True PDF - Consumer Reports 2020-10 PDF

ROAD-TESTED: Nissan Sentra, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Audi Q7 PLUS: Ford Bronco Preview
AIR FRYERS, MULTI-COOKERS, TOASTER OVENS: GREAT NEW WAYS TO USE THEM
REVIEWS & RATINGS

OCTOBER 2020
Washers & Dryers

Smartwatches
Blood Pressure Monitors
Wireless Chargers
Electric Toothbrushes
PRODUCE WITHOUT
PESTICIDES
Our EXCLUSIVE RATINGS GUIDE will help
you pick the safest foods
IAL
S P E C G AT I O N
STI
INVE
V I D -19
CO ES’ T O
‘CURVOID
A
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the car-buying puzzle
Save money, access our prescreened network of dealers, and see CR recommendations
along the way! The deal you want is out there—in fact, car buyers save an average of $3,189*
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Contents
O CTO B ER 2 0 2 0, VO L . 8 5 N O. 1 0
PRODUCTS RATED
IN THIS ISSUE
SMARTWATCHES
P. 10
Problem Potions WASHING MACHINES

Some companies selling P. 11
health products online
have troubling business
practices. What you
need to know before
you order. P. 34
LAUNDRY DETERGENTS
P. 14
34 Supplement
Schemes &
COVID-19 Come-Ons
Our investigation shows
how easy it is for ads touting
PHOTO, COVER: TRAVIS RATHBONE / TRUNK ARCHIVE
dubious cures to reach BLOOD PRESSURE

24 Stop Eating you and how hard it is for 44 Countertop MONITORS P. 16
Pesticides regulators to clamp down on Holiday Helpers
Our experts analyzed five the people behind those ads. Whip up festive feasts
years of USDA data, revealing without standing over a hot
the pesticide levels present oven all day. Our experts
on produce sold across the use top-rated small kitchen
U.S. Use our new guide to appliances to do most of the
help you choose the fruits work, from slow-cooking
and vegetables with the least your stuffing to roasting turkey
risk from these potentially legs in the toaster oven.
harmful chemicals. RATINGS AUDI Q7
RATINGS P. 63
OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 3
CRM10_Contents [P]_2324255.indd 3 8/14/20 2:02 PM

Contents
7 Building a
Safe in the Back? Better World, Together
Where you sit in your We’re working toward better
car—in the front
food packaging labels, safer
or back seat—can
roads, and accountability for
determine your level
businesses and schools.
of protection.
8 Your Feedback
Readers’ comments about
our recent content.
17 Recalls
66 Index
67 Selling It
P. 56
ROAD REPORT
55 Ahead of the Curve

Auto ratings, news, and advice.
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 13 CR Insights 56 Making Back

The fastest wireless chargers Seats Safer
10 What We’re for your smartphone, how to Modern safety advances have
Testing in Our Labs … mainly focused on the driver’s
remove tough mattress stains,
Dryers, car batteries, wood and why your smart speaker seat—sometimes leaving the
stains, CO detectors, and more. may be snooping on you. back seats less protected.
RATIN GS RATINGS RATINGS
12 Ask Our Experts PRODUCT UPDATE 62 Track Intelligence

How to prevent dryer fires, P. 18
Originally launched in 1966,
the health benefits of standing 18 A Better Brush? the Ford Bronco is back.
desks, and what it means About 82 percent of adults IN EVERY ISSUE RATINGS
when a doctor prescribes an use manual toothbrushes,
“off-label” drug. but there may be benefits to 6 From the President:
going electric. Find out which Safety Is Priority No. 1 63 Road Test
powered models ace our tests. As we continue to rigorously We test the Audi Q7, Cadillac
RATI N GS test products and services, our CT5, Nissan Sentra, and
goal is to help you stay safe Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
and healthy while we prepare RATINGS
for a post-pandemic world.
ABOUT CONSUMER REPORTS products we rate. We don’t receive fees from these programs. For more information, go to SellingIt@cro.consumer.org.
Consumer Reports is an inde- accept paid advertising. We maintain a strict separation CR.org/about. See page 67 for more details.
pendent, nonprofit organization In addition to our rigorous between our commercial opera- HOW TO REACH US ACCOUNT INFORMATION
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by side with consumers to create and consumer advocacy, we work operations. Our testing and edito- Reports, 101 Truman Ave., or call 800-333-0663.
a safe, fair, and transparent with other organizations, including rial teams decide which products Yonkers, NY 10703, See page 5 for more details.
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their experiences with products partners to offer shopping and constitute CR’s endorsement of Go to CR.org/tips. 1
0 POOR 20 FAIR 3
0 GOOD
and services. We pay for all the other consumer services, and may any products or services. For Selling It send items to 4
0 VERY GOOD 50 EXCELLENT
4 CR.ORG OCTOBER 2020
CRM10_Contents [P]_2324255.indd 4 8/14/20 2:02 PM

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CRM10_About_Us [P]_2325931.indd 5 8/11/20 6:29 PM

From the President
President and CEO Marta L. Tellado

Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Leonora Wiener
Safety Is
Vice President, Chief Content Officer Gwendolyn Bounds
Editor in Chief Diane Salvatore

Executive Editor Kevin Doyle Features Editor Natalie van der Meer
Design Director Matthew Lenning Creative Director, Brand Young Kim
Priority No. 1
Associate Design Director Mike Smith
Art Directors Ewelina Mrowiec, Nathan Sinclair
Photo Editors Lacey Browne, Emilie Harjes, Karen Shinbaum
Senior Director, Content Development Glenn Derene

Deputy Directors, Content Development Christopher Kirkpatrick, Ellen Kunes
Associate Directors, Content Development Scott Billings, Althea Chang
‘SAFETY FIRST’ IS an Senior Director, Content Impact & Corporate Outreach Jen Shecter
expression we’ve all heard— Special Projects Joel Keehn, Director; Margot Gilman, Associate Director; Lisa L. Gill,
Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Deputies; Ryan Felton, Donna Rosato, Writers
usually without giving it a Editorial Director, Digital Erle Norton
second thought. But now, Senior Director, Product Testing Maria Rerecich
like millions of Americans, Director, Lab Operations Lilian Kayizzi
the heartbreaking COVID-19 CARS: Editors/Writers: Keith Barry, Jeff S. Bartlett, Jonathan Linkov, Mike Monticello,
pandemic has forced me Benjamin Preston Auto Test Center: Jake Fisher, Jennifer Stockburger, Directors
Product Testing: Michael Bloch, Steve Elek, Kelly Funkhouser,
to think harder about, and John Ibbotson, Chris Jones, Anita Lam, Gene Petersen, Ryan Pszczolkowski,
appreciate more deeply, Mike Quincy, Gabriel Shenhar, Shawn Sinclair, Emily A. Thomas, Joe Veselak
what it truly means to HEALTH & FOOD: Editors/Writers: Trisha Calvo, Lauren F. Friedman, Kevin Loria,
prioritize safety. These Catherine Roberts, Diane Umansky Policy Lead: Brian Ronholm
days, when I’m caring HOME & APPLIANCE: Eric Hagerman, Content Lead Editors/Writers: Daisy Chan,
Mary Farrell, Paul Hope, Kimberly Janeway, Sara Morrow, Haniya Rae,
for my elderly parents, Perry Santanachote, Daniel Wroclawski Product Testing: John Galeotafiore,
connecting with my nieces Emilio Gonzalez, James Nanni, Testing Leads; Peter Anzalone, John Banta,
and nephews, deciding Susan Booth, Tara Casaregola, Lawrence Ciufo, Enrique de Paz, Bernard Deitrick,
Cindy Fisher, Rich Handel, Misha Kollontai, Ginny Lui, Joan Muratore,
when and how to get groceries, or developing protocols Joseph Pacella, Christopher Regan, Frank Spinelli, Dave Trezza, Michael Visconti
for CR staff to stay healthy, safety really does come first, MONEY: Editors/Writers: Octavio Blanco, Tobie Stanger, Penelope Wang
informing every choice I make—it simply has to. Policy Lead: Anna Laitin
The unfortunate reality right now is that, for the foreseeable TECH: Jerry Beilinson, Content Lead Editors/Writers: Nicholas De Leon,
future, safety needs to be our priority in our homes, our Bree Fowler, Thomas Germain, Christopher Raymond, Allen St. John,
Kaveh Waddell, James K. Willcox Product Testing: Richard Fisco, Testing Lead;
work, and our schools, and in our civic engagement. I am Elias Arias, Antonette Asedillo, Claudio Ciacci, Charles Davidman, Cody Feng,
hopeful, however, that when the coronavirus threat subsides, Henry Parra, Richard Sulin, Maurice Wynn Policy Lead: Justin Brookman
we will retain a healthy awareness of our safety—and bring Chief Scientific Officer James H. Dickerson
that increased awareness to bear in a positive way on the Food Safety James E. Rogers, Director; Tunde Akinleye, Amy Keating,
Ellen Klosz, Sana Mujahid, Charlotte Vallaeys
marketplace and society.
Product Safety Don Huber, Director
At Consumer Reports, we are constantly working to ensure
Content Operations Robert Kanell, Director
that products and services are as safe as possible. This month
Premedia William Breglio, Associate Director; Eugene Chin, William Hunt,
you’ll read about pesticides and the potential dangers they Anthony Terzo
present in our food (“Stop Eating Pesticides,” on page 24). Production Nancy Crowfoot, Associate Director; Eric Norlander, Manager;
Letitia Hughes, Terri Kazin, Aileen McCluskey
And throughout the year, we are looking closely at the water
Copy Editing Leslie Monthan, Copy Chief; Noreen Browne, Alison France,
we drink. With America’s Water Crisis, a partnership with Wendy Greenfield
the Guardian US, we are highlighting the safety, access, and Fact Checking & Research David Schipper, Associate Director; Tracy Anderman,
Sarah Goralski, Christine Gordon, Karen Jacob, Jamison Pfeifer
affordability of water across the country. To see our coverage,
go to CR.org/water1020. Photography John Powers, John Walsh
Imaging Francisco Collado, Mark Linder
I look forward to the promise of safer days ahead—and
hope you and your family stay safe as we work through Chief Research Officer Kristen Purcell
Consumer Engagement Testing Charu Ahuja, Director; Samuel Chapman,
this challenging moment together. Linda Greene, Dana Keester
Statistics & Data Science Michael Saccucci, Director; Kristen Dorrell,
Dina Haner, Keith Newsom-Stewart
Survey Research Karen Jaffe, Simon Slater, Associate Directors; Dave Gopoian,
Kendra Johnson, Debra Kalensky, Martin Lachter, Jane Manweiler, John McCowen,
Marta L. Tellado, Adam Troy, Tian Wang, Tess Yanisch
President and CEO
Consumer Insight Monica Liriano, Associate Director; Selina Tedesco, Frank Yang
Follow me on Twitter Member Support Sue Melfi, Director; Donna Murianka
@MLTellado Marketing Dawn Nelson, Senior Director; Patricia McSorley, Newsstand
Procurement Operations Steven Schiavone, Associate Director
Administration Decarris Bryant, Dawn Yancy Elleby
PHOTO: MEL ANIE DUNEA
The Consumer Reports 2020 Annual Meeting will be held online on the VICE PRESIDENTS: Financial Planning & Analysis JoAnne Boyd;
evening of Oct. 21, 2020. If you are a paid member of CR, please go to Chief Digital Officer Jason Fox; Advocacy David Friedman;
CR.org/annualmeeting for registration information, and please watch Chief Intelligence Officer Esther Han; General Counsel Michael Hubner;
your email for an electronic ballot to vote on the current CR Board Research, Testing & Insights Liam McCormack; Business Strategy & Planning
of Directors slate. If you haven’t provided your email address, you can Betsy Parker; Chief Human Resources Officer Rafael Pérez;
do so by calling us at 800-333-0663 or by going to CR.org/myaccount.
Chief Marketing Officer Lauren Stanich; Chief Social Impact Officer Shar Taylor;
SVP, Chief Financial Officer Eric Wayne
CRM10_From_the_President_Masthead [P]_2327628.indd 6 8/12/20 1:29 PM

Building a Better World, Together Join with us to make a safer, fairer, healthier marketplace
Making Labels Saving Lives in July. William Wallace, CR’s

manager of safety policy, calls
PROGRESS
Mean More on the Road UPDATE
it the “strongest auto safety
bill in decades” passed by a
what’s at stake what’s at stake chamber of Congress. Now CR
Labels on food packaging U.S. auto crashes account for ■ CR asked the is urging the Senate to pass it.
can tell you a lot about a at least 36,000 deaths and Environmental Protection what you can do
product, from what ingredients 2.5 million injuries per year. Agency to require Read more of CR’s auto safety
are inside to how it was To help reduce this automakers to test coverage at CR.org/autosafety.
produced to how healthy terrible toll, CR has pressed vehicles on the same fuel
it is. Unfortunately, some automakers to install proven consumers buy at gas
labels are heavy on marketing
hype—and woefully light on
safety features, such as blind
spot warning and automatic
stations. Without the rule,
automakers could use a
Saying No
information you can trust
when shopping for groceries.
emergency braking (AEB), as
standard equipment on all new
loophole that effectively
weakens emissions
to Immunity
Case in point: One Health cars and trucks. Right now, standards by 20 percent what’s at stake
Certified, or OHC, a marketing they often must be purchased and could cost consumers Business groups have been
label for meat and poultry as part of expensive add-on $30 billion over 15 years. asking Congress for immunity
that’s part of a program packages, along with additions ■ CR has long urged from liability lawsuits related to
administered through the such as a sunroof and high-end lawmakers to close the the COVID-19 pandemic, saying
Department of Agriculture. stereo. A recent CR analysis “digital divide” by making such protections are crucial for
This label purports to found that U.S. road deaths broadband accessible to restarting the U.S. economy.
demonstrate a producer’s would be cut in half if existing more Americans. A bill to do Then, in May, a group of higher
commitment to responsible, safety technologies were that was recently passed education institutions asked
sustainable, and transparent installed on all new vehicles. by the House, and in June Congress for a similar shield,
animal care practices. how cr has your back Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., freeing them from liability in
how cr has your back CR’s advocates worked closely introduced a similar bill in the event that students, faculty
But using our food label ratings with members of Congress the Senate to provide low- members, or other workers
system, CR found that the on the Moving Forward Act, cost service to low-income catch COVID-19 on campus.
One Health Certified label which requires, among other families and those laid off how cr has your back
is essentially meaningless— measures, that every new car because of COVID-19. CR has opposed all such efforts
and should be ignored come standard with proven to create new legal immunity
by consumers. The OHC safety features such as AEB. even for entities that disregard
standards largely reflect The House passed the bill the safety of the people
normal industry practices they employ and serve.
and do not require companies We’ve argued that such
to make any significant immunity would eliminate
improvements to animal Safer Driving accountability for businesses
welfare, drug use practices, or Making features and schools engaging in
such as blind
environmental impact. careless actions that are proven
spot warning
For example, the OHC label to be making people sick.
standard would
prominently says, “Responsible cut U.S. road
What’s more, says CR
Animal Care.” But to meet the deaths in half. senior policy counsel George
OHC animal welfare standards, Slover, existing state laws
producers can use guidelines already create fair and
that closely track the norm effective incentives to protect
in poultry production—which employees, customers, and
isn’t, in fact, very sensitive students—by holding businesses
to animal welfare. And while and schools accountable for
the standards place some carelessness while conditioning
restrictions on the use of liability on proof that
antibiotics, it allows meat from carelessness caused the illness.
animals treated with antibiotics “Immunity undercuts those
to be sold with the label. incentives and puts both our
what you can do health and our economy at
Learn more about CR’s food higher risk,” he says.
label ratings, and research what you can do
the products you buy, at Read more of CR’s COVID-19
CR.org/foodlabels. coverage at CR.org/covid19.
ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN RITTER OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 7
CRM10_Better_World [P]_2328818.indd 7 8/12/20 2:55 PM

Your Feedback
pharmacy whether he could

do GoodRx. He said he
couldn’t, but that he could
often get close to that pricing.
Turns out that in some cases,
he has beat GoodRx prices.
—Jim Smith, Raleigh, NC
ONE WAY to get drugs

affordably without using
insurance is to use a Canadian
pharmacy. Our Medicare
insurance agent recommended
one to me for a diabetic drug
that costs me $279 every
three months. Using a Plan D
pharmacy, the same drug
would cost $485. When I asked
the Canadian pharmacist
why the drug was so much
less expensive, he said, “In the
U.S., it’s a business. In Canada,
it’s healthcare.” Enough said!
—Nick Langer, Tacoma, WA
Our August article “When Your Insurer Drops Your
EDITOR’S NOTE In July,
Drug” looked into why insurers have stopped covering President Trump signed an
executive order that, once
many prescription drugs, leaving some people unable to implemented by the Food and
Drug Administration, would
pay for meds, and what to do if it has happened to you. permit individuals to import
To add your voice, go to CR.org/drug1020. some prescription medications

from Canada. But until then, it
remains illegal, per the FDA, to
mail-order drugs from a country
outside the U.S., or to buy them
AS A PHYSICIAN, I have INSURANCE COMPANIES should 12 injections per year. We abroad and bring them home.
often spent 45 minutes on have a fiduciary responsibility and our doctors have been (Currently, the only exception
hold with PBMs [pharmacy to get the best prices for their through the steps indicated is for certain drugs—such as
benefit managers] over drug insureds. If auto insurers in the article (except hiring a some cancer treatments—that
appeals while patients colluded with repair shops in lawyer and going to court) are unavailable here.) But U.S.
are waiting for me. In my this way, it would be fraud. with no success. Lawyers consumers—who now pay almost
experience, no PBM allows But for drugs, it’s just a way of are very expensive, with no four times more for prescription
after-hours calls, and the doing a very profitable business. guarantee of success. drugs than people in similar
time spent on this is a major —James Hall, Wilbraham, MA —Phil Lense, Pinetop, AZ countries—do sometimes buy
part of why doctors spend drugs outside the U.S., in order
less than 50 percent of MY WIFE AND I both have had I STRONGLY ENDORSE your tips to save money.
their day actually interacting drugs dropped two months to enlist your pharmacist. I
with patients. The appeals after signing up for Medicare have a fairly high deductible
process is time-consuming Part D. We are stuck paying Medicare Part D plan. One of
and aggravating for all. for insurance that no longer my drugs on the plan had a
—Jim Maher, covers the drugs we need. In $90 copay at an independent HOORAY
Marshall, MI my wife’s case, the drug she pharmacy. I found that I could FOR BIDETS
needs (an injectable) now get the refill for $30 using
ICONS: ELIAS STEIN
costs $60,000 per year, GoodRx at a big-box pharmacy,

Go to which we cannot afford. In so I switched to the big box.
CR.org/lettertoeditor my case, a heart medicine my When I had a new prescription, YOUR AUGUST 2020 article
to share your comments
doctor prescribed now costs I happened to ask the on toilet bidet seats (“Love
WRITE for publication.
$1,600 per injection for pharmacist at the independent at First Flush”) was a good
CRM10_Feedback [P]_2329413.indd 8 8/13/20 6:48 PM

introduction to these very and gaskets to weaken and reviving old decking (page 10)
useful appliances. Due to the fail. Also note that scrubbing and discuss the benefits of
design of the seats, users will too hard could scratch a bidet. replacing harmful pesticides
need to consider how to keep For more cleaning tips, go to with more sustainable pest-
parts of the bidet under and CR.org/bidet1020. management methods (page 24).
in the rear of the seat clean. And we’ll continue to highlight
My technique includes sliding I’VE BEEN USING bidet seats for products and services that
the bidet seat out of the clips more than 10 years. For many do not harm public health
used to hold it on the toilet, folks who have rectal and/or or the environment in their
flipping it over, and using bowel movement problems, production, use, or disposal.
old toothbrushes and a soft this product is a must. Having
liquid soap to clean the nooks a 2-minute pressured warm
and crannies on the bottom water spray not only cleanses
of the bidet seat. Failure to but also provides a massage
clean here regularly will effect that increases the blood FRIDGE &
result in unpleasant odors. circulation in the area. DRYER
Keeping the seat clean is a —Craig Chang, Oxford, CT DILIGENCE
very important part of making
SAFEGUARDING
sure it keeps you clean.
AGAINST SLIPS
—Diane Schweitzer,
Saint John, IN REGARDING YOUR ADVICE to
DRIVING I’ve heard that non- “spruce up your washer/
EDITOR’S NOTE You’re right: A TOWARD wood flooring, such as dryer” in “Do-It-Yourself Home
bidet seat or attachment can’t SUSTAINABILIT Y the laminate flooring Repairs” (August 2020): Why
clean itself! We recommend you mentioned in “Do-It- is it that dryers have lint
do a deep clean once a month. Yourself Home Repairs” filters, but we still end up
Using a toothbrush is fine, or (August 2020), is slippery needing to clean lint out of the
you can wipe your bidet seat and I WAS GLAD to see in “The and risky. Do you test for duct that sends the moisture
lid with a soft, damp cloth Right Time to Buy Is Now” how slippery floors are? and air to the outside?
and neutral kitchen dish soap. (August 2020) that ideas such —Bev Beer, Princeton, NJ —James M. Quist, Orinda, CA
Generally, you want to stay as buying a used car instead of
away from harsh chemicals like a new one or making the car EDITOR’S NOTE We do assess EDITOR’S NOTE Your dryer’s
bleach and abrasive powders, you currently own last longer flooring for slip resistance, lint filter is designed to help
which can cause rubber O-rings were featured. Consumption but we have not seen capture the lint in the air
in general is destroying our evidence that one category leaving the drum before exiting
planet’s health. If there is to of flooring (e.g., laminate the dryer, but it isn’t a perfect
be an end to our growing list flooring compared with catchall. Lint can still build up
GET THE ANNUAL of ecological catastrophes, it natural woods) is more elsewhere, such as the duct and
BUYING GUIDE will require a dramatic shift in slippery than another. the vents that the duct connects
AS A DIGITAL all of our patterns. How about Remember that in addition to. For advice from CR’s lead
EDITION if every product gets a score to the type of flooring dryer tester on how best to rid
for sustainability in materials, you choose, any finishes those areas of lint—and why your
Print and All Access toxicity, packaging, shipping, applied or even the cleaning life may even depend on it—turn
members can now and end-of-use disposal? products you use on it to Ask Our Experts, on page 12
choose to get CR’s That would allow conscious can make a surface more of this issue.
annual buying guide consumers to make better slippery. If you’re worried
as a downloadable,
decisions as they relate to about slippage, look for a YOU RECOMMEND vacuuming
digital edition instead
of a printed book. You’ll the biggest issue of our era. flooring with texture and refrigerator condenser coils
be among the first to —Daniel Kirkpatrick, avoid a high-gloss coating. periodically to reduce the
access ratings to more Bellingham, WA If your concern about stress on the compressor.
than 2,000 products, slipping is for an aging However, there is another
as well as our expert EDITOR’S NOTE Supporting household member, go to solution that is more effective
shopping advice. Simply conscientious consumers CR.org/falls1020 for helpful than vacuuming for my fridge:
go to CR.org/guide is what CR is all about. We compressed air. I use this
fall-prevention tips.
and sign in to tell us
ICONS: ELIAS STEIN
work hard to provide useful technique, and my refrigerator

whether you prefer to
receive your annual information to help you make has been running problem-
buying guide digitally. more sustainable choices free for nine years now!
whenever we can. In this issue, —Tony Den Boef,
for example, we include tips for Nanoose Bay, British Columbia
ILLUSTRATION BY JASON SCHNEIDER OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 9
CRM10_Feedback [P]_2329413.indd 9 8/13/20 6:48 PM

What We’re Testing
in Our Labs ...
In our 63 labs, we continually review and rate products. Here, timely picks for this month.
Smartwatches
WE TESTED: 25 models Excellent Performance but Supports Spotify Offline but A Bargain With Long-
WE TEST FOR:Ease of pairing Short Battery Life (18 hr.) Middling Battery Life (48 hr.) Lasting Battery Life (120 hr.)
and general use, readability, Apple Watch Series 5 (40mm) Samsung Galaxy Watch Fitbit Versa 2
step count accuracy, and Aluminum Case GPS Active2 (40mm) $200
more. Battery life is how long $395 $245
a watch lasts per charge as
claimed by the manufacturer.
ABOUT THE SCORES: 84 78 78

00
Median: 73
OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 58-86 SCORE SCORE SCORE
Solid Wood Stains

WE TESTED: 10 products Best Overall Money-Saving Stain Holds Up Well Over Time
WE TEST FOR: Appearance Olympic Elite Advanced Behr Deckplus Solid Color Cabot Solid Color
after one, two, and three Stain + Sealant in One Solid Waterproofing Wood Stain Acrylic Stain
years of enduring our $45 (Home Depot) $45
accelerated weathering. We $33
also note if it resists cracking,
color change, dirt, and more.

00
Median: 68
Ask Our Experts PULLING UP YOUR deck boards and flipping them over is a cost-
effective way to revive an old deck—you’ll get less-weathered
I’d love to give boards free! But this strategy will work only if the boards are
still solid and fairly straight (not warped or curled), and don’t
my beat-up deck
ILLUSTRATION: SERGE BLOCH
have much pitting (small holes in the surface). Test them for soft
a facelift but spots and check for cracks and rot. Once you flip the boards,
you’ll also need to stain them right away, says Enrique de Paz,
I’m on a budget. CR’s wood stain expert, because the sun can break down the
gluelike lignins that keep the wood fibers together. For a fast
Any ideas? application, swap your paintbrush for a foam roller with a
handle extension so that you can stand while staining.
N
CRM10_What_We're_Testing [P]_2331656.indd 10 8/11/20 4:33 PM

For the latest ratings of these
and other product categories,
readers with a Digital or All-Access
membership can go to CR.org.
Affordable Washing Machines

WE TESTED: 94 models Excellent Wash Performance Quick Cycle Time Gentle on Clothes
WE TEST FOR: Washing LG WM3500CW GE GTW465ASNWW Maytag MVWX655DW
performance using the front-loader agitator top-loader HE top-loader
machine’s most aggressive $810 $660 $730
normal cycle, a model’s wear
and tear on clothes, water
efficiency, noise, and more.

00
For all rated washers:
Median: 69. Range: 32-86 SCORE SCORE SCORE
Electric Dryer Deals

WE TESTED: 74 models Quiet & Reliable Brand Excellent Drying for Less Drop-Down Hamper Door
WE TEST FOR: How well a LG DLE7100W Samsung DV40J3000EW Whirlpool WED5000DW
model dries a variety of $720 $650 $670
laundry, from 3-lb. loads of
delicates to 12-lb. loads of
mostly cottons; and how easy
and quiet a model is to use.

00
For all rated dryers:
Median: 76. Range: 41-92 SCORE SCORE SCORE
Carbon Monoxide Detectors

WE TESTED: 9 models Best Interconnected Model Best Stand-Alone Model Nice Price for Interconnected
WE TEST FOR: Response to First Alert OneLink First Alert CO615; CO Kidde KN-COSM-IBA;
high and low CO levels. SCO501CN; CO and smoke detection only (plug-in) CO and smoke detection
Interconnected models detection (battery) $30 (hardwired)
sound all alarms when one $70 $40
detects a problem; stand-
alone models don’t.

00
Median: 80
Car Batteries
WE TESTED: 79 models Excellent Price for Group 35 Tops for Group 48 First Place for Group 51R
WE TEST FOR: Battery life (how EverStart MAXX-35N (North) Interstate MTX-48/H6 Duracell 51R
it endures repeated charge- $90 $185 $105
and-discharge cycles); how
long it provides power if the
ILLUSTRATION: SERGE BLOCH
charging system fails; CCA

performance, and more.*

00
Median: 79
Note: We rate different products according to different testing protocols. As a result, Overall Scores of one
product category aren’t comparable with another. *Different cars require different group-size batteries.
COMING NEXT MONTH Leaf Blowers & More
CRM10_What_We're_Testing [P]_2331656.indd 11 8/11/20 4:33 PM

Ask Our Experts
is used off-label to treat nerve

pain related to diabetes. In
fact, going off-label is common.
Between 12 and 38 percent
of all prescriptions written
in doctor’s offices are for off-
label uses, according to a 2019
Congressional Research Service
report—though it’s illegal for a
drug company to advertise off-
label use. Only about a quarter
of off-label prescribing is
supported by strong scientific
research, which is why the
practice can be controversial.
Why would your doctor
do this? A drug is sometimes
thought to be useful in treating
How worried should I be Dana Keester, CR’s in-house

ergonomics expert. Aim for
conditions beyond what it was
approved for. Getting FDA
about dryer fires? 10 minutes of standing and

moving every half-hour.
approval requires clinical
trials to prove treatment for
To facilitate standing, you a specific condition. That
don’t need to invest hundreds can take years and often
Every year, firefighters across than it used to, it can be a clue in a standing desk: A swing- costs about $20 million per
the country respond to nearly that a vent may be obstructed arm adapter, which clamps to trial, so companies might not
14,000 home fires caused by by lint. Certain dryers have the back of an existing desk always seek approvals for
clothes dryers, according to indicators to alert you to a or table with either a shelf additional conditions.
the National Fire Protection blocked vent, such as LG’s for your laptop or a mount for An off-label prescription may
Association. In fact, dryer fires FlowSense and Samsung’s Vent your monitor, can be had for make sense for you when no
are responsible for an annual Sensor, but our testing found around $100. Just make sure other available treatment works
average of seven nonfirefighter that they don’t always detect it can lift high enough so that or when you’re in a group that
deaths and 344 injuries, as well partial blockages well. your screen is at eye level. Or wasn’t studied—for example,
as $233 million in property To clean your dryer’s use your laptop on a kitchen if a drug was approved for a
damage. And 27 percent of vent and duct, unplug the counter for short periods—even specific age range only. Always
home dryer fires are caused dryer and turn off the gas if that means your laptop ask your doctor whether a drug
mainly by an accumulation valve, if applicable. “Then screen isn’t at eye level. “It’s she’s prescribing is approved
of lint, which is why cleaning slide the dryer away from the okay to stand at your breakfast for your condition, and look
your dryer regularly is crucial. wall,” Handel says. “If you bar or kitchen island for just it up yourself at DailyMed
“To prevent fires, clean the have a gas dryer, take care not 15 minutes as a way to change (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), a
dryer’s lint screen after every to overstretch the gas line.” positions,” says Todd Baker, government-funded database.
load,” says Richard Handel, the Disconnect the duct from the lead ergonomics consultant
test engineer who oversees CR’s the dryer, and vacuum both for the Musculoskeletal Injury
dryer testing. But don’t stop thoroughly. Also clean behind Prevention Program at Cornell
there—lint also accumulates and underneath the dryer—lint University in Ithaca, N.Y.
in your dryer’s vent (generally builds up there, too. In winter,
found at the back of your dryer) check to make sure snow isn’t My doctor gave me a
and the duct that connects the blocking the outdoor vent. prescription for what
dryer to the outside vent. If he called an ‘off-label’
your dryer takes longer to dry Is it really healthier to use—is that safe?
stand at my desk all day
rather than sitting? Legally, a doctor can prescribe
We have more than a drug for a condition that
140 in-house experts Ergonomics experts now say the drug was not specifically
LEARN
who research, test, that switching back and forth approved by the Food and Drug
and compare. Submit
your questions at between sitting and standing Administration to treat. For
CR.org/askourexperts is your best option. “The main example, Neurontin (generic
… and watch for the benefit of a standing desk name: gabapentin) is approved
answers.
is the ability to move,” says to treat epileptic seizures but
12 CR.ORG OCTOBER 2020 ILLUSTRATIONS BY SERGE BLOCH
CRM10_Ask_Our_Experts [P]_2328779.indd 12 8/11/20 6:34 PM

Insights
Product recommendations and practical advice
LEADING
THE CHARGE
75% Samsung 15W
Qi Certified Fast
Charge Wireless
Charging Stand $60
¤ 5/5 CHARGING
¤ 5/5 E ASE OF USE
2 HR., 30 MIN.
CHARGING T IME
IN T HE K NO W worth buying yet another tech use. They also measured how The fastest model by far
accessory? To find out, we long it took for each device to is the Samsung 15W stand above.
THE EASE tested six wireless chargers. fully charge both an iPhone The benefit of a stand, rather
All are Qi-compatible (Qi is 11 Pro Max and a Samsung than a flat pad, is that it’s easier
OF WIRELESS pronounced “chee”)—a near- Galaxy S10 (both compatible to see notifications on your
universal wireless charging with wireless charging), then phone while you charge it.
CHARGERS standard that works with averaged those times. Though And it features an LED light that
many smartphones—and there were some differences in makes it easy to see whether
support Samsung’s Fast Charge charging speeds, all the products your phone is fully charged.
DESIGNED SO THAT your smart- technology, meaning if you powered up the phones in a But for a family, a multi-
phone simply rests on a pad or have a recent high-end Samsung reasonable amount of time and device charger, such as the
stand, wireless chargers allow phone, they should provide didn’t short out when sprayed Anker below, may be best. In
users to forgo the usual fumble even quicker charging. with a small amount of water. our tests, it charged two phones
of plugging in a charging Our lab technicians evaluated (Good to know if your charger at once in the same amount of
cable. But is that convenience how easy the chargers were to lives on a kitchen counter.) time as just a single phone.
CONVENIENT FOR A NICE PRICE CHARGES TWO PHONES AT ONCE LONG WARRANTY (UP TO 3 YEARS)
Samsung Wireless Anker PowerWave Belkin BOOST UP Wireless
ILLUSTRATIONS: RODRIGO DAMATI
Charger Pad 9W $40 10W Charger $50 Charging Pad 10W $40
¤ 4/5 CHARGING ¤ 4/5 CHARGING ¤ 4/5 CHARGING

¤ 5/5 E ASE OF USE ¤ 4/5 E ASE OF USE ¤ 2/5 E ASE OF USE
2 HR., 52 MIN. 2 HR., 52 MIN. 2 HR., 52 MIN.
CHARGING T IME CHARGING T IME CHARGING T IME
For our full ratings of wireless chargers, All-Access and Digital members can go to CR.org/charge1020. OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 13
CRM10_Insights [P]_2349641.indd 13 8/14/20 11:07 AM

ji-xian-sheng
CRInsights
HO W T O CL E A N
P R A C T I C A L LY A N Y T HING ™
HOW TO
REMOVE TOUGH
MATTRESS
STAINS
!
0 Tide Plus
Ultra Stain
Release
$0.28 per load
OVERALL
84
PHOTOS, BOT TOM FROM LEFT: JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER, INC.; CONSUMER REPORTS;
SCORE
BROXODENT FROM SQUIBB; CONSUMER REPORTS; JAMES WORRELL; CONSUMER REPORTS

THESE DAYS, your bedroom washing, then gently blot the particularly well on coffee
may be doubling as an office stain with a clean cloth to stains compared with other
or a quiet hideaway to stream soak up any excess liquid on stain remover sprays we tested.
your favorite show—but the mattress. Next, dab liquid If you spill red wine—one of
balancing your laptop in bed detergent directly onto the the toughest stains to get out—
makes it all the more likely mattress stain. For optimal experts advise a homemade
you’ll drop food bits, drip a stain removal, use a top-rated remedy: Blot the stain with
little coffee, or spill some wine. detergent from our tests: The a cloth dampened with cold
!
0 Persil
“Generally, you can treat Tide and Persil detergents at water. Then mix one part dish ProClean Stain
mattresses similarly to spot- right both earn Excellent ratings soap and two parts hydrogen Fighter
treating carpets,” says Mary for pretreating stains. peroxide, and pour it onto a $0.21 per load
Begovic Johnson, principal You can also use a stain damp cloth that you can use
scientist of Tide & Downy at remover spray directly on your to blot the stain again. (Repeat 84 OVERALL
SCORE
P&G Fabric Care. Johnson says mattress, such as OxiClean until the stain fades away.)
that you have to attack the stain MaxForce Spray—which rates Dealing with old dry stains?
immediately and be prepared to Excellent in our tests for Try an upholstery cleaner, All-Access and Digital
treat and repeat multiple times tackling salad dressing stains, an enzyme-based pet-odor members can access
until the stain is gone. as well as body oil and dirt— remover, or a simple solution of our full detergent ratings
To handle a fresh spill, or OxiClean Laundry Stain 1 teaspoon mild dish detergent at CR.org/stains1020.
remove the bedding for Remover Spray, which works and 1 cup warm water.
1949 We test 93 brands 198

CR Time Traveler TOILETRIES of toothpastes and Italian
powders—and reveal camp
1920 Listerine mouthwash, originally that some are harmful. the size
used as an antiseptic for surgeries, Twelve brands contain The des
uses the word “halitosis”—to describe particles hard enough to we sa
bad breath—for the first time. scratch glass! qua
1939 We rate more than 100

brands of soap and find that one 1959 One of the first
of the cheapest, a Colossal soap electric toothbrushes to 1975 After founding Tom’s
bar for 3 cents, is also one of the hit the U.S. market is of Maine in 1970, Tom
highest quality. Despite marketing called the Broxodent. It is Chappell and his wife bring
hype, there’s no need to splurge claimed to brush “up and “the first natural toothpaste”
on pricey soaps, CR experts say. down 120 times a second.” to the U.S. market.
14 CR.ORG OCTOBER 2020 1

0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 $
0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY

A TOASTER OVEN earns that CR members given brand will develop
its spot on the counter purchased between problems or break within
for being able to do a 2011 and 2019 were still the first four years. And
lot more than turn out being used in 2019, and two brands, DeLonghi
R EPA IR OR R EP L A CE ? toast. It can broil only 5 percent were and Farberware, earn
burgers, roast asparagus, replaced due to reliability such low reliability ratings
FINDING A RELIABLE or bake cookies (turn problems. that we can’t recommend
them at this time.*
to “Countertop Holiday But reliability differs
TOASTER OVEN Helpers,” on page 44, widely among brands— A tip from our members:
for even more delicious in fact, only three receive In addition to reliability,
ideas). Plus, our survey an Excellent (9-10) look for a model that our
suggests this kitchen rating for predicted tests show is easy to
10
staple may last longer reliability, which clean. Difficult cleaning
than you’d expect: estimates the likelihood was respondents’ biggest
Ninety-two percent of that newly purchased complaint about their
PHOTOS, BOT TOM FROM LEFT: JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER, INC.; CONSUMER REPORTS;
9 9
the 27,239 toaster ovens toaster ovens from a toaster ovens.
BROXODENT FROM SQUIBB; CONSUMER REPORTS; JAMES WORRELL; CONSUMER REPORTS
8
EXCELLENT
9-10
7-8
5-6
6 6 6 6 6 3-4
1-2
POOR
5 5 5 5
4 *Though Crux and

Krups were included
in our reliability survey,
we do not currently
have model ratings
from those brands in
2
HAMILTON BEACH
our toaster oven

BLACK+DECKER
ratings. We also test

TOASTMASTER
FARBERWARE
models from brands,
KITCHENAID
CALPHALON
CUISINART
PANASONIC
such as Ninja, that we

DELONGHI
do not yet have

BREVILLE
reliability data for.

KRUPS
BELLA
OSTER
All-Access and Digital

WOLF
CRUX
Members can go to
CR.org/toaster1020 for
our full ratings.
1984 We test the 2010 CR staffers test 2020 In our most

Italian Folding Razor for 10 electric tooth- recent test of electric
campers; it folds into brushes. Before and toothbrushes, a
the size of a matchbook. after brushing, a dentist Sonicare model is
The design is “ingenious” uses dye to reveal among the top-rated
we say, but the shave plaque; the priciest for excellent cleaning
quality is subpar. ones remove the most. performance.
1993 A can of Barbasol 2016 Shaving clubs !

0 Phillips
shaving cream is a offer a new way to buy Sonicare
Tom’s prominent plot point in razors for less. We test Protective
om Steven Spielberg’s razors from three clubs Clean 6100 $110
bring “Jurassic Park” (though and judge how close
paste” in the Michael Crichton the shave is. Gillette OVERALL
t. novel it’s a Gillette can). is the favorite. 81 SCORE
For our full ratings of electric toothbrushes, turn to “A Better Brush,” on page 18. OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 15

CRInsights
CR MONE Y S AV ER Hypertension affects A good plan for those P R I VA C Y UP D AT E

different racial and ethnic with high blood pressure
BEST BLOOD groups unequally in the includes regular exercise, YOUR
U.S. Among adults, a healthy diet, and (for
PRESSURE 40 percent of Blacks, some) medications. SNOOPING
37 percent of American Research suggests that
MONITORS FOR Indian and Alaska Natives, self-monitoring may be SMART SPEAKER
and 33 percent of Native beneficial, too. In some
$50 OR LESS Hawaiians and Pacific cases, a home blood
Islanders report having pressure monitor, which
DO YOU EVER worry that the
hypertension, compared can range from $20 to
microphone in your smart
R OUGHLY ONE OF every with 29 percent of whites, $100, may help diagnose
speaker is listening to a
three U.S. adults reports 28 percent of Hispanics, hypertension—because
conversation in your home
having high blood and about 24 percent of levels recorded at the
when it’s not supposed to?
pressure, according to a Asians, the CDC’s study doctor may differ from
You’re right to be concerned,
recent study from the says. Some research, those in everyday life.
however, found that Asians But will a cheaper drug- according to a recently released
Centers for Disease
had greater odds of having store model work well? study. Using dialogue from
Control and Prevention.
hypertension than whites. Our home monitor tests, popular TV shows, researchers
Some research, however,
And another study found which evaluate accuracy, at Northeastern University
suggests that the true
that Hispanic and Black comfort, and ease of use, have discovered that smart
number of Americans with
people with hypertension found budget models that speakers are often fooled into
hypertension could be
are less likely than non- get the job done, says CR recording you when they hear
closer to 45 percent, and
only a quarter have it Hispanic whites to have it testing lead Susan Booth. words that sound similar to
controlled. (A level of under control. The reasons The models below even a speaker’s “wake words”—
130/80 is considered may include a lack of outperform some $90 and those designed to summon
stage 1 hypertension.) quality insurance coverage. $100 models we tested. a smart speaker’s digital
assistant, such as “Hey, Alexa,”
to engage Amazon’s Alexa.
Researchers noted when
the devices started recording
HELPFUL FEATURES & STORES ACCURATE BUT LESS BARGAIN PRICE
EASY TO USE MULTIPLE USER COMFY and for how long, as well as
PROFILES Equate 4000 what dialogue triggered the
$
0 Omron Silver $
0 Rite Aid Deluxe Series (Walmart)
$
0 A&D Medical device. For example, the
BP5250 (Amazon) Automatic $29
$50 (shown below) UA767F $45 BP3AR1-4DRITE Google Home Mini mistook
$37 the phrase “okay to go” for its
wake words, “Hey, Google.”
OVER ALL SCORE 85 OVER ALL SCORE 81 OVER ALL SCORE 80 OVER ALL SCORE 75 And the Apple HomePod
heard “Hey, Missy” as “Hey,
ACCUR ACY 5
0 ACCUR ACY 5
0 ACCUR ACY 5
0 ACCUR ACY 4
0
Siri.” Researchers also noted
CONVENIENCE 5
0 CONVENIENCE 4
0 CONVENIENCE 4
0 CONVENIENCE 4
0 that a high frequency of
COMFORT 4
0 COMFORT 4
0 COMFORT 3
0 COMFORT 4
0 false activations occurred
during episodes of “Narcos”
with Spanish dialogue. On
average, the speakers had one
erroneous activation every
4 hours. However, the study
also found that smart speakers
tend to catch their mistakes
quickly and shut off the mic,
usually within seconds.
“Digital assistants are an
imperfect technology,” says
Justin Brookman, director of
privacy and technology policy
at CR. “When we bring these
devices into our houses, this
is the risk we take. There’s no
telling how they’re using it to
better understand us.”
To learn more about how you can

better protect your privacy in a connected
16 CR.ORG OCTOBER 2020 world, go to CR.org/privacy1020.

TO STAY I N FO RM ED ABOU T RECALLS FOR YOU R VEH ICLES, READERS WIT H
RECALLS MEMB ER SHI P CAN U SE OU R FREE CAR RECALL T RACKER AT CR .OR G/MOR E.
A STEP HOND A RO Vs
FORWARD FOR
INFANT SAFETY Honda is recalling about 25,000
ROVs because they can move
After a Consumer Reports
or roll when in the Park position,
investigation prompted the
posing crash and injury hazards.
recall of millions of infant
inclined sleepers and helped The ROVs were sold at authorized
lead to a proposed ban of Honda Powersports dealers
the products by the nationwide from November
Consumer Product Safety 2018 through March 2020 for
Commission, CR has reached $15,000 to $24,000.
another milestone for safe What to do: Stop using the
infant sleep. CR found ROV and contact an authorized
HOND A V EH I CL E S appropriate software at no evidence that another type Honda Powersports dealer
charge. Owners may contact of baby product known as to make an appointment for
Honda has announced two Honda customer service at in-bed sleepers (meant a free inspection and repair.
software-related recalls. The first 888-234-2138. for bed-sharing with a Call Honda at 866-784-1870
recall involves the software that caregiver) was linked to at or go to powersports.honda.com
controls the backup camera display least 12 infant deaths. In for details.
on 499,342 vehicles, including 2019- the wake of CR’s efforts,
2020 Odyssey minivans, 2019-2020 BO Y S COU T S staff for the CPSC sent a
Passport SUVs, and 2019-2021 Pilot OF A MER I C A P I NS letter to juvenile product
SUVs. The display may be delayed industry representatives CO S T WAY S T ROL L ER S
or fail to show when the vehicle is Boy Scouts of America is emphasizing their serious
put in Reverse, increasing the risk recalling about 78,000 Cub Scout safety concerns with the Costway is recalling about 16,000
of a crash. Consequently, these activity pins because the pin’s products. CR welcomes this double baby strollers because
vehicles fail to comply with federal face and shaft contain levels move and continues to urge they violate the Federal Standard
safety standards. of lead that exceed the federal parents to stop using any for Carriages and Strollers.
The other recall, of 607,784 lead content ban. Lead is toxic if products that don’t meet A child’s torso can pass through
ingested by young children and federal safety requirements
vehicles, is to address concerns the opening between the tray
related to infant sleep,
with the instrument panel can cause adverse health issues. and the seat bottom, and his or
including in-bed sleepers.
software. Incorrect software can The pins were sold at Boy Scouts her head can become entrapped,
The products, which are
mean that the panel will fail to of America retail stores and posing strangulation hazards.
largely unregulated, feature
display key information, such as authorized distributors nationwide There’s also a large opening
padding that can block a
engine oil pressure, speedometer, and online at scoutshop.org baby’s ability to breathe and between the seat and the crotch
and gear selector position, until from April 2016 through January soft sidewalls that don’t restraint, posing a fall hazard.
the vehicle is turned off and 2020 for about $1. prevent parents from rolling The strollers were sold online at
restarted. The vehicles and model What to do: Take the pin away onto the sleeper and the costway.com and Amazon from
years are the same for this recall from kids and return it to any Boy baby. And by their nature May 2016 through December 2019
as the backup camera recall, with Scouts of America retail store or they encourage bed-sharing, for about $100.
the addition of the 2018 Odyssey. contact Boy Scouts of America’s a practice that itself What to do: Stop using the
What to do: Look for a mailed National Distribution Center for a increases the risk of infant stroller and contact Costway
notification to owners in late full refund, including shipping, or death. For more details on at 844-242-1885 for details
September 2020. Honda for a merchandise credit. Go to our investigation, go to on how to receive a full refund,
dealerships will update the scoutshop.org for details. CR.org/safebaby1020. including taxes and shipping.
OCTOBER LEAF BLOWERS SMOKE DETECTORS CHAINSAWS For more info,

IS THE BEST go to CR.org/
TIME TO BUY … buy1020.
d

PRODUCT
People who tend to run the water
while brushing their teeth, by age*
40%
UPDATE I
30%
20%
10%
18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+ YEARS
Turning off the tap can save 8 gallons a day, or nearly

3,000 gallons a year, if you brush twice daily for 2 minutes.*
T HE L AT E ST R AT I NG S FR OM OU R L A BS
A Better
Brush?
We reveal whether an
electric model will leave
your teeth cleaner.
by Sally Wadyka
PHOTO: JOHN WALSH/CONSUMER REPORTS
!
0 PHILIPS
SONICARE
PROTECTIVE
CLEAN 6100
$110
81 OVERALL
SCORE
18 CR.ORG *Source: 2018 YouGov survey of 6,269 U.S. adults

(chart); EPA’s WaterSense program (text).
CRM10_Electric_Toothbrushes [P]_2329055.indd 18 8/13/20 4:29 PM

I
F THERE’S ONE thing pros and cons, and that personal Journal of Clinical Periodontology
dentists all agree on, it’s that preferences and your health conditions also found that powered brushes were
brushing your teeth for will factor into your choice. (We rated more effective for gum health. Here,
2 minutes, twice a day, is eight electric toothbrushes. You can see researchers at University Medicine
the most effective step you the differences among popular models Greifswald in Germany, who followed
can take for oral health. This on pages 22 and 23.) 2,819 adults over 11 years, determined
habit helps get rid of the that using a powered toothbrush
bacteria that cause plaque, the sticky, Does Electric Have an Edge? reduced the progression of periodontal
germy film that adheres to teeth. When “You can brush very effectively with disease. (More advanced than gingivitis,
plaque builds up it can cause tooth a manual toothbrush,” notes Matt it can cause loose teeth and expose
decay as well as gum disease. And left Messina, D.D.S., a consumer adviser roots.) Plus, electric toothbrush users
untreated, severe gum disease has with the American Dental Association had healthier gums overall and retained
been linked to other illnesses, such (ADA). “If you get good checkups and 19 percent more teeth over the study
as diabetes and heart problems. New your dentist is confident you’re doing a than those using manual brushes.
research even suggests it may play a role thorough job, you don’t need to change
in serious COVID-19 infections. from a manual brush.” Can Electrics Hurt Your Teeth?
Ever since the advent of the electric But some studies suggest that The power that allows electrics to do
toothbrush in the 1960s, there’s been a electric devices may lead to such a thorough job on plaque may
debate over whether powered or manual healthier outcomes. One of the more be a potential problem. A 2017 study
brushes do a better job of cleaning comprehensive analyses—a 2014 published in the journal PLOS One
teeth. Despite a glut of advertisements review by the Cochrane Collaboration, found that powered brushes were more
for electric or powered devices, manual which assesses scientific evidence— likely than manual to abrade dentin, the
brushes are still by far the most used, by gave powered brushes a slight edge tissue below the tooth’s enamel, which
82 percent of adults. But the older and at clearing away plaque. Researchers can become exposed when enamel
wealthier a consumer is, the more likely looked at 56 clinical trials of teeth wears away or gums recede. Abrasions
he or she is to adopt a powered brush. brushing by more than 5,000 adults to dentin increase tooth sensitivity and
According to Mintel, a market research and children. They found that those can hike cavity risks.
firm, almost half of people 55 and older who used a powered brush showed For the study, researchers took
with annual incomes of $75,000 or more an 11 percent reduction in plaque after dentin samples from people’s teeth and
prefer powered to manual. one to three months of use, and a then used a machine that simulated
The most basic powered models, 21 percent reduction after three months the effects of eight and a half years
which run on replaceable batteries, or more compared with manual of brushing. They found that sonic
can be had for less than $10. Those brush users. toothbrushes caused the most abrasion
with rechargeable batteries (for which They also found that powered brush to dentin, followed by oscillating, and
a single charge lasts anywhere from a users had a 6 percent reduction in that manual brushes—especially those
few days to several weeks) start as low gingivitis (an early gum disease that that have rippled instead of flat bristles—
as $20. But you can spend more than can be marked by bad breath and red, caused the least.
$250 for high-end “smart” powered swollen gums that may bleed easily) at Another simulated brushing study,
toothbrushes that sync with an app on one to three months, and an 11 percent this one published in 2013 in the
your phone and offer recommendations reduction after three or more months. journal Clinical Oral Investigations, had
on improving your brushing technique. In addition, the researchers found somewhat different results. It found
Which should you choose? Dental that oscillating powered brushes (which that manual and powered brushes had
PHOTO: JOHN WALSH/CONSUMER REPORTS
experts point out that each has its have small round heads that rotate similar effects on intact enamel, but that
quickly in one direction and then the on worn enamel, manual teeth brushing
other) were slightly better at reducing abraded dentin more.
plaque than sonic powered brushes But there’s an important caveat: In
A dental hygienist (which have oval heads that move or the second study, the manual brushing
measured the vibrate rapidly from side to side). But simulation used much more force
plaque levels of our
INSIDE volunteers before study authors say more research is than the powered brush simulation. And
CR’S LABS and after brushing. needed to confirm that finding. experts say that brushing too forcefully
A study published in 2019 in the with any kind of brush can increase
s OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 19

.

PRODUCT
UPDATE
the likelihood of gum recession and to another area of your mouth. brushing your teeth:
damaged tooth enamel. A powered brush with a pressure Angle your brush. “The biggest
In fact, a gentle touch—whether sensor may help people who tend to mistake most people make is holding
using a manual or an electric—is the brush too aggressively. “Some models their brush at 90 degrees, which cleans
safest bet. “It doesn’t take much sense if you’re pushing too hard the teeth but not the gums,” Camargo
force to brush away bacteria and and respond by stopping the bristles says. “Bacteria grow in the space
food particles,” says Vera W. L. Tang, from moving until you lighten your between the teeth and gums, and in
D.D.S., a clinical assistant professor, touch,” Tang says. order to disrupt it, you need to use the
vice chair, and predoctoral director Powered devices may also yield better bristles at a 45-degree angle and get
in the department of periodontology results for certain people, experts say. them below the gumline.”
and implant dentistry at the New York For instance, older adults, especially Brush two teeth at a time. Work your
University College of Dentistry. those with arthritis, might not have way methodically around your mouth,
That light touch may be key with the dexterity to maneuver a manual focusing your attention on two teeth at
powered brushes. “When you brush brush effectively. “Powered brushes not a time, Tang suggests. “If you’re using a
with a powered toothbrush,” Tang says, only do much of the work for you, but powered brush, just set it on those two
“you don’t really have to do anything, the larger handles are easier to hold,” teeth and let it do its thing, then move
because the rotating or vibrating head she points out. on to the next two,” she says.
does the work for you.” Youngsters may benefit from them for Be thorough. “Regardless of what type
the same reasons. Plus, some powered of brush you use, you still have to make
How a Brush Is Built brushes made specifically for kids sure the bristles touch every surface of
Powered and manual toothbrushes play music or connect to timer apps to every tooth,” Messina says. Clean the
come in a variety of head sizes and encourage longer brushing, although front and back of teeth, and top and
bristle configurations, with bristles whether or not that actually inspires bottom, including the sharp edges. Get
that are clustered, angled, or rippled children to brush for the recommended the brush behind back teeth, too. For
in various ways. “Some studies have 2 minutes hasn’t been studied. good measure, go over the surface of
shown that tapered or angled bristles (The ADA and the American Academy your tongue to reduce bacteria there
are slightly more effective at reducing of Pediatric Dentistry say that parents and help prevent bad breath.
plaque than flat brushes,” Tang says. should supervise brushing until their Use the right touch. “There’s a fine
Whether you opt for a manual or children are about 7 or 8, and that line between doing a good job and
powered toothbrush, choose one with kids who can routinely tie their own overdoing it,” Camargo says. If you’re
soft bristles. “Bristles that are too hard shoes can brush their own teeth with a concerned that you’re brushing too
are more likely to cause damage to gums manual or a powered toothbrush.) hard, try this trick: Instead of grasping
and enamel,” Tang says. Powered brushes can also be a boon the brush in your fist, hold it with just
When in doubt, Messina suggests for those with braces. “It’s much easier your fingertips. “It doesn’t allow you to
checking to see whether a brush has to get around all the brackets and wires put as much pressure on your gums,”
earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance. than with a manual brush,” Messina Tang says. And know the signs of overly
“That indicates that it’s been says. Some electrics even have heads aggressive brushing: tooth sensitivity,
independently tested,” he says, “and designed to clean thoroughly around bleeding or irritated gums, receding
that it safely and effectively removes and between braces. gums, and splayed toothbrush bristles.
plaque and reduces gingivitis.” Replace regularly. You’ll need to
If you’re thinking about a powered It’s All in the Wrist break out a new toothbrush—or a new
brush, one feature to consider is a Whether you choose a basic brush or brush head for a powered toothbrush—
2-minute timer. According to the ADA, one with all the bells and whistles, every three to four months. If the
most people brush for an average the way you brush is important. “The bristles are frayed or splaying, it’s time
of only about 45 seconds, so it may correct technique can be used with for a new one. “Splayed bristles can no
encourage you to brush longer. (Certain a powered or manual toothbrush,” longer effectively get under the gum
manual toothbrushes also have this says Paulo Camargo, D.D.S., chair of line,” Camargo says.
feature or light up after 2 minutes periodontics at the UCLA School of Also consider this: Plastic
of use.) Some powered models have Dentistry. “People who do a good job toothbrushes create a lot of trash
quadrant timers that buzz every can do a good job with either.” that doesn’t break down easily. With
30 seconds to remind you to move on Here’s how to get the most out of powered models, you’re tossing a little

How We Tested
CR tested eight powered toothbrushes
Brushing Tips for Older Adults using a panel of 20 people between

ages 18 and 65, all in good dental
health and users of electric
toothbrushes. We gave each product an
Overall Score based on five measures:
cleaning performance, ease of use,
GOOD DENTAL GO FOR 2X2. Like sensitivity when you
battery performance, perceived noise,
habits are always younger adults and press too hard,” says
important, but children, brush twice Vera W. L. Tang, D.D.S., and extra features.
at-home oral hygiene a day for 2 minutes at of the New York To evaluate cleaning performance,
is crucial later in a time. Whether you University College of we had the volunteers skip brushing
life because older choose a manual or Dentistry. A powered and using other dental products
adults may be powered device, opt brush with a pressure
(except for toothpicks) for 8 hours.
especially prone for a soft brush. Some sensor that alerts you
to cavities, gum research suggests when you’re brushing
Then a dental hygienist evaluated
recession, and that heads with too hard may help their plaque levels based on the
tooth sensitivity. rippled or tapered reduce tooth commonly used TMQH Plaque Index.
One reason is that bristles may clean sensitivity or keep it The volunteers had a TMQH score of
some meds often more effectively but from worsening. more than 1.5 on a scale of 1 to 5, with
taken by seniors with less force.
5 signifying the most plaque buildup.
can cause dry mouth. GET A GRIP. We may
“Saliva is nature’s BRUSH WELL. Clean become less dextrous Each volunteer was given a device
cavity-fighter, every surface, with age, so use a and asked to brush for 2 minutes.
because it washes between teeth, and brush that’s The hygienist measured plaque
bacteria and plaque under any bridges you comfortable to hold, levels again, and the before-and-after
away from your have. “Gums recede Tang says. Many differences gave each product its
teeth,” says Alice with age, so there’s powered brushes have
cleaning performance score.
Boghosian, D.D.S., more room for food to larger, easier-to-grip
a spokesperson get trapped between handles. But some To evaluate battery performance,
for the American teeth,” Boghosian have very strong testers measured how long it took the
Dental Association says. Interdental vibrations, which may six rechargeable models to charge
(ADA) and a clinical brushes, floss picks, cause some users to fully and the batteries on all eight
instructor at the and floss holders may drop the brush easily. models to run down. For ease of use,
University of Illinois help you navigate If holding a toothbrush
testers asked volunteers about tasks
at Chicago College more easily. is a challenge, wrap
of Dentistry. “Without the handle in a dish like attaching the brush head and
it, plaque sticks to BUT BE GENTLE. “The towel and secure it recharging, and how comfortable a
teeth, increasing nerves of the teeth with rubber bands, or brush was to use. For noise, testers
your risk of cavities.” tend to recede with slip a bicycle handlebar asked volunteers for their perception
To ensure that age, so you don’t get grip or other foam
of loudness during device use, and
you’re brushing right: the warning signs of tube over it.
the extra features score was based
on whether a product had a timer, a
pressure sensor, multiple speeds, a
charge level indicator, and smartphone
app capability.
less plastic because it’s only aren’t necessarily ADA-approved. Note that powered brushes may
the brush head that’s replaced And last, if you’re wondering have multiple brushing modes to
regularly. But some manufacturers whether diligent brushing can replace choose from (such as “sensitive” or
now offer manual toothbrushes professional cleaning, the answer is no. “deep clean”), and some products
with replaceable heads. And some “You can’t get between the teeth and can accept brush heads of more than
companies make manual brushes from under the gumlines as effectively,” or one shape and level of softness. Our
sustainable bamboo, compostable see the back of the mouth as well as the ratings of powered brushes are based
bioplastic, or cellulose (plastic pros can, Messina says. “But everything on the combination of brush head and
generated from wood), though these you do at home makes things better.” brushing mode that scored highest.

PRODUCT
UPDATE
More manufacturers are moving into the powered brush

Electric Toothbrushes market, but Oral-B and Philips Sonicare remain untouchable
in terms of performance, according to our testers. That said,
! ORAL-B GENIUS X 10000 ! PHILIPS SONICARE PROTECTIVE CLEAN 6100

$220 $110
0 0
5
0 CLEANING PERFORMANCE 5
0 CLEANING PERFORMANCE
83 5
0 EASE OF USE
4
0 BATTERY PERFORMANCE
81 4
0 EASE OF USE
4
O VERALL
SCORE
3
0 NOISE O VERALL
SCORE
3
0 NOISE
5
0 EXTRA FEATURES 5
0 EXTRA FEATURES
Using the CrossAction brush head in Daily About half of the panelists lauded this
Clean mode, this rechargeable model model, rated in White High Intensity mode
scored the highest of all for ease of use, with the W2 Optimal White Head, for leaving
and more than half of the testing their teeth with a clean feeling. It has three
volunteers had no criticism at all about the brushing speeds, three brushing modes
product. It has six brushing modes, and (Clean, White, and Gum Care), and a
features include Bluetooth connectivity, a pressure sensor, timer, and charge level
pressure sensor, and a timer. Performance indicator. Like the other rated Philips
of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery was devices, its easy-start option allows it to
among the lowest of the batch. gently increase speed during use.
ORAL-B PRO 3000 PHILIPS SONICARE FLEXCARE PLATINUM CONNECTED

$90 HX9192/0 $200
0 0
4
70 5
0 EASE OF USE
4
68 4
0 EASE OF USE
4
O VERALL
SCORE
3
0 NOISE O VERALL
SCORE
3
0 NOISE
5
0 EXTRA FEATURES 5
0 EXTRA FEATURES
PHOTOS: JOHN WALSH/CONSUMER REPORTS (8)
This model, rated in Daily Clean mode with Rated in Deep Clean Level 3 mode with an
the 3D White brush head, received the Adaptive Clean head, this model has two
second-highest score for ease of use out of brushing modes and three speeds, plus a
all the rated brushes. Almost half of the pressure sensor, timer, level of charge
panelists said it left their teeth with a indicator, and Bluetooth capability. It’s
clean feeling. It has three brushing modes, powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion
a timer, pressure sensor, level of charge battery and has an easy-start option, so it
indicator, and Bluetooth compatibility. can gently increase in speed. Some testers
It’s powered by a rechargeable nickel- were critical of the head and the device’s
cadmium battery. inability to reach the back of the mouth.

0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED

panelists thought that Oral-B brushes produced less vibration of these models scored very high on battery performance
and were more comfortable to use. But Philips’ batteries and not significantly lower on cleaning performance than the
tended to last longer and charge faster. The least expensive midrange Oral-B and Philips Sonicare models.
! ORAL-B PRO 6000 ! PHILIPS SONICARE DIAMONDCLEAN HX9903/01

$120 $200
0 0
5
79 4
0 EASE OF USE
3
75 4
0 EASE OF USE
4
O VERALL
SCORE
3
0 NOISE O VERALL
SCORE
3
0 NOISE
5
0 EXTRA FEATURES 3
0 EXTRA FEATURES
Slightly more than half of the volunteers Although the cleaning performance was
thought this product had an unappealing excellent, almost three-fourths of the
size and weight. But half thought it left their panelists criticized its “unappealing
teeth feeling clean, and some praised its vibration.” The model, tested in Deep Clean
“good toothbrush head/good reachability in Mode with the W2 Optimal White brush
the mouth.” Rated in Deep Clean mode using head, has five brushing modes, a timer, and
the CrossAction head, it has five brushing a level of charge indicator. Like the other
modes, a timer, pressure sensor, and rated Philips models, it can increase gently
Bluetooth connectivity, and it’s powered by in speed during use. It’s powered by a
a rechargeable lithium-on battery. rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
COLGATE 360 ADVANCED WHITENING ARM & HAMMER SPINBRUSH PRO + EXTRA WHITE
$9 $9
0 0
3
66 4
0 EASE OF USE
5
58 3
0 EASE OF USE
5
O VERALL
SCORE
4
0 NOISE O VERALL
SCORE
2
0 NOISE
2
0 EXTRA FEATURES 1
0 EXTRA FEATURES
PHOTOS: JOHN WALSH/CONSUMER REPORTS (8)
Almost half of the volunteers noted the With a standard brush and just one cleaning
model’s appealing size, and it had by far the mode, this device’s cleaning performance
fewest complaints about it being too loud. was judged Good, not significantly lower
Using the standard brush in default mode— than some of the pricier models. It scored
its only setting—the model was judged Good lowest of all the rated models on noise,
on cleaning performance, not significantly ease of use, and extra features (there are
lower than some of the pricier rated none). This brush is powered by replaceable
models. It has replaceable AAA batteries AA batteries.
and an extra feature: a timer.

3-6-1-6-6-7-5-1-3
Stop Eating
Use cr’s exclusive ratings to get the health benefits from fruits and veg etab
Oranges
nonorganic
EXCELLENT
U.S.-grown
organic
EXCELLENT
U.S.-grown
CRM10_Pesticides [P]_2329801.indd 24 8/14/20 2:32 PM

Pesticides
d veg etables while minimizing your risk from toxic chemicals. by Catherine Roberts
Green Beans
nonorganic
POOR
U.S.-grown
organic
EXCELLENT
U.S.-grown

S
“Still, we realize organic can cost pesticide industry group, noted that
more, and that means it isn’t always half or more of items tested by the
an option,” Vallaeys says. And in many USDA show no pesticide residue.
low-income communities, access to But many experts remain concerned.
fruits and vegetables in general—let Payne-Sturges notes that pesticides can
alone organic—may be limited. damage the brain and nervous system.
To help consumers identify which And even low levels have been linked to
produce pose the biggest risk from cancer, reproductive issues, and other
PHOTOS, FROM LEFT, FIRST ROW: GETTY IMAGES(2); SHUTTERSTOCK. SECOND ROW: ANDY GRIMSHAW/GALLERY STOCK; GETTY IMAGES; DAN SAELINGER/TRUNK ARCHIVE. THIRD ROW: GETTY IMAGES (3)
pesticides, CR experts developed health problems, she says.
ratings for 35 fruits and vegetables. Plenty of research bears this out. A
They were organic and nonorganic, 2019 study in JAMA Internal Medicine
grown in the U.S. and imported. We found that people with the highest
SINKING YOUR TEETH into a crisp also rated some frozen, canned, and levels of exposure to pyrethroid
apple or chomping on a stalk of celery dried items, for a total of 49 products. pesticides were almost three times
is something you should be able to do The good news: Almost half of the more likely to die from cardiovascular
without thinking. After all, the best nonorganic fruits and vegetables pose disease during the 14-year study
nutritional science shows that eating little risk. But about 20 percent, such than those with less exposure. In a
a variety of fruits and vegetables—and as fresh green beans, peaches, and 2010 study in the journal Pediatrics,
plenty of them—is a crucial component potatoes, received our worst scores; children with a greater exposure to
of good health. But produce sometimes those are the ones it’s most important organophosphate pesticides were more
comes with potentially harmful to try to buy organic. (See “How Much likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. And
pesticide levels. Does Organic Really Cost?” on page 32 a 2016 analysis in Scientific Reports
That’s according to a new Consumer for tips on saving money on organic.) found a link between pesticides and an
Reports analysis of five years of data Even some organic products, such as increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
from the Department of Agriculture fresh spinach, had worrisome pesticide Other evidence suggests that
collected from tests on fruits and residue. “For the lowest-scoring items, pesticides disrupt the endocrine system,
vegetables to detect about 450 different eating a half of a serving or less per day which is made up of hormones, the
pesticides. In some cases, those levels poses long-term health risks to a young glands that produce them, and the
exceed what CR’s experts consider safe. child,” Vallaeys says. receptors in the body that respond
The solution isn’t to eat less produce. to them. Experts think this may
More than 80 percent of Americans Pesticides and Your Health contribute to some cancers and other
already fall short of the recommended “Pesticides are chemicals that are health problems. And because this
amounts: at least 2½ cups of vegetables specifically designed to kill living system is delicate, even small amounts
and 2 cups of fruits per day for most organisms,” says Devon Payne-Sturges, of endocrine disruptors could have
adults. Instead, you can minimize the Dr.P.H., an associate professor at the outsized effects, says Michael Hansen,
risk by choosing fruits and vegetables University of Maryland School of Public Ph.D., CR’s senior scientist.
grown with fewer and safer pesticides. Health. Some of the clearest evidence Yet the overall health impact of
One way is to choose organic of harm comes from people who work pesticides may be even greater because
produce. “CR recommends buying with pesticides or live in agricultural there are still many unanswered
organic when possible, to reduce areas. The Environmental Protection questions about the effects of long-term,
your pesticide exposure and protect Agency says agricultural pesticide low-dose exposure.
the environment and farmworkers,” exposure is tied to asthma, bronchitis,
says Charlotte Vallaeys, the senior
policy analyst at CR who led our new
pesticides study. Organic standards
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s
disease, and prostate and lung cancers.
Industry groups say that such residue
What Research Can’t Tell Us
Scientists studying pesticides are limited
in the kind of research they can conduct.
T
permit some pesticides, but they can on food doesn’t pose a risk. “A farmer’s Giving a group of people a pesticide- t
be used only after nonchemical first consumer is his or her own family, laden diet and another a pesticide-free U
P
methods, such as crop rotation, have so food safety is always their top one would provide clearer answers—but
a
failed. Even then, farmers can’t use priority,” says Teresa Thorne, executive would also be unethical. So scientists p
pesticides that could be harmful to director of the Alliance for Food and turn to other types of studies. s
people or the environment. Farming. And CropLife America, a [ CONT. ON PAGE 31 ] c

Which Produce Should You Pick?
PHOTOS, FROM LEFT, FIRST ROW: GETTY IMAGES(2); SHUTTERSTOCK. SECOND ROW: ANDY GRIMSHAW/GALLERY STOCK; GETTY IMAGES; DAN SAELINGER/TRUNK ARCHIVE. THIRD ROW: GETTY IMAGES (3)
T
O CREATE CR’S on four factors: the number particular fruit or vegetable more servings, the relative risk
ratings, we analyzed of pesticides detected on a person can eat per day remains the same; that
five years of data— each item, the frequency over a lifetime before the is, an item rated Poor carries
. from 2014 to 2018, with which pesticides were pesticides pose potential harm. a higher risk than one rated
the latest available—from the found on samples, the We based our risk analysis on Fair or better. The risk comes
USDA’s Pesticide Data average amount of residue the levels that could harm from chronic exposure. Choosing
Program, which tests fruits of each pesticide found on a 35-pound child, about the size produce with the best ratings
and vegetables for the items, and the toxicity of of a 4-year-old. The serving most of the time can reduce the
pesticides, about 24,000 the pesticides. sizes represent a child’s portion, chance of future harm.
samples in all. Then we The ratings reflect the about two-thirds of an adult For more information, go to
calculated a rating based number of servings of a serving. While adults may have CR.org/pesticideratings1020.

Your Guide to the Produce Aisle
Produce items are listed according to their U.S.-grown, nonorganic rating, except for bananas, which are only
imported. Canned and frozen versions are listed below the fresh versions, even if they have a different rating.
When deciding on the fruits and vegetables to buy, CR recommends those rated Excellent, Very Good, or Good.
NONORGANIC ORGANIC
V E G E TA B L E S • S E RV I N G S I Z E ( A P P R OX I M AT E) U.S.-GROWN IMPORTED U.S.-GROWN IMPORTED
Broccoli fresh • 2/3 CUP, CHOPPED
Cabbage fresh • 2/3 CUP, CHOPPED
Carrots fresh • 1/3 CUP, CHOPPED
Cilantro fresh • 3 TBSP., CHOPPED
Corn fresh • 1/3 CUP (KERNELS)
Onions fresh • 1/3 CUP, CHOPPED
Peas sweet, frozen or canned • 1/3 CUP
Scallions (green onions) fresh • 3 TBSP., CHOPPED
Asparagus fresh • 3 MEDIUM SPEARS
Cucumbers fresh • 1/2 CUP, SLICED
Peas snap, fresh • 1/2 CUP, 1/2- INCH PIECES
Sweet potatoes fresh • 1/2 CUP, CUBED
Tomatoes fresh • 1/2 CUP, CHOPPED
Tomatoes canned • 1/3 CUP, DICED
Lettuce fresh • 1 CUP, SHREDDED
Summer squash fresh • 1/2 CUP, SLICED
Celery fresh • 2/3 CUP, CHOPPED
Kale fresh • 3 CUPS, CHOPPED
Green beans fresh • 2/3 CUP, 1/2- INCH PIECES
Green beans canned • 2/3 CUP
Green beans, frozen • 1/2 CUP, 1- INCH PIECES 4
Potatoes fresh • 1/2 CUP, DICED
Spinach fresh • 2 CUPS
Spinach frozen • 1/3 CUP

EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR
SERVINGS PER DAY MORE THAN 10 MORE THAN MORE THAN MORE THAN 1/2 OR LESS
3, TO 10 1, TO 3 1/2, TO 1
Data not available
NONORGANIC ORGANIC
FRUITS • S E RV I N G S I Z E ( A P P R OX I M AT E) U.S.-GROWN IMPORTED U.S.-GROWN IMPORTED
Cranberries fresh • 1/3 CUP, WHOLE
Cranberries frozen • 1/3 CUP, WHOLE (UNTHAWED)
Cranberries canned or sauce • 3 TBSP.
Grapefruit fresh • 1/3 LARGE
Oranges fresh • 2/3 MEDIUM
Applesauce • 1/3 CUP
Bananas fresh • 1 SMALL
Grapes fresh • 2/3 CUP
Mangoes fresh • 1/2-CUP, PIECES
Prunes (dried plums) • 3
Raisins • 3 TBSP.
Kiwifruit fresh • 1 LARGE
Plums fresh • 2 SMALL
Strawberries fresh • 8 MEDIUM
Strawberries frozen • 8 MEDIUM
Watermelon fresh • 1 1/3 CUP, CHOPPED
Apples fresh • 1/2 LARGE
Blueberries fresh • 2/3 CUP
Blueberries frozen • 2/3 CUP
Nectarines fresh • 1 SMALL
Pears fresh • 2/3 MEDIUM
Cherries fresh • 2/ 3 CUP
Cherries frozen • 2/3 CUP
Peaches fresh • 2/3 MEDIUM
Peaches canned • 1/3 CUP, DRAINED

The 6 Most Concerning Pesticides on Produce
S
IX PESTICIDES PLAY an also responsible for a majority of CYHALOTHRIN
oversized role in the risk in nonorganic and U.S.- It’s thought to interfere with the WHAT ABOUT
undermining the safety grown frozen or canned green body’s neuromuscular system.
of the fruits and beans, summer squash, celery,
GLYPHOSATE
It’s the major contributor to the
vegetables Americans regularly and imported mangoes and risk in cherries, and was found in AND DICAMBA?
consume. These pesticides watermelon. more than half of nonorganic
contribute the most risk in the THESE TWO COMMONLY
U.S.-grown samples, fresh and
lowest-rated fruits and CHLORPROPHAM frozen. It’s also responsible for used headline-making
vegetables in CR’s study. In Used to keep potatoes from some of the risk in other types pesticides weren’t part of
some cases, a pesticide sprouting, this pesticide is of produce, including nonorganic our analysis. That’s not
appeared in almost all of the banned in the European Union U.S.-grown kale, lettuce, because they’re risk-free,
samples of a particular fruit or because it may interfere with nectarines, tomatoes, and but because they’re
vegetable. In other cases, a hormones in the body, especially spinach, and imported lettuce, mostly used for growing
pesticide was detected in only a thyroid hormones. It was found snap peas, tomatoes, and frozen grains and beans, not
small percentage, but at in concerning amounts on nearly green beans. fruits and vegetables.
Glyphosate, the active
worrisome levels. And that’s a every sample of nonorganic U.S.-
ingredient in Roundup, is
problem, because it’s impossible grown potatoes and 96 percent FAMOX ADONE sometimes used in home
for a consumer to know if the of imported ones. It was even Some research suggests that gardens, and both
specific fruit or vegetable they found on every sample of organic this pesticide is a hormone chemicals are used on corn
choose in a store is one that’s U.S.-grown potatoes, though at disruptor. CR thinks it shouldn’t and soybean plants that
contaminated or not. If growers much lower levels. While the be used on food until more is have been genetically
replaced these pesticides with pesticide isn’t allowed on organic known about its safety. It’s the engineered to be resistant
more sustainable pest- produce, it may end up on main reason both nonorganic to them. Glyphosate and
management methods, many organic potatoes when dicamba destroy weeds but
and U.S.-grown organic spinach
leave the plants unharmed.
fruits and vegetables would be processing plants or storage fare poorly in our ratings. (Glyphosate can also be
much safer. That’s why CR urges bins aren’t thoroughly cleaned found on other crops,
growers to stop using these between batches. FLUDIOXONIL including oats and
chemicals and the This is one of several risky chickpeas.)
Environmental Protection CHLORPYRIFOS fungicides that’s used after The World Health
Agency to ban them. The EPA was on the brink of harvest, and it’s thought to have Organization classifies
banning this neurotoxin in 2016 hormone-disrupting effects. Of glyphosate as a probable
ACEPHATE but reversed course in 2017 this group, fludioxonil was the cancer-causing agent, and
This pesticide can break down after intense lobbying from the dicamba is known for
one that contributed the most
drifting from where it’s
into a chemical called pesticide industry, saying more risk in our analysis. It’s primarily applied to neighboring
methamidophos, a compound research was needed. It responsible for the high risk in farms, killing those crops.
banned as a pesticide in the U.S. contributes significantly to the nonorganic fresh peaches and That’s why a U.S. Court of
since 2009 because it’s a risk in nonorganic peaches. nectarines. It was found in Appeals ruled earlier this
neurotoxin, meaning it damages Seventeen percent of imported 90 percent of U.S.-grown year that the Environmental
the brain and nervous system. samples and 2 percent of U.S.- nectarines, 78 percent of U.S.- Protection Agency
ILLUSTRATIONS: ELIAS STEIN
Acephate use is probably the grown samples had worrisome grown peaches, and about half of shouldn’t have approved
reason methamidophos is still levels of chlorpyrifos. But it imported versions of both. It’s dicamba in the first place.
found on produce. It contributed sometimes shows up at lower CR’s safety experts
also a factor in the risk for
believe these two
the largest share of the risk for levels on organically grown nonorganic apples, applesauce, pesticides should also
fresh green beans and was found produce too, including broccoli cherries, kiwifruit, pears, plums, be prohibited.
in troubling amounts in about and grapes. and potatoes.
10 percent of the samples. It’s

[ CONT. FROM PAGE 26 ] overseeing pesticides, sets limits on
Animal studies, which can provide how much residue is allowed on food.
clues to potential harms, are limited The USDA and the Food and Drug
by significant biological differences Administration separately test fruits and
between, say, rats and humans. And vegetables for pesticides. Both agencies
epidemiological studies—which look say that by and large, testing shows that
at groups of people, their pesticide PESTICIDES levels are almost always below legal
exposure, and their health outcomes AND FARM- limits. But the research used to set these
over long periods of time—can link tolerances is imperfect, and they’re often
pesticides and illness but can’t prove that
WORKERS too high, says CR’s Hansen.
the chemicals caused the diseases. At a baseline, the limits are set at
Another limitation: Pesticides are one one-hundredth of the amount of a
usually regulated and studied by PESTICIDES POSE SPECIAL pesticide that doesn’t cause apparent
considering the effects of just a product’s dangers to people who harm to animals in laboratory testing.
active ingredient. Yet pesticide formulas work with them on farms That safety factor is meant to account
contain many other substances. “Some and in factories, as well as for the uncertainty that arises when the
to their families and people
of these are called inert ingredients, results of animal studies are applied to
who live nearby.
which gives you the impression that A long-running project from long-term human exposure, and the
they’re not harmful,” Payne-Sturges the University of California, fact that some people are more sensitive
says. But how they might affect health is Berkeley known as the than others to pesticides.
largely unknown. CHAMACOS study is a key The 1996 Food Quality Protection
Also, health effects may be source of evidence. (The name Act requires the EPA to apply extra
is an acronym for the Center
compounded when multiple pesticides protection when science doesn’t
for the Health Assessment of
are used together, which frequently Mothers and Children of conclusively show that a chemical is
happens. But most studies evaluate only Salinas, and means “little safe for infants and children. Known
the effects of a single type or class of children” in Mexican Spanish.) as the “FQPA safety factor,” it lowers
pesticide, says Brenda Eskenazi, Ph.D., Starting in 1999, researchers the cap on pesticide residue from one
director of the Center for Environmental began following hundreds of one-hundredth to one one-thousandth
Latino children—many from
Research and Children’s Health at the of the amount found not to harm lab
before they were even born—in
University of California, Berkeley. “What Salinas, Calif., an area where animals. But with the exception of
we should be looking at is the whole much of U.S. produce organophosphates, this safety margin
swimming pool of chemicals that we’re is grown. has rarely been used.
exposed to,” she says. The findings show that A February 2020 analysis in the
pesticide exposure in pregnant
What does this mean for consumers? journal Environmental Health looked
women and during childhood
“Sadly, there’s a lot we don’t know about is linked to poor reflexes in
at 59 pesticide risk assessments from
the human health effects of pesticides in infants (a sign of brain and the EPA between 2011 and 2019. It found
food,” says CR’s Vallaeys. “Given this, it nervous system problems), that the agency didn’t apply the FQPA
makes sense that we should err on the lower IQ, attention disorders, safety factor to more than 85 percent of
side of caution and base decisions about poorer lung function, and more. nonorganophosphate pesticides.
People facing greater
pesticide use not just on what we know The agency told CR it makes decisions
economic and social challenges
but also on what we don’t yet know.” are also more likely to suffer about whether to apply the FQPA safety
harm from pesticide exposure, factor based on a variety of research, “a
Pesticide Regulation says Brenda Eskenazi, Ph.D., wealth of high-quality, peer-reviewed
Laws governing the use of pesticides on the study’s director. data.” When it decides not to, it has
produce in the U.S. are based, at least “The effects of pesticides on determined that a particular pesticide
ILLUSTRATIONS: ELIAS STEIN
the people who grow and

in theory, on a philosophy of avoiding doesn’t affect infants and children any
harvest our food is a big part
potential risk in the absence of definitive of the reason CR recommends differently from adults.
proof of their harm. But CR’s experts buying organic when you can,” But CR’s scientists think that in
say the government hasn’t upheld its says Charlotte Vallaeys, CR’s many cases the EPA isn’t looking at
responsibility to protect consumers. senior policy analyst. the entire spectrum of possible harm.
The EPA, which is responsible for The 1996 law instructs it to screen for

How much does endocrine-disrupting effects. But as of
2020, it has completed full endocrine
organic really cost? screenings on only 52 pesticides.

Nor is it using the latest science,
according to Hansen. “The tests the EPA
Not as much as you might think, and there are ways to save.
uses to approve pesticides don’t take
into account new evidence on pesticide
harms, and it hasn’t incorporated many
new scientific techniques,” he says.
James Hewitt, an EPA spokesperson,
says the agency’s standard evaluations
B
UYING ORGANIC protects rival nonorganic varieties.
include some assessment of endocrine
not only your health but also Compare unit prices. The price per
the health of farmworkers pound, quart, or other individual effects. And he says that while screening
and the environment. But measure is usually listed on the pesticides for endocrine-disruption
higher costs can be a major barrier. shelf below the food. If you compare potential is slow and resource intensive,
To see just how great the price those, you can sometimes save by
differences between organic and choosing packaged. For example, the the agency is working on developing
nonorganic are, CR analyzed the USDA’s national average price for loose newer, faster screening techniques,
Weekly Advertised Fruit & Vegetables organic apples was $1.95 a pound. and that it refines its safety evaluation
Retail Prices report, which collects But a 2-pound bag of organic apples
prices from more than 29,000 grocery was $3.76, or $1.88 per pound. methods as science evolves.
stores in the U.S. Do the prep yourself. Lettuce in a
We focused on the 14 nonorganic plastic clamshell costs more than a What CR’s Analysis Found
fresh fruits and vegetables CR rated head of lettuce, and a wedge of
Fair or Poor for pesticides, the ones watermelon is more per pound than a
In our ratings, the “cleanest” produce
for which buying organic is most whole one. receive an Excellent or Very Good
important (except spinach, because Shop different varieties. For our score, while those that carry the most
organic spinach rated Poor). We examples, we averaged the prices for
risk are rated Fair or Poor. They factor
calculated an average national price different varieties—the price for
for June 2020. peaches, for example, includes white in the total number of pesticides, the
Although our analysis represents a and yellow types. But some varieties level of each on fruits and vegetables,
snapshot in time—prices vary by may be cheaper than others: During the frequency with which they were
region and season—it shows that at the first and last weeks of June 2020,
least for these items, the difference organic Bartlett pears cost less than detected, and their toxicity.
is often $1 or less per unit. And simple nonorganic Bosc. To account for toxicity, we used the
strategies can help you save. Stock up on deals. You can often freeze EPA’s chronic reference dose for each
Check the frozen and canned aisles. produce and use it later for baking,
Frozen and canned organic versions snacks, and more. For example, organic pesticide (the amount it considers not
are often less pricey than fresh, white nectarines were slightly cheaper likely to cause harm over a lifetime), and
especially if you opt for store brands. than nonorganic ones during the first then applied the FQPA safety factor to
Shop sales. When fresh organic two weeks of June. So that would have
known neurological toxins or suspected
produce goes on sale, the price can been a good time to buy more of them.
endocrine disruptors—even when the EPA
doesn’t. The goal was to “minimize the
ORGANIC NONORGANIC
chance that risks are underestimated,”
Apples $1.95 /POUND $1.63 /POUND
says Chuck Benbrook, Ph.D., a consultant
Blueberries $3.57/PINT $2.57/PINT
who helped develop CR’s risk scores.
Celery $2.10 /BUNCH $1.21 /BUNCH This means that fruits and vegetables
Cherries $4.89/POUND $3.44 /POUND with residue of many different pesticides
Nectarines $2.54 /POUND $1.95 /POUND can still receive a rating of Very Good or
Peaches $2.54 /POUND $1.64 /POUND even Excellent if the amounts are low
Pears $1.82 /POUND $1.39/POUND compared with the level we consider
Strawberries $3.12 /POUND $2.23 /POUND harmful, or if the pesticides have a low
Watermelon Seedless, Mini $4.39 $3.03 toxicity. But others rate poorly if they
$3.38 /3-POUND BAG $2.47/3-POUND BAG
have even a very small amount of a
Potatoes
more dangerous pesticide.
Green Beans $3.59/POUND $1.61 /POUND
For example, fresh nonorganic
Kale $1.70 /BUNCH $1.18 /BUNCH
tomatoes have a Very Good rating
Lettuce $2.26 /HEAD $1.29/HEAD
Summer Squash $1.97/POUND $1.27/POUND

despite having residue of 65 different a pesticide banned in organic farming
pesticides, because the amounts and a possible hormone disruptor.
weren’t concerning and/or were found “The vast majority of the USDA
on only a few samples. On the other data show that while pesticides
A hand, imported nonorganic summer are sometimes found on organic foods,
squash rated Poor because it had the levels are usually 10 percent or
worrisome amounts of a particularly THE RIGHT less of what’s found on nonorganic,
harmful pesticide on just one sample. WAY which would be consistent with drift
Thirty-one of 49 nonorganic fruits from a neighboring field,” CR’s Hansen
and vegetables—which include fresh,
TO WASH says. “When levels on organic and
frozen, dried, and canned—earn a nonorganic are similar, government
rating of Good or higher in domestic agencies should take a closer look.”
g and/or imported forms. YOU CAN’T WASH away all A spokesperson for the USDA’s
But for the 18 nonorganic fruits and pesticides. The chemicals can National Organic Program says fewer
, vegetables with a Fair or Poor rating, stick to soft skins, wax organic fruits and vegetables are tested
CR’s experts say everyone, especially coatings can trap certain than nonorganic, which may skew
pesticides, and some are
pregnant women, infants, and young findings. And when it has questions
systemic, meaning they get
children, should try to eat the organic into the flesh of fruits or about compliance, it first contacts the
versions. If you can’t find them at a vegetables. In fact, the USDA certifier for that operation, who can
price you can afford, choose a higher- pesticide testing on which we usually help identify underlying issues
rated similar alternative, such as based our ratings occurs after and quickly bring the farm or business
produce is washed, and if
broccoli instead of green beans. Still, if back into compliance. When there’s
appropriate, peeled. Yet some
that’s not possible, occasionally eating still have pesticide residue.
indication of fraud or other serious
a low-rated fruit or vegetable doesn’t To remove as much issues, the program investigates, and
pose a serious health risk. pesticide residue as you can, when the evidence warrants, removes
There were a few items for which follow the method used by the the offender from the organic system.
organic produce got a score lower than USDA: Wash all produce—even
those that will be peeled—in
Excellent. For those rated Very Good, What Needs to Change
cold running water for 15 to
the likely reason is that pesticides 20 seconds. For hard produce “Many federal policies should be altered
banned in organic farming drifted with tough skins, like apples to protect consumers from the harms
from fields where nonorganic crops and potatoes, use a vegetable of pesticides,” says Brian Ronholm,
were grown. But drift probably doesn’t brush or rub with your hands. CR’s director of food policy. Particularly
account for the Fair or Poor scores for You can time yourself by important is a system to quickly identify
singing the Happy Birthday
three organic items: imported frozen banned pesticides on imported produce
song twice or any 20-second
cherries, imported fresh snap peas, and refrain of a favorite song. to keep it out of the country. “The
A U.S.-grown fresh spinach. That’s it. There’s no USDA must also take steps to maintain
All but one of the contaminated evidence that special washes the integrity of the organic program
frozen cherry samples were imported remove more pesticides. and help farmers transition to organic,
t from Turkey. In recent years, questions And you should certainly
which will make organic options more
avoid soap and especially
have been raised about the integrity of bleach. Concerns about the
widely available.”
the organic label on Turkish imports. ongoing coronavirus pandemic In addition, CR says the EPA should
s Organic imported snap peas are rated have led many people to think take the following steps:
r Fair because one of the 15 samples that using those cleaners on ■ Ban the agricultural use of the riskiest
was contaminated with high levels of produce can help prevent the pesticides.
spread of the disease. But it’s
dimethoate, a potent neurotoxin. ■ Apply the FQPA safety factor to all
far more likely that even after
And last, organic U.S.-grown rinsing, soap or bleach left on neurotoxins, suspected endocrine
spinach received a Poor score because food can make you sick. disruptors, and any pesticide for which
33 different pesticides were found on there’s uncertainty about its safety.
76 percent of the samples. For some That’s already required under the Food
of these, the levels were similar to Quality Protection Act. CR says the EPA
nonorganic. That includes famoxadone, needs to apply the law consistently.

SUPPLEMENT
SCHEMES
An investigation by CR
& shows how companies seeking
to sell questionable products
can take advantage of a wide-
open internet marketplace—
and how difficult it is for
COVID-19 regulators to stop them.

B Y R YA N F E LT O N
I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y M I K E M C Q U A D E
COME-ONS
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S P E C I A L I N V E S T I G AT I ON : PA R T T W O
tragedy to turn a profit,” Klipfel says. weed out scammers, especially at a time
Of course, hucksters have a long when those agencies have been flooded
history of separating people from their with complaints. (See “Fraud Reports
money by playing on their fears. But Are on the Rise,” below.) “Every state’s
while snake oil salesmen of the past attorney general and the Federal Trade
hawked their wares at circus sideshows Commission is overwhelmed,” says
or in the back of magazines, now they David Vladeck, a former director of the
have the internet, where it’s quick FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection
and inexpensive to find millions of and now a law professor at Georgetown
potential customers. An investigation University in Washington, D.C.
by Consumer Reports shows how easy CR’s investigation found that the
it is for ads touting dubious cures to business of moving the merchandise,
reach huge numbers of consumers and through robocalls and spam emails
how complicated it is for overtaxed and texts, often relies on the help of
regulators to clamp down on the ads. numerous parties—marketers, payment
Such ads have “infested” the internet, processors, suppliers, retailers—who
according to the Better Business allegedly work hand in hand and are
Bureau, as a growing number of structured in ways that insulate them
IN MID-MARCH, George Klipfel II, companies have taken to the web to sell from legal and financial backlash.
a retired laboratory scientist from sketchy dietary supplements and other The investigation included a review
California, received an email with an “health aids.” In many cases, these of hundreds of pages of corporate
ad urging him to buy an “immunity involve duping consumers into signing filings, court records, and documents
oil” to prevent him from getting the up for a free trial, only to find that they obtained through public records
coronavirus sweeping the U.S. The have been unwittingly enrolled in a requests, as well as interviews with
67-year-old says he had “no doubt” costly auto-renewal subscription. advocates, lawyers, and consumers.
the claims were bogus and promptly But the damage to consumers is not Justin Brookman, director of privacy
deleted it. A day later, he got another just about money lost and the frustration and technology policy at CR and a
email. Then another. And then one of trying to get it back. It’s also about the former FTC official, says consumers
more—all hawking the same product as exposure to potentially unsafe products. often assume the online marketplace
a way to stop the virus, a claim that’s Unlike pharmaceuticals, supplements for supplements is well-regulated. “In
illegal in the eyes of federal regulators. don’t have to be proved to be safe and reality, consumer protection authorities
“I’m always disappointed when effective before they’re put up for sale. are woefully understaffed and can
someone tries to take advantage of For regulators, it can be a struggle to pursue only a fraction of the scams,” he
FR AU D REPORTS Number of Reports Total Loss Reported
ARE ON THE RISE 137,836 $89.6 m
T HE NUMB E R O F reported cases of online

shopping fraud reported to the Federal Trade 2020
84,399 $56.3 m
Commission jumped by more than 60 percent
in the first two quarters of 2020, after the 2019
coronavirus outbreak occurred, compared
with the same time period in 2019.
Source: Federal Trade Commission.

says. “And then the regulators have to
peel back the layers to find out what’s
going on. Meanwhile, people keep
getting ripped off.”
A Window Into a Hidden World

Klipfel says the ad he received was
similar to ads cited in an April 1
cease-and-desist letter issued by the
New York state attorney general to a
company called Finest Herbalist. The
attorney general’s office wrote that
it was “extremely concerned” about
claims presenting one of the company’s
products—a blend of essential oils called
Pure Herbal Total Defense Immunity
Blend—in emails, texts, and fake news
stories as a cure for the coronavirus.
Finest Herbalist didn’t respond to
multiple requests for comment, and
customer service representatives
said they couldn’t answer questions
about the cease-and-desist letter. But
CR—through an analysis of corporate
documents and website code—found
that Finest Herbalist is affiliated with
a company called Offer Space, one of a
network of interconnected firms owned
by Unified Funding, based in Wyoming.
Unified’s family of companies often
work together to help clients launch York attorney general’s office—which to the website where the product was
an online business selling dietary declined to comment, citing an ongoing sold, one statement said, and “swift
supplements and other “natural health investigation—is a P.O. box in Utah. action” was taken to try to have the
products” through websites such as CR attempted to contact multiple content removed from the web.
Finest Herbalist. Those companies have current and former employees and Finest Herbalist and Unified Funding’s
been accused in lawsuits and Better attorneys linked to Unified’s family of family of companies are hardly unique:
Business Bureau complaints of sketchy companies, who either didn’t respond Hundreds of businesses probably have
marketing tactics to peddle unproven or declined to comment. An attorney similar models. But New York’s legal
products and of allegedly roping named Damon Wright ultimately did action, along with lawsuits related to
customers into costly auto-renew contact CR, and passed along answers Unified’s affiliated companies, provide a
subscriptions. from Offer Space to CR’s questions about view into the complicated online world
Websites created for clients are given that company as well as about Unified where alleged scammers operate.
unique brand names, records show, and its affiliated companies. Unified’s subsidiaries together
which can complicate figuring out Those statements didn’t directly function as a turnkey business
who, exactly, is behind a particular confirm that Finest Herbalist was the opportunity for would-be supplement
online retail site. Indeed, it isn’t clear company cited in the New York case, entrepreneurs. Marketing for their
whether Finest Herbalist is the name of saying only that an unnamed client did products in some cases appears to
a company or a brand name ascribed to receive a cease-and-desist letter. Any be tailored to the fad or crisis of the
it by Unified’s family of companies. The bogus marketing related to Pure Herbal moment. For example, while it’s unclear
only information about Finest Herbalist Total Defense Immunity Blend was the exactly when Pure Herbal Total Defense
listed on the letter issued by the New fault of contractors paid to drive traffic Immunity Blend was introduced, when

the coronavirus outbreak began some of Unified’s co-founder, Ryan Hoggan, were former managers of Desert Lake,
the product’s ads preyed on consumers’ and a handful of others have roles whose registered agent is Darin Toone—
concerns about the virus. across those subsidiaries, all sharing an himself once a president of Offer
The products are marketed through address in American Fork, Utah. Space and Traffic Space. Records show
third-party contractors who use an Those subsidiaries are involved in Desert Lake operated out of the same
ever-shifting mix of robocalls, spam, the part of Unified’s business that helps American Fork address.
and social media ads that, according client companies sell supplements and Desert Lake is also affiliated with a
to lawsuits, include phony celebrity other “natural” products online. man named Jared Forbush. The FTC
endorsements and literal fake news. Offer Space, of which Hoggan is former issued a warning last year to 4Bush
“While the world is waiting for a president, manages clients’ websites Holdings, a different company owned
vaccine, one mom has found a solution and customer service. Once a client’s by Forbush, for allegedly making
to fight back against the coronavirus website is ready, Traffic Space—whose exaggerated product claims, according
outbreak,” said a headline of a fake registered corporate agent is Christopher to government records. Desert Lake
news article about Pure Herbal Total Armstrong, also an executive at Offer paid Forbush a monthly commission
Defense Immunity Blend made to look Space—handles marketing, mostly by for unspecified work, records show,
like it had run on Fox News. Despite farming it out to third-party agencies. and in early April, 4Bush and Desert
the warning from New York’s top law Real Oil—where Hoggan was once Lake merged.
enforcement official, CR found two president and partner, and Armstrong As a client of Unified’s family of
similar phony articles online in June. was a principal—manages a client’s businesses, Desert Lake sold products
The ads were not authorized, supplies and fulfills customer orders. through websites with unique brand
according to a statement passed along The connections get knottier still. names, records suggest. Multiple
by attorney Wright. Unified also has a majority stake in a plaintiffs have alleged that one such site
But while companies may blame company that owns Desert Lake Group, affiliated with Desert Lake was First
contractors for bogus ads, the FTC an online retail company that, records Class Herbalist CBD—the website from
says it has brought legal actions against show, sold products by contracting as which Stone tried to buy her product.
other companies, alleging that they’re a client of Offer Space, Real Oil, and If the corporate structure sounds
responsible for the actions of third-party Traffic Space. Armstrong and Hoggan complicated, it is—and it may be
marketers who work on their behalf. intentionally so, experts and plaintiffs’
attorneys say.
A Complicated Web “It’s a shell game,” says Joe P.
Last December, Jean Stone of Ontario, Leniski Jr., an attorney representing
Canada, saw a Facebook ad promoting an Arkansas consumer who claims
one of those products, an oil sold by a ‘IT’S A SHELL one of the group’s affiliated companies
company called First Class Herbalist GAME … AN illegally texted him ads for natural
CBD, and decided to click through. “It ATTEMPT TO products. “It’s a deliberate attempt
sounded like it could help my husband,” MASK THEIR to mask their business identities and
she says. And, as long as she covered BUSINESS protect themselves from liability.”
shipping, it was free. “Of course,” Stone IDENTITIES That the companies are separate
says, “they get you that way.” AND PROTECT legal entities can make it hard for
What Stone, 62, didn’t realize THEMSELVES consumers seeking refunds. “It creates
was that she’d stumbled into the FROM some degree of plausible deniability,”
complicated world of Unified Funding. LIABILITY.’ says CR’s Justin Brookman. “At the
Unified says it helped process -JOE P. LENISK I JR., very least, these complicated corporate c
AT T ORNE Y
consumer transactions worth structures can slow regulators, u
$69 million in 2019. The company reporters, or consumers just trying to n
claims to have amassed a database of figure out what’s going on.”
information on over 1 million customers. When reached by a reporter, Toone ‘
Much of the company’s revenue said to call back, but later calls from T
appears to come from Offer Space CR went straight to voicemail. When CR S
and two other subsidiaries it acquired reached him from a different phone c
last year: Traffic Space and Real Oil. number, Toone said, “I have no r

B E WA R E T H E S E C O M M O N S C A M S
W H I L E O N L I N E solicitations online. That means long- asking for sensitive personal insurance numbers, Medicare
pitching bogus cures and existing schemes to steal information or payment on IDs, and credit card
treatments for COVID-19 consumer information from debts you don’t owe are likely information. They may even
are rife right now, the online retailers are becoming to rise, given the high suggest that you’ve been
pandemic has set in motion bigger problems. Small- unemployment rate and exposed to the coronavirus
many other types of scams, business websites are economic instability. and that your personal
including these. especially risky right now. information is needed for
Local grocers, cafés, and public health purposes. Once
shops that hastily set up to a scammer has obtained your
do e-commerce might not medical information, it can
have adequate protections be used to impersonate you
to safeguard your credit card FA K E C H A R ITI E S to obtain medical care for
FINANCIAL FRAUD
or other information. Other Scammers are also ready to themselves or others, to bill
Scammers may try to hook shopping scams to watch take advantage of your for fraudulent medical goods
you into giving information out for: exorbitantly priced generosity during the pan- or services, or to commit other
they can use to set up masks, and sellers claiming demic. They may reach you by types of identity theft.
financial accounts in your to have products, such as mail, email, or a phone call,
name. Be wary of coronavirus- hand sanitizer, that are in using names that sound like
themed phishing emails and demand but hard to come by. real charities, and ask you to
phone calls touting work-at- You place an order, but it’s donate by wiring money.
home schemes or offering not delivered.
help getting unemployment PUPPY SCAMS
assistance. And watch out for Scammers are also taking
any email that asks you to advantage of animal lovers.
provide credentials, such as During quarantine, many
account numbers, pass words, H E A LT H C A R E S C H E M E S consumers turned to the
or log-ins, that can be used to P R E D AT O R Y R O B O C A L L E R S Medical scams can take a internet to look for a pet, only
impersonate your identity to Robocall scammers are also number of forms. Some alleged to find out too late that the
create new bank or credit preying on people’s fears fraudsters go door to door or animals they paid for do not
card accounts or access about the pandemic. Schemes call offering free medical exist. Though pet-buying
existing ones. include telemarketers services, such as in-home scams have long existed, the
offering “free” testing kits— COVID-19 test kits and pandemic provides new
but asking for credit card appointments for future opportunities to tack on
information and charging high COVID-19 vaccinations. special fees or make excuses
prices for shipping—and HVAC Claiming to represent a gov- about why the pet could not be
cleaning services that vendors ernment agency, a public seen in person before
UNSAFE E-SHOPPING falsely claim protect you. health agency, or an insurance would-be pet owners figure
During the pandemic, more Consumer advocates say fake company, they may request out they have been conned.
and more people are shopping debt-collection robocalls personal information such as —Donna Rosato
comment on anything,” before hanging consumers while also shielding the vendors she’d never heard of, she says.
up. Hoggan, Armstrong, and Forbush did companies from liability. Eventually, Stone had to cancel
not respond to requests for comment. Stone says she never received the CBD her Visa card to stop the billing. She
oil she’d ordered. Instead, her credit kept trying to reach a helpful ear at
‘Shut Down’ These Companies card was billed $89.99 for what seems customer service but got nowhere,
Tracing the lineage of the CBD product to be an automatic refill plan that she until in February, when she says she
Stone tried to buy illustrates how says she was unknowingly enrolled in. received checks in the mail from
complex corporate relationships can She was also assessed multiple bogus another company she’d never heard
result in practices that allegedly harm charges—ranging from $7 to $10—from of, First Class USA. That’s another

name for Natural Brands USA, which—

no surprise—is a subsidiary of Unified,
according to records filed in May with W H AT ’ S T H E G O V E R N M E N T
the Canadian Securities Exchange. (The
statements passed along by Wright
D O I N G TO P R OT E C T YO U ?
deny that Unified owns First Class USA,
contradicting what the documents say.)
The checks were ostensibly meant
as a partial refund for the charges. coronavirus
S TA M P I N G O U T the world, and more than
But Stone has no plans to cash scams is a bit like playing 10,000 false or deceptive
them. The memo line for each says, whack-a-mole because new social media posts.
ones pop up fast. Still,
“firstclassherbtincture.com,” a website
regulators as well as private COVID -19 RELIEF ABUSE
she says she never went to. companies are having some The Department of Justice, in
These companies, Stone says, “need success stopping alleged coordination with state
to be shut down.” fraudsters. Here are some attorneys general, has gone
that have been nailed. after dozens of people who they
How to Make a Sale say have fraudulently applied for
MIR ACLE CURE SELLERS Paycheck Protection Program
The type of advertising Stone
In March, tele vangelist Jim (PPP) loans guaranteed by the
encountered is known as affiliate Bakker was sent a warning Small Business Administration.
marketing, a business model in which letter by the Federal Trade That includes a funeral home
a company pays contractors who bring Commission and the Food and operator who was arrested by
customers to its website. For example, Drug Administration for the U.S. attorney’s office in the
in late June, affiliate marketers were allegedly making false Southern District of Texas after
marketing claims that products allegedly applying for $13 million
being offered $95 per sale if they
sold on his show, such as Silver in PPP loans. Also snagged: a
delivered a customer for the Pure Solution, could cure COVID-19. reality TV personality named
Herbal Total Defense Immunity Blend The product was removed from Maurice Fayne, from “Love & Hip
essential oil, the product cited by the sale. To date, the FDA has sent Hop: Atlanta,” who was indicted
New York attorney general. 80 warning letters to other by a federal grand jury in June
Affiliate marketers typically don’t sellers allegedly making bogus for seeking a $3.7 million loan
COVID-19 claims. The agency and spending the money to pay
use traditional ads but instead create
has also removed online listings $40,000 in past-due child
content on social media and in emails, for more than 195 products support and $136,000 to lease
texts, and more that link to websites claimed to diagnose, treat, a Rolls-Royce.
where purchases can be made. The prevent, or cure COVID-19.
model is legal. But the commission STIMULUS CHECK THIEVES
PA N D E M I C P RO FITE E RS A host of regulators, including
incentive can attract less-than-savory
3M, one of the largest makers the FBI, the FTC, and the IRS,
contractors who use unseemly tactics of N95 respirator masks, is along with local authorities and
to promote products, says John Levine, waging a legal battle against the U.S. Postal Service, have
president of the Coalition Against alleged price gougers and worked to stop thieves from
Unsolicited Commercial Email, a swindlers selling fake or stealing stimulus checks by
nonprofit advocacy group. damaged masks under the obtaining victims’ personal
3M brand. One third-party seller information and then imper son-
And coming by a list of consumers
has been accused of using ating them. In some cases,
to target seems easy. One website 3M’s trademark to sell people have been arrested for
CR reviewed offered a database of $350,000 worth of masks on stealing stimulus checks out of
180 million email addresses for just Amazon for as much as 20 times the mail, including a man in
under $200. “Too many affiliate the list price. As of mid-July, Brooklyn who was arrested
marketers do minimal due diligence on 3M says it has successfully after allegedly stealing mail
shut down 7,000 online listings that included $12,000 in
who they sign up,” Levine says, and the
with fraudulent or counterfeit stimulus checks.
person sending the content “often only product offerings around —Donna Rosato
has the most tenuous relationship with
the thing he’s promoting.”
Traffic Space, the marketing firm

owned by Unified, uses affiliate Texas just netted one of the biggest deals CBD gummies, something she says she
marketers but also monitors online in Shark Tank history,” one ad said. doesn’t use. Screenshots of the website
ads to ensure that they don’t make Mehmet Oz, M.D., of “The Dr. Oz showed a warning of a “limited supply”
inappropriate claims, according to a Show,” told CR he has tried “for due to “high media demand.”
statement passed along by Wright. years” to shut down such bogus ads, Wheatley, who enrolled in the Do Not
But lawsuits filed in California and and he called on companies such Call Registry in 2007, tried running
Utah suggest otherwise. Eleven former as Facebook and Google to “take down who was behind the text, but
clients of Traffic Space, Offer Space, responsibility for what they display it wasn’t easy. She sent one email to
and Real Oil allege that the companies to consumers.” A “Shark Tank” customer service, on March 2, writing,
rely on affiliate marketers who use fake representative didn’t respond to “I’m hoping we can resolve this in a
celebrity endorsements, fake news, requests for comment. civilized manner ASAP.” She attached
exaggerated results, “and similar A statement passed along by Wright a letter detailing what she saw as
deceptive advertising tactics to drive says the company “takes diligent violations of the Telephone Consumer
traffic” to their websites, potentially measures” to ensure that its clients do Protection Act, which created the Do
exposing them to regulatory action. not use those sorts of ads. Not Call Registry, including screenshots
A statement passed along by attorney of the texts she’d received.
Wright denied the claims and said the Spam Galore After a month of silence, a second
plaintiffs are former “disgruntled” While Jean Stone was lured by an ad attempt on April 2 generated an
clients who wanted to “avoid paying for on social media, other consumers say automated response that said she’d
services rendered.” they were inundated with unsolicited receive “more information shortly.”
Lawsuits, previous reports, and messages with links to products on “I want your legal counsel to contact
government records allege that the websites affiliated with Unified through me!!!!” she responded.
companies have been linked to bogus its subsidiaries. That message appears to have gotten
advertising that claimed their clients’ Patricia Wheatley, a 64-year-old someone’s attention. In late April, she
products were endorsed by the popular Texas resident, received a text from received an email from an attorney
TV shows “Shark Tank” and “The Dr. Oz an unknown number in January representing Desert Lake Group, the
Show.” “Jamie Richardson from Dallas containing a link to a website to buy retail company affiliated with Unified.
PRO TIPS SOME SCAMS ARE obvious— T H E Y U S E S C A R E TA C T I C S your mouse over it to reveal
you’re asked to send cash Scammers often pretend the full address. An ending
TO D E T EC T or are contacted out of to work for a government of “.ru,” for example, means
SCAMS the blue with an offer that
sounds too good to be true.
agency, such as the IRS
or the Social Security
the site was registered in
Russia, where a lot of scams
But bad actors work hard to Administration, and use originate. And don’t open
fool consumers—and scams threats of fines or suspension attachments in emails
are widespread. A nationally of Social Security benefits to you’re not expecting.
representative June 2020 get you to comply.
Consumer Reports survey of THE SITE ADDRESS
1,014 adults found that T H E AT TA C H M E N T S HAS MISSPELLINGS
since the coronavirus OR LINKS LOOK ODD This is another tip-off to a
pandemic began in March, Unsolicited emails and texts fake website. Hover your
35 percent of Americans often come with links or mouse over the URL so you
said they paid for or saw attachments that contain can see the full address, and
something they thought was malware, which can damage if it seems off or wrong
a scam, or saw something your computer or provide somehow, take that as a sign
claimed to cure or treat access to personal data on not to trust it.
COVID-19. Here are signs your device. Examine the link —Donna Rosato
to look for. before you click on it: Hover

Wheatley, though, has no idea what In January, Unified brokered a deal
will happen next. “I can’t stand this with Canada-based Mota Ventures to buy
company,” Wheatley says. ‘IT WOULD BE one of its brands, Nature’s Exclusive, in
Unified’s subsidiaries allegedly GALLING IF a deal valued at $32 million. Soon after,
operate in other ways that harm A COMPANY Mota—which didn’t respond to multiple
consumers, too, according to lawsuits. ALLEGEDLY requests for comment—named Hoggan its
For example, websites created for PROFITING CEO. In June, Mota said it would acquire
clients sometimes include incorrect FROM FAKE all of Unified—including Offer Space,
email addresses, one complaint says, so COVID-19 CURES Traffic Space, Real Oil, and the company
consumers who try to contact customer WAS PROPPED that owns Desert Lake—for a deal valued
service have emails bounce back. UP BY GOVERN- at $45 million. (Mota changed its name to
Indeed, in interviews with CR and MENT AID.’ Thoughtful Brands Inc. in August.)
complaints to the Better Business Yet in April, Desert Lake Group
-JUS T IN BROOKM A N,
Bureau, numerous consumers describe CR A DVOC AT E filed for bankruptcy, citing dozens of
difficulty reaching customer service consumer claims for violating robocall
for websites associated with Unified’s laws. The potential damages are so
family of companies. high, the company said in a filing, that it
A statement passed along by attorney needed bankruptcy to pay its bills. Just
Wright says that Desert Lake’s alleged prior to that filing, records show that
conduct was due to rogue affiliate Desert Lake’s registered agent, Toone,
marketers, not the company itself. of Total Defense Immunity Blend incorporated DLGH, which is now the
from Nature’s Exclusive CBD, a brand sole owner of Desert Lake Group.
$3 Million Lost that Unified Funding recently sold. Later, in June, Offer Space and Traffic
Consumers aren’t the only ones alleging The wrong product was delivered— Space told a judge, during a court
that they were fleeced by Unified’s and trying to track down anyone to hearing in an alleged fraud case against
subsidiaries. According to lawsuits complain to was difficult. The charge them, that they’ll have to close up shop
filed by the eleven former clients, showed up as having been processed by if forced to repay a former client the
Offer Space, Traffic Space, and Real Oil a company called Dinomys Keto, which almost $1 million demanded.
scammed them out of at least $3 million. lists another company, Red Roxelle And just months after Finest
They also allege that the companies LLC, as the point of contact. Herbalist was cited in New York for
“misappropriated” consumer data and, That company, it turns out, was allegedly marketing a product as a
in turn, spammed consumers with ads incorporated in March by an individual coronavirus cure, Offer Space and
for their own and third-party products. a few doors down from an address Traffic Space say that the pandemic has
When the former clients conducted previously affiliated with Unified’s hurt business. The damage is so bad,
test buys of their own products in March co-founder, Ryan Hoggan. No one in fact, that they say they needed to
2019, one of the email accounts they used answered repeated calls to customer apply for—and were granted—federal
received at least 230 “emails marketing service. When CR did reach a phone assistance through the federal Payroll
other related products,” one lawsuit number connected to Red Roxelle, Protection Program, which was started
alleges. The clients’ lawsuits allege the person answering said it was a to help companies harmed by the
that charges for products customers wrong number. coronavirus pandemic.
purchased on websites handled for them A statement passed along by Wright CR’s Justin Brookman noted the
by Offer Space were credited to bank didn’t explain why the order was irony: “It would certainly be galling if
accounts linked to the defendants. processed this way, but said that a company allegedly profiting from
That allegation fits the description “the location of Red Roxelle … appears fake coronavirus cures was being
of credit card laundering. According to be coincidence.” propped up by government aid
to the FTC, merchants engage in meant to offset damage the virus has
laundering to hide their “true identity Going Broke? done to the economy.”
from consumers, the acquirer, the card Despite the many allegations against
networks, and law enforcement.” Unified’s family of companies, Last month: Go to CR.org/fda1020
Last spring CR conducted a test buy corporate records indicate that the for more on the FDA’s tattered safety
of its own, purchasing two bottles company itself is doing just fine. net for dietary supplements.

COUNTERTOP HOLID AY H
AIR FRYER
$
0 GoWise USA
GW22731 $80
0
OVERALL
73 SCORE
CRM10_Countertop_Appliances_Thanksgiving [P]_2329481.indd 44 8/14/20 11:45 AM

Y HELPERS
Your toaster oven, multi-cooker, blender, and other small appliances can
help you cook delicious and hassle-free feasts all season long. Here’s how.
B Y K I M B E R LY J A N E W AY A N D P E R R Y S A N TA N A C H O T E
TOASTER OVEN
!
0 Black+Decker
8-Slice Digital
Extra Wide
TO3290XSD $100
0
OVERALL
68 SCORE
MULTI-COOKER
!
0 Zavor Lux
LCD ZSELL02
$160
0
OVERALL
82 SCORE
H
OLIDAY GATHERINGS WILL probably be more
intimate this year because of the COVID-19
pandemic, making it an ideal time to turn to small
kitchen appliances. These multitaskers simplify the
preparation of a variety of holiday dishes, leaving
you more time to enjoy yourself. Plus, they free up
your oven so that your main course can roast on its own.
“Small-appliance technology has become so advanced over
the past decade that some of them can do most everything an
oven can do, just on a smaller scale,” says Emilio Gonzalez,
associate director of lab operations at Consumer Reports.
For instance, in the past, only ovens could convection-roast
a whole chicken, and cook stews low and slow. But these
functions, among others, can now be found in toaster ovens,
air fryers, multi-cookers, and slow cookers.
Here, we offer suggestions for making side dishes with air
fryers, blenders, multi-cookers, slow cookers, toaster ovens,
and waffle makers, plus ways to make the best use of them
throughout the year. Use the ratings at the end of this article
to choose the best of these appliances for you. Here’s to great
home-cooked meals this holiday season and beyond!
I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y J O E L H O L L A N D

STORE YOUR
LEFTOVERS
SAFELY
No matter how many friends and family members
you have at your holiday meals, you’re bound to
have leftovers. And one thing you definitely don’t
want to be left with is food poisoning.
November and December are the peak
months for food poisoning caused by the bacteria
Clostridium perfringens, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The “cafeteria germ” grows in cooked foods, such
as turkey, that are kept slightly warm or at room
temperature for too long.
Here’s how to ensure that your leftovers
stay flavorful and are safe to eat.
FOLLOW THE 2-HOUR RULE. Bacteria grow fast,

so don’t leave cooked food out for more than
2 hours from the time it’s finished cooking.
STORE IN SMALL BATCHES. If you baked a whole

turkey, it may take a while to cool, and its moist,
warm interior is perfect for bacteria. So slice
the meat off the breast for storing. Same goes
for big pans of stuffing or dressing. Divide foods SLOW COOKER
into smaller portions first.
KEEP FOOD REFRIGERATED FOR THREE

TO FOUR DAYS, TOPS. After that, it might not
taste as good. You can keep food for longer
by freezing it within the three- to four-day Designed to simmer foods at Common mistakes to avoid:
window. According to the Department of a low temperature for hours, Dairy separates during slow
Agriculture, leftovers should stay good in the this set-it-and-forget-it cooking, so add it in the last
freezer for three to four months. appliance is perfect for soups, 15 to 30 minutes (or mix with
stews, beans, and tough cuts flour, like with the scalloped
PIES ARE THE EXCEPTION. Fruit pies, such of meat, such as brisket, that potatoes, on the facing
as apple and cherry, can be left on the counter you want to turn out fork- page). Because cooking
as long as you eat them within a couple of tender. Just place the temperatures are low, the
days. But pies with dairy or eggs, such as ingredients in the cooker in Department of Agriculture
ICONS: ELIAS STEIN
pumpkin pie, have to be refrigerated. the morning, set it to high or warns against using frozen
low, and come home to a hot, meats: They might not reach
ready-to-serve dinner. a safe bacteria-killing
temperature. Always thaw
meat and poultry in advance.

SLOW COOKER
!
0 Hamilton
Beach Temp
Tracker 33866
6 Quart $70
0
OVERALL
87 SCORE
What’s new: Certain models before stirring the meat back STUFFING cornstarch to a cinnamon-sugar
come with inserts that can go into the greens. Whether you prefer the extra- mixture and sprinkle it over
on the stovetop, so you can crunchy toasted bits of the apples. The starch will
brown foods before slow SCALLOPED POTATOES stuffing or the squishy pieces help thicken up the sauce,
cooking without dirtying a Add ¼ cup of flour to the cream soaked in herby broth, the which would otherwise be too
separate pan. A few high-end sauce in your scalloped potato slow-cooker delivers. The runny. Cook on high for
models can even brown foods recipe to help thicken it and difference between making 3 to 4 hours, until apples are
right in the slow cooker. keep it from separating in the stuffing in a slow cooker and tender but not mushy.
slow cooker. (Dairy will break using an oven is that, in a slow
For your feast: It’ll take half a down during slow cooking.) cooker, the crunchy parts are For the rest of the year:
day to make one side dish in a Grease the insert and layer the on the bottom and sides rather Slow cookers make it easy to
slow cooker, but you can place potatoes and cheese as you than on the top. Prepare your cook large batches of soup and
the appliance in another room would in a casserole dish. Cook favorite recipe and spread the chili. And they’re still tops when
to free up counter space in on the high-heat setting for stuffing in an even layer in a it comes to tenderizing large
the kitchen because you don’t 4 to 5 hours, until the potatoes greased slow cooker. Cook on roasts. You might not have
have to keep an eye on it are tender. About 20 minutes the low-heat setting for 3 to considered using a slow cooker
while it’s cooking. before dinner, remove the lid, 4 hours, until the edges for baking, but it does a great
turn off the slow cooker, and let are crisp. job with custard-based
COLLARD GREENS the potatoes sit, so the sauce desserts, such as flan and
Combine greens, pork, vinegar, thickens up. Before serving, pop SOUTHERN FRIED APPLES crème brûlée. Any time a recipe
ICONS: ELIAS STEIN
salt, sugar, and pepper, then the slow cooker insert Slice up several Granny Smith calls for a water bath—
cover and cook on low for under the broiler (be sure it’s apples and place them in a cheesecake, for example—you
9 hours. If your recipe includes oven-safe) to make the top a slow cooker with melted butter can use your slow cooker.
ham hocks, carefully take them nice golden brown. and the juice from one lemon.
out and remove all fat and bone Add a couple of tablespoons of

T5H8PZ0
MULTI-COOKER TOASTER OVEN
One-pot meals that would MACARONI AND CHEESE A toaster oven can bake, nutmeg, cinnamon, or allspice.
typically require hours Use 1 quart of water per roast, and broil, and is (You can skip the egg binder
to cook take half the time pound of dry pasta. Cook it up to most any task your full- called for in larger recipes.)
using a multi-cooker’s for 4 minutes on high sized oven can accomplish— Spread the mixture in a
pressure cook mode. It can pressure, then quick-release just on a smaller scale. That buttered baking dish that will
steam, sauté, and slow cook, the pressure, switch to the makes it a smart standby fit in the toaster oven, top
too (though our tests show sauté setting, and add milk, when the oven is occupied with chopped nuts (or
that slow cookers are still butter, and cheese. Top with or when you’re cooking for marshmallows), and bake at
better at that particular task). a handful of panko, and toast just a few people. 350° F until it’s heated through
with the crisping lid. Or and the topping is toasted.
Common mistakes to avoid: you can crisp the topping Common mistakes to avoid:
The pressure cooking mode in the microwave by mixing As with baking in a full-sized TURKEY BREAST OR LEGS
requires liquid to work the panko with a little olive oven, a dark-colored pan Try roasting just a turkey
properly. But the liquid will not oil and stirring every accelerates the transfer of breast or legs if you have a
evaporate, so use less than 30 seconds until crumbs heat, possibly causing roasted small gathering this year. You
you usually would or your are golden brown. vegetables or cookie bottoms might not get enough drippings
dishes could turn out watery to burn. So use a light-colored to make gravy, but you can
and bland. DEVILED EGGS pan instead, or lower the make it with broth or serve
Hard-boiled eggs prepared temperature by 25° F. the turkey with chimichurri.
What’s new: Certain models using the pressure cook (See “Blender,” on the facing
have separate broiling lids, mode peel like a dream. Pour What’s new: In the past five page.) The turkey may take
either included or sold 1 cup of water into the multi- years, certain toaster ovens less time in the toaster oven
separately, that allow you to cooker and place the eggs in have added features such than in a conventional oven.
crisp up your foods once the steamer basket. Cook at as air frying, convection, If you’re using more than one
they’re cooked. We’re also low pressure for 5 minutes, dehydrating, and slow cooking. rack, move the top pan to
seeing models that can then let the pressure release the bottom and vice versa
dehydrate and sous vide. naturally. Place the eggs in For your feast: Consider the halfway through, and rotate
cold water to stop the toaster oven a trusty sidekick each pan so that the turkey
For your feast: Take cooking process. Peel the to your full-sized oven, great cooks uniformly.
advantage of the speedy eggs and slice them in half, for baking rolls and casseroles,
pressure cook mode to make scoop out the yolks, and and roasting meats in For the rest of the year:
otherwise time-consuming make the filling to your liking. smaller portions. Using your toaster oven in
dishes, such as wild rice and summertime means you won’t
mac and cheese. For the rest of the year: ROLLS OR CORNBREAD have to crank up the heat in
It seems every dish under the If your toaster oven can fit an your oven and roast yourself in
WILD RICE AND MUSHROOMS sun has been adapted for the 8-inch cake pan (most models a hot kitchen. From shrimp
Using the sauté function, cook multi-cooker, but we still find we tested can), you can make scampi to a whole chicken, a
chopped onions and garlic until that this appliance is best for 10 to 12 dinner rolls. Put balls toaster oven can handle
soft. Add a couple of handfuls stews, beans, and tough cuts of dough in a pan and bake at anything your oven can, just in
of sliced mushrooms, 1 cup of of meat. It makes fast and 375° F for 20 minutes, until smaller portions. It makes
wild rice, 1 cup of brown flavorful chuck roast and pork golden brown. Cornbread also great toast, too, so it can
basmati rice, and 2 cups of shoulder, and amazing ribs. If bakes nicely. Use a muffin pan replace a toaster. However, it
water or low-sodium broth. you’re new to the multi- for perfectly portioned pieces. tends to take longer to make
Stir to combine, and cook on cooker, start with recipes toast in a toaster oven. (Based
high pressure for 30 minutes. designed for it because there SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE on our tests, toaster ovens
Then manually release the is a learning curve. Mash boiled or roasted sweet take anywhere from 3 to
pressure after 15 minutes, potatoes with a little milk, 9 minutes on the medium
and top with chopped parsley butter, salt, lemon juice, brown setting; toasters take 2 to
and toasted nuts. sugar, and a spice such as 4 minutes.)

BLENDER
$
0 Ninja Foodi
Cold & Hot
HB152 $130
0
OVERALL
76 SCORE
blender, roast or sauté the

ingredients first, blend, then
heat on the stove.
BLENDER CHIMICHURRI
This garlicky herb sauce, widely
used in Argentina and Uruguay,
goes well with roasted turkey
and most any side dish. Blend
some parsley, oregano, red
pepper flakes, garlic, vinegar,
Sure, blenders are great for used. If the blender lid doesn’t CURRIED SQUASH SOUP salt, and olive oil, and it’s
smoothies, but you can also use have a vent hole, heat will build If you have a high-performance ready to serve.
them to make a velvety purée or up pressure, which can cause blender that heats, toss in
sauce to go with your favorite the lid to pop off. cubes of raw or roasted For the rest of the year: Come
foods. Some can even heat squash, some broth, garlic summertime, make healthy
ingredients using the friction of What’s new: A growing number cloves or shallots, carrots, smoothies, festive margaritas,
the blades, so you don’t have to of models can heat ingredients celery, curry powder, and any and chilled soups. Blenders are
separately heat up, say, soup. while blending, so you can other seasonings you’d like. also great for DIY plant-based
prepare soup without using Start the blender on its lowest milks. For small batches of foods
Common mistakes to avoid: Hot the stovetop. speed, then increase to its such as fresh salsas and salad
ingredients can cause certain highest speed and blend for dressings, a blender is better
blenders to malfunction. Check For your feast: Make a soup or 6 minutes, or until steam than a food processor, which
your blender’s manual to see an herb sauce to accompany escapes from the vented lid. requires a higher volume of food
whether hot ingredients can be the meal. If you have a traditional to work properly.

AIR FRYER
Air fryers circulate hot air For your feast: Use it to roast
around food to cook it quickly potatoes or cook veggies for
and create a deliciously crisp your holiday meals.
texture using less fat than
deep-frying. With just 1 or BRUSSELS SPROUTS
2 tablespoons of olive oil, For beautifully browned but
Brussels sprouts and tender Brussels sprouts,
cauliflower come out tender trim the ends, then toss the
yet irresistibly crispy, sprouts with just enough
asparagus is beautifully olive oil to coat. Season with
blistered, and salmon fillets salt and pepper, and air-fry for
are moist inside and nicely 20 minutes at 360° F.
browned outside. You can
even use an air fryer to bake: CARROTS
Banana bread emerges with Toss cut-up carrots with a bit
an extra-crispy top. All the air of melted butter and honey.
fryers in our tests turn out Season with a sprinkling of
nicely cooked food. The salt, pepper, and coriander (or
biggest differences are their whatever spices you feel like
capacity, how easy they are to using), and air-fry at 400° F
use and clean, and how much for 30 minutes.
noise they make.
ROASTED POTATOES
Common mistakes An air fryer will yield
to avoid: Food can cook golden taters that are crisp
unevenly or turn out soggy on the outside and creamy on
if a batch is too large. the inside. Toss fingerling or
For best results, don’t overfill marble potatoes with just
the basket, and shake it enough olive oil to coat them,
every 5 minutes or so for
even browning.
and season with a touch of
salt and black pepper.
WAFFLE MAKER
Air-fry at 400° F for 15 to
What’s new: Air-frying has 20 minutes.
become so popular that we’re
seeing this function added to For the rest of the year:
all kinds of other appliances, Say goodbye to soggy
including toaster ovens, pizza and dried-out fried The best waffle makers in our Common mistakes to avoid: Wha
microwaves, and multi- chicken by using an air fryer tests make it almost foolproof Most waffle makers have a mor
cookers. We tested the instead of a microwave to to churn out evenly browned nonstick coating, which can mak
function as part of the reheat them. You can avoid waffles. Certain models come be damaged by nonstick side
evaluation of the toaster having to fire up your oven with portioned batter cups cooking sprays, affecting cou
oven, microwave, and multi- just to cook and crisp up that take the guesswork out of performance. Use a pastry bat
cooker models that feature it small portions, too. Fish and how much batter to use, and brush dipped in oil or melted top
in our tests, and all of them veggies, including kale chips, indicators that tell you when a butter to grease the any
made delicious, crispy foods come out delicious in an air waffle’s done. We test round iron instead.
such as chicken, fries, and fryer: They were even a hit and square Belgian waffle For
spring rolls. with the kids who tried them makers in our labs. figh
in the taste test we bits
conducted in the CR labs. the

HOW TO LIGHTEN UP
HOLIDAY MEALS
Meals are too important to holiday celebrations
to have to consider whether you should serve
both rolls and stuffing or if you should skip
marshmallow sweet potatoes this year. Heartburn
aside, for most people there’s little harm in indulging
WAFFLE MAKER
occasionally. Still, some recipe tweaks and menu
$
0 Chefman ideas can make holiday mealtimes a little healthier
Anti-Overflow without affecting flavor. Our advice: Don’t mess with
Belgian Waffle
your favorite traditional recipes. But try swapping or
Maker $30
adding ingredients to less sacred dishes. Just be sure
0
OVERALL to do a test run before you’re planning to serve them.
76 SCORE
SKIP THE CREAM. Use Greek yogurt or whole
milk instead in mashed potatoes, creamy soups, and
creamed onion or spinach recipes.
REDUCE THE SUGAR. Cut it back by 10 to 25 percent
in baking recipes. You’ll barely taste the difference.
ADD SOME FIBER. Replace 25 to 50 percent
T5H8PZ0
of the all-purpose flour called for in recipes with
whole-wheat flour. Or try half all-purpose, half
white whole-wheat flour, a lighter, milder version
of the whole grain. If your recipe calls for
breadcrumbs or panko, opt for whole-wheat.
UPGRADE THE STUFFING. Replace half the
white bread with whole-wheat, use low-sodium
the stuff. You get the crispy
chicken broth, and add extra vegetables, such
texture all over each waffle—
as carrots, mushrooms, and peppers.
plus, gravy wells built in!
BE SODIUM-SAVV Y. Using the flavors of
STUFFING WAFFLES the season—thyme, sage, rosemary, cinnamon,
Any classic stuffing recipe will nutmeg, cloves—will cut the need for salt.
work. Instead of cooking it in Choose low-sodium broths and homemade
the oven, lightly grease a dressings (which are lower in sodium than many
waffle maker with butter or oil bottled ones).
and pack it evenly with
BOOST NUTRITION. Adding small but mighty
stuffing. Cook until it reaches
nutrition powerhouses can make food healthier
your preferred level of
and more flavorful. Try pomegranate seeds, dried
What’s new: We’re seeing brownness.
cranberries, or chopped dried apricots in salads,
more and more vertical waffle and roasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts
makers that cook waffles For the rest of the year:
in stuffings.
sideways, which saves A waffle maker can be used to
counter space (you pour the prepare many dishes in SKIP THE CHIPS AND DIP. Instead of serving
batter through a spout on the addition to waffles. There are heavy appetizers before a meal, have a pot
top), but we haven’t tested instructions online for of a roasted vegetable soup, such as carrot or
any of these models yet. cooking omelets, hash butternut squash, on the stove for guests to enjoy.
browns, brownies, and many
—Trisha Calvo
For your feast: If your guests other foods in a waffle maker.
fight over the crispy, crunchy
bits of stuffing (or dressing),
they’ll love waffles made of

Ratings Countertop Intelligence These small appliances bring major conveniences to the kitchen, including saving
time and eliminating guesswork. They can also prepare tastier dishes than conventional cooking can.
Brand + Model Overall Price Test Results Features + Specs

Score
Cooking
Convenience
Dishwasher-
Dishwasher-
Total weight
(HxWxD, in.)
dimensions
safe insert
Size (qt.)
Exterior
safe lid
High
Low
(lb.)
PROGR AMMABLE SLOW COOKERS
Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker
!
0 33866 6 Quart
87 $70 4
0 5
0 5
0 6 11 12x17x12 0 0
Crock-Pot Cook & Carry

!
0 SCCPVS600ECP-S
84 $100 4
0 4
0 5
0 6 12 11x17x13 0 0
!
0 Kalorik SC 41175SS 82 $75 4
0 5
0 5
0 8 15 12x20x12 0
Crock-Pot Thermoshield
!
0 SCCPCT600-B
78 $70 4
0 4
0 4
0 6 13 10x19x14 0 0
Calphalon Digital Sauté

!
0 SCCLD1
78 $120 4
0 4
0 4
0 5.3 7 10x15x13 0
All-Clad SD700450 6.5Qt.

Programmable Oval-Shaped
75 $170 3
0 4
0 5
0 6.5 17 12x18x13 0 0
Black+Decker Digital
Programmable SCD1007
72 $50 4
0 4
0 4
0 7 14 11x18x12 0 0
Elite Platinum MST-900D 72 $60 4

0 3
0 4
0 8.5 15 11x17x12 0 0
Hamilton Beach 33443 Electric

Slow Cooker
71 $35 3
0 5
0 4
0 4 8 9x15x11 0 0
KitchenAid KSC6223 71 $90 4

0 4
0 4
0 6 14 11x17x11 0 0
Hamilton Beach
Flex Cook 33861
67 $60 3
0 4
0 3
0 6 11 11x17x12 0 0
Cuisinart PSC-650
Programmable
65 $100 4
0 3
0 3
0 6.5 15 11x17x13 0 0
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features + Specs

Score Results
Toasting
Temperature
satisfaction
(HxWxD, in.)
(HxWxD, in.)
Dimensions
Ease of use
dimensions
Convection
Number of
range (° F)
Predicted
reliability
One slice
cleaning
Interior
Ease of
Reheat
Baking
Owner
slices
batch
range
Color
Time
oven
Full
TOASTER OVENS
!
0 Breville BOV650XL Oven 77 $180 5
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 120-450 9x17x15 4x13x10 4
Breville Smart Oven Pro
!
0 BOV845BSS
74 $270 5
0 5
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 0 120-500 11x19x16 5x14x13 6
Breville Smart Oven
!
0 BOV800XL
72 $270 5
0 5
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 0 120-450 11x19x16 5x14x12 6
Black+Decker 8-Slice Digital
!
0 Extra Wide TO3290XSD
68 $100 3
0 2
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 0 150-450 11x22x15 6x16x12 8
Cuisinart Chefs Convection
!
0 TOB-260N1
67 $280 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 150-500 11x21x17 6x14x13 9
Cuisinart Deluxe Convection
!
0 TOB-135N
67 $160 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 0 150-500 10x18x16 5x12x11 4
Hamilton Beach 6 Slice 31411 64 $65 3

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 2
0 4
0 4
0 warm-450 9x17x15 4x13x10 6
Panasonic FlashXpress
NB-G110P Oven
63 $135 5
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 250-500 10x13x12 4x10x11 4
DeLonghi Livenza Stainless EO
241250M
62 $269 2
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 0 170-450 12x19x18 6x13x11 6
Black+Decker 4-Slice
TO1755SB
62 $33 3
0 2
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 min-450 9x16x11 4x10x9 4
Oster Designed for Life
TSSTTVDFL2 6-Slice
61 $40 5
0 3
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 2
0 4
0 4
0 0 warm-450 10x17x13 5x11x11 4
Cuisinart TOA60 61 $200 4

0 4
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 1
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 0 warm-450 14x16x16 5x13x11 6

0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 $
0

Score
Slow cooking
Nonstick pot
Convenience
Rice cooking
Dishwasher-
Dishwasher-
Total weight
(HxWxD, in.)
dimensions
safe insert
Steaming
Pressure
Sautéing
Size (qt.)
Exterior
cooking
safe lid
(lb.)
M U LT I- C O O K E R S W I T H P R E S S U R E C O O K I N G M O D E
!
0 Zavor Lux LCD ZSELL02 82 $160 5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 4
0 6.0 12 14x14x12 0
Breville Fast Slow Pro 6 Qt.

!
0 BPR700BSS
81 $250 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 4
0 6.0 12 14x14x14 0 0 0
!
0 Instant Pot Max 6 Quart 80 $150 5
0 3
0 4
0 2
0 4
0 4
0 6.0 13 13x14x14 0 0
!
0 Ninja Foodi OP302 79 $230 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 6.5 21 13x17x15 0 0
Instant Pot Duo60 7-in-1

6 Quart
75 $100 5
0 3
0 4
0 2
0 4
0 4
0 6.0 11 13x14x13 0
Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express

Crock SCCPPC600-V1
69 $70 5
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 6.0 12 14x14x13 0 0
Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features + Specs

Score Results Convenience
Ice crushing
Capacity (c.)
satisfaction
(smoothies)
dimensions
Height (in.)
Type of jar
Icy drinks
Predicted
Durability
reliability
(WxD, in.)
(glass or
plastic)
Speeds
Owner
Purée
Noise
Pulse
Base
BLENDERS
Ninja Smart Screen Duo with
$
0 FreshVac CT661V
81 $170 5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 P 9 8 0 18 7x9
$
0 Ninja With Duo Auto-iQ BL642 80 $170 5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 P 9 5 0 18 7x10
$
0 Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot HB152 76 $130 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 G 8 16 0 18 8x9
Instant Pot Ace Multi Use 74 $60 − 5

0 − 4
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 G 7 11 0 19 10x8
NutriBullet ZNBF30500Z
Blender Combo
74 $150 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 2
0 5
0 P 8 4 0 17 8x8
Braun PureMix Power JB7350 73 $100 3

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 G 7 6 0 17 8x8
Midea CyclonBlade High
Speed MBL17HS
71 $140 − − 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 2
0 5
0 P 9 6 0 19 8x10
Ninja Master Prep Professional
QB1004
69 $60 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 P 6 1 14 9x6
Oster 800 Series
BLSTKH-GMO-000
69 $50 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 G 6 5 0 15 7x8
Oster Classic Series With Food
Processor BPMT02-SSF-000
69 $90 4
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 2
0 5
0 G 6 1 0 16 8x8
GoWise USA GW22502 1450W
High-Speed
68 $80 − − 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 5
0 P 8 11 0 19 9x10
Ninja Duo With Micro-Juice
Technology IV701
68 $170 5
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 2
0 5
0 P 9 9 0 18 9x10
Ninja Performance BL-710WM 68 $80 5

0 4
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 P 9 3 0 17 8x10
Dash Cold Fusion Vacuum
DVB300RMRD
67 $150 3
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 P 6 Variable 0 18 8x9
Oster Pro 1200 66 $70 4

0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 2
0 5
0 G 6 7 0 15 7x8
Cuisinart Velocity
CBT-600GRY
66 $100 3
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 P 6 2 0 16 7x8
Cuisinart Velocity Ultra Trio
BFP-650
65 $150 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 P 7 4 0 16 7x9
Hamilton Beach Professional
Quiet Power 58870
63 $150 3
0 1
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 5
0 P 4 13 0 16 8x9

Y

Ratings Countertop Intelligence Continued

Score
Waffle cooked
Nonstick grid
Waffle style
(HxWxD, in.)
Dimensions
Sound alert
Color range
Ease of use
Countdown
Weight (lb.)
browning
(claimed)
indicator
storage
Vertical
timer
Even
Grid
WA F F L E M A K E R S
Breville Smart 4-Slicer Square, with
!
0 BWM640XL
89 $250 5
0 5
0 50 Belgian 15
4 waffle sections
6x12x16 0 0 0 0
Rectangular, with
!
0 Calphalon CKCLWF1 82 $100 4
0 3
0 50 Belgian 7
2 waffle sections
6x10x12 0 0 0 0 0
Chefman Anti-Overflow
$
0 Belgian Waffle Maker
76 $30 5
0 4
0 40 Belgian 3 Round 5x8x11 0 0 0
Proctor-Silex 26070 69 $25 5

0 NA 3
0 Belgian 3 Round 5x8x10 0 0
Rectangular, with
Cuisinart WAF-150 61 $60 2
0 5
0 40 Belgian 8
4 waffle sections
5x10x14 0 0 0

Score
Capacity
Dishwasher-
(HxWxD, in.)
Dimensions
Weight (lb.)
temp when
Measured
Recorded
Controls
cleaning
Claimed
Ease of
350 °F
set to
Noise
safe
AIR FRYERS
!
0 NuWave 6-Qt 37001 75 $130 5
0 3
0 4
0 5.8 qt. 6 qt. 320 14x11x16 15 0
$
0 GoWise USA GW22731 73 $80 5
0 5
0 3
0 4.9 qt. 5.8 qt. 334 14x12x15 12 0
!
0 NuWave Brio Air Fryer 36011 73 $100 5
0 4
0 3
0 2.6 qt. 3 qt. 345 13x10x14 12 0
!
0 Ninja AF100 71 $100 5
0 3
0 4
0 3.0 qt. 4 qt. 340 13x11x14 10 0
$
0 Farberware HF-919B 71 $70 4
0 5
0 3
0 3.2 qt. 3.2 qt. 360 14x12x15 10 0
Elite Platinum EAF-1506D

!
0 3.5Qt. Digital
71 $95 4
0 4
0 4
0 3.4 qt. 3.5 qt 350 11x12x16 12 0
Hamilton Beach
Digital 35050
70 $70 5
0 4
0 4
0 2.6 qt. 2.5 liters 315 13x11x14 9
Power AirFryer XL 70 $100 4

0 3
0 5
0 5.3 qt. 5.3 qt. 355 14x13x15 12 0
Power XL Vortex PAF-7QB 70 $100 5

0 4
0 3
0 5.7 qt. 7 qt. 330 14x12x16 12
Kalorik With Dual Layer
Rack FT 42139 BK
70 $90 3
0 5
0 3
0 3.2 qt. 2 lb. 330 15x11x14 10 0
Dash Deluxe DFAF455GBAQ01 69 $100 4

0 4
0 3
0 5.6 qt. 6 qt. 355 14x13x15 12 0
Cuisinart AFR-25 68 $100 4

0 4
0 3
0 2.1 qt. 2.5 lb. 350 12x13x16 12
Emerald 6.5 Liter Self-Stirring
With Digital LED Timer
and Temperature Control
67 $120 4
0 4
0 3
0 4.8 qt. 6.5 liters 300 11x12x15 11
SM-AIR-1808
HOW WE TEST: The Overall Score for slow Score for multi-cookers combines use, and for Durability, we run the ice Noise during operation, and we judge
cookers takes Convenience into account, results from our tests of the Pressure crushing test 45 times. For waffle Ease of cleaning. Blenders and toaster
as well as our tests on the High and Low cooking, Slow cooking, Rice cooking, makers, we assess for Even browning in ovens are also rated for Predicted
settings, in which we cook beef stew for Steaming, and Sautéing modes. We cooked waffles and measure the Color reliability, the likelihood that a brand’s
5 and 8 hours, respectively. For toaster evaluate ease of controls, cleaning, and range for brownness on the lightest and models will experience problems within the
ovens, we bake muffins and cookies, see more to rate Convenience. For blenders, darkest settings. Ease of use factors in first four years, and Owner satisfaction,
how well the appliances Reheat, evaluate we test for Icy drinks, Puréeing, and the clarity of the controls, how hot the the likelihood that CR members would
them for Ease of use and Ease of Ice crushing to gauge how well a model handle gets, and how easy the model is to recommend their brand. A dash ( ) −
cleaning, and put them through four mixes ingredients, and measure Noise in clean. For air fryers, we assess how easy indicates insufficient sample size to
separate Toasting tests. The Overall decibels. Convenience looks at ease of it is to use the Controls, we measure provide a rating.

0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 $
0

ROAD
NE WS & EXP ERT
ADVIC E TO
KE E P YOU
AH E AD OF
TH E C U R VE™
REPORT
DASHBOARD DECODER M O N E Y S AV E R
RECALL
What Does Save Thousands on Your Auto Loan
This Icon Mean?
Volvo
Volvo is recalling more than
300,000 cars in the U.S.
because a cable that anchors
seat belts can become
compromised, reducing their
ability to restrain occupants
□ BEWARE UNICYCLE RIDER in a crash. Affected models
include S60, S60CC, S60L,
□ OBJECT IN MIRROR IS
SMALLER THAN IT APPEARS
S80, S80L, V60, V60CC, V70,
XC60, and XC70 vehicles made
□ FOOSBALL TABLE NEARBY between 2007 and 2020.
□ ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION What to do: Volvo says it will
WARNING LIGHT Interest rates are at record lows, so this could be contact owners of affected
a good time to refinance your auto loan. Personal cars and replace the part.
The icon is a warning For more information, contact
ANSWER:
finance company Credit Karma reports average Volvo at 800-458-1552.
light (showing a shock
absorber) that indicates a savings of $3,000 for people who refinance loans
problem with the adaptive through its platform. “The goal of refinancing should
suspension system, a be to reduce the overall cost of your vehicle—not
computer-controlled feature
that monitors road conditions just to lower your monthly payment,” says Rod Griffin, A S K O U R E X P E R TS
and adjusts the suspension

for optimal ride and handling.
Experian’s senior director of consumer education Can I really
and advocacy. “But if you’re having difficulty making
Some of these systems also
your payments and refinancing will make them more drive my
offer driving modes, such as
economy, comfort, and sport. affordable, it could also be a worthwhile move.” automatic like
a manual?
Only about 16 percent of
autos sold today have manual
52%
T H E V I TA L S TAT I S T I C Greater likelihood that a hybrid
transmissions. But many
vehicle will hit a pedestrian
upscale cars with automatic
during a slow-speed maneuver,
transmissions have paddle
such as backing up, vs. a regular
shifters, located within easy
car. Since September, auto-
reach on the backside of the
makers have had to comply
steering wheel, that allow
with a law intended to reduce
drivers to override the gear
crashes involving the silent
selection without using a
operation of hybrids and EVs: It
clutch. This can provide more
requires them to make noise
control and can be helpful
when moving up to 19 mph.
when descending hills.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MATTHEW HOLLISTER OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 55
CRM10_Road_Report_Opener [P]_2327573.indd 55 8/11/20 4:37 PM

ROAD THE SAFETY
REPORT
ADVANTAGES OF
SITTING IN
THE FRONT SEAT
Making
Back Seats
Safer
When it comes to safety
advances, the back seat hasn’t
kept pace with the front—but
that could be about to change.
by Keith Barry
I
N THE THREE YEARS Bob
Anderson has been driving
for Uber and Lyft near the
Blacksburg, Va., campus
of Virginia Tech, he’s
developed a routine. “I take
time to introduce myself. I
tell them my name is Bob,
which spelled backwards is ‘Bob,’ ”
he jokes. These days, he offers hand
sanitizer, too. And then he pauses.
If he doesn’t hear the click of his
passengers’ seat belts, he’ll ask, “Hey,
are you buckled in and ready to go?”
Like other ride-hailing drivers,
Anderson is on the last line of defense
for keeping passengers safe in the back
seat. Unbelted rear-seat occupants are Side Curtain
eight times more likely to be injured and
Airbags
twice as likely to die as belted rear-seat
occupants in a crash, but only 57 percent These typically cover front and
rear side windows to keep occu-
of ride-hailing and taxi passengers report
pants from hitting their heads
always wearing their belt in the rear, on the inside of the vehicle or on
according to a survey from the Insurance intruding objects during a side
Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The impact. They can also help to
prevent ejection during a roll-
problem is much more widespread than over or high-speed crash.
just Lyft, Uber, and taxis: Only 74 percent
56 CR.ORG OCTOBER 2020 ILLUSTRATIONS BY MMD+I
CRM10_Forgotten_Backseat [P]_2328606.indd 56 8/14/20 10:03 AM

REAR PASSENGERS ARE less supplier ZF has developed a program. Tomorrow’s cars also Prevention at the Children’s
likely to benefit from safety rear-seat airbag, but Steve should have seat belts that Hospital of Philadelphia.
features that are often Peterson, a ZF vice president, adjust to better fit people of all “There’s a limit to how much we
standard up front. But new says automakers are reluctant shapes and sizes, and that can change behavior,” she says.
tests may help close that gap, to install it until they know the passengers actually want to On this page are several life-
spurring automakers to install specifics of a coming— and wear, says Kristy Arbogast, saving features found in
new safety systems in the back long-delayed— back-seat co-scientific director of the modern vehicles—most of which
seat. Automotive component government crash-test Center for Injury Research and prioritize front-seat passengers.
Front Adjustable Pretensioners and Side

Airbags Seat Belts Load Limiters Airbags
They inflate in a few These allow up and down Pretensioners tighten up These are smaller airbags
milliseconds to cushion the movement of the shoulder a seat belt at the start of a that pop out of the door trim
body in a controlled manner belt’s upper anchor for crash. Load limiters then or the outside edge of the
and to keep occupants from a proper and more introduce some slack to the seatback to protect
hitting hard surfaces inside comfortable fit. Much more belt during the crash to occupants’ torsos or hips in
the vehicle. Airbags are common on front seats than prevent chest injury. Less than side-impact crashes. They’re
meant to work with your seat on back seats. 40 percent of new autos have more common on front seats
belts, not replace them. these features in back seats. than on rear seats.

ROAD
REPORT
of passengers reported buckling to spur automakers to create and add trucks, and SUVs have none of these
up in the rear of private vehicles, more rear-seat safety technologies. features standard, including all Acura,
compared with 91 percent of front-seat Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda,
passengers. (Lyft and Uber told CR that Playing Catch-Up Jeep, Mitsubishi, and Ram vehicles.
they encourage riders and drivers to Until the mid-2000s, the back seat Mitsubishi would not discuss future
wear seat belts and to follow local laws.) was always the safest place to sit. But products, but the other automakers say
Some survey respondents said they modern safety advances have largely they have plans to add at least one of
find rear seat belts uncomfortable, focused on the front seat, partially these features in upcoming model years.
so they don’t wear them. Others because of a simple cost-benefit
said they think a belt is unnecessary analysis. “We always know the driver Crash Tests Make Cars Safer
because they perceive the back seat as position is occupied, so it makes sense One reason the back seat hasn’t kept up
safer than the front. “If rear occupants that we would spend so much time with the front is that NHTSA’s five-star
don’t wear their belts, they’re putting focused on getting occupant protection new car assessment program (NCAP)
themselves at risk and putting other up to speed in that seating position,” and IIHS’ crash-test programs have
occupants in danger, too,” says Emily says Jessica Jermakian, vice president focused on the front seats first. “Vehicle
Thomas, an automotive safety engineer for vehicle research at IIHS. manufacturers are not incentivized with
at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center. Front passengers now get airbags ratings to put technological innovations
Though it’s true that sitting in the rear that protect in front and side crashes. back there,” says Kristy Arbogast,
seat puts additional distance between The front seat belts on most newer cars co-scientific director of the Center for
passengers and the potentially deadly have pretensioners, which tighten the Injury Research and Prevention at the
forces of a frontal crash, it’s far from belt at the onset of a crash, and load Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
a substitute for wearing a seat belt. In a limiters, which let the belt spool out and a fellow of the Association for the
crash, unbelted passengers can become a bit to reduce any jerking force that Advancement of Automotive Medicine.
projectiles that could injure or kill might injure the occupant’s chest. Currently, only side-impact and
others, and themselves, inside the car. By contrast, rear-seat safety has head-restraint tests put a dummy in the
Even passengers who wear belts stagnated: Only 36 percent of new rear seat. By contrast, Europe’s Euro
in the back seat may not be as safe as vehicles evaluated by CR have NCAP crash-test program does more
they assume: Recent safety advances pretensioners in the rear, and only extensive testing to assess rear-seat
designed to protect drivers and front- 38 percent have load limiters there. safety, and as a result more vehicles
seat passengers aren’t yet available in Less than 40 percent of vehicles have sold in Europe have back-seat safety
most new vehicle back seats. As a result, side airbags designed to protect the innovations. Before Euro NCAP added
some belted rear passengers may be at pelvis and torso of rear occupants. rear-seat crash tests in 2015, only about
a higher risk of dying in a crash than Similarly, only about a quarter of 10 percent of vehicles sold in Europe
those belted in the front, especially vehicles have rear seat-belt reminders, came standard with rear seat-belt
passengers over 55. (Kids 12 and younger and NHTSA has not yet followed through pretensioners and load limiters. Today,
should always be in the back seat.) on a congressional mandate to require nearly all vehicles sold in Europe come
Experts say this disparity is due to a them on all new vehicles, even though with the features.
combination of a lack of attention to they’ve proved successful in getting “Our point of view is wherever you
rear-seat safety by manufacturers and front-seat passengers to buckle up. sit, you should be protected as much as
a lack of urgency from regulators. As a result, the front seats of cars from possible,” says Richard Schram, Euro
So far crash-test evaluations, such as the 2007 and newer model years are NCAP’s technical director.
those performed by the IIHS and so safe that some occupants may have
the National Highway Traffic Safety a slightly higher risk of death or injury Change Is Coming
Administration (NHTSA), have if they sit in the back. Of the more than The IIHS is already in the process of
prioritized front-seat crash protection 260 vehicles currently rated by CR, only introducing a rear-seat front-crash test.
because that’s where people are more the new Nissan Rogue and Sentra come Jermakian says that test results will be
likely to sit. Those tests have led to a standard with all these features, plus rear available as soon as next year, and that
number of safety advances for the front occupant alerts, a feature that reminds testing is already underway. “When
seats that aren’t yet available in the drivers to check in the back for children we look at the vehicles we’ve crashed
back. But experts say new crash tests so that they aren’t left behind and at already, we see that some vehicles are
that assess rear-seat safety are likely risk for heatstroke. More than 100 cars, definitely doing better than others,”

evaluate how well booster Mercedes S-Class sedan
seats protect children will get rear airbags that
even if they’re not seated deploy from the backs of the
properly. “Children don’t front seats and are meant to
sit in an ideal seating offer additional head, neck,
position,” he says. “They and shoulder protection for
move about, they have a lot rear occupants. Automotive
of energy.” So Maheshwari supplier ZF also has
THE FUTURE “places” human body
models in seating positions
developed a production-
ready rear airbag called Self
OF BACK-SEAT that aren’t included in Conforming Rearseat Airbag,
SAFETY traditional crash tests.

Other labs run simulations
or SCaRAB, which the
company says several
of occupants of above- or automakers have expressed
below-average weight— interest in installing in
neither of whom are upcoming vehicles. Additional
represented by existing testing may be necessary
AS THE AUTO INDUSTRY safety, but researchers crash-test dummies. to make sure rear airbags
and regulators begin to are already using ■ REAR-SEAT A IRBAGS: Airbags are compatible with child
focus on rear-seat safety, computerized models of prevent injury by spreading car seats.
researchers and automakers the human body to help out crash forces and ■ PERSONALIZED SAFET Y:
are developing new ways to fine-tune safety systems keeping occupants from In the future, back seats
keep passengers safe. for rear passengers. For striking hard surfaces. might be designed to
Here’s a look at what you example, Jalaj Maheshwari Mercedes-Benz and Ford automatically adjust
might expect to see in the of the Center for Injury already offer optional to meet the safety needs
near future. Research and Prevention at inflatable rear seat belts, of occupants of all ages,
■ VIRTUAL CR ASH TESTS: the Children’s Hospital of which are designed to shapes, and sizes, says
Crash-test ratings aren’t yet Philadelphia is using these reduce forces on the Kristy Arbogast of the
available for rear-seat human body models to wearer’s chest. The 2021 Children’s Hospital of
Philadelphia. Just as today’s
vehicles have presets that
can adjust seats for
comfort, tomorrow’s
vehicles may have presets
that customize safety
features for different
occupants. And some of
those adjustments may be
automated. Already, the
driver’s seat of some
Mercedes-Benz and
Genesis vehicles can
automatically adjust to an
ideal driving position when
a driver inputs his or her
height and weight.
Seat manufacturers and
safety researchers are
working on how to use that
data to optimize safety
features, too. “The position
of the shoulder belt adjusts
to you, the seat bottom
Production-Ready you’re sitting on may adjust
SCaRAB airbags to you,” Arbogast says. “All
can protect rear of that is technologically
occupants no possible. It costs money, it
matter the position
adds weight to the car,
of the front seat.
it’s not a simple calculus,
but it’s one we can do.”

ROAD
REPORT
she says, adding that early results reminders tell you to buckle up at the CR’s manager of safety policy, expects
show that vehicles with load limiters start of a trip but also alert the driver if a delays. “NHTSA misses many deadlines,
and pretensioners appear less likely to rear passenger unbuckles during a trip,” in part because it’s chronically under-
cause severe chest injuries. says Thomas, the CR safety engineer. funded,” he says. “Congress should
IIHS will start evaluating rear seat- Congress ordered NHTSA to mandate provide NHTSA far greater resources
belt reminder systems as soon as 2022 rear seat-belt reminders in all new and push its leaders to set sensible
and will incorporate those ratings into vehicles by 2015, but the agency is only priorities that could save lives today.”
its influential Top Safety Pick ratings, now deciding how to implement the In the meantime, all the reminders,
which highlight the safest vehicles it requirement after years of delays and crash tests, and advances in the world
evaluates each year. These reminders a lawsuit filed by safety groups. NHTSA won’t matter if rear passengers don’t
are designed to make sure kids in the spokeswoman Kathryn Henry told CR buckle up. “Wear your seat belt every
back seat stay buckled and secured, the agency is also conducting research single trip,” says Thomas. “It doesn’t
but it will also help ride-hailing drivers into rear-seat occupant protection that matter if you’re just going around the
like Anderson know whether their it expects to be completed by the end block or have a cautious driver. Your seat
passengers are belted. “The best belt of next year, although William Wallace, belt is your first line of defense.”
of Michigan Transportation without a booster seat,” Children in forward-facing

Research Institute’s she says. “It’s not any car seats should remain
biosciences group. “The commentary on how harnessed as long as height
seat belt can actually hurt advanced your child is.” and weight limits allow.
you,” he says. “Rib fractures Children under 4'9" don’t
can create internal organ What Young and Old Can typically fit vehicle seat
injuries.” A load limiter Do Now to Stay Safer belts and should stay in a
SAFETY FOR adds slack to a seat belt booster seat until shoulder
during a crash, keeping it ■ Older adults should belts fit across mid-
ALL AGES from crushing the wearer’s consider sitting up front. shoulder and lap belts fit
chest while maintaining Hu hesitates to offer a low across the upper
its effectiveness. But blanket recommendation for thighs, and low on their
THE MA JORIT Y OF back- most cars lack load limiters where older passengers hips. State laws vary, so be
seat passengers are in the back, and Hu says should sit. Some rear seat sure your child meets age,
children, including those that may be why those as belts have load limiters, for weight, and height
in car seats and boosters. young as 55 are more example, and an individual’s requirements. For help
But seniors who sit in likely to be injured in the posture and bone strength installing your car seat
the rear are especially back seat than if they’re matter, too. But studies properly, go to nhtsa.gov to
susceptible to injury in a sitting up front. show that the front seat is search for a child seat
crash, largely because bones Car seats and boosters slightly safer for older inspection station near you.
may weaken as people age. are designed to protect people in newer vehicles,
“They are a smaller piece children, but research says provided they wear their ■ Always buckle up,
of the problem of who is that up to 46 percent of seat belt and adjust it for regardless of age. Injuries
sitting back there, but child seats may be used or proper fit. caused by seat belts pale in
they’re a larger piece of installed incorrectly. And comparison to the risk of
who we need to protect in some parents rush their ■ Don’t rush kids. “Children severe injury and death
the back seat,” says Jessica kids out of booster seats should remain in rear-facing for unbelted rear-seat
Jermakian, vice president based on age, instead of child seats until at least passengers, who are twice
for vehicle research at IIHS. using height or weight as age 2, or until they reach as likely to die in a crash
Older adults are especially guides, says Kristy the height or weight limits as those who buckle up.
vulnerable to seat-belt Arbogast of the Children’s of their rear-facing seat,” Seat belts also keep
injuries, says Jingwen Hu, Hospital of Philadelphia. says Jen Stockburger, passengers from being
research associate “There are plenty of kids director of operations at ejected from the vehicle
professor at the University who do not fit the adult belt CR’s Auto Test Center. during a rollover.

IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURES which can be deadly even in mild
that don’t come standard in temperatures. Most of these
most vehicles’ back seats include features are not visible to the
seat belt pretensioners, which naked eye, so it can be difficult
tighten up belts at the onset of a to know whether an individual
crash; load limiters, which add vehicle has any of them. It’s also
slack to a belt during a crash to important to note that having
prevent chest injury; rear seat- these beneficial features doesn’t
CARS WITH belt reminders, which tell automatically mean a back seat
REAR-SEAT drivers when a passenger is

unbuckled; and rear torso and
is among the safest, because
there are multiple variables that
SAFETY pelvis airbags, which cushion
the force of impact. Rear occu-
factor into overall safety. On
this page are new vehicles
FEATURES pant alerts remind drivers to
check for children or pets in the
CR evaluated that come standard
with back seat pretensioners
back seat so that they aren’t and load limiters, and at least
left behind in a closed vehicle— one of the other safety features.
Rear Rear Rear Side Rear Rear

Occupant Belt Torso/Pelvis Seat-Belt Seat-Belt
Alert Reminder Airbag Pretensioner Load Limiter
C A R S W I T H 5 B A CK- SE AT S A F E T Y F E AT URE S
NISSAN Rogue Sport, Sentra
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, X5, X6, X7

FORD Escape
LEXUS ES 350, IS 300, LS, RX 350, RX L, UX 200
LINCOLN Corsair
NISSAN Altima, Leaf, Maxima, Murano
PORSCHE Macan, Taycan 4S
TOYOTA Avalon, C-HR, Camry
AUDI A4, A4 Allroad, A6, A7, A8l, E-Tron, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, S4
BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, X3
FORD Explorer, Ranger
JAGUAR E-Pace, F-Pace, I-Pace, XE, XF
LAND ROVER Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range
Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar
LEXUS GS 350, GX 460, LX 570

LEXUS LC 500, RC
LINCOLN Aviator
MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class, G-Class, S-Class
NISSAN Titan Crew Cab, Titan XD
PORSCHE Cayenne, Cayenne Coupe, Panamera
TOYOTA Land Cruiser
VOLVO S60 T5, S90, V60, V90, XC40, XC60, XC90

TRACK R ECO MMEN DAT IO N S
F R O M CR ’ S TE A M O F
INTELLIGENCE AU TO EX PER TS
COMING SOON: 2021 Ford Bronco

FORD IS RESURRECTING the storied
Bronco, which it originally launched for
model year 1966 as an alternative to the
crude Jeep CJ-5 off-roader, and retired
three decades later to make way for the
larger Expedition. Ford is no doubt tapping
into nostalgia for the iconic nameplate.
But with its removable top and doors
and a spec sheet that shouts its off-road
credibility, the new, highly anticipated
midsized Bronco is also being aimed
directly at outdoorsy drivers and off-road
enthusiasts, whose prime choices today
are the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota
4Runner (see “The Competition,” below).
The Bronco will go on sale in spring 2021,
following the introduction of the smaller
Bronco Sport later this year. Reservations
are open now for $100. We look forward
1966 BRONCO
to buying our own (anonymously, of
course) and reporting on whether it lives
up to the hype.
PRICE: Starting at package, shown on equipped with Ford THE COMPETITION

$28,500 for the base both models above. Co-Pilot360, a suite of Jeep Wrangler Toyota 4Runner
and $33,200 for the FORDING CAPABILITY: advanced safety and MSRP $28,295-$42,195 MSRP $36,120-$49,865
four-door, there are 33.5 inches. (Select driver assist features
seven trim levels that models have rubberized that include forward OVER ALL SCORE 26 OVER ALL SCORE 65
range from bare bones to floors with drain holes.) collision warning, ROAD TEST 36 ROAD TEST 55
luxurious, topping out at OFF-ROADING ARMOR: automatic emergency PREDICTED RELI ABILI T Y 1
0 PREDICTED RELI ABILI T Y 5
0
$63,500 before options. The undercarriage has braking with pedestrian
PREDICTED OWNER PREDICTED OWNER
POWERTRAINS: plates to guard the detection, backup SAT ISFACT ION 4
0 SAT ISFACT ION 4
0
270-hp, 2.3-liter turbo- engine, transmission, camera with dynamic
charged four-cylinder transfer case, and fuel guide lines, automatic Jeep has been an American Last redesigned a decade
with seven-speed tank. Rock rails are high beams, and post- icon since WWII, and the ago, the 4Runner is a
manual or 10-speed available to protect impact braking. The Mid Wrangler, with its open top tough, dependable SUV
automatic transmission; from potential damage package adds blind spot and go-anywhere abilities, with a powerful 4.0-liter
310-hp, 2.7-liter twin on tough trails. warning with cross has always represented V6 for people who need
ILLUSTRATION: MAT THEW HOLLISTER
turbocharged V6 and INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM: traffic alert, lane freedom. The latest to travel off the beaten
10-speed automatic. Ford’s new Sync 4 keeping assistance, and Wrangler is the most path. It also comes with
Four-wheel drive is infotainment system is driver monitoring. civilized to date, yet it standard advanced safety
standard. housed in an 8- or G.O.A.T. MODES: trails almost every vehicle features. But its many
GROUND CLEARANCE: 12-inch center screen. The Bronco has up to today in ride, handling, and compromises include a
About 8.3 inches with Tricks include over-the- seven selectable noise. Still, the Wrangler high floor and a low ceiling
the standard tires; air updates and more driving modes, remains the chariot of that limit access and hurt
11.5 inches with than 1,000 curated including Normal, Eco, choice for fun-loving comfort, an unsettled
the large 35-inch trail guides. Sport, Mud/Ruts, drivers looking for true ride, and clumsy handling
rubber that comes SAFETY SYSTEMS: and Rock Crawl for four-wheel drive and the due to pronounced body
with the Sasquatch Each Bronco will be off-road driving. promise of adventure. lean when cornering.

0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0
WORSE BETTER
CRM10_Track_Intelligence [P]_2329674.indd 62 8/12/20 6:33 PM

ROAD EXCLU SI V E R ATI N G S & R E V IE W S
BASED O N TESTI N G AT C R ’S
TEST 32 7-ACR E AU TO TEST C E N T E R
L U X U RY M I D S I Z E D 3 - R O W S U Vs ROAD-TEST SCORE 92 L UXU RY C O M PA CT CA R S ROAD-TEST SCORE 78
Audi Q7 HIGHS Powertrain, quietness, agility,

fit and finish, front- and second-row
Cadillac CT5 HIGHS Handling, braking, front-seat
comfort, fit and finish
Elegant and Nimble seat comfort Sharp Handling, LOWS Unrefined transmission,
LOWS Learning curve for controls But a Dull Powertrain engine noise, rear headroom, low
dash vents
72 POWERTRAIN 335-hp, 3.0-liter
V6 turbocharged engine; POWERTRAIN 237-hp, 2.0-liter
OVERALL
SCORE
8-speed automatic transmission;
all-wheel drive
59 4-cylinder turbocharged engine;
10-speed automatic transmission;
OVERALL all-wheel drive
FUEL 20 mpg on premium fuel SCORE
FUEL 24 mpg on premium fuel
PRICE
$54,800-$90,400 base price range PRICE
$71,010 as tested $36,895-$47,695 base price range
$53,520 as tested
AUDI HAS FITTED its Q7 with a seats. Three adults can fit in WITH THE LUXURY compact mild contortions, and the
new turbocharged V6 engine the second row, but the third- CT5, Cadillac is reinvigorating headroom is limited.
for 2020, giving the three-row row seat is tight. its sedan lineup as it tries to The suspension delivers
luxury SUV a more refined The controls and sleek dual lure shoppers away from the a steady, taut ride and agile
driving experience to go with display screens take time to Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and handling, vanquishing
its already adept handling master, but they ultimately Mercedes-Benz C-Class. memories of decades of floaty
and beautiful interior. We still prove logical after living with The CT5 has a dynamic ride Cadillacs. This is where the
find that the controls take them. The Q7 is one of the and handling combination that CT5 shines most brightly.
too much time to master, and few vehicles with wireless should impress luxury sedan But the powertrain comes
we’re disappointed that some Apple CarPlay. Other high- shoppers, but its powertrain across as unpolished. The
important advanced safety tech touches, such as the lacks polish and could be a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine
features aren’t standard. configurable instrument turnoff for consumers making is wheezy, and the exhaust
Other than a slight power panel and wireless phone test drive comparisons. note is gritty-sounding. The
delay when accelerating out charger, add to the premium Slide inside and the front 10-speed automatic lacks
of a rolling stop, the new feel. Overall, the cabin is seats are comfortable and refi nement, tending to delay
engine and eight-speed quiet and luxurious. supportive. But the center upshifts. And acceleration
automatic transmission work FCW, AEB with pedestrian console intrudes on the and fuel economy trail the
in seamless harmony. The Q7 detection, and LDW come driver’s right knee, and CT5’s competitors.
has a firm and steady ride, standard. But BSW and the upscale fit and fi nish On the plus side, wet and
and is much more nimble than RCTW—two proven advanced has a somewhat somber dry braking distances are short
one might expect given its safety systems—require presentation, offering hard for the segment. Standard
size. Fuel economy, at 20 mpg stepping up to the Premium plastic where established advanced safety systems
overall, didn’t change from Plus trim. The Q7’s Overall rivals feature softer, richer include FCW, city-speed AEB
the previous version. Score is hurt by its below- materials. The CT5’s with pedestrian detection,
The Q7 offers an impeccably average predicted reliability. switches, buttons, and and a safety alert seat that
finished cabin filled with That’s because it shares a knobs feel upscale, and the ties in with a driver attention
leather, wood, and chrome. platform with the A6 and Q8, controls are easy to master. monitoring feature. Still, we
CR testers of all sizes praised which were unreliable cars in Getting in and out of the rear think there should be more
the comfort of the broad front their fi rst year. requires some ducking and standard safety features.
Safety Term Glossary: AEB automatic emergency braking; BSW blind spot warning; FCW forward collision warning; OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 63
LDW lane departure warning; LKA lane keeping assistance; RCTW rear cross traffic warning.
CRM10_Road_Tests [P]_2325849.indd 63 8/7/20 11:13 AM

ROAD
REPORT
C O M PA C T S E D A N S ROAD-TEST SCORE 81 M I D S I Z E D 3 - R O W S U Vs ROAD-TEST SCORE 84
Nissan HIGHS Ride, handling, controls, rear

seat, braking, fuel economy
Toyota HIGHS Fuel economy, ride, controls,
second-row seat comfort
Sentra LOWS Nonpower front seat that’s
Highlander LOWS Engine noise
Masterful short on lower-back support, foot-

operated parking brake, headlights Hybrid POWERTRAIN 243-hp, 2.5-liter
Makeover A Fuel-Efficient, 4-cylinder hybrid engine;
POWERTRAIN 149-hp, 2.0-liter continuously variable transmission;
4-cylinder engine; continuously
variable transmission;
Do-It-All SUV all-wheel drive
73 front-wheel drive FUEL 35 mpg on regular fuel
OVERALL
SCORE
FUEL 32 mpg on regular fuel 85 PRICE
$38,200-$50,200 base price range
PRICE OVERALL $44,463 as tested
$19,310-$21,650 base price range SCORE
$21,400 as tested
NISSAN DIDN’T HOLD back in the quality of materials. THE HIGHLANDER HYBRID was just as comfortable,
with its 2020 redesign of the Despite these improvements, is a versatile three-row SUV performing well over
Sentra, metamorphosing the it can’t match the polish of with a twist: It achieves bumpy roads.
dowdy, also-ran sedan into the pricier Mazda3. 35 mpg overall, an impressive In other respects, the
one that now stands with the The rear seat is surprisingly feat that some smaller hybrid Hybrid is the same as the
top models in its class. This roomy. And the Sentra’s SUVs can’t touch. regular version. The interior
is the best Sentra we’ve ever driving position provides But the Hybrid doesn’t feel is roomy and functional, but it
tested, with its comfortable unobstructed outward as powerful as the regular lacks flair unless buyers spring
ride, nimble handling, great visibility. Drivers found Highlander, with its lively for the high-end versions,
fuel economy, roomy cabin, that the front seats became V6. The Hybrid does glide such as the Platinum trim. The
and intuitive controls. too soft over longer drives, effortlessly at low speeds front seats are comfortable
The four-cylinder engine losing support. But the power on electric power, up to for various body types, our
and well-tuned transmission seat, part of a pricey options about 20 mph. But when testers found, and the second-
deliver smooth power. While package, provides better more acceleration is needed, row seats provide good
the Sentra is frugal at 32 mpg lower back support and the four-cylinder kicks in support and ample room.
overall, it’s only 1 mpg better cushion height adjustment. with an unpolished roar, But the low third row is snug
than Nissan’s larger Altima. The infotainment and amplifying the engine noise. and uncomfortable, and it’s a
It’s also slightly slower from chore to climb back there.
PHOTOS: JOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS
Handling is quite enjoyable, climate controls are a model

a marked improvement over of simplicity and a snap to 0 to 60 mph and has longer Toyota has stepped up
the previous version. The use, but it’s too easy for the stopping distances in dry its infotainment game by
redesign also transformed driver to bang his or her left and wet conditions. For these making Android Auto and
the ride, making it supple shin into the antiquated foot- concessions, the Hybrid Apple CarPlay compatibility
and controlled over bumps. operated parking brake. offers a stunning 13 mpg standard. And the controls are
In addition, the new cabin FCW, AEB with pedestrian gain over the regular easy to use.
remains quiet under most detection, and BSW are Highlander—and nearly every FCW, AEB with pedestrian
driving conditions. standard, but not LKA. All same-sized competitor. detection, LDW, and LKA
The interior is nicely but the base model come We found the Hybrid to are standard, and the Hybrid
appointed for this price range, with Android Auto and Apple be a bit more responsive includes the convenience of
with a noticeable step up CarPlay capabilities. in cornering, and the ride adaptive cruise control.
64 CR.ORG OCTOBER 2020 Safety Term Glossary: AEB automatic emergency braking; BSW blind spot warning; FCW forward collision warning;
LDW lane departure warning; LKA lane keeping assistance; RCTW rear cross traffic warning.

Ratings Vehicle Variety We have test results and ratings on both mainstream and luxury
versions of three-row SUVs and compact sedans.
Make + Model Overall Survey Road-Test Results Advanced Safety

Score Results
Avoidance-maneuver
cargo volume, cu. ft.

Suitcases + duffels/
Predicted reliability
Owner satisfaction
Routine handling
Road-test score
AEB, pedestrian
0-60 mph, sec.
Seat comfort,
AEB, highway
60-0 mph, ft.
Acceleration
Overall mpg
Dry braking
speed, mph
front/rear
Fit + finish
Usability
AEB, city
Noise
BSW
Ride
FCW
3 - R O W S U V s $ 3 5 , 0 0 0 -$ 5 5 , 0 0 0
!
0 Kia Telluride 3.8L 92 4
0 5
0 97 21 4
0/5 0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 53.5 7.2 127 47.5 S S S S S
!
0 Hyundai Palisade 3.8L 87 4
0 5
0 88 21 4
0 5
/ 0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 52.5 7.1 132 47.5 S S S S O
!
0 Toyota Highlander 3.5L 86 4
0 4
0 86 22 4
0/5 0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 50.0 7.3 132 41.0 S S S S O
!
0 Mazda CX-9 2.5T 86 5
0 4
0 80 22 4
0 5
/ 0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 50.0 7.9 139 34.0 S S S S S
Toyota Highlander
!
0 Hybrid 2.5H
85 4
0 4
0 84 35 4
0 5
/ 0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 49.5 8.0 141 41.0 S S S S O
!
0 Subaru Ascent 2.4T 82 3
0 5
0 93 22 4
0 5
/ 0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 52.0 8.0 129 40.5 S S S S O
!
0 Honda Pilot 3.5L 75 3
0 3
0 80 20 4
0/5 0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 49.5 7.5 136 48.0 S S S S O
Ford Explorer 2.3T 69 2

0 4
0 78 21 4
0 4
/ 0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 51.5 7.4 136 44.5 S S S S S
Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L 65 1

0 4
0 95 20 4
0/5 0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 50.5 7.3 130 54.5 O O O O O
Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L 61 1

0 3
0 84 20 4
0 5
/ 0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 51.0 8.7 135 50.5 S S S S S
3 - R O W S U V s $ 5 5 , 0 0 0 -$ 75 , 0 0 0
!
0 Lexus RX350 L 3.5L 81 4
0 4
0 80 20 5
0/4 0 3
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 51.5 7.7 136 31.0 S S S S O
!
0 Buick Enclave 3.6L 76 3
0 4
0 87 18 4
0/5 0 3
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 53.5 7.4 130 48.5 O O O O O
Lincoln Aviator 3.0T 72 2

0 4
0 82 19 4
0 4
/ 0 2
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 52.0 6.2 138 49.0 S S S S S
Audi Q7 3.0T 72 2
0 4
0 92 20 5
0/5 0 3
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 50.5 7.0 133 35.5 S S S S O
Volvo XC90 2.0T 63 1

0 4
0 84 20 5
0 5
/ 0 2
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 52.5 7.7 126 35.0 S S S S S
S E D A N S $ 4 5 , 0 0 0 -$ 5 5 , 0 0 0
!
0 Audi A4 2.0T 87 5
0 4
0 88 27 5
0/3 0 3
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 53.5 6.3 135 2+2 S S S O O
!
0 Lexus ES350 3.5L 87 5
0 4
0 84 25 5
0 3
/ 0 2
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 53.0 6.9 132 3+1 S S S S O
Mercedes-Benz C300
!
0 2.0T
76 3
0 3
0 85 26 5
0 3
/ 0 2
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 55.5 6.8 136 2+1 S S S S S
Volvo S60 2.0T 63 2

0 4
0 71 26 4
0 3
/ 0 2
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 53.5 7.3 125 2+1 S S S S O
BMW 330i 2.0T 63 1

0 3
0 86 29 5
0/3 0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 5
0 54.0 6.4 129 2+2 S S S O O
Cadillac CT5 2.0T 59 2

0 4
0 78 24 5
0 3
/ 0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 54.0 7.7 127 2+1 S S S O O
SEDA NS U N DER $25,000
!
0 Subaru Impreza 2.0L 79 4
0 3
0 85 30 3
0/4 0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 56.0 9.5 124 2+2 O O O O O
!
0 Toyota Corolla 1.8L 75 5
0 4
0 68 33 3
0/3 0 4
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 53.0 10.4 134 3+1 S S S S O
PHOTOS: JOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS
!
0 Nissan Sentra 2.0L 73 3
0 3
0 81 32 3
0 4
/ 0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 55.5 8.5 129 3+2 S S S S S
!
0 Honda Civic 1.5T 72 3
0 4
0 75 31 3
0/3 0 3
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 54.5 7.1 129 3+1 S S S S −
!
0 Mazda3 2.5L 68 3
0 3
0 75 30 4
0 3
/ 0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 54.0 7.7 125 3+1 S S S S O
All-Access and Digital members can find the latest, complete ratings at CR.org/cars. When you’re ready to buy, configure the vehicle and
find the best price in your area by clicking the green “View Pricing Information” button on the model’s dedicated page.
HOW WE TEST: Recommended models Advanced Safety, which includes crash- braking, pedestrian detection, and blind it’s standard on all trims. We deduct
did well in our Overall Score, which test results and the availability of crash- spot warning. - means no such safety points if a model’s gear selector lacks fail-
factors in Road-Test Results, Predicted prevention features, such as forward system is offered; O means it’s available safes. Digital or All-Access members can
reliability, Owner satisfaction, and collision warning, automatic emergency but not as standard equipment; S means go to CR.org/cars for complete ratings.
;
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0 OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 65
WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED

Index THI S I N DEX L I STS ALL T H E ART ICLES PU BLISH ED IN T H E M AGAZINE OVER T H E PAST 12 MO N THS
(I N C LUDI N G THIS ISSU E). FOR INDEXES COVERING T H E PAST FIVE YEARS, GO TO CR .ORG/5Y EARIN D EX .
A for women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 52

Test drive tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 20, 99
Fast food
chains’ antibiotic use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 16
Plastic
in food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Jun 20, 26
Air purifiers .................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 13 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 52 healthy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 24 recycling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ Jun 20, 31
effective for coronavirus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 16 inflators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 63 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 31 timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Jun 20, 32
Air fryers.......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 44 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 56 timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 14 Predatory lending . . . . . ................................. Feb 20, 7
ratings .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 54 timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 14 Fees Product safety secrecy............................. May 20, 7
Air travel .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 42 Top Picks for 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 20, 8 cable TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 7; May 20, 7 Projectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Sep 20, 13
refunds ........................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 9 Used cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 20, 82 hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 7
safety............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 7 Financial tips during coronavirus . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 43
cash flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 48
timeline ....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 14
Antibiotics in food ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 16
Appliances B–D credit cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 54
mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 51
R–S
retirement savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 45 Radon detection . . . . . . . . . .............................. Feb 20, 16
for backyard BBQ ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 17 Bidets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 24
Food Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Nov 19, 16
countertop.................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 44 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 27
antibiotics in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 16 Reading on devices . . . . ............................... Jul 20, 20
ratings ..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 52 Bike helmets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 14
coronavirus safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 19 Recall failings . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Dec 19, 42
easy-to-clean .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 18 Blenders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 44
holiday treats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 16 Refrigerator features .............................. Sep 20, 46
reliability ratings....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 42 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 53
labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 7 Repainting home interiors..................... Sep 20, 18
Arbitration ...................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 38 Blood pressure monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 16
meat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 7 Retail memberships. . . ............................... Dec 19, 17
Botanicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 26 Ring device user security ...................... May 20, 17
nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 17
AUTOMOBILE RATINGS Bottled water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 36 Robocalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 7; Mar 20, 7; Jul 20, 9
pesticide in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 24
Audi A6 ............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 59 Bread makers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 14 Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Jan 20, 19
produce health risks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 28
Audi E-Tron .................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 63 Cable TV ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Jan 20, 23
Audi Q3 ............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 61 plastic in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 26
fee transparency . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 7; May 20, 7 Routers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ Mar 20, 46
Audi Q7 ............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 63 processed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 32
money saving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 42 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. Mar 20, 51
Buick Encore GX ........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 64 Frozen meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 28
Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 13 Samsung Galaxy Fold .............................. Feb 20, 17
Cadillac CT5 .................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 63 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 34
instant print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 15 Security systems, home
Cadillac XT6.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 63 Garbage disposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 20
Cauliflower pizza crusts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 21 Ring user security. .............................. May 20, 17
Chevrolet Silverado ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 64 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 23
Cell phones Siding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. May 20, 20
Ford Escape .................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 59 Generators
ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 45 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ May 20, 23
Hybrid.......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 59 home standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 16
service providers . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 38 Skin cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Jul 20, 32
Ford Explorer ................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 59 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 41; Sep 20, 16
ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 44 Sleep aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. Feb 20, 34
Honda CR-V Hybrid ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 64 safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 38
Cleaning tips Slow cookers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. Oct 20, 44
Hyundai Palisade........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 60 Gifts for $50 and under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 13
car interiors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 63 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Oct 20, 52
Hyundai Sonata ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 60 Glasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 15
flat-screen TVs . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 18 Smart speaker privacy ............................ Oct 20, 16
Hyundai Venue .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 59 lens coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 28
laundry stains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 17 Smartphones
Kia Seltos ......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 64 timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 14
mattresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 14 affordable models. ................................ Jan 20, 13
Lincoln Aviator .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 61 Grape products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 14
using vinegar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 15 Google Assistant translator .............. May 20, 14
Lincoln Corsair .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 59 Grills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 14; Jul 20, 38
Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 24 money saving tips . . .............................. Jun 20, 44
Mazda CX-30................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 60 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 41
coffee makers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 29 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. Sep 20, 45
Mercedes-Benz A-Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 64 cold-brew . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 13 service providers . . .............................. Sep 20, 38
Mercedes-Benz CLA...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 60 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . Nov 19, 26; Nov 19, 30 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Sep 20, 44
Mercedes-Benz GLB...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 64
Mercedes-Benz GLS ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 59
cold-brew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 27
Complaining effectively. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 24
H–K Smoothies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Aug 20, 17
Sprinkler controllers .............................. May 20, 13
Nissan Leaf Plus............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 60 Computers Stand mixers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. May 20, 18
Headphones, noise-canceling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 14
Nissan Sentra.................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 64 all-in-one desktop ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 25 Strawberry products . .............................. Aug 20, 14
Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 34
Nissan Versa.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 59 ergonomic keyboards & mice . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 20 Stress relief during COVID-19............... Aug 20, 44
costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 36
Subaru Legacy ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 60 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 24 String trimmers . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Jun 20, 21
Helmets, bike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 14
Subaru Outback ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 60 laptops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 18 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Jun 20, 24
Hot car death prevention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 7
Tesla Model Y ................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 64 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 23 Stuffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ Nov 19, 15
HVAC filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 16
Toyota Highlander ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 60 COVID-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 7, 18 Sunscreens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Jul 20, 26
Inclined infant sleepers . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 7; Sep 20, 7
Hybrid.......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 64 liability immunity . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 7 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Jul 20, 35
Insect repellents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 23
Toyota Supra .................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 60 scams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 39 Supplements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Dec 19, 26
ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 25
Volkswagen Arteon ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 64
stress relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 44 Instant print cameras. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 15 FDA oversight . . . . . . . . . ............................. Sep 20, 30
Volkswagen Passat ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 60
supplement schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 34 Insurance schemes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Oct 20, 34
CR Recommended program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 6 auto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 48
AUTOMOBILES & AUTO EQUIPMENT Credit card strategies . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 54 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 54
Best & worst lists ........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 20, 13 Credit freezes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 7
Bicycle mounting .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 16
Brand Report Card........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 20, 14
Data privacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 7
children’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 7
drugs, dropped coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 48
health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 36
Kettles, electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 15
T–Z
Buying from home ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 56 health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 7 Tea drinks
Car care during coronavirus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 63 labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Sep 20, 17
Cars for your driving style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 54
Child car seats ................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 20
Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 9
Debt collection. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 7
Digital divide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 7
L–P timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Sep 20, 14
Tech budget savings tips ........................ Jun 20, 42
ratings .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 23 Dishwashers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 19 Laptops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 18 Telemedicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Aug 20, 17
Coming in 2020 ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 20, 34 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 22 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 23 Televisions
Data collection and sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 54 DIY home projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 36 Lawn tools, battery-powered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 16 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Nov 19, 21
Driver assistance systems Drugs Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 49 shopping for. . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Nov 19, 18
naming standards ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 20, 26 dropped by insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 48 lifetime warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 47 Timeshares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. Feb 20, 24
risks .............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 7 prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 7; Jan 20, 38 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 50 Toaster ovens . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Oct 20, 44
Electric vehicles............. . . . . . . . . Dec 19, 7; Apr 20, 28 shipping services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 45 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Oct 20, 52
fees ............................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 14 Magnets in toys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 7 reliability ratings. . . . .............................. Oct 20, 15
Ford Bronco preview ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 62 Mattresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 24 Toiletries timeline . . . . . ............................... Oct 20, 14
Fire prevention .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 20, 16
Infotainment systems .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 56
E–G ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 36
shopping for online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 26
Tools timeline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Aug 20, 14
Toothbrushes, electric............................ Oct 20, 18
built-in vs. smartphone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 59 Earbuds Mixers, stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 18 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Oct 20, 22
troubleshooting......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 62 Apple AirPods vs. Moldy washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 46 Toy magnets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................ Jun 20, 7
Insurance......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 48 Samsung Galaxy Buds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 17 Mosquito-borne diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 19 Treadmills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Feb 20, 13
pricing practices ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 20, 21 true wireless. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 15 Multi-cookers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 44 Turmeric supplements ........................... Dec 19, 36
ratings .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 54 E-bikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 13 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 53 TV streaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Jun 20, 52
Luxury cars ..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 58 E-books, free. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 21 Noise-canceling headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 14 free services . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... Jun 20, 49
timeline ....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 16 Electric kettles . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 15 .Org domains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 20, 7 Waffle makers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. Oct 20, 44
Potential deal breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 56 Electric toothbrushes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 18 Ovens, self-cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 14 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... Jan 20, 14; Oct 20, 52
Profiles, 2020 ................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 20, 48 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 22 Password managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 22 Washers
Ratings, 2020 ................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 20, 38 Ergonomic keyboards & mice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 20 Pasta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 16 mold problems . . . . . . . ............................ May 20, 46
Reliability ........................ . . . . . Jan 20, 50; Apr 20, 86 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 24 Patient care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 20, 34 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ May 20, 52
ratings .......................... . . . . . Jan 20, 55; Apr 20, 88 Eyeglasses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 15 Pesticide in produce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 24 Water, bottled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. Nov 19, 36
Repair timeline .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 14 lens coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 20, 28 health risks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 28 Wireless chargers . . . . . . . .............................. Oct 20, 13
Safety systems timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jun 20, 14 Pillows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 36 Work-from-home setups .......................... Jul 20, 18
back seat ..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 56 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 20, 37 Zoom privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................. Jul 20, 9
repair costs ................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 20, 54 Pizza crusts, cauliflower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jul 20, 21
as standard equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 20, 7 ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 19, 34
CRM10_Index [P]_2455719.indd 66 8/12/20 3:12 PM

Selling It
Tricky Treats
These Halloween offers left us feeling kind of scared
Fang Favorite Ghost Town?

We’re not biting This could be a purchase that
into this platelet- comes back to haunt you.
filled stack of Submitted by Ken Ducote, New Orleans
pancakes.
Submitted by
Suzanne Kaplan,
Eden Prairie, MN
pancakes with blood segments
Spooky Schoolyard Hold Your Horses!

This sign placement seems like Is this costume
a grave mistake. manufacturer taking
Submitted by Bruce Foulke, Yardley, PA us for a ride?
Submitted by Joyce
Hoffer, Lyndhurst, OH
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.
Please include key information, such as the publication’s name and date.
SHARE
CRM10_Selling_It [P]_2324407.indd 67 8/6/20 3:38 PM

YOUR INPUT
IS BAKED INTO
OUR RATINGS.
Our ratings and reviews are only complete

when they include YOUR input. Your experience
makes our ratings BETTER.
WHAT YOU THINK MATTERS.

Look out for our online survey invitations and make sure we have your email by visiting
cr.org/QQreg
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What does the article say about Build & Buy Car Buying Service?

What does the article say about Build & Buy Car Buying Service?

What does the article discuss about supplements and COVID-19 come-ons?

What does the article discuss about supplements and COVID-19 come-ons?

ROAD-TESTED: Nissan Sentra, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Audi Q7 PLUS: Ford Bronco Preview

REVIEWS & RATINGS

Washers & Dryers

CRM10_Cover [P]_2431427.indd 2 8/12/20 8:00 PM

SEARCH for the car COMPARE real pricing

LOCATE the dealership from

See how much YOU can save at cr.org/buildandbuy

BUILD BUY-puzzle-NEWS-CRM0ACV2-OCT20-C2.indd 1 8/11/20 1:58 PM

Problem Potions WASHING MACHINES

dubious cures to reach BLOOD PRESSURE

OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 3

CRM10_Contents [P]_2324255.indd 3 8/14/20 2:02 PM

55 Ahead of the Curve

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 13 CR Insights 56 Making Back

12 Ask Our Experts PRODUCT UPDATE 62 Track Intelligence

for a post-pandemic world.

4 CR.ORG OCTOBER 2020

CRM10_Contents [P]_2324255.indd 4 8/14/20 2:02 PM

Price In U.S., $6.99 per issue, special issues $7.99.

Reduce your income taxes by

making donations to CR through your

and taking a or want to use your contact us at 877-275-3425 or legacy@consumer.org.

a contribution Members Send address changes to Consumer Reports,

Visit CR.org/IRA corrections to Consumer Reports, P.O. Box 2109,

OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 5

CRM10_About_Us [P]_2325931.indd 5 8/11/20 6:29 PM

President and CEO Marta L. Tellado

Editor in Chief Diane Salvatore

Design Director Matthew Lenning Creative Director, Brand Young Kim

Senior Director, Content Development Glenn Derene

6 CR.ORG OCTOBER 2020

CRM10_From_the_President_Masthead [P]_2327628.indd 6 8/12/20 1:29 PM

Making Labels Saving Lives in July. William Wallace, CR’s

ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN RITTER OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 7

CRM10_Better_World [P]_2328818.indd 7 8/12/20 2:55 PM

pharmacy whether he could

ONE WAY to get drugs

To add your voice, go to CR.org/drug1020. some prescription medications

costs $60,000 per year, GoodRx at a big-box pharmacy,

8 CR.ORG OCTOBER 2020

CRM10_Feedback [P]_2329413.indd 8 8/13/20 6:48 PM

work hard to provide useful technique, and my refrigerator

ILLUSTRATION BY JASON SCHNEIDER OCTOBER 2020 CR.ORG 9

CRM10_Feedback [P]_2329413.indd 9 8/13/20 6:48 PM

ABOUT THE SCORES: 84 78 78

Solid Wood Stains

ABOUT THE SCORES: 80 74 68

CRM10_What_We're_Testing [P]_2331656.indd 10 8/11/20 4:33 PM

Affordable Washing Machines

ABOUT THE SCORES: 86 64 62

Electric Dryer Deals

ABOUT THE SCORES: 89 75 75

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

ABOUT THE SCORES: 93 91 80

charging system fails; CCA