SPSEPCE CIAI AL LEEDDITI TIOI ONN RATINGS &
735 REVIEWS
GREAT
Kitchens DREAM
UPDATES
FOR LESS
On a BudgetTM
BEST & APPLIANCE
WORST SHOPPING
REFRIGERATORS WHERE TO FIND
RANGES BIG SAVINGS
COOKTOPS
DISHWASHERS
MICROWAVES
WALL OVENS
COUNTERTOPS
FLOORING
JULY 2021 CR.ORG
Please display until July 6, 2021
CONTENTS
P. 40
JULY 2021
P. 84 P. 70
3 Inspiring Updates worst places to shop, from 50 Choice Cooktops DESIGN ELEMENTS
Yes, you can get a high-style our exclusive surveys. Our tests reveal great op-
look for less. Just follow tions for gas, electric, 78 Kitchen Storage
the lead of these style-savvy, 18 Cooking Tools for and electric-induction cook- Solutions
budget-smart makeovers. Every Kitchen tops. Find the best one Use our buying advice to
6 Weekend Makeovers Remodeling? Take the op- for your space right here. choose cabinets with the
These six DIY projects can portunity to upgrade your storage you need and a style
make your space look out-of-date countertop 58 Exceptional Ovens you’ll love for years.
and work better—no major appliances, too. Here’s a look Wall ovens are handy
remodel required. at the top-rated models when you’re cooking for a 84 Surface Report
12 How to Save Big on from our latest lab tests, in- crowd and offer design Our tough tests reveal which
New Appliances cluding air fryers, multi- flexibility, but they can be countertop materials can
Use these inside tips to get cookers, and toaster ovens. pricey. Here’s what to stand up to daily use and
the appliances you need know before you splurge. abuse with ease. Plus, the
at great prices. Plus: Best and APPLIANCES messes that stain the worst.
62 Multitasking Microwaves
P. 18 26 Fresh Fridges Some new microwaves 90 Top Floors
Top-freezer or side-by-side? can bake, grill, and brown. Hardwood, tile, vinyl, and
French-door or bottom- Our test results show you more: Let our ratings help
freezer? Use our expert buy- which features can add real you choose the best flooring
ing advice and ratings to convenience—and which for your home and lifestyle.
find the right style and fea- are just unnecessary extras.
tures for your kitchen. 96 Resources
40 Range Finder 70 Dish Duty, Done ON THE COVER
Shop smarter with insights Cleaner dishes and quieter
from our test labs. Plus: Why operation using less energy Photographer: Andrea
pro-style ranges aren’t and water—our top models Rugg
always as good as they look. do it all. Find the best perfor-
mance and value here.
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 1
From the Editors
Your Dream Kitchen for Less GREAT
Coming up with a wish list for tests and on our surveys of CR Kitchens
your new kitchen is easy. You members’ experiences with the
probably have a whole idea file products in their homes. You can On a BudgetTM
of top-performing appliances, trust our advice because we’re
gleaming counters and floors, nonprofit and independent: We President and CEO Marta L. Tellado
and storage for miles. But buy all the products we test, and
figuring out how to make those we accept no ads. Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Leonora Wiener
wishes come true—within the Vice President, Chief Content Officer Gwendolyn Bounds
confines of your real-life budget? So take another look at your
That part’s not always so easy. wish list—and relax. With CR’s Editorial Director, Print Ellen Kunes
smart savings advice, you can Deputy Editor, Print Publications Amanda Lecky
The good news: CR is here to make the kitchen of your dreams
help. Our team of home pros— an affordable, beautiful reality. Design Director Matthew Lenning Creative Director, Brand Young Kim
reporters, engineers, and market Associate Design Director Sheri Geller
analysts—has taken a close —The Editors of Art Directors Lisa Slater, Tracy Stora
look at the style, performance, Consumer Reports Photo Editors Emilie Harjes, Karen Shinbaum
features, reliability, and value of
hundreds of products, to help RATINGS Overall Scores are Senior Director, Content Development Glenn Derene
you get the most for your money based on a scale of 0 to 100. Deputy Director, Content Development Christopher Kirkpatrick
every step of the way. We rate products using Associate Directors, Content Development Scott Billings, Althea Chang
these symbols: Enterprise Kevin Doyle, Editor, Perry Santanachote, Writer/Reporter
When you’re ready to shop, just Senior Director, Content Impact & Corporate Outreach Jen Shecter
turn to the Buying Guide on page 1 POOR 2 FAIR 3 GOOD Special Projects Joel Keehn, Director; Margot Gilman, Associate
24. You’ll find exclusive ratings 4 VERY GOOD 5 EXCELLENT Director; Lisa L. Gill, Scott Medintz, Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Brian
and reviews based on our in-house Vines, Deputies; Ryan Felton, Donna Rosato, Writers
Editorial Director, Digital Erle Norton
CONNECT WITH US TWITTER Senior Director, Product Testing Maria Rerecich PHOTO: ROBIN STUBBERT
Associate General Counsel Camille Calman
FACEBOOK @consumerreports Director, Lab Operations Lilian Kayizzi
@SomosCR
fb.com/consumerreports HOME & APPLIANCE: Sara Morrow, Content Lead Editors/
fb.com/SomosCR PINTEREST Writers: Daisy Chan, Tanya Christian, Mary Farrell, Keith Flamer,
Paul Hope, Haniya Rae, Daniel Wroclawski Product Testing: John
YOUTUBE /consumerreports Galeotafiore, Emilio Gonzalez, James Nanni, Testing Leads; John
Banta, Susan Booth, Tara Casaregola, Lawrence Ciufo, Enrique de
/consumerreports LINKEDIN Paz, Bernard, Deitrick, Cindy Fisher, Rich Handel, Misha Kollontai,
Ginny Lui, Joan Muratore, Joseph Pacella, Christopher Regan, Frank
INSTAGRAM /company/ Spinelli, Dave Trezza Market Analysts: Mark Allwood, Claudette
consumer-reports Ennis, Kelly Moomey, Courtney Pennicooke, Antonella Pomilla,
@consumerreports Marion Wilson-Spencer
Chief Scientific Officer James H. Dickerson
Food Safety James E. Rogers, Director; Sana Mujahid; Tunde Akinleye,
Amy Keating
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
Production Nancy Crowfoot, Associate Director; Eric W. 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; Samuel
Chapman, 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; Selina Tedesco
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
Copyright © 2021 Consumer Reports, Yonkers,
New York 10703. Published by Consumer
Reports, Yonkers, New York 10703. All rights
reserved, including the right of reproduction in
whole or in part in any form. ISSN: 2767-1739.
Manufactured in the United States of America.
2 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
Inspiring BOLD
Updates PERSONALITY
A once-basic
THESE MAKEOVERS ARE space got a high-
BRIMMING WITH energy upgrade,
BRILLIANT, BUDGET- thanks to new tile,
SAVVY IDEAS TO paint, and creative
BORROW FOR YOUR problem-solving.
OWN KITCHEN REFRESH.
3
Inspiring Updates
BIG STYLE says. "Instead, we put in turned them around
UPGRADE a lot of time and elbow- before painting in a rich
ON A VERY grease." First up: the cab- forest green (Benjamin
SMALL inets. New units weren't Moore's Yorktowne
BUDGET in the plan, so Jessica Green HC-133). A mix of
and Rick opted to rear- graphic tiles and painted
When Rick and Jessica range and re-invent what wood paneling on the
Rettinger bought their they had. They removed walls adds rich pattern
Betavia, Ohio, home, the upper cabinets on and texture that's bal-
they knew they would the range wall, install- anced by the warm
update the kitchen, even ing open shelves in their natural-wood shelves
though it wasn't in ter- place. Discovering that and counters. The new
rible shape. "We wanted the backs of the cabi- look is fresh and fun—
to add our own style, and net doors had a simple, and just right for the
help the kitchen flow bet- Shaker-style design, they young family.
ter with the look of the
rest of the house," Jes- BEFORE
sica says. So the couple,
seasoned DIYers who
rehab homes for a living
(and the busy parents
of four), set about giving
their basic kitchen a per-
sonality infusion—on a
strict $2,500 budget. "We
knew it wasn't our forever
house, so we didn't want
to spend a lot," Jessica
BRIGHTER PHOTO, PREVIOUS PAGE: JESSICA RETTINGER
& BETTER—
BUT NOT ANY
BIGGER
Dark and dreary aren't
the adjectives you want to
describe your beach-house
kitchen. So when planning
4 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
PHOTOS, THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT: JESSICA his seaside rehab, interior enclosed the kitchen. fridge swapped places to BEFORE
RETTINGER; WILL TAYLOR (AFTERS) design author Will Taylor's Now there's an easy create a better workflow,
first priority was "more flow between spaces but the sink kept its
light and color." And and plenty of room for original spot to avoid
though his budget didn't another must-have: relocating the water line
have room for an addi- a large dividing island (a smart money move).
tion, he also wanted to with a durable quartz A beachy palette adds
maximize counter and countertop and hidden the color Will loves, but
storage space in the storage within. Inside the the best improvement
compact kitchen. The kitchen, new cabinets is how open the space
key to achieving all those and shelves offer more now feels, he says. "The
goals? Removing the storage and display footprint is the same, but
half wall that partially space. The range and it looks twice as big!"
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 5
Weekend
Makeovers
NOT READY TO COMMIT TO A MAJOR REMODEL? TRY THESE SIX
SIMPLE DIY UPDATES TO REBOOT YOUR KITCHEN'S STYLE, FAST.
6
1. Get Personal
With Paint
and Paper
A fresh coat of paint—
try our top-rated
interior paint, Behr
Marquee, $45 per
gallon—can give new
life to old cabinets.
Pro tip: Don't rush the
prep work (removing
doors, cleaning, and
sanding). It's the key
to a smooth finish.
Want a dash of pattern?
Peel-and-stick wall-
paper adds low-
commitment flair.
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 7
Weekend Makeovers
2. Create a Fun Focal
Point With Tile
Tiling a high-impact wall area
is a DIY-friendly job, even
if you've never tiled before.
Simplify the task by choosing
a style that comes as a square
of multiple tiles affixed to a
mesh backing so that the
spacing is done for you. And
avoid designs that continue
from one tile to the next,
requiring precision placement
and cutting to maintain the
pattern. Budget bet: Check big
box stores for less-expensive
look-alikes for popular and
pricey handmade styles.
8
3. Improve Work Flow
With a Rolling Island
Problem: You could really use
more counter space (who
couldn't?), but adding a built-in
peninsula or island isn't in
the budget. Solution: a rolling
kitchen cart or island. A quick
online search will turn up a wide
variety of options with different
styles, sizes, and prices—any
of which will increase your
counter area and add open or
closed storage, as well. When
you need more floor space in
your kitchen, just roll the cart out
of the way.
PHOTOS, PREVIOUS SPREAD FROM LEFT: KARYN MILLET; JANE BEILES; PHOTOS, THIS SPREAD FROM LEFT: HELYNN OSPINA; 4. Update Cabinets
BARRY CALHOUN; ADAM MACCHIA. PHOTOS, FOLLOWING SPREAD FROM LEFT: HELYNN OSPINA; SEAN LITCHFIELD With Fresh Handles
and Knobs
It may not seem like much of
a change, but replacing your
cabinet hardware can make a
surprisingly big impact on the
look of your space. For example,
trading 1990s polished chrome
for 2020s matte black—or luxe
and timeless brushed brass—
can be just the subtle refresh
your kitchen needs. Hint:
Take the old handles with you
to the store so that you won't
have to drill new screw
holes because you bought
the wrong size.
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 9
Weekend Makeovers
5. Make It Modern
With Statement
Lighting
The right pendant lights can
add more than key task
illumination above prep,
cooking, or cleanup areas;
they can also add some
serious style to your space.
For a bold impact, look for
oversized designs and rich
finishes. But avoid fabric
or woven shades in grease-
prone areas.
10 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
6. Install Open Shelves for
Storage and Interest
They're a popular feature in many
modern kitchens, and for good
reason: Open shelves are typically less
expensive than wall cabinets, and they
create easy access to essentials or
an eye-catching display spot. During
installation, always screw supports into
wall studs—or risk tumbling treasures.
11
12
HOW TO
SAVE BIG
ON NEW
APPLIANCES
SHORTAGES CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC HAVE MADE BARGAIN-HUNTING A LITTLE
MORE DIFFICULT. BUT OUR INSIDE TIPS CAN STILL HELP YOU GET THE TOP MODELS
AT THE LOWEST PRICES. PLUS: THE BEST (AND WORST) PLACES TO SHOP.
PHOTO: STARUSH/ADOBE STOCK If you’re shopping upgrades for their appliances. With products more expensive compared
that increased demand, manufacturers with last year.”
I for a new refri- didn’t need to give retailers the usual
gerator, range, rebates to help them move merchan- Then there’s the problem of supply
or dishwasher—or dise. And that means the Best Buys and shortages as manufacturers struggle
all three—for your Lowe’s of the world haven’t been to recover from factory closings and
kitchen update, passing along the cost cuts to you in make production changes for COVID-19
you’ll probably the form of deep discounts. safety protocols to protect workers.
find the retail land-scape somewhat “The Asian economies were hit in par-
changed. The appliance shortage In January of 2021, for example, ticular by the lockdown, so there was
brought on by the coronavirus pan- Best Buy advertised just 14 discounted a period of six to eight weeks when
demic is still rippling through retailers refrigerators—it listed 100 at the same nobody in Asia was making steel,” says
in the U.S., meaning that many models time in 2020—and Lowe’s didn’t ad- Tom Derry, CEO of the Institute for
are harder to get, especially if you need vertise any discounted refrigerators Supply Management, an industry group
them fast. Deals are even more scarce. at all, according to Gap Intelligence, a in Tempe, Ariz. “All of that adds up to
To get a bargain, you need to be alert market research company. And even months of backlog.”
and flexible—and willing to pounce. when a store does offer a discount, the
actual savings aren’t as great, says Seth Some Appliances
Lower Discounts and Basham, managing director at Wed- Are Hard to Get
Fewer of Them bush Securities, based in Los Angeles,
and an industry analyst who covers No matter how much you’re willing to
As Americans began spending more appliance retailers. “Discounts may spend, you may not be able to get your
time at home last spring, they took a appear similar,” he says, “but base pric- hands on the appliance of your dreams.
closer look around their kitchens and ing or other factors will likely make the
started ordering replacements and More than one-third of refrigera-
tor models were out of stock at major
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 13
Where to Shop and Save
appliance retailers in January of 2021, think it would take this long to replace her a refrigerator while she waited for
compared with about one-fifth at the appliances,” Cindy says. her new Whirlpool last summer. “The
same time in 2020, according to Gap In- loaner helped tremendously,” she says.
telligence. “Before COVID-19, when you Good News: You Can Still Find
typed in the model number at some What You Need at a Great Price If you see lower prices at big-box
retailers’ sites, they’d say ‘available stores, it’s worth asking whether an
now,’ or ‘three left, order soon,’ ” says Appliance shopping may be a bit more independent will match them. For CR’s
CR’s head shopper, who buys appli- challenging these days, but that doesn’t exclusive ratings of independent and
ances for our tests. “Now, they some- mean you’re out of luck. Here’s our in- big-box appliance retailers, see page 17.
times won’t give a date at all.” sider’s advice for getting what you need
pronto for less. USE ONLINE TOOLS TO DO
“Back orders are still very high,” says
Ken Miele, CEO of the Appliance Deal- TRY AN INDEPENDENT 2 R E S E A RC H . Take advantage of a
ers Cooperative, which is based in New retailer’s online shopping filters to nar-
Jersey and buys appliances from manu- 1 R E TA I LE R . Local independent row your appliance search to what’s in
facturers to distribute to about 200 inde- retailers can offer selections compara- stock or in stores now. If you want to
pendent retailers, mainly in the East. ble to those of big-box stores, thanks to see an appliance in person, some retail-
their membership in cooperative buy- ers, like Lowe’s, will tell you the nearest
Many followers of CR’s “Consumer ing groups. “They may have more in- store that has the model you’re consid-
101” Facebook page have reported wait- ventory stocked—or be more inclined to ering. Use the online chat if it’s avail-
ing months for appliances as deliveries sell the floor model,” says Mark Davis, able, too. We tried Home Depot’s, and a
are pushed back multiple times. Cindy an analyst for Gap Intelligence. rep spent half an hour helping us find
and Randy Wilmore of Columbia, an in-stock LG French-door fridge.
Tenn., are just one example. They or- Independents may also offer superior When you head to a store, follow the
dered a dishwasher in mid-June of 2020 service and other perks that can make safety tips in “Pandemic Shopping Pre-
with a delivery promise six months the buying experience more pleasant. cautions” on the facing page.
later. “Never in a million years did we Marla Collins of Midlothian, Va., a fan
of the “Consumer 101” Facebook group, DON’T RULE OUT BUYING
says her local appliance dealer lent
3 O N LI N E . Quite a few members
of our “Consumer 101” Facebook group PHOTO: SERGIO FLORES/BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES
told us this summer that they had pur-
chased large appliances online, either
to protect their health or because their
preferred stores were closed at the time
they needed the appliance.
The increase in online purchases
of large appliances predates the pan-
demic, though. Among our mem-
bers surveyed about their purchases
between January 2019 and April
2020, more than 1 in 5—22 percent—had
bought a large appliance on-line.
That’s double the percentage from our
2014 survey.
In some instances, you can only view
and purchase large appliances online.
Costco Wholesale, for instance, keeps
only a fraction of its appliance offer-
ings on view at its warehouses; you can
find the bulk of its inventory online.
With the exception of a few floor-model
sales, it requires nearly all purchases
to be made online.
Many retailers have beefed up their
websites and apps to make it easier for
consumers to shop remotely. Nebraska
Furniture Mart in Omaha, for instance,
14 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
can demonstrate appliance features via Pandemic Shopping
video. Home Depot’s app provides a Precautions
two-dimensional image of an appliance
on your smartphone. You can then use If you plan to shop an appointment, tell Wash your hands with
your phone’s camera to place that im- in person, take the the salesperson that soap when you get
age in your home virtually, so you can following protective you want to expedite home.
see how it looks. measures. the shopping process.
PREPARE FOR
Ordering online often comes with GO WHEN PLAN FOR CON-
free shipping, although you probably TRAFFIC IS LOW TACTLESS PAYMENT THE DELIVERY
can’t skip out on tax. And you can Do a Google search You can download When the company
still attempt to haggle by contacting a for the retailer to see a mobile app such contacts you to
customer-service rep either by phone if you get a chart as Apple Pay or arrange delivery,
or in an online chat. showing the times Google Pay to check ask that the people
when the store is out by waving your delivering your
PRIORITIZE YOUR MUST- less busy. If you’re smartphone above appliance follow safety
an older person the card reader. Or protocols, including
4 H AV E S . When inventory is lim- or in a vulnerable pay with a credit card wearing masks, using
ited, it helps to be flexible with features. population, call to ask with radio-frequency hand sanitizer, and
For instance, Nish Suvarnakar, a market about special hours identification (RFID) staying at least 6 feet
analyst at CR for major appliances, rec- reserved for you. Keep technology, which lets away from you. Keep
ommends choosing basic stainless steel a distance from staff you do the same thing windows open to
instead of a specialty finish like black or and other shoppers. without having to circulate air, which
“Tuscan” stainless, because it’s a popu- swipe the card or sign. helps reduce airborne
lar finish that’s often manufactured in MAKE AN virus particles. If
larger batches. APPOINTMENT WEAR A MASK possible, stay out of
Set a specific time As with any public the room during instal-
REMEMBER, NOT EVERY to meet with a sales- outing, remember to lation. Clean the
person if possible, so wear a mask. Bring appliance with soap
5 S U IT E I S A S W E E T D E A L . You that you don’t have to hand sanitizer that’s and water after-
might be tempted by offers and rebates wait around. Prepare at least 60 percent ward—and surround-
on matching kitchen suites—typically a questions ahead of alcohol to use after ing countertops—and
refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and time. If you can’t make touching appliances. wash your hands.
microwave from the same maker. But
Consumer Reports’ member surveys Among the most successful negotiat- open-box or floor model, or one that’s
suggest that it’s difficult to find brands ing tactics when shopping for a major slightly blemished (in a spot that won’t
that are tops for reliability across all appliance were checking competing show) for less.
four categories. For instance, LG has retailers’ websites to compare offers,
top reliability scores for top- and and purchasing multiple items at once. GET THOSE FREE EXTRAS.
bottom-freezer refrigerators. But reli- (Of course, you’ll probably want to re-
ability for its dishwashers is middling. turn or cancel the items purchased at 7 Even if you fail to chip away at
the higher price.) the sale price, there are other ways to
Appliances by the same brand save when buying a large appliance,
within the same general category can Other effective steps our members such as asking the retailer to waive fees
also receive different reliability used include asking for a senior, vet- for shipping or delivery. Many of
ratings. For instance, LG’s French-door erans, or membership discount; refer- them already offer this service and also
and side-by-side refrigerators are ring to prices found at other walk-in include free hauling away of your
rated just Good. retailers; and checking deals at price- old appliance.
comparison websites.
ALWAYS TRY FOR A BETTER And always ask whether installation
If none of the above strategies pan is included, especially if you’re just
6 BA RGA I N . Whatever the listed out with a lower price, try this win- replacing one appliance with another
price—even one that has been dis- ning trick: Ask whether you can buy an rather than undertaking an entire
counted—you may be able to get an kitchen remodel.
even better bargain by haggling.
In a member survey conducted by
CR, 28 percent of major-appliance
shoppers haggled for a better price,
and those who succeeded—72 percent
of those who tried—ended up saving
a median of $113.
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 15
Where to Shop and Save
Best & Worst
Appliance Stores
If you need to replace an score of Very Good for overall Many shoppers also com- 8 percent said they were
appliance, you can’t go wrong shopping experience. In fact, all plained about out-of-stock strongly urged to buy an
by shopping at Abt or Costco but one of the small- and large- products and a lack of brand extended warranty or service
Wholesale. Both retailers get appliance retailers in our ratings or model choices. (Our survey contract. Some retailers were
high marks from nearly 48,000 received high or very high covered purchases made from pushier than others. Twenty-one
CR members who told us about scores for overall satisfaction. the beginning of 2019 to the percent of those who bought
their experiences buying more The exception is Appliance middle of 2020, and may their major appliances at Sears
than 76,000 major and small Factory Outlet; members report not fully reflect the retailer were strongly urged to buy
appliances at 39 chain retailers so-so overall satisfaction with inventory problems that stem a warranty. Eighteen percent
across the U.S., as well as the retailer, which has stores in from the pandemic.) Fewer of buyers at P.C. Richard & Son
from independent retailers and Colorado, Indiana, and Ohio shoppers cited limited display and 17 percent at Bray &
manufacturers’ websites. but ships nationwide. models, lack of sales help, Scarff felt pressured as well.
and salespeople who didn’t
BIGGER MAY NOT BE BETTER Indeed, something about the seem knowledgeable. Pressured or not, 18 percent
Among our survey findings: shopping experience at these of major-appliance shoppers
The biggest stores aren’t always retailers gives our members a WARRANTIES AND end up buying extended war-
the best. Abt, for example, has more positive feeling overall SERVICE CONTRACTS ranty or a service contract.
only one big walk-in warehouse, than what each of our six We found that it’s rarely worth- Two percent of small-appliance
in suburban Chicago, but it ratings categories may capture while to purchase an extended buyers do the same.
ships across the country. It heads on their own. So while a retailer warranty. Yet two-thirds (68
our ratings of major-appliance may not fare well on certain percent) of major-appliance If an extended warranty is
retailers for the 11th survey in attributes, members may still buyers said retail staffers something you want to pursue,
a row. And independent retailers report a satisfactory shopping suggested, without pressure, first check the benefits of
and websites, which can range experience overall. that they buy one. Among the credit card you plan to use.
from a single-store mom- small-appliance buyers, about Your card may automa-
and-pop shop to a regional SHOPPING GRIPES one-third—31 percent—had tically extend your purchase’s
chain, rank among the top We asked members to name a the same experience. warranty so you don’t need
major-appliance retailers. retailer where they shopped but to buy extra protection. If you
didn’t purchase what they were And some people got the still want to take advantage
None of the big-box stores looking for. They told us about hard sell. Among buyers of of a retailer’s warranty,
with hundreds of locations— the gripes they had with that major appliances that didn’t keep in mind that the period
Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, retailer. The most commonly come with a free extended of coverage can differ.
and Sears—rate in the highest reported complaint? High prices. warranty or service contract, The cost of the warranty may
tier for either small or large vary accordingly.
appliances. But web behemoth
Amazon is among the top-rated
retailers for small appliances.
STORE PERFORMANCE PHOTO: STARUSH/ADOBE STOCK
CAN BE UNEVEN
Certain retailers earned only
Poor or Fair scores for individual
attributes. While all three of
the warehouse clubs—BJ’s
Wholesale Club, Costco and
Sam’s Club—earn the lowest
possible rating for small-
appliance selection, BJ’s and
Sam’s also crater in their scores
for service. For small appliances,
Walmart gets the lowest
possible rating for service and
in-store atmosphere. Canadian
Tire scores the same for service.
But even Walmart receives a
16 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
Ratings Appliance Stores 10 20 30 40 50
WORSE BETTER
Retailer Reader Survey Results Retailer Reader Survey Results
Overall
satisfaction
score
Price paid
Selection
Service
In-store
atmosphere
Website
usability
Home
delivery
Overall
satisfaction
score
Price paid
Selection
Service
In-store
atmosphere
Website
usability
Home
delivery
MAJOR APPLIANCES SMALL APPLIANCES
Abt 94 40 50 50 50 50 50 Abt 94 40 50 50 – 50 –
40 50 50 50 – 50 Exchange 94 40 30 – – – –
Famous Tate 93 30 50 50 50 – 50 Sur La Table 93 30 40 40 – – –
50 30 30 40 40 40 Williams Sonoma 93 30 40 50 50 40 –
Albert Lee Appliance 92 40 50 50 50 40 40 Costco 92 40 10 20 40 40 –
30 50 40 50 40 40 QVC.com 91 40 30 40 – 40 –
Costco 92 30 40 50 40 30 50 Amazon.com 90 30 50 30 – 40 –
40 50 50 50 – 40 Bed Bath & Beyond 90 30 40 30 30 30 –
Nebraska Furniture Mart 92 Kohl’s 90 40 30 20 30 30 –
30 50 40 40 30 40 Macy’s 89 40 30 30 30 30 –
Warners’ Stellian 91 30 40 – – 40 40 Manufacturers’ websites 89 30 40 30 – 30 –
30 50 40 40 – 40 Sam’s Club 89 40 10 10 30 30 –
Independents 91 Independents 89 30 30 40 40 30 –
90 30 50 40 50 30 40 Best Buy 89 30 30 30 30 40 –
Orville’s Home 90 30 40 40 30 – – Target 88 30 30 20 30 30 –
Appliances 30 30 40 30 30 40 Meijer 88 30 20 – 30 – –
20 50 40 50 30 40 JCPenney 88 40 30 – 30 – –
Spencer’s TV & Appliance 30 40 40 40 40 40 BJ’s 88 40 10 10 30 30 –
30 40 40 40 30 40 HSN 87 30 30 – – 40 –
Amazon.com 89 30 40 40 40 30 30 Canadian Tire 86 30 30 10 30 20 –
30 50 40 30 – 30 Home Depot 86 20 20 20 20 30 –
Pacific Sales 89 30 40 30 30 30 30 Walmart 85 30 20 10 10 30 –
88 30 30 30 30 30 30 P.C. Richard & Son 85 30 30 30 30 – –
R.C. Willey Home 88 20 40 40 40 – 40 Lowe’s 84 20 20 20 30 30 –
Furnishings 30 20 20 30 20 – Sears 84 30 30 20 20 20 –
30 30 30 30 30 30 Menards 84 30 20 20 30 – –
ABC Warehouse 30 30 30 – – –
experiences of CR members, who
Sears Hometown Stores 87
may not be representative of the
Ferguson 87
general US population. Dashes
Best Buy 87
–( ) indicate insufficient sample size
P.C. Richard & Son 87
to provide a rating or that an attri-
Grand Appliance & TV 86
bute is not applicable to a retailer.
Airport Home Appliance 86
Lowe’s 85
Home Depot 85
Bray & Scarff 85
Menards 84
Sears 84
Appliance Factory Outlet 77
HOW WE SURVEY: Ratings are based score represents shoppers’ overall satisfied,” on average. Differences of
on Consumer Reports’ 2020 Spring satisfaction with their retail experience. less than 4 points are not meaningful.
Survey of 47,947 CR members reporting If all respondents are completely The other attributes listed under
on 76,288 appliance purchases satisfied with a particular retailer, reader survey results reflect average
made between January of 2019 and this score would be 100; a score of 80 scores on a scale from “very poor” to
June of 2020. Overall satisfaction indicates that respondents are “very “excellent.” Ratings are based on the
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 17
COOKING TOOLS FOR EVE L
AIR FRYER
$0 GOWISE
USA GW22731
$80
73
RY KITCHEN THE RIGHT COUNTERTOP APPLIANCES CAN MAKE YOUR
MEAL PREP FASTER AND EASIER—AND LOOK GREAT
DOING IT. HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PICK
THE TOP-PERFORMING AIR FRYERS, MULTI-COOKERS,
TOASTER OVENS, AND MORE.
TOASTER OVEN
!0 BLACK+DECKER
8-SLICE DIGITAL
EXTRA WIDE
TO3290XSD
$100
68
MULTI-COOKER
!0 ZAVOR LUX
LCD ZSELL02
$160
82
P PREPARING THREE MEALS a day at home can
get tedious—even if you love to cook. These
multitaskers can simplify job, leaving you more
time for the kitchen tasks you actually like or
for enjoying yourself outside the kitchen. Plus,
they are perfect for preparing side dishes, freeing up your
oven so that your main course can cook on its own. “Small-
appliance technology has become so advanced over the past
decade that some of them can do most everything an oven can
do, just on a smaller scale,” says Emilio Gonzalez, associate
director of lab operations at Consumer Reports.
For instance, in the past only an oven could convection-
roast a whole chicken and cook stews low and slow. But those
functions, along with others, can now be found in toaster ovens,
air fryers, and multi-cookers. And there is another reason
to appreciate their multitasking abilities: You can save storage
space. Here, we offer suggestions for the best ways to use these
appliances. And check out the ratings at the end of this article
to find the right models for you.
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 19
Countertop Appliances BLENDER
SLOW COOKER ! HAMILTON BEACH Sure, blenders are great for
smoothies, but you can also use
A slow cooker is the ultimate TEMP TRACKER them to make a velvety purée,
hands-off helper. Just place the 33866 6 QT. a sauce, and more.
ingredients in the appliance $60 Common mistakes to avoid: Hot
in the morning, set it to high or ingredients can cause certain
low, and come back later to 87 blenders to malfunction. If the
a hot, ready-to-serve meal. lid doesn’t have a vent, heat
Common mistakes to avoid: 0! BLACK+DECKER will build up pressure, which can
Because cooking temperatures cause the lid to pop off. So check
are low, the Department of DIGITAL WITH the manual to see whether hot
Agriculture warns against using TEMPERATURE PROBE + ingredients can be used.
frozen meats. They might PRECISION SOUS-VIDE What’s new: A growing number
not reach a safe bacteria- SCD7007SSD of models can heat ingredients
killing temperature. $60 while blending, so you can
What’s new: Inserts that can prepare soup without using
go on the stovetop so that 86 the stovetop.
you can brown foods before Best for: Blenders make quick
slow-cooking without dirtying ! CROCK-POT work of preparing sauces and
a separate pan. soups. And whip up healthy
Best for: Soups, stews, beans, COOK & CARRY S smoothies or other frozen drinks
and tough cuts of meat, such CCPVS600ECP-S (margaritas, anyone?). Blenders
as brisket, that you want to $100 are also great for DIY plant-
turn out fork-tender. And slow based milks. For small batches
cookers do a great job with 84 of food, such as fresh salsas and
custard-based desserts such salad dressings, a blender works
as flan and recipes that call better than a food processor.
for a water bath—cheesecake,
for example.
The Value of Stovetop rice seems easy with the press of a button. tom —no mushy or crunchy
a Good enough: You measure out But our experts wanted pockets—with soft, fluffy
Rice Cooker the rice and water, then set to know: Do all rice cookers grains. Then we compared
the pot on the burner. But consistently deliver great the way the rice tasted from
20 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG there are variables that can rice—and why buy one over each model with rice made
lead to mushy or burned a multi-cooker with a rice in a multi-cooker. We also
rice, including timing, how function? evaluated convenience, such
hot the burner is, the type of as how easy each model
pot you use, the tightness So we tested six rice was to clean, and the clarity
of the lid’s seal, and even cookers from popular of control settings.
your kitchen’s humidity level. brands, cooking small and
large batches of long-grain “Most rice cookers per-
Rice cookers eliminate white rice and brown rice. form very well, though some
those variables because A panel of trained tasters weren’t as good at making
they’re a sealed vessel with judged each batch in a blind brown rice,” says Larry Ciufo,
a precisely controlled heat side-by-side taste test. The CR’s lead tester of rice cook-
source. The best ones make ideal batch of rice was ers. “But even the lowest-
perfect rice every time cooked evenly top to bot- rated rice cookers make
01 02 03 04 05 !0 $0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
$ NINJA SMART TOASTER OVEN ! BREVILLE
SCREEN A toaster oven is up to almost BOV650XL
DUO WITH any task your full-sized oven $180
FRESHVAC CT661V can accomplish—on a smaller
$170 scale. That makes it a smart 76
standby when the oven is occu-
79 pied or when you’re cooking ! BLACK+DECKER
for just one or two.
! INSTANT ACE Common mistakes to avoid: A 8-SLICE DIGITAL
dark-colored pan accelerates EXTRA WIDE
MULTI USE the transfer of heat, which may TO3290XSD
$60 cause roasted vegetables or $100
cookies to burn. So use a light-
77 colored pan instead, or lower 66
the temperature by 25° F.
What’s new: In the past five ! HAMILTON
years certain manufacturers
have added features such as air BEACH
frying, convection, dehydrating, 6-SLICE
and slow-cooking. 31411 TOASTER
Best for: Baking and broiling OVEN
are a given. Toaster ovens $65
make great toast, too, but more
slowly than a standard toaster. 66
(Based on our tests, toaster
ovens take 3 to 9 minutes on
the medium setting; toasters
take 2 to 4 minutes.)
ILLUSTRATIONS, PREVIOUS SPREAD: JOEL HOLLAND better rice than any multi-cooker PERFECT RICE, BEST FOR BUDGET-FRIENDLY
we’ve tested, and often cost BUT PRICEY SEASONED RICE BUY
much less,” he says. And many AROMA ARC-954SBD
can also cook other grains. !0 ZOJIRUSHI NP-GBC05 $40 $0INSTANT ZEST 8-CUP
Of course, a dedicated rice $270 70 $30
cooker can’t slow-cook or
pressure-cook meat, so buy- 76 4/5 RICE COOKING 64
ing one depends on whether 4 /5 C O N V E N I E N C E
grain dishes are a priority 4/5 RICE COOKING 4/5 RICE COOKING
for you. The Zavor Lux LCD 5/5 C O N V E N I E N C E 4 /5 C O N V E N I E N C E
ZSELL02, $160 (on page 22),
had the best rice-making scores
of the multi-cookers tested,
but the rice fell short of what was
made in the rice makers. At
right are the top rice cookers
we tested.
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 21
Countertop Appliances 01 02 03 04 05 !0 $0
AIR FRYER POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
Air fryers circulate hot air !0NUWAVE 6-QT. MULT I-
around food to cook it quickly COOKER
and create a crisp texture using 37001
less fat than deep-frying. You AIR FRYER One-pot meals that would
can even use one to bake. $130 typically take hours cook in half
Common mistakes to avoid: the time using a multi-cooker’s
Food can cook unevenly or turn 75 pressure-cook mode. It can
out soggy if a batch is too large. steam, sauté, and slow-cook, too.
Don’t overfill the basket, and $ GOWISE USA Common mistakes to avoid: The
shake it every 5 minutes or so pressure-cooking mode requires
for even browning. GW22731 liquid to work properly. But the
What’s new: Some toaster $8 liquid will not evaporate, so use
ovens, microwaves, and multi- less than usual or your dishes
cookers now have air-frying 73 could turn out watery and bland.
capability. We tested the What’s new: Certain models
function in models that feature have separate broiling lids
it in our tests, and all of them that crisp up your food. We’re
made delicious, crispy foods. also seeing models that can
Best for: Reheating crispy foods dehydrate and cook sous vide.
like pizza and fried chicken. Best for: Stews, beans, and
Fish and veggies, including kale tough cuts of meat. It makes fast
chips, come out delicious. and flavorful chuck roast, pork
shoulder, and ribs. If you’re new
WAFFLE MAKER to the multi-cooker, start with
recipes designed for it because
The best in our tests make it there's a learning curve.
almost foolproof to churn out
evenly browned waffles. ! ZAVOR LUX
Common mistakes to avoid:
Most models have a nonstick LCD ZSELL02
coating, which can be damaged $160
by cooking sprays. Use a pastry
brush dipped in oil or melted 82
butter to grease the iron.
What’s new: We’re seeing more ! CALPHALON ! INSTANT POT
vertical waffle makers that cook
waffles sideways, which saves CKCLWF1 MAX 6-QT.
counter space, but we haven’t $100 MULTI-COOKER
tested any of these models yet. $150
Best for: Waffles, of course. 82
We've also seen recipes for 80
using one to cook omelets, hash $ CHEFMAN
browns, brownies, and more. $0BELLA PRO
ANTI-
22 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG OVERFLOW SERIES
BELGIAN 8-QT. DIGITAL
WAFFLE MAKER 90073
$30 $50
76 78
Are Instant Pot Add-Ons
Worth Buying?
One of the selling points of the popular Instant Pot multi-cooker is that it can be
used as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, and steamer. But it also
offers tempting add-on accessories. Perry Santanachote, a CR staffer, bought nine
accessories to see which ones will boost your Instant Pot game and which ones
aren’t worth your cabinet space.
Air-Fryer Lid* Mesh Baskets Metal Egg Rack
$79 $30 $20
This lid comes with a 3.5-quart air-fryer A smaller basket nests inside a larger one, Instant Pot egg racks come in metal and
basket that you slip into its inner pot, great letting you steam two separate vegetables silicone. Both hold whole eggs (14 in the
for crisping a small batch of fries. It also at once. But in our labs, Instant Pot metal, nine in the silicone) so that they
turns your pot into a mini convection oven models receive a Fair rating for steaming cook evenly and the yolks stay centered,
capable of roasting, broiling, and more. veggies. Do fine mesh wire baskets help Santanachote said. The multitiered metal
“It crisped the skin of a whole chicken at all? “They didn’t for me,” Santanachote racks are great for “pot in pot” cooking,
beautifully,” Santanachote said. said after trying them in her home kitchen. meaning two dishes at once.
Ceramic Nonstick Tempered Springform
Inner Pot Glass Lid Cake Pan
$20 $15 $13
Instant Pot models come with a stainless The glass lid lets you see what’s cooking The moist environment of a multi-cooker
steel inner pot that’s great for most meals and provides a looser seal than the is ideal for making custardy desserts.
“but can be a pain to clean if you make pressure-cooker lid. Instant Pot models It’s possible to make cheesecake in your
sticky, starchy foods,” Santanachote said. underperform at slow-cooking in our Instant Pot without it. But this 7.5-inch pan
The ceramic pot was a breeze to clean, lab tests, “and this lid didn’t make it bet- is sized to fit snugly in the inner pot and
even after cooking cheesy pasta. And it’s ter for me,” Santanachote said. “My locks into the silicone steam rack (below,
oven-safe up to 680° F. beef stew came out tough and watery.” left) for easy removal.
ILLUSTRATIONS: RODRIGO DAMATI Silicone Steamer Silicone Yogurt Maker
Basket Steam Rack Cups, Set of 5
$10 $9 $8
This looks like a traditional bamboo “This rack, which has a locking-rim design “Yogurt made in the stainless steel insert
steamer, but the silicone prevents food to secure other accessories to it (such can taste a bit metallic,” Santanachote
from sticking. It locks onto the silicone as the cake pan, above right), is a game- said. But when you pour milk straight into
steam rack accessory (at right), and changer,” Santanachote said. It holds food these plastic half-cup cups, it turns into
you can nest three of them on top of high out of the water during steaming, yogurt without the mess of sterilizing milk
each other. “It did a great job steaming and its long handles make it easy to directly in the pot. Then just put the
dumplings and fish in my kitchen,” lower and lift dishes in and out of the pot. cups in the fridge. (Some cups thickened
Santanachote said. more than others.)
*This accessory works only with some 6-quart Instant Pot models. CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 23
BUYING
GUIDE
24
APPLIANCES 62 Microwaves DESIGN ELEMENTS
26 Refrigerators 70 Dishwashers 78 Cabinets
40 Ranges 84 Countertops
50 Cooktops 90 Flooring
58 Wall Ovens
By the
Numbers
Each year, Consumer Reports spends
$27 million testing, rating, and reviewing
products in our 63 state-of-the-art labs.
3 Million
The number of CR members
we invite in a typical year to
participate in our product reliability
and satisfaction surveys
2,400
The number of cookies our
testers bake to evaluate the ranges
and ovens in our tests
5.4 Million
How many temperature readings
we take when evaluating
each refrigerator in our tests
32%
How much some refrigerators fall short
of their manufacturers’ capacity
claims, according to CR’s measurements
of usable capacity.
25
26
Refrigerators
Fresh
Fridges
WITH MORE CONFIGURATIONS AND OPTIONS THAN EVER,
TODAY’S REFRIGERATORS ARE MADE TO SUIT YOUR
FOOD-STORAGE STYLE. HERE’S HOW TO MAKE SENSE OF ALL
THE CHOICES TO FIND THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR FAMILY.
PREVIOUS SPREAD PHOTO: STACY BASS ; ALL ICONS IN BUYING GUIDE: ELIAS STEIN. PHOTO, LEFT: ANDREA RUGG Today’s refrigerator features go far beyond simply
providing a glass of ice water without having
to open the door. With custom panels, you can
get a built-in that matches your kitchen cabinets
exactly. And forget about two doors—some
models have five. Our fridge-by-fridge guide
helps you choose the right type for your family,
demystifies claimed vs. usable storage space, and
helps you find the quietest models so that you—
and your groceries—can chill out.
27
Refrigerators
MAKING THE
RIGHT CHOICE
Think about the size and CAPACITY 33 cubic feet. Our
type that will work best Most manufacturers tests have found that
for you. Focus on interior recommend 19 to 22 cubic the amount of usable
storage features, too. feet for a refrigerator storage capacity is
that serves a family of often less than the
SIZE four. But if you do a big amount claimed by the
Refrigerator configura- weekly shopping trip manufacturer. Check
tions come in a range of or buy in bulk, you may our ratings on page
sizes (our ratings on page need more—up to 30 to 32 for the real story.
32 are now arranged by
width) and capacities.
Always measure where
you plan to put the fridge
before you shop. And
check that any model
you consider can fit
through doorways and
hallways leading to your
kitchen. Allow room for
the refrigerator’s doors
to swing open and for a
1-inch clearance around
sides and back for ad-
equate airflow.
STYLE KITCHENAID
French-door models
have exploded in popu-
larity in recent years.
Bottom-freezers also
offer the convenience of
fresh food at eye level.
But top-freezers and
side-by-sides can make
efficient use of space
in a smaller kitchen.
FEATURES THAT have found that it’s one eliminate bacteria and BETTER SHELVES
MATTER MOST of the most problematic mold, and vacuum-
features. It increases sealed crisper drawers AND DRAWERS
Models at all prices THROUGH-THE- energy costs, too, and may keep food fresher. You can rearrange split
are increasingly tricked DOOR ICE AND WATER in side-by-sides you lose shelves to different
out with a wide range DISPENSER space in the freezer. TEMPERATURE heights independently
of features. Here are the This is one of the con- CONTROLS and adjust doors bins to
ones we think add the veniences most request- FRESHNESS FEATURES You decide how cold fit taller items. But if your
most convenience and ed by consumers. But Dual evaporators help your fridge is in certain door has deep storage
help keep food freshest. beware: Our surveys maintain higher humid- areas. For example, bins meant for eggs, milk,
ity levels in the refriger- set a drawer to be or butter, know that these
ated areas and prevent cooler than the rest of items will stay fresher
freezer odors from the fridge to store meat, on internal shelves, where
migrating. Air purifiers fish, and cold cuts. the temperatures are
cooler. Elevator shelves
28 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
WHAT’S ON
THE MARKET?
PHOTO, RIGHT: JANE BEILES crank up and down with- MONEY Here’s a look at the differ- space-saving small-swing
out needing to be un- SAVER ent configurations you’ll doors have the added
loaded. Pullout shelves find. See our full refrigerator value of letting you open
and bins make access to No need to pay more ratings to find out how only half of the fridge when
stored items easier. for digital controls models in different sizes stashing smaller items.
or WiFi-connectivity. and styles performed in
DOOR-IN-DOOR And consider skip- our tests. SIDE-BY-SIDE
STORAGE ACCESS ping an ice maker: The fridge is on one side
This feature—typically It adds to the upfront TOP-FREEZER and the freezer on the
available on French-door price and can be These traditional refrig- other, and these models
models—lets you grab repair-prone. erators are good for a lot usually have through-
items without opening of storage in a fairly tight the-door ice and water
the entire door, which spot. They tend to offer dispensers. Widths
can reduce energy use. the most space for their are typically 33 to 36
size (widths vary from 28 to inches, and capacity
33 inches). Manufacturers is claimed to be up to
claim capacities of up to 30 cubic feet (but only
23 cubic feet, but our tests about 70 percent is
have found that average usable). Narrow doors
usable capacity is about are a plus for small
17 percent less. Allow for kitchens, but they don’t
a wide swing of the doors, open wide enough for,
and get used to crouch- say, a pizza box. And tall,
ing down to reach lower narrow compartments
shelves and drawers. make items at the back
hard to find. Overall,
BOTTOM-FREEZER they’re not as energy-
These range from or space-efficient as
24 to 36 inches wide, and other types.
claimed capacities ap-
proach 30 cubic feet, BUILT-IN
though average usable Pricey and made to fit
space is less than that of almost flush with cabinets
comparable top-freezers and counters, these
(and top-freezers cost sleek beauties come in
less). Instead of the freezer bottom-freezer, side-by-
(which you use less) being side, and French-door
at eye level, the refrigerator styles. They’re usually wide
shelves are easily scan- (30 to 48 inches) with a
nable. Just get used to capacity of up to 27 cubic
bending to rifle through feet (of which only about
frozen goods. 70 percent is usable).
Look for optional front
FRENCH-DOOR panels to match your
It has two narrow doors kitchen cabinets.
on top and a freezer
below. Sometimes there’s Or get the look for a
one drawer (or more) in little less with freestanding
between. Widths range counter-depth versions.
from 30 to 36 inches. Another built-in option:
Claimed capacities go up an all-refrigerator column
to 34 cubic feet, though model, as narrow as
the average usable 18 inches, to make the
space is much less, at most of a kitchen nook.
about 17 cubic feet. The
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 29
Ratings Refrigerators
Recommended Products
Most models we TOP-FREEZER 29-30 INCH WIDTHS 31 INCH & WIDER WIDTHS
tested chill and freeze
adequately and 28 INCH & NARROWER WIDTHS FRIGIDAIRE GALLERY FGTR2037TF LG LTCS24223S
include pullout shelves BLOMBERG BRFT1522SS 70Hx30Wx33D 69Hx33Wx32D
or bins, split shelves, 68Hx28Wx26D $920 $1,080
spill guards, and roomy $900
storage on the door. 78 77
Top-scoring models 75
usually deliver more Our top 28-inch-wide model, A top model in our ratings, this Very Good scores for thermostat
consistent temperatures. this is a very good refrigerator fridge is Very Good overall. control and noise performance
Once you know how that’s rated Excellent for ther- Thermostat control, tem- and Excellent for energy ef-
much space you mostat control and Very Good perature uniformity, and energy ficiency lift this fridge to the top
have, particularly the for temperature uniformity and efficiency are rated Excellent, of our ratings. It earns a Good
width, look at our energy efficiency. It’s also quiet. and noise performance earns a rating for temperature unifor-
recommended models But ice making and crisper Good. But it fared poorly in our mity. The trade-offs are Poor
to find ones that performance are rated Poor. ease-of-use tests. crisper and ease-of-use scores.
fit your needs. Fridges blomberg.com frigidaire.com lg.com
that have higher
energy-efficiency BOTTOM-FREEZER
scores use less
electricity for their
capacity. And if your
household isn’t large,
remember that a
smaller conventional
refrigerator is likely
to use less electricity
overall than a
larger model.
30 INCH & NARROWER WIDTHS 31-33 INCH WIDTHS 31-33 INCH WIDTHS
GE GDE21ESKSS LG LRDCS2603S AMANA ABB2224BRM
70Hx30Wx35D 69Hx33Wx33D 66Hx30Wx31D
$1,615 $1,200 $1,495
77 81 80
Superb thermostat control and This model has 17.4 cubic feet This bottom-freezer refrigerator
temperature uniformity help of total usable capacity. It is rated Excellent for thermostat
this model, at 14.6 cubic feet earns Excellent scores for tem- control, temperature uniformity,
(usable), earn a top spot on perature performance, and has and crisper performance,
our recommended list. It’s very Very Good energy efficiency. and Very Good for energy effi-
quiet, and had middling energy Noise performance and ease-of- ciency. Noise performance is
efficiency. Crisper performance use were both Good, but crisper rated Good. It has spillproof
is Fair and icemaking is Poor. performance was Poor. shelves and digital controls.
ge.com lg.com amana.com
30 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
01 02 03 04 05 $0
POOR EXCELLENT CR BEST BUY
THREE-DOOR FRENCH-DOOR FOUR-DOOR
FRENCH-DOOR
30 INCHES & NARROWER WIDTHS 31-33 INCH WIDTHS 34 INCHES AND WIDER 34 INCHES AND WIDER
$0 LG LFCS22520S WHIRLPOOL WRF532SMHZ LG LRFXC2406S LG LMXS28626S
69Hx33Wx32D 71Hx36Wx29D 70Hx36Wx34D
68Hx30Wx33D $2,060 $3,400 $2,610
$1,100
75 84 77
78
With 15.2 cubic feet of This model has Excellent It’s not one of our recommend-
This LG is quiet, energy-efficient, usable capacity, this model thermostat control, temperature ed models, but this is one
and temperature-accurate. It boasts Excellent temperature uniformity, and noise perfor- of the best four-door styles we
offers 15.4 cubic feet of usable performance and energy mance, and has 15.7 cubic feet tested. It’s quiet, and has
capacity, spillproof shelves, an efficiency and Very Good of usable capacity. Energy Excellent temperature perfor-
icemaker, gallon storage on the noise performance. It has an efficiency is rated Good. It fea- mance, Good energy efficiency,
door, and touchpad controls. icemaker, spillproof shelves, tures dual evaporators and an and a roomy 18.1 cubic feet
lg.com and digital controls. external water dispenser. of usable capacity.
whirlpool.com lg.com lg.com
SIDE-BY-SIDE BUILT-IN
31-33 INCH WIDTHS 34 INCHES AND WIDER 34 INCHES & WIDER THERMADOR FREEDOM
COLLECTION PROFESSIONAL
GE GSS23HSHSS GE PROFILE PSS28KSHSS $0 LGLSXS26366S SERIES T36BT920NS REFRIGERATOR
70Hx33Wx33D 70Hx36Wx33D 84Hx36Wx25D
$1,95 $2,160 69Hx36Wx34D $9,300
$1,620
71 79 82
77
Excellent thermostat control This impressive side-by-side Our top built-in model is
helped this model rise to the model has 17 cubic feet of This fridge has a door-within-a- impressive, with Excellent ther-
top of the pack. Temperature usable capacity and offers out- door design, so you can access mostat control and noise
uniformity and energy efficiency standing thermostat control. a portion of the fresh-food performance and Very Good
are both Very Good and noise Temperature uniformity and section without opening the temperature uniformity.
performance and icemaking are energy efficiency are rated Very entire door. Thermostat control Energy efficiency is rated Good.
both Good. It has 15.2 cubic feet Good. It’s extremely quiet and is rated Excellent, temperature thermador.com
of usable space. offers Excellent ice making. uniformity and energy efficiency
ge.com ge.com are rated Very Good.
lg.com
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 31
Ratings Refrigerators
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results
Predicted reliability
Owner satisfaction
Thermostat control
Temperature
uniformity
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Cabinet-depth model
Exterior height (in.)
Exterior width (in.)
Exterior depth (in.)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Stainless/SS-look
option
Energy star
Icemaker
Water dispenser
TOP FREEZERS (31 INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS)
!0 LG LTCS24223S 77 $1,080 50 40 40 30 50 40 20 69 33 32 19.3 65 0 0 0
!0 Samsung RT21M6213SG 77 $1,100 50 30 40 30 50 40 30
!0 Samsung RT21M6215SG 76 $1,100 50 30 40 30 50 40 30 68 33 32 20.2 51 0 0
!0 Maytag MRT311FFFM 72 $1,050 50 20 40 40 50 30 20
!0 GE GTS21FSKSS 69 $1,010 40 10 40 40 50 30 10 68 33 32 20.2 62 0 0 0
66 $1,020 50 20 30 30 50 40 10
Whirlpool WRT511SZDM $1,100 50 20 30 20 50 40 20 66 33 31 17.5 56 0 Opt.
$1,255 40 10 30 40 50 40 20
67 32 32 17.6 56 0 Opt.
$775 – – 30 30 50 30 20
$950 50 20 20 40 50 30 10 66 33 32 18.1 57 0 Opt.
$1,070 50 20 20 20 50 40 10
Kenmore 79433 64 $785 50 20 20 20 50 30 20 69 33 32 19.4 71 0 0 0 Int.
GE GIE21GSHSS 63 67 33 33 17.7 62 0 0 0
Insignia NS-RTM21SS7 61 67 33 34 18 51 0 0 0
Whirlpool WRT311FZDW 50 66 33 32 15.8 56 0 Opt.
Whirlpool WRT541SZDM 45 66 33 32 18.1 51 0 0 Opt.
Kenmore 71212 40 67 33 29 17.8 61 0 0 0
TOP FREEZERS (29-30 INCH WIDTHS)
!0 Frigidaire Gallery 78 $920 50 10 50 50 50 30 10 70 30 33 16.7 55 0 Opt.
FGTR2037TF 76 $800 50 30 40 40 40 40 30
$550 – – 50 40 50 30 20
!0 Samsung RT18M6215SG $695 50 10 50 50 50 20 10 67 29 29 13.6 58 0 0 0
$900 50 10 40 50 50 30 10
$0 Insignia NS-RTM18BK8Q 75 $850 50 10 40 40 50 30 10 67 30 31 15.5 51 0 Opt.
71 $710 40 10 40 40 40 30 10
!0 Frigidaire Gallery 71 $830 50 20 30 20 50 20 10 66 30 31 15.2 47 0 0 Opt.
FGTR1837TF $600 50 10 30 30 50 30 10
$680 – – 20 40 50 30 10
!0 Frigidaire FFTR2021TS $680 50 10 20 50 50 30 10 69 30 33 16.7 55 0 Opt.
$855 50 20 20 40 50 40 10
Frigidaire FFHT1821TS 66 $820 40 10 30 30 50 20 10 64 30 30 14.2 47 0 0 Opt.
$840 50 20 20 20 40 40 10
GE GTS17GSNRSS 64 65 28 31 12.9 51 0 Opt.
Maytag MRT118FFFZ 56 66 30 32 15.3 53 0 Opt.
Amana ART104TFDW 55 63 28 30 12.4 48 0 Opt.
Insignia NS-RTM18SS7 52 67 30 32 15.1 47 0 0 0
Frigidaire FFHT1621TW 51 66 29 31 13.5 45 0 0 Opt.
Whirlpool WRT519SZDM 50 66 30 33 16 54 0 0
GE GTE18GMHES 48 67 28 31 13.4 46 0 0 Opt.
Whirlpool WRT318FMDM 41 66 30 33 15.1 64 0 0
32 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG ⁄ 4-door model.
01 02 03 04 05 !0 $0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results
Predicted reliability
Owner satisfaction
Thermostat control
Temperature
uniformity
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Cabinet-depth model
Exterior height (in.)
Exterior width (in.)
Exterior depth (in.)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Stainless/SS-look
option
Energy star
Icemaker
Water dispenser
TOP FREEZERS (28 INCH AND NARROWER WIDTHS)
!0 Blomberg BRFT1522SS 75 $900 – – 50 40 40 40 20 68 28 26 12 52 0 0 0
$580 40 10 50 50 40 30 10
!0 Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW 71 $745 50 20 40 40 50 20 10 62 28 30 12.4 50 Opt.
$625 40 10 30 20 50 20 10
$0 Whirlpool WRT518SZFM 69 $605 40 10 30 20 40 20 10 68 28 31 14.9 52 0 Opt.
$620 50 20 30 40 50 30 10
Hotpoint HPE15BTHWW 56 $620 50 10 30 40 50 30 10 62 28 30 11.6 43 0 Opt.
$840 40 10 30 40 40 30 20
Hotpoint HPS15BTHLWW 54 $740 40 10 20 30 50 30 10 62 28 30 11.6 48 Opt.
$670 – – 20 40 40 40 20
Whirlpool WRT106TFDW 53 $655 – – 20 20 40 30 10 66 28 32 12.9 50 Opt.
Frigidaire FFTR1514TW 52 61 28 30 13.8 48 Opt.
GE GIE18GSHSS 52 67 28 31 13.9 57 0 0 0
GE GTE16GTHWW 48 65 28 30 11.9 44 0 Opt.
Danby DFF101B2WDB 46 60 24 26 8.3 38 0 0
Galanz GLR12TRDEFR 43 67 24 29 10.5 40 0 0 NA
BOTTOM FREEZERS (31-33 INCH WIDTHS)
!0 LG LRDCS2603S 81 $1,200 50 40 50 50 40 30 30 70 33 33 17.4 72 0 0 0
!0 GE GDE25ESKSS 80 $1,900 40 20 50 50 40 40 30 69 33 35 17.1 79 0 0 0
!0 Amana ABB2224BRM 80 $1,430 40 30 50 50 50 30 20 69 33 31 15.3 59 0 0 0
74 $1,930 40 30 50 50 30 30 20 69 33 31 14.9 75 0 0 0
KitchenAid KRBR102ESS $1,440 30 30 50 50 30 30 20 69 33 31 14.9 75 0 0 0
Whirlpool WRB322DMBM 73
Fisher & Paykel 72 $2,600 40 40 40 50 30 40 30 0 68 32 28 13 69 0 0 0 Ext.
ActiveSmart
RF170WDRUX5
Hisense HBM17158SS 63 $900 – – 40 20 40 40 20 0 70 32 27 13.7 58 0 NA
BOTTOM FREEZERS (30 INCH AND NARROWER WIDTHS)
!0 GE GDE21ESKSS 77 $1,615 40 20 50 50 30 40 30 70 30 35 14.6 74 0 0 0
31 12.5 58 0 0 0
!0 Amana ABB1924BRM 77 $1,495 40 30 50 50 40 30 20 66 30 26 8.4 46 0 0 0
24 11.9 55 0 0
Bosch B11CB50SSS 70 $2,395 – – 50 40 30 40 30 0 79 24 31 13.7 68 0 0 0
26 7.7 52 0 0
Haier HRB15N3BGS 70 $1,095 – – 40 40 40 40 20 0 68 28 27 8.4 51 0 0
Blomberg BRFB1822SSN 67 $1,600 – – 40 30 30 40 30 60 30
GE GLE12HSLSS 61 $1,525 40 20 50 50 20 50 20 0 70 24
Whirlpool URB551WNGZ 58 $1,255 30 30 50 50 20 20 20 0 74 24
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 33
Ratings Refrigerators
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results
Predicted reliability
Owner satisfaction
Thermostat control
Temperature
uniformity
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Cabinet-depth model
Exterior height (in.)
Exterior width (in.)
Exterior depth (in.)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Stainless/SS-look
option
Energy star
Icemaker
Water dispenser
BOT TOM FREEZERS (30 INCH AND NARROWER W IDTHS) Continued
Blomberg BRFB1522SS 40 $1,800 – – 20 10 40 40 20 0 76 28 28 14.7 68 0 0 0
Summit FFBF287SSIM 40 $1,690 – – 20 10 40 40 20 0 76 28 27 14.5 68 0 0 0
FRENCH DOORS (34 INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS)
!0 LG LRFXC2406S 84 $3,400 30 40 50 50 30 50 50 71 36 29 15.7 88 0 0 0 Ext.
!0 LG LRFDS3006S 83
!0 LG LNXS30866D 81 $3,800 30 40 50 50 40 50 50 71 36 34 20.5 94 0 0 0 Ext.
!0 LG LRFDS3016S 81
80 $4,100 30 40 50 40 40 50 40 69 36 37 21.7 99 0 0 0 Ext.
GE Profile PYE22PSKSS
$3,200 30 40 50 50 40 40 50 70 36 33 20.4 97 0 0 0 Ext.
$2,660 30 30 50 50 30 40 50 0 70 36 30 15.1 86 0 0 0 Ext.
GE GYE22HSKSS 80 $3,130 30 30 50 50 30 40 50 0 70 36 30 15.1 86 0 0 0 Ext.
Dacor DRF36C100SR 80 $4,000 – – 50 50 40 50 50 69 36 31 14.3 71 0 0 0 Ext.
Café CYE22TSHSS 80 $3,200 30 30 50 50 30 40 50 0 70 36 30 15.1 86 0 0 0 Ext.
LG LRFVS3006S 79 $4,000 30 40 50 50 30 50 50 70 36 33 19.6 99 0 0 0 Ext.
LG LFXS28968S 77 $2,430 30 40 50 50 40 40 40 70 36 34 19.4 94 0 0 0 Ext.
LG LFCS27596S 77 $1,600 30 40 50 50 40 50 40 70 36 33 19.8 82 0 0 0
LG LMXS28626S 77 $2,610 30 40 50 50 30 40 40 70 36 34 18.1 93 0 0 0 Ext.
Whirlpool WRF954CIHM 76 $3,505 30 30 50 50 30 50 50 0 70 36 29 15.4 87 0 0 0 Ext.
LG LFXS24663S 76 $3,200 30 40 50 40 30 50 40 70 36 32 16.7 89 0 0 0 Ext.
KitchenAid KRFC704FBS 76 $4,140 30 30 50 40 30 50 50 0 71 36 29 15.3 95 0 0 Ext.
LG LFXS28566S 76 $3,000 30 40 50 50 40 30 40 70 36 34 19.2 93 0 0 0 Ext.
Kenmore 73035 75 $1,400 30 30 50 40 40 50 40 71 36 34 18.6 88 0 0 0 Ext.
75
LG Signature 74 $6,300 30 40 50 40 30 50 50 0 70 36 30 15.5 92 0 0 0 Ext.
LUPXC2386N
$3,430 30 30 50 40 30 40 50 70 36 35 15.1 94 0 0 0 Ext.
Café CFE28TSHSS
KitchenAid KRFC302ESS 74 $3,265 30 30 50 50 30 50 30 0 73 36 28 14.3 82 0 0 Int.
LG LMXC23796D 74 $2,430 30 40 50 40 20 50 50 0 69 36 30 14.8 76 0 0 0 Ext.
GE Profile PYD22KSLSS 74 $3,100 30 30 50 50 40 20 40 0 70 36 28 19.4 94 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF23M8070SR 74 $2,600 20 20 50 50 30 50 50 0 70 36 29 14.5 82 0 0 0 Ext.
LG LMXS27626S 73 $1,980 30 40 40 40 30 50 40 69 36 33 17.6 92 0 0 0 Ext.
GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 73 $3,520 30 30 40 40 30 50 50 70 36 35 17.8 100 0 0 0 Ext.
34 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG ⁄ 4-door model. € 5-door model.
01 02 03 04 05 !0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results
Predicted reliability
Owner satisfaction
Thermostat control
Temperature
uniformity
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Cabinet-depth model
Exterior height (in.)
Exterior width (in.)
Exterior depth (in.)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Stainless/SS-look
option
Energy star
Icemaker
Water dispenser
FRENCH DOORS (3 4 INCH AND W IDER W IDTHS) Continued
GE GFE28GYNFS 73 $2,725 30 30 40 50 40 30 50 70 36 32 19.9 94 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF22K9381SR 73 $3,000 20 20 50 50 30 50 40 0 72 36 29 15.8 91 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF23M8570SG 73 $3,600 20 20 50 50 30 50 50 0 70 36 29 14.3 85 0 0 0 Ext.
Daewoo RFS-26ABT 72 $1,310 – – 50 50 40 40 20 70 36 34 18.9 88 0 0
KitchenAid KRMF706EBS 72 $3,820 30 30 50 40 30 50 50 70 36 34 17.1 99 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF28K9070SR 72 $2,600 20 20 50 40 40 50 40 71 36 35 20.4 101 0 0 0 Ext.
Kenmore 72595 72 $2,200 30 30 50 50 30 40 40 70 36 34 13.4 102 0 0 Ext.
Whirlpool WRF555SDFZ 72 $1,980 30 30 50 50 30 40 30 70 36 33 15.9 88 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF28N9780SR 72 $2,895 20 20 50 50 40 50 40 72 36 34 22.4 100 0 0 0 Ext.
$1,200 – – 50 40 40 50 30 70 36 34 20.2 81 0 0 0 Int.
Insignia NS-RFD26SS9 72
Samsung RF28R6201SR 72 $2,100 20 20 50 50 40 50 50 70 36 34 18.8 94 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF28JBEDBSR 71 $3,600 20 20 50 40 30 50 50 70 36 34 16.8 93 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF23R6201SR 71 $2,200 20 20 50 50 30 50 50 0 70 36 29 15.3 90 0 0 0 Ext.
Maytag MFI2570FEZ 71 $2,300 30 20 50 50 30 40 30 70 36 33 15.9 88 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF28R7351SG 71 $2,400 20 20 50 50 30 50 50 70 36 34 18 97 0 0 0 Ext.
GE GNE27JSMSS 71 $1,980 30 30 40 40 50 30 30 70 36 34 21 82 0 0 0 Int.
Bosch B36CT80SNS 71 $3,100 30 30 50 40 30 50 40 0 72 36 29 12.6 74 0 0 0 Int.
Samsung RF265BEAESG 71 $3,220 20 20 50 40 40 50 50 70 36 34 17.3 93 0 0 0 Ext.
71
Bosch 800 Series 71 $2,595 30 30 50 40 30 40 30 70 36 34 17.3 89 0 0 0 Ext.
B26FT50SNS
$2,250 30 30 50 40 30 40 30 70 36 32 16 88 0 0 0 Ext.
Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ
Samsung RF22KREDBSR 71 $3,200 20 20 50 50 30 50 40 0 70 36 29 14.9 86 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF23J9011SR 71 $2,400 20 20 50 50 40 50 40 0 72 36 29 16.1 88 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF28NHEDBSG 71 $2,655 20 20 50 50 30 50 40 70 36 34 18.4 96 0 0 0 Ext.
Bertazzoni Professional 70 $3,080 – – 50 50 30 50 40 0 70 36 29 14.2 80 0 0
Series REF36X
LG LFXC24796D 70 $3,020 30 40 50 40 20 50 40 0 70 36 29 14.5 92 0 0 0 Ext.
Maytag MFF2558FEZ 70 $1,855 30 20 50 40 40 40 30 69 36 33 17.1 79 0 0 0
69
Bosch 800 Series 69 $2,750 30 30 50 40 20 40 40 0 70 36 29 13.4 80 0 0
B21CT80SNS
$3,300 30 30 40 40 20 50 40 0 72 36 29 12.9 73 0 0 0 Int.
Bosch B36CL80SNS
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 35
Ratings Refrigerators
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results
Predicted reliability
Owner satisfaction
Thermostat control
Temperature
uniformity
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Cabinet-depth model
Exterior height (in.)
Exterior width (in.)
Exterior depth (in.)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Stainless/SS-look
option
Energy star
Icemaker
Water dispenser
FRENCH DOORS (3 4 INCH AND W IDER W IDTHS) Continued
Bosch 800 Series 68 $2,970 30 30 50 50 30 40 30 0 70 36 29 14.3 80 0 0
B21CL81SNS 68
$3,510 20 20 50 50 30 50 50 0 70 36 29 15 88 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF22NPEDBSR
GE GFE26JSMSS 67 $2,500 30 30 40 40 40 30 30 70 36 34 17.7 90 0 0 0 Ext.
KitchenAid KRFF305ESS 66 $2,035 30 30 40 50 50 40 20 69 36 33 17.4 79 0 0 0 Int.
Whirlpool WRF757SDHZ 65 $2,750 30 30 40 40 30 30 40 70 36 34 17.3 92 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF27T5201SG 64 $2,160 20 20 50 40 30 50 30 70 36 35 18.2 91 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF263BEAESR 64 $2,220 20 20 50 40 40 30 40 70 36 32 16.4 82 0 0 0 Ext.
Blomberg BRFD2230SS 63
$2,550 – – 40 30 30 40 40 0 70 36 30 14.3 71 0 0 0 Int.
GE GYS22GSNSS 63 $2,815 30 30 50 40 20 30 40 0 70 36 29 15 94 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF261BEAESR 63 $1,650 20 20 40 40 40 40 40 70 36 32 16.7 80 0 0 0 Int.
62
Frigidaire Gallery 62 $2,225 20 10 50 50 40 40 40 70 36 34 19.6 83 0 0 0
FGHN2868TF
$3,295 – – 40 30 30 40 30 0 70 36 27 13.6 73 0 0 Int.
BlueStar FBFD36
LG LRMDS3006S 62 $3,200 30 40 30 50 50 50 50 70 36 37 27.8 103 0 0 0 Ext.
KitchenAid KRFC300ESS 60 $2,160 30 30 50 50 20 40 30 0 69 36 28 13.6 73 0 0 0 Int.
Maytag MFC2062FEZ 60 $2,400 30 20 50 50 20 40 30 0 69 36 28 13.6 73 0 0 0 Int.
60
Fisher & Paykel 59 $2,950 30 30 30 20 40 40 30 0 71 36 28 14.4 69 0 0 0 Ext.
ActiveSmart 59
RF201ADUSX5 57 $2,120 20 10 50 50 40 40 40 70 36 34 18 92 0 0 0 Ext.
Frigidaire Gallery 56
FGHB2868TF 55 $3,560 20 10 40 40 20 40 40 0 70 36 27 13.6 83 0 0
55
Viking RVRF3361SS 48 $2,515 20 10 50 40 30 40 30 0 70 36 29 15.5 76 0 0 0
48
Frigidaire Gallery 45 $2,880 20 10 40 40 30 40 50 70 36 31 15 87 0 0 0 Ext.
FGHG2368TF 39
$2,950 20 10 50 40 20 40 40 0 70 36 29 13.9 85 0 0 0 Ext.
Frigidaire FG4H2272UF
$2,200 30 30 20 50 30 50 40 70 36 34 19.1 102 0 0 Ext.
Frigidaire Gallery
FGHD2368TF $3,005 10 10 50 40 30 40 40 0 70 36 29 15.9 83 0 0
Kenmore 73105 $2,430 10 10 50 40 40 30 40 0 70 36 29 15.9 85 0 0 0
Electrolux IQ-Touch $3,245 10 10 40 40 20 30 50 0 69 36 29 14.3 93 0 0 Ext.
EI23BC82SS
Electrolux IQ-Touch $3,000 – – 20 10 30 40 40 70 36 33 16.9 88 0 0 0 Ext.
EI23BC32SS
Electrolux Wave-Touch
EW23BC87SS
Smeg FTU171X7
Whirlpool WRF550CDHZ 37 $3,195 30 30 50 40 10 20 30 0 70 36 28 11.6 89 0 0 Ext.
36 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG ⁄ 4-door model.
01 02 03 04 05 !0 $0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results
Predicted reliability
Owner satisfaction
Thermostat control
Temperature
uniformity
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Cabinet-depth model
Exterior height (in.)
Exterior width (in.)
Exterior depth (in.)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Stainless/SS-look
option
Energy star
Icemaker
Water dispenser
FRENCH DOORS (31-33 INCH WIDTHS)
!0 Whirlpool WRF532SMHZ 75 $2,060 30 30 50 50 50 40 20 69 33 32 15.2 59 0 0 0
!0 GE GNE25JSKSS 75
!0 GE GFE24JSKSS 74 $1,710 30 30 50 50 40 40 30 69 33 35 16.4 79 0 0 0 Int.
$2,500 30 30 50 50 30 40 30 70 33 36 15.2 88 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF20HFENBSR 72 $1,370 20 20 50 50 30 40 40 71 33 31 14.8 80 0 0 0
LG LRFXS2503S 71 $2,700 30 40 40 40 30 40 40 70 33 36 16.9 89 0 0 0 Ext.
Samsung RF18HFENBSR 69 $1,250 20 20 50 50 30 50 40 0 70 32 27 13.9 77 0 0
Haier HRQ16N3BGS 68 $1,450 – – 50 40 40 40 20 0 71 33 27 12.5 58 0 0
GE GWE19JSLSS 66 $1,710 30 30 50 50 20 30 30 0 70 33 28 12.2 71 0 0 0
Frigidaire FFBN1721TV 57 $1,050 20 10 50 50 40 30 20 0 70 33 30 13.9 65 0
GE GYE18JBLTS 53 $2,240 30 30 50 50 20 30 30 0 70 33 28 11.2 79 0 0 0 Ext.
FRENCH DOORS (30 INCH AND NARROWER WIDTHS)
!0 LG LFC22770ST 81 $1,635 30 40 50 50 50 50 30 68 30 33 15.4 76 0 0 0
$0 LG LFCS22520S 78
!0 GE GNE21FSKSS 75 $1,100 30 40 50 50 30 50 30 68 30 33 14.8 76 0 0 0
74
KitchenAid KRFF300ESS $1,585 30 30 50 50 30 40 30 70 30 35 13.7 74 0 0 0
$1,915 30 30 50 50 30 50 30 0 73 36 28 14.3 82 0 0 Int.
Samsung RF220NCTASR 66 $1,500 20 20 50 50 30 40 30 67 30 34 16 81 0 0
Haier HRF15N3AGS 62 $1,250 – – 50 40 30 20 20 0 71 28 27 11.2 63 0 0
Whirlpool WRF560SMHZ 58 $1,600 30 30 50 40 30 40 30 68 30 33 13.3 72 0 0 0 Ext.
SIDE BY SIDES (34 INCH AND WIDER WIDTHS)
!0 GE Profile PSS28KSHSS 79 $2,160 30 10 50 40 40 50 50 70 36 33 17 95 0 0 Ext.
$0 LG LSXS26366S 77
!0 GE Profile PSE25KSHSS 75 $1,620 30 30 50 40 40 50 50 70 36 33 20.9 92 0 0 0 Ext.
$0 LG LSXS26326S 74
!0 KitchenAid KRSC503ESS 74 $1,980 30 10 50 40 40 30 50 70 36 33 16.1 83 0 0 0 Ext.
!0 Samsung RS25J500DSR 73
!0 Kenmore Elite 51863 72 $1,350 30 30 50 40 40 40 50 69 36 34 20.6 92 0 0 Ext.
$0 Kenmore 51783 71
!0 Daewoo FRS-Y22D2T 70 $3,100 30 20 50 50 30 40 50 0 71 36 28 16.2 88 0 0
!0 Samsung RS27T5561SR 70
$1,220 30 20 50 50 40 50 40 69 36 34 18.5 90 0 0 Ext.
$2,000 30 20 50 40 40 50 50 0 70 36 30 16.2 78 0 0 0 Ext.
$1,500 30 20 50 40 30 30 50 0 69 36 29 14.6 84 0 0 Ext.
$1,280 – – 50 50 40 40 30 70 36 28 14.9 83 0 0 Ext.
$1,980 30 20 50 40 40 40 30 70 36 33 20.1 89 0 0 0 Ext.
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 37
Ratings Refrigerators
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results
Predicted reliability
Owner satisfaction
Thermostat control
Temperature
uniformity
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Cabinet-depth model
Exterior height (in.)
Exterior width (in.)
Exterior depth (in.)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Stainless/SS-look
option
Energy star
Icemaker
Water dispenser
SIDE BY SIDES (3 4 INCH AND W IDER W IDTHS) Continued
!0 GE Profile PZS22MSKSS 70 $2,790 30 10 40 30 30 50 40 0 70 36 29 13.8 86 0 0 Ext.
69
LG LRSES2706V $1,530 30 30 40 30 50 50 40 70 36 34 20.6 87 0
Whirlpool WRS586FIEM 69 $1,690 30 20 40 30 50 40 40 69 36 33 18.9 83 0 0 0 Ext.
Frigidaire FFSS2625TS 68 $1,255 30 10 50 40 40 30 30 70 36 32 17.4 91 0 0 Ext.
Whirlpool WRS588FIHZ 68 $1,600 30 20 40 30 40 40 40 69 36 33 20.5 96 0 0 Ext.
GE GZS22IYNFS 68 $1,900 30 10 50 40 30 30 40 0 70 36 28 14.5 86 0 0 Ext.
Frigidaire FGSS2635TF 67 $1,405 30 10 50 40 40 30 40 70 36 34 18.5 91 0 0 Ext.
Kenmore Elite 51773 67 $2,000 30 20 40 20 50 40 50 69 36 34 21.8 95 0 0 Ext.
GE GSS25GSHSS 67 $1,440 30 10 40 30 40 30 40 70 36 33 16.3 91 0 0 Ext.
GE GSS25LSLSS 66 $1,440 30 10 40 30 40 30 40 70 36 34 17.3 91 0 0
Samsung RS22T5561SR 66 $2,070 30 20 50 40 30 40 30 0 70 36 28 16.1 82 0 0 0 Ext.
KitchenAid KRSC703HPS 65 $3,100 30 20 40 50 20 40 40 0 72 35 27 14 88 0 0 0 Ext.
Frigidaire FGSC2335TF 64 $1,700 30 10 40 30 40 30 40 0 70 36 29 16 87 0 0 Ext.
Kenmore 51335 64 $1,400 30 20 40 40 40 30 30 70 36 32 10.8 90 0 0 Ext.
Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 63 $1,350 30 20 30 50 40 30 30 69 36 33 15.1 90 0 0 0 Ext.
Whirlpool WRS325FDAM 63 $1,050 30 20 30 50 40 30 30 69 36 33 15.1 90 0 0 0 Ext.
Bosch 300 Series 62 $2,025 20 10 50 40 40 40 30 0 70 36 28 14.5 76 0 0 0 Ext.
B20CS30SNS
Samsung RS22T5201SR 62 $1,350 30 20 40 20 40 50 40 0 70 36 29 17.1 83 0 0 0 Ext.
Maytag MSC21C6MFZ 61 $1,665 30 10 40 30 30 40 40 0 69 36 28 14.1 84 0 0 Ext.
GE GSS25IYNFS 61 $1,620 30 10 40 30 40 30 40 70 36 32 17 91 0 0 Ext.
Whirlpool WRS555SIHZ 59 $1,350 30 20 30 40 40 30 30 70 36 32 17.7 90 0 0 Ext.
GE GZS22DSJSS 58 $2,335 30 10 40 20 30 40 30 0 70 36 27 14 86 0 0 Ext.
Blomberg BSBS2230SS 56 $2,000 – – 30 20 40 40 40 0 72 36 29 14.8 75 0 0 0 Ext.
Whirlpool WRS315SNHM 55 $1,170 30 20 30 50 40 30 30 70 36 32 17.5 74 0 Opt.
Kenmore 41173 54 $1,100 30 20 30 50 40 30 30 70 36 32 17.5 74 0 Opt.
Maytag MSS25N4MKZ 54 $1,050 30 10 30 50 40 30 30 70 36 32 17.5 74 0 Opt.
Whirlpool WRS315SDHM 54 $950 30 20 30 50 40 30 30 70 36 32 16.4 91 0 0 Ext.
Amana ASI2575GRS 45 $1,000 30 10 20 40 40 30 30 70 36 32 16.8 91 0 0 Ext.
38 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
01 02 03 04 05 !0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results
Predicted reliability
Owner satisfaction
Thermostat control
Temperature
uniformity
Energy efficiency
Noise
Ease of use
Cabinet-depth model
Exterior height (in.)
Exterior width (in.)
Exterior depth (in.)
Total usable
capacity (cu. ft.)
Energy cost/yr. ($)
Stainless/SS-look
option
Energy star
Icemaker
Water dispenser
SIDE BY SIDES (31-33 INCH WIDTHS)
!0 GE GSS23HSHSS 71 $1,695 30 10 50 40 40 30 40 70 33 33 15.2 87 0 0 Ext.
!0 Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ 63 $1,260 30 20 40 40 30 30 30 67 33 32 12.7 85 0 0 Ext.
!0 Amana ASI2175GRS 63 $1,090 30 10 40 40 30 30 30 67 33 32 12.7 85 0 0 Ext.
60 $1,580 30 10 40 30 30 40 40 69 33 33 14.1 79 0 0 0 Ext.
GE GSE23GSKSS $1,330 30 20 50 40 30 20 30 67 33 32 13.7 78 0 0 0 Ext.
Whirlpool WRS331SDHM 60
BUILT-INS
Thermador Freedom 82 $9,300 50 40 50 40 30 50 40 0 84 36 25 13.3 75 0 0 0
!0 Collection Professional 81
81
Series T36BT920NS 80
79
!0 Dacor DRF427500AP 78 $11,000 – – 50 50 30 50 30 0 85 42 25 16.6 81 0 0 0 Int.
78
!0 Thermador Freedom 76 $8,000 50 40 50 40 30 50 50 0 84 36 25 12.7 75 0 0 0
Collection T36IT901NP 72 $8,600 – – 50 40 40 50 50 0 84 36 24 14.6 71 0 0 0 Int.
71
!0 Dacor DRF367500AP 70
!0 Jenn-Air JF42NXFXDE $9,400 40 30 50 50 30 50 30 0 83 42 26 17 82 0 0 0
!0 Jenn-Air JB36NXFXRE $7,400 40 30 50 40 30 50 40 0 83 36 26 14.9 77 0 0 0
!0 KitchenAid KBFN502ESS $8,930 30 30 50 50 30 50 30 0 83 42 26 17 82 0 0 0
KitchenAid KBBR306ESS $6,900 30 30 50 40 30 50 40 0 83 36 26 14.9 77 0 0 0
GE Monogram $8,600 30 20 50 50 20 30 40 0 84 36 26 14 85 0 0
ZIPP360NHSS
$7,100 30 40 40 40 30 40 40 0 80 36 24 13.6 72 0 0 0
Miele PerfectCool
KFNF9955IDE
Café CSB42WP2NS1 $7,140 30 20 40 40 40 50 40 0 84 42 26 19.5 99 0 0
Miele KFN9855IDE 69 $5,600 30 40 40 30 40 50 40 0 80 36 25 13.7 55 0 0 0
$5,665 – – 40 40 30 40 40 0 84 30 25 12.8 72 0 0 0
Blomberg BRFB1920SS 69
Liebherr CBS2062 66 $6,420 20 30 40 50 30 50 40 0 80 36 25 13.9 68 0 0 0
$6,000 – – 40 30 20 40 30 0 80 36 24 12.1 69 0 0 0
Fisher & Paykel RS36W80J 64
Viking VCBB5363ERSS 45 $9,480 10 10 50 50 30 30 40 0 83 35 24 15.3 78 0 0
Viking VCSB5423SS 45 $9,890 10 10 50 40 40 40 50 0 83 42 26 18.3 91 0 0 0
35
Viking Professional $10,500 10 10 20 50 30 50 40 0 84 36 25 14.6 77 0 0 0
7 Series VBI7360WRSS
HOW WE TEST: Overall Score combines proportion of CR members who are Thermostat control assesses the on usable storage space and the
test results with survey data for pre- extremely likely to recommend the ability to reach and maintain a set national average electricity cost. Noise
dicted reliability and owner satisfaction. refrigerator they bought. In cases where temperature despite changes in room reflects quietness of operation based
Predicted reliability estimates the we have insufficient survey data to on noise meter readings and a panel
likelihood that newly purchased models provide a brand-level rating, indicated temperature. Temperature uniformity of listeners. Ease of use assesses lay-out
from a given brand will develop pro- by a gray dash (–), we give the model is the ability to mitigate warm and and features. Price is approximate retail.
blems or break within the first five years. weighted category average scores cold spots in the fridge and freezer
Owner satisfaction reflects the for reliability and satisfactions. compartments. Energy efficiency
indicates energy consumption based
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 39
40
PHOTO: BARRY CALHOUN Ranges
Range
Finder
ONE OVEN OR TWO? FOUR BURNERS, FIVE, OR MORE? THIS DO-IT-ALL
APPLIANCE COMES IN SIZES AND STYLES TO FIT YOUR COOKING
NEEDS—AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND A FORTUNE TO GET GREAT
PERFORMANCE AND CONVENIENT FEATURES.
The range is the workhorse of the kitchen,
and if it’s stylish, it’s probably the centerpiece,
too. Electric smoothtop ranges remain the
best sellers, but you have more options than
ever, including double-oven models for the
multitasker in all of us. Electric induction ranges
are coming down in price, and for gas models
we've found that you can get good looks and
top performance without forking over a fortune
on a pro-style model. Read on to learn how.
41
Ranges
KITCHENAID
MAKING THE
RIGHT DECISION
Remodeling or starting ed the back panel; these we’ve tested. Even
from scratch? Cooking models offer the same regular ranges now have
for a crowd or for just ease of installation. For beefy knobs, rugged
two—or one? These a more custom, built- grates, stainless trim,
topics and others will in look, there are slide- and more style for a lot
help you decide what in models, where the less money.
you need in a new range. cooktop rests on the
counter on either side. CAPACITY
TYPE A roomy oven comes
Freestanding ranges SIZE in handy when baking
are the most widely sold Most electric and gas or entertaining. We
and easiest to install. ranges are 30 inches measure oven space
The oven control panel wide, which is the size you can actually use,
is usually on the back we buy and test. Pro- so check the capacity
panel, above the cook- style ranges often span scores in our range
top surface. But manu- 36 inches or more; we ratings. The smallest
facturers of many new test 30-inch and 36- ovens in our tests are a
models have moved inch models. They’re big little more than 2 cubic
the oven controls to on style but aren’t the feet; the largest are
the front and eliminat- best-performing ranges almost 4 cubic feet.
42 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
FEATURES THAT
MATTER MOST
Here’s a look at some H O T- S U R F A C E
of the perks found on the WARNING LIGHTS
newest models. These lights warn
you when an element
CONTROL LOCKOUT is still hot, and they’re
It lets you disable the especially useful on
oven controls. We recom- electric radiant smooth-
mend it if the electronic tops. Some ranges
oven control panel is at have one warning light;
the front of the range others have a light for
rather than on the back each burner.
panel, especially if small
children are in the house. CONVECTION
Many mid- and higher-
DOUBLE OVENS priced ranges use
Two separate ovens let one fan or more to
you, say, roast a turkey circulate hot air in the
in one while baking oven. Some ovens,
pies in the other, and at usually electric models,
different temperatures. have an additional
Some ranges pair a convection heating
smaller top oven with a element. Convec-
larger oven below; others tion typically reduces
have two same-sized cooking time, espe-
ovens. Keep in mind cially for large roasts.
that there’s no storage
drawer, and usually VARIABLE BROIL
the convection feature Most electric and gas
is in the bottom oven. ovens have this feature.
Variable broil provides
EXPANDABLE adjustable settings for
ELEMENTS, A BRIDGE, foods that need slower
AND OVAL BURNERS or faster cooking.
On gas cooktops, oval
burners accommodate T I ME D / D E L AY E D
griddles and elongated START
pans. Certain electric This lets you set a time
rangetops have an elon- for the electric or gas
gated bridge element oven to start and stop
that spans two burners cooking. But this feature
to fit a griddle or other is not essential; it mainly
odd-shaped cookware. buys you preheating
Most electric radiant time, and most foods
and induction smooth- shouldn’t stay in a cold
tops have an expand- oven for long.
able burner that lets you
choose the size that
best matches the pot’s
diameter.
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 43
Ranges
KITCHENAID
WHAT'S ON per hour. Most ranges PHOTO, PREVIOUS SPREAD, RIGHT: BARRY CALHOUN, ICONS: ELIAS STEIN
THE MARKET? have four surface
burners in three sizes:
If you have a choice expandable dual or to really settle at the for induction to work. one or two medium-
of fuel type, gas and triple elements that let lower setting. If a magnet strongly power burners (about
electric ranges have their you switch from a large, sticks to the bottom 9,000 Btu), a small
advantages. high-power element to ELECTRIC INDUCTION of a pot, it will work burner (about 5,000 Btu),
a small, lower-power Electric ranges with an with an induction cook- and one or two large
ELECTRIC element within it. Certain induction cooktop use top. Certain stain- ones (about 12,000 Btu
SMOOTHTOP ranges have a warming magnetic coils below less steel cookware is or more). Some have a
Ranges with electric element in the center to a ceramic glass surface induction-capable. fifth burner instead of a
radiant smoothtops are keep side dishes warm. to quickly generate heat center section. Response
the popular pick. All the directly to the pan, GAS time for gas burners is
models in our tests There’s a lot of residual offering precise simmer- The capacity of a burn- quick, especially when
have at least one high- heat, so when reducing ing and control. You’ll er is measured in British compared with a radiant
power burner. Most have the temperature it need magnetic cookware thermal units (Btu) smoothtop. And with
can take a few minutes most gas burners, you
can strike a match
to light them when the
power is out.
44 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
MONEY Don’t Pay More for Pro-Style
SAVER
Peek into the kitchen of EXTRA SELF-CLEANING S P E C I A LT Y
your favorite restaurant BURNERS CYCLES SETTINGS
and you’re likely to see
some equipment that helps It was once rare for a 30- The idea of hand-scrubbing Because pro-style range
the chef turn out top-tier inch range to come with an oven seems dated, manufacturers tend to
food—warming drawers, more than four burners, but but that’s often what you’re roll out fewer models than
multiple convection ovens, you can now find five on signing up for with the pur- mass-market brands, they’re
and plenty of burners every recommended gas chase of a pro-style range. often late to the party
for searing meats and range in our ratings (see More than half the models with helpful and innovative
simmering sauces at page 47). On the flip side, in our ratings lack a self- oven settings.
the same time. only one of the 30-inch pro- cleaning setting.
style ranges we’ve tested Some pro-style ranges
You love all that beefy offers a fifth burner. On the other hand, you’ll proudly eschew electronic
stainless steel! And you’re find the feature on almost oven displays and settings.
thinking a pro-style Some of these extra burn- every traditional range But this means they forgo
range in your kitchen will ers are of dubious value we’ve evaluated, even on special oven programs
have you cooking like a because fitting five pots some models that cost less such as slow cook, delayed
pro. Not so. Our experts would be tricky. But those than $500. That makes it start, and proofing—a handy
routinely observe that pro- with an oblong fifth burner harder to justify the $5,000 setting that maintains
style ranges lag behind in the center of the range- you could spend on a pro temperatures in the hard-
regular stoves in terms of top may include a drop-in model that requires manual to-hit 80° F range, which
performance, and many griddle that can simulate the scrubbing. is ideal for proofing breads
lack the very features that convenience of cooking on and dough without killing
would help you cook like a restaurant range’s flattop. the yeast.
a professional chef.
DOUBLE WARMING WANT A PRO-STYLE
“Even basic conven- OVENS DRAWERS RANGE ANYWAY?
iences that you’d take
for granted on a regular Cooking two different foods A simple warming drawer If you can’t live without
range, like a digital oven at two different temper- below the main oven will the chunky commercial
display or preheat light, atures simultaneously pre- keep dishes, dinner rolls, or look, check our ratings on
are often missing on sents a challenge—unless just about anything warm page 47 for top picks for
pro-style ranges,” says you have two ovens. That’s until you’re ready to eat. pro-style ranges; page 56
Tara Casaregola, who a feature you’ll find on for 36-inch cooktops; and
oversees range testing for traditional gas and electric Some gas and electric page 61 for wall ovens.
Consumer Reports. ranges costing under $1,500. ranges even provide dedicat- You’ll find ratings for built-
ed temperature controls for in refrigerators on page 39.
While you might be None of the 30-inch pro- the drawer, allowing
willing to shrug off a few style ranges we’ve evaluated you to tackle light baking.
missing features, we’ve offer dual ovens, though And even the most basic
highlighted five here that some pro-style range manu- models offer a storage
could make you rethink facturers offer dual side- drawer for pots and pans
the choice to go pro. by-side ovens on ranges below the oven cavity.
48 inches and wider (for a
hefty price). Pro-style ranges, on the
other hand, choose form
over function—none in our
ratings feature a warming
or storage drawer.
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 45
Ratings Ranges
Recommended Products
These will bring a large ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP ELECTRIC INDUCTION
pot of water to a fast
boil, hold a big batch of SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE-OVEN SMOOTHTOP, DOUBLE-OVEN INDUCTION
sauce or chili at a low (30-INCH) (30-INCH) (30-INCH)
simmer, and deliver
dozens of cookies that LG LG LG
are evenly baked and LREL6325D LTE4815ST LSE4617ST
browned. They all do at $1,200 $2,500 $3,700
least an okay job
broiling, and many are 84 82 84
excellent—nice if you
enjoy a good steak or This freestanding range has four LG ranges typically perform Overall, this range is excellent,
burger. Ovens are cooktop elements; two are high- well on Consumer Reports’ tests, offering superb fast cooktop
large, and self-cleaning power. It excels at fast cooktop and this model with two ovens heat from its highest-power
earns a Good or better heat and simmering. Baking notches Excellent scores on burner and steady simmering.
rating. CR Best Buys earns a Very Good rating; broil- five of six tests. But it receives Baking earns an Excellent rat-
are recommended ing receives an Excellent score. mediocre results for even bak- ing, and broiling receives a Very
ranges that combine Oven capacity is large, and ing. This range is one of the few Good score. Self-cleaning per-
impressive perfor- it has a convection feature. The that’s WiFi-enabled. formance is just okay, though.
mance and value, and oven can be controlled wire- lg.com This range is one of the few with
at least a Good score lessly from a smartphone. a warming drawer, and one of
for reliability. lg.com the few that’s WiFi-enabled.
lg.com
GAS AND DUAL-FUEL
GAS, SINGLE-OVEN DUAL-FUEL, SINGLE-OVEN DUAL-FUEL, DOUBLE- GAS, PRO-STYLE
(30-INCH) (30-INCH) OVEN (30-INCH) (30-INCH)
$0 SAMSUNG LG LG SIGNATURE MONOGRAM
LSD4913ST LUTD4919SN ZGP304NRSS
NX58R5601SS $2,400 $3,600 $4,500
$730
77 85 69
79
Very Good baking and Excel- Top-rated, this front-control This range outperforms
This freestanding gas range lent broiling scores, plus a double-oven range has most others of its type. It has
earns Excellent scores for low- large oven capacity, help put this five surface burners, two that a large oven and excels
heat cooktop performance. model near the top of our rat- are high-power. High-heat at simmering. Cooktop, high;
High-heat cooktop performance, ings. But it earned only a Fair cooktop performance earns baking; broiling; and self-
baking, and broiling received score for self-cleaning, and its a Very Good rating; baking, cleaning earn Good ratings.
Very Good scores. It has five large burner struggled to keep simmering, broiling, and Predicted reliability received
burners; two are high power. The tomato sauce at a low simmer. It self-cleaning receive Excel- a Good score; owner satisfac-
oven has five rack positions has five burners, continuous lent ratings. tion, an Excellent rating.
and a warming drawer. grates, and convection mode. lg.com monogram.com
samsung.com lg.com
46 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
01 02 03 04 05 !0 $0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results
Predicted
reliability
Owner
satisfaction
Cooktop, high
Cooktop, low
Baking
Broiling
Oven capacity
Self-cleaning
High-power
burners
Medium-power
burners
Low-power
burners
Convection
mode
Slide-in
Stainless steel
available
ELECTRIC SMOOTHTOP, SINGLE-OVEN (30-INCH)
!0 LG LSE4613ST 85 $2,000 40 30 50 50 40 50 50 30 2 0 2 0 0
!0 LG LREL6325D 84
!0 Samsung NE58R9431ST 81 $1,200 40 30 50 50 40 50 50 40 2 0 2 0 0
!0 GE JS760SLSS 81
!0 LG LRE3194BD 81 $1,600 30 30 50 50 40 50 50 40 2 0 2 0 0 0
80
LG LRE3060ST 80 $1,720 50 30 40 40 40 40 50 50 2 0 2 0 0
GE JB655SKSS 79
Whirlpool WEE510S0FS 78 $990 40 30 50 50 40 50 50 30 2 0 2 0 0
Frigidaire Gallery GCRE302LAF 77
Samsung NE59N6650SS 76 $700 40 30 50 50 30 50 50 NA 2 0 2 0
Frigidaire Gallery GCRE3060AF 76
Frigidaire Gallery FGEH3047VF 75 $775 50 30 50 40 30 40 50 50 2 0 2 0 0
Samsung NE59M4320SS 73
Frigidaire FFEF3054TS 72 $1,300 50 30 40 50 40 30 40 50 2 0 2 0
GE JS645SLSS 71
Electrolux EI30EF45QS 70 $850 40 20 50 50 30 50 40 40 2 0 2 0
Café CES700P2MS1 69
Frigidaire FFEH3054US 69 $1,060 30 30 50 30 50 40 50 50 2 0 2 0 0
Frigidaire FFEH3051VS 68
GE JBS60RKSS 66 $1,150 40 20 40 40 40 40 40 50 2 0 2 0 0
Kenmore Elite 95223 66
Kenmore 95123 63 $1,300 40 20 50 40 40 50 40 40 2 0 2 0 0
KitchenAid KFEG500ESS 63
Samsung NE59T7511SS 62 $800 30 30 50 40 40 30 50 50 2 0 2 0 0
Whirlpool WFE775H0HZ 62
GE JB645RKSS 61 $720 40 20 40 40 40 30 40 50 2 0 2 0
Whirlpool WFE320M0EW 61
KitchenAid KSEB900ESS 60 $1,360 50 30 40 30 30 30 50 50 2 0 2 0
Whirlpool WFE975H0HV 60
Whirlpool WEE745H0FS 59 $2,380 20 30 50 50 40 40 30 40 2 0 2 0 0
Frigidaire FFEF3052TS 57
Whirlpool WEE750H0HZ 52 $2,070 50 30 50 40 40 30 40 30 1 2 1 0 0
Frigidaire FCRE3052AS 52
Whirlpool WFE550S0HZ 49 $1,000 40 20 40 30 30 50 40 40 2 0 2 0
Whirlpool WFE525S0HZ 48
Maytag MER6600FZ 48 $1,000 40 20 40 30 30 50 40 NA 2 0 2 0
Amana AER6303MFS
$640 50 30 50 30 20 30 50 NA 1 1 2 0
$1,605 40 30 50 50 40 50 50 10 2 0 2 0 0
$1,385 40 30 50 50 30 50 50 10 2 0 2 0 0
$1,170 30 30 40 40 50 30 50 10 2 0 2 0 0
$1,000 30 30 50 40 40 20 50 40 2 0 2 0 0
$1,035 50 30 40 50 30 30 50 10 2 0 2 0 0
$685 50 30 50 30 20 30 50 50 2 0 2 0
$465 50 30 40 40 20 20 40 NA 2 0 2 0
$2,515 30 30 40 50 30 50 40 10 2 0 2 0 0
$1,260 50 30 50 30 40 40 50 10 2 0 2 0 0
$1,800 50 30 40 30 30 50 50 10 2 0 2 0 0
$655 40 20 40 40 20 30 30 NA 2 0 2 0
$1,800 50 30 40 30 40 40 50 10 2 0 2 0 0
$750 40 20 40 50 30 20 40 NA 2 0 2 0
$900 50 30 40 40 30 20 40 50 2 0 2 0 0
$700 50 30 40 30 30 20 40 50 2 0 2 0
$765 40 20 40 40 20 20 40 30 2 0 2 0
$475 40 10 30 50 20 20 40 NA 0 2 2
CR.ORG GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET 47
Ratings Ranges Overall Price Survey Test Results Features
Score Results
Brand + Model
Predicted
reliability
Owner
satisfaction
Cooktop, high
Cooktop, low
Baking
Broiling
Oven capacity
Self-cleaning
High-power
burners
Medium-power
burners
Low-power
burners
Convection
mode
Slide-in
Stainless steel
available
SMOOTHTOP, DOUBLE-OVEN (30-INCH)
!0 LG LTE4815ST 82 $2,500 40 30 50 50 30 50 50 50 2 0 2 0 0
79 $1,400 30 30 40 50 40 50 50 40 1 2 1 0 0
Samsung NE59J7850WS $1,745 40 20 50 50 40 30 50 30 1 2 1 0 0
Maytag MET8800FZ 76
ELECTRIC INDUCTION
!0 LG LSE4617ST 84 $3,700 40 30 50 40 50 40 50 30 2 2 0 0 0
80
Samsung NE58K9560WS $2,430 30 30 50 50 40 50 40 30 1 3 0 0 0 0
KitchenAid KFID500ESS 73 $2,680 30 30 50 50 30 30 50 30 2 2 0 0 0
GAS AND DUAL-FUEL, SINGLE-OVEN (30-INCH)
!0 Samsung NX58H9500WS 81 $1,980 50 40 40 50 40 40 40 40 2 2 1 0 0 0
$0 Samsung NX58R5601SS 79
!0 LG LSD4913ST (dual-fuel) 77 $730 50 40 40 50 40 40 50 30 2 2 1 0 0
$0 LG LRGL5823S 74
!0 LG LSG4513ST 72 $2,400 40 40 40 40 40 50 50 20 2 2 1 0 0
!0 GE JGB735SPSS 72
70 $1,000 40 40 40 50 30 30 50 20 2 2 1 0 0
GE JGB660SEJSS
$2,300 40 40 40 30 40 30 50 30 2 2 1 0 0
$1,080 40 30 40 50 30 30 40 50 2 2 1 0 0
$865 40 30 40 50 30 30 40 40 2 2 1 0
LG LRG3194ST 70 $1,045 40 40 30 50 40 30 50 20 2 2 1 0 0
Frigidaire FFGF3054TS 70 $765 40 30 40 40 40 30 30 40 2 2 1 0
GE JGBS66EEKES 70 $810 40 30 30 50 30 30 50 NA 2 2 1
Café CGS700M2NS5 69 $3,300 40 40 40 40 40 40 30 30 3 2 1 0 0
GE JGSS66EELES 68 $1,460 40 30 30 50 30 30 40 NA 2 2 1
GE JGBS30REKSS 67 $505 40 30 30 50 30 30 40 NA 1 2 1 0
Samsung NX58R4311SS 67 $800 50 40 40 30 30 30 40 20 2 2 1 0
GE JGBS60DEKWW 67 $540 40 30 30 50 30 30 40 NA 1 2 1 0
Frigidaire FFGH3054US 66 $1,205 40 30 40 40 30 30 30 40 2 2 1 0
Frigidaire FFGH3051VS 66 $1,095 40 30 40 40 30 30 30 NA 2 2 1 0
GE JGB635REKSS 64 $785 40 30 30 40 30 30 30 30 1 2 1 0
Frigidaire FGGH3047VF 64 $1,900 40 30 40 40 30 30 40 40 2 2 1 0 0
Kenmore 74423 59 $870 40 30 40 40 20 30 30 NA 2 2 1
KitchenAid KSGG700ESS 58 $2,070 30 30 30 50 40 30 50 10 2 2 1 0 0
Kenmore 75123 58 $1,485 40 30 40 30 50 30 50 10 2 2 1 0 0
Frigidaire FFGF3052TS 57 $530 40 30 40 40 20 30 30 NA 2 2 1 0
KitchenAid KFGG500ESS 54 $1,300 30 30 40 30 50 30 50 10 2 2 1 0 0
Whirlpool WEG745H0FS 52 $1,710 30 30 30 30 40 30 50 10 2 2 1 0 0
Bosch HGI8056UC 51 $2,070 40 40 30 20 30 20 30 30 2 1 2 0 0 0
Electrolux EI30GF45QS 51 $2,580 30 20 40 30 20 20 30 30 2 2 1 0 0
Whirlpool WFG975H0HZ 49 $1,260 30 30 30 20 50 30 50 10 2 2 1 0 0
Whirlpool WEG750H0HZ 49 $2,100 30 30 30 10 50 30 50 10 2 2 1 0 0
48 GREAT KITCHENS ON A BUDGET CR.ORG
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