All-star appliances.(Buyers Guide)

Publication: Consumer Reports

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COPYRIGHT 2005 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.

Figuring out where to shop for appliances is only half the battle. You also have to decide what to buy once you get there. This is the perfect starting point: We've tested hundreds of appliances in recent months and identified the models that offer the best performance and value for various needs and budgets, with a good record for brand reliability. Here are our recommendations in the most important appliance categories, plus information and advice based on decades of unbiased testing. (Models within groups are listed in alphabetical order or by size. Prices for washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, and refrigerators are for a white finish.)

CR Quick Recommendations

WASHERS

Front-loading washers offer quiet, energy-efficient washing with ample capacity. They cost more than most top-loaders, and special detergent is recommended for the best results. Conventional top-loaders offer capable washing for less, with a wide selection of reliable brands. New-technology top-loaders without the typical agitator have done well in our tests, but they're expensive, and most are too new to have a repair history. Recommended models are from reliable brands unless noted. (Last report: February 2005)

Front-loaders offering top performance at a high price:

Kenmore (Sears) HE3 4586, $1,100

LG WM1814C, $700

LG WM2032H, $1,030

Whirlpool Duet GHW9150P, $1,000

Capacious and quiet, all four of these frontloaders did a very good job cleaning clothes, and they're frugal with energy and water. The lower-priced LG isn't as large as the others, but it still holds a decent-sized load. We have no repair data for LG washers.

Conventional top-loaders offering good performance at modest prices:

Kenmore (Sears) 1685, $480

Whirlpool Gold GST9679P, $500

Whirlpool LSW9700P, $380

Here are three choices to consider if you want a value-priced washer that can do a good job getting laundry clean.

A good value but noisy:

GE WBSR3140D, $300

This low-priced,...

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