Consumer Reports: Save thousands on kitchen appliance updates
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Do your kitchen appliances need an overhaul? If it's been awhile since you've shopped around, a lot has changed, and that's where Consumer Reports comes in.
Testers check out hundreds of appliances every year, so here are some shopping recommendations that can help you save thousands of dollars on your next purchase.
Jane Batista and her family are renovating their kitchen and all new appliances are in order. She says shopping has been a little overwhelming!
"There are so many options and so many choices! I want the big, huge refrigerator that's side by side. My husband wants the one with the drawer that pulls out from the bottom," said Jane.
Consumer Reports' Sara Morrow says once they agree on a style there are only a handful of features really worth the money.
"Our testers like a freezer compartment that actually converts to fridge space for storing extra food around the holidays or when you're entertaining. Even better if you buy a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables for your family look for airtight crisper drawers," she suggests.
Crisper drawers are designed to keep your fruits and veggies fresher and that means a good crisper drawer can save money in the long run.
The crisper drawers in the french-door style LG performed well (model LFC22770ST- $1620). Plus, CRs lab tests found it keeps a consistent temperature throughout the fridge and offers excellent efficiency and thermostat control.
When it comes to cooking you have plenty of options from gas, electric and induction.
"Plenty of people assume gas is the way to go but our tests have shown that we've got top performers among gas, electric and induction and in general one way you can save money is by skipping the separate wall oven and cooktop and going for a range instead," said Sara.
Chefs and bakers alike may want to consider the CR recommended Frigidaire Electric Smoothtop ( model FGEF3035RF - $810) which offers excellent simmering and broiling plus a large oven testers say is impressive at baking.
Looking for a dishwasher that delivers?
"So many of today's dishwashers have a soil sensor which means you can just scrape off your dishes, skip the pre-rinsing, load everything and let the dishwasher do its job," said Sara.
The Bosch Ascenta (model SHX3AR75UC - $600) is a CR Best Buy comes with a soil sensor and has adjustable upper racks and tines so you can tailor it to the dishes you need to wash. And most important - it offers excellent cleaning performance which is a big plus for Jane.
"I do not like dishes. I will run the dishwasher a few times a day," said Jane.
And CR's MOST important tip - size it right. No matter which appliance you're shopping for, you want to be sure to measure the space it's going and and the doors it will have to go through to get to that space.
More information from Consumer Reports:
Best dishwashers for $600-$900 dollars
10 great refrigerators for $1500 dollars or less
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