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The Biggest Buying Mistakes Just In Time for Holiday Entertaining


Yonkers, NY — Just in time for the holidays, Consumer Reports’ December issue provides consumers with a year’s worth of appliance testing models that blend performance, value and brand reliability. Along with the cream of the crop of kitchen appliances, Consumer Reports looks at the most common goofs when shopping for appliances and ways to avoid making those mistakes.

“Our brand-repair histories are culled from approximately 450,000 respondents reporting on nearly 2.5 million appliances,” said Robert Markovich, editor at Consumer Reports. “Choosing a reliable brand will boost a consumer’s odds of getting a reliable model and in the end often save consumers money.”

Below are the other most common buying mistakes and select Ratings for appliances, gas grills, and vacuums—and some smart moves that will help consumers avoid the “gotchas” before getting to the store:

RANGES, COOKTOPS, & WALL OVENS

Putting “pro” over performance: Consumer Reports tests continue to show that $4,000-plus professional-style ranges perform no better than conventional models and are often out-cooked by mainstream ranges that cost thousands of dollars less.

Smart move: Choose a high-performing, mid-priced range or wall oven with stainless-steel trim and other pro-style features for a fraction of the cost.

* 30-inch-wide, electric cooktop – Kenmore (Sears) 4273[2], $600, is a CR Best Buy and has a higher-watt element with slightly faster heating.
* 36-inch-wide gas cooktop – Maytag MGC6536BD[W], $720, is a lower-price option and a CR Best Buy.
* 30-inch-wide electric wall oven – KitchenAid Superba KEBC107K[WH], $1,600, this model has a larger oven cavity—a plus if cooking for a crowd.

Paying for unnecessary features: Bigger may seem better when it comes to range elements. But 12-inch versions are larger than most pots and are likely to be more than a consumer needs. Faster isn’t necessarily better, either. While convection can speed roasting, it’s pricey (an extra $250 or so) and its fans tend to steal oven space.

Smart move: Decide how much range is really needed. Consumers should look for labor-savers such as continuous grates for sliding heavy pots, expandable elements for different-sized cookware, and digital readouts for more precise oven temperatures.

* Gas Ranges – Hotpoint RGB745WEH[WW], $550, a CR Best Buy; for optional stainless trim, choose the GE JGBP35WEJ[WW], $800.
* Electric Smoothtops – Kenmore (Sears) 9641[2], $750, a CR Best Buy and was fastest at cooktop heating.

MICROWAVE OVENS


Believing oven-capacity claims: Manufacturers’ measurements – microwave-oven capacity by including wasted, unusable space in the corners – actual cubic feet of usable space can be a fraction of those claims.

Smart move: Consumers should bring their favorite casserole or other cooking plate to the store to see that it fits the microwave oven they’re considering and if it can move with the turntable or sliding tray.

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Over-the-range microwave oven – LG LMV2053[SB], $300, is a CR Best Buy; the roomier Kenmore (Sears) Elite 8083[9], $530 came relatively close to its capacity claims and uses a sliding tray that slides from side to side to handle larger plates.






VACUUMS

Buying into allergy claims: A growing number of vacuums claim to filter allergens. But practically any vacuum should be able to handle pollen, mold spores, and other such particles, since they’re large enough to fall to the floor where they’re easy to capture.

Smart move: Consumers should check out Consumer Reports ratings for models that did well at cleaning carpets and floors and also check out dust-emissions scores for models that don’t spew out what they pick up.

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Upright Vacuums – Eureka Boss SmartVac Ultra 4870, $150, a CR Best Buy.






REFRIGERATORS

Forgetting to measure the kitchen space: Consumers should know ahead of time that they need a 33-inch-wide fridge between the countertop and wall before the store delivers a 36-inch model.

Smart move: Measure the available width before going to the store. CR also recommends measuring the space needed to open the refrigerator and freezer doors as well as the heights and widths of the doorways and the route the new fridge will travel when it’s delivered.

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Bottom-Freezer Models – GE Profile PFS22MIS[WW], $1,600 (33-inch), this model provides the convenience of a bottom freezer, with French-style doors.






WASHING MACHINES & DRYERS

Cheaping out on washers: Tougher energy standards have made it harder for washing machines to deliver efficiency and a clean-yet-gentle wash.

Smart move: Consumers who want more than just mediocre washing should count on spending at least $700 for a top-loader and $1,000 or more for a more-efficient, front-loading machine.

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Front-Loading Washers – Bosch Nexxt 500 Series WFMC3301UC, $1,100, outperformed the latest high efficiency top-loading machines, holds less but offers higher efficiency.

Insisting on a matched set: More than half of washers and dryers are now bought as a set, but that doesn’t make “matching” a good idea.

Smart move: Save hundreds—and get better performance—by choosing a competent washer and dryer separately, whether they’re from the same brand or not. And begin by buying the best-performing washer, since a model that extracts more water will help the dryer dry better and faster with less energy.

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Dryer – GE DBVH512EF[WW], $700, has a moisture sensor, which accurately gauges when laundry is dry and shuts off the dryer. It is also quieter.






DISHWASHERS

Forgetting the flexibility features: Consumers will find at least a few competent dishwashers for well under $500. But because many lack flexible loading features, consumers could get less loading space than they bargained for.

Smart move: Unless dishwashing needs are modest, consumers should look for flatware slots and stemware holders, which improve cleaning and protect dinnerware, along with adjustable racks and tines for loading different-size dishes. Also, CR recommends bringing a few different sized dishes and cookware to the store to check fit—and flexibility.

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Well-Equipped Models – Kenmore (Sears) 1374[2], $700, a CR Best Buy, blends performance and flexible loading features.

GRILLS

Overpaying for an uber grill: Consumers may shell out $3,000 or more for models from Viking and other names more familiar in high-end kitchens. But those Consumer Reports tested were out-grilled by models costing thousands less.

Smart move: Top-performing large grills that can feed 30 people or more still cost as little as $500 or so, while smaller ones are priced as low as $300 and include enough stainless steel to impress the neighbors.

* Medium-Sized Grills (room for 24 burgers) – Char-Broil 463268007 (Lowe’s), $300, a CR Best Buy. Most models are mostly stainless-steel and have long-warranty burners.

The Consumer Reports December issue also includes the top choices from the latest tests of coffeemakers, toasters and toaster ovens and microwaves. The issue is available wherever magazines are sold. Consumers can also access the reports online at ConsumerReports.org.