All-star appliances &kitchen gear.(Buyers guide)

We culled a year's worth of testing for models that blend performance, value, and brand reliability.You'll also find Select Ratings with top choices from our latest tests of coffeemakers, toasters and toaster ovens, and kitchen knives (see page 40). Models within groups are listed in performance order, and prices for dishwashers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators, and washers are for models with a white finish.

Ranges

GAS RANGES

Hotpoint

RGB745WEH[WW], $550

GE

JGBP35WEJ[WW], $800

GE

JGBP85WEJ[WW], $850

Frigidaire Gallery

GLGF386D[S], $1,000

The Hotpoint, a CR Best Buy, is the best value. Both GEs offer stainless trim; the Frigidaire adds convection.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

ELECTRIC

SMOOTHTOPS

Kenmore

(Sears) 9641[2], $750

Frigidaire Gallery

GLEF369D[S], $700

Kenmore

(Sears) 9611[2], $580

GE

JBP84TK[WW], $1,100

All except the GE are CR Best Buys.The Kenmore 9641[2] was fastest at cooktop heating; the GE offers a convection mode.

ELECTRIC-COIL

RANGES

Kenmore

(Sears) 9421[2], $530

Hotpoint

RB757WH[WW],$350

Both cook capably.The Hotpoint, a CR Best Buy, gives up some broiling performance for a low price.

36 * Ranges

GE JGBP35SEJSS

(white version: JGBP35WEJ[WW])

Vacuum cleaners

UPRIGHT VACUUMS

Kenmore

(Sears) Progressive 35922, $300

Hoover WindTunnel 2

U8311-900, $250

Kenmore

(Sears) Progressive 36932, $300

Eureka Boss SmartVac

Ultra 4870, $150

Hoover WindTunnel

Bagless U5753-900, $160

The Kenmore 35922 and Eureka

are CR Best Buys; the Hoovers

were easiest to push and pull.

The Kenmore 36932 and

Hoover U5753-900 are bagless

models.

LIGHTER UPRIGHTS

Hoover Tempo Widepath

U5140-900, $70

Hoover EmPower

U5262-910, $100

Both weigh less than 20 pounds.The U5140-900, a CR Best Buy, is better for carpet cleaning; the U5262-910 is a bagless model.

CANISTER VACUUMS …