NewsChannel 9 - Consumer Reports

Does the As-Seen-on-TV sharpener really work? Consumer Reports puts it to the test

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:03:49 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- If your knives aren’t quite cutting it these days, perhaps you’re thinking of getting the Edge of Glory infomercial sharpener. It claims to make your knives like new.

To check it out, a Consumer Reports tester rounded up pairs of knives: one expensive, one inexpensive, and one serrated, and then he dulled one of each pair. Then the tester used the Edge of Glory to re-sharpen the dulled knives. He then sliced and diced all kinds of food, including oranges, dried sausage, tomatoes, and carrots.

He also checked this clai—that Edge of Glory is so precise, it can turn a plastic credit card into a precision-cutting instrument. Though that wouldn’t be recommended for the average chef, the tester was able to cut up a tomato with it.

But depending on how you slice it, Edge of Glory isn’t so glorious. It left rough edges on the knives. And though it did sharpen the inexpensive and expensive knives, it did a better job on the inexpensive one.

The Edge of Glory actually sharpened the cheaper knives better than the more expensive ones, because cheaper knives are made of softer metal, which sharpens more easily. Bottom line: Skip the Edge of Glory unless you want to wow your guests by using a credit card to slice a tomato!

Consumer Reports says a little bit of TLC can keep your more expensive knives in good condition. Always hand wash and dry them right away. And store good knives in a wooden block—never loose in a drawer, where blades can get nicked. Also use a sharpening steel frequently. If the knives do become dull, then it’s time to consider taking them to a professional.

Top ice creams: See Consumer Reports' picks

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:18:00 -0400

(Consumer Reports) - Summer is not far off, and for many adults and kids alike, thoughts turn to hot, sunny days and refreshingly cold desserts. If ice cream and frozen yogurt choices seem endless, have no fear. Consumer Reports has the scoop on what to keep stocked in your freezer.

Consumer Reports tested 25 ice creams and frozen yogurts in three popular flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan. Granted, not all are health food, but Consumer Reports does look at nutrition information to see which ones are better for you. And of course, trained testers also rate them for taste.

The butter pecan top-rated for taste is Häagen-Dazs, which aside from being delicious is also the priciest. And no surprise here, it also scored the lowest nutritionally among all those tested. A half-cup serving has a whopping 300 calories and 22 grams of fat. So it’s a real splurge!

For about half the fat and calories, try Walmart’s Great Value Butter Pecan ice cream, which is just as tasty, with bits of flavorful, roasted nuts. And it’s also the least expensive.

More of a flavor traditionalist? Both Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s vanilla and chocolate have big flavors and creamy textures, but the Ben & Jerry’s are slightly lower in fat.

For an even healthier choice, try frozen yogurt. The hot new thing in the freezer aisle is Greek frozen yogurts, which pack more protein, but none of the four tested were standouts. Instead, go with traditional frozen yogurts. Blue Bunny Vanilla Bean and TCBY Classic Vanilla offer a treat that’s both delicious and healthy. That is, if you’re even thinking about nutrition!

Consumer Reports says it’s interesting to note that descriptions in the ice cream aisle are changing. Breyers now calls some of its products “frozen dairy dessert,” because among other things, they have too little fat to meet the official government definition of ice cream. And if you think that ice cream containers are shrinking, Consumer Reports says that many are. Some, such as those from Häagen-Dazs, look like a 16-ounce pint but only contain 14 ounces.

Consumer Reports tests the latest in Bluetooth car kits

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:58:10 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- Most cars now come with Bluetooth technology built in so that you can talk hands-free. Though talking while driving is not ideal, sometimes it can’t be avoided. Now there are lots of Bluetooth devices made for older cars. Consumer Reports just checked out four inexpensive ones that cost $60 or less. There were some pluses and minuses.

The GoGroove FlexSmart X2 proved easy to install because it’s wireless. But the audio quality wasn’t great. There was a lot of background noise.

On the other hand, kits such as the Belkin CarAudio Connect sounded really good because they plug directly in. A plus: You can talk or play music from your phone through the car’s speakers. But that one won’t work unless you have an auxiliary jack. It does have very good audio quality, but you’re also, of course, going to have a bunch of wires in the car, and you do need to semi-permanently mount it.

The easiest to install are self-contained devices that clip on the visor and have no wires. You could hear calls clearly with two—the Jabra Journey and Motorola Roadster 2. And you can play music through your car’s audio system with the Motorola kit.

When shopping for a Bluetooth car kit, you want to check that it’s compatible with your phone as well as your vehicle. For instance, with the Belkin Kit Consumer Reports looked at, your car has to have an auxiliary jack. Not all do. And it pays to shop around because prices vary widely.

Consumer Reports tests as-seen-on-TV grout cleaners

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:09:00 -0400

(Consumer Reports) - If dirty grout in your bathroom drives you crazy, you may be tempted to try some of those miracle grout cleaners you’ve seen advertised on TV. Well, Consumer Reports was, too, and it has a few things to tell you before you place your order.

Can you really get sparkling grout with ease using Grout Bully? It costs $10 a bottle, and the commercial says, “Simply line up Grout Bully with your grout line, press down gently to apply, wipe off the excess, and voila.”

But Consumer Reports found it was really hard to get off the excess. It kept smearing, and it left a film that stuck to the tile. It did hide the mold and mildew at first. But just 12 days later, the mold and mildew was already growing back!

So how about another As-Seen-On-TV grout cleaner—the Groutinator? For $10 you get two different-sized coarse erasers with a sharp edge that works like sandpaper on dirty grout. Consumer Reports found that it isn’t easy, and it isn’t quick! It’s really just good old-fashioned elbow grease. And you have to constantly re-sharpen the edge, especially when you’re working with narrow grout lines. Two weeks after cleaning mildew was already growing back.

So neither of the as-seen-on-TV grout cleaners offers the perfect solution. Consumer Reports says that when you’re grouting, adding a seal can make it more resistant to dirt and stains.

There’s also a good homemade grout cleaner that’s worth a try. You dip a toothbrush into a solution of one part bleach and six parts water, and get to work! Be aware that there can be fumes, so be sure you have good ventilation.

Consumer Reports looks at the latest car innovations

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:16:12 -0400

(Consumer Reports) - More and more cars come with safety features like blind-spot monitoring. A light in or near your rearview mirror lights up when something is in your blind zone. And if you drift out of your lane, some cars caution you with a beep. Consumer Reports Auto Test Center also tests collision-warning systems. The Chrysler 300 beeps if you’re about to hit something. And cars such as the Audi A8 actually apply the brakes for you.

Consumer Reports tests have shown that those advanced systems can help you avoid an accident and improve your awareness. But they’re no substitute for being alert when you drive.

Some Fords have another new safety feature, inflatable rear safety belts. Ford says those mini air bags built into the safety belts reduce neck and chest injuries.

Mercedes-Benz is even offering a warning system that’s designed to detect if you’re in danger of falling asleep behind the wheel. Consumer Reports thinks the concept has potential, but the system hasn’t worked all that well in the four models it has tested so far.

And the new Nissan Altima has a handy feature to help when you’re inflating your tires. When you’ve got it right, the horn toots. Consumer Reports says that roperly inflated tires are really important. They improve fuel economy, help handling, and help your tires last longer.

Not all new features are safety related. Like the built-in vacuum coming in the 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan. Or how about a foot-operated trunk or tailgate release? If your hands are full, just swipe your foot under the sensor—a convenient option being offered on some Fords and BMWs.

Securing your smart phone: Consumer Reports

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:07:29 -0400

(Consumer Reports) - If you store sensitive information on your smart phone, losing track of it could spell disaster. A just-released survey by Consumer Reports projects more than 7 million smart-phone owners had a phone that was lost, stolen, or ruined in the last year.

You can panic if someone steals your smart phone. Who knows what they could do with that information? There are pictures, bank cards, and e-mail. The Consumer Reports National Research Center finds that almost 40 percent of smart-phone users don’t take actions to secure their phones, such as backing up their data or simply setting a screen lock.

Even if you do lock, experts say a tech-savvy thief can quickly crack certain four-digit passcodes. Consumer Reports says far safer: setting a longer code that includes letters and symbols. Android phones let you do it by going to Settings, but then each phone is a little different.

With iPhones it’s even trickier. Under “Settings,” tap “General” and “Passcode lock.” Check that the “Simple passcode” is turned off. Then tap “Turn passcode on,” and you can enter your longer passcode.

Consumer Reports says there are other smart phone security risks. For example, some apps ask for permission to do too much, including a simple flashlight app. It wants to know your location and information about your phone calls. Consumer Reports found only one-third of those surveyed ever turn off location tracking. Some apps need to know your location to give directions, for example. But you don’t need to have location tracking on all the time.

Malicious software isn’t as common on your smart phone as on your computer. But the problem is growing, so Consumer Reports recommends getting your apps only from reputable sources. Android users should stick with Amazon’s Appstore or Google Play. For iPhone users, Apple’s App Store is the only source for apps, and it’s reputable, too.

Taking a few basic precautions can secure sensitive data. And kids need protection, too. The survey projects at least 5 million preteens have a smart phone of their own.

Save on TV, phone & Internet: Consumer Reports

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:03:36 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- To save on TV, Internet, and phone bills, many people get all three services from the same company. Those “triple plays” get you steep discounts, but only for a limited time. Then bills often shoot up. But Consumer Reports says there are ways to save.

Consumer Reports’ annual survey of subscribers shows 44 percent of those who bargained got up to $50 a month off their bill, and 7 percent got an even bigger discount.

If you use your cell phone more than your home phone, some companies are letting you make a triple play with your cell phone instead of a landline. And if you want to keep both, several major providers are offering “quad plays” that let you add your cell-phone service, too.

So don’t stick with the plan you’ve always had. Explore new options. Your situation changes, and you might be paying for services you don’t even use all that much.

And here’s a negotiating tip from Consumer Reports. If you fail to get what you want from the regular customer-service representative, ask to speak with the customer-retention department instead. They may be more willing to negotiate, as long as you are an existing subscriber.

Considering eyelash enhancement? Consumer Reports looks at the hazards

Tue, 07 May 2013 17:15:00 -0400

(Consumer Reports) - Women have been looking for ways to darken and thicken their eyelashes since the days of Cleopatra. And in the spotlight these days, super-long lashes from pop star Adele and rap singer Niki Minaj. But Consumer Reports’ medical adviser says be careful how you get that long lash look.

False eyelashes can trap dirt and bacteria, creating irritation and infection. And they can be difficult to remove.

And Actress Kristin Chenoweth wore sunglasses on “Late Show with David Letterman” after her eyelids swelled up. She got what are called eyelash extensions, where single fibers are glued to your individual eyelashes.

The risks of eyelash extensions are not only an allergic reaction to the glue but also erosion of the inner surface of the eyelids. And they can cause permanent damage to your natural lashes.

The Internet promotes even more exotic eyelash enhancements: weaving tiny glass beads onto ultra-thin wire and applying them with an adhesive to your eyelids. It doesn’t take an expert to see trouble coming with sharp objects placed so close to the eye.

Consumer Reports says that you are far better off just using mascara to get fuller, thicker lashes. And you should replace mascara every few months, but you don’t necessarily need to buy an expensive mascara. A tried-and-true choice is Maybelline Great Lash Mascara for a little more than $6 a tube.

You can get more information on eyelash hazards here.

Consumer Reports tests more than 100 gas grills; see the top-rated models

Mon, 06 May 2013 17:18:00 -0400

(Consumer Reports) - More people are grilling with gas these days. Consumer Reports tested more than 100 gas grills costing from less than $200 to more than $2,000. Some grills do more than the basics, including one with a rotisserie that also has a side burner, perfect for keeping a pot boiling.

And you’ll find an oven in one Kenmore grill! Consumer Reports was able to bake a pretty good cake in the oven, though the bottom was darker than one baked in a regular oven.

Things can heat up in Consumer Reports labs. Testers apply thermocouples to the grates to measure how evenly a grill distributes heat. Pre-heating is important, too.

A recent Consumer Reports reader survey found that most gas grillers preheat their grill for 5 to 10 minutes before cooking. So testers preheat the grills for 10 minutes to see whether that’s enough, measuring the temperature and evenness across the grates. Some grills do better than others.

Consumer Reports top-rated two Weber grills. The midsized Weber Spirit model SP-320 46700401 sells for around $600 and preheats quickly and evenly. So does the smaller Weber Spirit model E-220 46310001 for $450. Both do an excellent job at high and low temperatures, perfect for grilling a summertime feast!

You can find those Weber grills at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart, and at independent retailers. They come with a long, 10-year warranty on the burners, which is the most frequently replaced part.

More reliable motorcycles: Consumer Reports

Fri, 03 May 2013 03:05:58 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- Motorcycles offer an exhilarating riding experience and can deliver impressive fuel savings. If you’re thinking about getting one, Consumer Reports National Research Center surveyed more than 4,000 motorcycle owners to find some of the most reliable ones.

It turns out Harley-Davidson and BMW were more repair-prone than Japanese brands Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda. But the survey showed owners of Harleys and BMWs were among the most satisfied with their motorcycles.

No matter which brand you buy, basic maintenance will help avoid costly repairs. For instance, replacing $50 brake pads before they’re worn down can save you hundreds on damaged rotors and other parts.

Keeping tires properly inflated will prevent premature tire wear and give you much better handling. If your motorcycle calls for premium gas, use it.

And it’s best to store your bike in a protected area or cover it to prevent unnecessary wear. And if it’s going to sit for any period of time, be sure to add fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas.

All that can help keep repair costs down and your motorcycle cruising down the road. Consumer Report says it’s a good idea to get in the habit of doing a quick visual check before getting on your motorcycle. Look for any leaks or cracks in hoses or tires.

DIY cracked iPhone repairs: Consumer Reports

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:18:29 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- Cracked iPhone screen? There’s an app for that! Well, not exactly. But there are online videos on how to fix a broken screen and move on!

Consumer Reports wanted to know how easy—or tough—the repair is. So one of its engineers ordered a replacement-screen repair kit for $30 and then watched a 30-minute tutorial video from iCracked.com. He also wanted to see how others would do.
So he recruited people with various skill levels, including complete novices who aren’t comfortable working with electronics.

Some of the Consumer Reports’ volunteers breezed through the process. Others regretted the decision. There were lots of steps and lots of small parts and fragile pieces.

It took most of the panelists about an hour and a half to replace a cracked screen. But for the technically challenged—it took much longer!

In the end Consumer Reports repaired five iPhones using seven replacement screens. One screen was defective, and one screen broke in the process.

So Consumer Reports says if you’re thinking about replacing an iPhone screen yourself, realize that it can save you some money, but it will probably cost you a fair amount of time and aggravation.

You can buy an insurance policy to cover damage to iPhones or buy Apple’s extended warranty, called AppleCare+. But given the costs and caveats, Consumer Reports thinks neither offers good value. A better investment might be a phone case that wraps around the edge of your iPhone screen. Cases like that start at about $20.

Consumer Reports puts vitamin D to the test

Wed, 01 May 2013 03:32:16 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- Vitamin D is one of the most widely used supplements. Doctors have long recommended it along with calcium to help prevent bone fractures. However, recent studies have cast doubt on vitamin D’s benefits for healthy women. With sales of vitamin D at an all-time high, Consumer Reports took a closer look.

Consumer Reports analyzed 32 vitamin D supplements, including 12 vitamin D and calcium combinations. The good news is that testers found they all contained at least as much vitamin D as their labels claimed and were within the safe maximum limit set by the Institute of Medicine. And they all met federal safety standards.

But analysis of some supplements raised a red flag. Consumer Reports’ lab tests found lead levels in nine of the vitamin D plus calcium supplements that exceeded a strict California limit for reproductive risk. California law requires that those be labeled, but they weren’t.

Consumer Reports also found that prices varied widely. Trader Joe’s Vitamin D softgels were the best deal, at just 3 cents per capsule. And Sundown Naturals Liquid-Filled Calcium Plus Vitamin D softgels cost 8 cents each.

And about whether you need extra vitamin D, Consumer Reports’ medical experts examined the evidence. You probably don’t need a supplement if you get some midday sun during the warmer months. But if you have osteoporosis or a gastrointestinal condition that limits absorption, your doctor may recommend a vitamin D supplement. And if you do opt for vitamin D, take care to stay within the recommended amounts, because too much can put you at risk for kidney damage.

A government advisory group recently recommended that healthy women past menopause not take daily vitamin D and calcium supplements at low doses to prevent fractures. And it said at higher doses, more research is needed.

Ground turkey caution: Consumer Reports

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:48:08 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- Trying to serve up healthy meals? More and more people are opting for ground turkey instead of beef. Even Burger King has started serving up turkey burgers. Ground turkey can be a better choice. But a just-released Consumer Reports investigation reveals that it can also be a breeding ground for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Overall, 90 percent of the samples analyzed had one or more of the five bacteria Consumer Reports looked for. Adding to that was the fact that most of those bacteria proved resistant to antibiotics.

Consumer Reports shipped 257 samples of ground turkey to an outside lab. There, scientists created a broth with each sample, to analyze it. More than half of the samples tested positive for the fecal contaminants enterococcus and E. coli, the majority of which were resistant to multiple antibiotics.

Some of those bacteria can cause food poisoning and many infections. The good news is that Consumer Reports found less antibiotic-resistance in bacteria from turkeys raised without antibiotics.

Using antibiotics in farm animals was once touted as a great innovation to prevent disease and promote growth. But Consumer Reports says it is now clear that giving turkeys and other animals antibiotics is accelerating the growth of drug-resistant superbugs. When people are sickened with those, they can be much harder to treat.

To kill any bacteria that might be present in ground turkey, you need to cook it thoroughly, to 165° F. You can also minimize your risk by making smart choices when you shop. Consumer Reports says look for ground turkey labeled either “raised without antibiotics” or “organic.”

Consumer Reports tests Chromebooks

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:01:20 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- If you’ve been thinking about getting a backup laptop, either for yourself or one that’s easy for your kids to use, there’s a new kind that’s being heavily advertised. It’s called a Chromebook.

Chromebooks fall between traditional laptops and tablets. They are meant to be secure, easy to use, and inexpensive. You can pick one up for as little as $200. A Consumer Reports electronics expert looked at ones from Acer, HP, Samsung, and the Chromebook Pixel, the first laptop from Google.

Instead of using the traditional Windows and Mac operating systems, they use the Google Chrome operating system. It’s Web-based, so everything you do needs to be done online. That’s an important distinction when you’re working on, say, a document and you close it—it saves automatically to a Google drive in the cloud, not locally on your hard drive. Though you do have a Downloads folder that gives you some limited, local storage.

The upside is that your information is more secure with a Chromebook. If it gets lost, stolen, or damaged, all of your data is still there on the Web, and you can access it from anywhere. The fact that Google is storing your data in the cloud is also the downside. Depending on which Chromebook you buy, you do get two to three years of free cloud storage. But after that, Google charges you a monthly fee for anything above 5 gigabytes.

Consumer Reports says there is value in the lower-priced Chromebooks if you just want one to surf the Web, check your e-mail, read a book, or watch a movie. Testers found that most are pretty lightweight, start up quickly, and should be fairly immune to viruses.

Consumer Reports says if you’re willing to give up a keyboard and sacrifice some screen size, you might want to consider getting a lower-priced tablet instead. Consumer Reports named the Google Nexus 7 a Best Buy for $200.
(Consumer Reports) --

Consumer Reports puts $20,000 TVs to the test

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:08:24 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- If you think you’ve got the latest and greatest TV out there, wait till you see what’s coming—Ultra-HD televisions. They promise the best picture ever on huge screens, but with mega-price tags that start at $20,000, people won’t be rushing out to buy one anytime soon. Nevertheless, Consumer Reports had to get a look at the first wave of Ultra-HD TVs.

The 84-inch Ultra-HD television from LG is the biggest flat-screen TV that Consumer Reports has ever had in its test labs. Consumer Reports’ testers looked at the LG, as well as the first Ultra-HD sets from Sony and Samsung. When the sets are showing Ultra-HD content, the picture is indeed breathtaking, with crisp images and more detail than testers have ever seen.

There isn’t much UHD content. But those sets can take regular HD content that’s been up-converted. And, not surprising, that looks great, too. Testers also used test patterns to assess those new Ultra-HD sets and found some drawbacks. All three had problems common to most LCDs, such as motion blur and black levels that aren’t quite black.

OK, you don’t have $20,000 to spend on a new a TV. Consumer Reports recommends a 65-inch plasma TV from Panasonic, the Viera TC-P65VT50. It delivers excellent image detail and color, as well as deep black levels. At $3,300 it’s not exactly cheap, unless, of course, you’re comparing it with the cost of an Ultra-HD TV!

Consumer Reports reviews great go-anywhere action cameras

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:19:00 -0400

Catching great action shots from your mountain bike or on the beach is a lot easier these days with cool new video cameras. Consumer Reports looks at two popular ones that go where no video camera or cell phone has gone before. They’re the
GoPro Hero 3, which costs $400, and Sony’s $270 Action Cam. The cameras come with rugged, waterproof casings to protect them from the elements. And they’re loaded with features. You can take standard-def or high-def video. You can also take still photos. And you can also take photos and stitch them together into a time lapse.

But how do they stand up to tough treatment? Consumer Reports tested by putting each one in a tumbler for 25 rotations to see whether they could withstand hard knocks. Both came out ready to shoot. To see how waterproof the cameras are, they were, well, dunked in water. Both survived intact, with no damage at all.

If you’re looking to capture action shots in the great outdoors, either of those camcorders is a good choice. The GoPro has a little bit of an edge in the image quality, but each will get the job done.

So the next time you hit the slopes for some skiing or head to the beach for some fun in the sun, one of those action cameras could be just the thing to capture memories that used to be a fleeting moment.

Consumer Reports says another nice thing about the GoPro Hero 3 and the Sony Action Cam is that they have built-in Wi-Fi. That makes it easy to share your videos on YouTube and Facebook.

Chain restaurant calorie count: Consumer Reports

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:01:57 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- New restaurant regulations that were supposed to require chains with more than 20 locations to list calorie counts on their menus are stalled. But many restaurants have already started disclosing that information anyway. Consumer Reports wanted to see whether restaurant-goers are getting a good count.

Consumer Reports chose 17 menu offerings at a dozen casual restaurants and fast-food chains and compared their nutritional claims with reality. They included restaurants such as IHOP, Red Lobster, Cheese Cake Factory, and McDonald’s. Consumer Reports bought food including fettuccine and French fries from three restaurant locations.

Back in the labs, testers ground the food to analyze it for calories and fat. Not all the offerings tested from Olive Garden and Outback Steakhouse measured up.

Outback’s Grilled Chicken on the Barbie claims to have 7 grams of fat but contained as much as 13 grams in Consumer Reports’ tests. And Olive Garden’s Lasagna Primavera with Grilled Chicken is supposed to have 20 grams of fat. But it had as much as 32 grams.

All the other menus and websites were correct. And Consumer Reports says it’s important to check because even if you’re ordering grilled chicken, that doesn’t mean you’re getting a lower-calorie meal.

And when you’re checking a menu, watch out for words such as “battered,” “creamy,” “crispy,” “crusted,” or “stuffed.” Those all signal “fattening.”

Consumer Reports says there are a number of things you can do to make eating out healthier. Order sauces on the side, and do the same with salad dressing. Stick to no-calorie beverages such as water, seltzer, and tea. And, of course, don’t think you have to finish everything then and there. Take some home and eat it at another meal.

Microwave Danger: Consumer Reports

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:00:39 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- In the Queen Anne condominiums in Seattle, Washington, tenant Joe Lyons is afraid for his safety. He’s one of 10 residents who, according to the condo board, has had problems with their KitchenAid microwaves. They have started on their own, and in at least one case caused electrical arcing.

At another development, in Florida, a fire started in a microwave that was not in use, according to the official fire report. Both of those incidents, reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, involved the same microwave, the KitchenAid KHMS155LSS.

A Consumer Reports investigation looked at thousands of pages of CPSC documents in its investigation of appliance fires, including many obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests.

More than 40 of the CPSC reports involved KitchenAid microwaves that turned on by themselves, some causing fires. Whirlpool, which owns KitchenAid, says it has not been able to verify a single report of a self-starting microwave.

Consumer Reports also examined 82 similar reports involving some GE microwaves, six of which involved serious fires. The reports listed various models, but 30 complaints involved the GE Spacemaker line of over-the-range microwaves. GE told Consumer Reports that it “has investigated unverified reports of ‘self-start’ and found them to constitute product quality, not product safety, concerns. Many have been determined not to be ‘self-starts’ at all.”

None of those microwaves has been recalled. And the problem is not limited to those two manufacturers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission told Consumer Reports it has “an open investigation into the safety of kitchen appliances, including microwaves.”

If you have a problem with your microwave, unplug it and have a technician look at it.
And it’s a good idea to know which circuit breaker turns off the microwave in case of an emergency. It you‘re experiencing a problem with a microwave or any appliance, Consumer Reports recommends notifying the manufacturer immediately. And report the problem to saferproducts.gov.

Costly new car surprises: Consumer Reports

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:05:49 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- When you go to buy a car, it’s a big investment. Consumer Reports finds that a number of new cars are disappointing you get them home.

More motorists need a tow because they have a flat tire and their car didn’t come with a spare. What you may find in your car is a sealant kit and a small air compressor. But neither is going to be any help if your tire’s sidewall is damaged. You’ll have to be towed. Consumer Reports says eliminating the jack and the spare saves the carmaker money but could leave you stranded.

Other rude surprises for new-car owners—economical cars such as the Subaru Impreza come with expensive performance tires. They are designed to provide better handling and braking. But beware that replacing a set of those tires can cost as much as $1,000.

And watch out for carmakers touting “three-person” rear seats. Consumer Reports finds that the center spot is often mighty tight. So try before you buy.

Another heads-up: Salespeople may push for an extended warranty, but Consumer Reports says skip it because what you pay in premiums is likely to be more than you’ll save in repair costs.

And don’t think you have to buy all- or four-wheel drive to get more grip on slippery roads in all kinds of driving situations. You don’t. That just gives you more grip for going forward and backward but doesn’t help when cornering or braking. But all new cars can help you in those situations because electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard equipment.

Consumer Reports says if you have young children, another feature that can be disappointing is the LATCH anchor system for child safety seats. The system is supposed to make it easier to secure a child seat. But Consumer Reports’ tests have found that LATCH anchors in numerous vehicles are tucked so far behind the seat cushion they are very hard to use. So make a point of trying out your car seat as you shop for a vehicle.

Consumer Reports: Saving money on medicine

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:11:17 -0400

(Consumer Reports) -- Many Americans grappling with the high cost of medicine may be putting themselves in harm’s way, according to the Consumer Reports National Research Center. Its just-released survey shows that patients are not filling prescriptions, and are taking expired drugs and skipping doses. Consumer Reports has advice to help you save money safely.

Almost half of all adult Americans take prescription medication regularly. But for common ailments such as allergies, acid reflux, or aches and pains, the best remedy might already be in your medicine cabinet. Consumer Reports’ analysis shows that many over-the-counter medications work just as well or better than prescription drugs for a whole host of ailments.

For heartburn, Nexium and Prevacid are popular prescriptions. But nonprescription Tums and generic antacids cost a lot less and can relieve occasional heartburn. Consumer Reports says for more serious heartburn, there are over-the-counter options, too. Even if you’ve been diagnosed with acid reflux or GERD, research shows that over-the-counter Prilosec or Prevacid work just as effectively as pricier prescription drugs. Even better is generic Omeprazole, which can save you as much as $192 a month.

For allergy sufferers, over-the-counter antihistamine pills such as Alavert, Claritin, Zyrtec, and their generics are just as effective as the prescription drugs Astepro, Clarinex, and Xyzal. You could save up to $148 a month. But keep in mind that you might need to try a few antihistamines before you find the one that works for you.

And for joint pain, prescription Celebrex provides relief. But over-the-counter drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, and their generics may work just as well and could save you as much as $265 a month.

Whether you’re taking an over-the-counter drug or a prescription, talk to your doctor if symptoms continue for more than 10 days.

Consumer Reports also sent its team of secret shoppers to find the best prices on 43 popular over-the-counter remedies. The result: Walmart had the lowest prices on most drugs, with Target a close second.