FGHT2134KI1. Gallery FGHT2146KI1 ^"
D D iscontinued
i
' <
e i
e
<
e (
e
9 o
i
i
i o
i o
i o
i o
o
o
o
o
e
e
64
56
54
47
60
55
57
17.1
15.1
17.8
16.4
15.3
173
16.7
68
68
66
70
67
68
70
33
33
33
30
30
33
30
32
33
34
32
32
33
33

B rand S model
g -g simiiar modeis, in small type,
S S are comparable to lesled model.
A TOP FREEZERS continued
P rice O veraii score T est resuits
0
p 1 F 1 G
100
I VG l E -.
m
p
e
r
f
o
r
i
1 Q
SS
5 fe S S
ilt
.a .s .2
8
9
10.
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Frigidaire LFHT 2117L[W)
( Low e' s) FFHT 2117LIW, FFHT 2126U 1,
FFHT 2116LI 1
M ayt ag M lT XE G M Y I W]
Fri gi dai re G allery FG HT 1844K[FJ
G allery FC HT 1S 46K11, G ailery FG HT 1834K[ 1
Kenmore 7215[216215[]
Frigidaire LFHT 1817LIW]
( Low e' s) FFHT 1826LI 1. FFHT 1817LI 1.
FFHT I 816Lll,FFHT 1814m
LG LT C 19340[S W]
Amana A9R Xf4G FY [S I
Frigidaire P rofessional
FP LI I 1888L1F1 G aiiery FG U I 1849L[1
HaierP R T S 2lS AC ( WI
Amana A2R XN M FW[WJ
Kenmare7888[2] 6888(1
lkeaE nergisl<B 18W
Whi rl pool W2R XN M M W[Q]
G E G T H17JB X[WW]
Whi ri pooi WR T 579S M ylM l
WR T 3L9S Z Y I 1 ( Low e' s). WR T 359S Fy[ 1
G E G T H18XC T I WW1
Whi ri pooi WR T 779R WY [M ]
Hot poi nt HT H18G B C [WW]
Fri gi dai re FR T 18L4J[W1 ( Low e' s)
FFT R I 817L[l,FnR 1814L( l
Hotpoint HT S 18G C S IWW]
Whiripool WR T 138T FY [W]
Whirlpool W8R XE G M W(QJ
$ 700
770
750
940
600
700
950
O J U
550
850
545
500
810
550
1,050
550
1,000
700
520
550
680
720
a
55 17.1 69 30 34
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
'
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
a
a
a
o
o
o 59
O 55
O 63
O 47
55
O 62
O 52
O 60
O 72
O 63
O O 52
O 65
a 41
O 55
O O 46
O 49
O 39
68
62
51
58
16.7
14.7
176
15.4
15.2
15.3
14
15.3
17.8
15.5
13.7
17.1
13
15.2
14
15.5
14.5
15.4
13.7
15.1
13.7
66
67
66
66
65
66
67
67
67
65
69
67
65
66
68
66
68
66
68
67
69
33
30
33
30
30
30
30
32
33
30
28
33
28
30
28
30
28
30
28
30
28
31
32
32
32
33
33
31
32
31
32
32
33
30
33
31
34
31
32
30
32
30
Ratings Key E xcellent Very good O G ood Fair P oor
Q CR Best Buy T hese models offer the best combination of performance and price. Aii are recommended.
Ld Recommended T hese are high-performing modeis that stand out.

Brand & model Price Overall score Testresuits
i Similar models, in small type,
' ,!:,: comparable to tested model.
O ^ OJ
I
0 100
P I F i G I V Gl E
.
e?
a .a .2 .s
33 >< t<
A TOP FREEZERS continued
30 Hotpoint HTH17CBC1WW] $ 550
l Whirlpool WRT771RWY[W1 940
32 GE GTH20JBB[V I/W| 810
33 Frigidaire FFTR2126L1W1 720
34 Wiiiripooi WRT311SFY[W] 720
35 Maytag M9BXXGMY[W1 800
36 Estate T8TXNGFVK1Q1 rj^
T8TXNWrW|].T8RXNGFWll ' "
37 Maytag M1BXXGMY[M] 950
38 Maytag M8RXEGMX[W] 700
39 Amana A8RXNGMW[E] 650 E 9 i
40 GEGTH21KCX[ WW1GTH21KBX( | 900 JM
B CONV ENTIONAL BOTTOM-FREEZER MODELS
e o 50
o 42
o o 85
O O 83
O 45
e O 57
O 52
O O 66
e O 54
o 55
13.2 65
17.8 66
14.1 67
171 69
16.9 67
15.8 66
13.4 68
17.7 66
13.6 68
13.4 69
16.6 67'
2 8 30
33 34
30 33
30 34
33 33
30 34
2 8 30
30 33
6 8 31
2 8 31
33 31
Whirlpool Goid GB2FHDXW(01
Amana ABB2221WE[W]
2 2 2 [ |
Maytag MBF2258XEW]
MBL2258XE11. MBR2258XEI1
Maytag MBF1958XE[W]
LGLDC227201SW1
Amana ABB1921WE(W]
Whirlpool EB9SHKXV Q]
Kenmore 7620121
Kenmore 7809( 21
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 GEGBSCOHBXIWW]
GBSCOHCX[ ] , GOSCOKCX[ ] . GDSLOKCX[ 1
U Fisher S Payicei RF17SWCRUX1
Rri75WDRXl. RF175WDUX1. Rri75WCRXl
12 HaierHBQ181AD[W]
13 BlombergBRFBl450
El Discontinued
@
O
O
e O
e e
o e
e o
e o
o o
e o
e

e
52
56
52
50
61
O 69
56
O 68
O 64
59
O 65
98
79
15.4 70
16.4 70
15.4 70
12.8 67
15.8 69
13.2 68
13.6 67
15.4 69
13.3 68
14.7 68
12.4 69
14.9 66
11.1 76
33 31
33 3 2
33 31
3 0 31
3 3 3 3
3 0 31
3 0 31
33 3 2
3 0 3 2
3 0 3 3
3 3 2 8
3 0 3 2
2 8 2 5

B r a n d S m o d e l P r i c e O v e r a l l s c o r e T e s t r e s u i t s
S
S
; S i m i l a r m o d e l s , i n s m a l l t y p e .
: a r e c o m p a r a b l e t o t e s t e d m o d e l .
0 10 0
P I F I G I V G l E
C FR E N C H-D O O R B O T T O M -FR E E ZE R M O D E LS
[ ^ 1 L G L FX289911ST]
Q 2 K e n m o r e 7160 13]
Q 3 W h i r l p o o l Go ld GX5FHTXV[Q]
Go l d GX 5 FH D X V | l
[ 7 } 4 S a m s u n g RFG298HDIR5]
(L o w e 's )
Q 5 L G L FC257761SW]
0 6 K e n m o r e E l i t e 71O 6[2]
7 GE A d o r a DFS59VKB[S5] ( H o m e
D e p o t ) A d o r a 0 FSF9 V K B I1 ( H o m e D e p o t )
0 8 L G L FX 2 8 9 7 9 [5 T ]
0 9 L G L FX31925[5T] , . .
0 1 0 K e n m o r e E l i t e 71O3I2]
Q U S a m s u n g RF266AE[W P ]
R F2 6 3 A E I1
B 12 K e n m o r e 720 112]
0 13 L GL FC25765IST]
0 14 L G L FX2897815W]
0 15 L GL FX 25991IST ]
0 16 K e n m o r e E lit e 720 513]
0 17 L G L FX259761SW]
0 18 A m a n a AFI2538AE1W]
19 K e n m o r e E l i t e 7 2 0 6 3 ]
2 0 Fr i g i d a i r e Ga lle r y FGHB2878L 1P ]
Ga l l e r y FGH B 2 8 6 9 L I1, P r o f e s s i o na l
FP H B 2 8 9 9 1I I . Ga l l e r y FGH B 2 8 44L 1 ] ,
Ga l l e r y FGH B 2 8 46 L I1
21 S a m s u n g R F4267H A[W P ]
22 Fr i g i d a i r e Ga lle ry FGHN2844L IP ]
P r o f e s s i o na l FP H N 2 8 9 9 1 I I
23 L GL FX219761ST]
2 4 K e n m o r e 720 313]
16.1 70 33 34
19 7 0 36 34
13.5 7 0 36 28
16.6 6 9 36 32

Brands model Price Overall score Test results
: Simiiar mo de l s , in small type.
: are comparable to tested model.
QJ --
E
0 100
P I F i G I V Gl E
^ 3
gs '" M. .2 .0 2
I s s ffi s
C FRENCH-DOOR BOTTOM-FREEZER MODELS continued
FGUB2642t[P]
26 Frigidaire Professional
FPHG2399M1F]
27 Amana AFD2535DE[W]
28 Whirlpool Gold GZ25FSRXY[yl
29 5amsungRF267AE[WP]
30 Samsung RF4287HA[RS]
31 LGLFX25974[5T]
32 Kenmore 72OO[2]
33 Samsung RF217AC[WP]
34 Jenn-Air 1FC229OV [EP1
35 MaYtagMFI2670XE[M]
36 Electrolux EI23BC56[IW]
E W 23B C 7 1 I I ]
38 Whirlpool Gold GI6F0RXXI01
Gold GI65 DRXX[ 1 ( Low e' s)
39 Maytag MFX2571XE[W1
40 KitchenAid KFIS27CX[WH]
41 KitchenAid KFXS25RV [MS1
42 GEGF556KKy[S5lGFSF6KKV Il
43 Maytag MFF2258V E1W]
44 GE Protile PFSF5NFY1WW1 Q
P rofile P FSF5 NFZ11. P rofile P FSS5 NFZ( ]
45 LGLMX25988SW]
Discontinued

a
O

a
o
o
a
a o
o
o
e
a
a
o
o
a o
e a
o
O 60
O 54
60
O 56
O 75
O 88
O 75
O 61
68
O 57
O 67
O 72
O 83
O 70
O M
O 66
O 60
O 78
63
O 68
a 82
17.7 7 0
15.5 7 0
17.5 7 0
1 7 69
1 6. 4 7 0
18.2 7 0
16.2 69
14.6 7 0
14.9 7 0
13.6 7 2
15.5 7 0
1 4 . 8 7 0
16.7 7 0
15.5 7 0
16.2 7 0
15.1 7 0
16.2 7 0
16.4 7 1
14.5 7 1
15.7 7 1
15.4 7 0
3 6 3 3
3 6 2 9
3 6 3 2
3 6 3 4
3 6 3 4
3 6 3 4
3 6 3 3
3 3 3 2
3 2 3 0
3 6 2 8
3 6 3 3
3 6 2 9
3 6 3 3
3 6 3 3
3 6 3 3
3 6 3 3
3 6 3 3
3 6 3 3
3 3 3 2
3 6 3 3
3 3 3 4
Ratings Key Excellent Verygood OGood Fair P oor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended.
E Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

m
o "
m
e
n
d
a
t
i
R
a
R
e
c
o
m
c
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
B rand & model 1
si mi l ar models, in sfnall type,
are comparable to tested model.
P rice 1 O verall score 1 Test results
O J O J
m
p
e
r
a
t
i
i
r
f
o
r
m
a
n
0 100 "^
P 1 F 1G l V G l
FRENCH-DOOR BOTTOM-FREEZER MODELS continued
Whi ri pooi G old G I6FAR XXIQ]
M ayt ag M FI 2665XE I W]
E i ec troi ux E I27B S 26JIW]
Ki tc henAi d KB FS 22E WIWH]
S amsung R F197AC [WP ]
B osch B 26FT 70S N 1S ]
Whi ri pooi G old G lO FS AXvm
GE P rofile P FS S 5R KZ[5S ]
P rofiie P FS F5R KZ[ 1. C afe C FS P 5R KB IS S 1
Fri gi dai re G allery FG U N 2642U P 1
G E G FS F2HC y[WWlG FS S 2HC V |)
Maytag M FI 2269V E [W]
Whi rl pool G old G X2FH0XV [QJ
G old G X2S HD XV I 1 ( L ow e' s)
E iectroiux E I27B 316J[W]
LG I M X28988[5T ]
DCS RF195AUUX1R F195AD U XI
Kenmore 713013]
HaierHB 21FC 45N 5
V ii( ing00FF1360[S S lI 3
P rofessionaiV C FFB 6D ll
Fri gi dai re P rofessional
FP HF2399M [F]
S amsung R FG 237AA[WP ]
R FG 238AA( r( L ow e' s)
G E P rofile PGSS5RKZ1SS]
Fisher &P ayi( eiR F20lAD U X
GE P rofile P FC S IR KZIS S ]
P rofile P FC FI R KZI I
GE P rofile PFSF6PKX1WW]
GE P rofile PGCS1RKZ[S5]
$1.900
1,650
2,200
1,600
1,250
2.550
2,650
2.600
1,500
1,200
1,800
1,300
2,100
3,000
3,000
1,700
1,900
3.700
2.800
2,500
2,400
2,500
2,700
2,200
2,600
Q^^^H
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13.8
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32
33
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28
33
28
28
29
28
32
28
28
33
28
D I D i sc ont i nued

B r a n d s m o d e l P ric e l O v e r a i i s c o r e I Test r e s u i t s
- s i m i i a r m o d e l s , i n s m a l l t y p e ,
S. a re cuiTiparable t o te s te r ! m o d e l .
D SIDE BY SIDE MODELS
Q> QJ > - QJ QJ ^ - " ^ QJ '
^3 # I - ^ 1 ' JCI C
II
10 0
F I G I V Gl E
s
-2 .2 .2
QJ QJ
5 s 1
Q 1 Sa m s u n g RS265TD1WP]
RS26 37 D I1. RS26 7 TD [ 1
0 2 K i t c h e n A i d KSF26C6X[YY]
M 3 Bosch Linea 8 0 0 B22CS80SN(S]
' ' B22CS5OSN[1
0 4 OCSRX215PJX1
0 5 K e n m o r e Elite 5118(3]
Q 6 Ma y t a g MSD2559XE(W]
B ^ F r i g i d a i r e Ga lle ry FGUS2676LIP]
Ga i i e r y FGUS2635LI ] , Ga i i e r y FGUS2632LI ).
Ga i i e r y FGIJS2637L ] . Ga i i e r y FGU S26 4 7 111.
Ga i i e r y FGU S26 4 5 L I1. Ga i i e r y FGU S26 4 2L I1
8 GEGSH 22JFX [ W W ] GSH 22JSX [ 1
9 GE Ca fe CSHS6UGZ(SS]
10 F is h e r f i P a y k e i R X 2l 60 r a V 2
RX216CT4 )(V 2
U Ei e c t r o i u x EI26SS30J(W]
12 K i t c h e n A i d K SC24 C8 E[ y Y ]
K S0 24 C8 EI1
13 Sa m s u n g RSG30 9 AA[ RS]
RSG3O7 AA| T
14 V i k i n g P ro fe s s io n a l
VCSF136O(SS]
15 GE P r o f i l e PS0F5YGX[WW]
16 K e n m o r e Elite 4 10013]
17 lk e a N U TID S25 W IO5 H H EX W (S]
18 GE P r o f i l e PSHF6PGZ[WW]
1 9 GEGSH F9 N GY ( W W ]
D SH F9 N Gy | 1. D SH S9N Gy[ 1. GSH S9 N Gy l 1
20 W h i r i p o o i Gold GSS26C4XX(W]
6 l d 6 SS26 C5 X X l l l L -)
73 18.1 70 36 34
O a 75 18.6 69 3 6 3 4
a a a 75 14.6 69 3 6 28
O O 62 15.8 7 0 3 6 28
a 72 21.2 69 3 6 3 5
a a a o 67 15.9 7 0 3 6 3 3
R a t i n g s Key Exc e l l e n t a V e r y g o o d OGo o d Fa i r P o o r
D CR B e s t B u y Tiie s e m odels o ffe r t h e best c o m b in a tio n of p e rfo rm a n ce and p r i c e . Ail are re co m m e n d e d .
l i d R e c o m m e n d e d These are h i g i i -p e r fo r m i n g m odeis t h a t s t a n d o u t .

B rand & model
I S imilar models, in smali type,
'ra S are comparabie to tested model.
Price Overall score Testresuits
I F I G I V G l E
s s s I s
1^ 3 S S
D SIDE BY SIDE MODELS continued
2 1 W h i ri p ooi G old G S 530C 6E Y I Y ]
2 2 K e n m o r e 5 1 O 1 [ 2 ] ID 5IO2II
2 3 W h i ri p ooi G old G S F26C 4E X[W]
2 4 F ri g i dai re FFU S 26l3t[ P )
25 J enn- Air 1CB2585WES
2 6 H otp oi n t HS H25G FB [WW1
2 7 F rig idaire G allery FG H52367K[P ]
G allery rG HS2342L[ 1. G allery FG HS2334K I ] .
G allery rG HS2365K | 1. G allery rG HS2344K | 1.
G allery FG HS2369 K 11. G allery FG HS2355K [ 1
2 8 Eiectroiux E I 26S 555G [W]
2 9 G E G S HF6P G Y [WWlG S HS 6P G yll
3 0 J enn- Air JC O 2595WE [S ]
31 G E G S H F6 N G B [ W W ] G S H S 6 N G B | S S 1
3 2 K enmore E iite 51O 8[ 2] D
Elite 5 10 7 ( 1
3 3 H otp oi n t HS S 25G FT [WWJ
3 4 May tag M S D 2578V E I W]
MSD2 5 7 4V E( 1. MSD2 5 7 6 V E[ ]
3 5 LG LSC279 3515T1
3 6 A mana A5D 2524V E [W1
37 I G LS C 23924[S W]
3 8 W h irlp ool WS F26C 2E X1W]
3 9 W h i rl p ool E D 5KV E XV IQ]
4 0 A mana AS D 2522WR [W]
4 1 G E P rof ile P S HF9P G Z[WW]
4 2 G E G 5C S 3KG Y IS S 1
4 3 LG LS C 2497U 5T ]
4 4 5 amsung R S 261M D [WP ]
45 Wh irip ooi E D 5D HE XWIQI
ED5LDEX Wn ( Low e' s)
ID D iscontinued
1.250
o o a 81 21.3 6 9 3 6 3 4
a a O 79 16.3 70 3 6 3 3
a a O O 79 18.8 6 9 3 6 3 3
a a o o 3 5 17.9 70 3 6 3 3
O a O O 6 3 16 72 72 2 8
a a O O 74 16.8 6 9 3 6 3 3
a o o o 3 1 1 4 70 3 3 3 3
O O
O a
o a
o a
o a
o o

o a
o e
o e
a
o a
o
o
a
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o a
a a 90
o a 78
a o 63
o a 81
a o 76
a 86
a a 99
a o 74
o a 79
a o 70
o a 99
o 75
o o 75
o o 73
O O 84
a 62
a a 71
o o 74
16 70
16.2 71
14.7 73
16.6 7 0
18 7 0
16.4 7 0
14.5 7!
17.6. 6 9
15.6 70
14.9 6 7
17.4 6 9
15.3 70
15.6 70
17.5 70
12.9 70
14.8 70
18.2 70
15.2 70
3 6 3 3
3 6 3 3
3 6 2 8
3 6 3 3
3 6 3 3
3 6 3 2
3 6 3 2
3 6 3 4
3 6 3 1
3 3 3 2
6 9 3 3
3 6 3 1
3 6 3 1
3 6 3 4
3 6 2 8
3 6 2 9
3 6 3 4
3 6 3 1

Brand S model Pnce Overallscore Testresuits
l
a
t
i
o
n
R
a
n
k
i
ai
^
D
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
Similar modeis, in small type,
are comparable to tested model.
0
P 1 F
SIDE BY SIDE MODELS conti nued
Whiripool W5R25O2RY1W]
Whiripooi WSF26D4EX[W]
Electrolux EW265570l[W]
EW26SS65GI1
Kenmore Elite 5114[3]
Kenmore Cold Spot 511012]
frigidaire Gallery FGHS2669K1F1
Gallery FGHS2665K[ 1, Gallery FGHS2667K[ 1.
Gal l ery FGHS2679K[1
Whi r l pool Gold GSC25C4EY[Y]
Electrolux EW23CS65G[W]
Samsung RSG257AAIWP]
$1,000 E S H
1,200 W^
2,000 E S ^
2,100 E S B
1,000 B ^ H
1,500 B ^
2,100 E ^
2,400 E ^
2,000 O B
'
a
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m
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cu o j
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1 9
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9
9
9
9
9
9
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73
91
88
70
78
88
84
76
100
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:
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.
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)
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2
15.3
175
17
16.8
15.2
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13.7
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.
)
s
o
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.g
69
69
70
69
70
70
69
70
70
1
1

(
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n
.
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36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
h

(
i
n
.
)
d
e
p
t
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31
33
34
29
31
33
30
28
28
Ratings Key Excellent Very good OGood Fai r P oor
Q CR Best Buy These modeis offer tiie best oombination of performance and price. Aii are recommended.
Ld Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Overall score is based primarily on temperature perf ormance and energy ef f iciency. N oise
and ease of use are also considered. Temperature performance denotes perf ormance at
dif f erent room temperatures, including high heat, and how unif ormly each maintained
37F in th e ref rigerator and 0 F in the freezer. Energy efficiency is energy consumption
as observed in th e energy test we perf orm in-house at th e af orementioned temperatures of
37F in th e ref rigerator and 0 F in the f reezer and measured cubic f eet. Noise is with com-
pressors running. Ease of use assesses f eatures and design including layout, controls, and
ligh ting. Energy cost/yr. ($) is th e estimated cost in dollars, based on the current year's
average national electricity rate. Your cost will vary depending on the rate f or eiectricity in
your area. Total usable capacity (cu.ft.) is our measurement of total usable interior space.
Exterior height, width, and depth are with out handle, rounded up to the nearest inch
{37-inch-wide f reestanding models f i t in 36-inch openings). Under brand & model, brack eted
letters or numbers are color codes. Price is approximate retai i .

M ost & Least R eiiabie
T O P -FR E E ZE R S
W h i r l p o o l
F r i g i d a i r e
K e n m o r e
GE
F r i g i d a i r e
W h i r l p o o l
GE
K e n m o r e
5% 10% 15% 2 0 % 25% 3 0 %
ICEMAKER
NOICEMAKER
B O T T O iVI -FR E E ZE R S
W h i r l p o o l
KitchenAid
Fewer ^ ^ More
repairs ^ ' repairs
^ttE 1
H^nn
Kenmore J S
Samsung B I B I
LG E E S Q]
''ÎIIIE
Kenmore
Amana
GE
g
12
16
0 % 5%
1 5 % 2 0 % 25 % 30 %
I I C E M AKE R
N O I C E M AKE R
Whirlpool was among th e more reliable
brands of bottom-freezers wi th icemakers.
GE was among the more repair-prone
brands of top-freezers and bottom-freezers
wi th icemakers, while LG has been among
th e more repair-prone brands of side-by-
sides wi th icemakers. That's what we found
when we asked nearly 61,000 readers who
bought a r e fr i g e r a to r between 2007 and
2011. The graphs show th e percentage of
brands th a t needed a repair or had a se r i -
ous p r o bl e m . Differences of less th a n 5
points a r e n 't m e a n i n g ful , and we've adjust-
ed the data to e l i m i n a te differences linked
solely to the age of th e r e fr i g e r a to r . All re-
fr i g e r a to r s in th e graphs are free-standing
models. Models wi th i n a brand may vary,
and design or manufacture changes may af-
fect futur e r el i abi l i ty. Sti l l , choosing a brand
wi th a good repair h i sto r y can improve your
odds of g e tti n g a reliable modei.
Source; Annual Product Reliability Survey,
S I D E -B Y -S I D E S
5 % 1 0% 1 5 % 2 0 % 25 % 30 %


S P A C E H E A T E R S 121
Quick
Guide
SPACE HEATERS
E l ect r ic h ea t er s t i i a t quickl y and s a f el y h ea t a r o o m - o r j us t
y o u- s t a r t a t wel l under $ 4 0 . S o me ev en imit a t e a f ir ep l a ce,
f ait e f l a mes and a l l .
Shopping tip
Don' t expect any
space heat er
t o save e n e r g y
unl ess y o u t u r n
d o w n t h e heat
in t he rest of t he
house.
Wh a t t o look f o r
A fan to help diffuse the
heat; some have multiple
speeds and oscillate tor added
comfort and convenience
Safety features like a
sensor that shuts the heat-
er off if it overheats and a
switch that shuts it off if the
unit tips over
A thermostat to help keep
temperatures at their desired
settings
Remote control is an added
nicety, as is a timer that shuts
the heater off so you don't
have to
Wh a t t o skip
Larger console heaters if
you're looking to save. Despite
their furniture styling (and
those fake flames), none of
these pricier models matched
the best compact heaters in
our tests
Propane or other fueled
heaters for indoor use. These
pose fume and fire risk and
must be used in a well-vented
area away from fabrics and
other combustible materials
Wh a t y o u' l l pay
Figure on roughly $40 to
$150 for smaller room heaters
and $75 to $400 for console
models.
ConsumerReports.org/heaters
B r a n ds model Price Weigiit O verallscore Test results-
( lb .) .
-i .! S 1
o 100
p I F 1 G I V Gl E
A SMALL ROOM HEATERS These compact el ectric models have a fan for fast er heat ing.
0 1 Dyson AM04 $400
Q 2 Holmes HFH436 i 40
0 3 Usk0 6462 65
0 4 V ornado Control 150
D 5 BianaireBCH9212 55
O
O O
o
e
o a

Brand S model Price Weight Overallscore Testresults
(Ib.)
re
o 1 0 0
p I F I G i V G I E
A SMALL R OOM HEATERS c on t m u e d
6 A mbiaA CH -120
7 H oneywell
H Z-860
8 Whirlpool
WHTR360K
9 Stadler Form Anna
10 PelonisH FN
11 Sunbeam SQH310
$60
70
70
85
85
50
O O O
O O a
o o o
o o

o a o
B LARGE ROOM HEATERS S ome of th e s e e l e c t r i c m odels a r e s t y l e d li k e f u r n i t u r e ; m os t have f a n s .
230
1 Duraflame
10HM 4126-0107
H eat Surge HT -XL 40 0
Soleus Ai r
HM 2 -1 5R -3 2
E denpure G E N 4
L askO760 0 0 0
OeLonghi
T R 00715T
E c o-He a te r N A40 0 S
80
397
90
75
95
DON' T BU Y: SAFETY R ISK T he O p t i m u s H-5210 is t h e on l y e l e c t r i c sp ace h e a t e r t h a t g ot h ot
e n ou g h t o p ose a f i r e r i s k ; ts ov e r h e a t s e n s or d i d n ot s h u t i t of f i n t i m e t o p r e v e n t ou r t e s t c l ot h
f r om i g n i t i n g . O p t i m u s c la i m s t o have macte a s a f e t y f i x on 2012 m od e l s ; h e a t e r s we b ou g h t i n
e a r l y s u m m e r 2012 v i e r e 2011 m od e l s , a n d t h e r e is no w a y t o t e l l t h e m od e l y e a r f r om t h e h ox .
optimus H 5210
25
i I ncludes a g r ou n d -f a u l t c i r c u i t i n t e r r u p t e r p l u g f or shock p r ot e c t i on a r ou n d w a te r . A Lacks a f a n . 3 N ot a p p l i c a b l e ;
m od e l is w a l l -m ou n t e d .
Guide to the R atings
Overall score is t h e w e i g f i t e d a v e r a g e of r oom and s p ot f i e a t i n g , h ot -s u r f a c e and f i r e s a f e t y , ease
of u se , a n d n oi s e . Room heating is t f i e a b i i i t y t o h e a t a 2 0 0 -s qu a r e -f oot r oom i n 15 m i n u t e s . Spot
heating is t h e a b i l i t y t o h e a t a p e r s on s i t t i n g i n i t s p a t h i n 15 m i n u t e s , u s i n g a t e s t d u m m y w i t h
s e n s or s . H ot surface g a u g e s t h e ri s k of a f i r s t -d e g r e e b u r n f r om t ou c h i n g a m od e l 's h e a t -e x h a u s t
a r e a . Fire safety is t h e p ot e n t i a l f or i g n i t i n g f a b r i c s , s u c h as d r a p e s or c l ot h i n g . Ease of use
i n c l u d e s e a se of c a r r y i n g a n d u s i n g c on t r oi s . Noise is i ou d n e s s b a s e d on t h e h e a t e r 's h i g h e s t
s e t t i n g , u s i n g a s ou n d m e t e r . Price is a p p r ox i m a t e r e t a i l .


V A C U U M C L E A N E R S 129
Quick
Guide
VACUUM CLEANERS
Carpets top the list of critical vacuuming chores, an area where
upright models have traditionally excelled. But the best canisters
we tested come close and can make other cleaning easier,
especially on stairs.
Shopping tip
Some vacuums
are easier than
others to push,
puii, and carry.
Check weights
and our handiing
scores-and see
which ones feei
best at the store.
Brand & model
What to look for
Easy pushing, pulling, lift-
ing, and carrying; be sure
you try before you buy
An upright, if carpet deep-
cleaning is important
t A canister for cleaning
drapes, upholstery, on stairs,
and under furniture, since
you move mostly the hose
and wand instead of the
entire machine
What to skip
Splurging on extra cleaning
tools, when the basic tools that
come standard should suffice
for most cleaning jobs
Bagless models if you have
asthma or allergies, because
emptying their bin is typi-
cally a dusty, messy chore
What you'll pay
I Capable bagless uprights
' start at about $50; figure on
$200-plus for most canisters
and bagged uprights.
ConsumerReports.org/vacuums
P rice O veraii score Weight T estresuits
(Ib.).
simnarmodeis, nsfii.all type. D
comparabie to tested model.
Il I lili
P i F
100
G I VGI E
A BAGGED UPRIGH T S These tend to be best for carpets.
Hoover WindTunnei Anniversary
Edition U6485-90D TurboPower
WindTunnei Anniversary Edition I JH50000 i l '
Hiele S 7210 Twist
K irbySentria i
M iele S 726D Cat & Dog
K enmore I ntuition 31100
K enmore Progressive 31069
Hoover WindTunnei iMax UH30600
21 o '
22
23
22
21
19
17
1

1
i
i
5 i
=1 9
5 i
1 O 1
1 O 1
5 O i
^9
l O
1 0
l O
l O

Brand & model
Si m i l a r m o d e l s , in
comparable to tested i
Price Overallscore Weigbt Testresuits
0 100
P I f I G I V G l E ,
A BAGGED UPRIGHTS continued
7\ 8
V\ 9
3 10
3 11
3 12
3 13
7| 15
71 16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
2S
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Hoover P latinum B agged
U H30010C 0M 2 3
Kenmore I ntuition 31200
Kenmore I ntuition 31810
M iele S 75 80 B olero Swing
M iele S 72 80 Jazz salsa
Eurek a B oss S mart Vac 4870 [ 1
Sebo Felix P remium
Hoover WindT unnel T S eries Pe
U H3O 310
Hoover WindT unnel T -S eries
U H3 0 3 0 0 T -S eries
Panasonic M C -U G 471 2
Eurek a A irspeed AB S AS 1050A
( W almart) 2
Riccar S upraliteR S L 4
simplicity Freedom F36O O 2 4
Hiccar B rilliance P remium
simplicity S ynchrony P remium
Oreck Forever S eries E dge 12
Oreck M agnesium f <
Oreck Forever S eries P ilot 2 4
Lindbaus D iamante 380
Dirt Devil Feath erlite B agged
M 085590 2
Sebo automatic X5 zi
Oreck G raph ite 12; ki
Oreck XL E lement P rofessional
S eries i A
Aerus Fresh E ra 2 4
Hoy ai E minence M R Y 9750
C irrus P erformance P et C R 99
Koblenz U 610 sm
13
21
21
22
22
2 0
16
17
16
17
18
9
2 0
16
9
12
19
14
19
11
10
11
2 0
22
19
NA
ê e
a o
a o
a o
e^ e
erne
o
o
N A

a
a N A
a NA
o
O o
o
o NA
o NA
o a NA
o o
o a
o NA
o
o o
a o
a o
o
o a
o a
o a
a
a
o a
o a
o a
a
00
o aoa
o a
o a
a
o
d

B r a n d & m o d e l
I -g ilar models, in
'ro S /iirable to tested model.
P r i c e O v e r a l l s c o r e W e ig h t T e s t r e s u l t s
( l b . )
S -s .s =
1 0 0
I F I G I V Gl E
I
B
B BAGI ESS UPRIGHTS These trade a bag for a bin but can be messier to empty.
1 LG K ompressor LUV 35OP
2 H o o v e r w indTunnel T-Series Rew ind
Bag less U H 70 t 20 UH70 U0 121
3 LG K ompressor Total C are L UV 4 0 0 T
4 D y s o n 0 C 28 Animal
5 K e n m o r e I ntuition 3 t 0 4 0
6 Eu r e k a Airspeed ASIOOOA
ASlO O lAGok USW O J A ( Targ et) 12
7 H o o v e r Platinum Bag less UH70 0 1 5
8 LG K ompressor LUV 20 0 R
9 B i s s e l i C leanV iew Helix D elux e 7tV 9
71 V 9 -2 ( L ow e's) 2
10 Sh a r k N av ig ator L itt Aw ay NV 352
N V 351 ( W almart) . N V 350
U P a n a s o n i c MC-UL81 5
12 Sh a r k N av ig ator Professional L ift
Aw av N V 3 5 6 E
13 H o o v e r W indTunnel Pet Rew ind
UH7O21O
14 H o o v e r W indTunnelT-Series Purely
C lean UH70 20 2
15 B is s e n M omentum 8 2G7t .: .
16 H o o v e r W indTunnel Rew ind Plus
UH70 20 5
17 P a n a s o n i c M C -UL 9 t5
100
18 P a n a s o n i c M C-UL81 0 m
19 Sh a r k N av ig ator NV 22L " " ^ " " ^
2 0 H o o v e r W indTunnel M ax UH70 6 0 0
2 1 El e c t r o l u x N imble EL 8 6 0 2I ]
ELS6 0 5 ( I ( L ow e's)
2 2 B i s s e i i Pet Hair Eraser 8 7B4
S7B4 -2 ( L ow e's) , 8 7B4 -3 (Best Buy) 'j
2 3 P a n a s o n i c J etForceM C -UL 4 27
2 4 D y s o n DC41 Animal
2 5 Eu r e k a W hirlw ind* Pet Lover 32761 1 w
18
18
22
21
23
18
22
23
16
14
18
16
19
19
18
19
21
17
16
20
19
21
16
17
20
O O
O
O O O
O
o o o
o
o o o

o
o o
o o o
o o
o o o
o o o
o o
o o o o
o o o o
O O O
o o
e o o
o o o o
o o o o
o o o
o o
o o o
Ra t i n g s K e y Ex cellent V eryg ood O Good Fa i r Poor

Q CR B e s t B u y Trese models offer the best combination of performance and price. Alt are recommended.
E Re c o m m e n d e d These are hig h-performing modeis that stand out.

B r a n d & m o d e l P r i c e O v e r a l l s c o r e W eig b t T e s t r e s u l t s
( I b . )
c o m p a r a b l e t o t e s t e d m o d e l .
-5 .1 :
m o
ca o
O 100
P I F I G i V GI E
B B AG LE S S U P R I G HT S c o n t i n u e d
26 B is s e n P o w e rC le a n 16N5-9
27 B is s e n H e a lt h y H om e 16N5-F
28 E u r e k a S u c t io n S e a l Pet AS1104A
29 E u r e k a A i r s p e e d Z u u m AS5203A
3 0 LG K o m p r e s s o r LuV250C
31 Ho o v e r W in d T u n n e l Pet C yclonic
U H 7 0 0 8 5
32 B is s e n T o t a l F l o o r s Pet 61C5W
33 B is s e n L i f t -O f f M u l t i -C y c l o n i c Pet
8 9 Q 9 8 9 Q 9 -4 ( K o h l ' s ) . 8 9 Q 9 -6 (B e d B a t h s
B e y o n d ) . 18Z6 ( T a r g e t )
i 4 E i e c t r o i u x V e r s a t i l i t y EL8505 i m m
35 Ho o v e r W in d T u n n e l A i r U H 7 0 4 0 0
36 B is s e n P r o L i t e M u l t i C y c lo n ic 17G5
17 G 5 -2( L0e 's )
37 D y s o n DC40 M u l t i F l o o r
38 D y s o n DC24 B a l l M u l t i f l o o r
39 S b a r k N a v i g a t o r L i g h t NVIOO
4 0 Ho o v e r W in d T u n n e l Pet R e w in d P iu s
U H 7 0 0 8 6
4 1 E u r e k a En d e a v o r NLS 54 0 0 A
22
22
21
14
17
23
19
2 2
2 4
13
17
15
12
12
2 3
16
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O

OO
OO
O O
O
O O
O O
O
O O
O O
O O
O O

O
O Oj
o
t ' S e l f -p r o p e l l e d , s Lacks b r u s h o n /o f f . ^ Comes w i t h a m i n i c a n i s t e r . '< D o e s n 't accept to o ls .

B r a n d s model Price Overaii score Test resuits
do .b; DO ^
0 100
P I F I G IVGl E ~^,jtlLi
C BAGGED CANISTER
1
2
3
4
S
6
7
8
9
10
U
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Kenmore Int ui t i on
28014
Kenmore Progressive
21714
M i ei e S 5281 Callisto
E iectroiux Oxygen
EL 6 9 881]
Kenmore Progressive
21614
Kenmore Progressive
21514
Hoover WindTunnel
S3670
E iectroiux UitraOne
EL 7070A
E iectroiux Ultra-
Si lenc er D eep Clean
EL 706 011 UltraSilencer
0eepCleanEl7061[l (Lowe's)
Panasoni c MC-CG902
i U i el e S 2181 Ti t a n
Panasoni c MC-CG983
Panasoni c MC-CG917
Riccar Immaculate
Pr emi er Gusto
E iectroiux JetMaxx
Green EL404011
M ieie S 2121 Olympus
M i el e S 2121 Delphi
E iectroiux
UltraSilencer EL6986A
M i el e S 6270 Topaz
Aerus Lux Legacy
Metropolitan Profes-
si onals A D M -4PN H SF
500
a 1
a 1
a 1
1
a 1
a i
a 1
0 i
1
1 a
1
1 a
1 a
1 o
a
1
a
o
a
o
o
o
o
a
o
o
o
o
o
a o

o
a

a a
o
a a
a o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
a
a
a
o
a
a
o
a
a
o 1
a 1
o 1
o 1
1
o 1
a 1
a 1
1
a 1
o i
1
1 o
9 o
1 o
^ o
1 o
1 o
1 o
1 o
1
1 o
1 o
1
o
NA
NA
26
24
22
2 3
2 3
2 4
25
23
NA
23
17
24
24
27
19
13
16
17
17
21
22

134 C O N S U M E R F E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3
Brand & model I Price I Overall score I Test results
I .| I 1
^ 1
SS -
o o
o o
.2 . S <
P I F
1 0 0
G I V G l E ^ ^ U . ^
C BAGGED CANISTER continued
22 Aerus Lux G uardian
U itra
23 Sebo Air B eit C 3 .I
24 Sebo Air B eit K3
Volcano
25 Miele S 62 90 Jasper 52 0
D BAGLESS CANISTER
O O O
o o
o o
o
e O
21
2 5
21
15
1 LG Kompressor
LC V90 0 B
2 Hoover P latinum S 3 865 40 0
3 Rainbow e-series E 2
4 Dyson D C 3 9 Animai
5 Hoover E iite C yclonic
S 3 82 5
6 Eiectroiux U ltraActive
D eepC lean E L43 0 0 A
7 Hoover M ulti-C ycionic
S H40 60
8 Hoover Zen Whisper
S iH40 0 80 _
9 Dirt Devil Vision
M O 82 75O
10 Dyson O C 2 6 C ity
M uiti floor

O O
O O
O
o o o
o
o o o o

o o
2 7
3 3
1 7
2 4
2 2
1 7
2 0
2 3
1 2

Overall score is mainly cleaning, airflow, handling, noise, and emissions; scores for previously
tested models may have changed. Carpet is ability to lift embedded talc and sand from medium
pile. Bare floors is vacuuming sand without dispersing. Tool airflow is through hose with
increasing amounts of dust-simulating wood flour. Noise reflects decibel-meter results; for Poor
scores we recommend hearing protection. Emissions is release of small particles with motor
on. Handling is ease of pushing, pulling, and carrying. Pet hair uses long cat fur on medium-
pile carpet. Weight is vacuum and onboard tools. Price Is approximate retail.
VACUUMS
0%
Ramtjow
E
Dyson !
Miele j ^ ^ ^ ^
Kenmore | HHB| | E1
Hoover i H^ ^ t a HH WB
Electrolux J H H B ^ H H H I K I
Kirby
Dirt Deyil
Bissen
Kenmore
Eureka
Dyson
Hoover
1
oreck [ a M^ l B^
ElectroiuxB||^ ti: 10
Panasoni c ^ I n
Simplicity m i ^ l l l i
Riccar
Kirby was among the least repair-prone-
brands for upright vacuums. For canisters.
Rainbow was among the least repair-prone
brands, while Hoover and Electrolux were
the most repair-prone. That's what we found
when we asked more than 100,000 readers
who bought a vacuum between 2008
through the first half of 2012 about their ex-
periences. The graphs below show the per-
centage of models for each brand that were
repaired or had a serious problem. Differ-
ences of fewer than 4points aren't mean-
ingful, and we've adjusted the data to elimi-
nate differences linked solely to age and
usage. Models within a brand may vary, and
changes in design or manufacture may af-
fect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand
that has a good repair history can improve
your odds of getting a reliable model.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey,
5% 10% 15% 20%
I CANISTERS
UPRIGHTS


136
Quick
Guide
WALL OVENS
Flexibility is tiie biggest reason to ciioose a cooktop
or viiall oven instead of a range. A vâll oven can also
eliminate the bending required to cook in a range
oven-but installation adds to the price.
S can this or see how. paqe 11
For more buying advice,
go to ConsumerReports.
org/ovens
Brand & modei
What to iook for
Control lockout, if the con-
trol panel will be within a
young child's reach
Smooth cover or floor over
the bottom baking element,
which can help with easier
cleanup of spills
Five or more oven rack
positions, for more flexibil-
ity in arranging racks and
bakeware
What to skip
A small oven window,
which won't give a full view
to the interior
Menu databases and other
perks if you want to save
What you'll pay
You can get an electric cook-
top and wall oven for as little
as $1,300 or so, though ca-
pable ranges cost far less.
P rice O verall score Test results
S i mi l ar mod e l s , nsiiidll type,
are tomparat le to tested mocie. .
1 T iiermadorM E 301E [ 5 1
2 W hi rl pool WO551EC0AS
3 B osch H BL54[50JU C
4 V ii ing P rofessional
V E 5O 13O B 5]
5 E iectroluxlconE 30E W 7 5 E 15 5 1
I con E3 0 EW7 5 G[ SSI
6 LG LWS3O81[ST1
7 GE P rofile PT925DN1BB]
8 GE P rofile PT9165R5S
9 G E JT P 70S M [S 51
10 K enmore P ro 4 1003
U GECafCT9185TS 5
12 Frigidaire P rofessional
FPEW3O85KF
1 3 Wolf E -S eries 5 O 3O -2F/5
L-Series S0 3 0 U/S. I Series 5 O3 OF/S.
E-Series5 O3 O2U/s
o o 30
O O 30

W A L L O V E N S
i
Brand 8 model
5 i m i l a r m o d e ;
are coniparabit u/ ciitu <'KI-A\.
Price overallscore Testresults
r)p &D DO
3 o
o 100
P I F I G I V Gl E
14 Frigidaire FGEW3O65K[F1 $1,500
15 GE1TP3ODP[BB1 1.200
16 Kenmore 48839 1,000
17 KitcbenAid KEBS107S[SS! 2,000
18 Kenmore Elite 48093 2,300
19 GE Monogram ZETISMSS
Monogram ZET1PM[SS1. Monogram 3, 400
ZETIR MSS
o o

o o o
O O O
O O O
O
30
30
30
30
30
30
Ratings Key Excellent Verygood OGood Fai r Poor
Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combinatioh of performance and price. All are recommended.
0 Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.
Overall score reflects oven capacity and baking, broiling, and self-cleaning ability. Oven capac-
ity nneasures usable space. Baking reflects whether cakes and cookies baked on two racks were
evenly browned. Broiling is based on even browning of a pan of burgers, and high-heat searing
ability. Oven cleaning gauges the self-cleaning cycle's effectiveness. Price is approximate retail.
Most & Least R eliable
ELECTR IC WALL OVENS
Source: Annual Product R eliability Survey,
Consumer R eports National R esearch Center.
No one electric wall oven brand stood out as the
nncst or least reliable in 2012. Although we
lacked sufficient historical data for all years to
include Jenn-Air in the graph, our data indicate
that it has been a repair-prone brand. That's
what we found when we asked mere than
13,000 readers who bought an electric wall
oven between 2007 and 2012 about their expe-
riences. The graph shows the percentage of
models from a brand that needed a repair or
had a serious problem. Differences of less than
3 points aren't meaningful, and we've adjusted
the data to eliminate differences linked solely to
the age of the ovens. Models within a brand may
vary, and design or manufacture changes may
affect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand
with a good repair history can improve your
odds of getting a reliable model.


138 C O N S U M E R R E P O R T S B U Y I N G G U i D E 2 0 1 3
Qujck
G ui de
WAS HE R S
Improvements inciude mid-wasii soaking and more
aggressive agitation. You'll also find more programmable
wash menus and even built-in USB ports that allow for
future software upgrades.
S hoppi ng ti p
Washers must
now use 11
percent less
energy and 20
percent less
water to qualify
for an Energy
Star seal.
What to look for
A porcelain top or lid, which
resists scratching better than
paitited metal
A stainless-steel or porce-
lain tub, which won't rust
An extra rinse cycle, if you
or others in your home are
sensitive to detergent residue
Dial controls, generally eas-
ier to use than some touch-
pad or digital controls
What to skip
Customized programs,
because basic cycles and set-
tings can handle most wash-
ing needs
Steam settingsthe steam
models we've tested cleaned
well even when we didn't use
the steam option
What you'ii pay
Capable machines that com-
bine performance and value
start at well under $1,000.
ConsumerReports.org/washers
Brands modei Price Overall score Test results
S i mi lar models, in smrtll
tested model.
& er s-
.2 g d ra 3 s
S .g . 's; 5
^ ^ D aS s
s. a s
.S o .Sd
O
P I F I G I V G l E
A FR O N T LO AD I N G
Q 1 LGWM3470HIW1A
[ 7 { 2 Whiripooi Duet
WFW94HEX1W]
Duet AFW95HEXI I. Duet
WrW97HEXII
0 3 Kenmore Eiite4l47[21 1.100
0 4 Kenmore 4137(2] 1.050
0 5 Samsung WF501AN1W] 1.100
[ ] 6 S amsung WF511AB[W1 1,300

W A S H E R S
Brand & model
lype. are comparable to
tested model.
i 1
Su ^
c:
QJ
S
o
o
b
r
a
t
i
B
(
m
i
E
i
CU
LU
t
e
e
i
t
i
c
o
n
t
Q
E
0 100
p 1 F ! G I V G l E
A FR ON T L OA D IN G continued
7 LG WM2650H1W1A
8 Samsung WF461AB W1
( L o w e ' s ) WF431AB IW1
9 LGWM2250C[W]
10 Maytag Maxima
MHW6000X[W]
Maxi ma MHW7000X[1
11 F rigidaire Af f i n i t y
FAFS4073N[W]
Af f i n i t y FArS4174N[WI
12 Eiectroiux IQ Touch
EIFtW50LllWl
13 Maytag Maxi ma
MHW9000Y[W]
14 Samsung WF52OAB (P]
15 Kenmore Ei i te 4413[2]
Eli te 415311
Samsung WF331ANIW]
LGWM3875H[W1CA
Miele W4842 W48o;
22
23
24
25
26
LGWM3150H[W]C
Whirlpool Duet Steam
WFW9750W[W]
LGWM3885H[W]CA
Eiectroiux
EWFLS70J[IW]
GEWCVH6800J[WW]
Maytag Performan ce
Series MHWE950W[W]
Maytag 5000 Series
MHWE550WIW1
5 0 0 0 Series MHWE450W( I
850
85
65
90
O 85
100
95
95
65
O 90
O O 75
O 70
65
O 65
Rat i n gs Key Excei i en t Verygood OGood F a i r P o o r
Q CR Best Buy Tfiese models offer the best combi n ati on of performan ce and pri ce. All are recommen ded.
0 R ecommended These are hi gh-performi n g models that stan d out.

B ra
S a:
f =
O J
E
Brand & model

;:i,'li ino'i^ls, in small
lested model.
Price Overallscore Testresuits
a & &
M M es u
I
P I F I G I V G l E
< 3
A FRONT LOADING continued
1,000
1,400
27 Samsung WF33O AN [W]
W F H O A N I W J ( L o w e ' s )
28 Wiiirlpool D uet S team
WFW9550W1W1
29 Frigidaire Affinity
FAFW3921N [W1
30 G E P rofile
P FWS 4600LWW]
P rofile P FWS 4605U I
31 Maytag 2000 S eries
M HWE 200XW]
32 G E G FWH2400L1WW]
G FWS 35O 5Ll|.G rWS 350O Lll,
G FWH2405L1 !
33 Maytag P erformance
S eries 2000
M HWE 251Y 1G 1 (Lowe's)
P erformance S eries 2000
M HWE iO lV I l
34 Amana N FW7300W[WJ 650
35 Amana N FW7600X[W]
36 Electrolux IQ S team
E IFLS 55I[IW1
37 G E WB V H53O O KIWW1
FAFS 4474L[W]
FAFS 4473U W]
40 I G WM 2550H[W]C A
41 ASkO WL6532XXU W]
42 Samsung WF231AN [W]
4 3 Haier HWF5000A[W]
44 Dae w oo D WD WD 33WS
45 IGW M214OC[W J
46 Daewoo
D WD WD 3011WW

o

o

85
100
65
75
60
75
80 *
O 90 . ;
O 55 . *

W A S H E R S
141
Brand S model Price Overallscore Testresults
lype. are comparable to
tested model.
s- . i
re
ai
^ f. s
S S S
^ T i
s E
0 IOO
p I F I G I V Gl E
A FRONT LOADING continued
47 IGWM224OC[W1
48 LGWM3360 H1W1CA
WM235 OHIW1C
49 Samsung WF22OAN[W]
WF210 ANIW1
50 F rigidaire
FRFW370 0 t[W]
51 Whiripool Duet
WFW935 1Y[W]
5 2 F rigid aire Af f init y
FAF5 4272LIW]
53 F rigidaire Affinity
FAFW38Olt[W]
54 Speed Queen AFB5 0 R
ArN5 0 R
55 GEGFWNUOOtlWW]
B TOP LOADING
O
O
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
e

e 90
o 85
95
o 40
e 85
o 50
e 50
60
70

LG WT480 1CIW1
Samsung WA5 45 1ANIW]
May tag Bravos Xt
MV WB75 0 Y[W]
LG WT5 17OH[W1
May tag Bravos Xt
MV WB95 Oy(W)
Whirlpool V antage
WTW7990 X1G1
Ken more 28OO[2] 260011
Whirlpool Cabrio
WTW5 70 0 XIW1 Cabrio
WTW5600X1V]. Cabrio
wrw5 640 xil (Lowe's)
800 45
R atin gs Key Ex cellent V ery g ood OGood Fai r Poor
Q CR B est B uy These models of f er the best combination of perf ormance and price. All are recommended.
0 R ec o mmen d ed These are high- perf orming models that stand out.

Brand & model
si mi l ar models, in smail
tested model.
B T O P LO AD I I \I G continued
Price Overallscore Testresults
^_i i_j i_j +' i/n i_o
I I I 1 I 1
fe it it 3 =
bo aj .iS
O 100
p i F I G I V G l E
.2 .E S 3 S a
-= tu Sf ai '-' S -
^ [= aj VI r-: lq
.E o ^
re i e JI3
9
10
U
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
22
1.050
Kenmore E lite 290012]
Whirlpool C abrio
WT W55O O X[W]
C abrio WT W5550XI W
Kenmore E lite 2947[2] 1.310
LG Waveforce
WT 5O O 1C [W1
Samsung WA5471AB 1W1 l.lO O
G E P rofi l e Harmony
P T WN 8O 5O M [WW1
P rofile Harmony P T WN 8O 55M [ 1
Whirlpool C abrio
WT W82O O Y [W1
C abrio WT W824O V [l( Low e's) ,
C abrio W7W8800Y ( 1. C abrio
WT W86 00V 1 i
Whirlpool C abrio
WT W76 00X[W]
C abrio WT W7800XI 1
Maytag B ravos X
M V WX500XI W1
B ravos X M V WX6 00X1W1.
B ravos XM V WX700XI W1.
B ravos X M V WX55O X(W1
LG WT 5101H[V ]
Kenmore 213O [2]
G E P rofile
WP R E 8150K[WT ]
G E G T WN 3000M [WS ]
G E P rofile
P T WN 6 250M [WT l
G T WN 5O 50M [].P T WN 6 O 50M [i.
G R WN 5150M [l,G LWN 5O 5O M | l
( Low e's)
1,100
700
O e
o o

o e
o
o e
23 Kenmore E lite 2927[21 1,100
e e e
o e
o
o
e O
e e e
o o e o
e o e o o
o o e e o o
o o e o e
e e e
60
45
55
60
65
65
70
45
6 0
45
50
40
50
6 5

Ratings Key E xcellent V erygood O G ood Fai r P o o r
D CR Best Buy T hese modeis offer the best combination of performance and price. AM are recommended.
0 Recommended T hese are high-performing models that stand out.

W A S H E R S 143
Brands model Price Overaii score Test resuits
Similar models, in 5m<ill
type, arexomparable fo
tested niodel.
0
i
n
c
r
m
:
r
f
o
tu
DC
f
i
c
i
E
'S
d
f
i
C
' o)
OJ
I
C
i
t
l
e
s
o
i
s
t
i
O
l
' =
t
cu
E
gj
s
t
a
n
e
i
3
t
e
e
l
s
-
s
a
i
n
l
c
o
n
e
m
p
.
o
1
a i
P I f I G IVGl E
B TOP LOADING c ontinued
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
J D
?1
38
39
40
41
42
43
A&
45
GEGTWP2000M1WW]
GTWP2OO5M1CCI.
GLWP2000M1WW1 (Lowe's)
M ay tag Centennial
MVWC400X 1W1
A mana NTW45O1X [Q 1
F isiier & Pay i< el Aq ua-
smart WL42T26 DW1
Aq i asmar l WL42T26 KW1
Haier Enc ore
RWT350AtWlRWTi50A||
Wiiiripooi
WTW4850X [Q ]
GE GTWN4450M[W51
GTWN4250MI1
M ay tag Centennial
MVWC200X IW]
Kenmore 211O[2J
Staber HX W2304
Hotpoint
HTWPIOOOMIWWI
GE GTWN4000M[WS]
Whiripooi
WTW4800X [ Q ]
F isiier & Pay i< ei Eco-
SmartWA42T26 GWl
Roper RTW4440X10]
Estate ETW4400X I0]
Speed Q ueen AWN542
M ay tag Centennial
MVWCBOOV[W]
A mana NTW480ax[ Q ]
Kenmore 212512]
Whiripooi
WTW49 5OX [ W1
GEGTWPlOOGMiWW]
GHWPIOOOMIWWI
(Home Deool)
I 400
800
480
500
570
O O O O
O e O
O O O
o
o o o o o
o o o
o o o o
o o o e e o
o o o
40
50
55
50
6 0
6 0
50
55
50
O O O 5 5
O O a O O 45'
430
O O O O
O O O O
0 0 0
O O O
O O O
O O O O O
o a o a 4 0 ' '
O O O 7 5
a e o 4 o
o a o o 3 5
45
55
50
4 0 ;
40
35

Overall score is based mainly on washing ability, capacity, efficiency, and noise. Washing per-
formance reflects the degree of color change to swatches of fabric using the most aggressive
normal cycle. Enerqy efficiency is based on the ehergy needed to heat the water using a warm
wash and cold rinse. Water efficiency is based on total water used for multiple loads. For top-
loaders, capacity is based on how well the washer agitates increasingly large loads. For front-
loaders, the score is based on our judgment of the maximum-sized load that the washer holds.
M odels that earned lower scores for gentleness are more likely to treat your clothes roughly,
causing wear and tear. Noise reflects panelists' judgments during the till, agitate, and spin
cycles. Vibration reflects usage on a suspended woodeh floor. Cycle time (min.) is rounded to
the nearest 5 minutes. Price is approximate retail.
WASHERS
LG
S amsung
Kenmore
Whirlpool
M aytag
Frigidaire
GE
R oper
M aytag
Vihirlpool
Kenmore
GE
Fisher &
P avkel
mm
mS ma
1 1
1 1
10
1 1
n 1 I
1 5
B
5 % 10% 15 % 2 0% 2 5 % 30%
i FR O N T -LO AD I N G
T O P -LO AO I N G
R oper was the most reliable top-loader
brand while Fisher & P aykel was the most
repair-prone. LG and S amsung were the
most reliable tor front-loaders, G E the
most repair-prone. T hat's what we found
when we asked oyer 88,0 0 0 readers who
bought a clothes washer between 2 0 0 7
and 2 0 1 1 about their experiences. T he graph
shows the percentage of models for each
brand that were repaired or had a serious
problem. D ifferences of less than 3 points
aren't meaningful, and we'ye adjusted data
to eliminate differences linked solely to a
washer's usage ahd age. M odels within a
brand may yary, and changes ih design or
manufacture may affect future reliability.
S till, choosing a brand with a good repair
history can improve your odds of getting a
reliable model.
S ource: Annual P roduct R eliability S urvey.
C onsumer R eports N ationai R esearch C enter.


Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2013: Home Appliances

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C O O K T O P S 35

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