We rate refrigerators based on their thermostat control, temperature uniformity, noise output, ease of use, and efficiency. Every refrigerator we test gets wired with 15 temperature sensors. We then monitor these thermocouples for more than a month in one of three temperature-controlled chambers. These results tell us how well a refrigerator maintains a set temperature…
Manufacturers report a model’s noise level in decibels, averaging the readings over the dishwasher’s full cycle. But that isn’t necessarily the best indicator of noise output. So CR’s panel of judges sit and listen to each dishwasher that we test through its entire cycle—even if it takes 3 hours. “People remember a noise when it’s…
Ask the search engine Ecosia about “Paris to Prague” and flight booking websites dominate the results. Ecosia’s CEO Christian Kroll would prefer to present more train options, which he considers better for the environment. But because its results are licensed from Google and Microsoft’s Bing, Ecosia has little control over what’s shown. Kroll is ready…
Despite those aforementioned anecdotes, self-clean disasters are the exception, not the rule. Sutton has seen little evidence to suggest that running the self-clean cycle is likely to damage your oven. “I recall hearing of a few malfunctions during self-cleaning over the years, but it’s not a common thing,” he says. In fact, such problems emerge…
The two most important metrics to look for when shopping for a flashlight are the batteries and the lumens. Batteries: There are two big categories of both flashlights and headlamps: rechargeable flashlights and those that take batteries. The difference is in how you recharge them. AA or AAA batteries are easy to find and can…
Other Phones to Consider Google Pixel 9. Photograph: Julian Chokkattu We test a ton of Android phones. We like the ones below, but you’ll be better off with one of the options above. If you haven’t yet done so, check out our Best Cheap Phones and Best Folding Phones guides for more. Google Pixel 9…
Because there are so many variables—including your local climate, your home’s size and design, how the system is installed, and construction of the ductwork—Consumer Reports doesn’t test central air conditioning systems. Instead, we estimate the reliability of major brands on the market by asking our members about their experiences with the AC systems they purchased…
Certification: Make sure the heater you buy carries a safety certification label from an independent testing organization, such as the UL mark, the ETL label from Intertek, or certification from CSA International. Shutoff features: A smart sensor that automatically shuts off a heater when it overheats is a must. You’ll also want a tip-over switch…
Swint talked with Consumer Reports in 2021 on his way to investigate a deadly pileup outside Fort Worth, Texas. He says that such crashes are usually due to sudden, weather-related changes. “It’s sometimes by fog, sometimes by sandstorm, sometimes by rain, but the primary contributor is icy and snowy conditions,” he says. In those situations,…
The recalled models: 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedans, 2007 Volkswagen Passat wagons, 2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat sedans, and 2017-2019 Volkswagen Beetle coupes and convertibles The automaker says it’s not aware of any warranty or field claims relating to this problem. The faulty airbags are made by Takata, the now-defunct company responsible for an ongoing recall campaign that…