Consumer report latest ratings as of 12-27-2006 (only list CR best buys)

Upright vacuum cleaners: Kenmore (sears) Progressive with Direct Drive 35922 CR Best Buy Eureka Boss Smart Vac Ultra 4870 CR Best Buy

Canister vacuum cleaners: Kenmore (Sears) Progressive 25512 CR Best Buy

Ratings Clothes dryers Kenmore (Sears) Elite 6697[2] CR Best Buy Kenmore (Sears) Elite 6692[2] CR Best Buy Maytag MDE4806AY[W] CR Best Buy MDG4806A[ ] $450

CR quick recommendations: (washing machines):

For a competent, inexpensive top-loader:

=B7 Whirlpool WTW5540S[W] , $400 =B7 Admiral AAV7000[W] (Home Depot) , $300

For better performance and efficiency:

=B7 Bosch Nexxt 500 Series WFMC3301UC , $1100 =B7 Whirlpool Duet GHW9150P[W] , $1000 =B7 LG WM0642H[W] , $1000

Steam irons Black & Decker Digital Advantage D2030 CR Best Buy

Gas cooktops Maytag MGC6536BD[W] CR Best Buy MGC6430BD[ ] $550

Gas ranges

30-INCH GAS MODELS Hotpoint RGB745WEH[WW] CR Best Buy

Dishwashers Kenmore (Sears) 1603[2] CR Best Buy Maytag MDB4651AW[W] CR Best Buy Whirlpool DU1100XTP[Q] CR Best Buy Amana ADB1500AW[W] CR Best Buy Other Quick picks: Bosch SHU43C0[2], Whirlpool Gold GU2400XTP[Q],

Refrigerators--Top-freezers Hotpoint HTS22GBP[WW] CR Best Buy Other high performers: GE Profile PTS22LHR[WW] Profile PTS22LHS[ ] $1100 Kenmore (Sears) 7425[2] 7426[ ] $720 Kenmore (Sears) 7495[2] 6495[ ] $620, 7496[ ] $670

Home theater in a box Panasonic SC-HT740 CR Best Buy Samsung HT-Q45 CR Best Buy

LCD TVs

40" JVC LT-40FN97 37" Sharp Aquos LC-37D90U 32" Toshiba TheaterWide HD 32HL66 26-INCH AND SMALLER MODELS: Toshiba TheaterWide HD 26HL66

Plasma TVs:

50" Panasonic TH-50PX600U 42-43" Panasonic TH-42PX600U

Rear-projection TVs: Microdisplay sets: Toshiba 62HM196

String trimmers: Gas-powered models: Homelite UT20004 CR Best Buy Weed Eater Featherlite SST25 CR Best Buy

CORDED ELECTRIC MODELS Troy-Bilt TB50 CR Best Buy Ryobi EL15 RY41002 CR Best Buy

Elliptical exercisers Precor EFX 5.19 (best score but expensive ~ $2400) Schwinn 418 CR Best Buy