cover story 398 top products

Cooktops

Wall ovens
Convection models use a fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven, speeding up roasting times. That feature is available in wall ovens costing as little as $1,100. But dont pay more for multiple fans. Covered baking elements (under the bottom of the oven) simplify cleanup and dont take up space. Full extension racks on smooth ball-bearing glides and clear oven-door windows make checking on foods easier. Type 30-inch electric Brand & model Kenmore Elite 4804[3] GE Profile PT925DN[BB] Bosch HBL54[50]UC GE JTP70SM[SS] Kenmore Pro 4100[3] Frigidaire Gallery GLEB30S9F[S] Price Overall score

Appliances

Many cooktops now come with ultra-high heat, useful for searing, stir-frying, and heating large quantities. Smooth glass tops, available on electric or gas models, are sleeker and easier to clean. For electrics, dual or triple elements let you switch from a large, high-power element to a small, low-power element contained within it. On gas cooktops, continuous grates make it easier to slide pots between burners. Type 30-inch electric smoothtop Brand & model Electrolux Icon E30EC65E[SS] Kenmore 4273[2] GE Profile PP945BM[BB] 30-inch induction Kenmore Elite 4283[0] GE Profile PHP900DM[BB] Kenmore Elite 4280[0] 36-inch gas Kenmore Elite 3249[9] GE JGP975WEK[WW] GE JGP637WEJ[WW] Price Overall score $1,1,1,1,1,1,1,800 65
Electrolux Icon E30EC65E[SS]

$2,2,1,1,1,1,400 61

Kenmore Elite 4283[0]

Kenmore Elite 4804[3]

Slow cookers

Kitchen gadgets

All turn out tasty meals; slow cookers differ mostly in features. Electronic controls let you program a dish and will automatically switch to warm when its done. Touchpad controls speed cleanup. A locking lid secures food for transport. Some models also have removable inserts that can go on the stovetop to brown food. Type Electronic Brand & model Price Overall score Rival Crock-Pot $SCVC604H-SS Hamilton Beach Set 'N Forget 33967 Mechanical Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33162

Coffeemakers

Brew a 16-ounce cup of coffee at home with our recommended models instead of buying it outside, and you could save roughly $300 per yearmore if you skip the expensive espresso-based beverages. Type 8- to 12-cup carafe models Brand & model Cuisinart Brew Central DCC-1200 Michael Graves 40304 Oster Counterforms 4281 Zojirushi Fresh Brew EC-BD15 Mr. Coffee JWX27 DeLonghi Multi DCF-212T 12-cup brew stations Hamilton Beach Brew Station 47454 8- to 10-cup grindand-brew models Mr. Coffee GBX23 w/grinder blade Cuisinart Grind and Brew Thermal DGB-600BC Price Overall score $150 72
Hamilton Beach Brew Station 47454
Hamilton Beach Set N Forget 33967
Look for new Ratings in the December issue.

Michael Graves 40304

Home theater in a box

Electronics

These systems bundle a receiver with a 7.1- or 5.1-channel surround-sound speaker system or a 2.1-channel stereo system. Many models include a high-def Blu-ray player or standard DVD player, but others have no disc player. Newer features include: wireless rear speakers and iPod docks, plus access to Netflix online movies and Pandora Internet radio. Prices start at about $150 but can go up to $800 or more. Look for new Ratings in the December issue.

Headphones

Panasonic DMP-BD80

Blu-ray players

Most models, even lower-priced ones, let you enjoy excellent picture quality from high-def movies as well as regular DVDs. Some let you stream online movies from partners such as Netflix and Internet radio from Pandora. Brand & model Oppo BDP-83 Panasonic DMP-BD80 LG BD390 Sony BDP-S360 Samsung BD-P3600 Philips BDP5010 Price Overall score $200 87
Headphones come in many types and styles, ranging from $10 earbuds for an MP3 player to studio-grade audiophile models costing more than $500. Active noise-canceling headphones use electronic circuitry to mute unwanted sounds.

spotlight

Samsungs HT-BD7200 (shown), $700, is a stylish 2.1-channel system with wall-mountable speakers. It has an integrated Blu-ray player, plus access to Netflix online movies and Pandora Internet radio. For surround sound, consider the Onkyo HT-S5200, $495, and Yamaha YHT-591, $600, which topped our Ratings. Neither has a disc player.

Very good sound and excellent active noise reduction make Panasonics RP-HC55 headphones (left), $60, a great choice for travelers or commuters. Grados SR60i on-ear model (right), $80, offers a taste of audiophile-quality sound without a high-end price tag.
Look for new Ratings in the December issue. 2009 by Consumers Union of United States, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without prior written permission.
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