CONSUMER REPORTS-AUGUST 2021

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CRM18C2

Contents AUGUST 2021, VOL. 86 NO. 8

Something Broke? P. 42 PRODUCTS RATED
When to repair IN THIS ISSUE
or buy new—and
how to navigate
appliance shortages.

MATTRESSES
P. 10

CHAINSAWS
P. 11

WEBCAMS
P. 13

26 Better Internet 36 Life Lessons 42 Fix It or Ditch It? BLENDERS
for Less Money From the Pandemic P. 17
Broken appliance? Here’s
Most Americans say their CR looks at what we’ve what to do first. Plus: The most
internet service is as learned from the pandemic, and least reliable brands.
important as electricity or and how to use those
water. Here’s how to improve newfound skills in the future. R AT I N G S
your coverage without
busting your budget—and what 50 Build a
CR is doing to get everyone Healthier Salad
faster, cheaper service.
Turn that bowl of greens
R AT I N G S into a truly satisfying meal
with these tasty, good-for-
you fixings. Then check out
17 CR-tested dressings, rated
for both nutrition and flavor.

R AT I N G S

FORD MUSTANG MACH-E
P. 63

AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 3

Contents

P. 56 7 Building a

Safer Cycling Better World, Together
Check out innovations We’re fighting for infant safety,
like a sensor that detects electric car reforms, and better
when it’s okay to open enforcement of product recalls.
your car door.
8 Your Feedback
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 13 CR Insights P. 21
Readers’ comments about
10 What We’re How to fix a dented bumper our recent content.
at home, decoding confusing
Testing in Our Labs … labels on milk, budget-friendly 20 Recalls
Robotic vacuums, affordable blenders, and seven dressers 66 Index
toaster ovens, headphones that failed CR’s tip-over tests. 67 Selling It
for $50 or less, portable
air conditioners, and more. R AT I N G S ROAD REPORT

RATIN GS PRODUCT UPDATE IN EVERY ISSUE 55 Ahead of the Curve

12 Ask Our Experts 21 Is Your (Indoor) 6 From the President: Auto ratings, news, and advice.

Why children should get Air Fit to Breathe? Getting the Internet 56 What’s Next
vaccinated against COVID 19, The best air purifiers for We Need
an easy way to save on gas, removing pet dander, dust, Join our drive for more in Car Safety?
and the risks of “buy now, smoke, and other pollutants. accessible service for all. Six lifesaving innovations,
pay later” online deals. from “smart” headlights
RATI N GS to sensors that spot hard-to-
see pedestrians.

62 How to Get the

Best Car Insurance
What to skip, where you can
save, and when to pay more.

63 Road Test

We test the Acura MDX,
Buick Envision, Ford Mustang
Mach-E, and Polestar 2.

R AT I N G S

ABOUT CONSUMER REPORTS products we rate. We don’t receive fees from these programs. For more information, go to [email protected].
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4 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021

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AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 5

From the President President and CEO Marta L. Tellado

Getting the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Leonora Wiener
Internet We Need Vice President, Chief Content Officer Gwendolyn Bounds

ACCESS TO HIGH-SPEED Editorial Director, Print Ellen Kunes
internet has been a game Deputy Editors, Print Amanda Lecky, Diane Umansky, Natalie van der Meer
changer for so many of
us over the past year— Associate Design Director Mike Smith Creative Director, Brand Young Kim
making it possible to take Art Directors Patty Alvarez, Tammy Morton Fernandez, Ewelina Mrowiec
part in vital activities, Photo Editors Lacey Browne, Emilie Harjes, Karen Shinbaum
including attending
school, seeking medical Senior Director, Content Development Glenn Derene
treatment, and working Deputy Director, Content Development Christopher Kirkpatrick
or interviewing for jobs. Associate Directors, Content Development Scott Billings, Althea Chang-Cook
Enterprise Kevin Doyle, Editor; Perry Santanachote, Writer/Reporter
But unlike water, Senior Director, Content Impact & Corporate Outreach Jen Shecter
electricity, or even phone Special Projects Joel Keehn, Director; Margot Gilman, Associate Director;
service, high-speed Lisa L. Gill, Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Brian Vines, Deputies; Ryan Felton,
internet isn’t treated as Scott Medintz, Donna Rosato, Writers
the must-have utility it is. Editorial Director, Digital Erle Norton
As a result, consumers are Senior Director, Product Testing Maria Rerecich
too often at the mercy of internet service providers that call Associate General Counsel Camille Calman
the shots on where they deliver service, at what speed, and Director, Lab Operations Lilian Kayizzi
at what cost. I found this out myself last year while wrestling
with painfully slow internet service at my home in rural New CARS: Editors/Writers: Keith Barry, Jeff S. Bartlett, Jonathan Linkov, Mike
York state. The local provider said the only option was for Monticello, Benjamin Preston Auto Test Center: Jake Fisher, Senior Director;
my neighbors and me to spend tens of thousands of dollars Jennifer Stockburger, Director Product Testing: Michael Bloch, Steve Elek,
to cover the cost of upgrading service, which included Kelly Funkhouser, John Ibbotson, Chris Jones, Alex Knizek, Anita Lam, Gene
digging a trench up our dirt road. We ended up hiring a local Petersen, Ryan Pszczolkowski, Mike Quincy, Gabriel Shenhar, Shawn Sinclair,
contractor to do it for far less, knowing full well that we were Emily A. Thomas, Joe Veselak
fortunate to be able to broker this solution. But we need to
do better for communities all across the country. HEALTH & FOOD: Lauren F. Friedman, Content Lead Editors/Writers: Trisha
It is simply unacceptable that some 42 million Americans Calvo, Jennifer Cook, Kevin Loria, Catherine Roberts Policy Lead: Brian Ronholm
lack the ability to subscribe to broadband internet at home,
according to research and advocacy group BroadbandNow— HOME & APPLIANCE: Sara Morrow, Content Lead Editors/Writers: Daisy Chan,
and that still more families, struggling to make ends meet, Tanya Christian, Mary Farrell, Keith Flamer, Paul Hope, Haniya Rae, Daniel
just can’t afford it. To make matters worse, we often have no Wroclawski Product Testing: John Galeotafiore, Emilio Gonzalez, James Nanni,
real choice of service providers or transparency on pricing. Testing Leads; John Banta, Susan Booth, Tara Casaregola, Lawrence Ciufo,
Even as we turn a corner on the pandemic, we need to Enrique de Paz, Bernard Deitrick, Cindy Fisher, Rich Handel, Misha Kollontai,
ensure that everyone has access to affordable high-speed Ginny Lui, Joan Muratore, Joseph Pacella, Christopher Regan, Frank Spinelli,
internet. That’s why CR members and others are joining Dave Trezza Market Analysts: Mark Allwood, Kelly Moomey, Courtney
our Broadband Together initiative. Consumers around Pennicooke, Antonella Pomilla, Marion Wilson-Spencer
the country will test their internet speeds and share copies
of their bills, so we can bring more transparency to the MONEY: Editors/Writers: Tobie Stanger, Penelope Wang Policy Lead: Anna Laitin
fight for fair internet. I invite you to join this effort to
make affordable internet service available to all. Please TECH: Jerry Beilinson, Content Lead Editors/Writers: Octavio Blanco, Nicholas
go to broadbandtogether.org. De Leon, Bree Fowler, Thomas Germain, Yael Grauer, Chris Raymond, Allen St.
John, Kaveh Waddell, James K. Willcox Product Testing: Richard Fisco, Glen
Marta L. Tellado, Rockford, Michael Visconti, Testing Leads; Elias Arias, Antonette Asedillo, Steve PHOTO: MELANIE DUNEA
President and CEO Blair, Claudio Ciacci, Charles Davidman, Cody Feng, Bill Fitzgerald, Fred Garcia,
Follow me on Twitter Henry Parra, Richard Sulin, Maurice Wynn Market Analysts: Min Kim Bryant,
Odalys Grieco, Nish Suvarnakar Policy Lead: Justin Brookman
@MLTellado
Chief Scientific Officer James H. Dickerson
Food Safety James E. Rogers, Director; Tunde Akinleye, Amy Keating, Sana Mujahid
Product Safety Ashita Kapoor, Associate Director; Juan A. Arguello

Content Operations Robert Kanell, Director
Copy Editing Leslie Monthan, Copy Chief; Noreen Browne, Alison France,
Wendy Greenfield
Fact Checking & Research David Schipper, Associate Director; Tracy Anderman,
Sarah Goralski, Christine Gordon, Karen Jacob, Jamison Pfeifer
Premedia William Breglio, Associate Director; Eugene Chin, William Hunt,
Anthony Terzo
Planning & Production Nancy Crowfoot, Associate Director; Eric Norlander,
Manager; Letitia Hughes, Terri Kazin, Aileen McCluskey

Photography John Powers, John Walsh
Imaging Francisco Collado, Mark Linder

Chief Research Officer Kristen Purcell
Consumer Engagement Testing Charu Ahuja, Director; Linda Greene, Dana Keester
Statistics & Data Science Michael Saccucci, Director; Debasmita Das, Kristen
Dorrell, Dina Haner, Keith Newsom-Stewart
Survey Research Karen Jaffe, Simon Slater, Associate Directors; Dave Gopoian,
Kendra Johnson, Debra Kalensky, Martin Lachter, Jane Manweiler, John McCowen,
Adam Troy, Tian Wang, Tess Yanisch

Consumer Insight Frank Yang, Associate Director; Ipsita Arora
Member Support Sue Melfi, Director; Donna Murianka
Marketing Dawn Nelson, Senior Director
Procurement Operations Steven Schiavone, Associate Director
Administration Decarris Bryant, Dawn Yancy Elleby

VICE PRESIDENTS: Financial Planning & Analysis JoAnne Boyd; Chief Digital
Officer Jason Fox; Advocacy David Friedman; Chief Intelligence Officer
Esther Han; General Counsel Michael Hubner; Research, Testing & Insights
Liam McCormack; Chief Human Resources Officer Rafael Pérez; Chief
Marketing Officer Lauren Stanich; Chief Social Impact Officer Shar Taylor;
SVP, Chief Financial Officer Eric Wayne

6 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021

Building a Better World, Together    Join with us to make a safer, fairer, healthier marketplace

Removing 100 infant deaths have been ACTION strong minimum safety
associated with inclined standards, and draws a clear
Risky Products sleepers and at least 23 deaths UPDATE line between products that
with unregulated flat sleep are safe for sleep and those
what’s at stake products, such as in-bed In our February issue we that are not. The rule will take
Exercise equipment company sleepers. These products all told you about a rule, put effect in about a year.
Peloton recalled its Tread+ have features that can limit a into place by the Consumer what you can do
and Tread treadmills May 5, baby’s ability to breathe freely Financial Protection We urge caregivers to follow
after the Tread+ was linked to and can lead to suffocation. Bureau last October, that the AAP’s recommendations
dozens of injuries to children, how cr has your back will allow debt collectors and immediately stop using
including one death. These dangers were brought to contact consumers any product for infant sleep
to light by a multiyear CR via email, text message, that does not adhere to them.
It was a sharp reversal for investigation, which drew on and even social media
Peloton, which refused to the experience of parents of messaging—and call them Energizing the
act in April when the Consumer babies who died while placed up to seven times a week
Product Safety Commission in some of these products. for each debt—all without Case for EVs
issued an urgent warning confirming that money
for the Tread+. Many inclined sleepers is actually owed. In May, what’s at stake
how cr has your back were subsequently recalled or CR formally asked the More than 70 percent of
CR advocates say the standoff removed from the market, but CFPB to rescind the rule consumers are interested in
with Peloton reveals a major other products remained on and further limit abusive buying or leasing an electric
gap in the CPSC’s authority: sale. So CR has continued to collection practices. vehicle (EV), according to CR’s
It can’t force a company to advocate for rules that would And we delivered the nationally representative 2020
recall a product without taking require all infant sleep products signatures of almost survey of 3,392 U.S. drivers.
it to court, even when the on the market to follow the 180,000 consumers in And for good reason: Though
agency’s safety experts have safe-sleep recommendations support of our request. the purchase price of an EV
tied a hazardous product to from the American Academy (You can add your is typically higher than that
deaths or serious injuries. of Pediatrics (AAP), which says name to the petition at of an equivalent gas-powered
infants should sleep alone, CR.org/debt0821.) If vehicle, recent CR research
“It shouldn’t have required so on their back, on a firm, flat the CFPB does not take shows that EVs come out
much time and effort to get this surface with no extra bedding. action, the rule will go into ahead when you factor in total
product recalled,” says William effect in November. ownership costs, including
Wallace, CR’s manager of safety On June 2, the CPSC voted fuel and maintenance—saving
policy. “The CPSC needs the in favor of such a rule. Among owners $6,000 to $10,000 over
ability to take quicker, more other things, it requires infant the course of an EV’s life span.
forceful action when a product sleepers to comply with how cr has your back
is putting people at risk.” CR is pushing for numerous
reforms to help meet the
In addition to urging these demand for EVs. One of our
reforms, CR is backing a bill in advocates, alongside CR
Congress that would eliminate members, testified in June at
the controversial Section an Environmental Protection
6(b) of the federal Consumer Agency hearing in support of
Product Safety Act, which states’ authority to set stricter
severely restricts the CPSC’s emissions standards and
ability to disclose data and establish clean car programs.
warn the public of risks. In addition, Virginia recently
what you can do became the 14th state to adopt
Consumers can get a full a CR-endorsed program that
refund at support.onepeloton. will make it easier to purchase
com until Nov. 6, 2022, and a electric and low-emissions
partial refund after that date. vehicles, and a judge recently
cleared the way for Minnesota
Making Infant Less Costly EVs for All to become the 15th.
CR is pushing to make what you can do
Sleep Safer electric vehicles more Check out CR’s latest electric
accessible nationwide. and hybrid vehicle ratings at
what’s at stake CR.org/ev0821.
For far too long, unregulated
infant sleep products have
put babies in danger. Almost

ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN RITTER AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 7

Your Feedback

RE: PORTABLE movie projec-
tors. Using a white sheet works
almost as well as a screen.
—Margie Scott, via Facebook

Our June cover story, “CR’s Great Outdoors Guide,” EDITOR’S NOTE Absolutely! The
offered smart ideas and products for making the most key to using a sheet is to pull it
of your summer. Here, readers discuss the best grilling tight. But it also helps if you iron
techniques and DIY backyard movie night setups. To add it first with heavy starch. Then,
your voice to the discussion, go to CR.org/outside0821. if you’re attaching the sheet to
a wall, try using heavy double-
FOR MANY YEARS, I would make costly equipment. I’ve done this EDITOR’S NOTE If you need stick tape around the edges to
my own pizza crust on a charcoal on a little 12-inch kettle-type grill to add charcoal coals to your get it as flat as possible. Or, if
grill (can be done easily on gas, and our 22-inch charcoal grills! Kamado Joe while you’re already you’re handy, you can DIY your
too). Lay it down on a heated Tastes just perfect. cooking, it is indeed tricky— own makeshift screen frame for
charcoal grill grate, browning —Darlene Raunio, via Facebook because you’ll need to remove the sheet: CR technolo y editor
slightly on one side, turn it over hot racks. In our tests of the James Willcox built a frame, then
and grill a slight bit darker on the THE BEST WAY to cook veggies Kamado Joe, which has two half- stapled the sheet to the frame
other side. Bring inside and place is not on a charcoal grill grates, we added charcoal by with an industrial-grade stapler,
olive oil, sauce, toppings, plus but on an electric one, if you moving our food to one half, then stretching the sheet as tight as
cheese(s) on the slightly darker must. But I prefer steamed removing the other half of the possible. Then he clamped the
side. (Prepare your toppings or wokked veggies—good for grate with mitts to add the coal. frame to a deck railing and was
beforehand.) Then slide the you and delicious! We then replaced the grate and ready for showtime.
crust with toppings onto the hot —Bejot Cat, via Facebook moved the food back to continue
grill, lower the hood, and watch cooking. We took this process TIRE
closely until nicely browned ... WE LOVE our combo gas/ into account in our convenience REPAIRS
Voila! Perfect grilled pizza while charcoal Weber grill. No fluid score—though it was still easier
camping and no need for other needed, real charcoal taste, than adding coals on some other YOUR JUNE 2021 ARTICLE “Can
super-easy to start. kamado-style grills we’ve tested. Tire Sealants Really Fix a Flat?”
WRITE Go to —William Roman, via Facebook To avoid adding coals while raised a question. My 2010 ICONS: ELIAS STEIN
CR.org/lettertoeditor cooking, fill your Kamado Joe to Toyota Prius is not unusual
to share your comments HOW DO YOU add coals easily to capacity—it should hold enough in having a tire-pressure
for publication. the Kamado Joe grill? charcoal to cook for 12 hours or warning in the dash display.
—Russell Toon, via Facebook so without needing more. This suggests that there are
pressure sensors in the wheels.
Will sealants damage those
sensors, or require they receive
special treatment while the tire
is off for permanent repair or
replacement to ensure accuracy
and reliability for future use?
—Norman Birnbaum,
Indianapolis

EDITOR’S NOTE Most tire sealant
products, including those we
reviewed, are claimed to be safe
for tire pressure monitoring
systems (TPMS). That said,
sealants work by coating the
inside of the tire and wheel
with a messy residue that can
potentially gum up the TPMS,
risking erroneous readings. So

8 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021

a tire shop will need to clean tire using a plug and patch, and HOW OFTEN last seven to eight days. Every
out all the sealant when it fixes this requires removing the tire DO YOU STEP ON Sunday I replace them, even if
or replaces your tire, which it from the wheel for inspection YOUR SCALE? the aids do not alert me. I also
may charge you extra for. (But if and repair. In many cases, carry extras in my pocket.
using a tire sealant helps get you a puncture may warrant a full Regarding “The Most —Stephen DeBaun, Woodbury, N J
safely to the repair shop, it can be replacement of the tire. Accurate Bathroom Scales”
worth the added expense.) Once (Insights, June 2021): I track THE NEED FOR an audiologist to
cleaned, a pro can check that THE KIT that came with my averages from week to replace a battery applies only
your TPMS is working properly. Ford C-Max (with sealant and week. [Weighing yourself] to aids with rechargeable bat-
a compressor) saved my bacon doesn’t need to be every teries, not to zinc-air batteries
IN MY EXPERIENCE, most slow in the middle of nowhere last day, it can be every other that are easily user-replaceable.
leak flats have the nails left in year. It sealed the hole, aired day or two. —Dale Wilkins, Roswell, NM
the tire, which would make the up to the proper pressure, and —JS Matos-Williams,
holes much smaller. The “Fix-a- allowed me to get to Discount via Facebook GOOD HEARING AIDS make all
Flat” often works for a while, Tire for a proper repair. the difference in the world.
for an inexpensive, quick, and —Dennis Weiler, via Facebook I like to know which way I had a $3,000 pair that were
easy repair. I’ve also had success I’m trending, so it’s lifesavers for six years. I just
with plugs, though I know TIRE SEALANT didn’t work for me important that my scale got a new set that are closer
they have been deemed unsafe. when I got stranded. It depends is consistent. I can step on to $6,000, and they’re awesome.
Another method is to have an on the hole in your tire that mine five times and get I’ve been able to hear the homily
emergency starter battery with caused the flat. If the hole is too the same exact weight. from the back of the church for
a built-in compressor. Kills two big, it won’t work. As a result, I’m within 0.5 percent if I the first time in forever.
emergencies with one product. I bought a spare tire and jack so weigh myself daily. —Masha Bean, via Facebook
—Larry Langston, via Facebook that I don’t get stranded again. —Phillip Wolfe, via Facebook
—Peter Kabatek, via Facebook EARBUD
EDITOR’S NOTE Plugging a punc- I haven’t stepped on BAT TERY LIFE
ture is not an acceptable practice. EDITOR’S NOTE Ultimately, mine since the pandemic
Sealants are meant to serve as nothing is as effective as a started. I’m too afraid. I READ “The Best Noise-
a temporary solution, with the traditional spare tire (if you —Mary Rose, via Facebook Canceling Headphones for
expectation that the car will be have room for one) because tire Less” (June 2021) about wireless
taken to a shop for inspection as sealants work only on a small EDITOR’S NOTE Studies headgear with interest. As an
soon as possible, ideally the same puncture in the tread. A hole suggest you should weigh avid distance walker and hiker,
day. There are industry guidelines the size of a large nail or sidewall yourself daily if your goal is I routinely use earbuds to take
to fix a puncture in the tread of a damage to your tire can’t be weight loss. Do it first thing music with me. However, I
repaired by tire sealants. in the a.m. for your most learned through experience
accurate reading, because that the manufacturer’s battery
CONNECT HEARING your body has had time to life numbers need to be viewed
WITH US AID FIXES process what you consumed with a skeptical eye, as I have
the day before. noted a large variance in the life
FACEBOOK I JUST READ your June 2021 of different wireless buds.
fb.com/consumerreports article “3 Common Hearing Aid —James Ray, Jacksonville, NC
fb.com/SomosCR Problems & Fixes.” I have been
wearing hearing aids for more EDITOR’S NOTE We agree that
YOUTUBE than 57 years. For me, the major claimed battery life is often a
/consumerreports cause of acoustic feedback is gamble. In fact, in some cases
poorly fitting earplugs. Spend manufacturers say that they
INSTAGRAM the money and get custom- measure battery life with the head-
@consumerreports made ear molds, keep the air phones playing at lower volume,
tube clean, and replace the so it’s likely that the advertised
TWITTER wax guards as needed. I’m a battery life won’t always match up
@consumerreports motorcyclist, and it took nine with real-world use. It’s smart to
@SomosCR visits to get my aids adjusted check the return policy, just in case
properly so that I could ride you don’t get as many hours out of
PINTEREST safely. As for batteries, mine your new earbuds as you’d hoped.
/consumerreports

LINKEDIN
/company/
consumer-reports

ILLUSTRATION BY JASON SCHNEIDER AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 9

What We’re Testing
in Our Labs …

In our 63 labs, we continually review and rate products. Here, timely picks for this month.

Headphones for $50 or Less

WE TESTED: 34 models GREAT OVER-EAR HEADPHONES BEST BUDGET BUDS WORKOUT BARGAIN PICK
WE TEST FOR: Sound quality, WITH NOISE CANCELLATION 1More PistonBuds JVC HA-FX9BT
including clarity; how well $40 Gumy Wireless
noise-canceling models reduce Anker SoundCore Life Q20 $20
ambient noise; and more. $50 70
0605
ABOUT THE SCORES: 73 OVERALL
SCORE OVERALL
NOISE-CANCELING OVERALL SCORE
SCORE
Median: 73; Range: 57-74 SUPERSOFT & VERY GOOD FOR
MOST BACK AND SIDE SLEEPERS
STEREO Puffy Lux Hybrid
$1,495
Median: 59; Range: 41-73
0703
Mattresses MEDIUM FIRMNESS & EXCELLENT FIRMER & EXCELLENT FOR ALL
FOR PETITE SIDE SLEEPERS TYPES OF BACK SLEEPERS OVERALL
WE TESTED: SCORE
Ethan Allen EA Signature Beautyrest PressureSmart
120 innerspring models Platinum Plush 11.5” Firm
WE TEST FOR: Support for $2,225 $1,100
petite, average, and large/
tall side and back sleepers; 81 75
durability; firmness on a
scale of 1 to 10; and more. OVERALL OVERALL
SCORE SCORE
ABOUT THE SCORES:

Median: 70
Range: 44-85

Ask Our Experts NOT NECESSARILY. Our side-sleeper tests are based on the premise ILLUSTRATION: SERGE BLOCH
that you will benefit from a mattress that’s able to support your
I’ve heard softer spine well enough to keep it relatively horizontal (a straight
mattresses line parallel to the floor) while you’re lying down—rather than
are better for curving, which can cause shoulder or back pain. But we haven’t
side sleepers. found softness to be an indication of that: The five mattresses
Is that true? that receive an Excellent rating in our tests for petite or large side
sleepers range from 3 to 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale (with
10 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest). Instead, side sleepers
should look for a mattress that scores well in our side-support
tests for your body type, such as the Ethan Allen above.

For the latest ratings of these
and other product categories,
readers with a Digital or All Access
membership can go to CR.org.

Toaster Ovens for $100 or Less

WE TESTED: 22 models BEST OVERALL & EASY TO CLEAN FITS UNDER LOW CABINETS RELIABLE BRAND
WE TEST FOR: How evenly a
model toasts sliced bread Black+Decker 8-Slice Digital Hamilton Beach Oster Designed for Life
and bakes muffins and Extra Wide TO3290XSD 6-Slice 31411 $65 TSSTTVDF L2 6-Slice
cookies, how well it reheats $100 $40
lasagna, how easy it is to
clean, and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 67 63 0603

Median: 57 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 39-67 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Battery-Powered Chainsaws

WE TESTED: 23 models A CUT ABOVE THE REST POWERFUL & EASY TO HANDLE BARGAIN BUY
WE TEST FOR: How easy it is to
start; how fast it cuts through Ego CS1804 Echo CCS-58V4AH Hart HLCS011
a 10-inch square oak beam; $350 $350 $190
how safe it is, including a
measurement of its “kickback”
intensity; and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 82 79 0703

Median: 6070 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 0350--8020 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Robotic Vacuums SUPREME CLEANER BUT PRICEY GREAT VALUE EXCELLENT ON CARPETS
Eufy 11S Samsung Powerbot R7040
WE TESTED: 34 models iRobot Roomba S9+ $220 $500
WE TEST FOR: How well a $950
model cleans bare floors and
carpets, picks up pet hair,
gets into corners, and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 81 75 0702

Median: 65 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 32-81 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Portable A/Cs TOP PERFORMER RELIABLE BRAND FOR LESS MOST BUDGET-FRIENDLY PICK
LG LP1419IVSM
WE TESTED: 6 models $700 Whynter ARC-12SDH Whynter ARC-102CS
WE TEST FOR: How quickly and $460 $350
accurately models cool a
room to a set temperature,
noise level during use on high
and low speeds, and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 66 64 060

Median: 63 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 57-66 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Note: We rate different products according to different testing protocols; as a result, COMING NEXT MONTH Leaf Blowers & More
Overall Scores of one product category are not comparable with those of another.

Ask Our Experts

automatic ones. You also may
have trouble getting a refund,
even if the product you bought
is defective or otherwise
unsatisfactory. “Read the terms
of the loans on the lender’s
website carefully,” Wang
says. And there’s the danger
of buying much more than
you can afford: One survey
found that almost half of BNPL
shoppers said they increased
their spending by 10 to
40 percent or more compared
with using a credit card.

Do children really need to get Are ‘buy now, pay later’ Does driving more slowly
a COVID-19 vaccine? plans a good idea? help you save money on gas?

YES. IF THEY’RE of eligible age, likely to experience the severe MORE ONLINE SHOPPERS are BELIEVE IT OR NOT, keeping to
they should get vaccinated. The symptoms many adults do, says encountering a new payment lower speeds can substantially
Food and Drug Administration Kathryn Edwards, MD, scientific method when checking out: increase your fuel economy
has authorized the Pfizer- director of the Vanderbilt a button typically allowing you (and therefore save you some
BioNTech vaccine for 12- to Vaccine Research Program to put down 25 percent of the money). CR’s auto experts
15-year-olds after evaluating and a professor of pediatrics. purchase price, then pay off the looked at the effect of speed
its safety and effectiveness; In fact, teens account for rest in three equal installments on fuel consumption by
and younger children may be almost a quarter of new cases, over six weeks—with no fees testing a widely sold sedan
eligible by the fall. (In fact, a and some states are seeing a or interest. This “buy now, pay (a Nissan Altima) and SUV (a
recent clinical trial found the rapid spread of infections in later” (BNPL) type of instant, Toyota RAV4). They found that
Pfizer vaccine to be 100 percent children. This may be because no-cost financing has become reducing speed from 65 mph
effective at preventing COVID- of the fact that as adults get increasingly popular, says CR to 55 mph improved the fuel
19 in 12- to 15-year-olds.) vaccinated, the percentage money editor Penelope Wang. economy in both vehicles: Gas
Moderna has also requested of them getting infected goes mileage improved by 6 mpg
FDA authorization for use of its down, thus increasing the You may see it while shopping in the Altima and 8 mpg in
vaccine in those ages 12 to 17. proportion of cases of children at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, the RAV4—potentially saving
who test positive. Walmart, and other retailers. drivers between $92 and
In the early months of the And more than 40 percent of $153 per year in gas money
pandemic, scientists learned Another reason: The American shoppers have used (assuming 12,000 miles of
that children and teens were new variants of COVID-19 a BNPL plan, according to a driving annually and a fuel cost
much less likely than adults could be more infectious Credit Karma/Qualtrics survey. of $3.05 per gallon). In a less
to become very ill from the and dangerous—even to Some hard-pressed Americans efficient vehicle, your savings
virus. While this is still mostly younger people. This makes are using it to stretch out may be even greater. By driving
true, in some cases younger vaccinating children more payments for necessities; smoothly at a moderate speed,
children have had organ urgent. “There have been others employ it only for big- you’ll also reduce wear and tear
damage or died as a result of around 300 to 600 pediatric ticket items (such as a TV). on your vehicle and pollute less.
COVID-19. And teens are more COVID deaths,” says Gregory These short-term loans also
Poland, MD, director of the appeal to consumers who can’t
LEARN We have more than Vaccine Research Group qualify for a credit card but
140 in-house experts at the Mayo Clinic, who still want to enjoy the advantage
who research, test, studies vaccine response of spreading out payments.
and compare. Submit in adults and children.
your questions at “That’s likely to increase if There are risks, however.
CR.org/askourexperts we don’t stop transmission Depending on the type of plan
… and watch for the by getting as many people you use, you may face fees and
answers. immunized as possible.” interest charges if you don’t
make the payments on time—
so you’ll need to manage the
payments carefully or set up

12 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 ILLUSTRATIONS BY SERGE BLOCH

Product recommendations and practical advice

Insights

IN THE KNOW

HOW TO LOOK
GOOD ON ZOOM

SINCE THE PANDEMIC started, Lenovo (below) represent the (which cover the lens to ensure GREAT PICTURE
you’ve probably taken part in sweet spot between price and you’re not visible when you don’t QUALITY FOR
at least a few video calls on performance, says Richard want to be) and built-in tripod A LOW PRICE
virtual meeting apps like Zoom, Fisco, who leads electronics mounts (to easily reposition your Aukey PC-LM1E
Microsoft Teams, and Google testing for CR. For less than $50, camera angle). The bottom line? $40 (above)
Meet. While many laptops have you can improve the image and External webcams can be an
a built-in camera lens, the sales audio quality of your video calls, affordable way to boost the video 3/5 PICTURE QUALIT Y
of external webcams boomed and you’ll benefit from useful quality for all of your important
in 2020—and there are plenty features like privacy shutters onscreen moments. 4/5 V E R S AT I L I T Y
of reasons why. The reality
is some built-in laptop cameras 4/5 EASE OF USE
don’t make you look so good,
presenting unflattering angles
(with the lens looking up at you).
Or you may want to connect
your laptop to a larger computer
monitor, most of which don’t
have a built-in camera.

Inexpensive stand-alone
webcams promise better
picture quality than your
laptop’s built-in camera. But
do they actually deliver? Our
tests of seven popular webcams
found that in most cases,
the answer is yes—and that,
in our lab test, even a $40
webcam offers better video
picture quality than the
cameras on an HP Envy and
MacBook Pro laptop.

The Aukey (at right) and

ILLUSTRATIONS: RODRIGO DAMATI BEST PICTURE ADJUSTABLE LONG USB CORD
QUALITY & FLIP-UP LIGHTING & SLIDING
PRIVACY SHUTTER PRIVACY SHUTTER
Razor Kiyo
Logitech Brio $100 Lenovo Essential
$200 FHD $45
3/5 PICTURE QUALIT Y
4/5 PICTURE QUALIT Y 4/5 V E R S AT I L I T Y 3/5 PICTURE QUALIT Y
4/5 EASE OF USE
5/5 VERSATILIT Y 4/5 V E R S AT I L I T Y

3/5 EASE OF USE 4/5 EASE OF USE

For more ratings, Digital and All Access members can go to CR.org/webcam0821. AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 13

CR Insights

SAVVY SHOPPER PHOTOS, BOT TOM LEFT TO RIGHT: CONSUMER REPORTS; NEWMAN'S OWN FOUNDATION; CONSUMER REPORTS; GET T Y IMAGES; CONSUMER REPORTS.
PHOTOS, TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: SHUT TERSTOCK; ISTOCK; SHUT TERSTOCK
CHOOSING
A GREAT
OUTDOOR RUG

LOOKING FOR A pretty rug Polypropylene Nylon, Acrylic, and Polyester Sisal, Seagrass, and Jute
to improve your alfresco
setup? First, consider the BEST FOR HUMID CLIMATES WIDE VARIETY OF STYLES GOOD ONLY IN DRY CLIMATES
material it will be made
of: Some textiles are more For a durable outdoor rug, The durability of these syn- These pricey, natural fiber rugs
durable and easier to care polypropylene—also called thetics varies, though they offer a chic aesthetic, but the
for, making them perfect for olefin—is a good bet, especially tend to be more resilient than materials they’re made of are
an outdoor space. To help if you live in a humid climate. 100 percent natural fibers. prone to mildew and are suit-
with your search for an Polypropylene is composed of These rugs often have natural able only for dry climates (think
outdoor-worthy rug, we plastic, won’t absorb liquid, fibers (like cotton or jute) Arizona). Watch out for borders
spoke to Carmen Barbee, and is typically fade- and woven in, which makes them made of fabric, or a glue-based
merchandise buyer for stain-resistant, which means more susceptible to fungi, and backing, which traps moisture
Ballard Designs, and these rugs can survive spills the outside may be water- and causes mildew. Seagrass
Lisa Wagner, a National or a hard rain. UV-treated resistant but the inner layers tends to be more durable; sisal
Institute of Rug Cleaning polypropylene yarn even may not be. Check the care and jute are more delicate. A
certified rug specialist and resists fading. And 100 percent labels before you buy. If you braided or open weave style will
founder of rugchick.com. polypropylene rugs are easy want the look of a natural sisal promote airflow and evapora-
to clean because they don’t rug, you can find a synthetic tion, but proper care is crucial:
have dyes that bleed or “sisal-style weave,” which Hang the rug in the sun regularly
delicate fibers. Some can mimics true sisal but is a more to air it out. And you may need
even be pressure-washed. durable, less expensive option. pro cleaning to get out stains.

Protect Your Deck $0 Behr Deckplus Solid 74

Before putting down any rug, Rico de Paz, Color Waterproofing OVERALL
CR’s test engineer for wood stains, says SCORE
it helps to use a deck stain engineered to Wood Stain
resist color change and mildew, such as (Home Depot) $33
this recommended product.
Digital and All Access members can go to
CR.org/stains for more wood stain ratings.

CR Time Traveler SALAD & DRESSINGS 1959 Chuck’s 1979 We rate
Steakhouse opens in 61 salad dressings
1939 Mayonnaise, a popular way to Honolulu and offers
dress greens, is now outsold by lower- what it claims is one and find that all
calorie mayo-based dressings. After of the first build-your- contain too much
vinegar, salt, and
testing seven jarred dressings, own salad bars in additives, like MSG
Hom-De-Lite, a Best Buy, is rated tops. a restaurant. and artificial colors.

1945 CR tests the flavor and fat 1973 Gilberte Fouineteau patents
content of 15 dressings. A Green Dale a salad “drainer” or spinner
product with “acceptable” fat content
and very good flavor is judged best. with a rotating inner container
for drying lettuce, which saves

time prepping greens.

14 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 10 20 30 40 50 !0 $0

POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY

CR SMART SOLUTION

DIY FIX FOR Replacement bumper covers can cost 20-30 MIN. WHAT YOU NEED
A DENTED more than $1,000, but dents in the soft -Heat gun, hair dryer, or hot water
BUMPER plastic bumper covers on cars and SUVs -Rubber-tipped tool or dowel
can often be smoothed out at home by
applying heat and a little elbow grease.

1 23

Get access behind the bumper. Apply heat to the dent. Gently push out the dent.
Depending on the location of the dent Warm the bumper surface with a heat Use a rubber-tipped dowel to push out
on your bumper, you may need to remove gun tool if you have one (hot water or a the dent from the interior until it begins
the fender liner ahead of the front tire powerful hair dryer will work, too) to to pop back into its intended shape.
(see above) or a lower aerodynamic make the plastic more malleable. Don’t Once the major dent pops out, you may
valance below the bumper to gain access apply strong heat too closely or hold the need to gently work on any small indents
to the interior of the dent. Both can be heat source in the same spot for too with the dowel to get a smooth surface.
unclipped manually. long—either can damage the paint. Then replace the fender liner.

1988 McDonald’s salads are 2010 We rate the 2021 In our tests of
said to be so successful nutrition of 20 meal- 23 salad dressings,
that farmers can barely
keep up, we report. One in sized salads from Annie’s Lite
7 CR readers say they ate casual and fast-food Raspberry flavor
a salad the last time they joints. A chicken salad tops our ratings for
got fast food. from Panera Bread fruit vinaigrettes.
gets our top score.
!0 Annie's
1980 Actor Paul 1992 The salad bar 2019 Our food
Newman fills empty wine trend continues safety experts find Organic Lite
bottles with homemade to grow. Some Raspberry
salad dressing for holiday listeria in some Vinaigrette
restaurants now offer supermarket leafy $0.63 per oz.
gifts. Two years later, salad bars with as many greens, triggering
Newman’s Own Salad an FDA inspection. 74 OVERALL
Dressing is launched. as 120 hot and cold SCORE
dishes, CR reports.

For our latest ratings of salad dressings and healthy salad tips, turn to page 50. AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 15

CR Insights

ROAD SMARTS Americans are giving RVing types of motorhomes: the largest RVs—which can
a go: Rentals surged in the classes A, B, and C. The class be as big as an interstate
THE ABCs summer of 2020, and in designation describes the bus—in Class A. Look for a
OF RVs 2021 so far, RV ownership vehicle structure, referring model with important safety
is a record 11.2 million to the chassis and the body features, such as automatic
TRAVELING BY motorhome households—almost a third construction of the RV. Size emergency braking and
(aka RV) lets you hit the of which are first-time and price can vary widely electronic stability control.
road with many of the owners—according to IPSOS within each class, but in RV shoppers should also insist
conveniences of home. and Go RVing. general, you’ll find the on quality tires and fit them
An increasing number of smallest RVs—which are not with tire pressure monitors
Before you rent or buy, much bigger than a van—in to avoid underinflation and
every potential RVer should Class B, a variety of medium- blowouts—risking an RV
know a few basics. First off, sized options in Class C, and rollover or other accident.
there are three standard

CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C

30 to 40 feet long 20 to 24 feet long 22 to 33 feet long

AVERAGE $160,000 TO $220,000 or more $95,000 TO $135,000 $80,000 TO $120,000
COST*
2 TO 4 PEOPLE 4 TO 8 PEOPLE
SLEEPS 6 TO 8 PEOPLE
(MAX.) Based on a van, Class B RVs are Often the best value, Class C motor-
typically the smallest in size but often homes combine a van cab front with an
CR'S TAKE These bus-shaped models excel at cost the most per square foot. That’s RV shell. These typically have an over-
PROS providing a lot of space for their size, because they tend to pack a lot of the-cab sleeping area (the rooftop
with abundant storage. Manufacturers premium functions into a tiny amount bulge that sticks out front) offering a
offer a wide variety of layouts—from of cabin space—including, for example, nice amount of sleep space, and yet
medium to large RVs—and prices. It’s in a kitchenette (rather than a full they’re still easier to drive than large
this class that you’ll find the biggest kitchen), a sofa/bed, and a small Class A RVs. There are also pricier
and most luxurious coaches (often bathroom, some with a shower over heavy-duty “Super C” models that are
called “diesel pushers,” due to the the toilet area. As a result, they can built on a medium-duty truck platform
engine being in the rear). Many also feel cramped, but their modest size and offer more engine power than
have slides—sections that can extend makes them easier to drive and park. standard Class C motorhomes.
out when the RV is parked to create a
wider interior. ■ Best fuel economy of any class of ■ Commonly the least expensive choice.
motorhome. ■ Have a decent amount of bed space
■ Come in many sizes and finish levels. ■ Durable, full metal body construction. without adding length to the RV.
(Furnishings can range from basic ■ Advanced safety equipment may be ■ Models less than 25 feet long are
interiors to resembling a gilded yacht easier to find because it’s offered on easier to drive and park.
cabin.) many models. ■ Wide variety of floor-plan options.

■ The largest models have strong, ■ Better for day-tripping than ■ Cab area may be cramped due to an
rear-mounted diesel engines. overnight camping due to limited engine cover that intrudes into the
sleep space. space on some van-based models.
CONS ■ Can be tricky to drive and park. ■ Can be short on amenities because ■ Moderately priced cab/engine
of space constraints. combinations are limited.
■ May not fit in smaller campsites ■ Pricey, given their small size and ■ There are a few high-end options,
(and some national parks have RV limited interiors. but most Class C RVs stop short of the
length limits). ■ Relatively few floor-plan options. decadence found in Class A coaches.

■ Poor fuel economy.

■ Not all seats may have full seat
belts (meaning they include shoulder
and lap belts).

16 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 *According to the RV Industry Association.

NEW PRODUCT REVIEW !0 Amazon Echo Show

A SMART SPEAKER 10 Smart Speaker $250
THAT SWIVELS
TO FOLLOW YOU 67 OVERALL
SCORE

AMAZON’S LATEST Alexa- to use and has some convenient a real home kitchen. Generally, electric motor is so strong
powered smart speaker, the features, such as voice command it functioned as promised, that it knocked down a heavy
Echo Show 10, introduces a to control many common stream- he reported. It followed the travel mug and a plastic bottle
unique new feature: By using ing services and a dedicated user—whether nearby or across of cooking oil that was mostly
motion sensing technology button to mute its microphones the room—but it sometimes full. Amazon includes a 15-inch-
to track your movements, the when you don’t want it to stopped so that the camera was diameter template (roughly
10-inch touch screen pivots listen. Though its sound quality pointed at the user’s shoulder the size of a beach ball) to
around its base so that it receives a Good rating, it isn’t instead of his face. measure the space that needs
continues to face you even quite up to its predecessor, the to be clear around the Show 10.
as you move around a room. second-generation Echo Show, He also discovered that So if you’re interested in this
This rotating screen may come in that respect. it’s important to keep the smart speaker, be sure to carve
in handy for multitaskers. If surrounding area clear so that out a sizable chunk of real
you’re moving around your Outside of our labs, CR’s the rotating screen doesn’t estate on your countertop and
kitchen to prep a meal, it will technology reporter tried out collide with anything in its keep it clear.
rotate to follow you so that you the Show 10’s moving screen in path. The Show 10’s quiet
can continue to read recipe
directions or to video chat.

In our lab tests, the Show 10
received high marks, placing
it among the top five of all 45
smart speakers in our current
ratings. Testers note that it’s easy

Note: Our reporter reached out to Amazon representatives, who declined to comment.

BEST UNDER $100 These four blenders aced our tests for making icy drinks, are easy to
operate and clean, and won’t bust your budget. To test blenders in our labs,
SUPER SMOOTHIE MAKERS we whip up a nonalcoholic piña colada. The result we look for is a thick,
consistently smooth texture that doesn’t have any chunks of fruit or ice.

EXCELLENT AT COMES WITH A FOOD COMPACT FOOTPRINT FOR BARGAIN
ICE CRUSHING PROCESSOR ATTACHMENT SMALL KITCHENS PRICE

!0 Instant Ace $80 Oster Classic Series Hamilton Beach Digital Farberware Performance
with Food Processor Smoothie Smart 56207 $50 MJ-BL4501AWC $35
BPMT02-SSF-000 $90

77 69 59 51

OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
SCORE SCORE SCORE SCORE

10 20 30 40 50 !0 $0 AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 17

POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY

CR Insights

FOOD IQ™ SELL BY

DECODING Federal regulations don’t
MILK LABELS require product dating on
milk (or on any product,
Grass-fed? Ultra- for that matter, except on
pasteurized? You may infant formula). But some
have noticed a number milks may show a date to
of confusing phrases on indicate when they should
your milk carton lately. still be of good quality. “Sell
Here, we explain some By” tells a store how long
now-common labels to display the product for
you’ll find on milk and sale and doesn’t predict the
what they really mean. safety of the milk.

PRODUCED WITHOUT rBST VITAMINS A & D ADDED

Some farmers give the Adding these vitamins is
growth hormone rBST (or voluntary, but most milk
rBGH) to cows to increase producers include them.
milk production, which the Vitamin A is typically put
Food and Drug Administration in reduced fat and skim
says is safe for consumers. milk because it’s lost in the
But some experts have process of removing fats.
concerns about cancer and Vitamin D, which isn’t found
other risks from consuming in many foods, is added
milk from these cows. Many for consumers who may
dairy companies no longer be deficient.
give cows rBST, but you
can look for this phrase or ULTRA-FILTERED
“no synthetic hormones.”
This is a mechanical filtering
GRASS-FED process that boosts the
protein in milk and reduces
When cows eat only grass, it (or even eliminates) ingredi-
may improve the nutrients in ents some people want
their milk: Some research has less of, such as lactose.
found higher levels of heart- For example, Fairlife Ultra-
healthy omega-3 fatty acids filtered milk has 5 grams
and antioxidant carotenoids. more protein and 70 mg more
calcium than typical milk,
What’s in Your Milk? MILK CALORIES FAT (G) SAT. FAT (G) and it’s lactose-free. PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK
TYPE
An 8-ounce glass supplies about 150 8 4.5 ULTRA-PASTEURIZED
a quarter of an adult’s daily calcium WHOLE 120 5 2.5
needs, more than half the vitamin (3.25% FAT) 110 2.5 1.5 Most milk sold in the U.S. is
B12 requirement, and 8 grams of 85 0 0 pasteurized, a process that
protein, but fat and calorie content REDUCED FAT subjects raw milk to high
varies widely by type of milk. (2% FAT) heat in order to kill bacteria
that can cause illness and
LOWFAT spoilage. Ultra-pasteurized
(1% FAT) milks are exposed to an even
higher temperature to kill
SKIM more bacteria and triple or
(0% FAT) quadruple its shelf life. But
once you’ve opened the milk,
it will last just 7 to 10 days.

18 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 Chart Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019.

SAFETY UPDATE EVERY 60 MINUTES somewhere making improvements, some is both voluntary and weak,”
in the U.S., a child is rushed to short (marketed as 30 inches says Gabe Knight, CR’s policy
WHICH the emergency room because or less) dressers continue to analyst. It states that a dresser
DRESSERS of injuries from a dresser pose a tip-over hazard. As the should stay upright when a
FAIL CR’S or other piece of furniture chart below reveals, seven 50-pound weight is hung on a
TIP-OVER that tipped over. At least of the dressers we tested single open drawer while the
TESTS? 286 children have died from tipped over when testers hung other drawers are closed. It
furniture tip-overs between 60 pounds of weights (the does not account for much of
2000 and 2019. upper poundage of children what happens in the real world,
hurt by tip-overs) on the largest such as when multiple drawers
As part of CR’s ongoing drawer. One dresser made are open. Our experts say the
investigation, we regularly test by One Kings Lane tipped with wide variety of dressers that
dressers to uncover those that just 50 pounds of weight. failed our tests shows that you
fail our tip-over evaluations. can’t spot a stable dresser by its
CR’s recent tests of 13 dressers “Currently, the stability size, shape, or price.
show that while the industry is standard governing dressers

Test 1 Crate & Barrel Dawson Ikea Busunge Baxton Studio Hildon Epoch Niko/
All drawers open. Clove 3-Drawer 2-Drawer 6-Drawer Chest $300 Aniko 6-Drawer
Chest ⁄ $700 Chest $140 28x63x15.75 in. Dresser € $1,000
Test 2 29x31.5x19.25 in. 29.75x31.5x15.75 in. 118.8 lb. 29.75x59.75x21.5 in.
Largest drawer 85.6 lb.
open with a (HxWxD) 185.2 lb.
50-pound weight 88.2 lb.
hung from the
drawer front. One Kings Lane Prepac Astrid Little Seeds Maple Prepac Salt Spring
Aiden 4-Drawer 6-Drawer Lane Dove 3-Drawer 6-Drawer Dresser $230
Test 3 Dresser* € $475 Dresser $200 Dresser With 29x59x16.25 in.
Largest drawer 27.25x32x16.5 in. 28.5x47.5x16 in. Changing Table ‹ $170 97.4 lb.
open and the 81.2 lb. 34.5x35.5x19.5 in.
50-pound weight 48.8 lb.
is increased 102 lb.
in 1-pound
increments to
a maximum of
60 pounds.

TESTING KEY

FAILED

With up to
60 pounds
of weight

PASSED

Tests 1, 2 & 3

Room Essentials Signature Design Williams-Sonoma South Shore Valet Tvilum Scottsdale
(Target) Mixed by Ashley Finch Pottery Barn Collection 4-Drawer 6 Drawer Dresser $240
Material 3 Drawer Collection 6 Drawer Mateo 3-Drawer Dresser $350 27.5x60.5x19.75 in.
Dresser Gray Oak $120 Dresser $205 Dresser $400 29.75x57.75x19.5 in. 118.4 lb.
29.75x31.25x20.5 in. 28.25x54.5x17.25 in. 30x32x18 in. 133.2 lb.
87.2 lb. 96.8 lb. 102.2 lb.

⁄Came with two different-sized drawers. The top drawer passed with 60 pounds, but the middle drawer failed at 58 pounds. €Did not come with wall anchors, despite industry 19

standards specifying that it should. ‹Marketed as 30 inches high but measured taller by CR. Dressers were purchased by CR from January through March 2021.

*Failed at 50 pounds.

RECALLS TO STAY INFORMED ABOUT RECALLS FOR YOUR VEHICLES, READERS WITH
MEMBERSHIP CAN USE OUR FREE CAR RECALL TRACKER AT CR.ORG/MORE.

FORD TRANSIT HSN CLOTHING STEAMERS 855-654-0942 for information There are 42 models that come
CONNECT VANS on a full refund for units in various colors and watch face
HSN is recalling about 5.4 million purchased from January 2018 designs. The back of the watch
Ford is recalling more than Joy/JM-branded My Little to December 2020, a partial has K & M on it. The watches were
192,000 Transit Connect vans Steamer and My Little Steamer refund for units purchased from sold at Kole Imports; at many
from the 2013 through 2021 model Go Mini handheld clothing January 2015 to December 2017, zoos, museums, and aquariums;
years because a faulty part in steamers due to reports of hot or a voucher for units purchased and online at wildrepublic.com,
the transmission could allow the water spraying or leaking from the before January 2015. Amazon, and peluchescory.com
vehicles to roll away even steamers, causing burn injuries. from March 2018 through April
though the shifter appears to be The recalled models have either MAINSTAY FOLDING CHAIRS 2021 for about $8.
in Park. The problem is with the a flat or triangular steamer head, AND BARSTOOLS What to do: Take the watch
connection between the shifter and the name of the product is away from children. For a full
cable and the transmission. If printed on its side. The products Cheyenne Products is recalling refund, call Wild Republic at 800-
the connection fails, it would be were sold online at hsn.com and about 795,000 Mainstay metal 800-9678 or go to wildrepublic.
possible to turn off the engine and on the HSN television network. folding chairs and barstools with com and click on Safety Recall.
exit the vehicle with no warning They were also sold in stores padded seats due to reports of
messages or chimes indicating nationwide and at various online the weld that connects the legs BONTRAGER BICYCLE PEDALS
that the vehicle is not in Park. retailers, including Amazon, Bed to the bottom of the chair
If this happens, the vehicle is at Bath & Beyond, Lowe’s, Target, breaking, resulting in injuries, Trek is recalling about 316,500
risk of rolling away. Ford says it and Walmart, from January 2002 including fractures. A white sticker Bontrager Satellite City Pedals
is not aware of any crashes or through December 2020 for $10 to label on the bottom of the seats because of reports of pedals
injuries related to the recall. Ford’s $30 individually and $20 to $50 in includes the name Cheyenne loosening, locking up, or falling
number for this recall is 21S24. combination sets. Products or Cheyenne Industries off. The pedals were installed
What to do: Owners can call Ford What to do: Stop using the and lists the production date by as original equipment on Trek
at 866-436-7332. Ford dealerships steamers and call HSN at month and year. The chairs and “Allant+,” “Dual Sport+,” “FX 2,”
will replace the faulty part and add barstools were sold at Walmart “FX 3,” “Verve 2,” “Verve 3,”
a protective cable, free of charge. stores nationwide and walmart. and “Verve+” bicycles. “ZTRo2”
com from January 2014 through is stamped on the pedal. The
April 2021 for $30 to $42. pedals were sold on bikes at Trek
What to do: Stop using the chairs Bicycle stores and other bicycle
and barstools. Call Cheyenne stores nationwide, and online at
at 833-351-1707 or go to trekbikes.com from January 2018
cheyenneproducts.com and click through April 2021. The pedals
on Recalls for more info and a were also sold separately for
complete listing of recalled styles. about $30.
What to do: Stop using the
WILD REPUBLIC WATCHES pedals. Call Trek at 800-373-
4594 or go to trekbikes.com for
K&M International is recalling more information.
about 463,000 Wild Republic
Slap Watches due to the risk of
children ingesting or choking
on the watch's coin cell battery.

AUGUST WIRELESS COMPUTERS VACUUMS TABLETS
IS THE ROUTERS
BEST TIME
TO BUY …

20 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 For more info, go to CR.org/buy0821.

Air treatment use PRODUCT
increased during COVID-19: UPDATE

46% Percentage THE LATEST RATINGS FROM OUR LABS
of consumers
who say they Is Your (Indoor)
are using air Air Fit to Breathe?
treatment
appliances more The best air purifiers from CR’s tests
since COVID-19. can help remove pet dander, dust, mold,
allergens, smoke particles, and more.
Source: 2020 survey conducted by the by Tanya A. Christian
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
2
5 3
4

1

1 2 3 4 5

Airflow is created when A fabric pre-filter Some models have an The dense web of Sanitized air flows
the unit is turned on, catches larger particles activated carbon filter, the HEPA filter traps into the room.
triggering the internal fan to like dust, dirt, and hair. which can trap smaller pollutants, like
draw in air and pollutants light household odors. smoke and particles
(magnified here for visibility). that contain viruses.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY VON_FREIESLEBEN AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 21

PRODUCT
UPDATE

T HOSE WHO SUFFER from have been on the upswing for years. a range that can include dust mite
allergies know the sometimes Research suggests that by 2028 the allergens, cat allergens, smog, smoke,
eye-watering effects of global air purifier market value will and dust. (We don’t measure for
exposure to pollen or pet reach $22.8 billion, according to Grand particles larger than 1 micron
dander. But breathing certain View Research. The U.S. is expected because any model that scores well
to account for roughly $4.5 billion in our tests should also be able to
pollutants can be even more of that. In 2020 alone, U.S. demand handle larger airborne particles.) We
for air treatment appliances grew by also test noise levels and calculate the
serious: Small particles 57 percent, according to a marketing annual cost of ownership. You’ll see our
analyst report by Verify Markets. test results in the ratings on page 25.
10 microns in diameter or less, like those And read on for more on selecting the
Experts believe that popularity best model for your home.
found in dust and smoke, can make their will continue. “I think COVID-19 just
increased the visibility of air purifiers,” Choose the Right Filter Type
way deep into the lungs, aggravating says Misha Kollontai, the senior project
leader for air purifier testing at CR. “It The best air purifiers (and the bulk of
them and potentially causing asthma likely got more of us thinking, ‘Sure, what CR tests) have mechanical filtration
COVID spreads through the air, but systems. These use an internal fan to
attacks and even heart attacks in what else are we breathing?’” draw particle-rich air into the machine,
forcing it through the complex net
people with heart disease. According to The Best Purifier of fibers in a pleated filter. The most
for Your Needs effective among these have a very fine
the Environmental Protection Agency, mesh filter called a high efficiency
In our labs we evaluate air purifier particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters
long-term exposure to high particle models on their highest and lower are able to capture 99.97 percent of
settings for removal of particles as small particles as small as 0.3 micron, which
levels is linked to bronchitis, reduced as 0.1 micron and up to 1 micron, is a worst-case scenario, though they can
capture particles larger and smaller than
lung function, and premature death.

Add to these concerns the presence

in 2020 of wildfires in places such as

California and the Pacific Northwest

and the airborne COVID-19 virus, and

you can understand why air purifiers—

the best of which can remove these

particles—have surged in popularity.

Though the pandemic introduced a

pressing reason to improve indoor air,

the sales of portable home purifiers

SIZING UP INDOOR visible by eye
AIR POLLUTANTS 10-40 μm

Air purifiers with HEPA filters
can capture 99.97 percent of
particles that are 0.3 micron,
which is far smaller than the
diameter of a human hair.

COVID-19 WILDFIRE PET DUST POLLEN GRAIN OF FINE BLADE
VIRUS PARTICLE SMOKE DANDER 10 or less μm 10-100 μm BEACH SAND OF GRASS
0.06-0.14 μm 0.1-0.7 μm 0.5-100 μm 90 μm 100-200 μm

22 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 Source: Scientific Reports, February 2021 (COVID-19); Remote Sensing, 2020 (wildfire smoke); National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine (pet dander, pollen); Environmental Protection Agency (dust, beach sand); Forages, Volume 2 (grass).

that. You may also see models that use FRESH-AIR 3
other air purifying technologies, which CHOICES
CR’s experts believe to be less effective—
though we can speak only to models 12
tested in our labs. (See “Filtration Types
to Avoid,” on page 24, for more details.) The latest air purifiers don’t just remove pollutants.
Many offer trim good looks and more convenience features.
Consider Your Space
SMALLER SMART SLEEKER
It can get expensive to outfit every room SIZES FEATURES STYLING
with its own air purifier, so your best
PHOTO: JOHN WALSH/CONSUMER REPORTS bet is to choose one or two models for There are now many WiFi-connected An air purifier is a
the areas where you spend the most compact—even models that you can visible part of your
time, like your bedroom, living room, portable—models on monitor via a smart- room that’s running
or home office. Then match the model the market. LeVoit phone app let you all the time, so you’ll
to your room’s size. To do this, check for and PureZone offer see a live particulate want it to both work
the air purifier’s clean air delivery rate options small enough matter (PM) reading well and look good
(CADR) number. to use in a car, and for your indoor air, (or at least fade into
LG’s PuriCare Mini Air as well as the levels its surroundings).
The CADR number reflects, in cubic Purifier is so petite of pollutants being New designs are
feet per minute or per hour, the volume that you can carry it filtered out. Some increasingly more
of clean air that an air purifier produces around your wrist. manufacturers, such streamlined and
on its highest speed setting. According Note that CR does not as Blueair, offer aesthetically pleasing.
to the Association of Home Appliance test air purifiers in models with extra The Samsung Cube,
Manufacturers (AHAM), a general rule confined spaces like sensors that can for example, a top
of thumb is to select an air purifier with cars or planes; the determine the indoor performer in CR’s
a CADR number that is at least ⅔ of smaller models we’ve air quality. The app, tests, will soon offer
your room’s area (so for a room that’s tested typically end which doubles as custom styling
10x12 feet, with an area of 120 square up with lower Overall a remote control, options like a range of
feet, you’d want an air purifier with Scores, because also lets you set colors and with a
a CADR of at least 80). “Some models they can’t offer as schedules for the herringbone or
have labels with three different CADR powerful filtration device, and alerts striped front. It’s
numbers for dust, tobacco smoke, and as their larger you when your filter already available in
pollen,” says Kollontai. “That means the counterparts do. needs replacing. silver and white.
product has been tested to standards
set by the AHAM and certified to have 1 2 3
those output levels for the different
pollutants.” When choosing a model to LEVOIT BLUEAIR SAMSUNG CUBE
buy, focus on the CADR number for the PET CARE CORE H E A LT H P R O T E C T $550
pollutant you’re most concerned about. P350-RAC $120 7470I $640
For example, if you live with a smoker, 76
look for a high tobacco smoke CADR. 49 77
OVERALL SCORE
Factor in Future Costs OVERALL SCORE OVERALL SCORE

The air purifiers we’ve tested range in
price from $40 to more than $1,000.
While the top model in our ratings,
the Blueair Classic 605, is a pricey
$830, we’ve found a handful of very
good performers that cost less than
$300, including the Honeywell InSight
HPA5300B, Honeywell HPA300, and
GermGuardian AC5900WCA. But keep

AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 23

PRODUCT
UPDATE

in mind that most air purifiers have cleaning the air at high and low speeds, And the EPA has recommended air
a removable filter that you’ll need to but none of these has higher than purifiers as an effective tool to combat
replace every three to six months—at a a Good rating for noise at high speed. viruses and smoke, noting that the
cost of about $40 to $200 per year. And airborne particles from smoke and
because these appliances are designed COVID-19 and respiratory aerosols that contain viruses
to run 24/7, you’ll want to factor in Wildfire Smoke are often in a similar size range, mostly
energy costs. Look for purifiers with an between 0.1 and 1 micron. HEPA filters
Energy Star rating, which indicates that At this point we’re painfully aware are able to trap particles of this size
they use up to 40 percent less energy of the risks of COVID-19, which can range effectively.
than regular models. The annual costs include severe illness, long-term health
column in our ratings factors in both effects, and even death. Wildfire Power is important, too. The more
filter replacement and energy cost. smoke can also cause a number of air the purifier can draw in, the better
health problems, including—but not it will be able to reduce the amount
Look for Quieter Operation limited to—a burning sensation in of virus drops and aerosols. The same
the eyes, bronchitis, asthma attacks, principle is true when buying an air
Generally speaking, higher fan heart attack, and stroke. According to purifier in anticipation of managing
speeds will increase the amount of the EPA, this smoke—often composed wildfire smoke. “Think ‘big,’” says John
air filtered—a good thing—but don’t of vegetation, natural fuels, and Galeotafiore, CR’s associate director of
expect that clean air to come quietly. manufactured materials—has been product testing. “The particulate load
CR evaluates the noise levels of each linked to premature death and during these natural disasters is very
model we test, and though some breathing trouble in children. high and never-ending. It just keeps
units are quieter than others, you coming into the room from outside. So
will hear any of them running. That’s A home air purifier can help with you want an air purifier with one of the
particularly important to note if you’ll both of these concerns. CR’s tests best CADR rates. That usually means
be putting one in a space where you have found that the best models can a big filter and a big fan.” The Blueair
plan to sleep or work—or want to hear effectively remove smoke particles and Classic 605 and the Blueair Blue Pure
the TV easily. The best models in particulates the size of a virus molecule. 211+ are both good choices for capturing
our tests earn an Excellent rating for virus-sized particles or wildfire smoke.

FILTRATION TYPES TO AVOID

Not all air purifiers use HEPA Electrostatic Ultraviolet Photocatalytic
filtration. When shopping, Precipitators Germicidal Irradiation Oxidation
the EPA and Consumer
Reports’ chief scientific These models draw the air As air flows in, particles are These models, including the
officer James Dickerson say in using a fan, then give pushed toward a UV-C light much-hyped Molekule, use
consumers should be mindful the polluting particles an source, which purportedly titanium-dioxide-coated filters
of “ozone-generating” electrostatic charge that kills the bacteria, mold, and and UV light to trap gaseous
models. Breathing in even makes them adhere to viruses. However, the airflow pollutants, then break them
low amounts of ozone can collector plates (which you’ll tends to be very low, giving down. The jury is still out on how
cause chest pain, shortness need to wash regularly) them a low CADR—so many of effective they are. In CR’s tests
of breath, and throat irrita- inside the machine. The big the dirty particles in the air that focus on dust and smoke
tion. CR’s tests have also con for these models is that aren’t making it to the UV particulates, the Molekule Air
found the following technol- the process of charging the light or staying exposed to it earned a Poor Overall Score. The
ogies to be iffy at best. particles creates ozone. long enough for sanitizing. Molekule Air Pro was rated Good.

24 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021

Ratings   Breathing Easier The best air purifiers in our tests do an impressive job of removing particles like dust,
pollen, and smoke. Take note of the Noise columns, especially if you plan to use the machine in your bedroom.

Brand + Model Overall Price Test Results Features
Score
Dust, pollen,
smoke removal Noise

Low
speed
High
speed
Low
speed
High
speed
Ease of use
Room size
Annual cost
Energy Star
Number of
fan speeds
Filter-life
indicator
Remote
control
Auto fan
speed

AIR PURIFIERS

!0 Blueair Classic 605 88 $830 50 50 40 10 40 L $224 0 3 0 App Optional
!0 Blueair Blue Pure 211+ 85
!0 Blueair HealthProtect 7470i 77 $300 50 50 30 20 30 L $192 0 3 0
!0 Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Auto 77
!0 Samsung Cube 76 $640 40 50 40 30 30 L $135 0 3 0 0
!0 Honeywell InSight HPA5300B 74
!0 Alen BreatheSmart Classic 72 $340 40 50 30 20 40 L $163 0 3 0 0
!0 Sharp FXJ80UW 69
!0 Honeywell HPA300 68 $550 40 50 40 20 30 M $102 0 3 0 App 0
!0 LivePure Bali LP550TH-W 67
!0 GermGuardian AC5900WCA 64 $290 40 50 40 30 40 L $208 40 0
!0 IQAir HealthPro Plus 63
!0 Honeywell AirGenius 5 HFD-320 62 $650 40 50 30 30 40 L $190 40 0
!0 Brondell O2+ Revive 60
!0 Whynter EcoPure AFR-425-SW 60 $540 30 50 30 20 40 L $128 0 3 0 0
59
Winix 5300-2 59 $250 30 50 30 20 40 L $199 0 4 0
59
Coway Airmega 300 58 $310 30 50 40 20 40 L $276 0 4 0
56
Honeywell Air Genius 4 HFD310 55 $230 30 50 30 20 40 L $231 0 3 0
55
Honeywell HPA250B 55 $900 30 50 30 10 40 L $293 6 00
54
Bissell air320 53 $215 30 40 40 30 40 M $80 0 5 0

Coway AP-1512HH Mighty $430 30 40 40 30 40 L $252 50 0

Coway Airmega 200M $240 30 50 30 20 40 L $155 6 00 0

Winix C535 $165 20 50 40 40 40 L $90 0 4 0 0

Blueair Classic 280i $550 20 50 40 30 40 L $110 0 3 0 0

Airdog X5 $205 30 40 40 30 40 M $80 0 4 0

$245 30 40 30 30 40 L $137 0 4 0 0 0

$330 30 50 30 20 40 M $89 50 0

$200 20 40 40 20 40 L $87 0 3 0 0

$240 20 50 40 20 40 L $109 0 3 0 0

$140 20 40 50 20 40 L $75 0 4 0 0 0

$430 30 40 30 30 30 M $377 30 0

$600 20 40 40 20 40 M $62 4 00 0

Digital and All Access members can find the latest, complete ratings at CR.org/air-purifiers.

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score is chamber, plus quietness. Dust/pollen/ fine clay dust. Noise is a measurement large—is our recommendation
based primarily on how well models smoke removal is how well of decibels at high and low based on performance. Annual cost
remove dust and smoke from a test models capture cigarette smoke and speeds. Room size—small, medium, or combines filters and electricity.

10 20 30 40 50 !0 AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 25

POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED

BETTER INTERNET
FOR LESS MONEY

BY THE FIGURE OUT
EDITORS OF WHAT YOU NEED
CONSUMER PAGE 28

REPORTS MAKE YOUR
WiFi BETTER
----- PAGE 30

ILLUSTRATIONS BY AVOID
OVERPAYING
EDMON DE HARO PAGE 32

OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS, our home internet connections
have helped us reach family, friends, and colleagues.
They’ve been both practical tools and a needed source
of entertainment during a difficult time. That may be why
76 percent of Americans agree that internet service is as
important as electricity or water, according to a February
nationally representative Consumer Reports survey of
2,514 U.S. adults. But using the internet at home can be
frustrating, too, as we confront dropped video-calls and
sputtering movies—along with confusing bills and poor
customer service. The good news is that some broadband
problems are easy to fix. The following pages can help
you do that and maybe even help you save a bit of money.
Looking ahead, Consumer Reports is working to make
internet access better and fairer for all of us.
See page 31 to learn how you can join the effort.

26 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021



1 FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU NEED

IF THE INTERNET HOW TO IT’S USEFUL TO KNOW
TEST YOUR
is glitchy in your home, SPEED how fast data moves into and
the first step toward a out of your home. To find out,
solution is to pinpoint go to speed.measurementlab.
the problem. And it net or speedtest.net. With a
helps to understand click or two, you’ll learn your
how online material—be download speed (how fast data
it a Netflix show, Zoom such as a movie streams into
call, or social media your home), and your upload
post—gets to you. speed (how fast data like your
As you can see in the end of a Zoom call streams
illustration at the lower out). The numbers, measured in
right, movies, email, and megabits per second (Mbps),
other data are funneled will vary a bit each time. If
by your internet service possible, first run a test with a
provider (ISP) through computer that’s physically
a series of cables and plugged into your router using
wires to your home. an Ethernet cord. If the result
is much slower than the
If something’s not maximum speeds promoted by
working, the problem the ISP, call the company. Then
could lie outside your do the same test wirelessly
home and may require (over WiFi) throughout the
a call to the company house. If it’s only the WiFi
to fix. Or the trouble speeds that are slow, focus on
could be with your home your router to find a solution.
WiFi network, which (See tips on pages 30 and 31.)
distributes information
wirelessly to your The Way
computers, TVs, and Data Speeds
other devices. (or Crawls)
to Your Home
Which is it? To figure
that out, an easy first Every photo, video, and word
step is to test your you see online passes through
internet speed. your local ISP, and the cables
between you and it largely
determine the quality of
the internet service in your
neighborhood.

28 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 DATA SPEED ILLUSTRATION BY THE TOM AGENCY

BETTER INTERNET FOR LESS

IS YOUR ISPs GENERALLY 300-PLUS
SERVICE MBPS
LEVEL offer several plans, each
FAST promising a different range Few households need
ENOUGH? of speeds—the faster the more than 300 Mbps.
connection, the more you pay. If you have internet
So which plan is right for you? problems, the
solution is probably
It depends on how many not to slap down the
people you have at home and plastic for your
what they do online. You ISP’s priciest
need only around 1 Mbps superfast service.
to listen to a Spotify song
and 4 Mbps for a Zoom call— 100 TO 300
but 25 Mbps to watch a 4K MBPS
movie on Netflix.
These speeds should
The numbers are accommodate even a
cumulative. If two TVs data-hogging family
are streaming 4K movies, that plays 4K ultra HD
that’s 50 Mbps. movies and taxing
online games all at
Every ISP has its own tiers, the same time.
but you can use the speed
ranges at right to see where UP TO 100
you fit in. Many people may MBPS
pay for more speed than
they really need. This is plenty for two
or three people with
routine needs. That
includes Zoom calls,
high-definition movie
viewing, and some
online game play.

Fat and Skinny Pipes Internet Space Race
Rivers of data flow Amazon and SpaceX
into and out of ISPs are developing
via local “nodes” low-orbiting satellite
linked to branches systems that could
that provide internet deliver high-speed
service to homes. internet service
around the world.
Your Connection
What wiring bridges Snarled Traffic
the final gap to If your connection
your home? If it’s a slows at certain
fiber-optic or cable times of day, it could
connection, you may be because your
enjoy fast speeds. But neighbors are all
millions of Americans online, too.
still rely on slow DSL
connections that use
legacy phone lines.

AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 29

2 MAKE YOUR WiFi BETTER

LET’S SAY YOU’VE
signed up for the
right internet service
tier, and your speed
testing confirms
that your ISP truly is
delivering the speeds
it has promised. (See
page 28 for details.)
If your internet
service is still acting
finicky, the problem is
likely to lie within your
WiFi network. You can
probably fix things
by fiddling with the
equipment in
your home. CR’s
expert tips will help.

How WiFi Pride of Place Connected Homes ICONS: ELIAS STEIN. DRIVE FOR FAIR INTERNET ILLUSTRATION (FACING PAGE : THE TOM AGENCY
Links Your Setting up your router U.S. households have
Gadgets in a central location an average of 25 con-
can help your WiFi nected devices—
Data—emails, music, network cover your everything from
movies, etc.—gets to your entire home. TVs to door locks—
home through a physical according to a 2021
cable or wire. Within your Deloitte survey.
home, it typically moves
through the air between Stumbling Blocks
your router and all your Among the many
connected devices. objects that interfere
with a WiFi network
30 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 are masonry walls,
fish tanks, and
microwave ovens.
Mesh routers can
help move the signal
around obstacles.

WIFI LINKS ILLUSTRATION BY THE TOM AGENCY

BETTER INTERNET FOR LESS

MOVE YOUR SET UP A
ROUTER WiFi EXTENDER

TEMPTING THOUGH NEED TO PUSH a WiFi signal a JOIN THE
little deeper into your home? DRIVE
it may be to banish your router A $30 palm-sized WiFi range FOR FAIR
from public view, exiling it extender could be the answer. INTERNET
to a cabinet or the outskirts Plug it into an outlet midway
of your home can hinder between your router and, say, CR IS WORKING to make high-speed
performance. That forces the the comfy reading chair in your internet accessible to more Americans, and
WiFi signal to pass through bedroom, and it stretches the we need your help.
more walls and other barriers, signal. There’s a catch, however:
and to cover longer distances, That extended signal can be Tens of millions of Americans lack access to
to reach every corner of only half as fast as the rest of the kind of fast internet that’s needed—now
the house. your WiFi network, making this a more than ever—for school, work, and staying
great fix for emails, but maybe in touch with family and friends. Still more
Place the router out in the not movies. are stuck with painfully slow or unreliable
open, away from corners, and connections, or bills they can’t afford.
high in the room. (The signal INVEST IN A
tends to be stronger below MESH ROUTER So CR and a coalition of partners are
the router than above it.) Also, launching a broadband affordability initiative:
locate the router as close as asking consumers to take an internet speed
possible to the middle of your test, respond to a short questionnaire, and
home. You may be able to send us a copy of their internet bill. The
move it yourself, or you might information we gather will help us learn how
need some help from your ISP much people are paying in neighborhoods
or a handy friend. across the country, whether they’re getting
what they were promised, and whether
USE AN IF YOU’RE LOOKING to improve prices are fair.
ETHERNET CORD WiFi coverage throughout your
home, a mesh router system We need thousands of participants. That’s
IF YOU’VE EVER had a movie may be the way to go. Unlike a a tall order, but the results can help us
night derailed by sputtering traditional router, which toils pressure internet companies to do better.
WiFi, you know the feeling away on its own, a mesh router
(major letdown). Need a more uses multiple units—a hub and Please join us at
stable signal? A $10 or $20 one or two satellites—that work broadbandtogether.org.
Ethernet cable can save the together to spread the WiFi
day, linking a TV, streaming network from one end of your
video box, or video game abode to the other. If there’s a
console directly to your router. dead zone in the den, you can
move the satellites around to
eliminate it. You can also add
satellites to broaden the
network’s reach. Mesh routers
used to cost up to $500, but
prices have fallen in the past
15 months. You can now find
highly rated three-piece models
for less than $200.

AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 31

3 AVOID OVERPAYING

JUST ABOUT
everyone agrees that
internet service is
crucial to daily life,
but it’s hard to place a
real price on it. Is $50
per month reasonable
for a connection
that often lets you
down? Can you avoid
any of the fees on
your bill? And why
are the bills so hard
to understand? Here
are some concrete
tips for saving money
while getting the
service you want.

NEGOTIATE AS SURVEYS of is just asking for it,” first, Kurland says. cut your TV or mobile and video
A BETTER CR members have he says. Here are Turn those down phone service. streaming
DEAL confirmed time and his expert tips. and they’ll move on That gets your call companies. (See
again, it pays to to the better deals. elevated right away “Bye-Bye, Cable
haggle. But it takes 1 Call on a to a rep with the TV? Maybe,”
skill to duel with an weekday. 3 Avoid online clout to do what it on page 34.)
internet service That’s when other chat tools. takes to keep you,
provider, especially customers are busy At most companies, Kurland says. If 5 Get it in
in a community with at work. You’ll get the live-chat reps there’s only one ISP writing. When
only one or two shorter hold times are lower on the in your area, that you’re satisfied with
viable options. So and higher-level ladder than phone may reduce your the rate, ask the
we asked Ben reps with the best reps, and can’t leverage. But if customer service
Kurland, co-founder discount codes. provide the big you’re trying to get rep to send an email
of the negotiating discounts. a better bundled outlining the
service BillFixers, 2 Don’t be too deal with TV and/or agreement. If the
for advice. “Most of quick to say 4 Threaten phone service, your ISP doesn’t follow
what goes into yes. Reps will give to go to a ISP has plenty of through on the plan,
getting a discount you the worst offers competitor, or to competition from you have backup.

32 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021

BETTER INTERNET FOR LESS

DODGE EXTRA FEES SUPPORTING
A BILL THAT
INTERNET FEES that often MAKES SENSE
surprise consumers include
A BILL THAT MAKES SENSE ILLUSTRATION: THE TOM AGENCY charges for installation and PICKING AN INTERNET plan can change of administration in 2017,
activation, renting a router or be an exercise in frustration. In the but the idea is back—and supported
modem, and an extra hit if you advertised rates, all the fees that will by CR, other advocacy groups,
decide to leave your contract actually appear on your bill are often and some legislators hoping to
early. But some of those buried in fine print, so it’s hard to know make broadband more accessible
are avoidable. what you’ll end up paying. And it’s even and competitive.
harder to compare prices between
For instance, ISPs charge competing providers—if you’re lucky A broadband label might not
an average of $70.38 for enough to have more than one choice ultimately look exactly like this one.
installation—but AT&T, where you live. But whatever the final form, it would
Spectrum (owned by Charter), bring internet pricing into the light
Xfinity (Comcast), and others In 2016 the Federal Communications for consumers, says Jonathan
offer self-installation kits for Commission came close to fixing Schwantes, a CR senior policy counsel
an average of $9.30, that by creating standard broadband who works on broadband
according to the Open labels like the one pictured below. accessibility. “There’s a complete
Technology Institute, a Modeled on the nutrition labels you lack of price transparency or
research organization. find on everything from cereal boxes information on internet service bills,”
to ice cream, the labels would have he says. “Imagine if the auto industry
You can also save long-term spelled out pricing, download and did not put the expected gas mileage
by buying a router and modem upload speeds, the cost of renting a or the price on the window sticker of
rather than renting them from modem, and other details. a new car. That’s the reality in the
your provider. But you have to murky internet service market.”
make sure the modem is The plan was shelved with the
compatible with your ISP—and
it might stop working if you
switch to another service.

GETTING CELL
SERVICE FROM
YOUR ISP

IN THE PAST FEW YEARS,
more than 5 million people
have started to get their
cellular service from the same
company that provides their
internet service: Altice,
Spectrum, or Xfinity.

Why? Cheaper rates. At all
three ISPs, one phone line

AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 33

3 AVOID OVERPAYING CONTINUED

with unlimited data costs $45 BYE-BYE, find that it’s tricky buy an antenna. and HBO Max, for
per month. T-Mobile, the CABLE TV? to get all the (Check out Locast, much less than a
cheapest of the big cell MAYBE. shows they want. too. The nonprofit cable package—and
service carriers, charges $60 Here’s how to streams TV over the you might already
per month. Millions of people figure it all out. web in some areas subscribe to some.
have cut the pay- for a $5-per-month
Much like Consumer Cellular, TV cord, getting rid 1 If you have a donation.) 6 Make sure
Ting, and other smaller of a cable or TV-internet your TV is
providers, ISPs lease excess satellite package bundle, ask what 4 If antennas equipped for
wireless capacity from one of while keeping their you’d pay for and Locast streaming. If it’s
the major carriers (AT&T, internet service. internet alone. don’t work where not a smart TV,
T-Mobile, and Verizon). But They rely on you live, consider a you’ll need a
whenever possible, they streaming services 2 List all the cable replacement streaming device,
bypass the leased cell tower such as Hulu channels your service (Hulu + Live such as an Apple
networks and instead use and Netflix for family wants, TV, Sling TV, or TV or a Roku.
their own WiFi hotspots to entertainment. It including local YouTube TV). It will
provide mobile service. That used to be a surefire affiliates (ABC, PBS), provide regular 7 Once you do
WiFi-first approach saves the way to save money, cable options (Bravo, channels, including the math,
ISPs money on data traffic but streaming- HGTV), and premium various local options; you may find that
fees, and they pass some of service prices have ones, such as HBO. prices start at cord-cutting won’t
the savings along, according been climbing. Also, roughly $35 to $65 save you money—
to Kristen Hanich, senior cord-cutters may 3 See whether you per month. but it might give
analyst at the market can get some you a better
research firm Parks channels with an 5 Or skip live selection of
Associates. indoor antenna. FCC. channels entertainment.
gov has a map, but altogether. You Either way, you
ISPs also tend to offer reception may vary, can get several now have the
more flexible phone plans, so know the return streaming services, information to make
especially for families. You can policy before you such as Disney+ a smart decision.
sign up for a 1-gigabyte plan
for one phone, a 3GB plan for
another, and unlimited service
for phones used by the data
hogs in your home.

But there are caveats. You
need an internet account with
a company to sign up for its
cellular service. When network
traffic is high, your service
may get slowed while cell
carriers prioritize their own
customers. And the ISPs
might reduce you to 2G or
3G speeds when you reach
a monthly data cap—say,
20GB—even if you have an
unlimited plan.

34 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021

BETTER INTERNET FOR LESS Ratings   Broadband Blues As our ratings show, CR members
tend to be unimpressed by the value, reliability,
THE RISE OF and speed supplied by their internet service provider.
DATA CAPS
Provider Reader Survey Results
MANY CELL PHONE plans
have data caps, limiting how Overall
much music and video satisfaction
streaming a family can enjoy score
without incurring extra fees. Value
Caps are becoming more Reliability
common in internet plans, too. Speed
Technical
Many fiber- and cable-based support
ISPs that impose these caps Customer
set them at 1.25 terabytes of service
data, but for DSL and satellite
plans, just 150 gigabytes is Sonic 85 40 50 40 50 50
fairly common. If you exceed Google Fiber 82
the cap, you’re charged an Wave 71 40 50 50 50 50
overage fee or your connection Sparklight 70
is throttled, meaning you’ll Midco 70 10 30 30 30 20
have much slower service until RCN 70
month’s end. Or you can pay WOW 70 10 30 30 30 30
more for an unlimited plan. Verizon 68
Cincinnati Bell 67 10 30 30 30 40
Streaming a 2-hour 4K movie TDS 67
consumes up to 14GB of data. Comcast (Xfinity) 64 10 30 30 30 30
So 1TB—or 1,000GB—may seem Charter (Spectrum) 64
like a lot. But data usage is Atlantic Broadband 63 20 30 20 20 30
rising fast. In April, Charter CEO Cox Communications 63
Thomas Rutledge told investors EarthLink 63 10 30 30 20 20
that almost 20 percent of AT&T 62
Spectrum’s broadband-only CenturyLink 62 10 30 30 – –
customers now reach or Consolidated Communications 61
exceed that threshold. Optimum by Altice 61 10 30 20 20 30
(Charter owns Spectrum.) Mediacom 60
Dish Network 58 10 30 30 10 10
AT&T, Comcast, Cox, and Windstream 58
other ISPs suspended some Frontier Communications 57 10 30 20 20 20
caps during the pandemic, but SuddenLink Communications 56
they’ve begun to restore them. Viasat 51 10 20 20 20 20
That means many people could HughesNet 46
soon pay more—because they 10 30 20 20 20
go over their limit or they opt
for an unlimited plan. 10 20 10 10 10

Reporting by Octavio Blanco, 10 20 10 10 10
Nicholas De Leon,
Chris Raymond, and 10 20 10 10 10
James K. Willcox
10 20 10 20 20

10 20 20 10 10

10 10 20 10 10

10 10 10 10 10

10 10 10 10 10

10 10 10 10 10

10 10 10 10 10

10 10 10 10 10

10 10 10 10 10

HOW WE SURVEY: The as of winter 2O20. (e.g., minimal service Differences of fewer than
ratings are based on the Value and technical disruptions and outages). 5 points between overall
responses of 40,256 CR support are related to Customer service satisfaction scores are
members reporting the quality of the service. reflects nontechnical not meaningful. A gray
on their experiences Reliability and speed concerns, such as
with their current home are related to the home billing questions and dash (–) indicates that
internet service provider, internet connection account management.
we didn’t have enough
data to provide a rating.

10 20 30 40 50 AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 35

WORSE BETTER

LIFE

LESSONS

FROM THE

PA N D E M I C

There has been so much loss. But with it
comes new wisdom that may help
positively reshape the way we go forward.

BY KEVIN LORIA ILLUSTRATIONS BY LOUISA CANNELL

O UR WORLD direction, experts say, and some of
the disruptions the crisis caused may
has certainly produce lasting benefits.
seen its share
of generation- “There has been often a lot of focus
defining events, on loss ... now people are beginning to
reflect on what was gained,” says Vaile
from global Wright, PhD, senior director of health
care innovation at the American
wars to the 1918 Psychological Association (APA).

influenza pandemic to the attacks For instance, many people say
they want to continue to spend more
of 9/11. And now, the COVID-19 time at home as the pandemic eases,
according to a March 2021 Consumer
pandemic. While each was unique, Reports nationally representative
survey of 2,144 American adults. And
they all altered the lives of those who the vast majority hope the emphasis
on cleanliness and hygiene continues.
experienced them.
But what pandemic-related changes
With the coronavirus pandemic, are we most likely to hold on to? Here,
five key lessons and how they may
we’ve surely learned a lot. Some improve our lives in the long run.

lessons have been painful—COVID-19

spotlighted healthcare inequities

and the higher rates of infection and

death in Black, Latino, and Native

American populations. But

recognizing what’s been wrong will

help push our systems in the right

36 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021

“I picked up bigger
projects (at home):
cleaned out and
refurbished an old
shed, installed a new
kitchen door, and
painted the kitchen
cabinets. They look
terrific—turned
out so much better
than expected.”

PETE QUINN,
MANASQUAN, N.J.

AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 37

We’ve Harnessed Tech for
Health, Work, and Socializing

→ THE TECH REVOLUTION go back to the office at all or to have
that seemed perpetually a hybrid schedule going forward,
according to a recent Harvard Business
around the corner actually School survey. “We learned a lot about
the ability to telework and still get the
got here as the coronavirus spread— work done,” says Georges Benjamin,
MD, executive director of the American
upending the way we work, socialize, Public Health Association (APHA). “The
technology exists to do it effectively.”
and handle many basic needs.
Some also turned to tech for leisure
Take telehealth. With restrictions on activities like virtual cooking, live-
streamed museum tours, and interactive
in-person visits, doctors saw patients fitness classes. And people regularly
“visited” with relatives and friends
via phone, tablet, or computer. More via Zoom or FaceTime. While remote
schooling for children was widely
than 80 percent of clinicians who unpopular, the expansion of virtual
adult education may continue to appeal:
responded to a 2020 COVID-19 Health About one-third of American adults said
online classes offered the best value
Coalition survey said telehealth for them, in a July 2020 survey by the
nonprofit Strada Education Network.
improved the timeliness of care, and
One tech issue the pandemic
a subsequent HC survey found that magnified is that not everyone has
reliable home internet access. Though
patients were similarly satisfied. solutions may be a while in coming,
President Biden’s infrastructure
Experts say talk therapy also works bill aims to expand broadband to
communities where it’s lacking.
well via telehealth. (What’s unclear:

whether insurers, who expanded

coverage for virtual care during the

pandemic, will continue their coverage.)

Countless Americans used tech tools

for working at home—a full 70 percent

of full- or part-time working adults

were doing their jobs remotely at least

some of the time in April 2020,

a Gallup poll found. Many liked

it: 81 percent of 1,500 surveyed

professionals who worked remotely

in the past year would prefer not to

We Picked Up Important the pandemic is declared over, accord- PHOTO, PREVIOUS PAGE: COURTESY PETE QUINN.
Wellness Habits ing to CR’s March 2021 survey. “I think PHOTO, FACING PAGE: COURTESY RHONDA PERRETT
handshakes probably won’t return real
→ THOUGH WE INITIALLY home while sick could help reduce quickly,” says the APA’s Wright.
knew almost nothing the spread of the illness.
And just as many people in East Asia
about COVID-19, over the At this point, experts as well as most wore masks during daily activities such
consumers appear to want to see such as commuting by public transit after
course of the pandemic many of infection-protective behaviors become the SARS outbreak there in 2003, some
the norm in the U.S. For instance, mask-wearing may persist in the U.S. for
us learned how strategies such as 79 percent of Americans say they feel a while, says Barun Mathema, PhD, an
positive about the focus on cleanliness assistant professor of epidemiology at
wearing masks, regular and proper and hygiene, and hope it remains after the Mailman School of Public Health
at Columbia University in New York.
hand-washing, distancing physically
This may be more likely in areas
from those outside our household, that were hit hard by COVID-19—or if a

ventilating indoor spaces, and staying

38 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021

We’ve Become
Better at DIY

winter surge in coronavirus occurs in “I started a virtual → THOSE MONTHS AT HOME
the U.S., according to Ali Mokdad, PhD, game night a year gave some the chance to
a professor of health metrics sciences ago and it’s still notice every area of their
at the Institute for Health Metrics going strong, joined living spaces that needed fixing or
and Evaluation at the University of an online group upgrading. That, in turn, motivated
Washington in Seattle, speaking at a called Friends and consumers with time on their hands
news briefing in April 2021. Fiction. ... It gave me to try do-it-yourself projects, and built
an opportunity to confidence in their abilities to wield
Importantly, smart health and get to know people a pair of pliers or a screwdriver, says
hygiene habits have benefits beyond more, even if it was Grant Farnsworth, president of The
protecting against COVID-19. “The on the computer.” Farnsworth Group, which does market
flu epidemic that comes every year research on the construction, lawn,
didn’t happen this year, because of RHONDA PERRETT, and home improvement industries.
mask-wearing, hand-washing, and FOREST, VA.
social distancing—and vaccination,” The result: During the pandemic
says the APHA’s Benjamin. consumers started 5 to 10 percent more
DIY home improvement projects—such
as landscaping and installing lighting—
than they typically do, Farnsworth says.

When spring 2021 rolled around,
and COVID-19 vaccines became widely
available, industry experts expected
the DIY home fix-up trend to end. But it
didn’t. Instead, even as the professional
contracting business has picked up,
people are tackling DIY home improve-
ments much as they did in 2020.

And the DIY movement went beyond
home fixes. Thanks to guidance from
friends, virtual classes, or video
tutorials on YouTube, consumers
learned to cut their own hair, designed
and sewed face masks, and began
breadmaking in such large numbers
that flour became scarce in grocery
stores. Many people also started craft-
ing for fun, says Diana Smith, associate
director of retail at market research
firm Mintel, which predicts a rise in
handmade gifts such as knit hats and
home-baked cookies throughout 2021.

Whether this penchant for self-
reliance will last is unclear, but
the confidence that many gained
from home projects could remain
for life, Farnsworth says. And
some of these DIY projects, Smith
points out, offer a leisure option that
“kind of feeds the soul.”

AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 39

We Began “I started ordering
Shopping Differently from [a] CSA, so I get
seasonal produce
→ WHEN THE PANDEMIC Consumers turned to local venues all year-round while
forced us to suddenly alter too, especially for food. A March 2021 supporting local
survey by the International Food farms. I feel more
our shopping routines, Information Council (IFIC) found connected to the
that 44 percent of Americans ages 18 food I’m eating,
many people opted for contactless to 80 made an effort to support area the businesses
restaurants and 25 percent purchased around me, and the
pickup and online and other delivery- from nearby farmers. people in them.”

based options. The pandemic’s economic blow AIRIN VIRGILIO,
also made it hard for some people CHICAGO
Before COVID-19, online to put food on the table. CR’s August
2020 survey found that about 1 in Looking ahead, 55 percent of
shopping was growing—people 5 American grocery shoppers had Americans say they hope contactless
used a food bank or pantry at some options like curbside pickup will last,
already bought most electronics point since the pandemic began—and CR’s March 2021 survey found. Almost
about half of them said they hadn’t half say they’re still shopping online
on the internet, for instance. used these programs in the preceding more than in the past, Mintel says. But
year. In IFIC’s March survey, more many may also continue to buy local,
But the pandemic accelerated this, than 40 percent said they often or says Smith: “There’s an emphasis and a
sometimes bought less food or less focus on community and connection.”
says Mintel’s Smith, particularly for healthy food due to money worries.

groceries, household cleansers,

and healthcare products, and tech PHOTO: COURTESY AIRIN VIRGILIO

gear useful for working at home.

A nationally representative August

2020 Consumer Reports survey of

more than 2,000 U.S. adults found

that the percentage of Americans who

used delivery or pickup for groceries

grew by more than 80 percent.

40 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021

We’ve 18 percent higher than the previous of interest in volunteering with
year’s numbers, according to the food banks and organizations that
Reassessed Association of American Medical support the elderly, disabled, or
Colleges. “After 9/11, [we] saw a big migrant populations, according to
Our Priorities increase in individuals joining the the United Nations.
armed forces,” Wright says. “I think
→ THROUGHOUT the ups that this is probably similar.” Finally, 35 percent of us say we
and downs of the pandemic, yearn to try “something new,” Mintel
many Americans have been The crisis motivated us to look reports. But what? Only time will tell
reconsidering what matters most in out for our local communities, whether that means starting a blog or
life, and that’s little surprise to the too, a trend that’s likely to endure, a business, learning a new language,
experts we interviewed. Smith says. We saw this worldwide: raising chickens, relocating—or an
COVID-19 drove a global surge entirely different kind of pursuit.
As Richard Tedeschi, PhD, a
professor of psychology at the EXPERTS LEARNED
University of North Carolina at
Charlotte, points out, going through HOW TO KEEP US SAFER
challenging experiences often leads
us to think more deeply about our Future
core beliefs—whether it’s our personal pandemics
relationships or health, the work we are inevitable,
do, or how we spend our free time. according to
health experts,
In addition, the coronavirus but they note
“caused people to realize that things that takeaways
could change in an instant,” says from this crisis
Mintel’s Smith. The firm’s recent data can make all
found that 59 percent of Americans the difference.
say they want to spend more time Here’s what
with family. And 44 percent said they say
they enjoyed spending more time at matters.
home during the pandemic and hope
that continues afterward, according 1 STRONG DISEASE $98 billion annually globe worked together
to CR’s March 2021 survey. “I think SURVEILLANCE on public health. That to develop safe and
people have appreciated being forced needs to grow by effective vaccines and
to slow down,” says the APA’s Wright, SYSTEMS BENEFIT about $7 billion, says treatments and learn
“to actually be present in activities” Georges Benjamin, MD, about the virus in
with family and friends. EVERYONE. Many of the American Public record time.
countries around the Health Association,
Mintel also found that 58 percent world need expert help to address new and 4 EVERYONE
of people express a desire to take to identify emerging chronic diseases. By PLAYS A PART.
better care of their physical outbreaks and new comparison, the U.S.
health. Home cooking could help pathogens so that government spent After early failures
there. According to CR’s August possible threats can trillions after COVID-19 in the U.S. pandemic
2020 survey, more than a third be contained. spiraled out of control. response, people
of grocery shoppers say they stayed home when
cooked from scratch or tried new 2 SUPPORTING 3 COLLABORATION requested, so “we
recipes more often than they used PUBLIC HEALTH IS ESSENTIAL. were effective at
to before the coronavirus. bending the curve,”
KEEPS US ALL Scientists across the Benjamin says.
On the job front, the dedication
of healthcare workers throughout HEALTHIER. The
the pandemic appears to have U.S. spends roughly
inspired more people to become
doctors. Applications to attend
medical school in 2021 were roughly

WHAT TO DO WHEN AN APPLIANCE BREAKS:

FIX IT OR DIT

The notion of a leaky dishwasher or a fridge If your fridge door
on the fritz was unsettling enough during lets out a draft or
the height of the pandemic, but the outlook pops open, it’s likely
for repairing or replacing a major appliance time for a new
isn’t likely to improve this year. Read on gasket. Remove the
for the latest on the supply chain issues, old one and install a
how to determine your best course of action, replacement. Consult
and tips for appliance shopping now. your owner’s manual
PLUS: Our third annual Appliance Brand for the details.
Reliability Rankings.

BY THE EDITORS OF CONSUMER REPORTS

Do you see water
collecting on the
floor in front of your
dishwasher? First,
check the door seal
for any rips or other
damage. If there’s
no longer a perfect
seal, get a model-
specific replacement
gasket, which you
install around the
cavity’s edge.

42 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 ILLUSTRATION BY ERIC HEINZ

CH IT? REPAIRS
YOU SHOULD
Boil-overs can Is your finished (PROBABLY)
leave burners on laundry still feeling NEVER DIY
a gas range with damp? Clean the
clogged ignition dryer’s internal There are plenty of
ports, resulting in moisture sensor, fixes you can try
a weak or uneven often located near yourself (see a few
flame. Remove the the lint trap. at left), but some are
burner heads, then (Check the lint trap best left for a pro.
clean the ports and vent duct, too.)
with a toothbrush. Fixing a leak on
your fridge’s sealed
refrigerant system.
It’s best to avoid
contact with the
potentially toxic
gases in the circu-
lating refrigerant.
Also, making solid
connections to copper
parts involves brazing
(similar to welding).

Replacing the
bearings on a
front-load washer.
They’re usually at the
back of the drum, so
you have to disassemble
the outer cabinet and
the drum to reach
them. That requires
keeping track of all the
electrical connections
as you go so you can
reassemble later.

Tinkering
with microwave
electronics.
A microwave capacitor
can hold a high-voltage
charge well after it’s
unplugged. If you don’t
correctly discharge the
capacitor before you
touch any metal parts
or wires, you risk shock
or even electrocution.

Working on an
appliance under
warranty.
DIY repairs might
void the warranty, so
read the fine print
before you begin.

UGH! AN APPLIANCE

M asks may be coming off Is it under warranty?
throughout the U.S., but if you’re
shopping for a large appliance A standard manufacturer warranty spans one to
right now—or trying to get your two years for parts and labor, though some last
current one fixed—it can still feel longer. Not sure? Consult the manual for the appliance
like early COVID-19 times. “Back or call the maker armed with your serial number. Some
orders on parts and new products retailers offer their own warranty, and if you used a
have never been this long in the credit card, check its policies, too.
20 years I’ve been here,” says
Rodney Neuenschwander, manager of Home Appliance, Yes Replace.
a retailer and appliance repair service in Massillon,
Ohio. And the senior acquisition agent who buys large No-brainer: A newer, more
appliances for CR’s tests says he’s waiting three to four Repair. energy-efficient
months for some products, mainly higher-end items. model will likely save
Call the you money on energy
What’s the Holdup? manufacturer in the long run.
to set up a
A variety of forces, some pandemic-related and some service call.
decades old, have put kinks in the supply chain. After
more than a year at home relying more than before on It’s a $300 over-the-range
ranges, dishwashers, and fridges, many Americans are microwave or something else
seeking to replace or fix those big-ticket items. Record- on the less expensive side.
low interest rates for mortgages have sparked home
buying and building, further fueling appliance demand. Eh
Manufacturers that have maintained lean, cost-cutting
inventories for decades haven’t kept up. And they and Consider replacing. But what’s the
their parts suppliers are running with COVID-19 safety timeline for getting the model you want?
protocols that slow production.
See our shopping tips at right and on the next page.
Other factors have affected supply: shortages in
computer chips and shipping containers; clogged West If you have to wait ...
Coast ports; and a fluke accident in March that blocked
the Suez Canal, a major shipping route. Even the weather In the interim, you can hand-wash dishes; cook in a
has played a role. When record cold temperatures in toaster oven, on a grill, or on a hot plate; hit the
February paralyzed much of Texas’s electrical grid, the laundromat; or line-dry clothes. But if your fridge is dead,
state’s oil production shut down temporarily, delaying head to “If You Need It Right Now,” at right.
production of petroleum-based products like plastics
used in many appliances.

What About Repairs?

The average current wait time for a technician affiliated
with RepairClinic.com is about 10 days, says Chris Zeisler,
its technical services supervisor. “In more populated
areas, it’s just something they can’t get manpower out
on,” he says. “I wouldn’t expect that to be a long-term
situation, but it’s definitely a crunch right now.”

If you can get a technician to your home, you may find
you have another wait for parts—if they’re available. Or
you may have to compromise by accepting generic parts—
or decide to buy a new appliance instead.

by Tanya A. Christian, Mary H.J. Farrell, Keith Flamer,
Paul Hope, Tobie Stanger, and Daniel Wroclawski

44 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021

ISN’T WORKING. Should you replace it or repair it?
This basic road map can help you decide.

No How old is it? IF YOU NEED
IT RIGHT NOW
Manufacturers tell us
that most appliances Try an independent
last about 10 years. dealer. They often can
match big-box prices and
Ancient Somewhere in between Under about 6 years supply. They might even
offer a loaner while you
What would a replacement cost? Is it from a wait for a new machine.
reliable brand? Narrow your search on
An $8,000 built-in fridge vs. a $400 big-box websites. Filter
over-the-range microwave will lead you Check our Brand Reliability it by what’s in stock
down different paths. You might want Rankings starting on page 48. locally and available for
to call a repair pro for a rough estimate delivery now or soon.
of what fixing it might cost, so you can No Yes Explore used options
weigh your options. in your area for a
temporary or lower-cost
It’s a midlevel appliance, It’s a high-end Explore a repair. permanent solution. For
not a huge splurge but model to advice, go to CR.org/
in that middle gray area. start with. Try to diagnose usedappliances0821.
the problem with
Do you love it? It meets my an online search, or IF YOU CAN WAIT
family’s needs, call the manufac-
(As much as one can and we like it! turer or a local Get on an independent
love an appliance.) repair firm. The dealer’s waiting list.
company may have “We’re getting a good
to send a technician supply of product,”
out to evaluate. says Ken Miele, CEO of
the Appliance Dealers
DIY PRO 2018 member REFRIGERATORS $162 Cooperative in New Jersey.
surveys on large “When you go shopping
If you think it’s a job How soon can they appliances, here are RANGES $133 today, in four to six weeks
you can do, how get to you? Repair the median reported ELECTRIC $130 you’ll probably have that
quickly can you get shops may prioritize costs for repairs GAS $246 washer and dryer.”
replacement parts by urgency. You paid for completely PRO-STYLE Sign up for alerts. Some
and how much are might get a same- out of pocket. If you chains, such as Home
they? RepairClinic. day slot for a gas get a quote that far DISHWASHERS $113 Depot and Lowe’s, let
com is seeing leak but wait two exceeds this, talk you set up notifications
common parts on weeks for a faulty through the repair OTR MICROWAVES $103 that tell you when your
back-order from dishwasher. vs. replace equation favored model arrives.
four to six weeks. with your technician. WASHING $135 Don’t expect prices to
Based on our MACHINES drop. Retailers don’t have
to discount much while
supplies are low and
demand is high, says
David MacGregor, an
appliance-industry
analyst at Longbow
Research in Cleveland:
“My industry contacts
speculate the availability
issues will extend
through the end of 2021.”

CLOTHES DRYERS $116

AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 45

APPLIANCE WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING for an upgrade or you’re in
SHOPPING IN 2021 urgent need of a replacement, flexibility is key. “The situation
is not so dire that people will have to go without a refrigerator
if they really need one,” says Mark Davis, an analyst at Gap
Intelligence, a retail and e-commerce market research firm.
“But they may not get it at the price they want to pay.” Of all

Refrigerators Ranges Dishwashers

AS ALWAYS: You can spend anywhere AS ALWAYS: You’ll start with the fuel AS ALWAYS: More expensive models,
from $550 for a basic top-freezer to source, of course. In general, it’s most which can cost as much as $2,300,
more than $5,000 for a top-of-the-line cost-effective to stick with the same often come with additional bells and
French-door model. Measure the width, kind you already have. Switching from whistles (think stainless steel interior,
height, and depth of the spot where electric to gas or vice versa requires special wash cycles and zones, and WiFi
your fridge lives. Next, measure the permits and licensed pros, adding to the connectivity). But dishwashers that
width and height of any doorways, total cost and, potentially, wait time. cost $500 and under can get your
hallways, etc., that a new one will have With that in mind, expect to spend dishes just as clean. Some have a soil
to travel through to get to the kitchen. between $400 and $3,500 or so for a sensor, which improves water
Use these to narrow your search. 30-inch-wide electric or gas model. efficiency—a worthwhile feature at any
WORTH NOTING NOW: Prioritize your WORTH NOTING NOW: If you’re replacing price—and many have adjustable racks.
must-have features and focus on an electric model, you can typically WOR TH NOT ING NOW: While the
models that have the top two or upgrade to induction—which runs on the industry expects availability and
three, such as a water dispenser and same 220-volt line—with no modifica- pricing to return to pre-pandemic
icemaker. The longer your list of wants, tions. But a glass manufacturer that levels by the end of the year, the
the more difficulty you’ll have finding makes the tops for electric smoothtop dishwasher market is experiencing low
models that meet your criteria. and induction ranges has stepped in to inventory, and we’ve seen that for our
STOCK CHECK: We’ve seen fridges help produce glass vials for COVID-19 recommended models. If you’ve got
back-ordered from a few weeks to over vaccines. That could mean longer wait an immediate need, you may have to
three months. According to data from times for these options. make some sacrifices in terms of
Gap Intelligence, French-doors are the STOCK CHECK: Our shoppers report features or performance.
most available type; side-by-sides are that new ranges are arriving two STOCK CHECK: Bosch dominates the top
more difficult to come by. Here are two days to six months after an online of our ratings. The models below are
top picks from our tests that can be purchase. Here are two solid options currently available from major retailers
delivered in under a month: in each major fuel type: for delivery inside of a month:

$0 LG !0 Frigidaire !0 LG !0 GE !0 Bosch !0 Bosch 100

LSXS26326S FFTR2021TS LREL6325D JGB735SPSS Ascenta Series
SIDE-BY-SIDE TOP-FREEZER ELECTRIC GAS RANGE SHE3AR72UC SHXM4AY55N
$1,500 $845 SMOOTHTOP RANGE $1,080 $600 $750
$1,200
69 IN. H X 69 IN. H X 30 IN. 24 IN. 24 IN.
36 IN. W X 34 IN. D 30 IN. W X 33 IN. D 30 IN.
[ABOVE] 72 OVERALL [ABOVE] 84 OVERALL
[ABOVE] 70 OVERALL SCORE SCORE
SCORE 84 OVERALL 89 OVERALL
79 OVERALL SCORE SCORE
SCORE

46 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 10 20 30 40 50 !0 $0

POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY

the appliance categories below, Davis says fridges have (We don’t share his name, so purchases are anonymous and
had the lowest inventory, with 67 percent of models in independent.) “If you want the latest finish, for example,
stock, on average, from October 2020 through May 2021. it could be a longer wait than for white or stainless.” In the
But washers and dryers had just over 80 percent in stock. meantime, he says, “We’ll test what’s out there, because
“It’s still a matter of catch as catch can,” says CR’s senior that’s what’s available to the consumer.” Here’s a closer look
acquisition agent, who buys the large appliances we test. at all the large appliances we rate at CR.

Microwaves Washers Dryers

AS ALWAYS: Over-the-range microwaves AS ALWAYS: You can spend $400 for a AS ALWAYS: Clothes dryer prices
are typically the least expensive part of basic top-load agitator and up to $2,500 range from $400 to $2,000 depending
a kitchen suite, costing between $130 on a front-loader. Measure the width, on the capacity, features, and type
and $1,170 depending on the brand and height, and depth of your laundry space (electric, gas, or compact). Roughly half
the features included. But because and any doors or hallways leading to it, the models in our ratings are Energy
they’re built into the cabinetry, it’s still and consider how big your loads are. Star certified. Those models use
a hassle when one breaks. You’ll need to Claimed capacity size is key (more than 20 percent less energy than the rest,
hire a professional installer. On the plus 4.2 cubic feet is a decent size). Most according to Energy Star.
side, the standard width of an OTR washers are 27 to 30 inches wide, 39 to WORTH NOTING NOW: If you’re looking
microwave is 30 inches, just like the 45 inches high, and 27 to 35 inches for a matching washer/dryer set,
range below it, so your new one should deep. For smaller spaces, try a compact remember that not all of them make a
easily fit in the old spot. washer (24 inches wide). great couple. Start your search with
WOR TH NOT ING NOW: There’s good WORTH NOTING NOW: Laundry appliances the washer first, because it carries the
news here: You should be able to find haven’t experienced the same supply heavier laundry lift and is a more
what you need. Over the past year we challenges as large kitchen appliances. complicated machine.
haven’t had much trouble finding the According to data from our member STOCK CHECK: Most of the dryers that
OTRs we wanted to buy for testing in surveys, two-thirds of CR members sit at the top of our ratings are
our microwave lab. who bought a washer in 2020 were able currently available within a few weeks.
STOCK CHECK: Even microwaves to get the model they wanted. Currently, Here are two high-scoring models:
initially on back-order have become top-loaders might be easier to come by
available within a few weeks. Here than front-loaders.
are two top performers that are STOCK CHECK: Delivery times are
widely available now: ranging one to four weeks. Here are two
models available for delivery within a
few weeks:

!0 Whirlpool !0 LG $0 LG $0 LG WT7100CW $0 LG $0 LG

WMH53521H LMV2031ST WM3400CW TOP-LOAD HE DLE3400W DLE7100W
$470 $350 FRONT-LOAD $800 $800 $800
$800
[ABOVE] 81 OVERALL 45 IN. H X 39 IN. H X 45 IN. H X
SCORE 39 IN. H X 27 IN. W X 30 IN. D 27 IN. W X 30 IN. D 27 IN. W X 29 IN. D
87 OVERALL 27 IN. W X 31 IN. D [ABOVE]
SCORE 81 OVERALL 88 OVERALL
[ABOVE] SCORE 90 OVERALL SCORE
SCORE
86 OVERALL
SCORE

Note: All models were available at major retailers at press time, but evolving supply conditions mean that availability fluctuates. AUGUST 2021 CR.ORG 47

HOW THE WHAT’S THE BEST way to land an appliance that will stand
BRANDS STACK UP the test of time? Buy from a reliable brand.

CR’s third annual Appliance A good place to start—especially in the retail climate
Brand Reliability Rankings can we’re facing now—is with the chart below, our third annual
help guide you as you shop. Appliance Brand Reliability Rankings. It shows how reliable a
brand is relative to others for multiple appliances. The results
are based on data CR collected from our member surveys
on more than 760,000 kitchen and laundry appliances
purchased new between 2010 and 2020.

To calculate predicted reliability, we asked members if their
appliances broke or stopped working as well as they should.

AVERAGE PREDICTED 88
RELIABILITY SCORE
73
70 70 69 68 68 67 67 67
64 64

SPEED QUEEN
LG
CAFÉ
IKEA
THERMADOR
BOSCH
MIELE
GE
ROPER
SIGNATURE KITCHEN SUITE
KENMORE
SUB-ZERO/WOLF

2021 RANK ù 1 2 3 3 5 6 6 8 8 8 11 11
RANK CHANGE FROM 2020 – ◀ 1 ◀ 2 ◀ 7 ◀ 8 ◀ 4
4▶ 1▶ 4▶ 1▶ ◀1 ◀5

PRODUCT REFRIGERATORS 40 30 50 30 30 40 30 40 40
R E L I A B I L I T Y, DISHWASHERS
BY RANGES 30 30 50 50 50 50 30 30 30
APPLIANCE
40 40 50 30 40 20 50 40 30

COOKTOPS 50 40 30 40 50 20 40 50 40 30

ELECTRIC WALL OVENS 40 50 20 30 30 50 50 40 30

OTR MICROWAVES 40 40 40 30 40 40 40

WASHING MACHINES 50 50 30 40 30 40 30

CLOTHES DRYERS 50 50 30 50 30 40 40

48 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021 10 20 30 40 50

POOR EXCELLENT

We used that data to estimate how a brand’s new models top-freezer refrigerators—the most reliable type—would
will hold up over the first five years of ownership. The have an unfair advantage over brands that make multiple
chart includes only brands for which we have reliability types. The predicted reliability ratings for the appliance
ratings in at least two categories of major appliances. categories from each brand are an average of the ratings
for all types of that brand’s appliances (for example, front-
The average predicted reliability score for each brand loaders, top-loaders, etc., for washing machines).
has been adjusted to account for differences among
types of appliances. A brand that earns relatively high The top- and bottom-rated brands in the chart remain
marks for its French-door refrigerators, for example, unchanged. Blomberg is the sole newcomer to this year’s
gets a bump in its score because French-door models rankings. Remember that our predicted reliability ratings
are less reliable than other refrigerator types. Without aren’t an indicator of performance. For more on how a par-
this statistical adjustment, a brand that makes only ticular appliance fared, go to CR.org/appliances.

64
62 62 61
59 58 57 56
54

46 45 44 43
39 39
33
WHIRLPOOL
FRIGIDAIRE
MONOGRAM
MAYTAG
KITCHENAID
HOTPOINT
AMANA
SAMSUNG
CROSLEY
BLOMBERG
FISHER & PAYKEL
JENN-AIR
ELECTROLUX
ASKO
DACOR
VIKING

11 14 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 28

2▶ ◀2 9▶ 1▶ ◀2 2▶ ◀1 ◀1 8▶ û 1▶ – 1▶ 3▶ – 1▶

40 40 30 40 30 40 40 30 30 40 30 20 20
40 30 30 30 30 30 20 30 30 10 40 20
40 40 30 30 30 40 30 30 20 20 30 30 10
40 40 40 30 40 30 30 40 40 20 20 20 20
30 40 30 40 30 30 40 20 30 20 30
50 40 40 30 40 30 20 20 10 30
30 30 40 20 40 10
30 30 30 50 30 30 20 30 20
40 40 30 20
20 40

Empty cells indicate that either the manufacturer doesn’t make that appliance or we have insufficient data to calculate a reliability rating. A dash (-) represents no change in rank from last year.
ù Some brands share a rank due to a statistical tie of their average predicted reliability scores. û The brand is appearing in the chart for the first time.

Build a

Healthier

Salad

HOW TO MAKE IT TAST Y AND NUTRITIOUS.
PLUS, WE RATE SALAD DRESSINGS.

BY RACHEL MELTZER WARREN PHOTOGRAPH BY NIGEL COX

Salad’s reputation as the ultimate health food is well deserved.
People who eat greens and veggies on any given day take in more fiber,
potassium, vitamin K, and other valuable nutrients than those who
don’t, according to a recent analysis by the Department of Agriculture.

For some, though, a string of E. coli outbreaks in recent years tied to leafy
greens have dimmed salad’s star. So have articles about salads being ruined
by calorie- and salt-packed ingredients like bacon bits, cheese, croutons,
and fatty dressings. But it would be a shame to dismiss salads from your diet.

50 CR.ORG AUGUST 2021