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MAY 2018
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 Table of Contents MAY 2018, VOL. 83 NO. 5

D E PA R T M E N T S I N E V E RY I S S U E
& COLUMNS
4 From the President:
8 What We’re The True Cost of
Testing in Our Labs … High Drug Prices
Laundry detergents, washing As Rx drug prices skyrocket,
machines, blenders, and more. too many Americans are
R ATI N G S left with poor choices that
compromise their health.
We’re ighting for better
policies, but meanwhile, let
our advice guide you.
TIDE PLUS
ULTRA
STAIN
RELEASE 5 Building a
Better World, Together
Keeping hospital patients
10 Ask Our Experts safer, why consumers need
Grills That Thrill
When you can (and can’t) skip more protections from banks
Use our ratings to
your car’s oil change, why your pick a model that and other lenders, and stopping
smartwatch heats up, suits your budget identity theft.
and the right way to recycle P. 28 and cooking style.
coffee pods.
6 Your Feedback
Readers’ comments about
11 CR Insights F E AT U R E S our recent content.
Product picks and practical
28 Gas Grills to Get Fired Up About
advice, including wireless
router tips, new safety tech in We tested 109 models to help you ind one that’s 16 Recalls
cars, how your fridge can built to last—even some bargains under $400.
62 Index
keep groceries fresher, and R ATI N G S
a guide to bitcoin. 63 Selling It
R ATI N G S Goofs and gaffes.
22 What Your Smart TV Knows About You
Our analysis uncovers what data is collected about
R OA D R E P O R T
SAFET Y & PRODUCT you and how to limit your exposure to being hacked.
U P DAT E S
58 Road Test
1 7 A Hidden Hazard C OV E R ST ORY We review two big family
in Your Home haulers—the Ford Expedition
40 How to Pay Less for Your Meds
Our yearlong investigation and Lincoln Navigator—
No one should have to choose between paying for plus two upscale
into furniture tip-overs
reveals improvements the
groceries and paying for medications. hatchbacks, the Kia Stinger
industry should make, Here, 6 solutions to help you pay less today— and Buick Regal.
and how you can keep your and what must be done to ix the system. R ATI N G S
family safe.
BUICK
52 Beyond Peas and Carrots REGAL

24 Wild About Wireless The frozen food section just got a lot more tasty:
We pick great headphones Our food experts rate 25 new veggie options.
for every budget. Hint: We hope you like caulilower!
PHOTO, COVER: STEVE BRONSTEIN/GETTY IMAGES

R ATI N G S R ATI N G S

ABOUT CONSUMER REPORTS accept paid advertising. We TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR ACCOUNT INFORMATION
We are the world’s largest don’t accept free test samples from Go to CR.org/lettertoeditor. Go to CR.org/magazine
independent, nonprofit consumer- manufacturers. We do not NEWS TIPS AND STORY IDEAS or call 800-333-0663.
product-testing organization, allow our name or content to be Go to CR.org/tips. See page 61 for more details.
based in Yonkers, N.Y. We survey used for any promotional purposes. EMAIL SUBMISSIONS R ATINGS Overall Scores are based
hundreds of thousands of consumers HOW TO REACH US For Selling It send items to on a scale of 0 to 100. We rate
about their experiences with Write to us at Consumer Reports, SellingIt@cro.consumer.org products using these symbols:
products and services. We pay for 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703, or call 800-333-0663. 1 POOR  2 FAIR  3 GOOD
all the products we rate. We don’t Attn.: Member Services. See page 63 for more details. 4 VERY GOOD  5 EXCELLENT

MAY 2018 CR.ORG 3

From the President

President and CEO Marta L. Tellado

The True Cost of Senior Vice President, Brand & Strategy Leonora Wiener
Vice President, Chief Content Officer Gwendolyn Bounds
Editor in Chief Diane Salvatore
Executive Editor Kevin Doyle

High Drug Prices Features Editor Natalie van der Meer

Design Director Matthew Lenning Creative Director, Brand Young Kim
Associate Design Director Mike Smith
Manager, Art Operations Sheri Geller
Art Directors Tammy Morton Fernandez, Ewelina Mrowiec, Lisa Slater,
THEY ARE PAINFUL stories Michael Solita, Tracy Stora
to hear. Families that have Photo Editors Emilie Harjes, Karen Shinbaum

to choose between buying Director, Content Development Glenn Derene

Deputy Director, Content Development Christopher Kirkpatrick
food and buying medication.
Senior Director, Product Testing Mark Connelly
A woman forced to decide Director, Content Impact & Corporate Outreach Jen Shecter
which utilities to turn of to Director, Special Projects Sandy Keenan
Deputies, Special Projects Lisa Gill, Joel Keehn
pay for her prescriptions. Associate Director, Content Development Scott Billings
A mother who stopped
Cars Electronics
taking her own drugs in Patrick Olsen, Content Lead Jerry Beilinson, Content Lead
order to aford her son’s. Editors: Keith Barry, Editors: Tercius Bufete, Nicholas
These are some of the stories Jef S. Bartlett, Jonathan Linkov, Deleon, Bree Fowler, Christopher
Mike Monticello, Jef Plungis Raymond, Allen St. John, James Willcox
people told us during our Auto Test Center: Jake Fisher, Product Testers: Maria Rerecich,
investigation into how high Jennifer Stockburger, Directors Testing Lead; Elias Arias,
drug costs are afecting Product Testers: Mike Bloch, Steve Elek, Antonette Asedillo, Claudio Ciacci,
John Ibbotson, Chris Jones, Charles Davidman, Richard
our lives. For many of our Anita Lam, Gene Petersen, Fisco, Richard Sulin, Maurice Wynn
friends and neighbors—more Ryan Pszczolkowski, Mike Quincy, Policy Lead: Justin Brookman
Gabe Shenhar, Shawn Sinclair, Health & Food
than half of whom regularly take at least one
Emily A. Thomas, Joe Veselak, Ellen Kunes, Content Lead
prescribed medicine—the rising cost of drugs has Seung Min “Mel” Yu Editors: Orly Avitzur, M.D.; Julia
made these images more common than ever. Some Policy Lead: David Friedman Calderone; Trisha Calvo; Lauren F.
Home & Appliance Friedman; Chris Hendel; Jesse Hirsch;
ind themselves delaying retirement or putting
Eric Hagerman, Content Lead Jeneen Interlandi; Marvin M.
of needed home repairs. Others are driven to risky Editors: Mary Farrell, Paul Hope, Lipman, M.D.; Catherine Roberts;
behavior such as rationing doses to defray costs. Kimberly Janeway, Sara Morrow, Diane Umansky
Haniya Rae, Daniel Wroclawski Product Testers: Maxine Siegel,
A recent Consumer Reports survey revealed that Product Testers: John Galeotaiore, Testing Lead; Amy Keating,
30 percent of Americans who experienced a hike in James Nanni, Testing Leads; Peter Ellen Klosz
the price of one or more of their medications in the Anzalone, John Banta, Susan Booth, Money
Tara Casaregola, Lawrence Ciufo, Margot Gilman, Content Lead
past year left a prescription unilled because it was Enrique de Paz, Bernard Deitrick, Editors: Octavio Blanco, Jefrey Blyskal,
too expensive; 15 percent said they cut pills in half to Cindy Fisher, Emilio Gonzalez, Ginny Anthony Giorgianni,
make them last longer. Lui, Joan Muratore, Joseph Pacella, Nikhil Hutheesing, Donna Rosato,
Christopher Regan, Frank Spinelli, Tobie Stanger, Penelope Wang
As CR works to raise consumers’ voices and call David Trezza, Michael Visconti Policy Lead: Anna Laitin
for commonsense policies to curb these rising
Chief Scientific Officer James H. Dickerson
costs, we also know that many Americans can’t Food Safety James Rogers, Director; Sana Mujahid;
wait that long to get relief from painful prices. This Henry Akinleye, Charlotte Vallaeys
Product Safety Don Huber, Director; Doris Sullivan, Associate Director
month, we’re ofering proven tips and strategies to
help you lower the burden of drug costs without Content Systems & Operations Strategy Peter Meirs, Director
Content Operations David Fox, Director; William Breglio; Anthony Terzo
resorting to agonizing choices or unsafe behaviors. Production Eric W. Norlander, Manager; Letitia Hughes, Terri Kazin
We walk through six of the most common Imaging Francisco Collado, Mark Linder
problems that lead to higher prices for consumers Content Coordination Nancy Crowfoot, Associate Director;
Diane Chesler, Aileen McCluskey
and ofer solutions on how to manage each of Copy Editing Leslie Monthan, Copy Chief;
them. Our secret shoppers and stafers have been Noreen Browne, Alison France, Wendy Greenield
systematically making calls from coast to coast, Fact Checking David Schipper, Manager; Kathleen Adams, Tracy Anderman,
Sarah Goralski, Christine Gordon, Lee Anna Jackson, Sharon MacBride Riley
going to pharmacies, and scouring the web so that Administration Decarris Bryant
you can keep yourself healthy—while keeping more Consumer Engagement Testing Charu Ahuja, Director; Linda Greene, Adam Kaplan
money in your wallet. Statistics Michael Saccucci, Director; Andrew Cohen,
Keith Newsom-Stewart, Martin Romm
Survey Research Karen Jafe, Simon Slater; Dave Gopoian, Kendra Johnson,
Debra Kalensky, Martin Lachter, Jane Manweiler, Olufemi Olu-Lafe, Adam Troy
Administration John McCowen
Consumer Insight Monica Liriano, Associate Director;
Frank Yang; Chris Holmes, Teneisha Thomas
Marta L. Tellado, Newsstand Marketing Patricia McSorley, Associate Director
Procurement Operations Steven Schiavone, Associate Director
President and CEO
PHOTO: MELANIE DUNEA

Follow me on Twitter Vice President, Chief Communications Officer Matt Anchin; Vice President,
@MLTellado Financial Planning & Analysis JoAnne Boyd; Vice President, Human Resources
Lisa Cribari; Vice President, Data & Marketing Operations Brent
Diamond; Vice President, Chief Digital Officer Jason Fox; Vice President,
Research, Testing & Insights Liam McCormack; Vice President, Business Strategy
& Planning Betsy Parker; Vice President, Advocacy Jessica Rich;
Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Kim Stehle; Vice President, Development
Shar Taylor; Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Eric Wayne

4 CR.ORG
Building a Better World, Together    Join with us to make a safer, fairer, healthier marketplace

Keeping unscrupulous inancial

companies from leecing
Mick Mulvaney, follows other
announcements by Mulvaney
abuse. And if you have a story
about your experience with
Hospital their customers.
This idea became a reality
that signal a reversal in
priorities at the bureau. In a
the CFPB, please tell us about it
at the same web address.
Patients Safer in 2011 when the Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau
single week in January, the
bureau announced that it
what’s at stake
When patients go to the
opened its doors. In seven
years, it has worked to curb
would reconsider a rule aimed
at limiting predatory payday
Stopping
hospital or see a doctor, they
don’t expect to get sicker.
illegal and abusive practices
in the marketplace. If a credit
loans, dropped a lawsuit
against four payday lenders,
Identity
But that happens far more
often than it should: An
card company misleads
customers into buying useless
and requested no new
funds for operations in the
Thieves
estimated 8.8 million hospital products or a bank charges upcoming quarter. what's at stake
patients sufer from preventable people for services they never how cr has your back In this era of epic data breaches,
medical harm each year, and as ordered, the CFPB has been CR is meeting with the CFPB it’s critical that we be able to
many as 440,000 patients die in there to enforce consumer and members of Congress keep our money safe. A new
hospitals after a medical error protections. Its actions have to highlight the challenges bill introduced in Congress will
or hospital-acquired infection. resulted in billions of dollars consumers face when give consumers greater control
how cr has your back being returned to millions dealing with a bank, lender, over their credit reports. The
For more than a decade, CR of harmed Americans. or credit card company— Control Your Personal Credit
advocates have worked to enact But a strategic plan unveiled and the need for a strong Information Act, introduced by
patient safety reforms at the by the bureau in February inancial watchdog. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., would
state and federal levels. emphasizes easing the what you can do create a default security freeze
A key part of that work has rules that govern banks and Sign our petition, which for all consumers that will
been partnering with patients other inancial institutions. you can ind at CR.org/ prevent thieves from using
and their loved ones who have CR believes this blueprint cfpbpetition0518, urging stolen personal information to
been harmed. We enacted efectively muzzles the Mulvaney to maintain the open fraudulent credit accounts
public reporting of hospital consumer watchdog. The CFPB’s vigorous oversight and insurance policies.
infection rates nationwide, plan, developed by the of the inancial industry and Consumers currently have to
pushed medical boards to bureau’s acting director, continue to ight fraud and put a security freeze on credit
inform patients about doctors iles at all three major credit
who have been disciplined, bureaus and, in most states,
and urged Congress to pay a fee for placing a freeze
improve medical device and Do No Harm and for lifting it when applying
prescription drug safety. CR is for credit or insurance, for
partnering
Now we’re joining with example. This new bill would
with patients
them to form the Patient simplify that by requiring credit
to reduce
Safety Action Network (PSAN), bureaus to get a consumer’s
medical errors
a patient-driven coalition and infections. written authorization and
focused on raising awareness verify the consumer’s identity
and holding healthcare before giving access to creditors
providers accountable for or insurers. It would also
improving care and reducing prohibit credit bureaus
needless sufering and deaths. from charging consumers for
what you can do this protection.
If you or someone you care for how cr has your back
has sufered from a medical CR has long urged lawmakers
error or hospital infection, to pass legislation requiring
we urge you to share your companies to adopt reasonable
story on PSAN’s website, at practices to ensure the safety of
patientsafetyaction.org. consumer credit data, and we
support the new legislation.
what you can do
Safeguarding Contact your senators at senate.
gov and tell them to support
Financial Reed’s bill. Sign our petition at
CR.org/datasecurity0518 telling
Protections Congress to pass stronger
federal data security standards.
what’s at stake And until stronger protections
CR has long advocated for are enacted, place a security
the creation of a federal freeze on your iles at all three
consumer watchdog to keep major credit bureaus.

ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN RITTER MAY 2018 CR.ORG 5

Your Feedback   Readers’ comments about our content

IN YOUR ARTICLE, a reference

is made to patients being more
satisied after a visit to a nurse
practitioner (presumably
as compared to a physician).
I would caution equating
satisfaction to better care.
A 2012 study published in
Archives of Internal Medicine
found that an increase in patient
satisfaction was associated
with an increase in mortality.
Sometimes unsatisied patients,
such as those not receiving
requested opioids, are receiving
better care.
—Zac Handler, M.D., Fort Lee, NJ

EDITOR’S NOTE It’s true that

high patient satisfaction doesn’t
necessarily mean high-quality
care. But there is no reason the
two can’t go together. As another
letter (written by two M.D.s and
Our March 2018 report, “The Will See You Now,” one Sc.D.), also published in the
Archives of Internal Medicine,
about a growing shortage of M.D.s, sparked a robust pointed out, research links good
patient experiences with better
conversation about medical practitioners, and the risks of health, such as patients being
more likely to take their medicine
natural medicine. To add your voice, go to CR.org/md0518. and less likely to be admitted to
a hospital. And yes, healthcare
providers must occasionally be
the bearers of bad news, including
I HAVE BEEN a physician If you’re treated by me or my thought that it was a fantastic sometimes not prescribing drugs
assistant for 10 years in a fellow APPs, I am sure that article and brought much- that patients may think they
small emergency department. you would receive excellent needed awareness about the need. But that can be easier when
We handle complex cases care and compassion. roles of today’s healthcare patients feel they are treated
and procedures. Over that —Matthew Wilson, Brighton, MI professionals. We did, however, with compassion and respect.
time I have placed more want to clarify a point regarding
than 500 central lines I AM A REGISTERED nurse the limitations of R.N.s. In I HAVE MORE than 20 years of
and innumerable arterial with a Master of Science in the article it states that “R.N.s clinical experience in an
lines, and performed nursing, and I prefer to see an can’t practice independently allopathic medical practice
intubations, thoracentesis, N.P. or a P.A. They have great or write prescriptions, and and found that naturopathic
and paracentesis. Emergency educations and listen intently. they must work under the physicians give complementary
Physicians Medical Group is a They practice under the M.D. supervision of an M.D. or a resources that further aid the
large company that employs and have protocols they must D.O.” While not all R.N.s can healing process using methods
hundreds of advanced practice follow. Because I have an write prescriptions, advanced that I was not taught in medical
providers (APPs) with a diverse advanced degree as well, I know practice registered nurses school. Allopathic medicine
set of skills and diagnostic their training and education (nurse practitioners, certiied has failed in preventing the
capabilities. We handle the was very rigorous. Many of registered nurse anesthetists, rising tide of chronic disease.
sickest of sick cases with them also have specialized certiied nurse-midwives, I believe there is an important
excellent results. Am I a certiications that required even clinical nurse specialists) are a role for licensed naturopathic
physician? Of course not, more education. They also must subgroup of nurses who have physicians to play on the
and I never have claimed to be. pass state board exams to be been educated, licensed, and healthcare team. There is a
licensed, and those exams are credentialed to independently persistent lack of emphasis in
very tough. write prescriptions. The ANA allopathic medicine on lifestyle
Go to —Veronica Knox, via Facebook also continues to advocate management, including clinical
CR.org/lettertoeditor for full practice authority for nutrition, exercise, stress
to share your I WORK WITH the American advanced practice registered management, and appropriate
WRITE comments for Nurses Association (ANA), nurses in a few states. use of natural remedies.
publication. and we were very excited —Rachel Farbman, on behalf —Dave Johnson, M.D., FACC,
to read your report. We of the ANA Grand Rapids, MI

6 CR.ORG MAY 2018

EDITOR’S NOTE We agree that extended greatly by an may help clean up and remove a method to analyze stomach-
healthcare today too often autologous stem cell transplant, smoke. The extinguisher sleeping support, and we hope to
focuses on treating disease, not I read “Could This Cell Save will not extinguish ires that be able to help you ind the right
preventing it, and that many Your Life?” (March 2018) with are deep-seated in mattresses mattress in the near future.
physicians and other healthcare intense interest. The idea that and upholstered furniture
providers don’t pay enough a “stem cell therapy” could be because the agent cannot I AM A lifetime subscriber to
attention to things such as a obtained to treat diseases other penetrate the material. CR. I was delighted to see the
healthy diet, regular exercise, than blood cancers for as little —Raymond Reynolds, article on buying a mattress, as
and managing stress. No doubt as $6,000 would be laughable Black Hawk, SD we need to get a new one. But
some licensed naturopathic if the consequences weren’t I was amazed that you did not
doctors excel at providing so chilling. While I applaud include any information on the
such care. But CR seeks to alert CR for warning readers about A Bright Idea for Cars hazards of buying a product
consumers when standards the scams being perpetrated IN “RAIN-SENSING WINDSHIELD that has so many chemicals in
of care and training are not by certain stem cell clinics, Wipers” (Insights, March it, including lame retardants.
consistent, as we believe is the I do worry that your article 2018), you state that you wish —Jenny Cummins, Seattle
case with naturopathic medicine could dissuade some eligible cars turned on headlights
today. That’s a problem that blood cancer patients from automatically when wipers EDITOR’S NOTE “Mattresses
the American Association considering this lifesaving are turned on. My 2014 Honda must pass two rigorous
of Naturopathic Physicians option. It’s a tough decision to Accord does exactly that! If my flammability tests in order to
itself recognizes, as it tries to make, even without the horror wipers are on for more than be placed on the market in the
establish national standards stories. I think myeloma.org is 2 minutes, my headlights come U.S.,” says Don Huber, CR’s
and to distinguish licensed N.D.s an excellent resource. on automatically, independently director of product safety. Some
from unlicensed naturopaths. —James Tenser, Tucson, AZ of how light it is out. manufacturers use chemical
Consumers also need to know —Joseph Gugliotta, flame retardants to pass these
when practitioners, including Somerville, MA tests. Others use materials that
N.D.s, recommend care that Putting Out Fires pass the tests without the use
is not backed by solid science, YOUR “HOW TO USE a Fire EDITOR’S NOTE Honda of flame retardants. But it’s not
such as homeopathy. Extinguisher” (Insights, ofered this technology on your always clear which is which.
February 2018) article made vehicle—as other manufacturers, Call the manufacturer or look
THANK YOU FOR your me go check mine. Sure such as Audi and Ford, have— on the model for a certiication
cautionary article about enough, it was no longer but it isn’t as widespread as we that prohibits or limits the use of
“natural” healthcare. In my full. Now that I have a new would like an important safety chemical flame retardants, such
workshops on eating disorders, one, how do I dispose of feature to be. A 2011 study by the as GOTS, GOLS, or Oeko-Tex.
I often remind participants that my old nondischarged ire Transportation Lighting Alliance
natural is not synonymous with extinguisher? looked at federal data from
beneicial. After all, poison oak, —Greg Stroud, Knoxville, TN seven states that established
snakes, and poison mushrooms “wipers on, headlights on” laws
are natural, but we go to EDITOR’S NOTE Fire extin- between 1998 and 2007. Their CONNECT
great lengths to avoid them. guishers cannot go out with your inding: Fatal daytime multiple- WITH US
—Edward Abramson, Oakland, CA regular trash. Contact your local vehicle crashes in the rain were
ire department or recycling reduced by about 7 percent,
FACEBOOK
YOU LEFT OUT concierge center to see whether it will and crashes that took place at
fb.com/consumerreports
doctors. We’ve been in a accept old ire extinguishers for dawn or dusk were reduced by fb.com/SomosCR
concierge practice for almost disposal. (Many ire departments about 30 percent.
ive years. My husband and I do.) If not, it should be able to tell
each pay $412.50 per quarter you the proper disposal method YOUTUBE
for almost unlimited access to for your area. Q&A on ZZZ’s /consumerreports
a family practice physician. He WE WERE DISAPPOINTED in
quickly answers emails and I AM A RETIRED ireighter your otherwise excellent “The
INSTAGRAM
phone calls, and we can usually with more than 40 years Best Mattress for You” (March
@consumerreports
see him the same day. If you of experience. I have a few 2018) because it neglected to
have the means and do not additional comments: Do mention stomach sleepers.
want to become enmeshed in not discharge the whole How would your ratings be TWITTER
the oft-confusing list of medical extinguisher at once. Do the afected for stomach sleepers? @consumerreports
@SomosCR
professionals, a concierge sweep once or twice and stop —Alan Berger, Greensboro, NC
physician will help you sort to see if the ire is out. If not,
out the details. continue applying the agent. EDITOR’S NOTE While our PINTEREST
—Judy Wade, Phoenix This method gives you a lot research indicates that the large /consumerreports
more ireighting capability. majority of people are side
And always call 911, even if you and back sleepers, we do know
Lifesaving Stem Cells think the ire is out. The ire that stomach sleepers are out
LINKEDIN
/company/
AS A MULTIPLE MYELOMA department will check to make there—and we hear you! Our consumer-reports
patient whose life has been sure the ire is extinguished and test lab is currently developing

MAY 2018 CR.ORG 7

What We’re Testing
in Our Labs ...
In our 63 labs, we continually review and rate products. Here, timely picks for this month.

Detergents
WE TESTED: 45 products Crème de la Clean Tough on Stains Money-Saving Suds
WE TEST FOR: How well a Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release Persil ProClean Power- All Stainlifter
detergent removes body 21¢ per load Liquid 2in1 11¢ per load
oil, dirt, grass, blood, 22¢ per load
chocolate ice cream, and
other tough stains.

ABOUT THE SCORES:

Median: 57
0
88
OVERALL
0
80
OVERALL
0
67
OVERALL
Range: 33-88 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Front-Load Washing Machines

WE TESTED: 39 models Best Overall Whisper Quiet Great for Tight Budgets
WE TEST FOR: How well a Maytag Maxima LG Signature WM9500HKA Samsung WF42H5000AW
model's normal cycle cleans MHW8200FW $1,800 $500
fabrics in an 8-pound load of $1,030
mixed cotton items, energy
and water efficiency, noise,
and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES:

Median: 80
0
86
OVERALL
0
81
OVERALL
0
80
OVERALL
Range: 33-86 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Ask Our Experts WHILE TOP-LOAD AGITATORS tend to have 35- to 80-minute cycles,
most front-loaders need more time—typically 55 to 120 minutes—
because they largely rely on detergent to clean your clothes, which
Why are wash times takes a little longer to work than scrubbing them clean the way an
ILLUSTRATION: SERGE BLOCH

agitator does. They also use less water, “but that doesn’t mean your
longer for front-load clothes aren’t getting as clean,” says Rich Handel, CR’s test engineer
washing machines for washers. In fact, the best front-loaders in our tests clean better
than most high-scoring top-loaders and tend to be gentler on fabrics.
compared with Plus, front-load drums typically spin faster than agitators, which
extracts more water and cuts down dryer time. Need to do a small
top-load washers? load in a hurry? Many front-loaders also ofer a quick-wash cycle.

8 CR.ORG MAY 2018

 For even more ratings of these and
other product categories, online
members can go to CR.org.

Programmable Drip Coffee Makers

WE TESTED: 80 models King of Coffee Makers Bargain Brewer Super Space-Saver
WE TEST FOR: Brew Cuisinart PerfecTemp 14-cup Hamilton Beach 12-cup Betty Crocker 12-cup
performance, including the DCC-3200 (14x9x12 inches) 49465R (13x9x12 inches) BC-2809CB (12x7x12 inches)
ability to reach 195° F to $100 $25 $30
205° F; ease of use, such as
filter placement; a carafe's
tendency to drip; and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES:

Median: 64
0
84
OVERALL
0
79
OVERALL
0
70
OVERALL
Range: 42-84 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Battery String Trimmers

WE TESTED: 28 models A Cut Above Excellent Edging Light & Easy
WE TEST FOR: How quickly Troy Bilt for Less to Handle
and neatly models trim grass TB4200, Ryobi Black+
around walkways and do 12 lb. RY40220, Decker
edging (trimming a vertical $200 11.5 lb. LST136,
line along a path), cutting $170 7 lb.
power in weeds, and more. $150

ABOUT THE SCORES:

Median: 61
0
76
OVERALL
0
75
OVERALL
0
66
OVERALL
Range: 45-76 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Blenders for Under $300

WE TESTED: 76 models Purée Perfection Crushes Ice for a Most Reliable Brand*
WE TEST FOR: How well a Dash Chef Series Great Price Vitamix Explorian
model can crush ice and Digital Blender Ninja Series E310
make icy drinks, such as a $189 Professional $280
nonalcoholic piña colada; NJ600
how well it can purée soup; $100
ease of use; and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES:

Median: 61
0
78
OVERALL
0
78
OVERALL
0
67
OVERALL
Range: 23-85 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Strollers
WE TESTED: 80 models Best Overall Deal on Wheels Light and Slim
WE TEST FOR: Safety, ease Peg Perego Baby Jogger Mountain
of folding and braking, Booklet, 20 lb. City Mini Buggy Nano,
and how well a model $350 Single, 18 lb. 13 lb.
maneuvers our test course $260 $250
of S-turns, hills, pavement,
grass, and dirt trails.

ABOUT THE SCORES:

Median: 73
0
88
OVERALL
0
84
OVERALL
0
80
OVERALL
Range: 33-88 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Note: We rate different products according to different testing protocols; as a result, Overall Scores
of one product category are not comparable with another. *Source: 2015 Product Reliability Survey.
COMING NEXT MONTH Laptops, Tires & More
Insights   Ask Our Experts

type of pods you use and

where you live. Most Keurig
K-Cup pods have shells made
with No. 7 plastic, which
certain towns recycle. If your
town does, you’ll need to
carefully peel of the recyclable
aluminum top from the used
pod. (You may need a knife
or a dedicated pod cutter such
as the Medelco Recycle a
Cup, $14.) Then dispose of
or compost the grounds and
recycle the shell. “For some
people, though, that’s a lot
of work,” Lui says.
Still, there’s hope for a more
convenient cofee future:
Keurig has set a goal to make
all of its K-Cup pods out of
recyclable No. 5 plastic by
2020. So far, two varieties
(Green Mountain Breakfast
Blend and Breakfast Blend
the team used a heat-sensing Decaf) are available in this new
I put only about 6,000 miles camera to observe hot spots packaging, as well as K-Mug,
on the watch. In the other, it K-Carafe, and Vue pods. You’ll
a year on my car. Can I attached a heat sensor to the still need to separate the pods’
back of the watch to measure pieces before you recycle the
skip an oil change or two? temperature changes. During plastic shells, but some of the
a 20-minute call, the watch’s foil tops now have a pull-tab.
temperature rose from about Nespresso ofers free
A typical driver racks up change every six months, even 83° F to a peak of 95° F. recycling bags with prepaid
about 12,000 to 15,000 miles if you drive fewer miles than Although that can feel UPS shipping labels that you
annually and will usually need your owner’s manual advises warm, “the device wasn’t can mail back to the company,
two oil changes a year. But for oil changes. There are malfunctioning, and the peak or take into any Nespresso
even if you’re driving only half exceptions: BMW models from temperature deinitely wasn’t Boutique, Sur La Table, or
that distance, it doesn’t mean 2014 or later, as well as certain hot enough to burn a user,” Williams-Sonoma store.
you can skip these oil changes. Toyota and Audi vehicles, use Rerecich says. “If the warmth To really reduce waste,
That’s because mileage isn’t synthetic oil and thus need is uncomfortable for you, swap your single-use pods for
the only factor in determining an oil change only once a year. consider a smartwatch without a compatible reusable pod
when your car needs fresh oil. When in doubt, change your cellular data, and try closing cofee ilter, $10 to $15, that
“Oil becomes less efective oil based on whichever watch apps that you aren't you ill each time with your
as it ages,” says John Ibbotson, marker comes irst: the miles using, such as navigation.” own cofee grounds. Or
chief mechanic at CR. When or the months. To learn more about how switch to a single-serve drip
you drive so few miles, you’re we test smartwatches, go to cofee maker instead. Our
frequently not getting the My smartwatch gets very CR.org/watch0518. top-rated? The Black+Decker
engine hot enough to burn of warm against my skin. Is it CM620B, $35.
contaminants that degrade the overheating or something? Are my used coffee pods
engine oil. “If you leave that recyclable?
contaminated oil in your car, it While testing smartwatches,
can lead to shorter engine life.” we, too, noticed that certain If you’re using cofee pods—
Most engines need an oil models—particularly those ground cofee that has been
with a cellular connection— packaged into small cups
grew warm while performing designed to work with brewing
common tasks. So Maria systems such as Keurig or
We have more than
Rerecich, CR’s head of Nespresso—you’ve no doubt
140 in-house experts
who research, test,
electronics testing, investigated. discovered that recycling
LEARN In our lab, Rerecich’s team is “not as simple as tossing
and compare! Submit
your questions at performed two experiments to your used containers in the
CR.org/askourexperts track the rising temperature of recycling bin,” says Ginny Lui,
... and watch for the an Apple Watch Series 3 when CR’s cofee maker test engineer.
answers. making a call. In one trial, Much depends on which

10 CR.ORG MAY 2018 ILLUSTRATIONS BY SERGE BLOCH

 Product recommendations and practical advice

Insights
!
0 Linksys
AC2600
(EA8500) $150

0
89 OVERALL
SCORE

In the Know

Strengthen Your WiFi

AS YOU BRING more internet-connected devices into your The efect is cumulative: The more obstructions, the bigger
home—laptops, smart TVs, thermostats, and more—your WiFi the problem. So don’t hide your router in, say, a closet.
may lose bandwidth, which can cause slow loading or poor An open shelf or desk is best—and leave the room’s door open.
video streaming quality on your devices. But before you blame Note that concrete and cinder block walls are particularly
your wireless router, try these simple tips to boost your signal. likely to impede the signal.
Pick a central location. The distance between your wireless router Play with the antennas. Some routers have as many as eight
and your internet-connected devices afects your signal strength. antennas, and they’re not there just for decoration. Repositioning
So just placing your router in the center of the house can be a the antennas can help. Shift one at a time, and to see whether
big help. If your only internet wall jack is in a corner bedroom, it you’re improving your signal, use a free, speed-testing smartphone
may help to run an ethernet cable from that spot to a center room. app like Dr. Wii (for iOS) or Signal Strength (for Android).
Clear the way. Floors, walls, and doors—anything standing Don’t see any antennas? Don’t worry, some routers have them
between the router and your device—can interfere with the signal. inside. Simply rotate the entire router to redirect them.

B O OS T YO U R B O OS T YO U R B O OS T YO U R
S EC U R IT Y V E R SATI LIT Y O U TD O O R
SURFING

D-Link AC2600 Netgear Orbi

Powered by Asus Lyra Voice Outdoor Satellite
McAfee $250 (no price set yet) $330
This WiFi router, available in July, has Coming soon, this combined smart speaker Wish your WiFi reached to the porch or
parental controls and security software that and high-speed mesh router has Amazon’s yard? Connecting this weather-resistant
scans for malware, which will help keep you Alexa built in, connects to other Asus devices, extender to a Netgear router will add up to
from inadvertently visiting phishing sites. and can be controlled with a mobile app. 2,500 square feet of coverage outside.

1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 MAY 2018 CR.ORG 11
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED
CRInsights

Food Sleuth

Keep
Fridge
Foods
Fresher
Cool Product
A FEW MINUTES OF fridge
Feature of the Month organizing can go a long
way toward keeping

Swerving for Safety your groceries fresher,

longer. That’s because
certain spots in your
fridge are slightly warmer
WITH THE HELP of innovative technology, automatic emergency braking system or cooler than the set
pedestrians may soon be safer when (AEB), which will attempt to slow or temperature of the main
crossing streets. The 2018 Lexus stop the car. Additionally, if the car compartment—and those
LS (above), when equipped with an senses that the surrounding area is diferences can afect
advanced safety system bundle, can help safe, it may then actively steer around the life span of your food.

PHOTOS, BOTTOM: CONSUMER REPORTS.

drivers avoid collisions by employing the pedestrian. If an impact happens Plus, decluttering can
radar and a stereo camera that watch nonetheless, the hood is designed help lower the risk of

PHOTO, TOP: REBEKAH NEMETHY/

ILLUSTRATIONS: CHRIS PHILPOT;
for hazards. If a pedestrian is detected to lift slightly at the base of the car’s foodborne illness, reduce
near the front of the car while it’s going windshield, allowing it to absorb some food waste, and roll
between 7 mph and 50 mph, an alert is of the impact and potentially reduce the back the frequency of

CONSUMER REPORTS
designed to appear in the driver’s ield severity of head trauma. Though the your supermarket trips
of vision via a graphic projection on swerve function is so far unique to Lexus, (thereby saving you
the car’s windshield (called a “head-up similar hood engineering is available on money). Simply consult
display”). If the driver doesn’t react the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback and is our guide the next time
quickly enough, the car will trigger the likely to spread to more U.S. models. you put away groceries.

1963 Our testers report that 1983 We praise gas grills

CR Time Traveler GRILLS the new Swaniebraai Safari like the Arkla Embermatic
Grill (only $8.95) looks like over charcoal because they
“a collapsible wastebasket” can preheat easily—no
but can cook a 1.5-inch steak fretting over messy coals.
in 10 minutes.

1961 The barbecue business—spawned

in the 1950s—is now booming:
Americans spend about $100 million a 1974 Ed Fisher opens
year on outdoor cooking equipment— the first Big Green Egg store
and CR tests the full gamut, including in Atlanta to sell
this popular round “brazier” style (left). “kamado”-style cookers.

1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED
 M I D D LE
1 AND UPPER raw fish, meat, carrots, cauli-
S H E LV E S
and poultry, flower, and leafy
These are some wrapped or in a greens from
of the warmest container. wilting too soon.
areas, with CRISPER TH E
1 temperatures 3 D R AW E RS 4 DOOR
often reaching These (below) Our temperature
up around 40° F, are designed tests, done
even when the for produce in climate-
fridge is set to and can often controlled
2 37° F. You can be individually chambers, found
put snack cups adjusted for that the fridge
4 and cooked humidity. If not, door tended
4 leftovers here, sorting items to climb a few
but large helps because degrees higher
3 amounts should some fruits emit than the main
be transferred gases that wilt cabin—that’s
to several small nearby veggies. fine for butter or
containers so Low-Humidity juice but not for
5 that they’ll cool Drawer milk or eggs.
faster. Put them Low-humidity
toward the front areas are best M E AT/
5 D E LI B I N
so that you don't for most fruits
This drawer,
forget them. and some
most common
vegetables that
LOW E R on French-door
2 S H E LF require dryer air
bottom-freezer
This cool spot is to stay fresh. Put
models, is one
apples, peaches,
!
0 Samsung
RF28MFEDES8 37o  F ideal for storing
items that are
more susceptible
ripe avocados,
peppers, pears,
of the coldest
spots in your
fridge (about
Three-door "This is the ideal
to developing mushrooms, and
French-door temperature for your 32° F) and is best
$2,800 harmful bacteria, squash here.
fridge,” says CR engineer for bacon, hot
including milk; High-Humidity
Joe Pacella, in charge dogs, deli meat,
0
85 OVERALL
SCORE of fridge testing. eggs, in their
original carton
Drawer
A little extra
and cheeses.

to help keep in humidity can

moisture; and keep vegetables
such as broccoli,

1996 Our testers try electric grills and

aren’t thrilled. The Thermos, $300,
“looks like a flying saucer on three 2018 Some of our top-
legs,” couldn’t brown a steak well, rated gas grills are from
and was “Not Acceptable” because it brands such as Nexgrill,
posed a burn risk for users. Weber, and Napoleon.

1986 CR engineers discover 2001 In our testing, a $200

!
0 Nexgrill 720
dangerous design flaws in some Sunbeam gas grill performs
(Home Depot)
gas models, including Weber almost as well as—
$270
grills that fail to light the gas and sometimes better than—

0
quickly enough, risking a burst gas models that cost more OVERALL
of flame near the lighter's face. than $1,000. 74 SCORE

For our latest grill ratings, turn to page 28. MAY 2018 CR.ORG 13
CRInsights

Map of the Month

Is It Time to Switch Banks?

IL
WA ◆ First National
◆ Glacier Bank of Omaha
Bank MT
◆ Glacier
Bank MN
NY MA
◆ US ◆ NBT ◆ Eastern
ID Bank
SD Bank Bank
◆ Glacier
WY ◆ US Bank
Bank MI CT
◆ Glacier
Bank IA ◆ Webster
◆ US Bank Bank
NV
NJ, DC & MD
◆ US Bank UT IN ◆ TD Bank
CO
CA ◆ US Bank ◆ First National MO
◆ First Bank of Omaha ◆ UMB VA
Republic Bank ◆ Union Bank
Bank & Trust
NM NC
AZ
◆ US Bank ◆ First Citizens Bank
◆ FirstBank

SC & GA
◆ Synovus Bank
TX
LA
◆ Frost Bank

CR's banking survey MS FL

◆ Regions ◆ Third Federal
shows big banks rule
among our members: Bank

Wells Fargo
Chase
Bank of America

But there’s often

a better choice: IN CR’S RECENT survey of its members about But in 28 of those, there’s a higher-scoring
banks and credit unions, 75 percent of the option that has 10 or more branches. The
◆ Higher-rated, smaller more than 68,000 customers of traditional higher-rated banks may have fewer locations,
banks with 10
banks reported that they were highly satisied but more than a quarter of the traditional
or more branches
with their bank. This map highlights the 31 bank customers said they had no in-person
* Wells Fargo is both the most-used states and D.C.* in which one of the three interaction with a bank employee in the
and highest-rated bank in Alaska, largest banks—JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, previous year, suggesting that proximity to a
not shown on the map. and Bank of America—is the most-used. branch may not be a top priority for all.

CR Time-Saver TV SCREEN OPTIMIZER™

Make TV Setup a Cinch Frustrated that your new TV doesn’t look quite as good as you'd hoped? It’s a common
problem with an easy fix—if you use our TV Screen Optimizer tool. A new TV is set to default settings by the
manufacturer, but those rarely give you the best picture. (And though you may have liked how the picture looked in the store, most
retailers set their TVs to "showroom" modes that won't look good in your home.) Never fear: Our lab experts know the
ideal settings for hundreds of TVs. Just input your model to reveal your TV’s optimal settings. If you’re already a CR member, go to
CR.org/moreforyou. Not a member yet? Go to CR.org/membership to learn more about this and other benefits.

14 CR.ORG MAY 2018

 WHAT 100 CALORIES
LOOKS LIKE
Grilling Foods
Ready for a cookout? “Many Still Confused By ... day be used for everyday transactions (a few
grill foods—especially lean mainstream retailers, including Expedia and
meats such as chicken or Overstock.com, are already accepting bit-
fish—are good for you in
moderation,” says Maxine
Siegel, R.D., who heads the
Bitcoin coin). Currently, it is seen mostly as a highly
speculative form of investment.

CR food lab. Just use our How risky is it? Very. The value of bitcoin
portion guide to stay mindful. What is bitcoin? In simplest terms, bitcoin can rise and fall dramatically and quickly.
For more calorie visuals, go to is a digital currency, also known as a At the start of 2017, one bitcoin was worth
CR.org/bbq0518. cryptocurrency, that can be used to make around $1,000. By the end of the year, its
electronic payments anywhere on the globe closing price had soared to almost $20,000
to any person or company that accepts before trading below $7,000 on Feb. 5, 2018.
it. “Bitcoin is different from the coins and It continues to swing drastically. Like all cryp-
dollars in your wallet in many ways, not the tocurrencies, bitcoin is not backed by any
least of which is that it’s not backed by government or central bank, so its holders
any government,” says Christina Tetreault, have no protections such as those provided
senior staff attorney for Consumers Union, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora-
the advocacy division of Consumer Reports. tion, which safeguards money deposited in
2.3 oz. In other words, there is no “full faith and insured banks and savings institutions. The
grilled chicken with BBQ sauce credit” behind bitcoin, as there is for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has
U.S. dollar. Another difference is that bitcoin warned consumers that cryptocurrencies are
exists only digitally. “Any transfer is done subject to risks that include hacking, fraud,
electronically and is recorded in a master and fewer consumer protections. "Some
ledger, known as a blockchain,” Tetreault states are taking steps to regulate exchanges
1⁄3 hot dog says, adding that bitcoin transactions are where cryptocurrencies are bought and
made with 1.7 oz. beef hot dog, made without the intervention of any bank sold, but the status of these efforts varies,"
white roll, mustard or payment processor. Neither is bitcoin Tetreault says. “Consumers should heed the
subject to vagaries of inflation, because CFPB advisory and fully understand the risks
its creators capped the number that will before buying cryptocurrencies."
ever circulate at 21 million.
Still want to buy some? The simplest way to
1 ear Where did it come from? The identity of buy bitcoin is probably through one of sev-
grilled corn on the cob, bitcoin’s creator or creators is a matter eral online cryptocurrency exchanges, such
with one pat of butter of some speculation. What is known is that as Coinbase, which accepts debit cards and
bitcoin appeared as early as 2008 and was U.S. dollars transferred from a bank account,
invented by one or more computer coders among other forms of payment. (You don't
using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto. Gener- have to purchase an entire bitcoin; Coinbase
ally considered to be the first cryptocur- permits purchases of as little as $2 worth
rency, bitcoin caught on early with twin of the cryptocurrency.) You can leave the
internet entrepreneurs Tyler and Cameron bitcoin in your exchange account or move
Winklevoss (perhaps best known for suing it onto a cryptocurrency wallet, a piece of
5 pieces
Mark Zuckerberg over the creation of Face- hardware that resembles a thumb drive. It is
grilled shrimp
book), among others. Thousands of other also possible to obtain bitcoin through a pro-
cryptocurrencies have since been created. cess known as “mining,” which is impractical
for most people because it requires extreme
So who is using it? Because of the perceived technical savvy and powerful computers.
anonymity that bitcoin provides, it has been
used by people trafficking in illicit goods,
$19,343.04
such as drugs. Unlike credit cards, debit
Dec. 16, 2017
cards, or online payments made through $10,907.59
1⁄3 burger banks, bitcoin cannot easily be linked to Mar. 1, 2018
made with 2.7 oz. your identity. Though its current volatility
85% lean ground beef, makes it impractical as a day-to-day form
PHOTOS: JOHN WALSH/CONSUMER REPORTS

white roll, lettuce, tomato of payment, some predict that it will one

A WILD RIDE
Bitcoin’s current volatility makes it an
impractical currency and a risky investment.

$997.69 $6,914.26
Jan. 1, 2017 Feb. 5, 2018
1 lb.
grilled asparagus
with nonstick cooking spray

Source: Closing price data provided by CoinDesk. CR.ORG 15

 RECALLS

CAMERA PA I N A N D
P OW E R ITC H R E LI E F
A DA P TE RS CREAM
FORD
FUSION Fujifilm is recalling about 270,000 Walgreens is recalling about
power adapter wall plugs sold with 74,000 Well at Walgreens pain
certain Fujifilm digital cameras and itch relief creams because the
because the plug can crack, break, packaging is not child-resistant,
or detach, and stay in the wall, as required by law. The cream
exposing live electrical contacts contains lidocaine, which could
and posing a shock hazard. poison young children. The creams
The plugs were sold at stores were sold at stores and online from
nationwide and online from June March 2017 through November
2016 through January 2018 for 2017 for about $7.
$160 to $600, depending on the What to do: Put the cream out
camera model. of reach of children until you're
What to do: Stop using the plug able to return it to Walgreens for
AUTO M O B I LE S to see whether your laptop is
until you call Fujifilm at 833-613- a full refund. Call Walgreens at
included in the recall. If it is, stop
1200 or go to fujifilmusa.com 866-323-0107 or go to natureplex.
Ford is recalling about 1.3 million using it. Lenovo will help you find
and click on Support & Contact com (the manufacturer's website)
2014-2018 Ford Fusion and the nearest authorized center for
for a free replacement. You can and click on Product Safety Recall
Lincoln MKZ vehicles because inspection and repair.
continue to charge the camera for details.
they may have loose steering
using the USB cable attached to
wheel bolts that could result in
a computer.
the steering wheel detaching
from the steering column. I N FA NT I N S TA NT P OT
What to do: Dealers will replace R AT TLE S M U LTI CO O K E RS
the steering wheel bolt with a
longer bolt. For details, call Ford VTech is recalling about 280,000 UGG Double Insight is recalling about
at 866-436-7332 or go to owner. Shake & Sing elephant rattles CO M FO RTE RS 104,000 Gem model Instant Pot
ford.com, and for Lincoln call because the ears can break multicookers because a defect
800-521-4140 or go to owner. off and pose a choking hazard Bed Bath & Beyond is recalling can cause the bottom to overheat
lincoln.com. to young children. The rattles about 175,000 Hudson comforters and melt, posing a fire hazard.
were sold at stores nationwide by UGG because there may be The cookers were sold at Walmart
and online from November mold on them, posing a risk of stores and on its website from
LE N OVO 2015 through November 2017 respiratory or other infections in August 2017 through January 2018
L A P TO P S for about $8. people with compromised immune for about $80.
What to do: Immediately stop systems, damaged lungs, or an What to do: Stop using the
Lenovo is recalling about using the rattle and call VTech at allergy to mold. The comforters cooker and return it to Walmart
78,000 ThinkPad X1 Carbon 5th 800-521-2010 or go to vtechkids. were sold at Bed Bath & Beyond for a free replacement. Call
Generation laptops because a com for a full refund or credit for stores nationwide and online from Double Insight at 888-891-1473 or
loose screw can damage the a replacement product. August 2017 through October 2017 go to instantpot.com for details.
battery and cause overheating, for $70 to $110, depending on size.
posing a fire hazard. The laptops What to do: Stop using the
were sold at computer stores from comforter. Return it to the retailer,
December 2016 through November Bed Bath & Beyond, for a full
2017 for $1,100 to $2,600. refund. Call 800-462-3966 or
What to do: Call Lenovo at go to bedbathandbeyond.com
800-426-7378 or go to lenovo.com for details.

May Is
THE BEST TIME TO BUY …

Exterior Paints Blenders Outdoor

and Wood Stains Is warmer weather Speakers
Home improvement putting you in the Look for markdowns
stores begin to offer mood for an icy on older portable
promotions on drink? Watch for models as you gear
exterior paints and deep discounts up for backyard
wood stains around on these around entertaining season.
Memorial Day. Mother's Day.

16 CR.ORG MAY 2018 For more info, go to CR.org/buy0518.

 Safety Update

A Hidden Hazard
in Your Home
Some furniture makers are doing it right, but children
are still dying from unstable dressers that tip over.
And there are no laws to help prevent future tragedies.
by Rachel Rabkin Peachman

AFTER CHURCH one Sunday afternoon my husband to come. I started CPR on a sometimes-fatal event afecting
in 2016, Janet McGee waited for her him. My 11-year-old son called 911.” thousands of U.S. families each year.
22-month-old son Ted to wake from Paramedics rushed Ted to the hospital, The McGees also learned the dresser,
his afternoon nap. As family members but medical staf couldn’t revive him. an Ikea Malm, was linked to previous
busied themselves in their Apple Valley, McGee remembers holding his hand at tip-over deaths. Ikea did not decide to
Minn., home, McGee checked on Ted the hospital. “It was cold, and I knew.” recall the product until four months
every 15 minutes or so. The last time The weight of the dresser had after Ted died.
she peeked in, Ted wasn’t in bed, and sufocated the little boy. And though The tip-over problem is epidemic:
she noticed the dresser toppled over. family members were within earshot, Someone in the U.S. is injured every
In an instant, the horrible reality set no one heard a crash because Ted’s 17 minutes by a furniture, television,
in. “He’s under there, he’s under there,” body absorbed the impact of the falling or appliance tip-over, according to the
McGee remembers thinking. “I lifted dresser. McGee and her husband, Consumer Product Safety Commission.
the dresser up, and I started digging Jeremy, assumed their tragedy was a After declining for a few years,
through the drawers because all of the freakish occurrence. But they soon estimated tip-over injuries for children
drawers had fallen out. And there he discovered that Ted was just one of under age 6 involving dressers and other
was at the bottom. His face was purple. many victims of what safety regulators clothing storage units increased in 2016
His eyes were half open. I screamed for categorize as a “furniture tip-over,” to 2,800 from 2,100 the year before, or

ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHRIS PHILPOT MAY 2018 CR.ORG 17

Safety Update

by 33 percent, according to the CPSC. tip-over tests. Two tests were modeled
Dressers and other clothing storage 25 after the industry’s current voluntary
lbs. 25
units account for at least 11 percent of lbs. standard, but CR also devised a more
furniture tip-over injuries, according rigorous test using up to 60 pounds
to the CPSC. But it’s the number of of weight, a higher threshold that more
tip-over deaths in the category—there fully represents the weight range of
were 195 reported to the CPSC between U.S. children under age 6. CR also tested
2000 and 2016—that particularly makes some dressers 30 inches and shorter, a
it a crisis. slice of the market currently not covered
The vast majority of the victims are by the voluntary standard.
children under age 6. Many times, they CR’s investigation concluded that the
cause the tip-over by climbing on the industry standard is inadequate. At the
front of a dresser or by playing inside Deadly Furniture same time, a majority of the dressers CR
a drawer. Sometimes, they’re alone tested passed the 60-pound test.
in their room, and a parent, like Janet Tip-Overs “Clearly, the marketplace has found
McGee, inds them. CR's investigation found: that one can design a dresser at various
To protect Ted in his home, the prices that is safer and more stable,”
McGees installed safety gates, covered Children alone in their rooms. Almost says James Dickerson, chief scientiic
power outlets, and latched all cabinets— half of tip-over deaths (46 percent) oicer at Consumer Reports. (See “How
but they had never heard of a furniture happen in the bedroom, sometimes Stable Is Your Dresser?” on page 19.)
after a child has napped. The Consumer
tip-over. “It was just this little, tiny CR’s indings underscore that there
Product Safety Commission has iden-
window of time where your life changes tified certain “hazard patterns,” including
isn’t one formula for greater stability.
forever,” McGee told Consumer Reports. children climbing on open drawers. However, many of the dressers that
“Instead of planning his second birthday passed all of CR’s tests tended to be
TV hazard. CR recommends
party that was supposed to be Elmo- consumers avoid placing TVs on
heavier back-weighted, deeper dressers
themed, we were planning his funeral.” top of dressers. The CPSC says that with less drawer extension. Perhaps
53 percent of reported tip-over most signiicantly, CR found that there’s
The Truth About Tip-Overs fatalities between 2000 and 2016 for no easy way for consumers to simply
As it stands today, the industry children under 18 involved TVs and eye a dresser and tell whether it is
dressers tipping over together.
operates under a voluntary tip-over more likely to tip over. A more efective
testing standard—which means any Weak tip-over standard. The and mandatory standard would help
dresser taller than 30 inches should industry's voluntary standard leaves consumers trust that dressers for sale in
too many children at risk. Based on
stay upright with 50 pounds of weight the U.S. would resist tipping over onto
our investigation, CR is calling for the
hanging from an open drawer. Because tip-over test weight for dressers to young children.
it’s voluntary, manufacturers aren’t be increased to 60 pounds, from Through interviews with parents of
required to conduct the testing, 50 pounds, and for dressers 30 inches victims and with industry represen-
let alone meet the standard, to sell tall and shorter to be included in the tatives, CR also found the most efective
standard because they also can tip
their dressers in the U.S. Some prevention strategy available today,
over. Three of the four dressers CR
manufacturers meet the standard or tested that were 30 inches or shorter anchoring dressers to walls using
go beyond it; others fall short. failed CR’s second test. brackets and straps, isn’t an easy option
In light of the continuing danger, for families less proicient with tools
Industry responsible. CR thinks
Consumer Reports launched an the most effective way to prevent
or contending with brick walls. Some
investigation to assess the stability of tip-overs is to secure dressers to walls. parents told CR that they had no idea
dressers in the marketplace. Over the But we recognize it's not always an kits for anchoring dressers even existed.
course of a year, CR analyzed thousands option for tenants or those not handy (See “Deadly Furniture Tip-Overs,” at
of incident reports obtained from the with tools. CR thinks it's the industry's left, for CR’s investigative indings.)
responsibility to ensure safer, more
CPSC through a Freedom of Information Based on our indings, Consumers
stable dressers and that safety
Act (FOIA) request to better understand shouldn't rely on consumer skill at Union, the advocacy division of
the circumstances of injuries and anchoring a dresser to a wall. Consumer Reports, is calling on
deaths. CR also tested 24 diferent regulators to set a strong, mandatory
Some do it right. CR’s test results show
dressers, representing a cross-section that manufacturers can make dressers safety standard, allowing regulators to
of the market, to ind which could pass stable enough to meet a tougher enforce the rules and more easily gain
several progressively more stringent standard because many already do. industry cooperation for recalls. In

18 CR.ORG MAY 2018

How Stable Is Your Dresser? TESTING KEY
PASSED Test 1 All drawers Test 3 Top drawer
CR conducted tip-over testing on 24 different dressers Tests 1, 2 & 3 open. open and the 50-
that represent a cross-section of the retail market, using PASSED
Test 2 Top drawer pound weight is
open with a increased in 1-pound
progressively tougher tests. They were purchased from Tests 1 & 2 50-pound weight increments to a
May 2017 through February 2018. Our tests show that you PASSED hung from the maximum of
Test 1 only drawer-front. 60 pounds.
can't spot a stable dresser with the naked eye.
Note: All drawers are empty during the test.

Bob’s Discount DaVinci Jayden Delta Children Delta Children Delta Children DaVinci Kalani
Furniture Chadwick 4-Drawer Bentley 6 Drawer Clermont 6 Drawer Sutton 3 Drawer 4-Drawer Dresser
Chest $280 Dresser $280 Dresser Dresser $250 Dresser $170 (discontinued) $300
H48.25"xW36”xD17" H37.75”xW36”xD18.75” $340 H38”xW47.25”xD18.75” H37”xW35”xD19” H38.25”xW32.75"x
99.0 lb. 87.6 lb. H33.75”xW49”xD19” 111.6 lb. 83.2 lb. D21.25”
111.0 lb. 83.6 lb.

Epoch Design Epoch Design Seneca Pottery Barn Kids Pottery Barn Kids Delta Children Essential Home
5 Drawer Chest 5 Drawer Chest Catalina Dresser Catalina Extra-Wide 3 Drawer Dresser, Belmont 4 Drawer
$740 $770 $500 Dresser $900 similar to: Viv + Rae Dresser Chest
H46.25”xW33.75”xD21” H48.25”xW35.75”xD21.25” H31”xW38.5”xD18.75” H31.25”xW56.25”xD18” 3 Drawer Dresser (Ameriwood) $40
131.2 lb. 164.0 lb. 89.6 lb. 119.2 lb. $280 H30”xW27.75”xD15.75”
H33.5”xW37”xD20” 47.0 lb.
74.0 lb.

Sauder Pogo Sauder Shoal Creek Simmons Kids Delta Children Epic South Shore South Shore Little
3-Drawer Chest $180 4-Drawer Chest $230 Rowen Double 3 Drawer Dresser $180 Logik 6-Drawer Treasures 5-Drawer
H47.25”xW30.25”x H42.5”xW34.75”xD18.75” Dresser $300 H33”xW36.5”xD18.75” Double Dresser B Chest $165
D19.5” 106.4 lb. H34”xW47.75”xD19.75” 71.4 lb. $200 H43.75”xW31.5”xD18”
99.4 lb. 128.2 lb. H27.5”xW51.25”xD19” 89.8 lb.
108.6 lb.

South Shore Ikea Malm Storkcraft Kenton South Shore South Shore Logik South Shore Libra
Summer Breeze 3-Drawer Chest 6 Drawer Universal Summer Breeze 6-Drawer Double 3-Drawer Chest,
6-Drawer Double $100 Double Dresser $220 6-Drawer Double Dresser A $200 similar to: Simply
Dresser B $230 H30.5”xW31.75”xD19” H32.5”xW50”xD18” Dresser A $270 H29.75”xW47.5”xD17.5” Basics 3 Drawer
H31.25”xW52”xD20” 96.0 lb. 102.2 lb. H32”xW52.25”xD16.5” 103.6 lb. Dresser $90
113.2 lb. 111.6 lb. H27.5”x W31.5”xD16”
57.2 lb.

Notes: 1) Some models have the same name with a modifier ("A" or "B"). The latter sample (B) was found to have different dimensions from the earlier sample (A). This is reflected in both dimensions
and test results. 2) Dimensions are overall dimensions of the assembled product rounded up to the nearest ¼ inch, measured by CR technicians, including any additional components, such as a
changing table or hardware. These dimensions may differ from what appears in the manufacturers’ specifications. 3) Purchase price may vary from the currently available price.
Safety Update

the meantime, CU thinks the industry shorter and would not be subject to
should increase the voluntary standard the industry’s voluntary standard.
test weight to 60 pounds and include
Manufacturers DaVinci told CR in an email that the
dressers 30 inches and shorter (see aren't required company has already discontinued
“Where CR Stands: Calling for Tougher the model that didn’t pass the second
Tip-Over Standards,” on page 21). The to conduct test because the company adopted
CR investigation comes as the CPSC a new 55-pound internal test. “Any
this year considers issuing stricter,
tip-over testing, items that did not pass were either
mandatory safety standards. let alone meet discontinued or underwent construction
“Our recommendations would lead changes, which include thicker, heavier
to safer dressers for all consumers,” the current back panels,” the email says.
says William Wallace, senior policy CR’s testing shows that the industry
analyst for CU. “Raising the test weight
standard, to in many cases could already meet a
would cover more children, and sell their dressers tougher standard, with 13 of 24 dressers
lowering the minimum height would passing the 60-pound test.
cover more dressers.” in the U.S.
Impact on Industry
The Consumer’s Conundrum Still, meeting a new standard would
Under the current system, consumers consumers about securing dressers and not be a simple adjustment, says Joe
must put their trust in manufacturers. TVs already in their homes. “Even if Shamie, co-president of Delta Children,
“The normal consumer has no clue,” we put a mandatory standard into a global manufacturer of cribs,
says Lisa Siefert, a consumer advocate efect tomorrow, there are a lot of furniture, baby gear, and dressers.
in Barrington Hills, Ill., who founded dressers out there that don’t comply.” Shamie says it would mean redesigning
Shane’s Foundation shortly after her dressers and probably additional per-
2-year-old son Shane died from a Our Testing of Tip-Overs unit costs for back weights and extra
dresser tip-over in 2011. Like McGee, The voluntary safety standard shipping charges from Asia. “As it is
Siefert found her son under his for dressers is managed by ASTM right now, my costs are more expensive
dresser after he had taken a nap. She International, an independent than the guy that does not pass the
had assumed the dresser was safe. organization that brings together [voluntary] standards,” he says. “If
Jackie Collas’ son Curren died in 2014 manufacturers, government oicials, they make the [voluntary] standards
after a dresser tipped over onto him academics, retailers, consumers, tougher, my costs will continue to go
in his room at his West Chester, Penn., and others to establish standards for up, while his costs will continue to be
home. “I just feel like it shouldn’t be left thousands of products and processes. much lower than mine.”
up to the consumer,” Collas says. (Consumer Reports is an active Shamie, who considers himself a
Keisha Bowles, of Conway, Ark., lost member and participates in working dedicated safety advocate, estimates
her 2-year-old daughter, Chance, in groups, including dressers.) Not all Delta’s budget for safety testing is
2012. Chance and her then-6-year-old manufacturers participate, and not all $2 million a year. “The company culture
brother, Brandon, were playing in and comply with its voluntary standards. is set around safety and corporate and
out of each other’s rooms. Bowles was In CR’s investigation, the Pottery Barn, social responsibility,” says Shamie,
in the bathroom when a dresser with Epoch Design, and Sauder models we whose father started the business in
a TV on top of it fell onto Chance, who evaluated, among others, passed all 1968. “It’s not about the letter of the law;
died later from her injuries. “I had no three of CR’s tests. Other models from it’s about using a combination of some
idea that they made anything to strap various manufacturers passed the irst common sense and seeing how it could
down furniture,” Bowles says. two tests but failed our tougher, third test. apply further. Because children do
Acting Chairman of the CPSC, Ann Five models from three manufacturers— things that we don’t anticipate.”
Marie Buerkle, says it’s key to educate Ameriwood (one model), DaVinci (one Five of the dresser models CR tested
model), and South Shore (three models)— were from Delta. Three passed all three
did not pass CR’s second test. tests, and two passed Tests 1 and 2 but
To see the video about how to Ameriwood and South Shore told CR failed CR’s 60-pound test.
properly anchor your dresser their dressers meet voluntary industry In addition to Delta, CR contacted
WATCH to a wall, go to CR.org/tipover.
standards. Three of the four dressers dozens of other furniture manufactur-
from these manufacturers that failed ers and retailers to ask a series of ques-
CR’s second test were 30 inches or tions about design changes, testing,

20 CR.ORG MAY 2018

and current safety standards. Of the 13 some dresser models are singled out for death. But the company stressed in
manufacturers that responded in full scrutiny by regulators and the industry. email responses to CR that all Ikea
and also produce dressers, eight said In the case of Ted McGee’s death, dressers should be secured to walls.
they want a mandatory standard. Why? the Ikea Malm dresser that fell on him Elliot Kaye, commissioner and past
“To keep consumers safe and require a was still on the market when he died chairman of the CPSC, says having a
level playing ield across all suppliers,” in February 2016, even though it and mandatory standard tends to speed
David P. DaPonte, senior manager of another Malm model were linked to the up the recall process. In many cases,
global quality assurance and testing at deaths of two toddlers in 2014. Those the CPSC doesn’t have the practical
L.L.Bean, said in a written response. two families each iled a lawsuit against resources to quickly force recalls and
Laura Wood, international sourcing Ikea in 2015 and also reported the must either successfully sue or gain
coordinator at Lexington Home incidents to the CPSC. That same year, industry cooperation.
Brands, says a mandatory standard Ikea issued free anchor kits and urged “With a voluntary standard, where
would eliminate confusion and debate. consumers to stop using Ikea dressers really there’s no enforcement mechanism
“Incidents continue to occur because (27 million at the time) until secured whatsoever, it’s truly voluntary. Basically
compliance with the standard, and to walls. It wasn’t until June 2016, four what [many in the industry] are saying
more speciically understanding of months after Ted’s death, that Ikea is let’s wait until more children are
the standard, is not consistent,” she issued a recall for the Malm. killed before we have to do anything,
says. “I think [issuing a mandatory The McGees sued Ikea in August and that to me is—that’s morally
standard] could certainly clarify for that year, and the company settled reprehensible,” Kaye says. “I’m not
industry that a mandatory standard is with them and the other two families comfortable waiting ... when we know
mandatory — you have to do it.” that December. Ikea didn’t respond to that there are concrete changes that can
CR requests for comment about Ted’s be made now that will save lives.”
Who Should Be Protected?
Consumer advocates, including CR,
think setting a new tip-over testing
standard that is reasonable should WHERE CR STANDS: CALLING FOR
be based on protecting more at-risk TOUGHER TIP-OVER STANDARDS
children. A mandatory, 60-pound
standard would cover about 95 percent
of U.S. children under 6 years of age—a Consumer Reports Consumer Product industry cooperation.
group involved in 82 percent of dresser recommends that Safety Commission. Congress, however,
and clothing storage unit tip-over deaths, consumers anchor Include shorter could speed things
dressers to the wall. dressers. The up. The STURDY (Stop
according to the CPSC.
But CR also is calling standard should be Tip-overs of Unstable,
Even so, some in the industry say the on regulators to set expanded to cover Risky Dressers on
current voluntary standard is working stronger, mandatory units 30 inches tall and Youth) Act, introduced
and that tip-over mishaps will happen, tip-over testing shorter because CR's in 2016 by Sens. Bob
regardless of new laws or standards. standards. In the investigation shows Casey (D-Pa.), Amy
meantime, industry that some of these Klobuchar (D-Minn.),
“Do I think the standard is adequate?
should take steps to dressers can tip over. and Richard Blumenthal
Yes, I do believe it’s adequate in strengthen the current Labeling. If the standard (D-Conn.), and Rep.
protecting the most afected at-risk voluntary standard in is strengthened, as Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.),
population,” says Bill Perdue, vice these key ways: we recommend, would have directed
president of regulatory afairs for the Protect more children. manufacturers should the CPSC to issue a
The current standard— clearly mark products stronger, mandatory
American Home Furnishings Alliance,
an empty dresser to reflect that they meet standard if industry
a 400-member industry trade group. must not tip over the new standard. failed to adequately
“I do, however, believe that there’s when 50 pounds is Congress should strengthen its voluntary
always room to improve the standard.” hung from an open act, if needed. If standard within
Perdue contends that tip-over deaths drawer—doesn't cover manufacturers don't 180 days. Unfortunately,
and injuries are largely due to non- enough children and agree to toughen the the bill did not pass.
should be increased voluntary standard, Policy makers and
compliant products. Tip-over incident
to 60 pounds, which the CPSC should issue industry should act
reports don’t usually include the dresser would cover 95 percent a mandatory standard. quickly on our findings
model involved, so it’s hard to tell which of children under age 6, This process could and issue a tougher
speciic models are responsible for the according to the take years without standard.
incidents. But in the case of fatalities,

MAY 2018 CR.ORG 21

Privacy Update

all without the user’s permission.

What Your The problems amounted to

mischief—and a sign of sloppy

Smart TV Knows security—more than signiicant harm.

A hacker couldn’t listen in on a family
or somehow steal their Amazon

About You credit card information. But if you

didn’t know what was happening,
this sort of TV takeover might feel
creepy, as though an intruder were
Our exclusive testing of several brands reveals
lurking nearby.
that broad-based data collection goes
In a real attack, a hacker would
on routinely—and even that some TVs can need to trick you into downloading
be hacked, right in front of your eyes. Here’s an app or going to a web page
how to limit your exposure. containing malware while you were
using a computer or mobile device
on the same network as the TV. That
might happen if you clicked on a
MOST TVS FOR SALE these days are Samsung and LG have their own link in a phishing email. In the case
smart, meaning you can connect them smart TV software, but that’s not the of Samsung, the user would need to
to your home network through WiFi case with the other sets. The TCL set access the malware using a phone or
or an Ethernet connection, and then uses Roku TV, a system that closely
stream movies and TV shows from resembles the software on Roku’s
Netlix, YouTube, and other services. streaming devices and is also used
That’s convenient, but it comes with in sets from Hisense and additional
some potential privacy trade-ofs. brands. The Sony TV uses Google’s
While you watch the TV, it may Android TV system and Vizio uses
be watching your behavior—what Google’s Chromecast, platforms that
apps you load, what shows you tune also appear in other brands’ TVs.
in to, even the DVDs or Blu-ray discs
you play. CR Findings: Your Security
That represents a big change from Anything connected to the internet
the way TVs used to work. And the data has the potential to get hacked,
collection, along with the potential whether it’s a laptop, WiFi security
exposure to internet threats, made camera, or television. In CR’s test
smart TVs a perfect place for Consumer of smart TVs, “we were looking for
Reports to launch a new series of tests good security practices,” says Maria
to see how connected products handle Rerecich, who oversees our electronics
privacy and security. testing. “Encryption of personal
or sensitive data, protection from
How We Tested common security vulnerabilities—
Our evaluation of smart TVs was CR’s that sort of thing.”
irst test using the Digital Standard, a This approach is a bit like checking
project we unveiled last year that sets whether there are functioning locks
expectations for how companies should on a house’s doors.
handle their customers’ information. In two cases, there weren’t.
There are a lot of TVs on the market, Our tests showed that hackers could
but most use just a handful of smart take control of the TCL and Samsung
TV software platforms. To get a good sets over the internet by exploiting
cross section, we bought 2017 TVs from simple security laws. We were able
ive brands: LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL, to blast the volume, cycle through
and Vizio. channels, and open YouTube content,

22 CR.ORG MAY 2018 ILLUSTRATION BY DOUG CHAYKA

tablet that had previously been set up CR Findings: Your Privacy people expect their television to be
as a remote control for the TV. Your smart TV may be collecting a lot watching what they do.”
We contacted the companies more information than you realize. The viewing data is collected through
involved. TCL referred us to Roku When setting up one of these TVs, technology called “automatic content
for questions about data collection you need to shule through a series of recognition,” which identiies every
and this vulnerability. A Roku screens with privacy policies, terms show you play on the TV—including
spokeswoman said via email, “There of service, and various options. Race cable, over-the-air broadcasts,
is no security risk to our customers’ through, agreeing to everything, and streaming services, Blu-ray discs, and
accounts or the Roku platform,” you end up giving permission for a so on. ACR helps the TV recommend
and pointed out that users can turn continual stream of data to be sent other shows you might want to watch.
of an External Control feature in back to the manufacturer and perhaps But it’s also used for targeted ads and
the TV’s settings—though this would its business partners. That includes other marketing purposes.
also keep them from using Roku’s information on what you watch and You can turn of ACR, which goes
own mobile app to control the TV. other types of data, too. by a variety of names, including
In an emailed statement, Samsung “For years, consumers have had their “viewing information,” without giving
said, “We appreciate Consumer behavior tracked when they’re online up much functionality.
Reports’ alerting us to their potential or using their smartphones,” says But you sacriice more if you don’t
concern,” and that the company Justin Brookman, director of privacy agree to the TV’s basic privacy policy
was still evaluating the issue and technology at Consumers Union, and terms of service. Those agreements
while also ixing some other, less the advocacy division of Consumer let companies collect such information
severe problems that we uncovered. Reports. “But I don’t think a lot of as which apps you download, what
devices you attach to the TV, where you
live, and more. Decline, and your smart
TV won’t connect to the internet.

How to Protect Yourself

If you have a new smart TV and want
to block the collection of viewing data,
pay close attention during setup. There,
you typically can agree to the basic
privacy policy and terms of service
while declining ACR.
If you’ve already set up your smart
TV, you can go into the settings to
turn of ACR. The right screens can
be diicult to ind, but go to CR.org/
tvsnooping0518 for directions.
To eliminate all data collection, your
only option is to decline every privacy
agreement—or just take the TV of your
home network. You can always add a
separate streaming media device to
get web-based content from Amazon,
Netlix, and other sources. But those
devices may have their own expansive
data collection practices.

Watch our video to see how some

smart TVs could be controlled by a
WATCH hacker, at CR.org/tvsecurity0518.

MAY 2018 CR.ORG 23

 Product
Percentage of music listeners who
use each device in a typical week.*

SMARTPHONE TELEVISION

Update
TABLET
44% 23%

VOICE- 20%
CONTROLLED
DEVICE 37%
The latest ratings from our labs
6%
PC/LAPTOP

Wild About Wireless

Tired of getting tangled up in headphone cords?
Welcome to the world of wireless.
by Nicholas Deleon

INSIDE
CR’S LABS

CR’s
anechoic
chamber is
an utterly
soundproof
room used
in testing
headphones
such as
this Bose
wireless
model.

24 CR.ORG PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN FINKE

 IF YOU GO shopping for headphones steady improvements to Bluetooth
this spring, you’ll discover—quicker have made wireless connections more
than you can stream “Despacito”—that
Should stable, too. They’re also getting easier
the world has gone wireless.
In recent months, Google, HTC, and
You Shop to set up: Apple’s W1 chip, found in
AirPods and select Beats headphones,
Motorola have followed Apple’s lead Amazon? lets you pair to your iPhone with the
and eliminated the headphone jack push of a button, and the wireless
from their latest smartphones. And Do you have to pay several near ield communication (NFC) tech
according to the market research i rm hundred dollars for a pair of found in headphones such as the Sony
NPD, 69 percent of every dollar spent true wireless headphones? WH-1000XM2 does much the same for
Clearly, plenty of people
by U.S. consumers on headphones Android smartphones.
can’t or won’t. Which is
in 2017 went to models that link why on Amazon, you’ll find In the end, you don’t have to pay big
to mobile devices via a Bluetooth dozens of models that sell money for a Bluetooth connection and
connection instead of a cord. for less than $60. high-quality sound. The JVC HA-FX9BT
“Our customers are living life on Are they any good? We Gumy Wireless, for example, sells for
the go,” says Jakob Kristofersen, purchased three pairs that $30. It doesn’t ofer itness tracking
earned almost five stars
design and concept manager for the from at least 100 online
functions, noise cancellation, or voice-
headphone maker B&O Play. “Freedom reviewers. Then we put the activated controls like some higher-
is not just a choice but a prerequisite for $50 Parihy PA-01, the $50 priced models, but the audio quality
their products.” Iyesku YK-T02, and the $60 met our Very Good standard.
Those moving-and-grooving SoundMoov HV-358 to the
test in our labs.
shoppers are presented with a wide
The Parihy delivered only
Mastering Wireless Controls
selection of wireless options: sports Fair sound. And we ordered Before you opt for all those high-tech
models that log your heartbeat as you it twice and both times features, though, you should look over
exercise, noise-canceling models that received a model that the headphone’s specs. You may i nd
electronically drown out the chatter at differed slightly from the that the built-in controls that let you
one we had selected.
the local Starbucks, and true wireless adjust the volume, pause the music,
As for the Iyesku,
models—such as Apple’s AirPods— which also rated Fair, our and answer a call without removing
that pump Johnny Cash classics into testers said, “The sonic your smartphone from your pocket
your ears through two completely shortcomings leave a lot to work only with either an Android
separate earbuds. be desired when listening phone or an iPhone.
to music.” That means the
And it’s easy to get confused by the
earbuds are better-suited
Focus on Sound Quality for people who prefer
touch controls that perform these
Maria Rerecich, director of electronics listening to podcasts on functions on certain true wireless
testing at Consumer Reports, says a smartphone or movie models. “The tap patterns can be so
Bluetooth headphones have not quite dialogue on a laptop. complex, you almost need a secret
achieved the sound quality of the top The casual music fan may decoder,” Rerecich says. On other
appreciate the SoundMoov
wired models in our ratings, but many models, the controls may kick into
HV-358, which crept into the
deliver Very Good sound—and a few Good sound range. Many action from an accidental touch,
Bose QuietComfort models even squeak others, though, are likely to pausing your favorite song right when
into Excellent territory. notice the boomy bass, a you’re barreling into the grand inale.
Val Kolton, founder and CEO of the thin and rough midrange One last tip: The Bluetooth signal
(voices, guitars, horns), and
headphone manufacturer V-Moda, does not travel well through water,
overbearing treble.
attributes recent improvements in and the human body is lush with
wireless sound to upgrades in audio SoundMoov H2O, Rerecich says. So at times
codecs—the software that processes HV-358, $60 some headphones might experience
your Coldplay tracks before they diiculty receiving signals from your
PHOTO: JOHN WALSH

reach your ears. smartphone. The easy solution? Move

“The standards have been raised,” your phone to another pocket—one
says Matt Engstrom, senior category that’s closer to the antenna in the
director of product management at headphone. “That often does the
headphone maker Shure, who says trick,” she says.

* Source: Nielsen Music 360 2017. The graphic does

not include all devices referenced in the survey. MAY 2018 CR.ORG 25
Product Update

Sound Check: What You Get for Your Money

All these wireless models have built-in microphones for fielding phone calls, plus controls that let you play
music without taking your phone from your pocket. The higher your budget, the more features you’ll get.

$50 or Less
$ JVC HA-FX9BT $ Motorola Skullcandy Jib Wireless
Gumy Wireless Moto Surround $30
$30 $50

066 0 66 0
46
OVERALL
SCORE
OVERALL OVERALL
SCORE SCORE

This 2017 pair delivers very good The contoured collar is comfy around If you simply want good sound at a
sound; if you hunt, you can still the neck and keeps the earbuds handy painless price, these are worth a look.
find it on shelves at Best Buy and when not in use. But the model faltered
Fry’s Electronics. when paired with Apple mobile devices.

$51 to $100
$ Jabra Elite 25e $ Samsung Level Active Scosche SportclipAir
$80 $80 $60

0
71
OVERALL
0
66
OVERALL
0
21
OVERALL
SCORE SCORE SCORE

This model lets you access the voice The Level Active comes with a choice of Scosche’s wired SportFlex 3 model
commands of a digital assistant such four earpiece pairs to help with the fit. delivers very good sound for $20. But
as Cortana, Google Now, or Siri. With one tap, you can access workout on this $60 wireless pair, the sound
data via Samsung’s fitness app. is just fair.

$101 and Up
$ Phiaton BT 220 NC * !
0 Samsung Gear IconX 2018 Apple AirPods
$160 $190 $160

0
76
OVERALL
0
71
OVERALL
0
56
OVERALL
SCORE SCORE SCORE

These provide excellent sound and You get very good sound, fitness They’re not the best true wireless model
muffle unwelcome distractions—at a tracking, support for Google’s digital in our ratings, but AirPods deliver good
nice price compared with Bose’s $300- voice assistants, and a built-in music sound and Apple extras such as voice-
plus noise-canceling models. player that stores up to 1,000 songs. activated music-player controls.

*For noise-canceling headphone ratings, online members can go to CR.org.

26 CR.ORG MAY 2018

Ratings   Sound Advice These wireless headphones are categorized by price. They vary in design
and features—see “Sound Check,” on the facing page—but all are portable.

Brand & Model Overall Test

Price Results Features Brand & Model Overall Test
Price Results Features
Score Score

Sound quality

Sound quality
Recommended

Recommended
Sports model

Sports model
True wireless

True wireless
Rank

Rank
$50 OR LESS $51 TO $100 Continued

JVC HA-FX9BT SoundMoov

$
0 1
Gumy Wireless
66 $30 4
0 16
HV-358
41 $60 3
0 0 0

Motorola Moto Urbanears

$
0 2
Surround
66 $50 4
0 17
Stadion
40 $100 2
0 0

Skullcandy Ink’d Scosche

3
Wireless
46 $50 3
0 18
SportclipAir
21 $60 2
0 0

Skullcandy Jib
4
Wireless
46 $30 3
0 $101 AND UP

Skullcandy Bose SoundSport

5
Method Wireless
46 $50 3
0 0
!
0 1
Wireless
76 $150 4
0 0

JVC HA-FX39BT JLab Audio

6 Marshmallow 41 $50 3
0 !
0 2
Epic Air
76 $150 4
0 0 0

Wireless
0
Bose SoundSport
7 Iyesku YK-T02 40 $50 2
0 0 0 !
0 3
Free Wireless
71 $200 4
0 0 0

8 Parihy PA-01 36 $50 2

0 0 0 !
0 4 Jabra Elite Sport 71 $180 4
0 0 0

Jabra Sport
9
JVC HA-F250BT
Gumy Wireless
26 $20 2
0 !
0 5
Coach Wireless
71 $120 4
0 0

Jaybird Freedom
$51 TO $100 !
0 6
F5
71 $150 4
0 0

$
0 1
Optoma NuForce
BE6i
76 $80 4
0 !
0 7 Jaybird Run 71 $180 4
0 0 0

$
0 2
Sol Republic
Shadow Wireless
76 $80 4
0 !
0 8 Jaybird X3 71 $130 4
0 0 0

Monster Elements
$
0 3 Jabra Elite 25e 71 $80 4
0 !
0 9
Wireless In-Ear
71 $170 4
0 0

Samsung Gear
$
0 4
Jabra Sport
Pulse Wireless
71 $100 4
0 0 !
0 10
IconX 2018
71 $190 4
0 0 0

Sony H.ear
$
0 5 JBL E25BT 71 $60 4
0 !
0 11
MDR-EX750BT
71 $200 4
0

$
0 6 Klipsch R6 BT 71 $60 4
0 !
0 12 Fitbit Flyer 66 $130 4
0 0

JBL by Harman
$
0 7
Soul Electronics 71 $100 4
0 0 !
0 13
Under Armour
66 $135 4
0 0
Run Free Pro
V-Moda Forza
$
0 8
Beats by Dre 66 $100 4
0 !
0 14
Metallo Wireless
66 $170 4
0 0

BeatsX
LG Tone Free
$
0 9
House of Marley 66 $60 4
0
15
HBS-F110
60 $200 3
0 0

Smile Jamaica BT

$
0 10 Mee Audio X7 Plus 66 $70 4
0 0
16 Apple AirPods 56 $160 3
0 0

Bragi
$
0 11
Optoma NuForce 66 $70 4
0 0
17
The Dash Pro
56 $330 3
0 0 0

BE Sport3
Bragi
$
0 12
Samsung Level 66 $80 4
0 0
18
The Headphone
51 $150 3
0 0

Active
Bose SoundLink
13
Jabra Sport Pace 61 $80 4
0 0
19
on-ear headphones
46 $180 3
0
Wireless
Sol Republic
14
Kicker Audio 61 $80 4
0 0
20
Amps Air
41 $150 3
0 0

EB300
Online members can go to CR.org/headphones for complete,
15 Jabra Halo Smart 51 $80 3
0 up-to-date ratings.

HOW WE TEST: Sound quality the audio reproduced by have cords that link the earbuds digital features that can be useful
represents the tonal accuracy, clarity, the headphones. True wireless together. Sports model indicates during workouts.
detail, ambience, and dynamics of highlights models that do not which headphones have design and

1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 $
0 MAY 2018 CR.ORG 27
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
Gas Grills
to Get
Fired Up
About
Our ratings of 109 gas grills, expert buying advice,
and new sturdiness testing will help you find a model that’s
built to last and matched to your cooking style.
by Paul Hope

PHOTO: BRENDAN WIXTED/CONSUMER REPORTS

NAPOLEON
LEX730RSBIPSS
$1,800

0
66
O VERALL
SCORE

28 CR.ORG
BEST BETS BY PRICE

$400 & Under

PAGE 31

$400-$700
PAGE 33

$700-$1,000
PAGE 35

Plus! Full ratings of small,

midsized, and large grills,
starting on page 36.

CR.ORG 29
It’s
easy to take a grill for granted.
Stationed on a deck or patio, exposed
to scorching sun, drenching rain, and
heavy snow, it’s ever at the ready to
simple as choosing the same model as
the one you had: Manufacturers go out
of business, styles and features change,
and the model you owned and loved
(stainless holds up better), and whether
it’s worth spending more for a grill
that’s built to last.
To give you a head start, we’ve hand-
picked models in the most widely sold
sizes across price ranges to highlight
those our experts consider to be an
exceptional value. (See “Best Bets by
Price,” starting on the facing page.)
We’re also arming you with all
be ired up for parties, cookouts, and may well not be available anymore. “If the ratings and buying advice you
family dinners throughout the year. it’s been more than two years, don’t need to ind the grill that’s right for
Until it’s not. expect to ind your old grill for sale, you. Because grills vary widely in
In our most recent CR member unless it’s from a top-tier brand, such construction and materials, which can
survey of 6,800 gas grill owners, two- as Weber or Napoleon,” says CR market afect durability, we’re introducing
thirds reported that they got ive or analyst Mark Allwood. a new criterion in our ratings that
more useful years out of the last grill You’ll probably have to wade through measures sturdiness (see “How We Now
they owned. Still, all grills eventually a sea of various sizes and models as you Test for Toughness,” below). And we’ll
need to be replaced, usually because of decide, among other things, how big tell you how to keep your grill in tip-top
rusting, broken, or worn-out parts. a grill you should buy, whether to get
And buying a new grill usually isn’t as coated cast-iron grates or stainless steel Continued on page 32

HOW WE NOW TEST

FOR TOUGHNESS
Traditionally, CR has rated gas based on the results.
grills solely on how they cook. Here’s how the test works
What we didn’t test for was how (see photo at left): CR’s
well a model will stand the test engineers clamp each grill to a
of time or whether it might fall structural steel plate, prop open
apart after a few seasons. the lid, and connect something
“In the past we’d see cheap, called a linear actuator to
flimsy grills rise to the top the lid’s handle. The actuator
of our ratings because they travels along a stationary track,
did well in our temperature applying lateral force to the lid,
tests,” says Cindy Fisher, while lasers measure deflection
our lead tester for gas grills. down to the hundredth of an
Fisher and other CR engineers inch. This captures the degree
wanted gas grill ratings to to which the metal frame flexes
reflect apparent differences or bows under the stresses a
in sturdiness. To make that grill might encounter over time,
happen, they spent two years as from being moved.
building a proprietary machine The best grills barely budge,
that can torque and torture and the worst suffer permanent
grills. Then we dispatched our damage to the frame or lid
secret shoppers to buy new during the course of our test.
units of models already in We now factor structural
PHOTO: BRIAN FINKE

CR technician Scott our ratings, ran them through integrity into each grill’s Overall
Collomb puts a grill the new test, and—with Score. You can see the results
INSIDE through our new our in-house statisticians— in our gas grill ratings, starting
sturdiness testing. developed new scoring criteria on page 36.
CR’S LABS

30 CR.ORG 1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0
POOR EXCELLENT
 BEST BETS BY PRICE

$400 M
MIDSIZED

& Under
You can ind excellent cooking performance and a variety
of sizes in this price range, but functionality is basic.
The metal used to make these inexpensive options is
generally thin and of lower quality than on pricier models,
so they might not weather as many seasons.

NEXGRILL

0
720-0830H (Home Depot), $270 OVERALL
Ext. dimensions (HxWxD): 47x51x24 inches 74 SCORE

S This beautifully polished midsized stainless grill

SMALL earns top marks for even heating and quick
preheating. It’s also stellar at indirect cooking,
with four burners that offer a broad range of
temperatures. It’s not as sturdy as pricier picks, so
you’ll need to handle it with care.

L
LARGE

HUNTINGTON CHAR-BROIL

0 0
Cast 3400 30040 (Home Depot), $210 OVERALL Performance 463276517, $380 OVERALL
Ext. dimensions (HxWxD): 46x49x21 inches 69 SCORE
Ext. dimensions (HxWxD): 45x63x26 inches 67 SCORE

The no-frills, stamped metal construction won’t win any design awards, The Char-Broil performance line is the best large grill
but when it comes to cooking, the Huntington Cast outperforms models we’ve tested in this price range (it’s also available in
that cost 10 times as much. It heats very quickly and offers a broad range models made for home centers at a reduced price;
of temperatures—good for foods cooked at low temperatures, such as see “Where the Grills Are: Home Depot & Lowe’s,” on
fish, but also good for searing a steak. The model has a single side burner page 34). It’s solidly built and large enough to hold
(for warming barbecue sauce or sides while you grill) and wheels—but only 24 burgers but doesn’t cook as evenly—or heat as
two, so you may still need to lift it to move it. quickly—as the best we’ve tested.

CR.ORG 31
shape, when and where to ind the best “Even if you don’t really need the extra full of parts, check online retailers
deals, and how to use our ratings of cooking area, a midsized grill often such as Amazon for the broadest
109 models to make sure the grill you has more features—such as illuminated selection of unassembled grills; many
pick matches your cooking style. controls and LED lighting—that you ofer free shipping. It’s possible, too,
typically won’t ind on smaller grills,” to order online and have the grill
says Cindy Fisher, who oversees grill assembled at your home. Amazon
Getting Started testing for Consumer Reports. Home Services, which provides
Begin your search for a new grill by assembly or installation of products
deciding on size—and bear in mind for an up-front fee, will arrange for a
that bigger does not necessarily mean Where to Shop local pro to build your grill. We priced
better. According to our survey, more According to TraQline, a service that out the service for three grills and
than 60 percent of CR members who tracks consumer behavior and buying found that, in each case, we would
own a gas grill have a midsized model, habits, 17 percent of U.S. consumers have to pay around $140, though the
which is why more than half the gas in a recent survey reported that they cost depends on the type of grill, your
grills in our ratings are midsized. had bought their grills online. It’s not location, and the service provider. (On
This Goldilocks of grills is large surprising: A grill is a major purchase, a handful of pricier models, Amazon
enough for feeding a crowd (they can and buying in a store lets you kick the provides free assembly.)
accommodate up to 28 burgers at a tires, so to speak, and get a hands-on Walk-in retailers might ofer a less
time), compact enough not to dominate sense of the quality of construction. expensive option. Home Depot and
your deck, and not too big for whipping Of course, if you prefer to buy online, Lowe’s, for instance, will assemble
up a quick meal of brats and grilled you can now rely on our sturdiness grills free of charge at your local store,
onions for a family of four. test to indicate how solidly a grill is including models purchased on their
While small grills can equal the best built, but you’ll still have to weigh the websites and shipped to the store.
larger models in cooking performance, convenience of online ordering with Some also ofer delivery services
shoppers who need only a small grill the task of assembling the grill. for buyers who don’t have a vehicle
should still consider a midsized model: If you’re not intimidated by a box capable of getting the grill home.

EASY COO KI N G G R ATE S

Expected life span:
B U R N E R COVE RS
Expected life span:
FIXES FOR Three to 10 years
Cost to replace:
Two to eight years
Cost to replace:
FAILING $25 to $150 for a set $5 to $30 each

GRILLS In our survey, nearly 30 percent of CR members Eighteen percent of CR members reported
who own a gas grill reported problems with problems with uncontrolled flare-ups on a grill
Over time, grill grates cracking or flaking on a previously owned they previously owned. Burner covers, also called
components break. grill. They are easily replaced. To maintain them, heat tents, shield the burner tubes from dripping
clean each side with a stiff wire brush (use nylon fat, helping control these. If covers on your grill
But that doesn’t
on porcelain-coated grates) before grilling. are damaged or missing, replace them for better
mean it’s time to scrap Brush again and oil grates after cooking. performance, and safety.
your sizzler. Certain
key parts can be easily
replaced to keep BURNER TUBES IGNITER/IGNITION PARTS
your grill working like Expected life span: Expected life span:
new. Here’s how Two to 10 years Two to seven years
ILLUSTRATIONS: T.M. DETWILER

Cost to replace: Cost to replace and assemble:

long you can expect
$10 to $60 per tube $10 to $90
parts to last and how
much you’ll pay to Nearly 40 percent of CR members reported uneven According to our survey, 92 percent of grills have
replace them. heating in a grill they no longer use. A leading cause? electronic igniters. If your burners won’t light, check
Clogged or damaged burner tubes. Sometimes the the battery that powers the ignition. If only a single
tubes are so damaged that they fail to light at all, burner is affected, check the wire that leads to that
which results in extremely uneven cooking. igniter, or the igniter itself, next to the burner tube.

32 CR.ORG MAY 2018 1

0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0
POOR EXCELLENT
 BEST BETS BY PRICE

$ 400- M
MIDSIZED

$ 700
These grills don’t cook any better than
our less expensive top models, but the
higher prices get you better construc-
tion, heavier-gauge materials, and helpful
features (locking caster wheels, fuel-level
gauges, and, often, a longer warranty).
This price range also includes models from
big-name brands such as Weber.

3 EMBERS GAS7480BS, $620

0
OVERALL

S Ext. dimensions (HxWxD): 49x58x24 inches 67 SCORE

SMALL
At twice the price, this model doesn’t cook any better than the inex-
pensive Nexgrill on page 31, but it aced our sturdiness test, suggesting
that it should weather multiple seasons’ moves into and out of storage.
It has a sealed frame with a single door and two pullout drawers, and
a glass viewing window that lets you check your steak without open-
ing the lid and allowing the heat to escape. It also earns an Excellent
score for evenness, making it easy to cook a slew of burgers and hot
dogs simultaneously.

L
LARGE
WEBER GENESIS II E-210, $500 GRILL ZONE
0
OVERALL
Ext. dimensions (HxWxD): 46x47x28 inches 67 SCORE
BG2615B

This smaller version of Weber’s flagship gas grill is

(True Value), $400
Ext. dimensions (HxWxD):
0
64
OVERALL
nicely made, with considered touches you won’t find 46x64x22 inches SCORE
on lower-priced grills. “It has fold-down stainless
warming racks, which are perfect for keeping ham- This substantial stainless model
burger buns warm,” says CR grill tester Cindy Fisher, offers a lot for the money. It has
and a side-mounted propane tank that’s easy to five burners and a side burner,
access. It lacks a side burner and has an open cart and it’s solidly built. The Grill
under the grill. (Pricier Genesis models have a closed Zone gets high marks for even-
frame with metal doors.) This grill cooks evenly using ness and preheating but won’t
direct and indirect heat, but it’s slower to warm up deliver as broad a range of tem-
than other models and its temperature range is not peratures as its competitors—for
as broad as those found on the best small grills. this, you’ll need to spend more.

CR.ORG 33
WHERE THE GRILLS ARE: HOME DEPOT & LOWE’S
Forty-two percent of consumers buy their grills at major home centers. Competition
between Home Depot and Lowe’s means aggressive pricing on some of the spiffiest models
of the season. Here are several of our top picks currently sold at each.

WEBER GENESIS WEBER GENESIS

II LX S-640 II LX S-640
$2,000 (Large) $2,000 (Large)

69 69
WEBER GENESIS WEBER GENESIS
II LX S-440 II LX S-440
$1,600 (Large) $1,600 (Large)
$1,000 &
71 71
ABOVE
WEBER WEBER GENESIS
GENESIS II LX S-340
II LX S-340 $1,200 (Midsized)
$1,200 (Midsized)
77
77

BROIL KING
REGAL S590 KITCHENAID
PRO 958344 720-0893D
$1,100 (Large) $900 (Large)

72 CHAR-BROIL
66
SMARTCHEF
463346017
WEBER $800 (Small) WEBER
GENESIS II $1,000- GENESIS II
E-310 72 $700 E-310
$700 (Midsized) $700 (Midsized) DYNA-GLO
PREMIUM
69 69 DGA550SP-D
$485 (Midsized)

64

$700-
$400
CHAR-BROIL
SIGNATURE
463348017 NEXGRILL
$400 (Midsized) DELUXE
720-0896B
70 CHAR-BROIL $400 (Midsized)
ADVANTAGE
CHAR-BROIL 463344116 NEXGRILL 69
$400 &
PERFORMANCE $270 (Midsized) 720-0830H HUNTINGTON
463625217
UNDER $270 (Midsized) 665154
$200 (Small) 69 $200 (Small)
74
63 70

34 CR.ORG
 BEST BETS BY PRICE

$ 700- M
MIDSIZED
NAPOLEON
ROGUE
R425SBPK, $750
Ext. dimensions (HxWxD):
47x50x26 inches
0
66
OVERALL
SCORE

$ 1,000 The Rogue is an option for

anyone whose heart is set
on a Napoleon but whose
pockets aren’t deep enough
for the brand’s pricier offer-
Grills in this price tier come with plenty
ings. (Napoleon’s top-rated
of features, as well as solid construc- large model, the Prestige
tion and generous warranties. You’ll Pro, costs $3,200.) The Rogue
also ind more oferings from premium performs well and is impressive
at indirect cooking, but there
manufacturers, which translates into are higher-scoring models for
the added assurance that replacement less, if you can live without the
parts will be available. Most grills in this Napoleon cred.
price range can be converted to connect
to a natural gas line, eliminating the
need for reillable propane canisters.
L
LARGE

S
SMALL

CHAR-BROIL

0 0
SmartChef 463346017, $800 OVERALL KITCHENAID 720-0893D, $900 OVERALL
Ext. dimensions (HxWxD): 48x51x23 inches 72 SCORE
Ext. dimensions (HxWxD): 49x50x24 inches
66 SCORE

This solid performer boasts built-in WiFi that This KitchenAid makes quite an impression: It’s clad in high-quality
enables you to control cooking remotely with stainless steel and, with more than 555 square inches of cooking space
an app on your phone. Our expert testers found and 545 square inches of shelf space, is large enough for even the most
the app to be a bit frustrating to use: It can’t, for ambitious griller. Its solid across-the-board performance, with especially
instance, override the programmed internal cook- high marks for indirect cooking and Very Good scores for preheating and
ing temperatures for meat and poultry (based on maintaining steady temperatures at low heat, makes it a smart centerpiece
Department of Agriculture recommendations). Still, for an outdoor kitchen. It converts to run on natural gas, so you’ll never
the feature does take a lot of guesswork out of have to worry about refilling propane tanks, and it has a side burner and
cooking, which might appeal to novice grillers. dedicated searing burner, in addition to five primary burners.

CR.ORG 35
Ratings   Cooking With Gas We’ve rated cooking performance, sturdiness, and other key factors of 109 small,
midsized, and large grills to simplify your shopping process—and get you grilling more quickly.

Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results Features

Score

Indirect cooking
Recommended

Long-warranty
Stainless steel
Convenience
performance

performance

Temperature

Coated cast-
Sturdiness

iron grates
Evenness

Preheat

burners
grates
range
Rank

SMALL GAS GRILLS (room for up to 18 burgers)

!
0 1 Char-Broil SmartChef 463346017 72 $800 5
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

!
0 2 Char-Broil Signature 463675517 71 $300 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 0 0

!
0 3 Weber Genesis II LX S-240 71 $1,000 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 0 0

4 Huntington 665154 (Home Depot) 70 $200 4

0 4
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

Huntington Cast 3400 30040

5
(Home Depot)
69 $210 3
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 3
0
Nexgrill Evolution Infrared
6
720-0864M (Home Depot)
68 $250 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0

Char-Broil Commercial
7 Tru-Infrared 463642316
[Item #748075] (Lowe’s)
67 $300 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 0 0

8 Weber Genesis II E-210 67 $500 4

0 3
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 0 0

9 Kenmore Patio 6256600 (Kmart) 65 $270 4

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 2
0 3
0 0

Char-Broil Performance 463625217 63

10
[Item # 803379] (Lowe’s)
$200 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

11 Char-Broil Performance 463673517 63 $170 3

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

Grill Zone BG1762B [Item # 204378] 61

12
(True Value)
$250 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

Dyna-Glo Dual Fuel

13
DDGB730SNB-D
60 $470 4
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

14 Blue Rhino UniFlame GBC1273SP 60 $550 3

0 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 0

15 Landmann Falcon Series 42204 57 $400 4

0 5
0 2
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 0

16 RevoAce GBC1729W (Walmart) 54 $120 3

0 5
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 2
0
17 Uniflame GBC1405SP 52 $230 4
0 4
0 2
0 3
0 2
0 3
0
KitchenAid 720-0891B (Home
18
Depot)
51 $300 2
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

19 RevoAce GBC1705WV (Walmart) 49 $105 4

0 5
0 2
0 3
0 2
0 2
0

THE SECRET matter more for certain types the same time, regardless of fillets, watch for Temperature
of cooking. Match your where they sat on the grates. range. It captures the span
TO A PERFECT grilling style to the appropriate between the highest and
MATCH test results; then consider THE SERIAL GRILLER: lowest temperatures a grill can
the models that excel in Our Preheat performance maintain. Models with the best
that area. test captures how fast a grill scores will let you sear a steak
heats and how even the beautifully or roast a pork
To find the absolute best grill CROWD PLEASER: If temperatures are across the shoulder for hours.
for you, consult our individual you love to entertain big surface after 10 minutes—a
performance tests as well groups, look to Evenness key measurement for anyone THE BARBECUE AFICIONADO:
as the Overall Score. Rapid performance. Grills that who wants their grill ready at If you’re passionate about
preheating, even heating, earn high marks heat evenly, a moment’s notice. pulled pork, check Indirect
a wide temperature range, meaning you can toss cooking to see which grills are
and the ability to cook low 20 burgers on and know that THE CURIOUS COOK: For best at the low, steady temper-
and slow are important they’ll all be cooked to the those who grill everything atures that this and other
capabilities—but some same degree of doneness at from pizza to delicate trout barbecue standards require.

36 CR.ORG MAY 2018

 Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results Features
Score

Indirect cooking
Recommended

Long-warranty
Stainless steel
Convenience
performance

performance

Temperature

Coated cast-
Sturdiness

iron grates
Evenness

Preheat

burners
grates
range
Rank

SMALL GAS GRILLS (room for up to 18 burgers) Continued

20 RevoAce GBC1708WDC (Walmart) 47 $90 4

0 5
0 2
0 2
0 2
0 2
0
21 Cadac Stratos 98700-23-01 40 $300 1
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0

MIDSIZED GAS GRILLS (room for up to 28 burgers)

!
0 1 Weber Genesis II LX S-340 77 $1,200 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 0 0

Kenmore 6256595
2
[PG-40405SOL] (Kmart)
76 $400 5
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

$
0 3 Nexgrill 720-0830H (Home Depot) 74 $270 5
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

4 Kenmore Elite 550 Series 48587 72 $850 4

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

5 Kenmore Elite 600 Series 48593 70 $1,220 3

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 0 0

Char-Broil Signature 463348017

6
[Item # 799960] (Lowe’s)
70 $400 5
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

7 Char-Broil Signature 463372017 70 $430 5

0 3
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

Nexgrill Deluxe 720-0896B

8
(Home Depot)
69 $400 4
0 5
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 0

9 Even Embers GAS7540AS 69 $300 5

0 5
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

10 Weber Genesis II E-310 69 $700 4

0 3
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

Char-Broil Advantage 463344116

11
[Item #748080] (Lowe’s)
69 $270 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

12 Napoleon Prestige P500RSIB 68 $1,400 4

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

13 Kenmore 20125 68 $500 4

0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

Char-Broil Performance
14 463347017 [Item # 799958]
(Lowe’s)
68 $200 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

3 Embers GAS7480AS
15
(Tractor Supply)
67 $500 5
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

16 3 Embers GAS7480BS 67 $620 5

0 4
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

Char-Broil Signature
17
Tru-Infrared 463367016
67 $400 4
0 3
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

18 Napoleon Rogue R425SBPK 66 $750 4

0 3
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

19 Kenmore 34611 66 $230 4

0 4
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0

20 Napoleon Rogue R425SIBPSS 66 $950 4

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

21 Weber Summit S-470 66 $1,900 4

0 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

22 Monument Grills 27592 65 $340 3

0 5
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 0

Char-Broil Signature 463245017

23
[Item # 799961] (Lowe’s)
65 $335 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 0 0

24 Char-Broil Signature 463277017 65 $530 4

0 4
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 0 0

Char-Broil Commercial
25 Tru-Infrared 463242515
[Item #606680] (Lowe’s)
65 $400 4
0 2
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

26 Expert Grill BG2824B (Walmart) 65 $150 4

0 4
0 4
0 5
0 2
0 5
0 0

Char-Broil Commercial
27 Tru-Infrared 463242715
[Item #606682] (Lowe’s)
64 $500 4
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

28 Napoleon LEX485RSIB 64 $1,250 4

0 5
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 0

Char-Broil Signature
29
Tru-Infrared 463276016
64 $500 4
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 $
0 MAY 2018 CR.ORG 37
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
Ratings   Cooking With Gas Continued

Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results Features

Score

Indirect cooking
Recommended

Long-warranty
Stainless steel
Convenience
performance

performance

Temperature

Coated cast-
Sturdiness

iron grates
Evenness

Preheat

burners
grates
range
Rank

MIDSIZED GAS GRILLS (room for up to 28 burgers) Continued

Dyna-Glo Premium
30
DGA550SSP-D
64 $485 3
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0

Char-Broil Performance
31
463376017
64 $215 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0

32 Grill Zone BG2723B (True Value) 64 $200 4

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

33 Chef’s Grill RT-24175-1 63 $450 3

0 5
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 0

34 Nexgrill 720-0888N (Home Depot) 63 $200 3

0 5
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0

35 Chef’s Grill IR2818-1 63 $650 3

0 4
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid

36
463340516
63 $300 3
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

37 Cal Flame G3 A La Cart Plus 63 $2,300 3

0 4
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

38 Delsol DSBQ25G-DSGB25 62 $1,750 3

0 3
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

39 Kenmore 46365 62 $300 3

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0

40 Nexgrill 720-0896 (Home Depot) 61 $300 3

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 0

Char-Broil Performance
41
463335517 (Walmart)
61 $200 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 2
0 0

42 Monument Grills 38667 61 $360 3

0 5
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 0

43 Kenmore 46372 61 $340 3

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0

44 Kokomo Grills KO-BAK4BG-C 60 $2,240 3

0 3
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

Nexgrill Evolution 720-0882A

45
(Home Depot)
60 $380 3
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 0

Grill Zone BG2724B

46
[Item # 204380] (True Value)
60 $300 3
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

47 Broil King Imperial 490 956884 58 $1,600 2

0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

48 Huntington Patriot 4400 682164 58 $400 3

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 0 0

Broil King Signet 320 986854

49
[Item #758098] (Lowe’s)
58 $400 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

50 Kenmore 45961 58 $330 3

0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

51 Kenmore 23681 57 $500 3

0 4
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 0 0

KitchenAid 720-0953
52
(Home Depot)
54 $500 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

Dyna-Glo DGF493BNP
53
(Home Depot)
51 $160 2
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 2
0 3
0 0

54 Aussie Deluxe 6480-DS 51 $600 3

0 5
0 2
0 2
0 4
0 3
0 0

55 American Outdoor Grill 24PCT 50 $2,200 2

0 3
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

56 Delta Heat DHGB32-C 50 $2,930 2

0 2
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

Member’s Mark
57
GR2210601-MM-00 (Sam’s Club)
50 $300 2
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0

KitchenAid 720-0954
58
(Home Depot)
48 $700 2
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 0 0

59 Bel Air 79000 47 $600 3

0 5
0 2
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 0

60 Char-Griller Grillin Pro 3001 45 $225 2

0 5
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 2
0 0

61 Saber Cast Black R50CC0617 44 $1,000 2

0 2
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

Summerset Sizzler Series

62
CART-SIZ32
43 $1,950 2
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0

38 CR.ORG MAY 2018

 Brand & Model Overall Price Test Results Features
Score

Indirect cooking
Recommended

Long-warranty
Stainless steel
Convenience
performance

performance

Temperature

Coated cast-
Sturdiness

iron grates
Evenness

Preheat

burners
grates
range
Rank

MIDSIZED GAS GRILLS (room for up to 28 burgers) Continued

63 Cadac Stratos 3 98700-33-01 42 $450 2

0 4
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 5
0
Dyna-Glo DGF510SBP
64
(Home Depot)
42 $200 2
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 0

65 Saber Cast Black R67CC1117 39 $1,400 3

0 3
0 1
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

66 Fervor Icon 350S 29 $1,200 1

0 3
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 0

LARGE GAS GRILLS (room for 28 or more burgers)

!
0 1 Napoleon Prestige Pro 665RSIB 75 $3,200 4
0 3
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

2 Kenmore Elite 700 Series 48591 75 $1,600 4

0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 0 0

!
0 3 Broil King Regal S590 Pro 958344 72 $1,100 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

!
0 4 Weber Genesis II LX S-440 71 $1,600 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 5
0 0 0

5 Kenmore 16156 70 $600 4

0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

6 Weber Summit E-670 69 $2,500 4

0 4
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 0 0

7 Weber Genesis II LX S-640 69 $2,000 4

0 4
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 0 0

8 Weber Genesis II E-410 69 $900 5

0 3
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

Char-Broil Performance
9
463276517
67 $380 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 0

Char-Broil Performance
10 463245917 [Item # 803378]
(Lowe’s)
67 $350 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 0

11 Napoleon LEX730RSBIPSS 66 $1,800 4

0 5
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

12 KitchenAid 720-0893D 66 $900 4

0 4
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

13 Weber Genesis II E-610 65 $1,300 4

0 3
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

14 KitchenAid 720-0856V (Costco) 64 $900 4

0 4
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

Grill Zone BG2615B

15
[Item # 204381] (True Value)
64 $400 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0

16 Broil King Imperial 590 958884 64 $1,800 3

0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

Broil King Sovereign XLS 90

17
988844
62 $900 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 0 0

18 Bradley Grill Deluxe BG50506 60 $970 3

0 5
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 0

19 Saber R67SC0012 54 $1,900 4

0 2
0 2
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0

20 Blaze BLZ-5-LP + BLZ-5-CART 51 $2,115 2

0 4
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

21 Fervor Icon 655S 43 $2,150 2

0 3
0 2
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0

22 Kenmore 20153 43 $1,900 3

0 4
0 1
0 3
0 3
0 5
0 0 0

Online members can go to CR.org/grills for complete, up-to-date ratings.

HOW WE TEST: Overall Score combines how even the temperature range is It also indicates how fast the grill the grill will slow-cook food when it’s
results from our tests for Evenness across the cooking surface during reaches its maximum temperature. not placed directly over flames and
performance, Preheat performance, preheat and using the main burners’ Temperature range reflects the span using a burner or two. Convenience
Temperature range, Indirect cooking, lowest and highest settings. Preheat between the lowest and highest is our evaluation of basic features.
Convenience, and Sturdiness. performance measures how hot the settings using all main burners. Sturdiness is how solidly built each
Evenness performance indicates cooking surface is after 10 minutes. Indirect cooking tells you how well model is. Price is approximate retail.

1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 $
0 MAY 2018 CR.ORG 39
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
 Consumers'
out-of-pocket drug
costs are rising fast,
from $25 billion in
2000 to a projected
$67 billion in 2025.

40 CR.ORG
How to Pay Less
for Your Meds
No one should have to choose between paying for their groceries
and paying for their prescriptions. Yet as the burden of high drug costs
grows heavier, more Americans say they're facing that choice and
other difficult decisions. Learn why this is happening, how it can be
stopped, and what you can do now to lower your costs.
by Lisa L. Gill

CR.ORG 41
SP ECI A L RE POR T

desperate. A nationally representative a pharmacoeconomics professor

Consumer Reports survey of almost at the University of Minnesota,
1,200 adults who currently take a in Minneapolis.
prescription drug found that high The players include drug companies
costs are forcing people to cut back that continually raise prices for
on groceries, delay retirement, existing products, saying that the
and even take on a second job. And extra proit is needed to bring new
some say they’re making potentially drugs to market. It also includes
dangerous choices, such as rationing physicians, who too rarely talk with
or even stopping their meds. Just like patients about the afordability of the
Vanderwist. drugs they prescribe. And it involves
“Seeing a patient give up needed a tangled web of insurers, employers,
medication or struggle to pay for food big drugstore chains, and companies
or housing because of high drug costs called pharmacy beneit managers
CHUCK VANDERWIST, 38, says he had is devastating,” says Marvin M. Lipman, that act as go-betweens among them
to make some awful choices once he M.D., Consumer Reports’ chief medical all. Each has its own interests and
learned that his health insurer would adviser. “While it’s not always possible contributes to making our system so
no longer cover his prescription for to limit those costs, it often is.” expensive, complicated, and confusing,
Humalog, the brand of insulin he’d That’s what this report is all about: Schondelmeyer says.
relied on for 17 years to control his helping you get the drugs you need at President Donald J. Trump, in
type 1 diabetes. While appealing the prices you can aford. his State of the Union address,
sudden and expensive change in acknowledged the problem. “I have
coverage, he began rationing his directed my administration to make
remaining supply—a practice that Why Drugs Cost So Much ixing the injustice of high drug prices
landed him in the emergency room Americans spend more on drugs than one of my top priorities,” he said.
several times with dangerously high people in any other country—and costs And a report from the National
blood sugar levels. continue to rise. In 2016 total drug Academies of Science, Engineering, and
And then, even after his appeal costs went up 6.3 percent compared Medicine, out late last year, identiied
succeeded, Vanderwist had a new with the year before, about three times possible ixes, including allowing the
problem: His co-pay for a 90-day the rate for other goods and services, government to directly negotiate prices
prescription jumped to nearly $500, according to the Department of Labor. with drug companies and encouraging
triple what it used to be. With other The amount consumers have to pay greater price transparency. But even
medical bills, rent, and child support, the out of pocket is also rising, from about its authors noted that industry and
father from Montrose, Colo., says he had $25 billion in 2000 to a projected political resistance make it unlikely that
to make another diicult appeal: “I was $67 billion in 2025. meaningful reform will come soon.
forced to borrow thousands of dollars Why is that? There are lots of Meanwhile, some large companies
from my family and friends.” reasons, with lots of players—and with in the healthcare marketplace are
As drug costs continue to rise, consumers stuck in the middle, says trying to tackle the problem on their
Americans are feeling squeezed and Stephen W. Schondelmeyer, Ph.D., own. Earlier this year a consortium of
PHOTO, PREVIOUS SPREAD: DAN SAELINGER/TRUNK ARCHIVE
450 hospitals announced plans to make
its own supply of drugs that it says
cost too much or are in short supply.
And three iconic companies—Amazon,
“I was forced to Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan
Chase—say they’re working together to
borrow thousands create a healthcare company for their
combined 1 million U.S. employees.
of dollars from my Consumers have also had to
family and friends.” improvise. Chuck Vanderwist
eventually worked with his doctor to
CHUCK VANDERWIST, MONTROSE, COLO. transition to a slightly less expensive
brand of insulin, and a pharmacist

42 CR.ORG MAY 2018

Painful Trade-Offs
The high cost of drugs is forcing many Americans to cut back on groceries, delay retirement, or ration their
healthcare in potentially dangerous ways. That’s according to a CR survey of nearly 1,200 adults in the U.S.
currently taking prescription drugs. And that’s especially true for people who experienced a price hike in the past year.

Household SPENT LESS ON

ENTERTAINMENT
SPENT LESS
ON GROCERIES
SPENT LESS
ON FAMILY
Changes AND DINING OUT

People who experienced a

price increase for at least 45% 32% 32%
one of their drugs in the past
12 months were more likely
than those without increases
to take these steps to pay for
Compared with 20% of those who Compared with 16% of those who Compared with 14% of those who
their medication:
didn’t have a drug price increase didn’t have a drug price increase didn’t have a drug price increase

USED A CREDIT CARD POSTPONED PAYING POSTPONED RETIREMENT TOOK A

MORE OFTEN OTHER BILLS TO KEEP HEALTH INSURANCE SECOND JOB

31% 21% 12% 8%

Compared with 14% of those who Compared with 10% of those who Compared with 7% of those who Compared with 5% of those who
didn’t have a drug price increase didn’t have a drug price increase didn’t have a drug price increase didn’t have a drug price increase

DIDN’T FILL A DECLINED A MEDICAL TEST PUT OFF

Healthcare PRESCRIPTION BECAUSE OR PROCEDURE A DOCTOR’S VISIT
Changes THE COST WAS TOO HIGH

People who had a price increase

for at least one of their drugs in 30% 27% 26%
the past 12 months were more
likely than those without price
increases to take these other
cost-saving, but risky, steps:
Compared with 13% of those who Compared with 14% of those who Compared with 17% of those who
didn’t have a drug price increase didn’t have a drug price increase didn’t have a drug price increase

SWITCHED TO A TOOK EXPIRED DIDN’T TAKE A DRUG CUT PILLS IN HALF WITHOUT
SUPPLEMENT, AN OTC DRUG, MEDICATION AS OFTEN AS SCHEDULED A DOCTOR’S APPROVAL
OR A NONDRUG THERAPY

20% 18% 16% 15%

Compared with 11% of those who Compared with 7% of those who Compared with 11% of those who Compared with 8% of those who
didn’t have a drug price increase didn’t have a drug price increase didn’t have a drug price increase didn’t have a drug price increase

Source: A Consumer Reports nationally representative survey of 1,180 adults currently taking prescription medication,
286 of whom experienced a cost increase in at least one drug in the past 12 months and 787 who did not. 43
SP ECI A L RE POR T

6 Smart, Safe
tracked down a manufacturer’s
coupon that brought his cost down
even further, to about $50 a month.

Consumers Fight Back

A Consumer Reports investigation has
Ways to
identiied several ways consumers can
lower their drug costs. To ind these
ixes, we talked with pharmacists,
Lower Your
drugstore executives, insurance and
Medicare experts, and consumers.
Additionally, our secret shoppers
Drug Costs
called more than 100 pharmacies
across the U.S., asking questions
including “Is that really the best price
you can ofer?”
Along the way, we gained some there are some common- secret shoppers found. On the
surprising—and often counterintuitive— sense strategies everyone should following pages we describe
insights. For example, the cost of consider when trying to lower drug ways to address six common
the same prescription drug can vary costs, beginning with these three: and particularly vexing
by hundreds of dollars at diferent Ask your doctor whether you situations involving high drug
need a drug in the first place. costs. They sometimes call
pharmacies, even within the same
You might not. In an April 2017 for tricks that might seem
town. And you can sometimes save nationally representative CR counterintuitive at first but have
money by not using your insurance and survey of more than 1,000 adults been found to work.
instead looking for coupons online, who take prescription drugs, While these workarounds offer
shopping around, and paying cash. 70 percent of those who asked quick fixes, they aren’t long-
their doctor if they could cut term solutions to the underlying
To ind those savings, you may
down on their drugs were able to problems. That’s why CR is also
have to ask pharmacists some direct eliminate at least one. suggesting meaningful systemic
questions. That’s because they’re If a drug is necessary, ask how reforms that government,
sometimes bound by “gag clauses” in much it will cost. A more recent industry, and employers should
contracts with insurers that prohibit CR survey found that most make right now to fix the flaws
doctors don’t regularly talk about that cause high drug prices.
them from suggesting cheaper
drug costs with patients. So you
alternatives without irst being directly might need to take the lead.
asked by a consumer. When you do, ask whether a less CASE
“The system is broken when big costly drug might work as well. For 1
companies proit while consumers—even example, generic drugs have the
those with insurance—are left paying same active ingredients as brand-
high prices for the drugs they need,”
name ones, they're regulated in An Insurance
the same way by the Food and
says Jessica Rich, who heads Consumers Drug Administration, and they Change Drives
Union, the advocacy division of
Consumer Reports. “We are ighting to
cost 80 to 85 percent less.
Look into 90-day prescriptions
Up the Price
make the system fairer, but consumers for medication to treat chronic Until this year, Michele K., 40,
conditions such as high blood never had to think much about
should also know about workarounds
pressure and diabetes. That the cost of her medication. She
they can try right now to get some relief.” reduces how often you need had no annual deductible and
Even with the tips outlined in the to cover co-pays. Or you could just a $20 co-pay when she filled
following pages, high drug costs skip insurance altogether. That's her monthly prescription for
are sometimes inevitable. But we’ve because paying cash for a 90-day Humira, a drug she takes to treat
supply could be cheaper than rheumatoid arthritis. Without
identiied many common situations
three co-pays, says Victor Curtis, insurance, it could cost about
when these strategies are worth trying. R.Ph., senior vice president of $5,000 a month.
And you might be surprised by how pharmacy for Costco, consistently So she was devastated to learn
efective they can be. one of the lowest-priced, CR's that her employer had switched

44 CR.ORG MAY 2018

insurance plans for 2018. Her new had that kind of plan. and time-consuming. And you insurers they contract with,
co-pay was $100. More troubling, YO U R S O LV E should check with your insurer limiting how much employees
she now had a $1,500 deductible Michele searched for to see whether a coupon will pay per prescription or month.
to pay before insurance kicked manufacturer coupons on the count toward meeting your About a third of employers do
in. “It’s like I took a huge pay cut,” website for AbbVie, the company deductible and out-of-pocket this, according to the Pharmacy
says Michele, who asked not that makes Humira. She found maximum. In addition, people Benefit Management Institute.
to be fully identified for fear of discounts that, over a full year, on Medicaid or Medicare or The Trump administration
retaliation by her employer. could save her at least $1,000. living in California might not has proposed similar limits for
“It’s outrageous.” To see whether a drugmaker be able to use them at all. Medicare Part D plans.
WHY IT HAPPENS offers discounts for an expensive That's because critics say Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J.,
In an effort to deal with medication you take, check its manufacturer coupons can Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Bernie
rising healthcare costs, many website or go to medicare.gov/ drive up drug prices in the Sanders, I-Vt., along with Reps.
employers now require workers pharmaceutical-assistance- long run by circumventing Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and
to shoulder a larger percentage program. the negotiated drug lists, or Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, have
of their medical expenses, Another option for people so-called formularies, that are introduced legislation that
including drugs. In 2017 more with high-deductible plans supposed to control medication would let consumers legally
than 40 percent of Americans is to look into health savings costs and keep them fair for order drugs approved by the
with private insurance were accounts, or HSAs. They allow all consumers. Food and Drug Administration
enrolled in high-deductible people with high-deductible And keep in mind that HSAs from Canada. Consumers
plans, meaning they had to pay plans to spend up to $6,900 a are a good option only if you Union, the advocacy division
at least $2,600 for a family and year in tax-exempt dollars on can afford to fund the accounts of Consumer Reports, supports
$1,300 for an individual, out of out-of-pocket medical expenses. in the first place. that legislation.
pocket, before insurance kicked P O T E N T I A L S N AG S L O N G -T E R M S O L U T I O N S
in. In 2010 just 25 percent of Arranging for manufacturer Employers could establish “out
those with private insurance coupons can be complicated of pocket” maximums with the
CASE
2

An Old
CASE 2
Drug Shoots
“I asked Up in Price
When Cheryl Kennedy’s
my doctor 4-year-old daughter was
diagnosed with pinworm, her

for an doctor prescribed a drug called

Albenza. A few years ago, an
Albenza prescription cost $6.
alternative. But when Kennedy’s daughter
was prescribed the drug, the

$700 price was nearly $700, even

with insurance.

seemed WHY IT HAPPENS

Some drugs, such as Albenza,
are prescribed so infrequently
absurd.” that when their patent
expires, no company applies
CHERYL KENNEDY, to the FDA to make a low-
CHICAGO cost generic version. But a
few years ago some drug
companies started seeing
a business opportunity in
these overlooked drugs and
began purchasing the rights
to them—then jacking up the
prices. That’s what happened
in 2015 in the highly publicized
case of Martin Shkreli, then the
CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals.
He bought the rights to the

MAY 2018 CR.ORG 45

SP ECI A L RE POR T

Carlisle has no insurance and

would have to pay full retail,
CASE 3 she ended up not filling the
prescription at all.

“When I found out WHY IT HAPPENS

Drugmakers often tweak older
drugs, then apply for a new
my new drug was patent, allowing them to charge
more for the “improved” product.
$600, I was But those changes are often
minor—a slightly larger dose,

shocked or time-released—and the

new drugs aren’t much better
than the original.
and Sometimes generic drug prices
spike in another way: not in higher
angry.” costs for new “branded” drugs
but in skyrocketing prices of the
National
original generic. About 20 percent
KIWI CARLISLE ,
MAPLEWOOD, MO.
of generics have had price hikes of Save Money
at least 100 percent between 2013 on Your Meds
and 2017, according to an analysis
by the Drug Channels Institute, a
Week
consulting firm.
That includes basic meds such Consumer
as the antibiotic tetracycline, the Reports is
diabetes drug metformin, and the
blood pressure drug captopril. calling for the
Those increases can occur when second week
several drug companies stop
making a generic, and the ones of April—the
that still do take advantage 7th to the
of the reduced competition to
charge more, according to a
14th—to be
report from the Government National Save
antiparasitic drug Daraprim— allows companies to make Accountability Office.
and raised the price from generic versions of otherwise The net result for consumers is a
Money on Your
$13.50 a pill to $750. very expensive drugs. CU double-whammy: higher costs for Meds Week.
supports that measure. old standbys and expensive, newly
YO U R S O LV E
Ask your doctor whether a branded meds that may not be
We're urging
related but less expensive drug necessary or covered by insurance. consumers
is an option. When Kennedy CASE YO U R S O LV E
to bring their
asked, her doctor suggested 3 Ask your doctor whether an older
trying Reese’s Pinworm drug would work just as well. For prescription
Medicine, an over-the-counter example, Carlisle plans to ask meds to their
drug that cost less than $15. A Cheap Generic her healthcare provider to switch
It worked. back to generic topirimate but local pharmacy
L O N G -T E R M S O L U T I O N S
Becomes Pricey get two prescriptions: one for that week to
Consumers Union supports When Kiwi Carlisle’s migraines 100 mg and another for 50 mg.
legislation called the CREATES began to worsen, her nurse The combined cost: about $24 ask for the
Act that would help make practitioner switched her from through the price-comparison lowest possible
generic versions of a brand- generic Topamax to a new drug, tool GoodRx. Or if you really want
name drug available more Qudexy XR. Both contain the to stick with the tweaked, more price. CR’s
quickly. In addition, Rep. Lloyd drug topirimate. But Qudexy XR expensive prescription, enlist your shoppers found
Doggett of Texas has urged the is a new version, tweaked by a doctor’s help in appealing to your
Health and Human Services drugmaker to come in a larger employer, insurer, or state board that can be
Department to consider large dose that is released over time. of insurance, explaining why that surprisingly
price hikes in meds that were The biggest difference is the version is medically necessary.
developed with public funds as price—less than $15 for the old P O T E N T I A L S N AG S
effective.
a reason to use the agency's generic and about $600 for the Keep this in mind: If you have
“march-in” rights. That law newly branded one. Because insurance but choose not to use

46 CR.ORG MAY 2018 ILLUSTRATION BY THE TOM AGENCY

it and shop around instead, the Schondelmeyer, a professor of Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Finder tool at medicare.gov
amount you spend won’t count pharmaceutical economics at Minnesota, Nevada, North and noticed something curious.
toward your deductible or out- the University of Minnesota. Carolina, North Dakota, South In some cases, it costs more to
of-pocket maximum. He describes clawbacks as Dakota, and Texas have have the prescriptions mailed
L O N G -T E R M S O L U T I O N S unnecessary, hidden charges banned clawbacks, gag to you than filled in person at
Consumers Union and other that end up costing consumers. clauses, or both, according a pharmacy. In one plan, for
advocacy groups have YO U R S O LV E to the National Community example, a full year’s worth of
supported legal action by the Ask your pharmacist how much Pharmacists Association. CU both prescriptions would cost
Federal Trade Commission to you would pay if you didn’t use is working on getting similar $577 through the mail but only
stop companies from using insurance, suggests Victor measures passed in other states. $341 in a store.
tweaks to their older medication Curtis of Costco. Pharmacists WHY IT HAPPENS
as a reason to extend patents. usually won’t offer up such Some plans require or strongly
And a new Maryland law allows insider information without encourage you to fill all your
the state to sue drug companies prodding because contracts CASE maintenance meds—those you
that jack up prices of generic between a drugstore chain and 5 take for chronic conditions—
and off-patent drugs. Other a PBM may have a “gag clause” through mail order. While
states, including Colorado, that prohibits him or her from that can sometimes save you
Illinois, and Vermont, are also sharing that information. Mail-Order Drugs money, it often doesn't. When
looking into ways to rein in
price gouging.
P O T E N T I A L S N AG
Again, if you don’t use your
Are More Costly the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS) looked
insurance, what you spend won't We recently searched for the into the cost of 50 common
count toward your deductible or price of two common drugs— drugs in 2013, they found that
out-of-pocket maximum. generic Lipitor, a cholesterol with over a third of the plans
CASE L O N G -T E R M S O L U T I O N S med, and generic Cymbalta, an they looked at, drugs cost
4 Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, antidepressant—using the Plan more through the mail than at

A Drug Costs
More With
Insurance CASE 4

In early 2018 Murray Bob, a

67-year-old computer software
developer in Acton, Mass.,
“Overcharging
was surprised to find that a
prescription for generic Xanax
consumers even
cost almost $40 more with
a Medicare Part D drug plan small amounts
than without it if he shopped
at the online pharmacy
HealthWarehouse.com.
can harm
WHY IT HAPPENS
Bob could be experiencing
people and
a “clawback.” That’s when
companies called pharmacy waste millions
benefit managers (PBMs),
which act as go-betweens for
drugmakers and pharmacies,
of dollars."
set higher prices on meds MURRAY BOB,
than drugstores. ACTON, MASS.
When asked to explain
clawbacks, the Pharmaceutical
Care Management Association,
which represents PBMs, didn't
comment directly, saying only,
"We support the patient paying
the lowest price available at
the pharmacy counter."
Critics of the practice are
more direct. “It borders on
fraud,” says Stephen W.

MAY 2018 CR.ORG 47

SP ECI A L RE POR T

a store. And this March, in an L O N G -T E R M S O L U T I O N S WHY IT HAPPENS Riccardi, vice president of client
analysis for Consumer Reports, New York prohibits mandatory Medicare Part D, the government services for the Medicare Rights
the National Community mail order in insurance plans. drug plan for people 65 and Center, a nonprofit organization
Pharmacists Association found Consumers Union would like older, usually functions like that helps people manage their
the same pattern for common other states to adopt the other insurance, with an annual plans. Here’s how:
medications with certain plans same restriction. deductible plus monthly ■ Compare plans before you
in nine U.S. cities. premiums and co-pays. But enroll. When you first sign up
YO U R S O LV E that changes when annual drug near your 65th birthday or
When signing up for health costs, including out-of-pocket during open enrollment in the
plans, look for ones that don’t CASE bills and what the plan pays fall, go to medicare.gov/find-
force you to use mail order 6 a pharmacy, reach $3,750. At a-plan or call 800-MEDICARE
for your maintenance meds. that point, you have to pay a to see how well different plans
Plans that do “often cost more,” higher percentage—35 percent cover the drugs you take and
Schondelmeyer says. Medicare Patients for branded drugs and whether you’re likely to go over
If you’re choosing a Medicare
Part D or Affordable Care
Face a Price Spike 44 percent for generics—until
they hit $5,000 in annual costs.
$3,750 in drug costs.
■ Consider an enhanced
Act plan, a retail pharmacy Robert Marchant from Deltona, After that, you qualify for Medicare Part D plan that
is always an option. But Fla., says that late last year “catastrophic coverage,” when doesn’t have the donut hole.
employers can mandate his monthly cost for Zetia, a you'll pay considerably less—just These plans tend to have higher
mail-order-only pharmacies. cholesterol drug, suddenly 5 percent—for the rest of the premiums, but if a coverage
In that case, Schondelmeyer shot up to $124 from $45. year. That gap in coverage is gap is likely, the extra cost may
says to complain to your HR “Unexpected cost increases known as the “donut hole.” be worthwhile.
department. If it hears from while on Social Security and YO U R S O LV E ■ Apply for help. Medicare
enough employees, it may look Medicare are a real budget Try to stay out of the higher- and many states help cover
for another option. disaster,” he says. priced zone, says Frederic premiums and co-pays for
people with low incomes. For
details, go to medicare.gov and
click on “Get Help With Costs.”
■ Appeal. If your plan doesn’t
cover your drug, appeal. For
CASE 6
advice on how, go to medicare.
gov/claims-and-appeals.

“Unexpected ■ Keep drug costs low. That

means taking such steps as
asking for generics, using
cost increases 90-day prescriptions, and
shopping around for deals.
while on L O N G -T E R M S O L U T I O N S
Under Congress’s most recent

Social Security budget, starting next year

consumers who wind up in the
donut hole will have to pay only
and Medicare 25 percent of their drug costs.
Also, some consumers with
are a real Part D coverage may start to
see discounts when they fill a

budget prescription. CMS is suggesting

that pharmacy benefit
managers redirect some of
disaster.” the rebates they currently
receive from drug companies
ROBERT MARCHANT, to consumers. But it's unclear
DELTONA , FL A . when that might happen.
CU thinks that CMS should
be able to use its purchasing
power to negotiate with drug
companies to get lower prices
for those on Medicare.

Additional reporting by
Ginger Skinner and Rachel
Rabkin Peachman.

48 CR.ORG MAY 2018

Shop Around
for Better Prices
Our secret shoppers did—
and the price differences
were remarkable.

The price of generic

Cymbalta, an antidepressant,
varied greatly among the
pharmacies our secret shoppers
called in Dallas. We found
patterns like this for other
drugs, too, in cities across
the country.

their retail cash prices for a one-month ofering a no-frills experience, with no
supply of ive commonly prescribed 24-hour service and pharmacies closed
drugs—basically the prices a consumer on Sundays.
would pay without insurance. When we asked CVS and Rite Aid
The range in prices that they about their comparatively higher prices,
found was stunning. The ive-drug representatives for each explained that
SHOPPING AROUND FOR prescription “marketbasket” cost just $66 at the online there are in-store programs that can
drugs can save you a lot of money. And pharmacy HealthWarehouse.com but $105 help lower prices for people who don’t
doing so can sometimes mean that the at Costco. The two highest-priced national have insurance.
least expensive option is paying the retailers—CVS and Rite Aid—had prices But when we brought new
retail price instead of going through closer to $900 for the ive drugs. prescriptions to CVS and Rite Aid
your insurance, a Consumer Reports Victor Curtis, R.Ph., senior vice to verify what we were told, we got
investigation found. president of pharmacy at Costco, says, mixed results. Staf members at some
Our secret shoppers called more than “We just price products as low as we pharmacies used store coupons and
150 pharmacies in six metropolitan possibly can and still make a modest other vouchers to ofer our shoppers
regions around the U.S. asking for proit.” Costco does that, he says, by much lower prices; others provided

ILLUSTRATION BY THE TOM AGENCY MAY 2018 CR.ORG 49

SP ECI A L RE POR T

modest discounts or none at all. had at the two CVS stores, a company Why It Pays to Shop Around
For example, a Rite Aid store near our spokesperson, Mike DeAngelis, said that Shopping around for drugs is clearly
headquarters in Yonkers, N.Y., was able to the pharmacy chain is now introducing important if you’re among the 9 percent
get the price of atorvastatin, the generic new tools to make it easier for its of U.S. adults, or roughly 28 million
version of Lipitor, down to just $18 from pharmacists to help patients lower their people, who don’t have health insurance
$300 through a combination of in-store high drug costs. He also said that CVS and must pay all of their drug costs
and external discount programs. is educating staf members “in order to and other healthcare expenses, says
But at another Rite Aid, we were told provide a consistent customer experience Orly Avitzur, M.D., Consumer Reports’
the cost could only be lowered to $127. across our locations.” medical director. But it can be worth the
And while one CVS used discounts A spokesperson for Rite Aid, Ashley efort even when you are insured.
to lower our shopper’s cost by about Flower, said the company couldn’t That’s because we found that the
$86, another said that we had to pay the explain the diferent experiences our lowest retail prices in pharmacies can
store’s full retail price of $135. shoppers had without talking with the sometimes be a better deal than using
When asked to comment on the pharmacy staf who actually helped insurance, especially in the case of
diferent experiences our shoppers them at each location. drugs that aren’t covered well.

To find out, Consumer Reports’ prescribed generic drugs. medication atorvastatin

Which secret shoppers called more They included the diabetes (generic Lipitor, 20 mg); and
than 150 drugstores across the drug pioglitazone (generic clopidogrel (generic Plavix,
Pharmacies U.S.—representing dozens of Actos, 30 mg); the painkiller 75 mg), a blood thinner.

Have the Best chain pharmacies, supermarket

drugstores, and independent
celecoxib (generic Celebrex,
200 mg); the antidepressant
The chart shows average
discounted retail prices that

Rx Prices? pharmacies—to compare

prices for five commonly
duloxetine (generic Cymbalta,
20 mg); the cholesterol
pharmacies quoted for a
one-month supply.

Pioglitazone Celecoxib Duloxetine Atorvastatin Clopidogrel TOTAL

RETAILER
Actos Celebrex Cymbalta Lipitor Plavix PRICE

HealthWarehouse.com $12 $22 $13 $10 $10 $66

Costco [1] $16 $26 $35 $13 $16 $105

$69-
Independents [2] $19 $10-$493 $34 $11-$295 $31 $20-$267 $15 $8-$197 $15 $8-$260 $107 $1,351

Sam’s Club [1] $20 $38 $31 $20 $45 $153

Walmart $132 $203 $123 $30 $30 $518

Kmart $160 $185 $120 $35 $35 $535

$88-
Grocery Stores [3] $113 $10-$349 $189 $46-$250 $170 $13-$223 $32 $11-$71 $36 $7-$224 $565 $1,117

Walgreens $167 $204 $251 $65 $65 $752

Rite Aid $255 $194 $170 $128 $119 $866

CVS/Target $270 $187 $195 $135 $141 $928

[1] Nonmember prices. [2] Prices in italics are the ranges across sampled stores. [3] Prices in italics are the ranges of the averages across sampled stores,
including Albertsons, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, H-E-B, Hy-Vee, Kroger, Publix, and others.
 Yet many people seem unaware of had low overall prices and could be
how efective shopping around can be. even cheaper with online coupons. WHERE
In a recent CR survey, only 22 percent (You don’t have to be a member to get WE STAND
of current prescription drug takers who those low prices, but if you do join—$60
had paid more for their medication in at Costco and $100 at Sam’s Club—you
the previous year said they comparison could save even more.) You deserve affordable
shopped for a better deal. Also consider independent and medication
A caveat: If you have insurance but grocery-store pharmacies. Prescription No American should have
opt not to use it for your prescription drug prices do vary greatly there, with to choose between filling a
drugs, the money you spend won’t some being very expensive. But the prescription and paying for
food or rent, situations we
count toward your deductible or your absolute lowest prices we found in each
have heard about over and
out-of-pocket maximum. city we called were almost always at over again from readers.
these kinds of stores. Consumers Union, the
STEP 3 Ask a pharmacy directly advocacy division of Consumer
Save on Meds in 3 Easy Steps whether it will honor discount Reports, is working to ease
that burden by identifying and
By calling around and asking a lot of online coupons.
promoting meaningful reform.
questions, our secret shoppers also Our shoppers learned that pharmacies Specifically, we believe that all
identiied several strategies that may will almost always honor them—but you consumers have certain rights
help lower your drug costs. may need to be persistent. Pharmacists in the marketplace:
Those questions included whether tend to run prescriptions through They should have access
retailers would honor discounts found insurance automatically, even when to medication that is safe,
effective, and affordable.
online (generally, yes) and match the paying retail cash price and using
They should be able to
lowest retail prices ofered by nearby discount coupons would cost less. safely purchase medication
competitors (usually not). There are in-store discounts, but approved by the Food and
CR staf also went to pharmacies in they’re rarely applied unless you ask for Drug Administration from
New York state to ill prescriptions and them speciically. Third-party online other countries, such as
Canada, where drugs are
gain more insight about the in-store discount coupons tend to be even
of good quality and cost
experience. We learned that it pays to deeper and more attractive. So ask for significantly less.
do some research ahead of time, and “all available” discounts, and then make When insurance denies
when appropriate, ask some very direct sure to get the best option. Otherwise, coverage of a drug, consumers
questions of the pharmacist. Here’s pharmacists may simply use your should have clear, timely, and
simple ways to appeal.
our best advice: insurance or, if you don’t have insurance,
They should easily be able
STEP 1 Find and use online ofer you a smaller in-store discount or to determine the lowest price
discounts. even charge you the full retail price. for a drug, meaning that “gag
Start by trying GoodRx, Blink Health, We found that it’s probably not worth clauses” that now prohibit
or WeRx.org. They will ask for the asking if they will match the low prices pharmacists from telling
name of the drug, the dose, the number ofered at another store. None of the shoppers of less costly options
should be made illegal. This is
of pills, and where you live. Then they stores our secret shoppers contacted
starting to happen, state by
will show what you can expect to pay agreed to do that. state, across the U.S.
at various pharmacies if you use their Once you settle on a pharmacy And insurers shouldn’t be
discount coupons or vouchers, which that consistently ofers good deals on able to raise prices or stop
you can print out or download to your medication, ill all your prescriptions covering a drug during a
plan year.
phone to show a pharmacist. there. That makes it easier for
Want to help us fight for
STEP 2 Widen your scope of where pharmacists to spot potentially a fairer, safer world? Share
to shop for drugs. dangerous interactions and other safety your story and join our efforts
HealthWarehouse.com, an online concerns. But if you ind that your drug to lower high drug costs, at
pharmacy, had the lowest prices for costs start rising noticeably, it may be CR.org/highdrugcosts.
our marketbasket of meds. Keep time to start the process all over again
in mind that it won’t ill certain and ind another primary retailer.
prescriptions, including Adderall
and opioids like Vicodin. Additional reporting by Ginger Skinner
Costco and Sam’s Club consistently and Rachel Rabkin Peachman.

MAY 2018 CR.ORG 51

Chill Out
Research shows that
frozen veggies don’t
deserve their bad
rap for being less
nutritious than fresh.

52
 Beyond Peas
and Carrots
From mashed cauliflower to broccoli tots, consumers now
have more tasty and healthy choices in the frozen food case.
by Jesse Hirsch

AS FARMERS MARKET season heads beans. There’s also a cost advantage: of the bounty and stored the other half
into full swing, you may ind yourself Data from the Department of in typical industry conditions for fresh
dreaming about freshly picked ears of Agriculture show typically higher produce. The researchers periodically
corn, peas in their pods, and tender average prices for fresh produce, tested the content of 11 nutrients in both
asparagus spears. So why would anyone with some items (caulilower, for one) the fresh and frozen produce.
want to hear about frozen veggies now? signiicantly cheaper in frozen form. Comparing like fruits and vegetables
For starters, it’s not always easy to Consumer Reports’ food testers with like, there was little diference in
ind—or aford—what you want in the sampled a variety of frozen vegetable nutrient content overall. In some cases,
FOOD STYLING: JAMIE KIMM; PROP STYLING. KAITLYN DU ROSS WALKER FOR HONEY ARTISTS

supermarket produce aisle. And how products, rating them for nutrition, fresh items were slightly better; in
many of us have gleefully scooped up lavor, and texture. Some innovations others, frozen items had a slight edge.
a basket’s worth of goodies only to ind missed the mark in terms of taste, and Nutritionally speaking, “good frozen
that we didn’t have time to prepare a others lost points for excess sodium produce is essentially a head-to-head
meal fast enough before the bounty or other concerns. But overall, our toss-up with good fresh produce,”
wilted in the crisper drawer? testing team found plenty of products Bouzari says.
No matter how you get your veggies, to be both healthy and tasty.
we all need to get more: The Centers Crazy for Cauliflower
for Disease Control and Prevention esti- A Nutritional New Day If you’re browsing the supermarket
mates that only about 1 in 10 Americans It’s a long-held belief that anything frozen veggie aisle, you may be
consumes his or her daily recommended not fresh can’t possibly be good for surprised by the wealth of caulilower
amounts of veggies (3½ and 2½ cups, you. But when it comes to frozen in the cases. What’s up with that?
respectively). Frozen produce, of course, vegetables, recent research shows According to Kara Nielsen, culinary
also cuts down the prep and cook time. that’s not the case. Culinary scientist trends analyst at the marketing
That’s why veggie lovers will be Ali Bouzari, Ph.D., led a study at irm CCD Innovation, caulilower
cheered to learn about the greater University of California, Davis, in which has become de rigueur at trendy
number of inventive new frozen his team tested eight hand-harvested restaurants in the past few years. “It’s
oferings. You’ll ind veggies that are items—blueberries, broccoli, carrots, the next kale,” she says. Caulilower
mashed, riced, roasted, and spiralized, corn, green beans, peas, spinach, and mania has spread to home cooks,
as well as mixed with grains and strawberries. They then lash-froze half with sales of products containing the

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TRAVIS RATHBONE MAY 2018 CR.ORG 53

cruciferous vegetable rising 71 percent contained no added salt, but our tasters and higher in iber,” Siegel says. Of
in the last year, according to market also rated it highly for its fresh lemony the three in our tests, the Green Giant
research irm Nielsen. lavor. “It goes to show that it is possible Veggie Tots Broccoli got the highest
The caulilower craze, says Kara to have a low-sodium packaged product Overall Score. But they’re not twins
Nielsen, took hold when paleo dieters that tastes good,” Siegel says. to kids’ beloved potato versions:
and other carb-averse eaters discovered Birds Eye Veggie Made Mashed Cauli- According to Siegel, the broccoli illing
that processing it into small, rice- lower Original and Alexia Mashed was lavorful, but the texture was
shaped pieces could create a substitute Caulilower with Sea Salt had their nutri- mushy, unlike typical tots.
for carb-heavy items like potatoes and tion ratings dinged for rather high (470
rice. The new diet star—bagged, riced and 460 mg, respectively) sodium counts. Powering Up the Protein
caulilower—became a supermarket But they were the only products in our Consumers looking to bump up their
ixture, both in the produce and the test to earn an Excellent rating for taste. plant protein intake will also ind
freezer aisles. Broccoli, sweet potatoes, frozen blends of vegetables, grains,
and other vegetables in “riced” form From Spirals to Tots and beans. We found these to be of
soon followed suit. Spiralized veggies—low-calorie, low- varying quality. Sodium was a problem,
Riced caulilower fared particularly carb substitutions for pasta—are also big but for Birds Eye Steamfresh Protein
well in our tests. The four products news in the frozen food aisle. It’s not Blends California Style—which received
that were rated Excellent overall each surprising: Spiralizing from scratch takes Very Good nutrition and taste scores—
contain riced caulilower. “It’s a fairly time and specialized kitchen equipment. its 12 grams of iber and protein per cup
versatile ingredient,” says Maxine Siegel, For fans of these, we found that the compensated for the 450 mg of sodium.
R.D., who heads CR’s food-testing lab. frozen packaged Carrot Spirals from The most disappointing innovation:
“It has enough lavor that you could eat Trader Joe’s received one of our highest The line of roasted vegetables from
it on its own, but riced caulilower can nutrition and sensory scores. (Green Green Giant. Siegel says her team had
also replace some of the rice in recipes.” Giant recently released a spiralized high hopes for the concept because
Mashed caulilower also got high marks. frozen veggie line, but the items were roasting brings out vegetables’
Though your healthiest option will not available in time for our tests.) sweetness, and having a frozen option
always be to buy plain veggies Also popping up in the freezer means that you can skip the time-
and season them yourself, one of section are veggie “tots”—similar to consuming process of roasting them
our recommended products was kids’ fried potato tots but with other yourself. But most of these frozen
preseasoned. Green Giant Riced Veggies vegetables inside. “They do beat roasted veggies were barely edible,
Caulilower with Lemon & Garlic got a potato tots nutritionally. Some are with a smoky, ashy lavor, according
high nutrition score in part because it lower in calories, fat, and sodium, to our tasters.

Should You Swallow the Health Claims on Packages?

It’s common to see lots of SUSS OUT THE SODIUM. CHECK THE CALORIES. BE SURE ABOUT THE SUGARS.
exciting-sounding health “If a product is seasoned or in Green Giant Riced Veggies Birds Eye Steamfresh Superfood
promises on food packages at sauce, it likely contains added Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Blends Quinoa & Spinach is
the supermarket, and frozen salt,” Keating says. Birds claims to be a “reduced calorie claimed to be a good source of
vegetables are no exception. But Eye Veggie Made Mashed food” and a “good alternative to antioxidant vitamins, but it also
a little skepticism is in order. Cauliflower, for example, says potatoes, pasta, or rice.” While has 10 grams of total sugars
“I’m all for touting the benefits on its packaging: “50% fewer true, these statements may give per cup. A little of that may
of vegetables if it convinces carbs than the leading mashed you the impression that those come from the sugars naturally
people to eat more of them,” says potato brand,” but it also has foods are packed with calories. present in the veggies, but the
Consumer Reports nutritionist 470 mg of sodium in just ½ cup. But 1 cup of skinless baked majority is likely from the dried
Amy Keating, R.D. “But you A healthy sodium level for a potato has just 114 calories, for cranberries and sugars added to
don’t know how meaningful the vegetable side dish is 140 mg example, and 1 cup of cooked the sauce, Keating says.
claims are unless you check or less. pasta just 200—higher than the
the nutrition facts panel on the 50 in 1 cup of the cauliflower/
back of the package.” sweet potato product but
certainly not a calorie bomb.

54 CR.ORG MAY 2018 1

0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED
HANOVER BLENDED
PROTEINS STEAM-IN-BAG
SICILIAN STYLE

0
OVERALL
64 SCORE
5 COOKING TIPS
FROM CR’S
COOKING PROS
It’s important to cook your
frozen foods so that they
maintain their nutritional
integrity and taste their best.
Here, tips from Consumer
Reports’ nutritionists Amy
Keating and Ellen Klosz.

1. DON’T THAW FIRST.

Cooking your vegetables
straight from the frozen state
(photo upper left) is the best
way to maintain their texture.
Also, frozen veggies aren’t
intended to be served raw,
!
0 GREEN GIANT like on a crudité plate.
RICED VEGGIES
CAULIFLOWER 2. COOK IN AS LITTLE
WATER AS POSSIBLE.

0
OVERALL
85 SCORE The veggies’ valuable nutrients
can leach out if you use too
much water. Steaming and
microwaving require little or no
water. If you opt for a pot, use
a cover (as shown) so that the
veggies heat through faster.

3. MIX & MATCH.

Sure, veggies make for a healthy
side dish—and vegetable grain
and bean blends (photo lower
left) can even be served as the
main meal—but you can also
incorporate them into soups,
casseroles, rice dishes, and more.
Veggies not only provide layers
of complexity but also boost
BIRDS EYE the health factor of, say, mac ’n’
STEAMFRESH cheese or other pasta dishes.
SUPERFOOD BLENDS
BARLEY & KALE
4. STEP AWAY FROM

0
OVERALL THE SALT SHAKER.
72 SCORE
Extra sodium can detract from
the health benefits of your
veggies, so get creative with
seasonings such as pepper
flakes, garlic, citrus zest or
juice, herbs, or even a splash
of balsamic vinegar.

5. SWAP YOUR CHEESE.

Instead of goopy cheddar cheese
sauce, sprinkle Parmesan or
Romano on your veggies. These
cheeses pack a powerful flavor
punch, so a little goes a long way.
Ratings   What’s Hot in Frozen Veggies You’ll find more choices in your supermarket.
But choose carefully, because flavor and texture can vary widely.

C AU LI F LOW E R M IX E D
V EG ETA B LE S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2

Product Overall Rating Nutrition Information Price Flavor & Texture Description
Score

Carbohydrates (g)
Serving size (cup)

Package size (oz.)

Saturated fat (g)
Recommended

Nutrition score

Sensory score

Average price
per package/
Sodium (mg)
Protein (g)

Sugars (g)
Fiber (g)
Calories

Fat (g)
CAULIFLOWER

$
0 1 Green Giant Riced
Veggies Cauliflower
85 5
0 4
0 1 20 0 0 2 4 2 2 20 $3.00 Larger bits of plain cauliflower, mild
12 flavor. Slightly firm and chewy.

$
0 2 Green Giant Riced
Veggies Cauliflower
84 5
0 4
0 1 30 0 0 2 5 2 2 20 $3.50 Small cauliflower bits, with fresh-tasting
12 lemon zest and parsley. Slightly chewy,
with Lemon & Garlic like rice.
3 Birds Eye Veggie
Made Mashed
76 3
0 5
0 1⁄2 50 3 2 2 6 3 2 470 $4.00 Tastes like cauliflower, but the texture,
12 black pepper, and cream make it
Cauliflower Original mashed-potatolike.
4 Birds Eye Steamfresh
Veggie Made Riced
73 4
0 4
0 3⁄4 25 0 0 2 3 2 2 210 $3.00 Small bits of plain cauliflower. Slight
10 natural sweetness. Chewy, like rice.
Cauliflower Original
5 Hanover Steam-in-
Bag Riced Cauliflower
70 4
0 4
0 1 40 1.5 0 2 6 2 3 150 $2.00 Pieces are larger than other riced
10 products. Slight garlic, black pepper, and
Garlic & Herb herb flavors. Slightly chewy texture.
6 Green Giant Mashed
Cauliflower Original with
69 3
0 4
0 1⁄2 80 5 1.5 3 7 2 3 380 $5.00 Has dairy flavor, a hint of cheese, very
20 slight garlic, and slight white pepper.
Olive Oil & Sea Salt Creamy.
7 Alexia Cauliflower
Risotto with Parmesan
68 3
0 4
0 1⁄2 80 4.5 3 3 6 2 2 410 $4.00 Cauliflower bits with buttery, cheesy
12 flavors, and slight garlic and herbs.
Cheese & Sea Salt Chewy texture, like rice.
8 Alexia Mashed Cauli-
flower with Sea Salt
67 3
0 5
0 1⁄2 70 3.5 2 1 7 2 2 460 $4.00 Richly flavored with butter and cream.
12 Strong cauliflower taste. Creamy.
9 Trader Joe’s Mashed
Cauliflower
56 3
0 3
0 1⁄2 50 2 1 2 7 2 3 270 $3.00 A bit bland with a slight milk flavor and
16 slight white pepper. Cauliflower bits
throughout.
10 Green Giant Veggie
Tots Cauliflower
54 3
0 2
0 1⁄2 110 4.5 0.5 2 15 5 2 370 $4.00 Mild and slightly bitter. Somewhat crispy
16 coating with a pronounced oily flavor.
Slightly mushy filling with chewy bits.

MIXED VEGETABLES

$
0 1 Green Giant Riced
Veggies Cauliflower
85 5
0 4
0 1 20 0 0 2 4 2 2 15 $3.50 Small bits of cauliflower, asparagus, and
12 mushrooms; amounts varied in the tested
Risotto Medley samples. Slightly chewy, like rice.

$
0 2 Green Giant Riced
Veggies Cauliflower &
84 5
0 4
0 1 50 0 0 2 11 2 3 15 $3.50 A little more sweet potato than
12 cauliflower flavor. Slightly chewy, like rice.
Sweet Potato
!
0 3 Birds Eye Steamfresh
Protein Blends
74 4
0 4
0 1 240 4.5 0 12 38 12 3 450 $3.00 Mix of peas, edamame, lentils, and whole
10.8 grains. Slight garlic and onion flavors;
PHOTOS: JOHN WALSH

California Style moderate heat. Pleasantly chewy texture.

4 Birds Eye Steamfresh
Superfood Blends
72 4
0 3
0 1 160 2.3 0.3 6 27 6 4.7 387 $3.50 Mix of broccoli, carrots, kidney beans, kale,
10 barley, and brown rice. Lightly seasoned
Barley & Kale with garlic and tangy flavor from vinegar.
Slightly bitter. Pleasantly chewy texture.

56 CR.ORG MAY 2018

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Product Overall Rating Nutrition Information Price Flavor & Texture Description
Score

Carbohydrates (g)
Serving size (cup)

Package size (oz.)

Saturated fat (g)
Recommended

Nutrition score

Sensory score

Average price
per package/
Sodium (mg)
Protein (g)

Sugars (g)
Fiber (g)
Calories

Fat (g)
5 Birds Eye Steamfresh
Superfood Blends
71 4
0 4
0 1 207 3.3 0.7 6 38 4 10 387 $3.50 Brown rice and quinoa with spinach, red
10 peppers, and dried cranberries in a slightly
Quinoa & Spinach sweet and tangy sauce. Moist and chewy.
6 Green Giant Steamers
Healthy Weight Sauced
70 4
0 3
0 2⁄3 90 2.5 1 5 14 5 3 220 $2.00 Carrots, black beans, edamame, and
7 snow peas in a light butter sauce. Soft
Vegetable Blend texture.
7 Birds Eye Steamfresh
Protein Blends
70 4
0 3
0 1 270 4.5 1.5 12 45 12 2 450 $3.00 Mix of broccoli, white beans, lentils,
11.5 spinach, whole grains with nutmeg flavor,
Italian Style slight garlic, and very slight dairy note.
Pleasantly chewy texture.
8 Trader Joe’s Riced
Cauliflower Stir Fry
69 3
0 4
0 1 50 2 0 2 7 2 3 190 $3.00 Mix of cauliflower bits, roasted corn, red
16 peppers, green onions, and peas with
tamari (soy) flavor. Overall flavorful and
well-blended. Pleasantly chewy texture.
9 Green Giant Mashed
Cauliflower Broccoli &
68 3
0 4
0 1⁄2 90 5 3 3 8 2 2 430 $5.00 Broccoli flavor dominates. Milk and cheese
20 flavors come through. Moderately salty
Cheese with slight garlic. Some small lumps.
10 Hanover Blended
Proteins Steam-in-Bag
64 4
0 3
0 1 213 4.7 0.7 13 30 12 3.3 133 $3.00 Blend of navy beans, peas, edamame,
10.5 and a few red bell pepper pieces with kale
Sicilian Style in a tomato paste sauce. The slightly firm
beans contribute to a dryness overall.
11 Birds Eye Steamfresh
Protein Blends
64 4
0 3
0 1 260 4 1.5 11 46 12 4 500 $3.00 Lentils, potatoes, corn, red beans, green
11.2 beans, and bulgur with flavors of garlic,
New England Style slight onion, black pepper, and cheese.
Pleasantly chewy texture.
12 Green Giant Veggie
Tots Broccoli
63 3
0 3
0 1⁄2 110 4.5 0.5 3 15 6 1 370 $4.00 Browned, slightly crispy outer coating
16 with a moist, soft, slightly mushy filling.
Flavorful, seasoned with onion and garlic.
Green Giant Steamers 60 Broccoli, carrots, and red and yellow
Antioxidant Blend $2.00 peppers in a mild sauce with slight garlic
13
with Broccoli, Carrots, 4
0 3
0 2⁄3 50 3 0 1 7 2 3 115
7
and Peppers and dehydrated spice flavors. Soft texture.
14 Green Giant Veggie
Tots Sweet Potato &
59 3
0 3
0 1⁄2 150 5 0 2 24 5 4 340 $4.00 Browned, slightly crispy outer coating with
16 soft sweet potato and cauliflower pieces.
Cauliflower Strong sweet potato flavor with a hint of
black pepper. Sweet and slightly bitter.
15 Alexia Riced
Vegetable Pilaf with
58 3
0 4
0 1⁄2 40 2 1 1 5 2 1 420 $4.00 Small bits of cauliflower and butternut
12 squash. Peppery, with some heat,
Sea Salt and slight onion, garlic, and buttery notes.
Mild vegetable flavors. Overall slightly
chewy texture, like rice.

HOW WE TEST: CR’s nutrition and (calories per gram), total fat, results of a blind tasting by a the product package, but for a
food-testing team rated frozen saturated fat, fiber, sugars, sodium, trained sensory panel. The Overall few our testers modified some
vegetables for nutrition and taste and other nutrients. Sensory score Score is a combination of the two. recommended portion sizes for
qualities. The Nutrition score (taste and texture) is based on the NOTE: For the most part, the comparison purposes.
is based on energy density serving sizes are what’s listed on

1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 $
0 CR.ORG 57
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
Road Test We conduct more than 50 tests on each vehicle at our 327-acre
Auto Test Center. For complete road tests, go to CR.org/cars.

catapults this coach easily. LARGE SUVs

Maximum towing capacity is
a competitive 9,300 pounds, Ford Expedition
enough to pull a large trailer.
Overall fuel economy is up
2 mpg to 16, typical for this
thirsty class.
OVERALL
SCORE
0
65
ROAD-TEST SCORE 73
The ride is composed but on
the stif side—deinitely not as HIGHS
comfortable as other three-row Acceleration, quietness,
SUVs such as the Chevrolet controls, interior room
Traverse. The Expedition has LOWS
THE FORD EXPEDITION makes ponderous handling but remains
King of the a leap forward with this under control even when pushed
Ride, access, handling

Road Trip redesign, shedding weight

while adding comfort,
to its limits.
The Expedition’s optional
POWERTRAIN
375-hp, 3.5-liter V6 turbo
engine; 10-speed automatic
The massive Ford Expedition convenience, and optional retractable running boards are transmission; four-wheel drive
is best suited for the open safety features. helpful given the step-in height.
highway, with family onboard The extended-length version The driver’s seat is like sitting FUEL
and trailer in tow. we tested measures about a in a living room reading chair. 16 mpg on regular fuel
foot longer than the standard The controls are simple to
PRICE AS TESTED
Expedition and competes use, including the rotary dial $75,430
directly against the Chevrolet gear selector.
Suburban. That extra size It has plenty of room in the
allows for signiicant cargo second row, as well as dedicated
space behind the adult-friendly climate controls and storage.
third-row seat, but it also Forward-collision warning
makes parking a challenge. and automatic braking aren’t
The 375-hp, 3.5-liter standard equipment, despite the
turbocharged V6 engine premium price.

The continuously adjustable LUXURY LARGE SUVs

suspension handles bumps
quite well except for some Lincoln Navigator
low-speed rocking, and the
cabin stays whisper quiet. But
its handling feels loaty and
disconnected in turns. The
OVERALL
SCORE
0
59
ROAD-TEST SCORE 65
SUV’s imposing width means
drivers need to take extra care HIGHS
on narrow streets. Quietness, acceleration,
The opulent cabin is full of second- and third-row
seat room
THE REDESIGNED NAVIGATOR leather, wood, and chrome, but
Large Lap diferentiates itself from we found the modern-looking LOWS
of Luxury its Ford Expedition sibling
by piling on the luxury
front seats to be uncomfortable.
In the back, however, the
Front-seat comfort,
unintuitive gear selector,
clumsy handling, access
The Lincoln Navigator touches. This hulking SUV second-row captain’s chairs are
handles like a barge, but its can accommodate up to eight large and accommodating, and POWERTRAIN
powerful engine and quiet cabin people, although it’s so large even the third row is spacious 411-hp, 3.5-liter V6 turbo
are impressive. it’s probably overkill for most enough for adults. engine; 10-speed automatic
transmission; four-wheel drive
buyers—unless they need to tow Beginning any trip in the
upward of four tons. Navigator requires iddling with FUEL
The turbo V6 packs 411 hp the gear selector, an unintuitive 16 mpg on regular fuel
on regular gas, and it’s mated row of chrome buttons on the
to a mostly smooth 10-speed dash. Most other controls are PRICE AS TESTED
$86,480
automatic transmission. That easy to use, including the Sync 3
abundant power scoots our infotainment system.
four-wheel-drive Navigator to Forward-collision warning
60 mph in just 6.2 seconds. Its and automatic emergency
16 mpg overall is on par with braking aren’t available on the
similar SUVs. Navigator’s base trim.

58 CR.ORG MAY 2018

 corners, the Stinger feels taut LUXURY COMPACT CARS
and agile, and it can be playful
on the track. But the ride is Kia Stinger
overly stif and unsettled when
encountering bumps. Other
performance sedans strike a
better balance.
OVERALL
SCORE
0
69
ROAD-TEST SCORE 75
It can be a challenge to get
in and out because of the car’s HIGHS
low-slung design. Once inside, Handling, front-seat comfort,
the front leather seats are hatchback versatility
comfortable and ofer plenty LOWS
KIA HAS BRANCHED into sports- of adjustments. The rear-seat
Striving to sedan territory with its new space is hurt a bit by the sloping
Ride, tight rear seat, difficult
access

Be Sporty four-door hatchback Stinger.

The 2.0-liter, 255-hp turbo
rooline, but the hatchback
creates generous cargo space. POWERTRAIN
255-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder
The Kia Stinger is an athletic four-cylinder engine, paired The controls are easy to use, turbo engine; 8-speed
performer, but it falls short with optional all-wheel drive in but drivers may struggle with automatic transmission;
when it comes to ride comfort. the car we tested (rear-wheel the faint labelling on buttons and all-wheel drive
drive is standard), is powerful, a long reach to the infotainment
FUEL
but at 7.5 seconds to 60 mph, screen. The electronic gear 23 mpg on regular fuel
it isn’t as quick as some rivals. selector in the GT2 trim, which
Worse, it gets a mediocre we also drove, can leave drivers PRICE AS TESTED
23 mpg overall. The eight-speed confused about whether they’re $40,400
automatic transmission is in Reverse or Park.
smooth and responsive. Optional safety features
An additional $6,450 gets include forward-collision
buyers the 365-hp turbo-V6 in warning, automatic emergency
the GT and higher trims. braking, blind-spot warning, and
When steering through rear cross-traic warning.

the eight-speed automatic LUXURY COMPACT CARS

transmission is mostly smooth.
We got 23 mpg overall on Buick Regal
premium fuel, low for an all-
wheel-drive car in this class.
The inside of the car is
impressively quiet; wind,
OVERALL
SCORE
0
73
ROAD-TEST SCORE 87
road, and engine noise are
unobtrusive. The cabin is HIGHS
well-assembled but plain and Ride, acceleration, braking,
austere, lacking the design controls, front-seat comfort,
hatchback versatility
AT A GLANCE, buyers may details you’d expect from a
Comfortable miss that the stylish new 2018 nearly $40,000 car. LOWS
Cruiser Buick Regal Sportback is a
hatchback, not a sedan. Under
Up front, the controls,
including the touch-screen
Less agile than the previous
Regal
The Buick Regal is pleasant, that exterior, drivers will ind a infotainment system, are easy
POWERTRAIN
but it has lost some of that competent and versatile car. to use. The seats there provide 250-hp, 2.0-liter
curve-loving feeling. This Regal has a suspension excellent support, with plenty of turbocharged four-cylinder
engine; 8-speed automatic
PHOTOS: JOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS

that impressively soaks up road adjustments to let the driver and

transmission; all-wheel drive
imperfections. Its handling passenger ine-tune their ideal
is responsive and capable, seating position. FUEL
although this generation The rear seat provides 23 mpg on premium fuel
has become less engaging to generous legroom, but tall
drive than its predecessor. passengers will probably scrape PRICE AS TESTED
$39,715
The old version chewed up their noggin on the headliner.
twisty roads; the new model is Forward-collision warning
happier on straightaways. and automatic emergency
The 2.0-liter turbo four- braking are optional. We’d
cylinder engine provides prefer that they come as
immediate response, and standard equipment.

1 2 3 4 5 MAY 2018 CR.ORG 59

WORSE BETTER
Ratings   Traveling in Style Upscale, all-wheel-drive sedans can be rewarding four-season rides,
but sometimes a large SUV is what's needed for road-tripping with the whole family.

Make & Model Overall Price Survey Safety Road-Test Results

Score Results

Avoidance-maneuver

cargo volume, cu. ft.

Predicted reliability

Owner satisfaction

suitcases+duffels/
Routine handling
Road-test score
Recommended

0-60 mph, sec.

60-0 mph, ft.

Seat comfort
Acceleration
Overall mpg

speed, mph
Dry braking
Front-crash
prevention

front/rear

Luggage,
As tested

Controls
Noise
Ride
LUXURY COMPACT CARS (ALL-WHEEL DRIVE)

!
0 Audi A4 Premium Plus 85 $48,890 5
0 4
0 4
Std./ 0 88 27 6.3 135 53.5 5
0 4
0 5
0 5
0/ 03 3
0 2+2

!
0 BMW 330i xDrive 78 $51,745 4
0 3
0 Opt. 86 26 6.9 129 55.0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0/ 03 3
0 2+2
Buick Regal Essence
(2.0T)
73 $39,715 3
0 4
0 Opt. 87 23 7.0 125 55.5 4
0 4
0 4
0 4/ 0
0 3 5
0 3+2
Kia Stinger Premium
(2.0T)
69 $40,400 3
0 4
0 Opt. 75 23 7.5 132 53.5 5
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 0
/ 3 4
0 3+0

Infiniti Q50 3.0t Luxe 67 $48,775 2

0 2
0 Opt. 85 22 5.7 126 56.0 4
0 4
0 4
0 40
0/ 3 3
0 2+1

Lexus IS 300 67 $48,149 5

0 3
0 5
Std./ 0 56 20 6.5 139 53.0 4
0 3
0 4
0 40
0/ 2 3
0 2+1

Mercedes-Benz C300 66 $47,560 2

0 3
0 4
Std./ 0 85 26 6.8 136 55.5 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 0
/ 3 2
0 2+1

Acura TLX SH-AWD 59 $42,345 2

0 2
0 5
Std./ 0 75 25 6.5 129 55.0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4/ 0
0 3 2
0 2+2

Jaguar XE Premium (25t) 50 $47,378 2

0 4
0 Opt. 69 25 7.7 133 53.0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0/ 02 3
0 1+2

Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti 48 $48,890 1

0 4
0 Opt. 70 27 6.7 136 53.0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4/ 0
0 3 2
0 1+2

LARGE SUVs

!
0 Toyota Sequoia Limited 69 $54,005 5
0 3
0 5
Std./ 0 60 15 7.1 146 47.0 3
0 2
0 4
0 4
0/ 05 4
0 61.0
Chevrolet Traverse
Premier (V6)
67 $49,945 2
0 4
0 Opt. 95 20 7.3 130 50.5 4
0 4
0 4
0 40
0/ 5 5
0 54.5
Ford Expedition MAX
Limited
65 $75,430 3
0 4
0 Opt. 73 16 7.3 143 47.0 2
0 3
0 4
0 40
0/ 5 5
0 66.0

Dodge Durango GT (V6) 65 $43,525 2

0 4
0 Opt. 83 18 8.3 134 48.0 3
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 0
/ 4 5
0 44.0

Nissan Armada Platinum 55 $63,020 2

0 4
0 Opt. 69 14 6.7 133 51.0 2
0 4
0 5
0 40
0/ 4 4
0 46.5
Chevrolet Suburban
Premier
53 $69,790 1
0 4
0 Opt. 74 16 7.9 139 47.0 2
0 4
0 5
0 4/ 0
0 4 5
0 62.5

Chevrolet Tahoe LT 53 $60,100 2

0 4
0 Opt. 67 16 7.7 136 45.0 2
0 3
0 5
0 4/ 0
0 4 5
0 47.5

GMC Yukon SLT 53 $62,125 2

0 4
0 Opt. 67 16 7.7 136 45.0 2
0 3
0 5
0 4/ 0
0 4 5
0 47.5

GMC Yukon XL SLT 49 $67,370 1

0 4
0 Opt. 67 16 7.9 139 45.0 2
0 3
0 5
0 4/ 0
0 4 5
0 62.5

LUXURY LARGE SUVs

!
0 Toyota Land Cruiser 75 $84,820 4
0 5
0 5
Std./ 0 68 14 7.3 140 46.0 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0/ 04 4
0 43.0

Buick Enclave Premium 63 $55,680 2

0 4
0 Opt. 87 18 7.4 130 53.5 4
0 4
0 5
0 40
0 / 5 3
0 48.5

Lincoln Navigator Select 59 $86,480 3

0 4
0 Opt. 65 16 6.2 144 47.0 2
0 4
0 5
0 30
0 / 5 3
0 56.0

Infiniti QX80 57 $63,395 2

0 3
0 Opt. 68 15 6.9 139 48.0 2
0 4
0 4
0 4/ 0
0 4 4
0 49.5
Cadillac Escalade
Premium
40 $87,360 1
0 3
0 Opt. 61 16 6.1 142 45.0 2
0 3
0 5
0 5/ 0
0 4 1
0 48.0

HOW WE TEST: Recommended availability of front-crash prevention it’s available on some versions deduct points from the Overall
models did well in our Overall features, such as forward-collision but not necessarily on the one we Score if a vehicle’s shifter lacks
Score, which factors in Road-Test warning and automatic emergency tested; and models with standard fail-safes or is difficult to operate.
Results, Predicted reliability, Owner braking at city or highway speeds. systems are rated from 3 to 5 Online members can go to
satisfaction, and Safety, which For these systems, NA means no based on how many of these CR.org/cars for complete, up-to-
includes crash-test results and the such system is offered; Opt. means features are standard. We also date ratings.

60 CR.ORG MAY 2018 1 2 3 4 5 !

WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED
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MAY 2018 CR.ORG 61

Index

a Sunroofs, exploding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 17, 30

Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 52
Drones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 18
Drugs
Nonstick pans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Jan 18, 13
Ovens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Jan 18, 15
Accommodations services ..................... . . Jun 17, 22 best by region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 18, 16 high costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 40 Pain relief
Air ilters, home Top Picks for 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 18, 19 lowering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 44 back pain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Jun 17, 33
changing & cleaning ........................... . Nov 17, 12 Trucks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 18, 24 prescription overabundance. . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 17, 24 Photo print-making services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Dec 17, 14
Air puriiers ................................................ . Nov 17, 8 Used cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 18, 81 shopping around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 49 Pizza
costs ....... .................................................. Nov 17, 10 lood damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 18, 52 storage & disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 17, 30 frozen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Feb 18, 34
Assisted living............................................. Oct 17, 28 reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . Sep 17, 52 Dryers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 17, 12 unhealthy chain options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Feb 18, 37
contract details ..................................... Oct 17, 34 Winter driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 52 Samsung vs. LG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 17, 14 Popcorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Jun 17, 15
inances . .................................................. Oct 17, 36
insurance ............................................... . Oct 17, 40
b–d e–g r–s
AUTOMOBILE RATINGS Back pain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 17, 33 Earphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 17, 18 Refrigerators
Alfa Romeo Giulia .................................... Nov 17, 62 Banks wireless. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 24 lexi-fridges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Feb 18, 14
Alfa Romeo Stelvio................................... Dec 17, 62 customer satisfaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 14 Egg labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 18, 12 ideal food arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... May 18, 13
Audi Q5 ...... ................................................. Nov 17, 63 Beds-in-a-box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 30 Fire extinguisher use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 18, 11
Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... Jul 17, 44
BMW 530i xDrive ...................................... . . Jul 17, 63 Behavior taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 17, 48 Fitness trackers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 17, 8
Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Mar 18, 42
BMW X3 ..... ................................................. Mar 18, 58 Bitcoin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 15 Flexi-fridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 18, 14
healthcare expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Mar 18, 47
Buick Enclave ............................................ Mar 18, 58 Blenders Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 17, 44
unexpected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Mar 18, 45
Buick Regal ............................................... May 18, 59 Vitamix vs. Kalorik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 39 Food
Chevrolet Bolt ............................................ Sep 17, 62 Robovacs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Jan 18, 18
Cable TV/internet services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 17, 24 antibiotics in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 30
Chevrolet Equinox ................................... Aug 17, 58 Shopping
Chicken shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 17, 30
Chevrolet Traverse .................................. Feb 18, 59 best fall deals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Sep 17, 40
nutritional value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 17, 44 store-prepared. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 18, 15
Chrysler Paciica Hybrid ........................ . Oct 17, 63 online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Dec 17, 20
Cofee weird products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 17, 14
Fiat 124 Spider........................................... . Jun 17, 58 haggling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Feb 18, 27
add-ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 13 Frozen pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 18, 34
Ford Escape ............................................... . Jun 17, 59 last-minute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Dec 17, 29
beans and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 17, 8 Frozen vegetables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 52
Ford Expedition....................................... May 18, 58 cooking tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 55 return policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Dec 17, 26
packaging claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . Oct 17, 10
GMC Terrain .............................................. Mar 18, 59 Cold & lu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 18, 30 Furniture safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Dec 17, 26
Honda Accord ........................................... Feb 18, 58 medicine labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 18, 37 tipping hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 17 scams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Dec 17, 28
Honda Civic Si ............................................ Jan 18, 58 treating symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Jan 18, 33 Grain bowls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 17, 42 paying less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Feb 18, 24
Honda CR-V (LX/EX) ................................ Jun 17, 59 vaccines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 18, 41 Grills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 17, 46; Mar 18, 11; May 18, 28 Smart TVs
Honda Odyssey ......................................... . Oct 17, 63 Consumer action buying at Home Depot & Lowe’s . . . . May 18, 34 privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. May 18, 22
Hyundai Ioniq ............................................ Sep 17, 63 airline reform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 17, 5 replaceable parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 32 Smartphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Jan 18, 24
Hyundai Sonata ........................................ Feb 18, 58 antibiotic-free chicken iPhone X vs. iPhone 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Feb 18, 13
Jaguar XE .................................................... Nov 17, 62
Jeep Compass ............................................ Aug 17, 58
at Kentucky Fried Chicken . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . Jun 17, 8
arsenic in rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 5
h–k Snack crackers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Jan 18, 42
toppings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Jan 18, 45
Kia Cadenza ................................................ . . Jul 17, 62 auto insurance discrimination . . . . . . . .. . . Mar 18, 5 Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 17, 18 Soda alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Oct 17, 52
Kia Niro ...... .................................................. Sep 17, 63 consumer data security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 17, 5 wireless. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 24 Solar roof tiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Sep 17, 18
Kia Stinger ................................................. May 18, 59 consumer empowerment Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 17, 5 Healthy eating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 18 Space heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Jan 18, 14
Land Rover Discovery............................. Nov 17, 63 Consumer Financial antibiotics in food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 30 Stem cell treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Mar 18, 36
Land Rover Range Rover Velar............. Mar 18, 59 Protection Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 17, 5; May 18, 5 fat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 27 Strollers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Feb 18, 15
Lincoln Navigator .................................... May 18, 58 CR digital privacy standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 17, 8 gluten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 32 Sunscreens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ Jul 17, 8
Mazda CX-5 ................................................ Aug 17, 59 credit data privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 5 packaging claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 23
Mini Cooper Countryman...................... Aug 17, 59
Nissan Rogue Sport .................................. Jan 18, 59
drug prices
afordability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 18, 51
promoting in children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 22
salt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 24 t–v
Porsche 718 Boxster .................................. Jun 17, 58 transparency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 18, 5 sugar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 20 Television sets
Subaru Crosstrek ...................................... . Jan 18, 59 energy costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . Jun 17, 8 Home care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 17, 40 4K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Nov 17, 44
Subaru Impreza ......................................... . . Jul 17, 62 Equifax hack restitution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 18, 5 help with bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 17, 46 best deals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Feb 18, 40
Toyota Camry ............................................ Dec 17, 63 exploding sunroofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . Feb 18, 5 hiring help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 17, 50 how to shop for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Nov 17, 49
Hybrid.... ................................................. Feb 18, 59 food recall location details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 17, 5 supportive communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 17, 48 satisfying lower-priced models . . . . . ... Nov 17, 47
Toyota C-HR ............................................... . Jan 18, 58 fraud Home oice equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 17, 8 smart
Toyota Highlander ................................... . . . Jul 17, 63 victim protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . Jan 18, 5 Home remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 17, 44 privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. May 18, 22
Toyota Mirai............................................... . Oct 17, 62 furniture tipping hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . elder-friendly upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 17, 44 Toilets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Feb 18, 18
Toyota Prius Prime ................................... Sep 17, 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 17, 5; Jan 18, 5; May 18, 21 Homeowners insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 17, 36
wall-mounted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Feb 18, 21
hair dye safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 17, 8 Insect repellent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 17, 16
Volkswagen Atlas....................................... Oct 17, 62 Vacuums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... Jun 17, 9
hearing aids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 17, 5; Nov 17, 5 Instant Pot tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 16
Volkswagen Tiguan .................................. Dec 17, 62 for allergy suferers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Nov 17, 13
hot car child protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 5 Insurance
Volvo XC60 ................................................ Dec 17, 63 robotic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Jan 18, 18
merger opposition car
Video
AUTOMOBILES & AUTO EQUIPMENT media companies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . Mar 18, 5 price disparities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 17, 52
4K content availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Nov 17, 46
Best & worst lists ...................................... Apr 18, 28 net neutrality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . Aug 17, 5 homeowners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 17, 36
streaming devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Feb 18, 43
Brand Report Card................................... Apr 18, 26 patient safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . May 18, 5 iPhone X vs. iPhone 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 18, 13
Voice assistants
Buying new vs. used ................................ Feb 18, 50 recall reform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 5 Kitchen equipment
Alexa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... Jan 18, 11
Coming in 2018 ......................................... Apr 18, 35 robocalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . Oct 17, 5 appliance suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 17, 20
Financing.................................................... Dec 17, 60 best bundles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 17, 22
Fuel economy............................................ Apr 18, 10
technological advances...................... . Apr 18, 13
self-driving cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . Oct 17, 5
safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . Dec 17, 5 for healthy cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 34
multi-cookers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 38
w–y
student debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 17, 5; Feb 18, 5 Washing machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Aug 17, 12
time line ................................................. . Apr 18, 14 vehicle-to-vehicle communication . . . . . . Jul 17, 5 Samsung vs. LG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Oct 17, 14
In-car entertainment systems............... . Oct 17, 54
audio streaming ................................... . Oct 17, 57
Cordless drills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . Dec 17, 8
attachments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 17, 12
l–p WiFi
signal strengthening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... May 18, 11
Bluetooth phone calls ......................... Oct 17, 58 components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . Dec 17, 11 Laundry detergent
Winter driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Nov 17, 52
in-dash navigation ................................ Oct 17, 56 Crackers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . Jan 18, 42 safety alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 17, 18
Yogurts
most and least distracting ................. . Jan 18, 53 toppings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Jan 18, 45 Laundry machines
whole-milk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Aug 17, 18
voice commands .................................. . Oct 17, 59 Credit cards pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 17, 12
Insurance cash-back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 17, 46 Samsung vs. LG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 17, 14
price disparities ................................... . . . Jul 17, 52 Doctors Lightbulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 18, 16
For an extended
Intelligent high beams ............................. . Jan 18, 12 degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 48 Mattresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 22
Owner satisfaction ................................... Feb 18, 48
index covering five
primary care physicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 53 beds-in-a-box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 30
Proiles, 2018 ............................................. Apr 18, 47 specialists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 55 types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 28 LEARN years of CR articles
Ratings, 2018 ............................................. Apr 18, 37 Door locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 14 Microsoft hardware and ratings, go to
Reliability .. ................................................. Apr 18, 85 Driving poor predicted reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 16 CR.org/5yearindex.
new cars .................................................. Dec 17, 52 distracted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Jan 18, 48 Multi-cookers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 17, 38
used cars ................................................ . Sep 17, 52 phone anti-distraction features. . . . . Jan 18, 54 Instant Pot tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 16
Safety systems ....................... Aug 17, 52; May 18, 12 seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . Jul 17, 18 Naturopathic medicine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 18, 56

62 CR.ORG MAY 2018

Selling It

Home Improvement?
These real estate and renovation ads are real fixer-uppers

Up in Smoke
Maybe they needed those chimney
bricks to repair the porch.
Submitted by C. Neall and
Dorothy Schroeder, Rochester Hills, MI

No-Car Garage
I guess we'll be
parking on the street.
Submitted by
Scott Wycoff, Hockessin, DE

A Change of Scenery
It's amazing what a difference
clean windows can make—
to your neighbor's house.
Submitted by Rufus Cactus,
Austin, TX

Bedroom Community
Someone call the old woman in the shoe!
This place could fit all of her children, with rooms to spare.
Submitted by Sheryl Backus, Madison, IN

Be on the lookout for goofs and glitches like these. Share them with us—by email at SellingIt@cro.consumer.org
or by mail to Selling It, Consumer Reports, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703—and we might publish yours.
SHARE Please include key information, such as the publication’s name and date.

MAY 2018 CR.ORG 63

 Car shopping?
Get a deal. Without the ordeal.

Finding the perfect set of wheels

is easier than you think
• Choose new or used: Check reviews, ratings, and reliability data
• Save: With competitive, haggle-free, up-front pricing
• Know: All about financing, safety features, insurance, tires, and
car seats

LET’S GO
cr.org/buyacar

CRM85UCN