Ideally, the composite decking you choose will look good, and remain solid and safe, for many years. Consumer Reports’ performance tests evaluate these factors. We use specialized instruments to test each decking sample for resistance to flexing. That ensures that boards won’t bow or bend if you’re entertaining a crowd or if you park a…
Using heat pumps can be one of the most efficient ways to cool and heat your home. Compared with other heating and cooling devices, they are eco-friendly and could save you money. In cooling mode, they work like air conditioners, extracting heat from the air inside and releasing it outside. In heating mode, they do…
Our baby monitor buying guide takes an in-depth look at the different types and the variety of features available. Check it out if you want to learn about what type of baby monitor may be right for your family and how to choose one. In the meantime, here’s a list of the top features that…
When a new administration moves to Washington, DC, there are always changes in policy priorities and personnel. Alex, a lawyer in the Department of Justice’s Voting Section, had survived Donald Trump’s first term, and thought he could make it through the second. Within hours of the president’s inauguration, he knew he had misjudged the situation….
HDR, short for high dynamic range, is now found in a vast majority of midsized to large sets. It increases the contrast between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks a TV can produce. To do a good job with HDR video, a TV needs to get bright enough to display brighter, more colorful images…
“There’s a trend in small appliances where people prefer a multipurpose machine that can do it all,” says Stacy Canova-Turner, a CR market analyst who covers small kitchen appliances. “It’s true for blenders, food processors, toaster ovens, and air fryers. For instance, with the right combination blender and food processor, you can make your favorite…
Here are a few shopping suggestions to keep in mind. • Make sure you can return or exchange the soundbar even if you listen to it in a store before buying it. Soundbars may sound very different in your home. • Determine how many channels of sound you want. To simply enhance your TV sound,…
Close your eyes, think for a minute, and tell me: What is a Netflix Movie? OK, try again: What is a Netflix Show? Sure, it’s easy to rattle off some killer titles—KPop Demon Hunters, Stranger Things—but Netflix has never really had a brand identity. It’s not, like Disney, the home of Star Wars and Mickey…
Don’t judge the pressure by eyeballing a tire. Modern tires bulge slightly, making them look a little underinflated, even when they’re not. This effect can be exaggerated on a soft surface, such as a dirt road or gravel driveway. At least once a month, use a tire gauge to check the pressure in all four…
Even at the slightly higher price, Disney+ is compelling. The company owns Lucasfilm (the “Star Wars” franchise), Marvel Studios (“The Avengers,” “Black Panther”), and Pixar (“Toy Story,” “Up”). The recent acquisition of 20th Century Fox gives it 20th Century Studios (“The Simpsons”) and the lion’s share of National Geographic content. Disney+’s updated library of content…