WASHERS

141

Quick Guide

WASHERS

Some front-loaders now wash faster than top-loaders without sacricing cleaning or gentleness. Youll also nd more programmable wash menus and even built-in USB ports that allow for future software upgrades.

Shopping tip
Moving laundry to an upper level? Have a pro conrm that oor joists can support the weight and vibrations.

What to look for

A porcelain top or lid, which resists scratching better than painted metal A stainless-steel or porcelain tub, which wont rust An extra rinse cycle, if you or others in your home are sensitive to detergent residue Dial controls, generally easier to use than some touchpad or digital controls
What to skip

settings can handle most washing needs Steam settingsthe steam models weve tested cleaned well even when we didnt use the steam option
What youll pay

Capable machines that combine performance and value start at well under $1,000.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/washers

Scan this or see how, page 11

Customized programs, because basic cycles and

Price Overall score Test results Washing performance Energy efficiency

Recommended models only From 99 tested.

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Features Gentleness Noise Vibration Cycle time (min.) Energy star Stainless-steel tub Auto temp. control Auto bleach dispenser

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A n d n d
1 2

fRoNt LoADER
Maytag Maxima XL $1,300 93 MHW8000AW Maytag Maxima XL 1,150 90 MHW7000AW
Maxima XL MHW6000AW

&N &N &N &N &M &M &M 50 &N &N &N &N &M &M &N 45 &N &N &N &N &M &M &M 75 &N &N &N &N &M &C &M 45

n 3 d

Whirlpool Duet WFL98HEBU Duet n 4 Whirlpool d WFW86HEBC

Duet WFW80HEBW

1,500 90 1,100 90

Water efficiency Capacity

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C O N S u M E R R E P O R T S buy I N G G u I D E 2 0 1 4

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Water efficiency Capacity Washing performance Energy efficiency

Features Gentleness Noise Vibration Cycle time (min.) Energy star Stainless-steel tub Auto temp. control Auto bleach dispenser

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

fRoNt LoADER continued

90 90 89 89

n 5 Kenmore Elite 41073 $1,500 d Duet n 6 Whirlpool d 1,000 WFW88HEAW Whirlpool Duet 7 n c 800 WFW70HEBW Samsung 8 n d 1,550 WF457ARGS[GR]
WF455ARGSWR

&N &N &N &N &M &M &M 95 &N &N &N &N &M &M &M 45 &N &N &N &N &N &M &M 45 &N &N &N &N &C &M &N 100 &N N & N & N & M & M & M & 100 & N N & N & N & M & M & M & 85 &N &N &N &N &N &M &M 50 &N &N &N &N &C &C &M 105 &N &N &N &N &M &M &M 75 &N &N &N &N &N &M &M 85 &N &N &N &N &M &C &M 85 &N &N &N &N &M &M &M 85 &N &N &N &N &M &C &N 80 &N &N &N &N &M &N &M 90 &N &N &N &N &M &C &C 100

n 9 LG WM8000H[V]A d n 10 LG WM3470H[W]A d n 11 Whirlpool Duet d

WFW96HEA[W] n 12 Samsung d WF435ATGJ[WR]

1,350 89 1,100 88 1,300

87

n 13 Whirlpool Duet d
WFW94HEX[W]
Duet WFW95HEX[ ], Duet WFW97HEX[ ]

WF433BTGJ[ ]

1,300 87 1,100 87 1,100

87

n 14 Kenmore Elite d n 15 d n 16 c n 17 d n 18 d n 19 d

4147[2] Kenmore 4137[2] LG WM3070H[W]A Samsung WF511AB[W] Kenmore Elite 4157[2] Samsung WF405ATPA[WR]

1,050 87 900 87 1,300

86

1,200 86 1,100
86

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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WASHERS

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Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Water efficiency Capacity Washing performance Energy efficiency

Features Gentleness Noise Vibration Cycle time (min.) Energy star Stainless-steel tub Auto temp. control Auto bleach dispenser

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

B n 1 c n 2 c

top LoADER
$ 700 82 800 1,000 800
82 81

LG WT1101CW Samsung WA422PRHD[WR] n 3 LG WT5070C[W] d n 4 Samsung d WA484DSHA[WR] n 5 GE GTWN7450DWW c Smart ThinQ n 6 LG d WT6001HV n 7 Samsung d WA50F9A6DSW

&N &N &N &N &M &M &N 75 &N &M &N &N &C &M &N 75 &M &N &N &N &M &M &N 65 &M &N &N &N &C &M &N 75 &M &M &N &N &M &M &N 60 &M &N &N &N &M &M &N 80 &M &N &N &N &C &C &N 75 &M &N &N &N &C &C &N 75 &M &N &N &N &M &C &N 65 &N &M &N &N &C &C &N 75 &M &N &N &N &M &C &N 70 &M &M &N &N &C &M &N 75 &M &M &N &N &M &C &N 60 &M &M &N &N &M &M &N 75 &M &N &N &N &M &C &N 70 &M &M &N &N &C &M &N 80

1,000 81
80

1,600 79 1,000 79 1,200 79 850 79 700 850

78

n 8 Samsung d n d n c n d n d n d
9 10 11 12 13

WA50F9A7DSW

WA50F9A8DSP Maytag Bravos XL MVWB750Y[W] Samsung WA400PJHD[WR] LG WT5170H[W] Samsung WA456DRHD[WR] GE Adora GHWN8350DWS (Home Depot)
GTWN8250DWS, GTWS8450DWS

1,100 78
78

1,000 77 800 1,000 1,700

77 76 75

n 14 LG WT4870C[W] d n 15 Maytag Bravos XL d n 16 Whirlpool Vantage d

WTW7990X[G] MVWB950Y[W]

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on washing ability, capacity, efciency, and noise. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Washing performance reects the degree of color change to swatches of fabric using the most aggressive normal cycle. Energy efciency is based on the energy needed to heat the water using a warm wash and cold rinse. Water efciency 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. Models that earned lower scores for gentleness are more likely to treat your clothes roughly, causing wear and tear. Noise reects panelists judgments during the ll, agitate, and spin cycles. Vibration reects usage on a suspended wooden oor. Cycle time (min.) is rounded to the nearest 5 min utes. Price is approximate retail.

Most & Least Reliable WASHErS

Fewer repairs More repairs

LG Samsung Kenmore Whirlpool Maytag Frigidaire GE Roper Kenmore Maytag Whirlpool GE Fisher & Paykel
0%

6 7 10 12 12 14 15 8 9 9 10 11 13
5% 10% 15% 20%

Fisher & Paykel was among the most repairprone brands of top-loader washers. For front-loaders, LG and Samsung were the most reliable; GE and Frigidaire were among the most repair-prone brands. Thats what we found when we asked more than 92,000 readers who bought a clothes washer between 2008 and 2012 about their experiences. The graph shows the percentage of models for each brand that were repaired or had a serious problem. Differences of less than 3 points arent meaningful, and weve adjusted data to eliminate differences linked solely to a washers usage and age. Models within a brand may vary, and changes in design or manufacture may affect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a good repair history can improve your odds of getting a reliable model.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

frOnt-lOadIng tOp-lOadIng

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DRYERS

57

Quick Guide

DRYERS

Though washers have become more efcient, dryers havent changed much. Touchpad controls and stainless steel tubs look impressive, but dont improve performance. Gas and electric dryers perform similarly in our tests. What to look for

A moisture sensor, to cut down on energy costs and avoid overdrying clothes An extended-tumble setting without heat, to prevent wrinkles when you dont remove clothes immediately
What to skip

Steam setting, which left shirts wrinkled in our tests, though it did remove odors better than regular dryers
What youll pay

Shopping tip
Look for a dryer that scored a Very Good for noise if it will be near a bedroom.

Extra large, super, and superplus dryer capacity, because the differences arent meaningful for everyday use
Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

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 difference in the long run.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/dryers

Scan this or see how, page 11

Recommended models only From 259 tested.

Price

Overall score

Test results Drying performance Capacity

Features Steam option

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A n 1 d n 2 d n 3 d n d n d n d n d n d n d
4 5 6 7 8 9

ELECtRIC
Samsung DV50F9A8EVP $1,100 GE GFDR485EFMC 1,400 Maytag Maxima XL 1,450 MED8000AG Kenmore Elite 81073 1,350 LG DLEX3470[W] 1,000 Samsung DV456EWHD[WR] 900 Whirlpool Duet WED96HEAW 1,300 Maytag Bravos X MEDX700AG 900 Kenmore Elite 6152[2] 1,000
83 81 79 79 79 78 78 78 78

&N N & M & N & & N N & N & M & &N &N &M &N &N & N & N & N & N & N &N & N & N & N & N & N &N & M & M & M & M & M &M & N & M & N & M & M

Convenience Noise Stainless-steel drum Porcelain top Drying rack Custom programs

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CONSUMER REPORtS BUYINg gUIdE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Drying performance Capacity

Features Steam option

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n c n d
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

ELECtRIC continued
LG DLEX8000[V] $1,350 GE GFDS260EFWW 1,100 LG Smart ThinQ DLEX6001V 1,500 LG DLEX5170[W] 900 Kenmore 8137[2] 950 Whirlpool Cabrio WED5700AC 900 Samsung DV457EVGS[GR] 1,550 Whirlpool Duet WEL98HEBU 1,500 Kenmore 8117[2] 720 LG DLEX3360[W] 900 LG DLEX4070W 1,200 Kenmore 6800[2] 800 Whirlpool Duet WED94HEAW 1,100 Duet WED88HEAW 1,400 800
78 78 78 78 78 78 78 77 77 77 77 77 77 77 77

n 23 Samsung DV520AE[P] d n 24 LG DLE4870W d B n 1 d n 2 d n 3 d

gAs

&N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N

&N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & M & N & N & N & N & N & N

Samsung DV50F9A8GVP $1,200 GE GFDR485GFMC 1,500 Maytag Maxima XL 1,550 MGD8000AG 1,450 n 4 Kenmore Elite 91073 d 1,200 n 5 LG DLGX3471[W] d 1,000 n 6 Samsung DV456GWHDWR d 1,000 n 7 Samsung DV5451AG[W] d Whirlpool Duet WGD96HEAW 1,400 8 n d Maytag Bravos X MGDX700AG 1,000 9 n d 1,100 n 10 Kenmore Elite 71522 d LG DLGX3886[W] DLGX3876[ ] 1,480 11 n d 1,440 n 12 LG DLGX8001[V] d GE GFDS260GFWW 1,200 13 n d

83 81 79 79 79 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78

&N N & M & N & & N N & N & M & &N &N &M &N &N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N &N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N &N & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M &M & N & M & M & N & M & M & M & M & M

Convenience Noise Stainless-steel drum Porcelain top Drying rack Custom programs

&M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M

&M & M & M & N & M & M & M & N & N & M & M & M & M & M & M

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DRYERS

59

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Drying performance Capacity

Features Steam option

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

B n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n c n d
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

gAs continued
LG Smart ThinQ DLEX6002V $1,600 78 LG DLGX5171[W] 1,050 78 Kenmore 9137[2] 1,100 78 Whirlpool Cabrio WGD5700AC 1,000 78 Samsung DV5471AG[W] 1,150 78 Samsung DV457GVGS[GR] 1,700 78 LG DLGX5002[W] DLG5002[ ] 1,080 77 Kenmore 9117[2] 900 77 LG DLGX3361[W] 980 77 LG DLGX4071W 1,300 77 LG DLGX2551[W] 1,180 77 Kenmore 7800[2] 900 77 Whirlpool Duet WGD94HEAW 1,200 77 Duet WGD88HEAW 1,480 900
77 77

n 27 Samsung DV520AG[P] d n 28 LG DLG4871W d

&N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N

&N & N & N & N & N & N & N & M & N & N & N & N & N & N & N

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based primarily on drying performance, drum volume, and noise. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Drying performance is measured for multiple fabrics and load sizes. Capacity refers to the drum volume of models we tested, which varied from about 6 to 8 cu. ft. Convenience takes into account controls and ergonomics, such as ease of loading and unloading, servicing the lint lter, whether the door could clear a tall basket, and whether the machine has a raised edge to contain spills. Noise reects panelists judgments. Under Features, a stainless-steel drum is likely to resist damage better than plastic and painted metal drums. A porcelain top resists scratching better than a painted one but generally adds to a dryers cost. Drying rack attaches inside the drum to keep items such as sneakers or sweaters from tumbling. Custom programs allows you to save your favorite settings. Generally, a water hook-up is required with the steam option feature. In this cycle, a small amount of water is sprayed into the drum while tumbling with heat. It helps to reduce wrinkles and odors, but it is intended for only a few garments at a time. Price is approximate retail for models in white.

057-060 BG14 Dryers.indd 59

Convenience Noise Stainless-steel drum Porcelain top Drying rack Custom programs

&M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M & M

&M & N & M & M & M & M & M & N & M & M & M & M & M & M & M

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CONSUMER REPORtS BUYINg gUIdE 2014

Most & Least Reliable CLOTHES DRYERS

Fewer repairs More repairs

LG Amana Bosch Kenmore Whirlpool Maytag Frigidaire GE Samsung LG Whirlpool Kenmore GE Maytag Frigidaire
0%

3 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 4 7 7 7 8 12
5% 10% 15% 20%

LG was among the least repair-prone brands of electric clothes dryer, and it was the least repair-prone brand of gas clothes dryer. Frigidaire was the most repair-prone brand of gas dryer. Thats what we found when we asked almost 80,000 readers who bought a dryer between 2008 and 2012 about their experiences. The graph shows the percentage of machines for each brand that needed a repair or had a serious problem. Differences of less than 3 points arent meaningful, and weve adjusted the data to eliminate differences linked solely to age and use of the dryer. 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.

electrIc gas

Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

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CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Quick Guide

VACUUM CLEANERS

The best upright models, especially with a bag, deliver the most power for deep-cleaning carpets. But you might want to give up a little oomph and opt for a canister, which is easier to maneuver and quieter to run.

Shopping tip
Check prices online. Still, brick-and-mortar stores might offer the best deal due to price-matching policies targeting showrooming.

What to look for

Easy pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying; be sure you try before you buy An upright, if carpet deepcleaning is important 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

come standard should suffice for most cleaning jobs Bagless models if you have asthma or allergies, because emptying their bin is typically a dusty, messy chore
What youll pay

Scan this or see how, page 11

Splurging on extra cleaning tools, when the basic tools that

Capable bagless uprights start at about $50; figure on $200-plus for most canisters and bagged uprights.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/vacuums

All tested models In performance order, within types.

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Carpet

Features Manual pile adjust

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A BAGGED UpRIGHt n 1 Hoover WindTunnel d

Anniversary Edition U6485-900 TurboPower $ 230 475 1,350 715 250
73
WindTunnel Anniversary Edition UH50000

&N &N &N &V &N &C &M &N & N & N & M &M & N & N & M &M & N & M & N &M & V & M & C &N & N & N & N &C & V & C & C &N & N & N & N

Bare floors Tool airflow Noise Emissions Handling Pet hair Bag Brush on/off Easy on/off

n d n d n d n d

2 3 4 5

Miele S 7210 Twist Kirby Sentria Miele S 7260 Cat & Dog Kenmore Intuition 31100

72 72 72 71

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131

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Carpet

Features Manual pile adjust

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A BAGGED UpRIGHt continued n 6 Kenmore Progressive c $200

31069 WindTunnel Max n 7 Hoover c UH30600 Platinum Bagged n 8 Hoover d UH30010COM n 9 Kenmore Intuition 31200 d n 10 Kenmore Intuition 31810 d n 11 Miele S 7580 Bolero Swing d n 12 Miele S 7280 Jazz Salsa d Boss Smart Vac n 13 Eureka c 4870[ ] n 14 Sebo Felix Premium d WindTunnel n 15 Hoover d T-Series Pet UH30310 WindTunnel n 16 Hoover d T-Series UH30300 17 Panasonic MC-UG471 18 Eureka AirSpeed ABS AS1050A (Walmart) 19 Riccar Supralite RSL4
Freedom F3600 Synchrony Premium

71 70 70 69 69 69 69 67 66 65 65 63 61 59 59 57 50 49 48 47 44 43 41

&M &N &N &C &N &C &N &M &N &M &C &N &C &N &N &N NA &C &M &M &N &M &N &N &C &N &V &V &M &N &M &C &N &C &V &N &M &M &M &N &C &N &N &M &C &M &N &C &N

Bare floors Tool airflow Noise Emissions Handling Pet hair Bag Brush on/off Easy on/off

180 300 300 270 880 600 160 600 150 140 150 130 470 900 500 930 50 700 350 500 600 500

&M &N &C &C &N &V &N &M &N &C &C &N &M &N &M &N &M &C &N &M &N &M &N &M &C &N &M &N &C &N &N &C &N &C &N &M &N &C &V &N &M &N &N &N NA V & N & &M &N

20 Riccar Brilliance Premium 21 Oreck Magnesium 22 Lindhaus Diamante 380 23 Dirt Devil Featherlite Bagged M085590 24 Sebo automatic X5 25 Oreck Graphite 26 Aerus FreshEra 27 Royal Eminence MRY9750 28 Cirrus Performance Pet CR99

&N N & V & V & M & V & N & NA & N M & & N C & N & M & & N C & V & &M &N &V &N &C &N &C &V &C &C &N &C &C &N &C &N & V C & &M &V &N &C &N &C & C & C & C &N & N & M & V &V &C &M &C &M
NA V & N & C & M & NA V & N & M & N &

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Carpet

Features Manual pile adjust

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

B BAGlEss UpRIGHt n 1 LG Kompressor LuV350P d n 2 Hoover WindTunnel c

T-Series Rewind Bagless UH70120 WindTunnel T-Series
Rewind Bagless UH70110

$400 130 500 250 120 270 250 300 100 200 200 200 160 130 100 150 230 170 150 220 300

70 69 68 66 66 65 65 64 64 63 62 62 61 61 60 59 59 58 58 57 57

&N &N &C &C &N &M &M &M &N &N &C &N &M &N &N &N &C &C &N &C &N &M &N &C &C &N &C &N &M &N &M &C &N &M &M &M &N &C &C &N &C &N &M &N &C &M &N &M &V &M &N &M &M &M &V &M &M &N &M &C &N &M &N &M &N &C &C &N &M &V &M &M &C &C &M &C &N &M &N &C &C &N &M &V &C &N &M &C &N &C &N &C &N &M &C &N &C &M &M &M &M &C &N &C &M &C &M &C &C &N &C &N &C N & C & C & M & C & N & & M M & M & C & C & C & N & & N C & C & M & M & M & N & &M &M &C &V &N &C &C &C &N &C &C &N &C &N

Bare floors Tool airflow Noise Emissions Handling Pet hair Bag Brush on/off Easy on/off

n 3 LG Kompressor Total Care d

LuV400T n 4 Kenmore Intuition 31040 d n 5 Eureka AirSpeed AS1000A c Platinum Bagless n 6 Hoover d UH70015 Rotator Professional n 7 Shark d Lift-Away NV501 n 8 LG Kompressor LuV200R d CleanView Helix n 9 Bissell c Deluxe 71V9 CleanView Helix
AirSpeed AS1001A Gold, AirSpeed AS1002A (Target)

n 10 Shark Navigator Lift-Away d

11 Panasonic MC-UL815 12 Shark Navigator Professional Lift-Away NV356E 13 Hoover WindTunnel Pet Rewind UH70210 14 Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Purely Clean UH70202 15 Bissell Momentum 82G71 16 Hoover WindTunnel Rewind Plus UH70205 17 Panasonic MC-UL915 18 Panasonic MC-UL810 19 Shark Navigator NV22L 20 Hoover WindTunnel Max UH70600 21 Electrolux Nimble EL8602[ ]
Nimble EL8605[ ] (Lowes)

Deluxe 71V9-2 (Lowes)

NV352 Navigator Lift-Away NV351 (Walmart)

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Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Carpet

Features Manual pile adjust

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

BAGlEss UpRIGHt continued

(Best Buy), Pet Hair Eraser 87B4-2 (Lowes)

22 Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 87B4 Pet Hair Eraser 87B4-3

Bare floors Tool airflow Noise Emissions Handling Pet hair Bag Brush on/off Easy on/off

$150 170 600 100 200 200 160 100 250 200 140 180 270 180 300 150 150

57 57 56 56 56 56 55 55 54 52 52

&M &C &C &C &M &C &M &C &N &M &C &C &M &N &C &N &M &C &N &M &C &M &C &M &C &N &C &N &C &N &C &V &M &C &C &C &N &C &V &M &C &C &C &N &M &C &V &C &N &M &N &V &C &N &M &N &C &M &V &C &N &C &V &C &M &C &C &N &C &N &C &N &C &V &C &C &N &C &N &C &C &M &C &V &M &C &V &C &M &C &M &C &N &C &C &N &M &C &C &N &V &C &N &M &N &C &N &C &C &V &C &V &C &N &C &V &C &C &M

23 Panasonic JetForce MC-UL427 24 Dyson DC41 Animal 25 Eureka Whirlwind+ Pet Lover 3276[ ] 26 Bissell PowerClean 16N5-9 27 Bissell Healthy Home 16N5-F 28 Eureka SuctionSeal Pet AS1104A 29 Eureka AirSpeed Zuum AS5203A 30 LG Kompressor LuV250C 31 Hoover WindTunnel Pet Cyclonic UH70085 32 Bissell Total Floors Pet 61C5W 33 Bissell Lift-Off Multi Cyclonic Pet 89Q9 Lift-Off

34 Electrolux Versatility EL8505 Versatility EL8502 35 Hoover WindTunnel Air UH70400 36 Electrolux Precision BrushRoll Clean EL8807A 37 Bissell ProLite Multi Cyclonic 17G5 ProLite Multi 38 Bissell OptiClean Pet 30C7T (Target)
Cyclonic 17G5-2 (Lowes)

Multi Cyclonic Pet 89Q9-4 (Kohls), Lift-Off Multi Cyclonic Pet 89Q9-6 (Bed Bath & Beyond), Lift-Off Multi Cyclonic Pet 18Z6 (Target)

52

52 50 49 48 48

Precision BrushRoll Clean EL8805A

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Carpet

Features Manual pile adjust

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

BAGlEss UpRIGHt continued

$ 250 500 430 150 165 100 80
48 45 44 43 41 40 33

39 Oreck VersaVac 40 Dyson DC40 Multi Floor 41 Dyson DC24 Ball Multi Floor 42 Shark Navigator Light NV100 43 Hoover WindTunnel Pet Rewind Plus UH70086 44 Eureka AirExcel NLS 5403A 45 Eureka Endeavor NLS 5400A (Walmart)

&C N & NA &C &N &M &V & N V & &C V & &N &M &V &C &N &B &M &N &M &V &C &N &B &C &N &N &N &V &C &C &C &N &C &M &V &C &M &C &V &M &N &B &M &M &C &M &M &M

Bare floors Tool airflow Noise Emissions Handling Pet hair Bag Brush on/off Easy on/off

C n 3 d n 4 c n 5 c
6 7 8

BAGGED cANIstER
500 400 990 300 250 250 800 500 250 660 500 300 1,400 400 330 550
72 72 71 70 68 68 67 65 65 63 63 63 63 61 58 56

n 1 Kenmore Intuition 28014 d n 2 Kenmore Progressive d

21714 Miele S 5281 Callisto Kenmore Progressive 21614 Kenmore Progressive 21514 Hoover WindTunnel S3670 Electrolux UltraOne EL7070A Electrolux UltraSilencer DeepClean EL7060[ ]
UltraSilencer DeepClean EL7061[ ] (Lowes)

&M &N &N &M &N &C &N &M &N &M &C &N &C &N &M &N &N &M &N &C &M &M &N &M &C &N &C &N &M &N &C &C &M &C &C &M &N &M &C &N &V &M &C &N &N &M &N &V &N &M &N &C &N &N &V &N &M & C & M & M &M & N & M & C &M & N & M & N &C & M & C & C &N & N & N & N &C & C & C & C &C & N & C & N

n 9 Panasonic MC-CG902 c
10 11 12 13
Miele S 2181 Titan Panasonic MC-CG983 Panasonic MC-CG917 Riccar Immaculate Premier Gusto 14 Electrolux JetMaxx Green EL4040[ ] 15 Miele S 2121 Olympus 16 Miele S 2121 Delphi

&C &N &M &V &N &C &N

&C &N &C &C &N &C &N &C &N &M &M &N &C &M NA NA &C &N &M &M &N &C &V

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135

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Carpet

Features Manual pile adjust

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

17 Electrolux UltraSilencer $ 300 EL6986A 800 18 Miele S 6270 Topaz 1,300 19 Aerus Lux Legacy 20 Aerus Lux Guardian Ultra 1,500 900 21 Sebo Air Belt C3.1 880 22 Sebo Air Belt K3 Volcano 520 23 Miele S 6290 Jasper

BAGGED cANIstER continued

55 55 55 52 51 51 48

Bare floors Tool airflow Noise Emissions Handling Pet hair Bag Brush on/off Easy on/off NA

&C &N &C &N &N &V &N &C &N &M &M &N &C &M &C &N &M &C &N &C &N &C &N &C &C &N &C &N &C &N &C &M &N &C &V &C &N &C &M &N &C &N &V &N &M &N &N &C &V &M & M & C & V &N & N & N & N &M & C & M & M &M & C & C & M &N & N & N & N &V & V & V & C &V & N & N & V

NA

BAGlEss cANIstER
400 400 1,350 500 200 450 150 250 350 450 170 400
69 65 54 51 51 50 49 44 43 42 37 31

n d

1 LG Kompressor LcV900B 2 Hoover Platinum S3865 3 Rainbow E-series E2 4 Dyson DC39 Animal 5 Hoover Elite Cyclonic S3825 6 Electrolux UltraActive DeepClean EL4300A 7 Hoover Multi-Cyclonic SH40060 8 Hoover Zen Whisper SH40080 9 Samsung Electric Blue VCC88P0H1B 10 Samsung Champagne VCC96P0H1G 11 Dirt Devil Vision M082750 12 Dyson DC26 City Multi floor

&C &N &C &C &M &V &M &M &N &B &C &N &V &N &C &N &C &C &N &C &V &V &N &M &M &M &V &V &C &N &B &M &N &C &M &C &N &B &M &N &C &M &V &N &B &V &N &V &V &B &N &B &C &N &M &C

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on cleaning performance and ease of use. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Carpet indicates how much embedded talc and sand a vacuum lifted from a medium-pile carpet. Bare floors shows how well a vacuum picked up sand without dispersing it on bare oors. Tool airow indicates the strength of airow through the hose. Noise is based on measurements in decibels. Emissions indicates our measurement of the quantity of wood-our particles a vacuum released under two conditions: when only the motor was turned on and while vacuuming. Handling reects how easy it is to push, pull, and carry a vacuum. Pet hair reects how well a vacuum picks up pet hair from medium-pile carpet. Price is approximate retail.

Most & Least Reliable VAcUUMS

Fewer repairs More repairs

Rainbow Dyson Miele Kenmore Hoover Electrolux Kirby Dirt Devil Bissell Kenmore Eureka Dyson Hoover Oreck Electrolux Panasonic Simplicity Riccar
0%

5 8 8 9 13 15 3 6 7 7 7 7 8 9 10 10 11 12
5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Choosing a vacuum with a good repair history can improve your odds of getting a reliable model. So each year we survey thousands of our readers about their experiences. Kirby was among the least repairprone brands of upright vacuums in our latest survey. Rainbow was among the least repair-prone brands of canister vacuums, and Hoover and Electrolux were the most repair-prone in that category. Our ndings are based on more than 102,000 vacuums readers bought new between 2008 and 2012. Differences of fewer than 4 points arent meaningful. Data are adjusted to eliminate differences linked to the age and use of the vacuum. Models within a brand may vary, and design or manufacture changes may affect future reliability.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

canisters uprights

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101

Quick Guide

REFrIGErATOrS
What to look for

Refrigerators are available in more sizes and congurations than ever. New features include hot-water dispensers and slim ice makers that t in the door.

Shopping tip
Width is the key dimension if your new fridge will ll an existing opening; height matters too if there are cabinets overhead.

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

special freshness technologies, but refrigerators that maintain consistent temperatures are best at keeping your food fresh. Dual evaporators help as well by maintaining optimal humidity levels
What youll pay

Scan this or see how, page 11

Fancy climate controls. Many manufacturers claim

Price Overall score Test results

Figure on $1,600 to $3,000 for French-door models. Capable top-freezers start at under $1,000. Side-by-sides are around $1,500, and cabinetdepths cost $2,500 to $3,500.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/refrigerators

Recommended models only From 296 tested.

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

A top FREEZER n 1 GE Profile d

PTS22LHS[WW]
Profile PTS22SHS[ ]

$1,400 69
67 65 65 64

n 2 Whirlpool d

1,100 WRT771REY[W] n 3 Haier HT21TS45SW 900 d n 4 LG LTC22350[SW] 1,000 d Gallery n 5 Frigidaire d 800 FGHT2144K[F]
Gallery FGHT2134K[ ]

101-105 BG14 Refrigerators.indd 101

Temperature performance Energy efficiency Noise Ease of use Energy cost/yr. ($) Total usable capacity (cu. ft.) Fridge usable capacity (cu. ft.) Freezer usable capacity (cu. ft.) Exterior height (in.) Exterior width (in.) Exterior depth (in.)

&N &M &C &C 64 17.1 11.8 5.3 68 33 32 &M &N &M &C 54 17.7 11.6 6.1 66 33 34 &M N & M & B & 53 17.5 12.7 4.8 67 32 32 & M & C N & V & 55 17.3 12.1 5.2 68 33 33 &M &N &C &V 57 16.7
12 4.7 70 30 33

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COnSUMER REPORTS BUYInG GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Temperature performance Energy efficiency Noise Ease of use Energy cost/yr. ($) Total usable capacity (cu. ft.) Fridge usable capacity (cu. ft.) Freezer usable capacity (cu. ft.) Exterior height (in.) Exterior width (in.) Exterior depth (in.)

A top FREEZER continued n 6 Haier HT21TS77SP $ 700 c n 7 Haier HT18TS77SP 600 c n 8 Frigidaire d
LFHT2117L[W] (Lowes) FFHT2117L[W] n 9 Kenmore 78892 d n 10 Maytag d M1TXEGMY[W] n 11 Kenmore 79433 d 700 770 1,400

63 63

&M N & C & V & 47 17.6 12.7 4.9 67 32 32 & M & C N & V & 41 15.4 11 4.4 66 30 31 &M &N &M &V 55 17.1 12.3 4.8 69 30 34 &M &N &C &B 52 15.1 11.5 3.6 66 30 31 &M &N &C &V 59 16.7 10.9 5.8 66 33 31 &C &N &M &V 54 19.4 13.8 5.6 69 33 32 &N &N &V &V 52 15.3 11.1 4.2 70 33 31 &N &N &C &V 56 16.5 11.4 5.1 70 33 32 &N &N &C &V 52 15.4 11.3 4.1 70 33 31 &N &M &C &V 50 12.8 9.2
3.6 67 30 31

700 62
62 62 62

B CoNVENtIoNAl bottom-FREEZER n 1 Whirlpool Gold 1,200 73 d

GB2FHDXW[Q] n 2 Amana c ABB2221WE[W]

n 3 Maytag d n 4 Maytag d

ABB2224WE[ ]

1,000 73 1,100 73 1,150 72

MBF2258XE[W]
MBL2258XE[ ], MBR2258XE[ ]

MBF1958XE[W]

C FoUR-DooR FRENch-DooR bottom-FREEZER n 1 Samsung d 2,900 79 &N &N &M &M 69 19 RF31FMESBSR

13

69 36 36

D ThREE-DooR FRENch-DooR bottom-FREEZER &N &N N & C & 54 18.4 12.5 5.9 69 36 34 n 1 LG LFX28991[ST] 3,000 85 d n 2 Samsung 84 d 2,100 N & N & & M & 48 18.8 13.5 5.3 70 36 33 M RF261BIAESR n 3 Kenmore Elite d
72093 n 4 Kenmore 7160[3] c n 5 LG LFX33975ST d Gold n 6 Whirlpool c GX5FHTXV[Q]
Gold GX5FHDXV[ ]

3,400 83 1,700 83 3,000 83 1,700 82

&N &N &N &M 71 22.5 15.8 6.7 69 36 35 &N N & N & C & 52 17.5 12.5 5 69 36 32 & N & N N & M & 71 22.3 15.6 6.7 69 36 35 &N &N &C &M 60 16.2 11.6 4.6 70 36 33

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R E F R I G E R ATO R S 

103

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Temperature performance Energy efficiency Noise Ease of use Energy cost/yr. ($) Total usable capacity (cu. ft.) Fridge usable capacity (cu. ft.) Freezer usable capacity (cu. ft.) Exterior height (in.) Exterior width (in.) Exterior depth (in.)

D ThREE-DooR FRENch-DooR bottom-FREEZER continued n 7 Samsung d RFG298HD[RS] $2,800 81 &N &M &N &M 74 18.6 12.7 5.9 69 36 35 (Lowes) RFG297HD[ ],
RFG296HD[ ]

n 8 LG LFC25776[SW] d n 9 Samsung d n 10 LG LFX28979[ST] d n 11 Kenmore Elite d n 12 d n 13 d n 14 d n 15 c n 16 d n 17 d n 18 d n 19 d n 20 d E

RF323TEDB[SR] 7103[2] LG LFX31925[ST] GE Caf CFE29TSDSS Samsung RF261BEAE[SR] Kenmore 7201[2] LG LFC25765[ST] Kenmore Elite 7205[3] LG LFX28978[SW] LG LFX25991[ST] Kenmore Elite 7230[3]

1,750 81 3,300
80

&N &N &N &C 51 18

13

70 36 33

&N &N &M &C 73 21.8 14.7 7.1 69 36 36 &N &N &N &C 66 18.2 12.5 5.7 69 36 34 &N &M &N &C 67 16.9 11.8 5.1 70 33 33 &N &N &N &M 73 19.4 13.4
6 69 36 34

2,850 79 2,500 79 3,200 79 3,000 78 2,100 78 1,550 78 1,900 78 3,200 78 2,700 78 3,400 77 1,920 76

&N &M &M &M 72 19.6 13.2 6.4 69 36 36 &N &N &C &M 57 18.6 13.4 5.2 69 36 35 &N N & M & C & 60 16.9 12 4.9 70 36 33 & N & N N & C & 60 17.9 12.6 5.3 69 33 34 &N &M &N &M 75 19.4 13.4
6 71 36 35

&N N & N & C & 66 18.3 12.5 5.8 70 36 33 & N & N M & M & 60 14 9.5 4.5 69 36 29 &N &M &N &C 64 17.5 12.4 5.1 69 33 33

sIDE-bY-sIDE
RS263TD[ ], RS267TD[ ]

n 1 Samsung c RS265TD[WP] n 2 KitchenAid d n 4 Maytag c

B22CS50SN[ ]

1,300 76 1,950
75

&M &M &N &M 73 18.1 11.6 6.5 70 36 34 &N &M &C &M 75 18.6 12.2 6.4 69 36 34 &M &M &N &M 75 14.5 9.5
5 69 36 28

KSF26C6X[YY] Linea 800 n 3 Bosch d B22CS80SN[S] MSD2559XE[W]

2,700 74 1,250 73

&M &M &M &C 67 15.9 10.4 5.5 70 36 33

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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COnSUMER REPORTS BUYInG GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Temperature performance Energy efficiency Noise Ease of use Energy cost/yr. ($) Total usable capacity (cu. ft.) Fridge usable capacity (cu. ft.) Freezer usable capacity (cu. ft.) Exterior height (in.) Exterior width (in.) Exterior depth (in.)

E sIDE-bY-sIDE continued n 5 DCS RX215PJX1 $2,500 d n 6 Kenmore Elite d 2,000

5118[3] Gallery n 7 Frigidaire c FGUS2676L[P]
Gallery FGUS2632L[ ], Gallery FGUS2647L[ ], Gallery FGUS2645L[ ], Gallery FGUS2642L[ ]

73 72

&N &M &C &C 62 15.7 10.1 5.6 70 36 28 &M &N &M &M 72 21.2 13.1 8.1 69 36 35 &N &M &C &M 72 16.9 11.6 5.3 70 36 33

1,200 72

F bUIlt-IN n 1 Thermador d n 2 d n 3 d n 4 d n 5 d n d n d
6 7

Freedom Collection T36BB820SS Jenn-Air JS42PPDUDB[SS] Bosch Integra 800 Series B36BT830NS Thermador Freedom Collection T36BT810NS Thermador KBUDT4265E[S] Sub-Zero BI42S[S] Miele KF1901Vi

7,400 80 7,200 80 7,500 78 8,000 78 8,750 77 8,000 76 7,200 76

&N &M &N &M 59 14.3 9.8 4.5 84 36 25 &M &N &N &M 73 17.3
12 5.3 84 42 26

&N &C &N &M 64 13.8 9.2 4.6 84 36 25 &N &C &N &M 64 13.8 9.2 4.6 84 36 25 &M &M &N &M 78 16 10.6 5.4 84 42 26 &N M & M & M & 79 18.3 12.3 6 84 42 26 & N & N C & M & 65 14 10.6 3.4 83 36 24

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based primarily on temperature performance and energy efficiency. Noise and ease of use are also considered. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Temperature performance denotes performance at different room temperatures, including high heat, and how uniformly each maintained 37 F in the refrigerator and 0 F in the freezer. Energy efficiency is energy consumption per cubic foot of measured usable storage space. Noise is with compressors running. Ease of use assesses features and design including layout, controls, and lighting. Energy cost/yr. ($) is the estimated cost in dollars, based on the current years average national electricity rate. Your cost will vary depending on the rate for electricity in your area. Total usable capacity (cu.ft.) is our measurement of total usable interior space. Fridge/Freezer usable capacity (cu.ft.) is our measurement of usable refrigerator/freezer space. Exterior height, width, and depth are without handle, rounded up to the nearest inch (37-inch-wide freestanding models fit in 36-inch openings). Under brand & model, bracketed letters or numbers are color codes. Price is approximate retail.

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R E F R I G E R ATO R S 

105

Most & Least Reliable TOP-FrEEZErS

Fewer repairs More repairs

Whirlpool Kenmore Frigidaire GE Frigidaire GE Kenmore Whirlpool

0% 5%

8 10 10 13 7 7 8 8
10% 15% 20%

icemaker nO icemaker

Choosing a refrigerator with a good repair history can improve your odds of getting a reliable model. So each year we survey thousands of readers about their experiences. Though no top-freezer or bottomfreezer brand stood out, LG has been the most repair-prone brand of side-by-side refrigerators with icemakers. Our ndings are based on more than 82,000 freestanding refrigerators that readers bought new between 2008 and 2012. Differences of fewer than 4 points arent meaningful. Data are adjusted to eliminate differences linked solely to age. Models within a brand may vary, and design and manufacture changes may affect future reliability.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

bOTTOM-FrEEZErS
Fewer repairs More repairs

Whirlpool KitchenAid Maytag Kenmore Amana Samsung LG GE Kenmore LG Amana GE

0% 5%

11 11 13 13 14 14 16 16 8 10 12 12
10% 15% 20% 25%

SIDE-bY-SIDES
FewerSIDE-bY-SIDES More repairs repairs

Maytag Whirlpool Samsung Kenmore GE KitchenAid Frigidaire LG

0% 5% 10%

14 14 14 15 16 16 17 22
15% 20% 25% 30%

icemaker nO icemaker

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CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Quick Guide

MICROWAVES

Earlier microwaves had just an automatic popcorn setting and perhaps a few others. Many now have auto settings for oatmeal, pasta, stew, and grits, as well as for reheating or defrosting. What to look for

A sensor, which helps prevent 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

What youll pay

A raft of preprogrammed shortcut keys if youre mostly defrosting and popping corn

Countertop models cost the least (about $80 to $300) and are best for kitchens with lots of counter space. Midsized and large models add capacity and features, with midsized models selling the most overall. Over-the-range microwaves ($300 to $900) save space but dont vent as well as a capable range hood.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/microwaves

Shopping tip
More watts typically mean more cooking power. But differences of 100 watts or so dont matter much.

Scan this or see how, page 11

Recommended models only From 67 tested.

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Heating evenness Defrosting evenness Speed of heating Microwaving noise Ease of use

Features Venting Usable capacity (cu. ft.) Claimed capacity (cu. ft.) 1 2 Watts 1,100 1,200

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A MIDsIZED CoUNtERtop n 1 Kenmore 6633[9] $140 c 6325[2] n 2 Kenmore 130 c 6912[ ] n 3 Sharp R-323TKC d n 4 Panasonic Genius d n 1 c B
Whirlpool MT4155SP[B] GE Profile PEB2060DM[BB] 140 180 Prestige NN-SD681S

79 76 74 71

&M N & & M & M & NA 0.8 N & M & N & M & M & NA 0.9 N & M & N & M & M & NA 0.7 M &M &N &M &C &N NA 0.7

1.2 1,000 1.2 1,200 1.2 1,200

LARGE CoUNtERtop
185 270
76 76

&M &N &M &M &N NA 0.9 &M &M &N &M &N NA 1.2

1.5 1,200

n 2 d

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M I C R O WAV E S 

75

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Heating evenness Defrosting evenness Speed of heating Microwaving noise Ease of use

Features Venting Usable capacity (cu. ft.) Claimed capacity (cu. ft.) 2 2 2 Watts 1,100 1,000 1,200

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

B LARGE CoUNtERtop continued n 3 Panasonic Inverter $180 76 d

NN-H965BF Whirlpool Gold GT4175SP[B] Elite n 5 Kenmore d 7915[9] Profile n 6 GE d JES2251SJ[SS] n 7 LG LCRT2010[ST] d n 8 GE JES2051SN[SS] d n 9 Oster OGG61403 c n 10 Maytag d UMC5200BA[B] n 11 Sharp R426LS d n 12 LG LCRT1510SV d

&M &N &M &C &N NA 1.4 &M &M &M &M &N NA 1.1 &M &N &M &M &M NA 0.9 &N &M &M &M &N NA 1.5

2.2 1,250 1.7 1,200 1.5 1,200 2.2 1,200

n 4 d

280 150 280 200 250 100 270 170 190

76 76 75 75 72 72 72 71 71

&M M & & M & M & NA 1.2 2 1,200 N & M & M & M & M & NA 1.2 2 1,200 N & M & N & M & M & NA 0.8 1.4 1,200 N &M &N &M &M &M NA 1.1 &M M & & M & M & NA 0.8 1.4 1,100 M & C & M & M & M & NA 0.9 1.5 1,200 M &M &N &C &M &N &N 1.4 &M &N &C &C &N &N 0.8

n 1 d

OVER-tHE-RANGE
Kenmore Elite 8852[2] Panasonic Genius Prestige NN-SD297[SR] 550 430
80 73

n 2 d

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mainly on evenness of heating, ease of use, and auto-defrosting ability. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Heating evenness reects how evenly a model reheated a dish of cold mashed potatoes. Defrosting evenness is based on how well the automatic-defrost program defrosted a pound of frozen ground beef. Speed of heating is based on the temperature rise of water heated in the microwave. Microwaving noise reects how quiet the oven is while microwaving on high and how loud the vent fan is when operating at its highest setting. Ease of use includes how easy it is to set the microwave without referring to the instructions. Venting is based on the volume of air drawn in by the microwaves internal fan on the highest setting. Usable capacity (cu.ft.) is the usable space based on our measurements, and excludes the corner spaces for models with rotating turntables. Note that most over-the-range models allow you to turn the rotation off to t large dishes. (A few countertop models also offer that feature.) With the rotation off, measured capacity approximates claimed. But food might require extra tending and stirring. Price is approximate retail.

Most & Least Reliable MIcrOWAVES (OTR)

Fewer repairs More repairs

Whirlpool Kenmore Frigidaire GE LG Maytag

0% 5%

6 6 7 8 8 9
10% 15%

Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

There were only minor differences in brand repair rates for over-the-range (OTR) microwave ovens. Thats what we found when we asked almost 12,500 readers who bought an OTR microwave oven between 2008 and 2012. While we lacked sufcient historical data to include Samsung, our data indicated that it has been as reliable as the brands that appear in the graph. The graph shows the percentage of brands that were repaired or had a serious problem. Differences of less than 3 points arent meaningful, and weve adjusted the data to eliminate differences linked solely to the age of the microwaves. 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.

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WALL OVENS

137

Quick Guide

WALL OVENS

The cooktop and wall oven combination offers more design exibility and can come in handy when more than one person is cooking.

Shopping Tip
Front-mounted touchpad controls are easy to bump and reset by accident. Be sure that theyre well-placed.

What to look for

Control lockout, if the control panel will be within a young childs 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 flexibility in arranging racks and bakeware
What to skip

wont give a full view to the interior Menu databases and other perks if you want to save
What youll pay

You can get an electric cooktop and wall oven for as little as $1,300 or so, though capable ranges cost far less.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/ovens

Scan this or see how, page 11

A small oven window, which

All tested models In performance order, within types.

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Self-cleaning Baking Broiling Oven capacity

Features Width (in.) Covered element Convection mode Temperature probe

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A n d n d n d n d n d n d n d
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

DoUbLE ELECtRIC
Whirlpool WOD93EC0AS Maytag MEW9630A KitchenAid KEBS209BSP GE PT9550FSSS Whirlpool WOD51EC0A Maytag MEW7630A Bosch HBL5650UC $2,500 80 2,700 80 3,500 79 3,600 73 2,000 72 1,700 72 2,805 72

&M &N &N &N 30 &M &N &N &N &M &M &M &M &M N & & N & N & M & M & M & M
30 30 30 30

&M &N &N &M 30 &M &N &N &N 30

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CONSUMER REPORtS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Baking Oven capacity Self-cleaning Broiling

Features Temperature probe Covered element Width (in.) Convection mode

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A n 8 d 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

DoUbLE ELECtRIC continued

Bosch HBL8650UC $3,115 72 Electrolux 3,200 70 EI30EW45JS Electrolux 3,500 70 EW30EW65GS GE JT5500SFSS 2,900 70 LG LWD3010ST 2,700 65 Frigidaire FFET3025L 1,700 64 Thermador ME302JS 4,000 63 Kenmore 42003 3,300 61 GE CT959STSS 3,200 60 GE JT3500FSSS 2,200 58 Frigidaire 3,200 56 FPET3085KF Wolf DO30-2F/S 6,300 55

&M &M &M &M 30 &M &M &M &N 30 &M &M &M &N 30 &M & C & M & M & C & M & C &M & N & C & M & M & C & M &N & M & C & C & M & M & N &M & C & N & M & N & N & M
30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

&C &M &C &N 30 &C &N &C &V

n 1 c

SINgLE ELECtRIC
Whirlpool WOS92EC0AH Maytag MEW9530AW KitchenAid KEBS109BWW GE PT9050FSSS
PT7050FSSS

1,500

80

&M &N &N &N 30 &M &N &N &N 30 &M &N &N &M &M &M &M &M
30 30

n 2 c n 3 d n 4 d n 5 c n 6 c n 7 d
8 9

1,400 80 2,000 79 2,600 73 1,300

72

Whirlpool WOS51EC0AS Maytag MEW7530AW Bosch HBL5450UC Electrolux EI30EW35KS GE JT5000FSSS

&M &N &N &N 30

30 &M N & & N & N 30 & M & M & M & M

1,000 72 1,900 72 1,700

70

&M &M &M &N 30 &M &M &N &M 30

1,800 70

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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WALL OVENS

139

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Baking Oven capacity Self-cleaning Broiling

Features Temperature probe Covered element Width (in.) Convection mode

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

SINgLE ELECtRIC continued

$2,900 69 2,200 67 3,600 66 2,000 65 2,500 65 1,700 1,900 2,900 1,500 2,400 2,200
64 64 63 62 61 60

10 Viking Professional VES0130SS 11 Electrolux Icon E30EW75ESS

Icon E30EW75GSS

&C &N &M &C 30 &N &M &V &N 30

30 &M M & & C & M 30 & C & N & M & C 30 & M & M & N & V

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Viking VESO5302SS LG LWS3081ST GE Profile PT925DNBB Frigidaire FFEW3025S GE Profile PT916SRSS Thermador ME301JS GE JTP70SMSS Kenmore Pro 41003 GE Caf CT918STSS KitchenAid KEBK101BBL GE JT3000FSSS Frigidaire Professional FPEW3085KF Wolf E-Series SO302F/S L-Series SO30U/S,
L-Series SO30F/S, E-Series SO30-2U/S

&M &C &C &N 30 &C & M & C & C & M &N & M & M & M & C &M & C & M & M & M &N & M & M & N & N
30 30 30 30 30

1,800 60 1,400 58 1,700

56

&C &N &N &M 30 &C &M &N &M 30 &C &M &C &N
30

4,000 55 1,500
54

&C &N &C &V 30 &C &M &C &N 30

30 &M V & & M & M 30 & C & C & C & N

25 Frigidaire FGEW3065KF 26 GE JTP30DPBB 27 Kenmore 48839 28 KitchenAid KEBS107SSS 29 Kenmore Elite 48093 30 Dacor DO130 31 GE Monogram ZET1SMSS
Monogram ZET1PMSS, Monogram ZET1RMSS

1,200 54 1,000 52 2,000 49 2,300 47 2,200 45 3,400 45 2,100 44

&C &C &C &M 30

30 &C C & & C & N 30 & C & C & C & C

&M &V &C &N 30 &C &C &V &N 30

32 Fagor 5HA-780X

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CONSUMER REPORtS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score reects oven capacity and baking, broiling, and self-cleaning ability. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Baking reects 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 capacity measures usable space. Self-cleaning gauges the self-cleaning cycles effectiveness. Price is approximate retail.

Most & Least Reliable ELecTrIc WALL OVeNS

Fewer repairs More repairs

Frigidaire GE Kenmore KitchenAid Whirlpool

0% 5%

8 8 9 10 11
10% 15% 20%

Choosing a brand with a good repair history can improve your odds of getting a reliable model. So each year we survey thousands of our readers about their experiences. Whirlpool has been less reliable than Frigidaire and GE. Although we lacked sufcient historical data for all years to include Jenn-Air in the graph, our data indicate that it has been a repair-prone brand. Our ndings are based on the more than 13,000 wall ovens readers bought new between 2007 and 2012. Differences of fewer than 3 points arent meaningful. Data are adjusted to eliminate differences linked solely to the wall ovens age. Note that models within a brand may vary, and design or manufacturing changes may affect future reliability.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

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RANGES

91

Quick Guide

RANGES
What to skip

Electric smoothtops are the most popular and blend high performance and value. Pro-style gas and dual-fuel ranges are the most expensive, with style the big draw. What to look for

On electric and gas ranges, at least one high-heat element or burner to heat large quantities 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 youll need magnetic cookware At least five oven-rack positions for flexibility

Dual-fuel models, which blend a gas cooktop with an electric oven. Our tests did not find an advantage to this combination
What youll pay

Shopping tip
Induction models are about 25 percent faster than electric smoothtops in our tests and even faster than gas models.

About $400 to $600 for coil; $700 to $1,700 for smoothtop; $1,700 to $2,700 for induction; $600 to $2,000 for gas; $3,000-plus for pro-style.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/ranges

Scan this or see how, page 11

All tested models In performance order, within types.

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A n 1 c 2

CoIL top, sINGLE oVEN (30-INcH)

$430 450 400 800
81 78 76 75

Kenmore 90212 Frigidaire FFEF3015LW 3 Hotpoint RB757DPWH 4 Whirlpool RY160LXTQ 5 Amana AER5523XAW

6 Whirlpool RF263LXTQ

AER5524XA

450 69 400
65

091-100 BG14 Ranges.indd 91

Cooktop high Cooktop low Baking Broiling Oven capacity Self-cleaning High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Convection mode Double oven Cooking drawer Slide-in Stainless steel available

&M &N &M &C &N &N 2 0 2 &M &N &M &C &N &N 2 0 2 &M &N &M &M &M &M 2 0 2 &M &N &M &C &M &N 2 0 2 &M &N &C &C &M &N 2 0 2 &M &N &M &V &M &N 2 0 2

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CONSUMER REpORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

7 Kenmore 90313 8 Whirlpool WFC310S0AW 9 GE JBP35DDWW 10 Kenmore 90112 11 Whirlpool WFC340S0AW

CoIL top, sINGLE oVEN (30-INcH) continued $ 600 65 &M &N &C &N &N &N 2 0 2
500 600 400 700
63 57 54 44

n 1 d

GE Profile PHB925STSS Elite n 2 Kenmore d 97203 n 3 Samsung d FTQ307NWGX 4 Samsung NE595N0PBSR 5 Electrolux EW30IS65JS 6 Maytag MIR8890AS

INDUctIoN sMootHtop, sINGLE oVEN (30-INcH)

2,700 2,500 2,000 1,700 3,200 1,800
90 89 89 77 73 67

C n d n d n d n d n d
1

SMootHtop, DoUbLE oVEN (30-INcH)

86 83 82 81 81 77 76

GE Profile 2,800 PS978STSS 2 Maytag 1,700 MET8885XS 3 Frigidaire 1,400 FGEF302TNF 4 Frigidaire 1,800 FGEF308TNF 1,300 5 LG LDE3015ST 6 KitchenAid Architect Series II 1,600 KERS507XSS 7 Kenmore 98053 1,600

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

091-100 BG14 Ranges.indd 92

Cooktop high Cooktop low Baking Broiling Oven capacity Self-cleaning High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Convection mode Double oven Cooking drawer Slide-in Stainless steel available

&M &N &M &V &M &N 2 0 2 &N C & C & M & N & &N 2 0 2 & C C & C & N & C & NA 2 0 2 &M &N &M &B &M &M 2 0 2 &N &N &M &N &N &N 3 1 0 &N &N &N &N &N &N 3 1 0 &N &N &N &N &N &M 2 2 0 &N &N &M &M &N &M 2 0 2 &N &M &C &N &C &N 3 1 0 &N &N &M &C &N &B 2 0 2 &M &N &N &M &N &N 2 1 1 &N &N &N &C &N &C 2 0 2 &N &N &M &M &N &N 2 0 2 &M &N &M &M &N &N 1 2 1 &N &N &M &N &N &M 2 0 2 &M &N &M &C &N &C 2 0 2 &N &M &M &C &M &M 2 0 2

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RANGES

93

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

8 Frigidaire FGEF301DNW 9 GE JB850DTWW 10 Samsung FE710DRS 11 GE PB975STSS 12 Whirlpool GGE388LXQ 13 LG LDE3017ST 14 Frigidaire FGEF304DKW 15 Frigidaire FGEF306TM 16 LG LDE3035ST

SMootHtop, DoUbLE oVEN (30-INcH) continued

$1,300 1,150 1,400 1,400 1,100 1,300 1,500 1,300 1,400
75 75 73 72 71 69 67 57 49

D n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d n d
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SMootHtop, sINGLE oVEN (30-INcH)

Kenmore 92163 GE JB705STSS LG LRE3023S GE Caf CS980SNSS LG LRE3025S GE PB920STSS Electrolux EI30EF35JS Kenmore 92803 GE JB650DTWW
JB655DTWW

1,550 1,000 1,000 2,800 1,250 1,800 1,600 850

87 86 86 86 86 85 85 84

800 81
81 80 80 79 79 78

850 10 LG LRE3012ST 2,200 11 LG LSE3092ST 12 Samsung 550 FE-R300SB 13 Frigidaire FFEF3018LW FFEF3020LW 600 14 GE JSP42DNWW 1,200 15 GE JSP46DNWW 1,450 JSP46DPWW

091-100 BG14 Ranges.indd 93

Cooktop high Cooktop low Baking Broiling Oven capacity Self-cleaning High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Convection mode Double oven Cooking drawer Slide-in Stainless steel available

&N &M &M &C &N &N 2 0 2 &N &N &M &C &N &M 2 0 2

& M N & &M &M &N &M 2 0 2 &M &M &M &M &N &M 1 2 1 &M &N &C &M &N &C 2 0 2 &M &N &C &N &N &N 2 0 2 &M &N &C &M &M &N 2 0 2 &M &N &V &M &N &M 2 0 2 &N &N &B &N &N &N 2 0 2 &N N & M & N & N & N & 2 0 2 & N N & M & M & N & N & 2 0 2 & N N & M & N & N & M & 2 0 2 &M &N &N &N &N &C 1 2 2 &N N & N & M & N & M & 2 0 2 & N N & M & M & N & N & 1 2 1 &N &N &N &C &M &N 2 1 1 &N & N & N & N &N & N & N & N &M & M & M & M &N & M & M & M &N & N & N & N &N & N & M & M
2 0 2 2 0 2 2 0 2 2 0 2

&M &N &M &C &N &C 2 0 2 &M &N &M &C &N &N 2 0 2 &M N & M & M & M & C & 1 2 1 & N M & N & N & M & V & 1 2 1

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CONSUMER REpORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

16 LG LRE30453SB 17 Samsung NE594R0ABSR 18 Electrolux EW30ES65GW 19 Maytag MER8770WW 20 Whirlpool WFE371LVB 21 LG LRE30955ST 22 Frigidaire Professional FPEF3081MF 23 Frigidaire Gallery FGEF3031KW 24 Samsung NE597R0ABSR 25 GE JB750DFWW 26 Kenmore 92603 27 Frigidaire Gallery FGEF3032MF 28 KitchenAid Architect Series KERS807SSS 29 Jenn-Air JER8885RAS 30 Samsung FTQ353IWUX 31 Maytag MER7765WW 32 Whirlpool GFE461LVQ 33 Whirlpool Gold GY399LXUQ 34 Samsung FTQ387LWGX

SMootHtop, sINGLE oVEN (30-INcH) continued $ 730 78 &M &N &M &N &N &M 2 0 2 850 77 &N &N &M &M &N &M 2 0 2
2,200 800 550 1,600 900 650 1,200 1,000 780 675 2,000 1,600 800 600 800 1,500 1,000
77 76 76 76 76 76 75 75 74 74 71 70 70 69 68 68 67

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

091-100 BG14 Ranges.indd 94

Cooktop high Cooktop low Baking Broiling Oven capacity Self-cleaning High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Convection mode Double oven Cooking drawer Slide-in Stainless steel available

&N &N &M &M &C &C 2 1 2 &N &N &M &C &N &M 2 0 2 &M &M &M &M &N &C 2 0 2 &C &N &M &M &N &M 1 2 1 &M &N &M &M &M &M 1 2 1 &M &N &C &N &N &C 2 0 2 &N &M &M &M &N &M 2 0 2 &M &M &M &C &N &N 1 2 1 &N &N &C &N &N &N 2 0 2 &N &N &C &N &M &M 2 0 2 &M &N &M &C &C &M 2 2 0 &M &N &C &C &M &N 2 0 2 &M &C &M &M &N &M 2 0 2 &M &N &M &C &M &C 2 0 2 &M &N &M &V &M &C 2 0 2 &M &N &C &M &C &M 2 0 2 &M &C &M &M &N &M 2 0 2

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RANGES

95

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

35 Whirlpool WFE720H0AS 36 KitchenAid KERS206XWH 37 Whirlpool WFE330W0AW 38 Whirlpool WFE510S0AW 39 Whirlpool WFE520C0AW 40 Maytag MER8674AS 41 Whirlpool WFE361LVQ 42 Amana AER5830VAB
AER5844VAW

SMootHtop, sINGLE oVEN (30-INcH) continued

$1,100 850 700 600 700 850 450
66 65 64 64 63 62 62

550 56 500 1,100 450 500

56 54 52 48

43 Kenmore 91312 44 Maytag MER8880AS 45 Amana AER5823XAW 46 Frigidaire FFEF3013LS

E n 1 d n 2 d

KitchenAid KDRS505XSS Dual-fuel n 3 LG LDG3016ST d 4 GE JGB870SETSS 5 Kenmore 78013 6 Jenn-Air JGR8890ADP 7 LG LDG3035ST 8 LG LDG3015ST

Gas aND DUaL-fUEL, DoUbLE oVEN (30-INcH) LG LDG3037ST 1,900 75 &C &N &N &M &M &V 2 2 1
2,000 1,800 1,500 1,650 1,850 1,600 1,500
71 70 61 58 58 57 57

091-100 BG14 Ranges.indd 95

Cooktop high Cooktop low Baking Broiling Oven capacity Self-cleaning High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Convection mode Double oven Cooking drawer Slide-in Stainless steel available

&N &N &M &C &N &B 2 0 2 &M &C &C &M &N &M 2 0 2 &M &N &M &V &M NA 1 1 2 &M &N &M &V &M &N 2 0 2 &M &N &M &V &M &N 2 0 2 &N &N &C &C &N &B 2 0 2 &M &M &M &V &M &M 2 0 2 &M &N &M &V &M &N 2 0 2 &M &C &C &N &C NA 1 1 2 &M &C &M &C &N &B 1 2 1 &C &N &M &V &M NA 0 2 2 &M &N &V &C &C NA 2 0 2

&C &N &M &M &N &C 1 2 2 &C N & M & C & M & C & 2 2 1 & N M & M & V & N & C & 1 2 2 & C M & M & V & N & M & 2 1 1 &C &M &C &C &N &M 2 2 0 &C N & M & V & M & V & 2 2 1 & M C & C & C & N & V & 2 2 1

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CONSUMER REpORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

9 GE Caf CGS990SETSS 10 Whirlpool GGG388LXQ 11 Frigidaire FGGF304DLF 12 Maytag MGT8885XS

FGGF301DNF

Gas aND DUaL-fUEL, DoUbLE oVEN (30-INcH) continued

$2,900 1,100
57 57

1,600 51 1,500
43

F Gas aND DUaL-fUEL, sINGLE oVEN (30-INcH) &M &N &M M & N & C & 2 2 1 n 1 LG LRG3097ST 1,900 74 d &C &N &M M & N & C & 2 2 1 n 2 LG LRG3095ST 1,500 72 d Gallery n 3 Frigidaire 71 c 775 C & N & M & & C & M & 2 2 1 C FGGF3032MW n 4 LG LRG3091SW d
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
1,000 1,000 800 700 700 1,400 500 1,500
71 68 68 68 66 66 65 65

Maytag MGR8772WW GE JGBS23SETSS Frigidaire Gallery FGGF3031KW Maytag MGR7665WB Whirlpool Gold GW399LXUQ Frigidaire FGF368GS Electrolux EI30GF35JS Samsung FX710BGS FX510BGS GE JGB600SETSS Frigidaire FGF382HS GE Caf CGS980SEMSS Kenmore 72402 Maytag MGR7661WW

1,500 65 800 700 2,700 600 500

65 64 63 63 63

091-100 BG14 Ranges.indd 96

Cooktop high Cooktop low Baking Broiling Oven capacity Self-cleaning High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Convection mode Double oven Cooking drawer Slide-in Stainless steel available

&M &N &C &V &N &V 2 2 1 &C &N &C &V &N &C 1 2 1

&M &C &C &V &M &M 2 2 1 &C &N &M &B &N &C 1 2 2

&C &N &M &C &N &C 2 2 1 &C &N &M &C &M &M 2 3 0 &C &M &M &C &N NA 1 2 1 &M &C &N &C &M &C 2 2 1 &C &M &N &C &M &C 2 1 1 &C &N &M &C &C &C 2 1 1 &C &N &M &V &M &C 1 2 1 &M &N &M &V &M &M 2 2 1 &M &C &M &C &N &V 2 2 1 &M &N &N &V &M &C 1 2 2 &C &M &M &C &C &C 1 2 1 &C &N &M &V &M &C 2 1 2 &C &N &M &V &M &N 1 2 1 &C &N &M &V &M &M 1 2 1

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RANGES

97

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

18 GE Caf C2S980SEMSS $2,800 Dual-fuel 19 Samsung 900 NX583G0VBSR 20 GE Caf 2,700 CGS985SETSS 21 Jenn-Air JDS8860BDP 2,400 Dual-fuel 22 GE JGBP700 28DEMBB 23 Frigidaire Gallery 850 FGGF3054KW 24 Amana 900 AGR6011VDS 25 GE JGB800SEPSS 1,100 JGB810SETSS 26 GE JGB296SETSS 27 Electrolux EW30GS65GW 28 Kenmore 72703 29 KitchenAid KGRS206XWH 30 GE PGS975SEMSS 31 GE JGB281SERSS 32 Whirlpool WFG510S0AS 33 Kenmore 72313 34 Whirlpool WFG520S0AS 35 Kenmore 72903 36 Frigidaire FFGF3023LS 37 Kenmore 72503
800 2,200 850 850 2,100 700 600 1,100 600 1,000 700 700

Gas aND DUaL-fUEL, sINGLE oVEN (30-INcH) continued

62 62 61 61 60 60 60 60 60 59 59 59 58 57 56 55 54 54 53 53

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

091-100 BG14 Ranges.indd 97

Cooktop high Cooktop low Baking Broiling Oven capacity Self-cleaning High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Convection mode Double oven Cooking drawer Slide-in Stainless steel available

&C &N &M &V &M &C 2 1 2 &M &C &N &V &N &C 2 2 1 &M &N &M &V &M &V 2 2 1 &C &C &M &C &C &M 2 1 1 &C &M &M &C &M &V 2 1 1 &M &M &N &V &M &C 2 2 1 &V &N &N &C &N &C 1 2 1 &M N & M & V & M & C & 2 2 1 & M M & N & V & M & C & 1 2 2 &C &N &M &V &C &C 2 1 1 &M &M &M &V &M &M 2 2 1 &C N & M & V & C & C & 1 2 1 & N C & M & V & M & C & 1 2 1 & M M & M & V & M & &C 2 2
1

&C &C &N &V &M &M 1 2 1 &M &C &M &V &M &M 2 2 1 & C C & N & V & M & M & 2
1 1

&M &C &M &V &C &M 2 2 1 &C &N &N &B &M &N 1 2 1 &C &C &M &V &M &M 1 2 1

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98

CONSUMER REpORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

38 Frigidaire Professional $1,000 FPG3081KF 39 GE Caf C2S985SETSS 2,700 Dual-fuel 40 Whirlpool 900 WFG540H0AH 41 Hotpoint 500 RGB790DERWW 42 Whirlpool 450 WFG361LVQ 43 Maytag 1,100 MGR8880AS 44 Maytag 850 MGR8674AS 600 45 Kenmore 70602 46 Frigidaire 550 FFGF3017LW 500 47 Kenmore 70502 48 KitchenAid Architect Series 1,700 KGRS807SSS

Gas aND DUaL-fUEL, sINGLE oVEN (30-INcH) continued

52

51 51 51 51 50 49 48 46 42 31

G PRo-stYLE Gas aND DUaL-fUEL (30-INcH) n 1 KitchenAid d 4,000 72 KDRS407VSS &M &N &M &C &C &M 3 0 1
Wolf DF304 Dual-fuel 3 Dacor DR30G 4 GE Monogram ZGP304NRSS 5 Kenmore Pro 79523 Dual-fuel 6 Jenn-Air JGRP430WP 7 DCS RGU-305 8 NXR DRGB3001 9 DCS RGTC305SS

KDRU707VSS Dual-fuel

6,400 3,100 5,000 3,800 4,000 3,700 2,000 4,700

68 66 65 65 62 62 60 58

091-100 BG14 Ranges.indd 98

Cooktop high Cooktop low Baking Broiling Oven capacity Self-cleaning High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Convection mode Double oven Cooking drawer Slide-in Stainless steel available

&C &C &M &V &M &M 2 2 1 &M &N &V &C &M &V 2 2 1 &C &C &N &V &M &B 2 2 1 &C &M &C &V &M &V 1 2 1 &C &M &M &V &M &C 1 2 1 &C &C &M &V &M &B 2 2 1 &C &C &M &V &M &B 2 2 1 &V &M &M &M &C NA 1 3 1 & M C & C & V & &C NA 1
2 1

&C &V &M &M &C NA 1 3 0 &C &B &M &M &C &C 2 0 2

&C &M &M &M &C &V 3 1 0 &C &N &C &C &M NA 3 1 0 &C &N &M &C &N &C 1 3 0 &M &M &M &M &M &M 1 2 1 &C &N &N &V &C &M 3 0 1 &C &N &C &M &C NA 5 0 0 &C &N &C &C &C NA 4 0 0 &M &N &M &V &V &V 5 0 0

Page 35 of 51
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RANGES

99

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

PRo-stYLE Gas aND DUaL-fUEL (30-INcH) continued

$3,600 5,500 4,500 5,300 5,000 3,100 4,900 3,600 3,700
58 52 52 51 46 45 45 32 31

10 Dacor Epicure ER30GSCH 11 Viking VDSC530SS Dual-fuel 12 Thermador PRG304GH 13 Dacor Epicure ER30D Dual-fuel 14 Viking VGSC5304BSS 15 Bertazzoni PRO304GASX 16 Wolf GR304 17 American Range ARR304 18 Blue Star RNB304BV1SS 19 Bertazzoni A30 4GGV XE
A30 4GGV XS

2,400 24

H PRo-stYLE Gas aND DUaL-fUEL (36-INcH) n 1 KitchenAid d n 2 GE Monogram d

3 4 5 6 7 8
PRG364JDG KDRU767VSS, KDRS463VSS, KDRS467VSS, KDRS462VSS

KDRU763VSS Dual-fuel

6,000 74

ZDP364NDPSS Dual-fuel Thermador PRG366JG Viking VGSC536-4G Wolf GR366 NXR DRGB3602 Kenmore Pro 79623 Dual-fuel Jenn-Air JGRP436WP

7,500

72

7,500 68 7,200 6,000 3,000 5,500 5,200

68 59 56 52 43

091-100 BG14 Ranges.indd 99

Cooktop high Cooktop low Baking Broiling Oven capacity Self-cleaning High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Convection mode Double oven Cooking drawer Slide-in Stainless steel available

&C &N &C &C &C NA 3 1 0 &C &M &C &M &M &C 4 0 0 &M &N &V &V &C NA 4 0 0 &C &N &C &C &C &V 3 1 0 &M &N &V &M &V &V 4 0 0 &M &M &V &C &V NA 1 1 2 &C &N &V &V &C NA 3 1 0 & B M & C & V & &M NA 3
1 0

&M &B &M &B &M NA 3 1 0 &C &B &V &C &V NA 1 1 2

&M &N &M &M &M &M 3 0 1

&C &N &M &C &M &M 4 0 0 &M &N &M &C &N &B 6 0 0 &M N & M & M & C & &V 4 0 0 & N C & C & V & M & NA 5 1 0 & N C & C & C & C & NA 6 0 0 &M &C &C &C &N &M 2 4 0 &C &N &M &B &M &M 5 0 1

Page 36 of 51
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CONSUMER REpORTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score reects cooktop speed and simmer performance, and oven capacity, baking, broiling, and self-cleaning. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Cooktop high is how quickly the most powerful element heated water to near-boil. 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. Baking reects even browning of cakes and cookies in multi-rack baking tests. Broiling is even browning of a pan of burgers and high-heat searing. Oven capacity is our evaluation of usable space. Selfcleaning is the self-cleaning cycles effectiveness after the oven is coated with a mixture of eggs, cheese, pie lling, and other ingredients. Price is approximate retail.

Most & Least Reliable ELEcTrIc rANGES

Fewer repairs More repairs

Hotpoint GE Whirlpool Maytag Frigidaire Kenmore LG KitchenAid Jenn-Air

0%

4 6 6 10 10 11 12 14 16
5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

GAS/DUAL-FUEL rANGES
Fewer repairs More repairs

Hotpoint GE Kenmore Frigidaire Whirlpool Maytag KitchenAid GE

0% 5%

7 8 8 9 10 13 16 10
10% 15% 20% 25%

Hotpoint, General Electric, and Whirlpool were the least repair prone brands of electric ranges and KitchenAid and Jenn-Air were among the more repair prone brands of electric ranges. For gas ranges, KitchenAid was the most repair-prone brand; Maytag was also repair-prone. We lacked enough data to include Kenmore dual-fuel and Jenn-Air ranges in the repair graphs. But data we have indicate that Kenmore dual-fuel ranges have been reliable and Jenn-Air dual-fuel and gas ranges have been repair-prone. Thats what we found when we asked more than 67,000 readers who bought electric ranges between 2007 and 2012 and gas ranges between 2006 and 2012 about their experiences. The graph shows the percentage of models for each brand that were repaired or had a serious problem. Differences of fewer than 3 points arent meaningful, and weve adjusted the data to eliminate differences linked solely to age of the range. Models within a brand can vary, and design or manufacture changes might affect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a good repair history can improve your odds of getting a reliable model.

gas dual-fuel

Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

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COOKTOPS

31

Quick Guide

COOKTOPS

Cooktops can be placed wherever counter space allows, including an island, so you can interact with others instead of staring at a wall. While gas and smoothtop electric cooktops dominate, prices are dropping for induction, which speeds cooking using an electromagnetic eld. What to look 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

indicates gas used and heat generated and doesnt guarantee better or faster cooking Models with recipe databases and other pricey features if you just want good cooking
What youll pay

Shopping tip
More 30-inch gas cooktops have ve burners instead of four, though using all ve at once may require some maneuvering.

Buying by Btu. Short for British Thermal Unit, this merely

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank Price

Youll 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

Scan this or see how, page 11

Recommended models only From 61 tested.

Overall score

Test results High heat Low heat

Features High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Stainless steel Glass ceramic Porcelain enamel Continuous grates

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A n d n d n d
1 2 3

30-INCH GAs
Bosch NGM8054UC Kenmore 32353 LG LSCG306ST LCG3091ST $1,100 79 1,200 76 1,100 73 1,900 81 1,400 80

&C & C &M &M &C

&N & N &M &N &N

1 2 1 3 3

2 2 3 2 2

2 1 1 0 0

B 36-INCH GAs n 1 Thermador SGSX365FS d n 2 GE Monogram d

ZGU385NSMSS

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32

CONSUMEr rEPOrTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results High heat Low heat

Features High-power burners Medium-power burners Low-power burners Stainless steel Glass ceramic Porcelain enamel Continuous grates

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

B 36-INCH GAs continued n 3 GE Profile d $1,200 n d n d n d n d n d

Recommended

4 5 6 7 8

JGP975WEKWW GE Caf CGP650SETSS

Profile PGP986SETSS

80 77 74 74 70 69

&C &C & C &M &C &M

Overall score

&N &N & N &M &M &M

1 1 2 2 4 2

2 3 2 2 0 2

2 1 1 1 1 1

1,300 1,300 1,300 1,200 1,100 Price

Electrolux EW36GC55GS LG LCG3691ST Bosch NGM8654UC Kenmore 32313 32333 Brand & model Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model.

Test results Features High-power elements Medium-power elements Low-power elements 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 1 0 3 1 2 1 0 0 2 2 2 1 2 0 3 2 2 2 2 1 Expandable elements High heat Low heat Touch controls

Rank

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

C n 1 d n 2 d

30-INCH eleCtRIC sMootHtop

KitchenAid KECC604BBL Maytag MEC7430WS
MEC7630W

$ 900 800 1,150 640 950 1,200 1,200 1,000 700 950 900

94 94 93 91 90 90 88 87 86 86 85

n 3 Kenmore 44273 d n 4 Kenmore 42733 c n 5 Frigidaire Professional d n d n d n d n c n d n d

6 7 8 9 10 11
FPEC3085KS GE Caf CP350STSS Electrolux Icon E30EC65ESS LG LCE3081ST Whirlpool G7CE3034XP GE Profile PP945BMBB Bosch NET5054UC

&N & N & N & N &M &M & M & M & M & M & M

&N & N & N & N &N &N & N & N & N & N & N

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COOKTOPS

33

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Features High-power elements Medium-power elements Low-power elements 2 2 1 0 0 3 3 3 1 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 1 1 2 1 0 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 Expandable elements High heat Low heat Touch controls

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

D n 1 d n 2 d n 3 d E n d n d n d n d n d n d n c n d
1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9

36-INCH eleCtRIC sMootHtop

Maytag MEC7536W Maytag MEC7636W Frigidaire Professional FPEC3685KS $ 830 1,100 1,000
94 94 90

&N & N &M &N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N

&N & N &N &N & N & N & N & N & N & N & N

30-INCH INDUCtIoN
Kenmore 43820 GE Profile PHP900DMBB Kenmore 43800 Bosch NIT5065UC Electrolux Icon E30IC75FSS KitchenAid KICU500XB Whirlpool GCI3061XB LG LCE30845 1,600 1,400 1,300 1,800 2,000 1,400 1,200 1,800
99 99 97 97 97 95 95 93

Performance is equivalent to the tested version in the 36-inch size category. Performance is equivalent to the tested version in the 30-inch size category. On Oct. 21, 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of Electrolux Icon E30EC65ESS smoothtop cooktops because liquids can pool under the control knobs and cause the surface heating element to turn on unexpectedly, heat to temperatures other than expected, and not turn off. Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score reflects cooktop performance at high and low heat. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. High heat reflects how quickly the highest-powered element heated a large pot of water to near-boiling. Low heat reflects how well the lowest-powered element melted and held chocolate without scorching and how the most powerful element, set to low, held tomato sauce below a boil. Price is approximate retail.

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CONSUMEr rEPOrTS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Most & Least Reliable COOKTOPS

Fewer repairs More repairs

GE Kenmore Whirlpool Frigidaire KitchenAid Jenn-Air Wolf KitchenAid GE Kenmore Jenn-Air

0%

6 7 7 8 8 12 6 7 7 9 12
5% 10% 15% 20%

electric gAs

Jenn-Air was among the more repair-prone brands of electric and gas cooktops. Thats what we found when we asked readers to report on 11,788 cooktops purchased from 2008 through the rst half of 2012 about their experiences. The graph shows the percentages of models from each brand that were repaired or had serious problems. Differences of fewer than ve points were not meaningful, and data were adjusted to eliminate differences due to the age of the cooktop. Induction cooktops were excluded from this repair history analysis. Models within a brand may vary, and design and manufacturing changes may affect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a good repair history can improve your odds of getting a reliable brand.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Page 41 of 51
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DISHWASHERS

49

Quick Guide

DISHWASHERS

Thanks to tougher federal standards, new dishwashers use less energy and water. Those we recommend aced our washing tests and are quiet.

Shopping tip
The three basic cycleslight, normal, and heavyshould be enough for most chores, even for baked-on food.

What to look for

Adjustable racks and other loading aids for flexibility A soil sensor to adjust the cycles time and water use, improving efficiency A rinse/hold cycle, to prevent soil from setting while you wait for a full load
What to skip

A self-cleaning filter, if noise is a concern; look for a model with a manual-clean filter
What youll pay

Scan this or see how, page 11

Drawer models, which are expensive and tend to use more energy and water than regular models
Price Overall score

You can pay $1,500 or more for a dishwasher with hidden controls, interactive digital displays, and special grimefighting cycles. But for clean dishes, sparkling performance starts at about $600.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/dishwashers

All tested models In performance order, within types.

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Test results

Features Ample flatware slots Adjustable upper rack Hidden controls

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

n 1 d

CoNVENtIoNAL
Kenmore Elite 12793
Elite 12803

Washing Energy use Noise Ease of use Cycle time (min.) Sensor Self-cleaning filter Stainless-steel tub

$1,350 85 1,200 82 700 81 1,550 1,500

81 81

&N &N &N &M 145 &N &N &N &M 135 &N &N &M &M 95 &N &M &N &M 115 &N &N &N &C 140 &N &M &N &M 125

Some Some
All

n 2 d n 3 c

Kenmore Elite 12783

Elite 12763, Elite 12773

[ ]UC, Ascenta SHE3ARF[ ]UC (Lowes), Ascenta SHX3AR5[ ]UC

Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]UC Ascenta SHE3AR7

n 4 Bosch SHX98M0[9]UC d n 5 KitchenAid d n 6 d

KDFE454CSS Thermador Topaz Series DWHD640JFM
Sapphire Series DWHD650JFM, Sapphire Series DWHD650JFP, Topaz Series DWHD640JFP

Some
All

1,500 80

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50

CONSUMER REPORtS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features Ample flatware slots Adjustable upper rack Hidden controls

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

n 7 d

CoNVENtIoNAL continued
Bosch 800 Series SHE68R5[2]UC
800 Series SHX68R5[ ]UC, 800 Series SHV68R5[3]UC

Washing Energy use Noise Ease of use Cycle time (min.) Sensor Self-cleaning filter Stainless-steel tub

$ 900 80

&N &N &M &M 115

Some

n 8 d n 9 d

Bosch 800 Plus Series SHX7PT55UC 800 Plus

Series SHE7PT55UC, 800 Plus Series SHP7PT55UC, 800 Plus SHX8PT55UC, 800 Plus Series SHV7PT53UC

1,300 80

&N &N &M &M 125

All

SHX65T55UC, 500 Series DLX SHP65TL5UC, 500 Series SHE65T55UC

Bosch 500 Series SHP65T55UC 500 Series

900 80
80

&N &N &M &M 125

All

n d

10 LG Steam LDF7932[ST] 1,000 11 Miele Futura Dimension G5575SCSF Futura Dimension G5575SCVi, Futura Dimension 1,950 Plus G5775SC[ ], Futura Dimension
Plus G5705[ ], Futura Dimension G5505[ ]

&N &M &M &N 130 Some &N &N &M &M 150
All

80

n 12 Bosch 300 Series DLX d

SHX53TL5UC 300 Series SHE53T55UC, 300 Series DLX SHE53TL5UC, 300 Series SHP53T55UC, 300 Series DLX SHP53TL5UC, 300 Series DLX SHV53TL3UC, 300 Series SHX53T55UC, 300 Series SHV53T53UC KUDE50CX[SS]
KUDE20FX[ ], KUDE40FX[ ], KUDE48FX[ ], KUDE20IX[ ]

850 80

&N &N &C &M 125

All

n 13 KitchenAid d

1,350 79 1,500
79

&N &N &C &M 125 &N &M &N &C 145 &N &M &N &M 120 &N &N &M &M 110

n 14 KitchenAid d

KUDE50FBSS 800 Plus Series n 15 Bosch d SHX9ER5[5]UC 800 Plus

Some
All

n 16 Bosch Evolution 500 d

SHE55M1[2]UC

Series SHV9ER5[3]UC, 800 Plus Series SHE9ER5[5]UC

1,800 79 850
79

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Page 43 of 51
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DISHWASHERS

51

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features Ample flatware slots Adjustable upper rack Hidden controls

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

800 Series n 17 Bosch d SHE68T55UC 800 Series

CoNVENtIoNAL continued
DLX SHX68TL5UC, 800 Series DLX SHE68TL5UC, 800 Series SHX68T55UC, 800 Series SHV68T53UC

Washing Energy use Noise Ease of use Cycle time (min.) Sensor Self-cleaning filter Stainless-steel tub

$ 950 79 700 600 1,300

79 78 78

&N &N &M &M 125

All

All All All All All All

18 LG LDF6920[WW] 19 Whirlpool WDF735PABB 20 Thermador Emerald Series DWHD440MFM 21 Kenmore 1328[3] 22 Frigidaire Gallery FGHD2472PF 23 Bosch 500 Series SHX55R5[5]UC
1304[ ], 1327[ ]

&N &M &M &M 125 &N &N &C &M 130 &M &N &M &M 130 &N &N &C &M 120 &N &M &M &N 130 &N &N &M &M 110 &M &M &M &M 120 &N &N &C &M 115

650 77 700
76

24 Thermador DWHD651JFP DWHD651JFM 25 KitchenAid KUDE70FX[SS]

500 Series SHV55R5[3]UC, 500 Series SHE55R5[ ]UC

900 76 2,200 76 1,600 76 800 950 650

75 75 74

KUDE60FX[ ], KUDE60HX[ ]

26 Maytag MDB8959SBS 27 KitchenAid KUDS30SX[SS] 28 GE GDT550HSDSS 29 Bosch 300 Series SHX33RL[5]UC 300 Series

&N &M &C &M 115 All &N &M &C &M 115 Some &N &N &M &M 155 &N &N &M &C 110 &N &N &M &C 130 &N &M &C &M 145 &N N & M & C & 135 &M M & M & M & 145
All All Some

SHX33RF[ ]UC (Lowes), 300 Series SHE43RF[ ]UC (Lowes), 300 Series SHE43RL[ ]UC, 300 Series SHX43R5[ ]UC, 300 Series SHX43RL[5]UC, 300 Series SHE43R5[ ]UC

720 74

All

30 Kenmore 15693 31 Miele Futura Crystal G5105SC

Futura Crystal G5175SC

850

74

All

1,530 74
73 72

32 Kenmore Elite 1396[3] 1,000 33 LG LDF7551[ST] LDF7561[ST] 900

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52

CONSUMER REPORtS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features Ample flatware slots Adjustable upper rack Hidden controls

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

34 Bosch Integra 800 Plus SHX58E2[5]UC 800 Plus

Series SHV7ER5[ ]UC, 800 Plus Series SHE7ER5[ ]UC, 800 Plus Series SHX7ER5[ ]UC, 800 Plus Series SHX8ER5[ ]UC, 800 Plus Series SHE8ER5[ ]UC

CoNVENtIoNAL continued
$1,500 72

Washing Energy use Noise Ease of use Cycle time (min.) Sensor Self-cleaning filter Stainless-steel tub

&M &M &M &M 125 &M &M &M &M 145

All

35 LG LDF8072[ST] 1,100 LDF8574[ST] 36 Samsung 750 DMT800RH[W] 800 37 LG LDS5540ST 38 Dacor Renaissance 1,700 RDW24S Distinctive DDW24S 39 GE GDF540HSD[SS] 600 GDF540HGD[ ] 40 GE GDWT668V[SS] GDWT368V[SS], GDWT308V[ ], 800 41 GE Profile DWT580V[SS]
Monogram ZBD8900V[ ], Profile PDWT500V[ ], Profile PDWT 480V[SS], Cafe CDWT980V[SS], Monogram ZBD6900V[ ], Monogram ZBD6920V[SS], Monogram ZBD7920V[SS], Monogram ZBD8920V[SS] GDWT608V[ ], GDWT708V[ ]

72 72 71 71 71 70

All All All

& &M &C &N 120 N &M &M &M &N 145 &N &M &C &M 150 &M &M &M &C 150 &M &M &C &M 135

All

1,450 70

&M &M &M &N 110

All

42 KitchenAid KUDS30FX[SS]

43 Miele Futura Classic G4205SC 44 GE Profile PDWT200V[WW]

KUDS30CX[ ], KUDC10IX[ ], KUDC10FX[ ], KUDS30IX[ ]

850 70 1,000
70

&N &M &C &M 115 &N &M &M &C 145

All

Profile PDWT380V[SS], Profile PDWT300V[ ], Profile PDWT180V[SS], Profile PDWT100V[ ], Profile PDWT280V[SS], Cafe CDWT280V[SS]

850 69

&M &M &C &M 140 &M &N &M &M 130

All

45 Asko D5894XXL[HS]

2,400

69

All

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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DISHWASHERS

53

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features Ample flatware slots Adjustable upper rack Hidden controls

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

46 GE GDF520PSD[SS]

CoNVENtIoNAL continued
GDF510PGD[ ], GDT530PSD[SS], GDF520PGD[ ], GDF510PSD[SS], GDF510PMD[SA]

Washing Energy use Noise Ease of use Cycle time (min.) Sensor Self-cleaning filter Stainless-steel tub

$ 500 69 1,350 700

68 68

&M &M &M &C 150 &N &M &C &M 150 &M &N &C &M 115 &M &N &M &M 130 Some
All

47 Asko D5634XXL[HS] 48 Whirlpool Gold WDT770PAY[M] 49 Miele Futura Diamond G5975SCSF 50 GE GDWF100V[WW] 51 Frigidaire Gallery FGHD2465N[F]
Futura Diamond G5915SCi GHDT108V[ ] (Home Depot), GHDT168V[SS] (Home Depot), GDWF160V[ ]

2,700 67 600 67 600 66 1,550 350

66 66

All

&M &M &C &C 110 &M &M &C &M 130 &N &M &M &C 170 &N &C &C &C 155
Some All

53 Jenn-Air Trifecta JDB8700AW[P] 54 Frigidaire Gallery FGBD2431K[W] 55 Frigidaire Gallery FGBD2432K[W] Gallery

Professional FPHD2485N[F]

BBBD2432K[ ] (Best Buy), Gallery LGBD2432K[ ] (Lowes), Gallery DGBD2432K[ ]

400 66
66 65 65 65

&M &M &C &M 145 &M &N &M &M 105 &M &M &C &M 120 & &N &C &M 130 M &M &N &M &M 120 &N &N &M &M 120 &M &N &C &M 135 &M &M &C &C 105 &M &N &C &C 105
All

56 Scholtes LFDS3XL60HZ 1,400 57 Frigidaire Gallery 550 FGBD2445N[F] 58 Kenmore 1326[3] 750 1325[ ], 1329[ ] 59 Smeg STA8614XU 60 Bosch Ascenta DLX SHX4AT75UC 61 Whirlpool WDL785SAAM 62 Maytag MDB4709PA[M]
MDB6769PA[ ] Ascenta SHX4AT55UC

1,000

All All

700 64 875
64

550 64 440 63

63 Whirlpool Gold WDF530PAY[W]

Gold WDT710PAY[ ]

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54

CONSUMER REPORtS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features Ample flatware slots Adjustable upper rack Hidden controls

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

64 GE Monogram ZBD9900R[II] 65 Samsung DW7933LRA[SR] 66 LG LDF9932[ST] 67 Jenn-Air Trifecta JDB8200AW[S] 68 Whirlpool Gold WDF730PAY[M] 69 Viking D3 Series RDDB301[SS]
D3 Series RDDB201[ ], Professional VDB301[ ]

CoNVENtIoNAL continued
$1,800 600 1,300 1,200 600
62 62 62 61 61

Washing Energy use Noise Ease of use Cycle time (min.) Sensor Self-cleaning filter Stainless-steel tub

&M &M &M &C 180

All

&M &M &C &M 150 &M &M &M &M 140 &M &M &M &C 170 &M &N &C &M 115 &M &M &C &M 155 &N &M &M &M 205 &M &M &C &M 135 &M &M &C &M 170 &M &C &C &M 180 &M &N &M &C 125 &M &M &V &C 115 &M &M &C &C 140 &M &N &C &M 90 &M &M &C &V 130 &M &M &C &M 120 & M M & C & V & 125

All All

1,450 61
61 61 60 60 59 59 58 58 57 57 55 55

All All

70 Viking Professional 1,950 VDB451[SS] FDB451 71 Frigidaire Gallery 450 FGHD2433K[F] 72 Samsung 500 DMT300RF[W] 73 Frigidaire Professional 650 FPHD2491K[F] 74 Electrolux Wave-Touch 1,200 EWDW6505G[S] 75 Jenn-Air 1,100 JDB3200AW[W] 76 Maytag 380 MDB4409PA[W] 77 GE GLD5766V[SS] GLD5606V[ ], GLD5666V[SS], 520 78 Electrolux IQ EIDW5905J[S] 79 Frigidaire Gallery FGBD2438PF 80 Fagor LFA-086XL 81 Frigidaire Gallery FGBD2434PF
GLD5708V[ ], GLD5604V[ ]

Some

All All All

&M &M &M &N 135

All All

1,000 500 1,300 400

All

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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55

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features Ample flatware slots Adjustable upper rack Hidden controls

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

CoNVENtIoNAL continued
$ 300 1,400 1,000 400 380 650 650
54 54 53 53 52 52 48

82 Amana ADB1100AWW 83 Electrolux Icon EDW7505HP[S] 84 Blomberg DWT57500[SS] 85 Frigidaire Gallery FGBD2435N[W] 86 Frigidaire FFBD2409L[S] 87 Ikea Nutid 88 Summit DW2432SS 89 Haier DWL3225SD[SS] 90 Haier DWL7075MC[SS] 91 Viking Professional VDB450E[SS] 92 Blomberg DWT55100[SS] 94 Kenmore 15112 95 Whirlpool Gold WDT910SAY[M] Gold WDF96 Blomberg DWT24100[SS] 97 Ikea Renlig 802.222.43 98 Hotpoint HDA3600DWW
750SAY[ ], Gold WDT790SAY[ ] Designer Series DFB450E DWL4035MC[ ] DWL2825DD[ ]

Washing Energy use Noise Ease of use Cycle time (min.) Sensor Self-cleaning filter Stainless-steel tub

&M &M &V &V 160 &C &M &M &N 125 &C &N &C &M 125 &M &M &C &C 135 &M &M &C &C 125 &M &M &V &C 125 &C &N &C &C 110 &C &M &C &C 120 &C &C &C &C 120 &C &M &C &M 170 &C &N &C &M 125 & N C & C & V & 110 &C &N &M &M 125
All All All All

480 45 750 44 1,800 44 850 300

44 43

All All All

800 43 600 500 380

43 43 38

&C &M &C &M 110 &C &N &V &V 120 &C &N &V &V 110

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is mostly washing performance and includes noise, energy and water use, and loading. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Washing is normal-cycle results with a very dirty full load. Energy use is energy and water use for a normal cycle. Noise covers listener judgments during fill, wash, and drain. Ease of use considers convenience of controls and the ability to hold extra place settings and oversized items. Cycle time (min.) is based on a normal cycle, including heated dry, where that feature is available. Under brand & model, bracketed letters or numbers mean color code. Price is approximate retail.

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56

CONSUMER REPORtS BUYING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results

Features Ample flatware slots Adjustable upper rack Hidden controls All

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

99 Whirlpool WDF310PAA[W]

CoNVENtIoNAL continued
WDF310PLA[ ], WDF310PCA[ ]

$ 350 35 310 380 260

34 34

100 Frigidaire FBD2400KS 101 Amana ADB1400PY[S] 102 Amana ADB1000AWW

&C &N &V &V 90 & &N &V &C 115 V 23 &V &N &B &V 80 doNt bUY: PERfoRmANcE pRobLEm This model repeatedly drenched our floor with water while operating. Fagor LFA-65SS 1,000 NA NA NA NA 0

B
1 2

DIshwAshER dRAwERs
Fisher & Paykel DD24DCTX7 KitchenAid KUDD03DT[WH] 1,300 1,550
66 43

Washing Energy use Noise Ease of use Cycle time (min.) Sensor Self-cleaning filter Stainless-steel tub

&V &N &V &V 115

&M &M &C &C 110 &M &C &C &C 125

Some

Most & Least Reliable DISHWASHERS

Fewer repairs More repairs

Bosch Whirlpool Miele Kenmore GE KitchenAid Asko Amana Frigidaire Fisher & Paykel Maytag LG
0% 5%

8 8 9 10 12 12 13 14 15 16 16 20
10% 15% 20% 25%

Choosing a dishwasher with a good repair history can improve your odds of getting a reliable model. So each year we survey thousands of our readers about their experiences. LG was the least reliable dishwasher brand in our latest survey. We lacked enough data to include Samsung and Electrolux in the chart, but our analysis shows both brands have been repair-prone. Our ndings are based on more than 86,000 dishwashers readers bought new between 2008 and 2012. Differences of fewer than 4 points arent meaningful. Data are adjusted to eliminate differences linked solely to the dishwashers age and use. Note that models within a brand may vary, and design or manufacturing changes may affect future reliability.
Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

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GAS GRILLS

63

Quick Guide

GAS GRILLS

You dont have to spend a fortune to get greattasting grilled food, and many lower-priced grills now have side burners and other perks once found only on the priciest of grills. What to look for

Burners made of highquality stainless steel, cast iron, or cast brass, which typ ically carry a 10-year or longer warranty Stainless-steel and castiron grates for sturdiness and rust-resistance (youll need to oil uncoated cast grates) A battery-powered electronic igniter, usually easier and more reliable than pushbutton or rotary starters Side burners to handle the veggies while the burgers cook; some can sear meat
Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank Price

What to skip

Buying by Btu, because more Btu/hr. doesnt guarantee faster preheating or better searing and cooking
What youll pay

Shopping tip
Large grills t 30 or more burgers; a medium ts 16 to 30, based on our measurements of main cooking area.

Figure on $300 to $600 for a grill that can handle most of your cooking needs; some include stainless trim at that price. Sev eral midsized grills that cost less than $600 outcooked models that cost hundreds of dollars more.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/grills

Scan this or see how, page 11

Recommended models only From 165 tested.

Overall score

Test results Preheat performance High temp evenness Low temp evenness Indirect cooking

Features Convenience Stainless-steel grates Coated-cast-iron grates All or mostly stainless Long-warranty burners Side burner

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

A LARGE n 1 Jenn-Air 720-0709 c

(Sams Club)
720-0709B (Sams Club)

$950 77
77

&M &N &M &M &C &M &N &M &M &C &M &N &M &M &M

720-0709C 800 n 2 KitchenAid c (Sams Club)

n 3 c

Grand Hall Grand Tech

500 76

Ratings Key NExcellent MVery good 3Good 2Fair 1Poor c CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. d Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

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64

CONSUMER REPORTS BUyING GUIDE 2014

Brand & model Recommended Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model. Rank

Price

Overall score

Test results Preheat performance High temp evenness Low temp evenness Indirect cooking

Features Convenience Stainless-steel grates Coated-cast-iron grates All or mostly stainless Long-warranty burners Side burner

0 100 P | F | G | Vg | E

B MIDsIZE n 1 Weber Spirit SP-320 d

46700401

n 2 Vermont Castings d
Signature Series VCS300SSP Genesis S-330 n 3 Weber d Genesis S-310
Signature Series VCS323SSP

Spirit SP-310 46500401

$600 83 950 80
79 78

&M &N &N &N &N &M &N &N &N &C &M &N &N &C &N &M &N &N &N &C &M &M &N &M &N &M &N &M &M &C &M N & N & C & N & & M M & N & M & C &

950 Red n 4 Char-Broil c 463250511 (Home 400 Depot) Gourmet TRU-Infrared

n 5 Weber Spirit E-320 d

46710001

463251713 (Home Depot)

n 6 Brinkmann c

Spirit E-310 46510001

820 77 260 76 800 75 350 74

810-2545-C (Walmart)
810-2546-C (Walmart)

Genesis E-330 n 7 Weber d Genesis E-320, Genesis E-310

n 8 Kenmore 16142 c
46310001 Spirit S-210 46110001, Spirit E-210 46110001 SE325PK

C PoRtAblE oR smAll n 1 Weber Spirit E-220 d 450 n 2 Napoleon Terrace d

79

&M &N &N &M &N &M &M &N &M &C

600 72

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based on performance, convenience, and features. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points. Preheat performance indicates how hot the grills surface is, and how quickly and evenly it reached that temperature after 10 minutes of preheating. High-temp and low-temp evenness is measured across the grills surface using thermocouples. Indirect cooking indicates how well the grill will slow-cook food when only some of the burners are on and the food isnt placed directly over the ames. Convenience is an evaluation of construction, materials, and features. Price is approximate retail. Not every model with a rotisserie burner comes with a rotisserie motor and spit.

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