Compatibility can include the option to stack a pair of machines using a special hardware kit. It could also mean machines sync up with each other to optimize performance. “Pairs come in a variety of styles,” says Allie Chilicki, a CR market analyst. “Most pairs have similar cycles, so if the washer has a casual…
We all want a good, strong Wi-Fi signal throughout our homes, but figuring out how to achieve it without overspending can be tricky. Even once you’ve decided to replace the router from your internet service provider, do you get a new Wi-Fi router or invest in a mesh system? I covered this briefly in my…
During testing, we outfit each refrigerator with thermocouples in a climate-controlled chamber and monitor it for more than a month, collecting more than 5.4 million temperature readings that identify warm and cold spots, to determine which models will keep your food fresh longest. Our process includes tests for icemaker performance based on how much ice…
Anyone who has had chickenpox shares one distinct memory: the relentless, all-consuming itch. Ciara DiVita was only 3 years old when she caught the virus, but she remembers it well—along with the oven mitts she was made to wear to stop herself scratching. She also recalls being taken to hang out with her cousin while…
With the school year starting, there are plenty of deals out there. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good computer. Many lower-priced models, including last year’s versions, deliver exactly what most people are looking for. You don’t need cutting-edge specs to write papers, manage spreadsheets, attend video classes, or browse…
Weatherproofing. Every model needs an IP (weatherproofing) rating to survive outside, so if you don’t see one, don’t buy those lights. There’s usually a lower rating for the control box compared to the rest of the lights, so be sure you can put that somewhere that’s a little less exposed to the elements. (As mentioned…
If your water test report indicates the presence of PFAS, or if you just want some peace of mind, a home water filter can be worth considering. Most water filters that CR tests are designed to improve taste and reduce odors (two of the biggest consumer complaints) by removing common contaminants in tap water. Many…
Based on the new K3 platform, the Seltos is configured with three gasoline engines for world markets. We expect two of the three will come to the U.S., similar to offerings in the outgoing Seltos. Based on initial figures released by Kia, this points to the base powertrain being a 149-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with…
How long do you hope to rely on your convertible crib? This will help guide your choice among the handful of convertible crib types that are available. A crib that converts from mini or bassinet size up to a full-sized bed will give your family more years of use than one that transitions from a…
This is not a true duffel bag so much as “the world’s first true wide-mouth packing system,” as Rux calls it, but it is nevertheless an impressive piece of equipment from a company known for its modular gear-toting systems. Not unlike a foldable version of the popular 70L storage container, the Duffel box starts completely…