http://www.9wsyr.com/business/custom/wsyr_consumer_reports/default.aspx The latest product reviews and recommendations from Consumer Reports. en-us Copyright 2012 Newport Television LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:00:01 -0500 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:54:34 -0500 Consumer Reports http://www.9wsyr.com/sites/wsyr/images/9wsyrlogo.jpg http://www.9wsyr.com/business/custom/wsyr_consumer_reports/default.aspx 214 66 15 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Whats-the-best-tasting-chocolate/CGiZqVwtIUC-lb7bF2rj3Q.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/CGiZqVwtIUC-lb7bF2rj3Q.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Americans spend more than $700 million on chocolate for Valentine’s Day, according to the National Confectioners Association. But what’s the best tasting chocolate for the money? Consumer Reports taste testers have sampled more than 30 boxes of gift chocolates to help you.

One of the priciest is Richart Petits Collection Intense Ballotin. It goes for $67 plus shipping. But it wasn't the best. The chocolate coatings are chalky, and some of the fillings reminded the taste testers of soap.

Far better, but still pricey — the Norman Love Confections 25-piece Signature Gift Box, with ultrasmooth chocolates and unusual fillings. It costs $49, and with shipping you’ll pay more than $60.

But Consumer Reports also found some very good chocolates that cost far less. And you can get them in stores, so you won’t have to pay for shipping!

• Godiva Gold Ballotin 36-piece box, $40, especially if your valentine likes really sweet chocolates.
• Ferrero Collection Fine Assorted Confections, just $11. The truffles are flavorful, and the crisp wafer coatings and nuts add interesting texture.
• See's Assorted Chocolates, around $17 a box.
  

Consumer Reports says chocolates are best when eaten fresh. Most last for only 10 days to three weeks, another reason to enjoy them right away.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:40:13 -0500 Consumer Reports: What's the best tasting chocolate? http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Junk-health-insurance-caution/Lgi0xGiF6U-pRWGOZIZ6Fw.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/Lgi0xGiF6U-pRWGOZIZ6Fw.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Health reform was supposed to make decent health care coverage available to everyone at a reasonable cost. But the law isn’t fully implemented yet, and many people are unwittingly signing up for insurance that barely protects them. A Consumer Reports investigation calls out “junk” health insurance and how to avoid it.

One type to avoid is a so-called mini-med plan offered by some employers. Mini-med plans deliver very limited protection, such as a $2000 maximum payout per year for hospitalization. That is nowhere near enough to cover a serious illness. At this point mini-med plans are legal, but they're supposed to be phased out by 2014.

You can spot mini-med plans because they carry the warning “Does not meet the minimum standards required by the Affordable Care Act." Consumer Reports advises you not to sign up for a mini-med plan if you have any other option, including public programs like Medicaid.

Another type of coverage Consumer Reports says you should avoid is something called a fixed-indemnity plan, which is easy to mistake for traditional health insurance. Indemnity plans are sometimes marketed to individuals as if they are major medical insurance, and they can cost as much, but Consumer Reports cautions don’t be deceived. Indemnity plans will only pay out a fixed amount every year, no matter how sick you get. And they often don’t cover important things like drugs, lab tests, or chemotherapy at all.

it’s very important to read any policy you're considering thoroughly. And remember, a medical crisis can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, so pick a plan with enough coverage.

If you can't get traditional major medical insurance through an employer, the federal website Healthcare.gov lists health care plans available in your area. Once you have identified some plans, Consumer Reports advises consulting an independent insurance broker who represents multiple companies to get advice on the best policy for you.


]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:13:26 -0500 Consumer Reports: 'Junk' health insurance caution http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Stroller-Safety-Alert/L5Nkm1nt1EePU_dURY8xpA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/L5Nkm1nt1EePU_dURY8xpA.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Pushing one child in a stroller is enough work, but what if you have two little ones to worry about? Consumer Reports’ latest tests of double strollers found one with a potential safety risk.

Mom of two, Jennie Dean, doesn’t know what she’d do without her double stroller.

“It allows me to leave the house every single day. It can carry more than I ever could — so both kids, groceries, diaper bags, everything. Nothing else can do that,” Dean said.

Consumer Reports tested 12 double strollers to see how they handle real-life challenges and if they meet voluntary safety standards.

The Bumbleride Indie Twin costs almost $700 and can be used with an infant car seat. When children sit in the stroller, you're supposed to raise the bumper bar.

With the bar in the upper position, the stroller passed an important safety test. A ball with the dimensions of a young child's head slid easily under the bar — as it should. But when the bar is in the lower position the child's head can get trapped.

“Our fear is that harried parents may not raise the bar and if their child isn't strapped in this could happen. The youngster could slide under the bar, but her head could get stuck. In fact there have been at least 10 infants have strangled this way over the years in other strollers,” said Consumer Reports’ Kim Kleman.

The instruction manual for the Bumbleride has the warning: “When child is seated in stroller, only use bumper bar in upright position. Child can slide forward and strangle."

But Consumer Reports is afraid parents won't necessarily read the instructions and may miss the small warning tag on a cover that zips over the bar with the same caution.

Consumer Reports does not know of any deaths or injuries associated with this stroller. Still it’s rated the Bumbleride Indie Twin a “Don't Buy: Safety Risk” because of the potential danger.

None of the other double strollers Consumer Reports tested had serious safety issues. But some proved tough to maneuver, including the Safety 1st Two Ways Tandem Stroller.

Far better was this Maclaren Twin Triumph stroller for $265, which proved very easy to use and maneuver.

Consumer Reports also rates the single stroller version of the Bumbleride Indie a “Don't Buy: Safety Risk” due to the same problem.

The manufacturer has issued an alert regarding the bumper bar. And this afternoon the manufacturer and the CPSC recalled both strollers because of an unrelated problem with the front wheel.

If you own one of these strollers, Consumer Reports says stop using the bumper bar altogether. To address the front wheel problem, go to support.bumbleride.com to get a free retrofit kit.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:39:09 -0500 Consumer Reports: Stroller Safety Alert http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/ID-theft-protection-Is-it-worth-it/8WJV0FcAPkGgA9vWBmoMnw.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/8WJV0FcAPkGgA9vWBmoMnw.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- It can be frightening when someone steals your financial information and goes on a shopping spree. That fear has helped drive sales of identify-theft protection services. Americans are spending an estimated $3.5 billion a year on these services. But Consumer Reports says save your money!

Consumer Reports Money Adviser says the rate of ID theft is actually declining and found the companies often overstate the risk and puff up the power of their services.

Consumer Reports Money Adviser looked at nearly two dozen plans that cost $120 to $300 a year. It turns out you can do much of this monitoring yourself for little or no cost.

Start by getting your credit report free, once a year, from each of the three major reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Look them over for anything suspicious.

Next put a security freeze on your file with the same credit agencies. That blocks access to your credit report and makes it more difficult for a crook to get new credit in your name.

Also sign up for free alerts from your card issuer. These red flag higher-than-usual charges on your accounts. And routinely check your credit-card statements for unauthorized purchases.

Click on this link for Consumer Reports analysis identity theft plans and more advice on how to protect yourself.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:28:20 -0500 ID theft protection: Is it worth it? http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Impressive-Headlight-Cleaners/HVq60MuJ8EiKsae8LE1X2A.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/HVq60MuJ8EiKsae8LE1X2A.cspx (Consumer Reports) - Whether you’re driving in a daylight downpour or along a street at night, you rely on your headlights to get you down the road safely.

Many headlights now have plastic headlights instead of glass, and the plastic is susceptible to discoloration and weathering, which affects how much light gets through.

Headlight cleaners promise to fix that. Consumer Reports tested cleaners from 3M, Sylvania, Turtle Wax, and Fast Brite, an infomercial product.

Using a headlight cleaner takes a lot more work than just wiping on a cleaner and then wiping it off. To start, you want to mask off the area around the headlights. Next you need to remove any remaining coating or oxidized plastic on the lenses. Depending on the product, that might involve sanding—either by hand or with a drill. You might even need to do some polishing and more sanding. And with some of the products, you’ll need to apply a final sealant or top coat.

Testers measure the headlights’ brightness before using each cleaner and afterward. The brightness often doubled.

But there were trade-offs with some of the cleaners. The $17 Fast Brite was the easiest and fastest to use, but it left headlights noticeably less clear and its sealant wore off.

The Turtle Wax’s Headlight Restorer left headlights clearer, but its sealant also wore off.

The best overall cleaner? The Headlight Restoration Kit from Sylvania. It works well on all types of headlight lenses.

But a caution from Consumer Reports—headlight cleaners are abrasive and can damage lenses. First, try using a glass cleaner—that may be all you need. But if that doesn’t work, then it’s time to consider a headlight cleaner.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:17:35 -0500 Impressive Headlight Cleaners http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-investigates-faulty-fire-causing/dwf5fkQymEq5X3veA_LAnA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/dwf5fkQymEq5X3veA_LAnA.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Home appliances cause an estimated 150,000 fires a year, resulting in 150 deaths and more than $500 million in property damage. A new Consumer Reports investigation has turned up disturbing findings. Although many of those fires are due to human error, a troubling number are caused by defective appliances.

Consumer Reports reviewed 69,000 reports of house fires blamed on appliances between 2002 and 2009. Its investigation found at least 23 percent of the fires were clearly attributable to problems with the appliances—mechanical, electrical, or design flaws. In some instances the appliances turned on by themselves.

Faulty appliances causing the most fires were ranges, followed by dryers, air conditioners, refrigerators, and dishwashers.

In the past five years, more than 7 million dishwashers have been recalled because of defects that could cause a fire. And almost 8 million other appliances have been recalled for fire risks.

To find out whether an appliance you own has been recalled, you can go to www.recalls.gov. And be sure to register your appliances with the manufacturer so that you're notified in the event of a recall.

Why are so many recalls due to fire hazards? Consumer Reports says it's because appliances have gotten a lot more complex, so more can go wrong. And many recalled products are being manufactured abroad, the majority in China.

Until appliance design and quality are improved, Consumer Reports says, homeowners are left to wonder whether appliances in their homes are safe.

In response to Consumer Reports' investigation, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers said, "designing and manufacturing safe products" is a top priority of its members.

As for homeowners, important steps you can take—register new appliances with the manufacturer so you’ll receive recall notices. And don’t run your dryer or dishwasher overnight or when you’re away.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:56 -0500 Consumer Reports investigates faulty fire causing appliances http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Battle-of-the-Beers/e-4LkmhyWkWhRQ2IjRsdQA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/e-4LkmhyWkWhRQ2IjRsdQA.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Football action heats up this time of year. And where there's football, there's often beer. Beer makers spend millions hoping to put their brand front and center. But which ones really score on flavor?

Experts at Consumer Reports conducted blind taste tests on ten regular and light beers, including Coors, Miller Lite, and Budweiser. They tasted three samples of each beer in random order. The beer tested came in cans, which keeps out sunlight. Light can react with beer and ruin the taste.

Light beers have the benefit of saving you 20 to 50 calories per can, but none of those tested scored high enough to be rated very good. The worst? Corona Light, the most expensive light beer tested. Miller Lite was the best of the bunch. It had more flavor than most.

As for regular beers, Coors beat out the competition and scored well ahead of Budweiser. It rated very good. It tastes clean and has good balance. And Coors is also a Best Buy at around $6.50 for a six-pack. So you’ll have more money to spend on snacks for your guests.

And when it comes to snacks, Consumer Reports has advice on how to make healthier choices. Instead of chips, try air-popped or low-fat popcorn. And skip cheese dips. Good alternatives are salsa, which has little or no fat, and hummus, which is nutritious.


]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:19:21 -0500 Consumer Reports: Battle of the Beers http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Keeping-your-diet-on-track/_k7wgT5y3Ui4vB0hUu1d0w.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/_k7wgT5y3Ui4vB0hUu1d0w.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Starting a diet is relatively easy. The hard part is sticking to it. Consumer Reports just polled more than 3,000 of its subscribers on losing weight to see just what they did to stay on target.

The survey found many people are using online tools to track their diet, including Weight Watchers Online and free sites like MyFitnessPal and SparkPeople.

Respondents also relied on tried-and- true strategies to meet their weight-loss goals, like eating more fruits and veggies, portion control, drinking more water and cutting back on sugar.

In addition, many people used positive thinking to keep themselves on track. Consumer Reports' survey found that thinking about how much progress you’ve made so far was one of the better techniques for sticking with your diet. And of course exercise helps, too.

Weight Watchers and Weight Watchers Online were the most popular commercial diet plans in Consumer Reports' poll, but you don’t necessarily need a plan because 69 percent of those surveyed followed their own diet and exercise regimen.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:24:12 -0500 Keeping your diet on track http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Big-TVs-for-the-big-game/OV49i7PmaUeBjyJ1Sfv2XQ.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/OV49i7PmaUeBjyJ1Sfv2XQ.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- There are lots of sales on TVs right before the Super Bowl. But how do you know if the television that’s on sale is going to be a great set in the long run? Consumer Reports’ tests can help you find a TV that really scores.

The Consumer Reports TV labs are lined with dozens of LCD and plasma sets. Each television faces more than 10 tests. One sizes up picture quality at an angle in order to find out how far to the side you can sit and still get a good view. In general, plasmas don't have a viewing angle issue, but it's a mixed bag when it comes to LCDs.

Testers also evaluate black levels in different lights on plasmas and LCDs. Even in bright light, LCDs hold their black levels. But on some plasmas, the image washes out.

Consumer Reports also evaluates sound quality. As TVs got slimmer, sound quality suffered. But the latest tests show that audio is improving.

And what about 3D? With more and more sets offering 3D as a feature, Consumer Reports created special test patterns to assess the quality of the 3D picture. Some of the top-rated sets are 3D, and still provide excellent 2D picture quality. But you will pay more for a 3D set.

When purchasing a TV, Consumer Reports says people often buy a set that's too small for their room. For instance, if you sit 8 to 10 feet away from your TV, consider a 50- to 60-inch screen.

The 60-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P60S30 is a plasma that rated excellent for picture quality and has good black levels and audio. It costs $1,400. And the remote is very easy to use.

If that's a little too much TV for your budget, the same set comes in a 50-inch size. The Panasonic Viera TC-P50S30 also rated very good, and it costs $800.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:25:00 -0500 Consumer Reports: Big TVs for the big game http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Soup-er-Immersion-Blenders/I3k3m3KQH0GfYubQNtrM7Q.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/I3k3m3KQH0GfYubQNtrM7Q.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- What are some of the best tools to have in your kitchen? Chefs tell Consumer Reports ShopSmart one that they can't live without is an immersion blender. But what is an immersion blender and do you really need one in your kitchen?

Consumer Reports tested 6 to see if the blenders are all they’re cooked up to be. Some immersion blenders come with a chopper and a whisk. So you can use them to mix smoothies and whisk eggs, as well as purée soup.

You hold them in one hand, dip them in whatever you want to mix, and then push a button to start. To test, Consumer Reports puréed soup and blended frozen strawberries and peaches with yogurt to make smoothies.

The most expensive blender tested was the Bamix Professional for $180. However it wasn’t as good as the others at puréeing soups and it was the lowest rated. And the Waring Pro Professional blender left behind a lot of chunks of unchopped fruit.

But Consumer Reports did find some winners and named the $50 Miallegro Professional MiTutto 9090 a Best Buy. It rated excellent at puréeing soups and did nearly as well at making smoothies.

One good reason to buy an immersion blender is less mess. Since you’re blending everything right in the bowl, there’s less to clean up. But be aware immersion blenders can’t match the speed or power of countertop models.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:30:44 -0500 Consumer Reports: 'Soup-er' Immersion Blenders http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Outsmarting-the-iPhone/OGRFaZc0GEKpeCES4iJkyA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/OGRFaZc0GEKpeCES4iJkyA.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Sure, a smart phone can make a phone call, but that's just a fraction of what it can do. You can keep your calendar, store and play your music, and watch TV shows and even feature-length movies. And, of course, smart phones let you update your Facebook status anywhere, keep on top of your Twitter feed, take photos, and shoot video.

There has been plenty of buzz about Apple's new iPhone 4S, and Consumer Reports testers say it turns out to be a great phone. The 4S is faster than the iPhone 4, and the upgraded camera takes better pictures. The voice-activated personal assistant, Siri, also works well, and it even has a sense of humor. When you ask, “Siri, what is the meaning of life?” It replies, “I can’t answer that now, but give me some time to write a very long play in which nothing happens.”

Consumer Reports says there is another aspect of the iPhone that’s a real selling point: compatibility. If you own another Apple device, such as an iPad or a Mac computer, getting pictures, video, and music from one device to another is a breeze.

But Consumer Reports says there are plenty of other smart phones out there that perform just as well, or even better, than the 4S. For example, several phones weigh less than the 4S and have a bigger display, including the Samsung Galaxy S II. A bigger screen is great for Web browsing and video.

Another important consideration is speed. Many of the Android phones use the 4G network and are faster than the iPhone, so content downloads are quicker and videos play more smoothly.

Among Verizon smart phones, Consumer Reports gives its top rating to the Motorola Droid Bionic. For Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T, the Samsung Galaxy S II topped the ratings.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:28:03 -0500 Consumer Reports: Outsmarting the iPhone http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/GPS-on-your-smart-phone/AMZrxx0k_E6_QrEFFU4vuw.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/AMZrxx0k_E6_QrEFFU4vuw.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Sales of portable GPS units have fallen, but plenty of people are downloading navigation apps to get where they’re going. Consumer Reports tested some of the latest GPS apps for your smart phone. It says navigation apps are getting better than ever. Some sport features like reality view to show major intersections, or celebrity voices that you can download for some laughs.

If you own an Android phone, you’re in luck. It comes with free Google navigation built right in. And it has turn-by-turn directions, just like you’d find on a regular GPS.

But if you’re an iPhone user, you need to download an app to get GPS-style navigation. There are plenty of free options available, but Consumer Reports found you tend to get what you pay for.

Instead, Consumer Reports says you can’t go wrong buying an app from one of the GPS giants: Garmin, Navigon, Tomtom and Magellan. And testers aren't surprised that the companies whose GPS navigators do best in Consumer Reports' testing also make some of the top apps for the iPhone.

But expect to pay up to $60 for a quality, name-brand app. And know that the download can eat up a chunk of your iPhone’s memory.

And no matter which phone you have, be aware that most have smaller screens than portable GPS units. And you’ll have to factor in the cost of a mount and a charger to make the most of your smart phone navigator.

Consumer Reports says the price of apps fluctuates, but you can save by shopping for sales, or by limiting your download to a specific region—say, maps of the East Coast.

And a word about safety. No matter how you choose to navigate, pull over and come to a full stop whenever you program your device.
]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:21:13 -0500 GPS on your smart phone http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-DIY-drills-for-less/CPN_BgYB5EyfK2TSOZUwtg.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/CPN_BgYB5EyfK2TSOZUwtg.cspx (Consumer Reports) - Got a few loose screws? A cordless drill can easily take care of those. And a cordless drill not only can save on the cost of a handyman, but these days you can also save on the cost of the drill. That according to Consumer Reports, whose tests find there’s a lot of value out there right now.

Consumer Reports tested 89 cordless drills costing as little as $40, all the way up to $400. Many of the drills tested now use lithium ion batteries. They weigh less, which makes them easier to handle. Testers also size up how many screws a drill can drive per battery charge and how long it takes to recharge.

There are more lightweight, compact drills these days. They’re meant for smaller jobs. Like the Craftsman 17586.  It holds a standard, three-eighths inch drill bit. Although it’s not as powerful as larger drills, it scored excellent for handling. It’s a Consumer Reports Best Buy at $70. Another plus—the Craftsman re-charges in just 30 minutes, but most inexpensive drills take much longer, often more than 4 hours.

For not a lot more money, you can get a lot more drill. The $100 Craftsman, model number 17310 is another Consumer Reports Best Buy. It scored very good for speed, power and handling. And it re-charges in 30 minutes! 

When you’re shopping for a drill, Consumer Reports says you’ll see plenty of stores promoting higher-end, more powerful drills that are often capable of drilling into concrete. But keep in mind you might end up spending extra money for more power than the typical do-it-yourselfer needs.   

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:00 -0500 http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Exposing-hidden-sugar/K5jmAiwONUino_fgYMILVA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/K5jmAiwONUino_fgYMILVA.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Think you don’t eat a lot of sugar? Consider this, every day the average American consumes the equivalent of 22 teaspoons of “extra” sugar — sugar that’s been added to food and beverages. That’s about a half of a cup a day! If you’re pretty sure you don’t have a sweet tooth, Consumer Reports says you may be in for a surprise.

Sodas, candy and cookies are the usual sugary suspects. But Consumer Reports says even if you don’t buy a lot of these, you still could be taking in too much sugar. A high intake of sugar comes with some serious health risks. The American Heart Association says it increases the risk of high blood pressure and high triglyceride levels.

So how much sugar is too much? You want to try to keep the added sugar to no more than six teaspoons a day for women and nine teaspoons for men, but that can be easier said than done.

Consider how much sugar is in some supermarket staples. A half-cup serving of Prego’s Traditional Italian Sauce contains the equivalent of 2 1/2 teaspoons of sugar. And a six-ounce container of Dannon’s All-Natural Vanilla Lowfat Yogurt contains just 6 teaspoons of sugar! So does a half-cup serving of Mott’s Original Apple Sauce.

Even a serving of Vlasic Sweet Midgets pickles has almost 2 teaspoons and that’s just 3 little pickles! So it’s important to check the nutrition label for the amount of sugar. A teaspoon of sugar is equivalent to about 4 grams, so that can help give you a good estimate.

Also look under the ingredients. You probably recognize sucrose, glucose and high fructose corn syrup as added sugar. But it’s listed under many names, like fruit juice concentrate, malt syrup and evaporated cane juice to name a few.

So be on the lookout for sugar. And when a sweet craving hits go for nutritious, healthier options like fruit or low-fat chocolate milk.

Consumer Reports says eliminating sugary beverages, like soda, bottled teas, and juice drinks, will cut your sugar intake significantly. Some sodas can have as much as 16 teaspoons in a 20-ounce bottle! Instead, try seltzer with a splash of fruit juice, unsweetened teas, or a smoothie made with fresh fruit and plain nonfat yogurt.


]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:12:30 -0500 Consumer Reports: Exposing hidden sugar http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Handy-pocket-camcorders/n3JbhFwDN0Os5YYT8nqyhA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/n3JbhFwDN0Os5YYT8nqyhA.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- When you think of pocket camcorders, Flip is still the biggest name. But it's been discontinued. Consumer Reports just tested 16 newer ones—many that could make a great gift.

The tested pocket camcorders range in price from $100 to $300. Testers evaluated them for photo and audio quality. They're not as good as a full-sized camcorder, but some come with unique features.

The Sony Bloggie Duo has two LCD screens—one on the front and one on the back. That lets you get great shots of yourself.

And the ViewSonic DVP5 comes with a projector, so that you can show your video. It is a neat feature, but Consumer Reports found that the picture quality was not great. And the 3D pocket camcorders Consumer Reports evaluated didn't score high enough to be recommended.

Then there’s Kodak’s PlaySport Zx5, which claims it’s waterproof and shockproof. It earned top ratings in Consumer Reports’ tests. And at $150, it’s a Best Buy.

The Zoom Q3HD also got top ratings. It’s pricey at $300, but it has the best audio quality of all the pocket camcorders tested.

Be aware that pocket camcorders usually don't come with much memory. Consumer Reports says you'll want around 8 gigabytes. Adding that much will cost about $20. Both of the recommended models are upgradeable.


]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:27:29 -0500 Handy pocket camcorders http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Top-elliptical-exercisers/Q7LtC1ZF3kalX7WtdyUP1g.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/Q7LtC1ZF3kalX7WtdyUP1g.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Your New Years' resolution may have you weighing whether to get an exercise machine. If you’re wondering whether you’d really use is, take heed. A new Consumer Reports’ survey finds 59 percent of machines are regularly used a year after they were purchased.

Consumer Reports just finished testing one of the biggest sellers — elliptical machines. They imitate the motion of running without hard impact.

The $2200 Endurance E400 was the lowest rated elliptical tested. Paenlists complained that it didn't give a smooth rise.

The top-rated elliptical is the $3100 Octane Fitness Q37ci. Testers found that it’s built well, and it has a nice display that’s easy to read.

For far less, the Vision X30 Premier came in second. It costs $1800.

Consumer Reports advises no matter which machine you buy, it’s important to always try it out first.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:16:46 -0500 Consumer Reports: Top elliptical exercisers http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Fighting-back-against-bank-fees/6gS-R-jJ0E24U9WCfF0RFA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/6gS-R-jJ0E24U9WCfF0RFA.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Thousands of people recently joined credit unions after the uproar Bank of America created with its new debit card fee. Public outcry prompted Bank of America to reverse its decision, but other bank fees are on the rise.

The majority of banks now charge a fee for non-interest checking accounts. Two years ago, most of those accounts were free. Overdraft charges and ATM fees are also at record highs.

And banks are adding other fees. For example, Bank of America now charges e-bank customers $8.95 a month to use a teller. PNC & US Bank charge $25 to close an account open less than six months.

Consumer Reports says that you can fight back. If you’re hit with a fee, ask your bank to waive it. If that doesn’t work, threaten to move your account.

If you decide to make a move, Consumer Reports says consider a big credit union. Fees for basic checking at major credit unions are 42 percent lower on average than at big banks. They used to just serve small groups, but that’s changed. Now it’s pretty easy to find one you can join.

Before changing banks, check to see if your bank charges a closing fee. Make sure all outstanding checks are paid and switch over automatic deposits and bill payments.

Consumer Reports says you can also find lower fees at community banks and online banks. In order to get a handle on a bank’s fees and rates, check out its website.


]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:28:08 -0500 Consumer Reports: Fighting back against bank fees http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Consumer-Reports-Best-buy-space-heater/DnDLvoND7UG4tfSMsrBP7w.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/DnDLvoND7UG4tfSMsrBP7w.cspx Dyson put style into household appliances, first with its vacuums and then with its fans. Now it's promoting a cool-looking space heater called Dyson Hot.

Consumer Reports says what’s not so hot about the Dyson is its price. At $400, it’s one of the most expensive space heaters it's ever tested.

So how did the Dyson Hot do in Consumer Reports labs? It passed an important safety test, where a terry cloth is placed on the heater to see if it scorches or catches fire. The surface of the Dyson doesn’t get so hot that you can’t touch it. So that’s not a safety risk. And it’s got another important safety feature. It shuts off if it’s tipped over.

But Its remote presents a safety risk to young children. It has a small button cell battery that's easily accessible and hazardous if swallowed. If you have young children, Consumer Reports says that you should make sure the remote is kept out of their reach and you can operate the space heater without the remote.

Another test assesses how evenly space heaters distribute heat. Sensors measure the temperature in different parts of the room. The Dyson Hot did an excellent job.

But it didn’t score well for noise. At its highest fan setting, the Dyson Hot is one of the loudest space heaters Consumer Reports ever tested.

Consumer Reports says a better choice is the Vornado TouchStone 500 Vortex Heat for $120. It also does a very good job and even on high, it’s not very noisy.

Whatever space heater you use, Consumer Reports says you won't see savings unless you turn down the heat in the rest of your house. And never leave a space heater unattended — that’s a safety hazard.


]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:49:06 -0500 Consumer Reports: Best buy space heater http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Celebrity-endorsed-headphones-Are-they-worth-it/oJpmV_ZS80a4RSpeP_2M0w.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/oJpmV_ZS80a4RSpeP_2M0w.cspx Syracuse (Consumer Reports) -- Headphones are expected to be a hot gift this year, according to Consumer Reports holiday poll. One big trend—celebrity-endorsed headphones.

Beats by Dr. Dre has celebrities such as Gwen Stefani and Kanye West touting its headphones. Lady Gaga even designs for the brand.

Consumer Reports tested Dr. Dre headphones, along with traditional big names including Bose, Sony, and Panasonic.

They included studio-style headphones, which are good for listening to music at home, and portable ones, which are better on the go. Also tested—noise-canceling and noise-isolating earphones, which block outside noise to varying degrees.

Consumer Reports’ audio experts, who've tested hundreds of headphones, say you can't buy by brand. It turns out that some Monster’s Beats by Dr. Dre have done well in the tests. But one model, the “Solo,” which costs around $180, was one of the lowest-rated headphones tested.

Consumer Reports finds that you don’t have to pay for pricier celebrity headphones to get very good audio quality. The studio-style Sony PIIQ headphones are a Best Buy, at just $35.

If you’re looking for a portable set, the Sennheiser CX215 headphones are also a Best Buy, at $40. A plus—they reduce outside noise.

If you’re interested in wireless headphones, Consumer Reports did find a very good set, but they’re expensive. They’re the studio-style Sennheiser model RS180, for $330.


]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:51:00 -0500 Celebrity-endorsed headphones: Are they worth it? http://www.9wsyr.com:80/content/consumers/story/Tablet-computers-for-kids/Nw9DbYoeiEuLB30Cm0LMvA.cspx?rss=1423 http://www.9wsyr.com/s/Nw9DbYoeiEuLB30Cm0LMvA.cspx Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Tablets are really hot this holiday season, and plenty of new ones are just out. There are also a bunch of tablets made just for kids. Consumer Reports just sized up ones from Fisher-Price, LeapFrog, VTech and Vinci.

They mimic tablet computers, but they don’t have nearly as many features. They also don’t have access to the Internet. That's a good thing because they’re for such young children. But parents will have to help download content.

More than a dozen kids checked out the tablets by using them to read books, take pictures, and play for several days. And back in the lab, testers measured battery life and evaluated display quality and how easy a tablet is to use.

The Vinci, for ages 4 and younger, is the most like an adult tablet. It has the best display and touch-screen interface and the largest hard drive at 8 gigabytes. But it costs $480. That’s a lot of money to spend on a device for a toddler!

For far less, testers recommend the $80 InnoTab by VTech, for ages 4 to 9. It has a smaller screen and hard drive, but it’s loaded with features like an art studio, e-book reader, and MP3 player.

The crowd pleaser with the children turned out to be the $100 LeapPad Explorer, also for ages 4 to 9. Its camera, photo-editing feature, and art studio had kids beaming.

The fourth tablet tested, the $80 Fisher-Price iXL Learning System, didn’t have as many fans, but one aspect of it was a standout. It had an especially long battery life—13 hours. That's longer than even most tablets for adults. The battery life for the other three kids’ tablets was 3 to 7 hours.

]]> WSYR_Consumer_Reports Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:21:00 -0500 Tablet computers for kids