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.
July 14, 2017—YSN Imports recalled Flame King, Little Kamper and U-Haul refillable propane cylinders, because they might leak gas, which poses fire and explosion hazards.
July 5, 2017—Design Solutions International recalled Comotti three- and four-light vanity light fixtures that are part of the Home Decorators Collection. The fixtures, which are sold exclusively at Home Depot and homedepot.com, have light shades that might detach and fall, which poses burn and laceration hazards.
June 20, 2017—Staples recalled its Staples and Quill Hazen Mesh Task chairs, because the legs on the base might break, which poses a fall hazard.
May 25, 2017—Leggett & Platt Office Components recalled five brands of office chairs, because the seat slider bolts and push nuts might disconnect and fall off the chair and allow the seat to detach, which poses a fall hazard.
May 19, 2017—Pier 1 Imports recalled Chalk Note Mugs, because the mugs might crack when they’re filled with hot liquid, which poses a burn hazard.
May 12, 2017—Carrier recalled Carrier Greenspeed and Bryant Evolution Extreme heat pumps, because the capacitors that are in the fuse boards might stop working and cause the unit to overheat, which poses a fire hazard.
May 8, 2017—Springs Window Fashions recalled the lithium batteries that were sold with its motorized window coverings, because the batteries might overheat, leak or discharge, which poses fire and burn hazards.
May 3, 2017—Goodman Manufacturing recalled certain gas-fired furnaces, because the blower motor isn’t grounded, which poses a shock hazard to someone who is servicing the unit.
April 13, 2017—Customatic Beds recalled its adjustable beds, because the bed’s side-mounted AC outlet might be wired incorrectly, which poses a shock hazard.
April 12, 2017—Teavana recalled certain 14-ounce flip tumblers, because they might leak hot liquid, which poses a burn hazard.
March 31, 2017—BlenderBottle recalled Whiskware glass dressing-shaker bottles, because the glass bottom of the bottle might break when the metal agitator strikes it, which poses a laceration hazard.
March 28, 2017—Amphenol Industrial Solar Technologies recalled electrical connectors that are attached to SolarWorld Americas solar panels, because the connectors might develop microscopic cracks that might allow moisture to leak into the system while it’s producing electricity, which poses a shock hazard.
March 24, 2017—Wing Enterprises recalled Little Giant Liberty, Little Giant Velocity and Little Giant LT multipurpose ladders, because the ladder’s locking pins or rung fasteners might fail, which poses a fall hazard.
March 8, 2017—Rexon Industrial recalled 10-inch Craftsman portable table saws, because the saw stand can collapse unexpectedly, which poses impact and laceration hazards.
March 2, 2017—Pier 1 Imports recalled certain glass knobs, because they might break during use, which poses a laceration hazard.
Feb. 24, 2017—Carrier expanded its recall of packaged-terminal air conditioners and packaged-terminal heat pumps that were sold under the Bryant, Carrier and Fast brand names, because the power cord can overheat, which poses a fire hazard.
Feb. 22, 2017—Calphalon Corp. recalled certain Calphalon Contemporary Cutlery knives, because the blade might break during use, which poses a laceration hazard.
Feb. 9, 2017—La-Z-Boy recalled power supplies that are used with certain lift recliners.
Feb. 3, 2017—Restoration Hardware recalled certain glass mirrors, because the product’s mirror component isn’t glued properly to the backing and might fall, which poses a laceration hazard.
Feb. 1, 2017—3i Corp. recalled Allen + Roth-branded Safford bar chairs and Garden Treasures-branded Lakeview bar chairs, because the legs might detach from the center post at the weld, which poses a fall hazard.
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