Consumers Digest’s 2018 Automotive Best Buys
Forty recommendations across 13 categories.
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Joy Ride
See our Best Buys in auto receivers, nav systems and more.
Motorcycles: New Directions
Manufacturers are producing more variations of existing models, and safety technology has been added.
Jan. 15, 2018—Automakers rolled out a bevy of updated models at the North American International Auto Show, as always.
Jan. 11, 2018—Perhaps the third time will be the charm for Honda Motor’s dedicated hybrid.
Microwave Ovens: Quick Picks
Today’s marketplace features microwaves that deliver connectivity and can be placed somewhere besides on your countertop.
Innovation Update: Top-Rated Vacuum Cleaners
Corded and cordless performance gaps narrowed.
Juiced! Best Buys in Juicers & Juice Extractors
No scientific evidence proves manufacturer's claims that extracted juices are better for you than is eating whole fruits and vegetables.
Aug. 31, 2017—Nest Labs is taking aim at a wider audience with its first new smart thermostat in 6 years.
Jan. 5, 2017—Two washers, two dryers, one laundry pair. Huh?
TV Buyers Guide: Brighter Images on Display
Manufacturers introduced two technologies that produce a wider range of brightness and color than ever before.
TV Mounts & Stands: Flex Appeal
The hot new trend is mounts that tilt in all directions and move up and down, while costing consumers less than ever before.
Comparing Cellphone-Service Providers: Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know
Cellphone-service providers dangled a familiar term to describe their 2017 data plans. Consumers should proceed with caution.
Jan. 10, 2018—After covering the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) for at least a decade, we’ve become a bit jaded with regard to the news that’s generated at the event.
Jan. 2, 2018—After a wave of criticism that included accusations of forcing customers to upgrade their cellphones, Apple lowered the price of replacement batteries on most of its iPhone models.
Next-Generation Portable Heaters
Consumers soon might see a Wi-Fi standard.
Home-Heating Guide
Gas fireplaces are more expensive than they were before because of the now-required safety barriers that prevent injury.
Indoor Storage: Space Savers
More storage options exist than ever before, so consumers can get even the most difficult items out of the way.
Oct. 25, 2017—If you’re concerned that “porch pirates” will steal delivered packages from your doorstep, Amazon.com has a solution—let its couriers enter your home to deliver the packages while you’re away.
Jan. 5, 2017—Typically, to buy a Craftsman product, you have to go to a Sears store. Soon, you’ll be able to buy Craftsman-branded products anywhere.
Medical Breakthroughs: Advances to Believe In
New medical devices provide innovative treatments for diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Wake-Up Call: The Real Dangers of Sleeping Pills
A lack of clinical evidence exists.
Home-Fitness Equipment: Exercising Good Judgment
Manufacturers add connectivity options to their products.
Nov. 14, 2017—Food and Drug Administration approved the first medication that tracks whether you took it.
Oct. 17, 2017—Consumers will be hurt by the Trump administration’s moves to change the Affordable Care Act (ACA), experts tell us. The only questions are by how much and whether that will change in the years ahead.
Cruises 2017: Pricing · Amenities · Innovations · Safety
The cost for you to go on a cruise getaway remained relatively stable, but the industry still has strides that it must make in safety.
Game On: Pool, Table Tennis, Foosball & Air Hockey
We evaluated 252 total models to identify 12 Best Buys.
The Expansion of Versatile Bikes: Plus—Expert Picks in Road, Mountain, Hybrid & Comfort Models
New adventure bikes have extra-wide tires.
May 3, 2017—To our complete lack of surprise, airlines continue to stick it to consumers—even as Congress threatens to act if airlines don’t improve their customer service.
Nov. 17, 2016—Further evidence that no matter how bad that it gets when it comes to air travel, it always could get worse comes to us through United Airlines’ announcement of a reduced-fare class that comes with restrictions attached—the biggest being a limit on the size of carry-on luggage.
Pet Insurance: What You Need to Know
Experts say you should get your pet covered early in its life to ensure that it’s eligible for insurance at all.
Warning: Toxic Pet Toys
More research is necessary to determine the long-term health effects of toxic chemicals that are in today’s pet toys.
Winning Strategies for Retirement Abroad
Several factors might curtail the financial benefits that retiring abroad can provide.
March 6, 2017—We don’t doubt that a lack of online pricing information by funeral homes hurts consumers. Now we know just how much that it does.
Aug. 4, 2016—Mars Petcare, which makes Eukanuba brand dog food, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges of false advertising.
Pathfinders: Next-Generation Snowthrowers
Snowthrower technology has stormed in like a lion, but snowthrower prices have reacted like a lamb.
Grill Marks: Top-Rated Barbecue Grills & Smokers
A new gas grill lets you use a mobile app to control mechanical gas valves. Also, digital grill thermometers are extended.
Swing Shift: Backyard Playsets Evolve
You’ll want more space and you’ll spend more money to add horizontal climbing bars to your playset.
April 12, 2017—It’s a debut that’s nearly 5 years in the making.
Jan. 5, 2017—Typically, to buy a Craftsman product, you have to go to a Sears store. Soon, you’ll be able to buy Craftsman-branded products anywhere.
The Shifting Ride-Share Marketplace: Fare Game
Experts believe that Lyft and Uber will have to raise their fees and fares in the next year.
Extended Warranties: When They Actually Make Sense
You should steer clear of many extended warranties.
Today’s Best Credit-Card Offers
Generous sign-up bonuses are prevalent.
Oct. 25, 2017—If you’re concerned that “porch pirates” will steal delivered packages from your doorstep, Amazon.com has a solution—let its couriers enter your home to deliver the packages while you’re away.
Sept. 8, 2017—After it revealed that a major breach of its records took place, credit bureau Equifax is offering to help you to protect yourself from the potential of identification theft.
Uncorked—Wine Scores: Truth Behind the Numbers
Retailers and websites often tout a wine’s score to entice you, but experts disagree on the usefulness of these scores.
Fear Factor: The Truth About 'Genetically Modified'
Consumers don’t know whether their food contains genetically modified ingredients, but almost all scientists say GMOs are safe.
The Mourning After: Funeral Home Rip-Offs
As business slides, funeral homes look to make up for lost revenue by increasing the costs of cremations, among other strategies.
Think twice before you take your computer to the nearest repair specialist. Many people are scammed by technicians who are moved more by profit than principle.
You might face more than the grief of the loss of a loved one: grave desecration and double-sold plots.
Home > Recalls
January 10, 2011—Novartis Pharmaceuticals says Triad alcohol prep pads were included in its Extavia packaging. The recall of the prep pad is due to potential contamination with bacteria that could lead to life-threatening infections.
January 7, 2011—La Placita Botanas Mexicanas recalled Wheat Snacks with Chile, Potato Chips with Chile and Corn Churritos with Chile, because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.
January 6, 2011—Teva Pharmaceuticals recalled Metronidazole tablets (lot 312566, expiration date May 2012) due to the presence of underweight tablets.
January 6, 2011—JB Inc. recalled Lili Gaufrettechildren’s hooded cardigans that have drawstrings. The drawstring can pose a strangulation hazard to young children.
January 6, 2011—Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Christmas Tree Shops, announced a recall of its oven rack guards.
January 6, 2011—Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with ITT Water Technology, announced a recall of sump pumps and effluent pumps, because they could pose an electric shock or electrocution hazard.
January 6, 2011—Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Quoizel, announced a recall of Northridge outdoor hanging lanterns (model number AGNT1912K).The glass lantern can separate from the top support ring and fall.
January 6, 2011—General Motors recalled 2011 Cadillac Escalades, Escalade ESVs, Escalade EXTs; Chevrolet Avalanches, Colorados, Express, Silverados, Suburbans and Tahoes; and GMC Canyons, Sierras, Yukons and Yukon XLs.
January 6, 2011—Fleetwood RV recalled 2010-2011 Southwind and 2010 Bounder Class A motor homes (Recall No. 110103FRV). The liquid-propane gas (LP) tank might come into contact with a bolt and be damaged.
January 6, 2011—Dutchmen recalled 2011 Rubicon and Voltage RVs manufactured between August 16, 2010, and December 23, 2011. The fuel shut-off timer modules are defective.
January 6, 2011—Honda recalled 2010 Honda Accords and CR-Vs. A potential flaw in the engine wiring harness connector might cause intermittent spark firing or the engine to stall.
January 5, 2011—Triad Group recalled alcohol prep pads, alcohol swabs and alcohol swab sticks that are sold under the brands Boca/Ultilet, Cardinal Health, Conzellin, CVS, Moore Medical, PSS Select, VersaPro and Walgreens.
January 5, 2011—Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Black Diamond Equipment, announced a recall of Avalung backpacks.
January 5, 2011—Ducati recalled 2010 MTS 1200S motorcycles (Recall No. RCL-10-004) for a faulty electronic control unit.
January 4, 2011—Keystone RV recalled 2010-2011 Cougar, Laredo and Outback travel trailers that are equipped with lippert component hitch couplers because the forward edge of the coupler lacks indentation (Recall No. 10-1056).
January 4, 2011—Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Salsa Cycles, announced a recall of Salsa CroMoto S.U.L. 25.4 and 26.0 threadless handlebar stems and all CroMoto S.U.L. 26.0 quill handlebar stems that were sold as individual aftermarket units.
January 3, 2011—Sprouters Northwest recalled all of its clover and clover-mix products because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.
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