SPECIAL REPORT

IS OUR WATER SAFE TO DRINK? REVIEWS & RATINGS

Refrigerators
Blenders
Vacuums
Bike Helmets
MAY 2021

Carpet Cleaners

SECRETS
FOR A
REALLY
CLEAN
HOME
Easy ways to get
rid of grit, grime,
and COVID-19
germs, too

PLUS

A GREEN LAWN— THE MOST COMFORTABLE GET BETTER WIFI

WITHOUT PESTICIDES CARS & SUVS FOR LESS $$
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Money • Home • Cars • Shopping • Health • Food • What’s New • Salud y Bienestar

CRM15CV2
 MAY 2021, VOL. 86 NO. 5
Contents

What’s in Your PRODUCTS RATED

Drinking Water? IN THIS ISSUE
Learn how to test
and treat your
tap water for
contaminants.

BIKE HELMETS
P. 10

INDUCTION RANGES
P. 11

P. 34

SODA MAKERS
P. 13

34 How Safe Is Our

Drinking Water?
For CR’s investigation with
the Guardian US news
organization, we tested tap
water samples from across the LAUNDRY DETERGENTS
PHOTO, TOP LEFT: MARIA BARSKI/DREAMSTIME

country and found that most P. 33

24 Cleaning Secrets contained worrying amounts 44 A Lush Lawn
for Every Room of arsenic, lead, or PFAS. Without Pesticides
Pandemic life probably Expert strategies and
means your home has been eco-friendly lawn products
getting more use—and getting for cultivating gorgeous
dirtier—than ever. Try our green grass without all
guide for removing grit, grime, the chemicals.
and germs from common
appliances, gadgets, and more.
RATINGS LEXUS IS
P. 59

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY MITCH BLUNT MAY 2021 CR.ORG 3

Contents

7 Building a
Better World, Together
P. 52 Strengthening antitrust laws,
making baby food safer, and
fighting for fair data pricing.

8 Your Feedback
Readers’ comments about
our recent content.

19 Recalls
62 Index
Cruise in Comfort
Find out which five SUVs 63 Selling It
and sedans top our list
for the cushiest, quietest
driving experience.
ROAD REPORT

51 Ahead of the Curve

Auto ratings, news, and advice.

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 13 CR Insights 52 What Makes a Car

Can a soda maker save Really Comfortable
10 What We’re you money on seltzer? Introducing CR’s new
Testing in Our Labs …
Plus: Safer mask strategies, vehicle Comfort Score, which
French-door refrigerators, how to upcycle an old assesses seat support, ease
fitness trackers, budget- fridge, and decoding tricky of access, road noise, and
friendly blenders, induction labels on fruit juices. more—so you can sit back and
ranges, and more. RATINGS enjoy your new ride.
RATIN GS
RATINGS
P. 20
12 Ask Our Experts PRODUCT UPDATE 58 First Drive: Ford
Do’s and don’ts for unclogging F-150 Hybrid Pickup
toilets, why getting vaccinated 20 Better WiFi IN EVERY ISSUE We drive this new version and
against COVID-19 is so for Way Less spotlight five of its innovations.
important, and all about 6 From the President:
These low-cost mesh routers
the new “mini LED” TVs. Trusting What’s on Tap
may be able to fix spotty
59 Road Test
connectivity in your home. In our quest for safer drinking
We rate the Hyundai Elantra,
RATI N GS water for all, we tested water
Kia Sorento, Lexus IS, and
samples from across the U.S.
Toyota Sienna.
for contaminants.

ABOUT CONSUMER REPORTS products we rate. We don’t receive fees from these programs. For more information, go to SellingIt@cro.consumer.org.
Consumer Reports is an inde- accept paid advertising. We maintain a strict separation CR.org/about. See page 63 for more details.
pendent, nonprofit organization In addition to our rigorous between our commercial opera- HOW TO REACH US ACCOUNT INFORMATION
founded in 1936 that works side research, investigative journalism, tions and our testing and editorial Write to us at Consumer Go to CR.org/magazine
by side with consumers to create and consumer advocacy, we work operations. Our testing and edito- Reports, 101 Truman Ave., or call 800-333-0663.
a safe, fair, and transparent with other organizations, including rial teams decide which products Yonkers, NY 10703, See page 5 for more details.
marketplace. To achieve our media, consumer groups, research to test and review; our external Attn.: Member Support. RATINGS Overall Scores are based
mission, we test thousands of and testing consortiums, and business partners or other third Or call 800-333-0663. on a scale of 0 to 100.
products and services in our labs philanthropic partners. We also parties do not dictate or control TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR We rate products using
each year and survey hundreds of license our content and data, these decisions. Lastly, these Go to CR.org/lettertoeditor. these symbols:
thousands of consumers about as well as work with business partnerships and programs do not FOR NEWS TIPS & STORY IDEAS
their experiences with products partners to offer shopping and constitute CR’s endorsement of Go to CR.org/tips. 1
0 POOR  20 FAIR  3
0 GOOD
and services. We pay for all the other consumer services, and may any products or services. For Selling It send items to 4
0 VERY GOOD  50 EXCELLENT

4 CR.ORG MAY 2021

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MAY 2021 CR.ORG 5

From the President

President and CEO Marta L. Tellado

Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Leonora Wiener

Trusting What’s
Vice President, Chief Content Officer Gwendolyn Bounds

Editorial Director, Print Ellen Kunes

Deputy Editors, Print Amanda Lecky, Diane Umansky, Natalie van der Meer

on Tap
Design Director Matthew Lenning Creative Director, Brand Young Kim
Associate Design Director Mike Smith
Art Directors Tammy Morton Fernandez, Ewelina Mrowiec
Photo Editors Lacey Browne, Emilie Harjes, Karen Shinbaum

Senior Director, Content Development Glenn Derene

Deputy Director, Content Development Christopher Kirkpatrick
Associate Directors, Content Development Scott Billings, Althea Chang
WATER IS AN essential Enterprise Kevin Doyle, Editor; Perry Santanachote, Writer/Reporter
part of life—so vital to our Senior Director, Content Impact & Corporate Outreach Jen Shecter
existence that one of the Special Projects Joel Keehn, Director; Margot Gilman, Associate Director;
Lisa L. Gill, Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Brian Vines, Deputies; Ryan Felton,
objectives of recent space Scott Medintz, Donna Rosato, Writers
exploration, including the Editorial Director, Digital Erle Norton
Perseverance rover on Senior Director, Product Testing Maria Rerecich
Associate General Counsel Camille Calman
Mars, is to identify how Director, Lab Operations Lilian Kayizzi
life may have flourished
CARS: Editors/Writers: Keith Barry, Jeff S. Bartlett, Jonathan Linkov, Mike
when water was present. Monticello, Benjamin Preston Auto Test Center: Jake Fisher, Senior Director;
We have tested bottled Jennifer Stockburger, Director Product Testing: Michael Bloch, Steve Elek,
water over the years Kelly Funkhouser, John Ibbotson, Chris Jones, Alex Knizek, Anita Lam, Gene
Petersen, Ryan Pszczolkowski, Mike Quincy, Gabriel Shenhar, Shawn Sinclair,
and alerted you to Emily A. Thomas, Joe Veselak
toxic chemicals we HEALTH & FOOD: Lauren F. Friedman, Content Lead Editors/Writers: Trisha
found, and now we are Calvo, Jenny Cook, Kevin Loria, Catherine Roberts Policy Lead: Brian Ronholm
taking a closer look at HOME & APPLIANCE: Sara Morrow, Content Lead Editors/Writers: Daisy Chan,
the tap water in our Tanya Christian, Mary Farrell, Keith Flamer, Paul Hope, Haniya Rae, Daniel
Wroclawski Product Testing: John Galeotafiore, Emilio Gonzalez, James Nanni,
homes and in other places where we congregate. To better Testing Leads; John Banta, Susan Booth, Tara Casaregola, Lawrence Ciufo,
understand the current state of the health and safety of our Enrique de Paz, Bernard Deitrick, Cindy Fisher, Rich Handel, Misha Kollontai,
nation’s water, CR teamed up with the Guardian US news Ginny Lui, Joan Muratore, Joseph Pacella, Christopher Regan, Frank Spinelli,
Dave Trezza Market Analysts: Mark Allwood, Claudette Ennis, Kelly Moomey,
organization and with consumers to test drinking water Courtney Pennicooke, Antonella Pomilla, Marion Wilson-Spencer
across the U.S. The testing happens not just in CR labs but MONEY: Editors/Writers: Tobie Stanger, Penelope Wang Policy Lead: Anna Laitin
also in the communities where consumers live, including, TECH: Jerry Beilinson, Content Lead Editors/Writers: Octavio Blanco, Nicholas
in this case, 120 locations where people who committed to De Leon, Bree Fowler, Thomas Germain, Yael Grauer, Christopher Raymond, Allen
collecting water samples used our rigorous guidelines. St. John, Kaveh Waddell, James K. Willcox Product Testing: Richard Fisco, Glen
Rockford, Michael Visconti, Testing Leads; Elias Arias, Antonette Asedillo, Steve
The results of our investigation are staggering. With Blair, Claudio Ciacci, Charles Davidman, Cody Feng, Bill Fitzgerald, Fred Garcia,
arsenic, lead, and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), Henry Parra, Richard Sulin, Maurice Wynn Market Analysts: Min Kim Bryant,
known as “forever chemicals,” showing up in test samples Odalys Grieco, Nish Suvarnakar Policy Lead: Justin Brookman

across the country, the public needs to know what steps Chief Scientific Officer James H. Dickerson
Food Safety James E. Rogers, Director; Tunde Akinleye, Amy Keating, Sana Mujahid
can be taken to ensure that we can enjoy safe drinking
water in our homes. Content Operations Robert Kanell, Director
Copy Editing Leslie Monthan, Copy Chief; Noreen Browne, Alison France,
We provide practical advice in “How Safe Is Our Drinking Wendy Greenfield
Water?” on page 34. But in addition to giving you answers, Fact Checking & Research David Schipper, Associate Director; Tracy Anderman,
we also raise some fundamental questions. How can we Sarah Goralski, Christine Gordon, Karen Jacob, Jamison Pfeifer
Premedia William Breglio, Associate Director; Eugene Chin, William Hunt,
fix this elemental necessity quickly so that every person in Anthony Terzo
this country can rest assured that they have clean drinking Production Nancy Crowfoot, Associate Director; Eric Norlander, Manager; Letitia
water? To see how you can help make progress and have Hughes, Terri Kazin, Aileen McCluskey
your voice heard, go to CR.org/pfaspetition. Photography John Powers, John Walsh
Imaging Francisco Collado, Mark Linder
Chief Research Officer Kristen Purcell
Consumer Engagement Testing Charu Ahuja, Director; Linda Greene, Dana Keester
Statistics & Data Science Michael Saccucci, Director; Debasmita Das, Kristen
Dorrell, Dina Haner, Keith Newsom-Stewart
Survey Research Karen Jaffe, Simon Slater, Associate Directors; Dave Gopoian,
Kendra Johnson, Debra Kalensky, Martin Lachter, Jane Manweiler, John McCowen,
Marta L. Tellado, Adam Troy, Tian Wang, Tess Yanisch
President and CEO
Follow me on Twitter Consumer Insight Selina Tedesco, Frank Yang
@MLTellado Member Support Sue Melfi, Director; Donna Murianka
Marketing Dawn Nelson, Senior Director
PHOTO: MEL ANIE DUNEA

Procurement Operations Steven Schiavone, Associate Director

Administration Decarris Bryant, Dawn Yancy Elleby

VICE PRESIDENTS: Financial Planning & Analysis JoAnne Boyd; Chief Digital
Officer Jason Fox; Advocacy David Friedman; Chief Intelligence Officer
Esther Han; General Counsel Michael Hubner; Research, Testing & Insights
Liam McCormack; Chief Human Resources Officer Rafael Pérez;
Chief Marketing Officer Lauren Stanich; Chief Social Impact Officer Shar Taylor;
SVP, Chief Financial Officer Eric Wayne

6 CR.ORG MAY 2021

Building a Better World, Together    Join with us to make a safer, fairer, healthier marketplace

Making Baby Encouraging Reform Act, introduced in

February by Minnesota Sen.
PROGRESS
Food Safer Competition UPDATE
Amy Klobuchar. If passed, it
would reinvigorate America’s
what’s at stake what’s at stake antitrust laws by strengthening
A U.S. House of Representatives Vigorous competition among The same day in late the government’s ability to
report released in February companies is essential to a January that a CR stop anti-competitive mergers
confirmed what CR investi- functioning marketplace. investigation into auto and the kind of “exclusionary
gations have found: that many Without it, consumers get insurance pricing was conduct” that companies use to
popular baby foods contain fewer choices, prices often rise, published, the New muscle out their competition,
alarmingly large amounts and innovation tends to lag. Jersey Senate passed and giving more resources
of heavy metals, including In recent decades, however, a CR-endorsed bill to to the underfunded agencies
arsenic, cadmium, and lead. the federal laws that once stop insurers from using charged with enforcing
Young children are especially helped promote competition education, credit scores, antitrust laws.
vulnerable to the toxicity among businesses have been and occupation to what you can do
of heavy metals, says James chipped away at by courts, determine rates. CR Go to senate.gov to ask
Dickerson, PhD, chief scientific haven’t been fully enforced, was mobilizing members your senators to support and
officer at CR. The substances and were allowed to fall in New Jersey to contact co-sponsor the bill.
“have a disproportionately behind the evolving economy. their assembly members
adverse effect on developing The result: Unchecked and urge them to support
minds and bodies.” Effects
can include lower IQ and an
anti-competitive mergers
and conduct have enabled
the bill. Our petition
urging Geico and
Shrinking the
increased risk of certain cancers.
The House report also found
a massive consolidation of
corporate power and a steady
Progressive to stop the
practice is now more
Digital Divide
that not enough is being done erosion of consumer rights and than 40,000 signatures what’s at stake
by baby food companies and leverage. The unprecedented strong. And in February, Comcast, the nation’s biggest
the government to minimize market dominance of Big Tech another CR-endorsed internet service provider,
heavy metal exposure and that is just one very visible bill was introduced recently drew criticism for
parts of the manufacturing manifestation of these trends. in the U.S. House of plans to impose new fees on
processes may be contributing how cr has your back Representatives that, customers, including data caps
to the problem. CR worked closely with Capitol if passed, would ban that could have meant bigger
how cr has your back Hill policymakers to help the practice nationwide. bills for many users in more
The House report was shape the Competition and than a dozen predominantly
conducted in response to Antitrust Law Enforcement Northeastern states and D.C.
testing by CR and other The timing struck many as
organizations. Our 2018 analysis very unfair: Raising prices
of 50 nationally distributed during the pandemic would
packaged foods made for babies Competitive hit cash-strapped families that
and toddlers found concerning Drive depend on the internet for
CR is pushing
levels of heavy metals—and school, work, healthcare, and
to ensure that
found that organic foods were other essentials.
companies must
as likely to contain them as work hard to win
how cr has your back
conventional foods. over consumers. CR advocates took to the media
CR provided data and to urge the company to reverse
analysis to congressional staffers course, and organized a petition
working on the new report. drive that quickly garnered
We’re calling on manufacturers more than 70,000 signatures
and the Food and Drug from fed-up consumers.
Administration to take action, Ultimately, after negotiations
including establishing a goal with the Pennsylvania attorney
of no measurable amounts of general, Comcast agreed
cadmium, inorganic arsenic, to delay the caps and fees in
or lead in children’s food. the Northeast until 2022.
what you can do what you can do
To learn more about the Comcast should scrap the
report’s findings and how to plan in other regions. Help
reduce your family’s exposure apply pressure by signing
to heavy metals, go to our petition at CR.org/
CR.org/heavymetal0521. comcast0521.

ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN RITTER MAY 2021 CR.ORG 7

Your Feedback

interested in trying one. But I

was hoping to find the size of the
quilted squares, because that
may affect whether the beads
stay in place. I read a review of a
blanket with large areas holding
the beads, and they shifted,
leaving only the fabric over the
user in some areas. I believe
dimensions of the areas holding
the beads may be valuable in
choosing a blanket.
—Leta Albright, Oswego, NY

EDITOR’S NOTE Though shifting

beads within the squares did not
significantly affect the feel of
the blankets for our testers, the
YnM weighted blanket has
the smallest pockets of the five
models we reviewed, at about
4.6x4.6 inches.

THANK YOU for including

Our March cover story, “20 Ways to Sleep Better the waterbed in your CR
timeline on sleep. Waterbeds
Tonight,” offered guidance on top-rated mattresses, cozy were an industry disruptor
that showed the bedding
weighted blankets, and calming bedtime rituals. Readers industry a new dimension in
comfort and support.
ask a few more questions and share their own tips for —Charles Hall, Bainbridge
Island, WA (inventor who
sweet dreams. To add your voice, go to CR.org/sleep0521. patented the waterbed in 1971)

OF PRIMARY CONCERN to
some of us older readers is the
CONCERNING THE RATINGS on both of those are Very Good scores, I BOUGHT AN all-latex mattress availability of in-home setup
mattresses: I seem to recall our ratings in the March issue online, and I am very pleased and removal delivery service.
that some years ago you rated included only the innerspring and with it. Does CR include latex The best mattress is of no use
the Original Mattress Company foam models with an Overall Score mattresses in its testing? They to us if we have to lug it in from
a top pick. Yet in the current of 73 or higher. have a number of advantages the driveway, carry it upstairs,
magazine, there is no mention over other mattress types. then dispose of the old
of this company. Why? HOW CAN I FIND OUT if a mattress —Jerry Pinkard, via CR.org mattress. Costco, for example,
—John Wagner, St. Cloud, FL will work on an adjustable base? delivers only select mattresses
—Charles Ehmke, via CR.org EDITOR’S NOTE There are and only to some ZIP codes.
EDITOR’S NOTE In our current several all-latex or partial latex —Tim Keating, via CR.org
ratings, we have tested two EDITOR’S NOTE Our mattress (often with a layer or two of latex
models from the Original Mattress ratings at CR.org indicate foam) models in our ratings. EDITOR’S NOTE Delivery services
Factory: the Orthopedic Luxury which beds are compatible with Check out the Sleep on Latex Pure and fees do indeed vary widely, so
Firm innerspring model, with an adjustable frame under Green Firm mattress, made with it’s smart to read the delivery and
an Overall Score of 70, and the “features.” To filter for this natural latex foam and organic return policies while you shop.
Factory Serenity Latex foam option, you can click “More cotton and wool, and a CR Best
model, with a score of 67. While Filters” at the top of the ratings Buy with an Excellent Overall IF YOU’RE BUYING new sheets,
page, and check “Yes” under Score in our tests. You can also know that many pet rescues
ICONS: ELIAS STEIN

“Adjustable Base.” Then click filter for latex models in our take old/unwanted bedding
Go to “Apply.” But note that some mattress ratings on CR.org. for the animals. Check it out
CR.org/lettertoeditor manufacturers’ mattresses will where you live.
to share your comments
be compatible only with their I APPRECIATE CR’S info on —Ellen Reilly McCormick,
WRITE for publication.
own adjustable bed frames. weighted blankets, as I am via CR.org

8 CR.ORG MAY 2021

 it may be an indication that
PRIVACY someone else is trying to SELF-DRIVING
POINTERS log in to your account; call SAFET Y
your bank.
—L. Barry Lyons IV,
Germantown, MD
I HAVE BEEN in cybersecurity I HOPE AUTOMAKERS listen
for over 30 years. Thank you YOUR ARTICLE about to your advice regarding
for the article “Your Essential protecting a person’s personal unresponsive drivers and
Guide to Online Safety” identifiable information (PII) driver assistance technology
(February 2021). So many should have mentioned the (“The Road to Self-Driving
people have no idea how legal way to use the physical Cars,” February 2021).
digitally vulnerable they are. address of a post office box As someone living with
Your article is a most welcome instead of a person’s residential arrhythmia, I have long hoped
wake-up call. Your discussion address. The U.S. Postal Service for an automatic pull-over
on multifactor authentication allows box customers to use feature, or at least one activated
(MFA) is spot on. I would the physical address of the by an easy-to-reach button.
like to add at the very post office to receive mail, Tachycardia can render me
minimum, users should have instead of the P.O. Box number. BEDTIME TIPS FROM unconscious in seconds,
MFA for all their financial, For example, P.O. Box 59 can OUR READERS not nearly enough time to
health, and other applications receive mail addressed to safely stop the car.
where highly sensitive info 500 Main St. #59, City, State. —Dean Sage, Miami
is transmitted. Set it up with This is a safe way to protect a No eating, no TV, no
your financial institution person’s residential address reading, no arguing. YOUR REVIEW OF self-driving
so that every time you log on, from being disclosed. The post —Jorja Lieding Molnar, technology is interesting.
it must text a code to your office allows you to leave a via Facebook The tests were conducted
smartphone. You have a signature on file for deliveries between June and September.
short window of time to that require one. The customer Pile on the quilts and The top half of North America
input the code on the site. agreement that authorizes crack the bedroom spends half a year driving
And, as an added benefit, if street address deliveries can window. [You’ll have] fresh on deteriorating roads in
you suddenly see a code from be found at usps.com. air and adjustable weight snow, rain, and fog, and most
your bank appear on your —Vic Glaze, Wheaton, IL with the layers. of the time you can’t see
phone and you are not trying —Christina Larson, the lines on the road. The
to log on to your account, RE: LOST GADGETS. In my via Facebook technology depends on cameras
iPad cover I have a business and sensors that would be
card offering a “reward for I put my temp on 68° F at inoperable from dirt and grime.
return.” I once left it on a night all year long. Higher You can drive through a car
CONNECT plane. United Airlines called makes my head stuffed, wash, and your car is filthy
WITH US me 3 hours later, having found lower is too cold. before you get home! CR should
my card. They get 20 lost —Fran Cady, via Facebook test during winter months
iPads a day, I’m told, most in real-life driving conditions.
FACEBOOK
fb.com/consumerreports
never claimed. On the opening I hate sheets that cling to —Richard Raynor,
fb.com/SomosCR screen photo put your phone nightwear! I love percale: Thunder Bay, Ontario
number, for an honest person The smooth, crisp surface
YOUTUBE to return your device to you. is wonderful. EDITOR’S NOTE Roadway
/consumerreports
—Byron Chong, Salinas, CA —Barbara Hutchins Chism, and environmental conditions
via Facebook are certainly an important
INSTAGRAM WHY IS THE ONUS on honest aspect for operation of these
@consumerreports people to run from people I have to eat a little snack features. Our testing has
who would do us harm? Why or I’m staring at the ceiling focused on the capabilities and
TWITTER not turn the tables on these all night debating [whether limitations of the systems under
@consumerreports hackers and identity thieves I should] get up to eat. optimal conditions in order to
@SomosCR and hold them accountable —Sondy Lu, via Facebook differentiate the performance
PINTEREST
for their actions? All of us of the automakers’ systems.
/consumerreports should press our government Reading in bed helps put We continue to look at ways to
for strong laws and aggressive me to sleep. formally assess how factors
enforcement that will put —Leslie Hope, via Facebook such as time of day, weather,
LINKEDIN
/company/ these people behind bars. and the quality of road markings
consumer-reports —Scott Wilson, Long Beach, CA can impact these systems.

ILLUSTRATION BY JASON SCHNEIDER MAY 2021 CR.ORG 9

What We’re Testing
in Our Labs ...
In our 63 labs, we continually review and rate products. Here, timely picks for this month.

French-Door Refrigerators
WE TESTED: 100 models Best Door-in-Door Design Narrower for a Nice Price Most Energy-Efficient
WE TEST FOR: Thermostat LG LRFDS3006S (34” wide) GE GNE21FSKSS (30” wide) Whirlpool WRF532SMHZ
control, temperature $3,800 $1,585 (33” wide)
uniformity, energy $2,220
efficiency, and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 83 75 75

00
Median: 71
OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 37-84 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Bike Helmets
WE TESTED: 43 adult models Great Ventilation & Value Superior Fit Bargain Buy
WE TEST FOR: The ability of Garneau Majestic Smith Convoy MIPS Zefal Pro 24
a helmet to absorb the $60 $75 $25
impact in a crash, ventilation,
fit adjustments, ease of
use, and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 84 79 71

00
Median: 70
OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 37-85 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Ask Our Experts CR EXPERTS RECOMMEND replacing your bike helmet right away
after a fall when it has been hit—even if there’s no visible damage
When should to it—or after five years of regular use. That’s “out of an abundance
of caution,” says Rich Handel, project leader for CR’s helmet
ILLUSTRATION: SERGE BLOCH

I replace testing. And a helmet can get dinged up in other ways, particularly
if you tend to toss it in a car trunk, where it can roll around. The
an old bike heat in a trunk (which can rise to 120° F in the summer) can also
potentially degrade performance. Even ultraviolet rays from
helmet? frequent sunny rides may cause damage over time. If the colors
have faded, that could be a sign that the exterior may have been
weakened by UV exposure, some experts say.

10 CR.ORG MAY 2021

 For the latest ratings of these
and other product categories,
readers with a Digital or All Access
membership can go to CR.org.

Budget-Friendly Blenders
WE TESTED: 71 full-sized models Super for Smoothies Reliable Brand for Less Perfect for Puréeing
WE TEST FOR: Smoothness Instant Ace Oster 800 Series Amazon Basics 1200-Watt
and thickness of icy drinks, $80 BLSTKH-GMO-000 Multi-Speed MJ-BL1201W
how well a model purées $50 $75
raw ingredients, clarity of
controls, ease of cleaning,
and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 77 69 68

00
Median: 68
OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 26-87 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Fitness Trackers
WE TESTED: 16 models Accurate & Easy to Use Best Buy & Slim Touch Screen Sporty & Solar-Charging
WE TEST FOR: Good Garmin Forerunner 235 Fitbit Charge 4 Casio G-Shock Move
ergonomics, ease of $170 $130 GBDH1000
pairing, readability, $400
accuracy of heart-rate
monitor, and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 85 75 74

00
Median: 00
72
OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 35-85
00-00 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Replacement Windows
WE TESTED: 14 models Best Overall Vinyl Buy Great Composite Pick Good-Value Vinyl Choice
WE TEST FOR: The ability to Pella 350 Series Anderson A-Series Simonton Reflections 5500
stop drafts from 25-mph $415 $500 $290
to 50-mph winds at 0°F and
70°F, and how well a window
keeps water out in heavy
wind-driven rain.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 91 81 73

00
Median: 67
OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 54-91 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Induction Ranges
WE TESTED: 4 models Excellent & Large Capacity Slide-In Model Double-Oven Deal
WE TEST FOR: How quickly LG LSE4617ST With Smart Features KitchenAid KFID500ESS
the range brings water to a $3,700 Samsung NE58K9560WS $2,680
near-boil, if it can keep tomato $2,430
sauce at a simmer, and how
evenly the oven bakes cookies
and cakes.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 84 80 73

00
Median: 81
OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL
Range: 73-84 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Note: We rate different products according to different testing protocols;

as a result, Overall Scores of one product category are not comparable with another.
COMING NEXT MONTH Exterior Paints & More
Ask Our Experts

sink or shower, most aren’t

necessarily designed for your
toilet. This may be because
the formulas are ineffective
on toilet clogs, and/or contain
highly corrosive chemicals,
such as sodium hypochlorite,
which can potentially cause
plumbing problems or even
damage toilet pipes. That
damage would probably
require professional repair
or replacement.
If your plunger isn’t getting
the job done, try using an
enzyme cleaner, such as Green
Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver.
This type of cleaner employs

I’m shopping for a new TV your family but also your

whole community.
a concentrated mixture
of bacteria to break down

and keep hearing about All the COVID-19 vaccines

currently available in the U.S.
organic matter without the
use of sodium hydroxide or

‘Mini LEDs.’ What are they? meet the strict safety standards
established by the FDA and
other chemicals that can harm
your toilet or septic system.
have been shown to be highly Or pour a good amount of
effective at keeping you from toilet bowl cleaner directly
This year’s hot new technology “local dimming,” says Claudio getting COVID-19. (And even if into the bowl and let it sit for
is the use of “Mini LEDs”—or Ciacci, who heads CR’s TV you do contract the virus after at least 30 minutes, says Mike
miniature light-emitting testing program. By shrinking being vaccinated, you’re far De Silva, a plumber and the
diodes—in an LCD TV, rather the size of the LEDs, companies less likely to get seriously ill.) president of Plumbing Plus
than larger standard-sized can pack more of them into Being vaccinated could even in Soway, Calif. Many regular
LEDs. TV manufacturers, such the same area, allowing them be required for certain jobs, toilet bowl cleaners contain
as LG, Samsung, and TCL, to be divided into a thousand and possibly for activities hydrogen peroxide, which can
claim that using these smaller or more zones instead of such as air travel (with help break down waste so that
LEDs can improve an LCD dozens. That allows even more exemptions, such as for your toilet bowl can drain.
screen’s brightness, contrast, precise local dimming control, health). Note, though, that once You can also buy a plumbing
and black levels (essentially, meaning dark images on your you get vaccinated, experts snake (a flexible auger used to
how dark the darkest parts screen should look darker and advise that you continue to dislodge clogs), but De Silva
of images are). While we’ve you’ll see fewer “halos” (the take precautions such as social warns that “if the clog is that
tested only a few sets with this extra light that leaks through distancing and wearing a mask bad, you may be better off
technology so far, we expect to from LEDs when bright when out in public, which calling a pro.” For more clever
see more over the next year. objects appear against a dark are important for reducing cleaning tips for the bathroom
Why might these Mini LEDs background). The ultimate the spread of all variants and beyond, see “Cleaning

PHOTO: ALLSTAR PICTURE LIBRARY LTD./AL AMY STOCK PHOTO

work better? On some high- effect should be a bright, clear of the coronavirus, says James Secrets for Every Room,”
end LCD TVs, standard-sized viewing experience. Dickerson, PhD, CR’s chief on page 24.
LEDs are arranged across the scientific officer. That’s because
back panel and divided into Is it really so important even though vaccinated people
a few dozen zones that can to get vaccinated for are less likely to contract the
be separately illuminated or COVID-19? virus, it’s possible that they
darkened—a feature called could still spread it to others.
Yes. To achieve “herd (To upgrade the safety of your
immunity”—which is needed mask, turn to page 16.)
We have more than for our lives to really return
140 in-house experts to normal—experts estimate Can I use a liquid clog remover
who research, test, that 80 to 85 percent of
LEARN and compare. Submit on a stopped-up toilet?
your questions at Americans may need to be
CR.org/askourexperts vaccinated against COVID-19. While many liquid or gel
… and watch for the So getting vaccinated helps clog-removing products can
answers.
to protect not just you and work wonders on a clogged

12 CR.ORG MAY 2021 ILLUSTRATIONS BY SERGE BLOCH

 Insights
Product recommendations and practical advice

IN T HE K NO W

A SMART BUY FOR

SELTZER LOVERS

AMERICANS DRANK MORE than switching from store-bought cans. BEST BUDGET-
860 million gallons of bottled Do these machines churn out FRIENDLY BUBBLY
seltzer, sparkling, and mineral a good, fizzy seltzer? To fi nd out, SodaStream Fizzi
water in 2020, up more than our testers made dozens of bottles $85
90 percent from 2015.* But of bubbly on four widely sold % 4/5 E ASE OF USE
drinking a lot of store-bought machines, evaluating each on its
% 4/5 CONSISTENCY
bottles and cans adds to your ease of use and consistency of fizz
monthly grocery bill—and to for every bottle made. (The One % 5/5 CAP
the world’s waste stream. Touch, below, was a standout in % 5/5 ICING
Enter the soda maker: a both of these tests.)
countertop appliance that helps We also measured the max i-
you create your own bubbly at mum gas pressure a machine
home and whose manufacturers can add to water, and how easy
claim will lower your seltzer bills it is to open the cap of an extra-
and lessen your environmental fizzy bottle without spilling.
impact. And it can—especially if Our experts also looked at
you buy a low-cost soda maker, how much ice forms on the gas
such as the $85 SodaStream Fizzi injection nozzle during operation—
model at right. Our cost com- too much ice can interfere with
parison analysis (below) shows carbonation, meaning you might
how much you might save by not get a good fizz every time.

$462
CAN A SODA MAKER SODA MAKER SAVINGS: $500
$233 AND 1,248 CANS
SAVE YOU MONEY?** $400

$300

SodaStream Fizzi $200

$85 + replacement
CO2 cartridges $229 $100

12 cans of seltzer per week $0

1 YEAR 2 YEARS

Go to CR.org/seltzer0521 for an interactive version of our cost comparison chart.

EASIEST SODA MAKER TO USE SLEEK BUT NOT AS CONSISTENT CAN FIZZ UP JUICE, TEA & MORE
ILLUSTRATIONS: RODRIGO DAMATI

SodaStream Fizzi Aarke Premium Drinkmate Carbonated

One Touch $130 Carbonator $250 Beverage Maker $87
% 5/5 E ASE OF USE % 4/5 E ASE OF USE % 4/5 E ASE OF USE
% 5/5 CONSISTENCY % 3/5 CONSISTENCY % 3/5 CONSISTENCY
% 5/5 CAP % 5/5 CAP % 1/5 CAP
% 5/5 ICING % 4/5 ICING % 3/5 ICING

*Source: Chicago-based market research firm IRI.

**Cost assumptions: 12-ounce can of seltzer, 37 cents (based on national average pricing data from grocery price comparison company
Basket); replacement CO2 cartridges, $22.50 for every 60 liters (cartridge prices vary from about $15 in-store to more than $30 for delivery). MAY 2021 CR.ORG 13
CRInsights

P RODUC T SP O T L I GH T Electra Townie

Go! 7D
Cruiser Style,
HOW TO CHOOSE AN Class 1
$1,500
ELECTRIC BICYCLE

SALES OF ELECTRIC BIKES—also called

e-bikes—were on the rise even before
the pandemic left many consumers
looking for a socially distanced way to
get around outside. But shopping for
an e-bike can be confusing: There are
almost as many kinds of these motorized
bicycles as there are pedal-powered ones,
and prices range from just under $500
to as much as $7,000.
Most consumers looking for their first
e-bike (whether it’s for commuting or joy
rides) should aim to spend about $1,500.
“That’s the sweet spot right now,” says
Micah Toll, author of “The Ultimate Do It
Yourself Ebike Guide” (Toll Publishing,

PHOTOS, BOT TOM LEFT TO RIGHT: CONSUMER REPORTS; GE;

2013). “Manufacturers are making good- E-BIKE CLASSIFICATIONS
quality bikes but aren’t using top-shelf
components. It’s a good balance for
CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3
people who don’t want to spend a fortune
but also don’t want the bike to fall apart This group covers pedal- Class 2 e-bikes have an This group offers faster
after a year or two,” he says. Our testers assist bikes, which power electric motor that goes pedal assist speeds—up to
bought and tried the Electra Townie the motor when your foot up to 20 mph, either with 28 mph—and requires a
Go! 7D model, at right, for $1,500 and applies pressure to the the rider pedaling (pedal speedometer. A few
found it to be a smooth, comfortable pedal. The electric part assist) or with electric states class these e-bikes
riding experience. (See more details of

CONSUMER REPORTS
works only when the propulsion used alone as motorized vehicles and
our review at CR.org/ebike0521.) rider is pedaling, and via a throttle control, require riders to have an
At right, we group e-bikes by class— the e-assist cuts off at usually found on one of operator’s license to use
this is what determines the type of speeds above 20 mph. the handlebars. one on public roads.
motorized “assistance” you’ll get and
how fast your e-bike can go. No matter which e-bike class you choose, always wear a helmet. Turn to page 10 for our latest helmet ratings.

1963 GE releases its first

CR Time Traveler CLEANING PRODUCTS self-cleaning oven—the
P-7. This innovation is
1949 In our labs, we test rug-cleaning “our equivalent of putting
products on dirty rugs and find that a man on the moon,”
regular household detergents work says a GE engineering
better than special rug cleaners. manager at the time.

1957 Sales of 1976 Dishwashers are

canister vacuums far still considered an
exceed those of extravagance. But CR
1939 CR tests floor waxes that promise to uprights. But in our advises that washing dishes
make flooring shine and finds that water- tests, uprights are [by hand] may use even
emulsion waxes (a mix of wax and water) are superior in their more hot water and energy
better and far easier to apply than pastes. cleaning ability. than a dishwasher.

14 CR.ORG MAY 2021 For our latest cleaning tips and product ratings, turn to page 24.
 E-BIKE STYLES HO W HE A LT H Y I S I T ?

MOUNTAIN BIKES WHICH TORTILLAS ARE

With beefy frames and big tires, mountain BETTER FOR YOU?
e-bikes are built to handle trail terrain
and ease the otherwise grueling uphill
slog required in order to experience the
thrill of downhill trail riding. E-bikes aren’t Soft tortillas are the traditional base for Mexican fajitas or
permitted on some trails, though, so be burritos—but, depending on the type of flour or cornmeal used,
sure to check state and local regulations. these thin round flatbreads can vary widely in calories, sodium,
and more. Amy Keating, RD, a CR nutritionist, checked out 40
tortillas from five big brands to discern the nutritional differences.
HYBRIDS AND CRUISERS
FLOUR CORN WHOLE-WHEAT
Hybrids offer a combination of road-bike
efficiency with a more upright riding posi- You may prefer flour Offering a firm, chewy These tortillas have
tion. Cruisers offer a relaxed, comfortable tortillas for their mild texture, corn tortillas more fiber than white
upright seating position and often a softer flavor and pillowy-soft come out ahead in a flour ones but have a
ride due to bigger tires and cushier seats. texture. But they’re the side-by-side nutrition similar mouthfeel. Still,
least healthy choice in competition with other they are similar to flour
the tortilla aisle: They types. Corn is a good- tortillas in sodium and
PERFORMANCE ROAD BIKES are made from refined for-you whole grain, processed ingredients.
white flour, often con- Keating explains, and Choosing a smaller-
PHOTOS, RIGHT: ISTOCKPHOTO; SHUT TERSTOCK; DREAMSTIME

These usually have a lightweight frame, tain additives, and can corn tortillas typically sized whole-wheat
skinny tires, and drop-down handle- pack a lot of sodium— contain less fat and (or flour) tortilla can
bars that help the rider maintain an especially compared simpler ingredients, and keep sodium and
aerodynamic riding position. But with corn tortillas. are very low in sodium. calories in check.
the aggressive riding position can be
uncomfortable for some riders.

Tia Rosa Flour Mission Yellow Corn La Banderita 100%

FOLDABLES Fajita (1 ounce) (1 ounce) Whole Wheat Fajita
Calories............... 100 Calories................ 50 (1 ounce)
A good solution for commuters, folding Saturated Fat......... 1 g Saturated Fat........ 0 g Calories .................... 80
e-bikes are easier to stow in a tight storage Fiber ................. < 1 g Fiber ................ 1.5 g Saturated Fat......... 1 g
area or aboard a train or bus. For example, Protein ................. 2 g Protein ................. 1 g Fiber ................... 3 g
Sodium .......... 240 mg Sodium ............. 5 mg Protein ................. 2 g
the Nakto Fashion folding e-bike, $600,
Sodium .......... 150 mg
has small wheels and, when folded, is
claimed to fit inside most car trunks.

1980 We test a new cleaning 2010 CR compares four 2021 With Very Good
product with a whirling pad: popular lint roller-like performance ratings for
the Electrical Pot-Scrubber. solutions for lifting pet hair about half the cost of
But when faced with burnt- off upholstery—the winner is top-rated Tide and Persil
on lasagna in our labs, it the Pledge Fabric Sweeper laundry detergents,
“couldn’t get cookware for Pet Hair, designed to grab the Kirkland product
reasonably clean.” and lift hair off fabric. below is a CR Best Buy.

2017 CR reports that laundry OVERALL

1989 To test window 76 SCORE
cleaners, we apply a detergent pods pose a lethal
tobacco-smoke residue ingestion risk not only for children $
0 Kirkland
to glass, then try to but also for adults with dementia. Signature
remove it in 30 scrubs. We recommend keeping them out of (Costco) Ultra
Glass Plus and Savogran homes with children under age 6 Clean Liquid
Dirtex do the best job. and cognitively impaired adults. $0.11

1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 $
0 MAY 2021 CR.ORG 15
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
CRInsights

HE A LT H UP D AT E
mask can block when the mask a list of approved N95 suppliers. mask over it (illustration B).
fits the wearer’s face very well. A snug-fitting polypropylene- This gives you two types of
SAFER MASK However, N95 masks may still be based surgical mask is your protection at once, says CR’s
in short supply, and authentic next best option. (Polypropyl- chief scientific officer, James
STRATEGIES KN95s can be hard to come by: ene is a material that effectively Dickerson, PhD. Though
A 2020 report found that up filters particles.) The trouble is, wearing two tightly woven
to 70 percent of KN95 masks many standard surgical masks cloth masks can add some
WHEN WORN CORRECTLY, an imported from China don’t filter fit the wearer’s face loosely protection, having a surgical
N95 or a KN95 face mask has 95 percent of aerosol particles. and can gap at the sides. For mask as your inner layer is
been shown to provide among It’s best to check the test results a surgical mask to keep you more effective. Another option:
the highest levels of protection for KN95 brands (and KF94 protected, you need a tight fit Try a mask “brace” to hold a
against the coronavirus. mask brands from South Korea) at the edges (see illustration A, mask in place (illustration C).
For both, the “95” denotes at cdc.gov/niosh/npptl before below). Another way to amp A brace won’t add to your mask’s
the minimum percentage of buying. The Centers for Disease up the protection offered by a filtering ability, but it should
particles (95 percent) that the Control and Prevention also has surgical mask is to layer a cloth create a tighter seal around it.

A B C

TIGHTEN YOUR SURGICAL MASK DOUBLE UP ON MASKS USE A MASK BRACE

■ Choose a polypropylene-based surgical ■ Put on a disposable surgical mask first, ■ Put on a single surgical or high-thread-
mask. Bend the sturdy nose wire to fit knotting and fitting it as instructed at left. count cloth mask.
the bridge of your nose and the contours ■ Layer a clean, reusable, tightly woven ■ Stretch the brace, which is often made
of your cheekbones. cloth mask on top. To check the tightness of silicone, over your masked nose and
■ Tighten the ear loops by making a of the weave, hold the mask up to a light; mouth. The central ring of silicone should
knot in them where they connect to the you shouldn’t be able to see through it. be inside the mask profile to create a seal
side of the mask. ■ Do NOT layer two loose surgical masks along the contours of your face.
■ Tuck in the side pleats and check for together (they won’t improve protection). ■ Tighten the neck strap. The second strap
any gaps. ■ Make sure there are no gaps at the edges. should be high on the crown of your head.

HO W T O CL E A N 1. Untangle the tester Alex Nasrallah, the brushes—most pop cloth to make sure that
P R A C T I C A L LY
A N Y T HING™ brush roll. “especially for tightly off—to get hair out the vacuum’s “eyes”
Many robotic vacuums wound hair.” First, place manually. If you find that aren’t blinded by dust. If
come with their own the vacuum on its back a side brush is bent from stubborn dirt remains,
DE-CRUD comb or blade tool for on a flat surface. Remove use, gently straighten it. use a slightly damp
removing hair, but we’ve the brush roll and gently cloth to remove it. For
YOUR found that those don’t pull the hair up so that 2. Clear up the sensors. its vacuums, iRobot
always get the job done. the blade can get under Wipe any sensors (often recommends using a
ROBOTIC “A pair of scissors or a and slice through. If hair found on the front, sides, lightly dampened piece
VACUUM kitchen knife often works is also wrapped around or bottom of a robotic of melamine foam (think
better,” says CR vacuum the side brushes, remove vacuum) with a dry Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser).

16 CR.ORG MAY 2021

 DO MOR E W I T H . . .

HOW TO UPCYCLE YOUR OLD FRIDGE

BUYING A NEW refrigerator? reported getting food through

Rather than hauling your old free distribution during the
model off to the dump, there pandemic, and half of those
are plenty of sustainable—and people also shared that
even ingenious—ways to give they never sought free food
it a new lease on life. distribution in the year leading
up to the pandemic.
TURN IT INTO A ‘FREEDGE.’ If you’re interested in
These “community” refriger- starting a community fridge,
ators, set up in easy-to-access go to freedge.org to learn how.
public spots across the U.S., On the site, you can also fi nd
are stocked with fresh contact information for any
food, produce, and frozen existing freedge operators
goods by community groups in your area who may be able
or individual volunteers. to use your old fridge.
Anyone can take items from
the fridge free of charge— DONATE IT.
thus the “freedge” moniker. Local Habitat for Humanity
Volunteers decorate the organizations called ReStores If you’re buying a new fridge,
freedges, and even create accept gently used, working ask the retailer whether it will
custom wooden enclosures refrigerators. The nonprofit pick up and recycle your old
to help outdoor units weather sells your donation at a fraction fridge. Best Buy, for example,
the elements. The goal is to of the retail price and uses charges $25 to haul away a
redistribute good food that the proceeds to help build or refrigerator when a replacement
would otherwise go to waste, improve homes in the U.S. and product is delivered. Also check
and to help combat the around the world. To find your with your local electric utility
growing problem of hunger in local store, go to habitat.org/ company: Many have large
PHOTOS, FROM TOP: STEPHEN YANG (HASHTAGLUNCHBAG BROOKLYN); SEAT TLE COMMUNIT Y FRIDGE

underserved communities. restores; many can even pick appliance recycling programs
This idea has been up your donations. for customers—sometimes
particularly helpful for those offering cash or utility bill credits
hit hard financially during RECYCLE IT. as incentives. You can find a Help for the Hungry
the COVID-19 crisis: In a According to Energy Star, the list of Responsible Appliance Uniquely decorated community
nationally representative 2020 average refrigerator older Disposal partners at epa.gov/ “freedges” in New York City
CR survey, roughly 2 in 10 than 10 years has more than rad/consumers; most can pick (at top) and Seattle are stocked
American grocery shoppers 120 pounds of recyclable steel. up appliances from your home. with free food.

2
3. Check the wheels. 4. Freshen the filter and over a spilled drink), it’s
Most vacuums have rinse out the dustbin. best to replace it. Use
3 wheels that can’t be The vacuum’s filters a slightly dampened
1
easily removed (and should be removed and melamine foam sponge
some aren’t meant to cleaned about once every on the outer body of the
be), but you can try other week. Remove vacuum. You can also
using a knife to help the filter and gently tap remove and rinse the
dislodge any gunk that it over a trash bin to dustbin with plain water;
4 has built up around release any dust. If you be sure to dry it com-
your vacuum’s wheel suspect the filter has pletely before popping
axles, Nasrallah says. gotten wet (say, it rolled it back into place.

In need of a new vacuum? Turn to page 32 for top-rated models. MAY 2021 CR.ORG 17
CRInsights

F OOD I Q™ You’ve heard it a thousand times: Eating a piece of fruit is better for you than
fruit juice. But whole fruit doesn’t always quench thirst. The key to enjoying fruit
DECODING FRUIT juice in a healthy way is to watch how much you sip (at most, a cup a day) and
know what’s in it. “Juice labels can be very misleading,” says CR nutritionist Amy
JUICE LABELS Keating. Here, what some common juice bottle lingo really means.

JUICE DRINK OR COCKTAIL 100% JUICE

These terms are tip-offs that Per the FDA, this phrase
a product isn’t 100 percent means fruit juice that
juice. Instead, the product has not been diluted with
is often a mix of juice, water, water. Though sweeteners
sweetener, and flavors. To can be added, the majority
avoid a mostly sugar-water of brands don’t do it. Still,
mix, look for ones that con- some do add colors, flavors,
tain at least 50 percent fruit preservatives, and extra
juice (the percent age must vitamins. If that’s the case,
be listed on the label) and no you’ll see the phrase “with
added sweeteners. added ingredients.”

FROM CONCENTRATE
V ITAMIN C CLAIMS
Fruit juice from concentrate
High percentages of vitamin
is juice that has had most of
C are a selling point for
its water removed and is
juice, but don’t be swayed:
then reconstituted by add-
Most people get plenty of C
ing water back in. It can be
in their diets already. With
sold as 100 percent fruit
the exception of orange and
juice or used in cocktails.
grapefruit juices, the vitamin
C is probably added. That’s
DIET not a problem, but keep in
mind that juice drinks with
Diet juice drinks or cocktails vitamin C may also contain
are low in calories because added sugars and/or no real
they’re sweetened with fruit juice at all.
sugar substi tutes instead
of sugar, and have a lower
percentage of fruit juice.
IMAGES OF FRUIT
Some research suggests that
consuming alternative sweet-
Just because the bottle has
eners may be linked to in-
a picture of fruit on it does
creased risk of heart disease,
not mean there’s much fruit
type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
juice inside. The FDA allows
manufacturers to use
REDUCED SUGAR images to represent a drink’s
flavor. For example, SunnyD
The Food and Drug Adminis- Orange Strawberry features
tration allows this claim when REDUCED SUGAR images of oranges and
a product has at least 25 per- strawberries but has just
cent less sugar than the 5 percent fruit juice—and no
brand’s regular product. But strawberry juice. What does
the ingredients list will often it contain? High fructose
reveal that a sugar substi- corn syrup, natural and
tute has been added to make artificial flavors, sucralose,
up for the sugar reduction. and artificial color red 40.

18 CR.ORG MAY 2021

 TO STAY INFORMED ABOUT RECALLS FOR YOUR VEHICLES, READERS WITH
RECALLS MEMBERSHIP CAN USE OUR FREE CAR RECALL TRACKER AT CR.ORG/MORE.

children could access and swallow call 800-440-0680 or go to target.

the contents, posing a risk of com for a prepaid return label.
poisoning. These products contain
aspirin and acetaminophen, HAMPTON BAY CEILING FANS
which must be in child-resistant
packaging as required by the King of Fans is recalling about
Poison Prevention Packaging 182,000 Hampton Bay 54-inch
Act. The products were sold at Mara Indoor/Outdoor ceiling fans
pharmacies, department stores, because the blades can detach
grocery stores, and online from from the fan while in use. The
March 2018 through September fans were sold at Home Depot
2020 for $7 to $18. stores and at homedepot.com
What to do: Store the bottle out from April 2020 through October
COOPER TIRES at 800-854-6288. Cooper Tire’s of sight and reach of children, 2020 for about $150.
number for this recall is 178. and inspect the bottom of it for What to do: Stop using the fan,
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company a hole. If there is a hole, call GSK and inspect it using the instruc-
is recalling a potential 430,298 EDSAL SHELVING UNITS Consumer Relations at 800-468- tions at kingoffans.com/
tires from its Cooper, Hercules, 7746 or go to excedrin.com to mararecall.htm. If you see blade
Mastercraft, and Mickey Edsal is recalling about 2.2 million get a prepaid return shipping movement, or uneven gaps
Thompson brands because of Muscle Rack Heavy Duty Steel label and a full refund. Bottles between the blades and fan
concerns that the tires might shelving units because they can without a hole may be kept and body, or movement of the clip
develop sidewall bulges or fail to support the 800-pound used as directed. during inspection, contact
separation from the sidewall weight load as stated on the King of Fans at 866-443-1291 for
that could lead to tire failure. packaging, posing risk of injury. CLOUD ISLAND a free replacement ceiling fan.
The recall includes replacement The shelving was sold online from INFANT ROMPERS
tires sold through Les Schwab, January 2015 through September CAT & JACK
Pep Boys, and Tire Kingdom. The 2020 for $80 to $90. Target is recalling about 299,000 INFANT-TODDLER SWIMSUITS
affected models include certain What to do: Stop using the Cloud Island infant rompers
Discoverer, Evolution, Courser, shelving and contact Edsal at because the snaps can break Target is recalling about 181,000
Deegan, Adventurer, Back Country, 833-232-5287 for details and to or detach from the rompers, Cat & Jack Infant-Toddler One-
Multi-Mile Wild Country, and Big receive a full refund. posing choking, laceration, and Piece Rashguard swimsuits because
O models in 18- and 20-inch sizes pinching hazards to children. the snaps can break or detach
that were manufactured from EXCEDRIN PRODUCTS The rompers were sold at Target from the suits, posing choking and
Feb. 1, 2018, through Dec. 1, 2019. stores and online at target.com, laceration hazards to children. The
What to do: Check your tires: GSK Consumer Health is recalling express.google.com, and shipt. suits were sold at Target stores
The company warns that some about 433,600 Excedrin Migraine com from July 2019 through and online at target.com from
tires may exhibit a bulge on the caplets, Excedrin Migraine October 2020 for about $10 for December 2019 through October
sidewall and advises that “driving geltabs, Excedrin Extra Strength a single romper and $11 for a 2020 for about $15.
at high speeds may cause this caplets, Excedrin PM Headache 2-pack romper set. What to do: Return the swimsuit to
condition to occur and should caplets, and Excedrin Tension What to do: Stop using the any Target for a full refund. If you
be avoided until the tires have Headache caplets because some romper and return it to any Target bought it on target.com, call 800-
been inspected and replaced.” of the bottles may have a hole in store for a full refund. If you 440-0680 or go to target.com to
Owners may contact Cooper Tire the bottom. If there is a hole, bought the romper on target.com, get a prepaid return label.

MAY GRILLS STROLLERS EXTERIOR PAINTS AIR MATTRESSES

IS THE
BEST TIME
TO BUY …

For more info, go to CR.org/buy0521. MAY 2021 CR.ORG 19

 WiFi boom: Number of modems,
routers, and gateways sold*
35 MILLION

25 MILLION
PRODUCT
15 MILLION

5 MILLION

2016 2017 2018 2019

(EST.)
2020
UPDATE
THE LATEST RATINGS FROM OUR LABS
Source: Consumer Technology Association.

LINKSYS
VELOP AC3600
(3-Pack)
$200
OVERALL
59 SCORE

Better !
0 EERO HOME
WIFI 2ND GEN.
(3-Pack)

WiFi for
$200
OVERALL
71 SCORE

Way Less
A lower-cost mesh router
can help you fix the spotty
coverage in your home.
by Nicholas De Leon

$
0 NETGEAR
NIGHTHAWK
AX1800 (2-Pack)
$200
OVERALL
80 SCORE

20 CR.ORG MAY 2021 *Number of units sold to consumers and internet service providers; the 2020 figure is estimated.
 n the last five years, For example, the $400 Netgear

I
mesh routers have Orbi AX4200 at the top of our ratings
dramatically improved chart on page 23 scored a 5 out of 5 for
the quality of life in many throughput speed (the rate at which
American homes, helping internet data is communicated) at the
WiFi-hungry families near, midrange, and far distances we
quickly and effectively use to simulate the environment in
eliminate the slowdowns and dead a typical home. But so did the $230
spots in their WiFi networks. Netgear Nighthawk AX1800 that sits in
What’s the secret? the No. 2 spot.
Unlike a traditional router, a mesh In fact, many of the $200 models
router uses multiple devices—a hub actually outperform pricier rivals in
and often two satellite units—that work 3 SIGNS YOU NEED our throughput tests.
together wirelessly to blanket your A NEW ROUTER
dwelling in WiFi coverage, relaying Here are a few good reasons Do You Get the
the signal from your internet service to spring for a more up-to-date Same Features?
provider (ISP) deep into every corner model—mesh or otherwise. Given the high-end price, you might
of the space. expect to find far more features on
In a larger house (3,000 to 5,000
square feet) or one with a rambling
1 The model you own is
ill-equipped to handle all
your devices. For most people,
a $500 mesh router, but that’s not
necessarily the case. The $200 options
layout, that multipart design is a a WiFi 5 router should work are just as likely to offer simple setup
significant advantage. It allows just fine. For others, a WiFi 6 and management via a mobile app that
you to move the satellites around, model can better manage you download to your phone or tablet,
pushing the signal farther into a spare traffic jams created by parental controls that can help you
multiple smartphones, laptops,
bedroom or outside to the deck, while limit access, and automatic firmware
and smart home devices.
also steering it away from potential If everyone in the house enjoys updates, which protect you and your
roadblocks such as doors, walls, gaming or streaming Netflix data by ensuring that you always have
plumbing, and appliances. in 4K, it might be time for a the latest security patches in place.
Until very recently, however, you WiFi 6 router. At times, a pricier model will offer
had to have deep pockets to afford this more Ethernet and USB ports, letting
WiFi cure. We’re talking $300 to $500
for a good mesh router system.
2 The model you own puts
your data at risk. If your
current router has been
you connect additional devices—
printers, external hard drives, etc.—to
Happily, in the last 12 months a new discontinued by its your router via a cable. This lets you
generation of lower-cost options has manufacturer, it may be share those devices with other family
made this fix more affordable. At the ineligible for security updates. members on the network and gives,
This exposes all the personal
moment, 11 of the 19 models in our say, your game console a slightly
info flowing in and out of your
ratings range from $150 to $250. network to the threat of stronger and faster WiFi signal than
But are those models any good? hackers and other bad actors. a wireless connection provides. The
The answer is a resounding yes. Most To check on the model’s $345 Asus AX6100 RT-AX92U, for
do a great job spreading fast, stable status, do an online search for example, has eight Ethernet ports and
WiFi throughout your home. Here’s a the manufacturer’s “end of two USB ports.
life” list.
look at what our tests have found. But if you shop around, you’ll find
PHOTO: JOHN WALSH/CONSUMER REPORTS

lower-priced models with two to three

Do the Lower-Cost Options
Give the Same Performance?
3 The model you use has a
high rental fee. If you’re
giving your internet service
Ethernet ports. Want enough for a fleet
of game consoles? The $150 TP-Link
As our testing data shows, wall-to-wall provider $10 a month or more, Deco Whole Home has six.
coverage can be yours for less. You’ll you can buy a new model that
pays for itself within two
find very comparable performance
years. As part of the bargain,
Do You Get the Latest Tech?
(speed-wise and coverage-wise) you’ll also get more control If you go shopping for any router
between budget-friendly mesh routers over your router’s privacy and this year, you’ll almost certainly
and their pricier siblings. security settings. hear about WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E, hotly

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 21

 PRODUCT
UPDATE

marketed tech upgrades unveiled not as 802.11ax). The rest use the older office, and the WiFi signal gets pushed
long ago by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WiFi 5 standard (802.11ac) from 2014. deeper into your home.
Routers that support WiFi 6 are For most users, WiFi 5 should prove Just keep in mind that this is not
designed to better manage the growing more than adequate for years to come. a perfect solution: An extender’s
army of internet-connected devices And you can always take advantage of effectiveness is limited by a number
in the average home. Think laptops, the “prioritization” feature included of factors, including the speed of
tablets, smartphones, smart speakers, on most mesh routers—regardless of the internet connection coming into
and all that other gear now vying for price—which lets you choose which your home, the distance from your
your WiFi signal. devices get fi rst dibs on the WiFi router, and the WiFi demands of your
WiFi 6E was created for high-density signal. Using the mobile app, simply family. You’re also likely to notice a
environments such as apartment adjust the settings so that nothing significant drop-off in signal speed
buildings, where neighbors’ devices slows Mom’s laptop connection. in the “extended” zone—as much as
can interfere with your signal. 50 percent, according to our tests.
If you live in a high-tech home—one Is There a Cheaper Option? That slowdown might not be an
flush with state-of-the-art gadgets like In certain scenarios, a $30 WiFi range issue if you’re just hoping to read
the iPhone 12 and PlayStation 5, both extender might be all you need to email on the back deck, but it won’t
designed for WiFi 6—you may want to address a trouble spot in your house. cut it if you’re trying to get everyone
consider springing for a router with Let’s say you have a WiFi dead zone in on the second floor a strong signal for
that technology. At the moment, only your home office. To fi x it, you simply streaming movies or joining Zoom
three of the lower-cost mesh routers in plug the extender into a power outlet meetings. In that case, you’re better
our ratings support WiFi 6 (also known midway between your router and the off with a mesh router.

REGULAR ROUTER VS. MESH ROUTER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

IT ALL COMES down COVERAGE: In a large

to precision and price. house, or in a house
A traditional router with thick walls or
can be cost-effective, obstacles that create
but a mesh router WiFi dead spots, the
gives you more hub-plus-satellites
control over where setup of a mesh router
the WiFi signal goes. can help extend the
COST: The traditional signal and point it
routers we’ve tested where it’s needed.
fall between $60 and LOGISTICS: The
$400. (For ratings, farther the signal
Digital and All gets from a traditional
Access members router, the more it MESH ROUTER TRADITIONAL ROUTER
can go to CR.org/ degrades. If possible,
wireless-routers.) The place the device in
mesh routers in our the center of your the hub of a mesh two satellites, says way the signal has
ratings (on the facing home (you may need a router should also go Richard Fisco, who to make only one hop
ICONS: ELIAS STEIN

page) range from long Ethernet cable in the center of your oversees electronics (to each satellite) to
$150 to almost $500. to move it). Ideally, home, between its testing for CR. That be relayed.

22 CR.ORG MAY 2021

Ratings   Broader Connection A good mesh router uses teamwork—a hub and satellite units working in
tandem—to relay the WiFi signal into the deepest corners of your home.

Brand + Model Overall Price Test Results Features

Score

Parental controls
Throughput, near

Throughput, far

Supports WPS

WiFi standard
Ease of setup
Data security

Prioritization
Data privacy

Throughput,

Versatility

Number of

Number of
USB ports
LAN ports
midrange
MESH W IF I

!
0 Netgear Orbi AX4200 (2-Pack) 85 $400 4
0 2
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 0 6 5 0

$
0 Netgear Nighthawk AX1800 (3-Pack) 82 $230 4
0 2
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 0 0 6 4 0

$
0 Netgear Nighthawk AX1800 (2-Pack) 80 $200 4
0 2
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 0 0 6 1 0

$
0 TP-Link Deco Whole Home (3-Pack) 76 $150 4
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 0 0 0 5 6 0

!
0 Eero Pro Tri-band Mesh Network (3-Pack) 76 $400 4
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 0 0 5 5 0

!
0 TP-Link Deco X60 AX3000 (3-Pack) 73 $330 4
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 6 2 0

$
0 Netgear Orbi AC1200 (3-Pack) 73 $180 4
0 2
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 0 0 5 1 0

$
0 Eero Home Wifi (2nd Gen.) (3-Pack) 71 $200 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 0 5 2 0

Linksys Velop AC6600 (3-Pack) 69 $200 4

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 0 0 0 5 2 0

Gryphon Guardian AC1200 (3-Pack) 69 $240 3

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 0 0 5 3 0

Arris Surfboard Max Plus AX7800 (W130)

(2-Pack)
65 $485 3
0 2
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 0 6 3 0

Google Nest Wifi (3-Pack) 63 $350 4

0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 5 2 0

Google Wifi AC1200 Dual-Band Whole

Home (3-Pack)
63 $200 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 0 0 5 5 0

Asus ZenWiFi AX Whole Mesh System

(2-Pack)
62 $400 4
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 0 0 6 6 1

Asus AX6100 RT-AX92U (2-Pack) 60 $345 4

0 3
0 2
0 3
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 0 0 6 8 2

Linksys Velop AC3600 (3-Pack) 59 $200 4

0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0 0 5 2 0

Linksys Velop AC3900 (3-Pack) 58 $230 3

0 3
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 0 0 0 5 2 0

Asus ZenWiFi AX1800 XD4 (3-Pack) 58 $250 4

0 3
0 2
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 0 5 3 0

Ubiquiti Networks Amplifi (AC1750)

(3-Pack)
56 $350 3
0 2
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 5 4 1

HOW WE TEST: The Overall Score authentication, encryption, software Throughput scores are based on parental control options, and quality
is based on the performance of updates, and resistance to known signal speeds at near (8 feet from of tech support. Ease of setup is
a device’s data security protections, exploits. Data privacy is a measure router), midrange (30 feet away), based on the availability of status
signal speeds, versatility, and ease of how the device and its service and far (an average of the results LEDs, guest network options, and
of setup. Data security evaluates provider collect, share, and use data, at 45 and 100 feet away) distances. WiFi-protected setup, and the
how well the device and its service and how much control the user has Versatility scores are based on simplicity of the mobile app or web
provider protect personal info via over the flow of that data. the number of LAN and USB ports, browser-based activation process.

1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 $
0 MAY 2021 CR.ORG 23
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
CLEANING
Clear out crumbs in
the keyboard: Turn
it upside down and
give it a good shake,

SECRETS
or slip the sticky end
of a Post-it between
the keys.

FOR EVERY
ROOM
Our homes, appliances, and gadgets are
getting A LOT of extra use because of
the pandemic. Here, easy tricks to remove grit,
grime, and germs in a safe, healthy way.

BY MARY H. J. FARRELL
WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY JAMISON PFEIFER
ILLUSTR ATIONS BY MITCH BLUNT

Get ceiling fans

dust-free: Cover
each blade with a
pillowcase, then
pull it off along
with any debris.

24 CR.ORG MAY 2021

 Make mildew
disappear: Spray
a bleach solution
on shower doors
and leave it for
30 minutes.

Keep your fridge

humming: Wipe
away food bits in
the door gasket
with a sponge to
maintain a seal and
keep cold air in.
M
rubber or disposable gloves, and put
on eye goggles to prevent disinfectant
from splashing into your eyes. And
to ensure proper disinfection, leave
the bleach and water solution on
surfaces for at least a minute before
wiping (and other disinfectants for the
recommended period of time).
There are other timing consid-
erations. It’s best to clean, then
disinfect shortly after a household
member is diagnosed with COVID-19,
says Jason Marshall, ScD, director of
the Toxics Use Reduction Institute’s
Cleaning Lab at UMass Lowell, adding
that waiting 24 hours will “allow most
of the airborne virus to settle out.”
You’ll also want to ventilate your
More than a year into the pandemic, you may home, have the ill person use a
separate bedroom and bathroom if
be a little weary of housecleaning chores. possible, social distance or wear a mask
Some items—hello, stovetop!—are getting when you’re near each other, and wash
your hands well and often. (That last
grubbier faster because we’re using them so step is one of the best ways to prevent
any number of infectious illnesses from
much during the extended at-home stay.
spreading, because soap and water can
And many of us are scrubbing and disinfecting eradicate many common pathogens.)
COVID-19 aside, there’s still the
daily in an effort to keep COVID-19 at bay. matter of other germs, like those from
raw meat drips on a kitchen countertop
or your dog’s occasional accident on
Well, step away from the spray unlikely the form of coronavirus found the floor, as well as the seemingly
cleaner, at least for a bit. “There is no on surfaces in most studies—viral endless household dirt and dust we’re
evidence that cleaning more frequently RNA—is infectious, he says, calling it all dealing with.
prevents you from getting COVID-19,” “the corpse of the virus.” Transmission This guide offers a bounty of expert
says James H. Dickerson, PhD, chief generally occurs, we now know, strategies to help you quick-clean the
scientific officer of Consumer Reports. through close contact with an infected items you’re using the most and handle
Earlier in the pandemic, some studies person or via small airborne particles. bigger messes and germs the right
did suggest that the coronavirus could If someone at home has COVID-19, way—without overdoing it.
live on hard surfaces for days, even some extra steps are prudent—the daily You may even find that the results
weeks. But most experts now agree use of a product like Lysol, Clorox, or are a mood-booster, which has
that contact with a doorknob an Lonza, or a solution of one-third cup of been difficult to come by during the
infected person has touched presents bleach in a gallon of room-temperature challenges of the past year. “What
no significant risk. water to clean high-touch objects such really helps mental well-being is
As Emanuel Goldman, PhD, a as light switches in a shared bathroom. a sense of productivity and doing
microbiologist at Rutgers University, (See a list of coronavirus-killing meaningful things,” says Craig
says, “The reason there was a big disinfectants at cfpub.epa.gov/giwiz/ Sawchuk, PhD, a psychologist who’s
push about transmission on surfaces disinfectants/index.cfm.) co-chair of the division of integrated
was due to experiments in highly Pay attention to disinfectant do’s and behavioral health at the Mayo Clinic.
controlled environments not related don’ts. When using these products, “Cleaning, for some people, really
to the real world.” In addition, it’s always ventilate the area and wear lands on both spots.”

26 CR.ORG MAY 2021

 T OP T OOL S you can easily wipe them clean out any food that’s stuck in the
Sponge, baking soda, soft cloth, the next day. (Ventilate when holes with a toothpick.
disinfectant cleanser, dish using ammonia.) Put condensation to work for
soap, abrasive cleaner (either Really need a deep clean? microwave cleaning. Pop a bowl
gel or spray), glass cleaner or While some ovens have lower- of water mixed with a quarter-
stainless steel polish. temperature self-cleaning cup of lemon juice inside and run
modes, high-temperature self- the unit on high for a minute, then

CAST OUT D I R T- BUS T ER S

Remove smudges from appliance
cleaning is the most effective,
says Tara Casaregola, who
wipe. If caked-on food won’t
budge, scrape it off with an old

KITCHEN exteriors with a cleaning and

polishing product made for
oversees CR’s range tests.
To keep odors and gunk in your
credit card. (But avoid the win-
dow.) This works in ovens, too.

GRIME stainless steel (if you have that

finish) or just a damp cloth for
fridge at bay, go over plastic sur-
faces regularly with a sponge
For food particles and grease
residue on sinks, check with the
other materials. dipped in a cup of baking soda manufacturer for abrasive clean-
Wipe off food and grease from mixed with a quart of water. (An ers that won’t scratch, advises
gas stovetops with a scrub pad open box of baking soda in the Brian Sansoni, senior vice presi-
T HE CH A L L ENGE and hot, soapy water after meal fridge helps odor-proof further.) dent at the American Cleaning
Kitchens are among a home’s prep. The same should help inside Wipe the door gasket with a damp Institute. “In general, liquid,
germiest spots, says Donald the oven. There, cover tough sponge or cloth to maintain a spray, and gel cleansers are less
Schaffner, PhD, a Rutgers stains with a wet cloth, let it sit a good seal and keep the cold air in. abrasive than powders,” he says.
University professor of food bit, and then hit them with the Smelly dishwasher? Pull out With countertops, “care isn’t
microbiology. And with many of scrub pad and soapy water again. any food bits you see at the one-size-fits-all,” says John
us eating our three squares at For badly stained burner covers bottom, and rinse the filter as Galeotafiore, director of product
home day in and day out, food- and grates, leave them overnight needed. (See page 28 for more testing at CR. So follow the
prep grunge builds up fast on in a sealable plastic bag with information.) You can also manufacturer’s advice for
appliances and counters. one-fourth cup of ammonia so remove the spray arms and poke cleaning yours. For instance, an

GET IT
CLEAN YOUR COFFEE MAKER
STEP 1 STEP 3
After every use, wash To get rid of the
the carafe and brew minerals and dried
basket of your electric coffee oil in tanks and
drip coffee maker with tubes that can affect
dish soap and water, the taste of your joe,
then rinse well and dry. occasionally run a
mixture of water and
STEP 2 white vinegar through
the machine. (Check
Wipe away coffee
your owner’s manual
stains on the appliance
for the ratio.) Then run
with a damp sponge. To
water through the
remove burned-on bits
coffee maker a couple
from the hot plate, let
of times.
it cool, then shake a bit
of baking soda on a
damp sponge and wipe.

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 27

end-of-day sweep with a damp
cloth may be all you need for

YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL

quartz, while a soft cloth or GET IT
sponge dipped in dish liquid CLEAN
and water works for granite,
laminate, and butcher block.
In general, skip scrubber
sponges on counters,
Dickerson says. “It can score
them, leaving crevices and
cracks where bacteria can get
in and reside,” he says.
STEP 1 STEP 3
GER M WA R FA R E Take a preventive Is the disposal
If someone at home has step: To keep grease smelling a little funky?
COVID-19, going over high- from clogging the sink To deodorize it, fill your
touch areas like countertops drain and impeding sink halfway with
and fridge handles with a grinding, always run water, pour in a half-
the tap and the cup of baking soda,
soapy sponge will wash away
disposal before you pull out the sink
virus particles, Goldman stopper, and turn on
add waste. (If you’re
says, but you can also use a the disposal.
grinding greasy foods,
coronavirus-killing disinfec- use hot water.) Keep
tant. Otherwise, attend to the disposal running
areas where high levels of until all waste has
microbes are common: been flushed away.
sponges and sink drains.
“When there’s moisture and STEP 2
food, bacteria can multiply,” To break up any grease
Schaffner says. So at least clogs that do occur,
weekly, use a scrub brush to grind a few ice cubes
clear the sink drain of food in the disposal.
particles and grime, then spray
it with a household disinfec-
tant. Throw dirty sponges in
the dishwasher with a drying
cycle, or microwave for a T OP T OOL S owner’s manual for vacuum
minute with a bit of water in a Vacuum, running water, dish filters, because the advice
dish. The Department of Agri- soap, new filters as needed. varies depending on the model.
culture found these to be the For water filters and
best methods for killing food- D I R T- BUS T ER S refrigerator filters, which help
borne bacteria. For air conditioners, air remove lead and other
Clean, then disinfect purifiers, dehumidifiers, and contaminants from household
surfaces and items that vacuums, you can usually water, check your owner’s
have come into contact with KEEP hand-wash filters with water manual for washing and
raw meat or eggs, says and mild soap, letting them dry replacement schedules.
Marshall (think countertops, FILTERS fully before reinserting. Give your manual-clean dish-
handles, sinks). Cleaning Wash window air conditioner washer filter (found in most
away visible dirt first with DEBRIS-FREE filters monthly during times of modern models) a weekly sniff
soap and water will enhance heavy use. Replace disposable test, and if it’s unpleasant,
disinfectant effectiveness. HVAC system filters every one rinse the filter in your sink.
Mop up food spills in the fridge to three months. (Washable If you have an over-the-
right away. You may also want T HE CH A L L ENGE filters have performed poorly range microwave, periodically
to swab the inner surfaces Filters may be all too easy in CR tests.) For air purifiers, remove the mesh filter from
regularly with soap and water to overlook, but dirty ones follow the owner’s manual; the underside of the appliance,
or a disinfectant. And give can affect a device’s filter replacement intervals soak it in soap and water, rinse
grubby shelves and bins a performance. With vacuums, vary widely. Wash your and let dry thoroughly, then
warm water and soap bath for instance, especially dehumidifier filter a few times pop it back in. Cooking a lot?
in the sink, says Larry bagless models, a blocked a month when humidity is high, Do this at least monthly to get
Ciufo, CR’s test engineer filter may reduce suction or and buy a new one if you spot rid of the grease from the
for refrigerators. spew dust back into the air. mildew or mold. Follow your range below.

28 CR.ORG MAY 2021

 MAKE BUSY
BATHROOMS SPARKLE

T HE CH A L L ENGE and finish with a water rinse. For someone at home has been
Soap scum and mildew in and hard-to-clean areas like shower diagnosed with COVID-19, it’s
around the tub and shower, and door tracks, an old toothbrush wise to clean and disinfect
persistent stains in the toilet. can work magic. Dampen the the bathroom and other
bristles and brush away muck. shared surfaces, Allen says.
T OP T OOL S Dipped in diluted bleach, that For large surfaces, use a
Bathroom cleaner (this usually toothbrush can also do wonders non-alcohol disinfectant, one
contains nonchlorine bleach), on discolored grout. that’s bleach- or hydrogen-
clean sponge, disinfectant or For the toilet, brush the bowl based. Alcohol-based
bleach, powder cleanser, old weekly with a disinfectant products are useful for
toothbrush, toilet brush. cleanser to help remove minor disinfecting small objects but
stains and reddish-brown may dry before they can
D I R T- BUS T ER S hard-water deposits. For hard- reach full effectiveness on
Crack a window or run an water spots that persist, a large surfaces, notes Gregory
exhaust fan during and after calcium, lime, and rust remover Schrank, MD, an infectious
showers, and wipe down tile such as CLR should leave the disease specialist at the
walls and porcelain afterward bowl sparkling. Clean with it University of Maryland School
to help prevent the moisture monthly to help prevent stains of Medicine. For toilets, “the
buildup that can lead to mildew. from reappearing. handle is the main part to
But if you’ve already got mildew focus on, but consider less
or soap scum, spray on a GER M WA R FA R E obvious areas, like around the
solution of one part bleach to Wiping bathroom surfaces toilet seat and the lid, that
four parts water, let it sit for with a soapy sponge should might get touched a lot, too,”
30 minutes, wipe with a sponge, eliminate most germs. But if ACI’s Sansoni says.

GER M WA R FA R E
HEPA filters for air purifiers
can capture respiratory TACKLE
particles that carry most
airborne viruses—including the HIGH-TRAFFIC FLOORS
coronavirus—and bacteria.
Joseph Allen, DSc, an associate
professor of exposure
assessment science at the T HE CH A L L ENGE floor. And make sure that cleaner (hardware stores
Harvard T.H. Chan School of All that household dirt and vacuuming devices are working rent them) can remove the
Public Health, recommends dust we’re generating these well by regularly emptying their grime even the best vacuums
placing a portable purifier in days typically ends up on bins and cleaning filters as can’t get at. Steam mops are
the bedroom of a household floors and carpets, as well as recommended. ideal for deep-cleaning
member with COVID-19. on hard-to-reach ceiling fans. What to use: For bare floors, laminate, tile, and vinyl floors,
But take care changing the a stick vac may be all you but they can damage wood.
filter and cleaning the device. T OP T OOL S need, says Frank Rizzi, who With wood, different stains
Wear gloves and a mask, and Vacuum, pillowcase or ceiling conducts Consumer Reports’ call for different solutions.
take the entire machine fan duster, dust rags, carpet vacuum tests. For carpets, For instance, scuff marks on
outside. Clean and wipe the cleaner, steam mop. CR’s tests have found that wood floors sealed with
exterior with a disinfectant. uprights are best because urethane or polyurethane
Then remove the filter and D I R T- BUS T ER S the weight of the device may give way if rubbed with a
dispose of it in a sealed bag. Do household dusting first sits atop the brush head, tennis ball or clean eraser.
If your air purifier has a fabric (including ceiling fans), Sansoni pushing it down into the pile As for those dusty ceiling
prefilter—an additional way to says, so that dust and dirt so it sucks up more debris. fan blades, simply slip a
trap particles—wash it. don’t fall on a freshly vacuumed Got stains? A carpet pillowcase over one blade at a

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 29

time, and then pull it and the floor or carpeting), it’s Indiana University. A
dust right off. Wipe blades best to look at the disinfectant product with
and housing with a damp manufacturer’s advice on quaternary ammonium (such
cloth and an all-purpose disinfectant use before as Lysol) should be safe for
cleaner. Dry everything dabbing some on the area. wood floors, but test it in an
thoroughly; damp blades That said, a diluted inconspicuous spot first.
attract dust. solution of bleach and water Wipe the area with a damp
is generally safe for laminate cloth afterward, and dry FRESHEN
GER M WA R FA R E or vinyl, according to Bill thoroughly. Otherwise, the
If germs are a concern (say, Carroll, PhD, an adjunct disinfectant may leave a YOUR
someone has vomited on the professor of chemistry at residue behind.
WASHER
AND DRYER

GET IT
CLEAN YOUR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT T HE CH A L L ENGE
Wrangling soap scum and the
moisture that can lead to
mold growth along with the
unpleasant smell that often
occurs with front-loading
washers. For dryers, it’s
curbing lint, which can be a
fire hazard, slow drying, and
hike utility bills.

T OP T OOL S
Bleach, cotton ball, rubbing
alcohol, duct lint brush.

DIR T- BUS TERS

To make your washer less
mold-friendly, move washed
clothing to the dryer right
away, and leave the door and
detergent dispenser slightly
ajar between loads, as long as
kids and pets can’t get to it.
Use the right type and
amount of detergent to
minimize residue like soap
scum. Some are too sudsy for
high-efficiency washers like
front-loaders, so choose those
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 labeled “HE” or for “all washers.”
After every workout, Sharing workout To reduce dust And while it may seem odd
go over your equipment with buildup from around
to wash a washing machine,
machine’s surface others in your the motors of
with a damp, soft household? Clean the treadmills and other
run the tub-clean or sanitize
cloth and mild soapy handles and other mechanical items, cycle—or simply a hot-water
water. Don’t pour high-touch surfaces occasionally unplug cycle with a washer cleaner
liquid cleaners on it; with a disinfectant the machine, remove containing bleach—regularly
that may damage the wipe between uses. the motor cover (some brands say monthly or
electronics inside. (your owner’s manual every 50 loads) to help keep it
Clean hand weights can help you find it), odor-free and performing well.
the same way, then and vacuum the For the dryer, clean the lint
wipe them dry. visible debris.
filter after every load. To
reduce the risk of a fire caused
by lint buildup, periodically

30 CR.ORG MAY 2021

remove lint from the duct in the
back of the appliance. If you
have access to the dryer vent inhaling droplets or
outside your home, check it aerosols [tiny droplets]
while you’re drying a load. You in the air,” Carroll says.
should feel air coming out. If So leave the windows in
you don’t, you may need to the bathroom and
disconnect the duct from the bedroom the ill person
dryer and clean it out (or you has been using open for
can call a professional to clean 12 hours.
it for you). CLE AN AND DISINFEC T.
If your dryer has moisture Put on disposable gloves
sensors, which shut the and clean surfaces like
appliance off when clothes are
dry, keep them working well by
Cleaning After COVID-19 bathroom counters with
soap and water. Then
cleaning them with a cotton wipe with a coronavirus-
ball dampened with rubbing YOU MAY THINK it’s surfaces with just soap killing disinfectant.
alcohol every few months, or essential to disinfect your and water may be enough, L AUNDER “SICK ROOM”
anytime the auto-dry cycle home from top to bottom he says, but you may ITEMS . Wearing dispos-
seems to be malfunctioning. if someone there recently want to ensure you’ve able gloves, collect bed-
recovered from COVID-19. eradicated lingering ding, clothes, and towels
GERM WA RFA RE But experts suggest a germs with the following the ill person has used,
If a household member has moderate approach. “The steps. “You’re just adding and wash them at the
COVID-19 or another virus doesn’t survive, an extra layer of safety hottest setting following
infectious illness, washing either in the air or on with these,” he adds. manufacturer instruc-
their laundry in the hottest surfaces, for a long period A IR THINGS OUT. “By tions. (You can wash them
water it can withstand should of time,” says Bill Carroll, far the most common with items from other
kill most pathogens. If PhD, a chemist at Indiana route of exposure for household members.)
someone has had diarrhea, University. Cleaning this virus is through —Hallie Levine
add regular bleach (not color-
safe) if it’s appropriate for the
clothes, Schaffner says.

nonporous surfaces like the

display and keyboard with an
SANITIZE isopropyl alcohol or other
disinfecting wipe.
YOUR TECH TOOLS
GER M WA R FA R E
Electronic devices don’t need
regular disinfecting (and you’re
T HE CH A L L ENGE a handheld vacuum handy, try a another soft cloth. already sanitizing smartphones
You want to clean items like small brush or the sticky end of TV screen need a dusting? with the wipes mentioned
keyboards, remotes, TVs, and a Post-it. Turning the keyboard John Walsh, who cleans more above). But if someone at home
phones without damaging them. upside down and giving it a than 250 televisions each has COVID-19 or another
shake also helps. year in CR’s labs, recommends infectious illness, you might
T OP T OOL S For a remote, remove the wiping it gently in a circular consider disinfecting commonly
Alcohol, alcohol wipes, cotton batteries, turn it upside down, motion with a soft, anti-static used electronics, “especially
balls, disinfectant wipes, and tap it against your palm microfiber cloth. Never use if that person is not able to
microfiber cloths, soap, soft to remove dust and dirt in the glass cleaner, which can damage remain isolated,” says Gregory
cotton cloths, toothpicks or an keys. (A dry toothbrush or today’s OLED and LCD models. Schrank, MD, an infectious
old toothbrush. wooden toothpick helps dislodge With smartphones, James disease specialist at the
stubborn debris.) Spray a soft Dickerson, PhD, CR’s chief University of Maryland School of
D I R T- BUS T ER S cloth with a water and alcohol scientific officer, washes his Medicine. There’s no need to
Swab your keyboard and mouse solution, wipe the remote, then case and screen protector disinfect your smartphone when
with a mix of water and a bit of clean around the keys with a (after removing them, natch) in you return home after going
alcohol. To get rid of crumbs cotton ball dampened with the a sink with soap and water. For out, unless someone who is sick
between keys, if you don’t have water/alcohol mix. Dry with the phone itself, go over hard, handled it, experts say.

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 31

Ratings   Clean Sweep These vacuums, carpet cleaners, steam mops, and laundry detergents from our tests
make cleaning a winning game every time.

Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features

Score Results

Suction control
Cord length (ft.)

High efficiency
particulate air
Accepts tools
Hose suction
satisfaction

(HEPA) filter
Retractable

Full-bag/bin
Manual-pile
Weight (lb.)
Bare floors

emissions
Predicted
reliability

indicator
Handling

Pet hair
Carpet

adjust
Owner

Noise
Clean

cord
B A G L E S S U P R I G H T VA C U U M S

Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away

!
0 NV586 (Target)
77 $300 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 16 26 0 0 0 0

Kenmore Pet Friendly Cross-Over

$
0 DU3017
75 $180 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 17 25 0 0 0 0

!
0 Dyson Ball Animal 2 74 $450 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 17 30 0 0 0

B A G G E D U P R I G H T VA C U U M S

$
0 Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150 77 $350 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 21 35 0 0 0 0 0

$
0 Kenmore Pet Friendly 31140 74 $280 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 20 29 0 0 0 0 0

$
0 Hoover WindTunnel Max UH30600 71 $180 3
0 2
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 3
0 17 29 0 0 0

B A G L E S S C A N I S T E R VA C U U M S

!
0 Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog 76 $900 5
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 15 21 0 0 0 0 0 0

$
0 Kenmore 22614 72 $390 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 2
0 5
0 3
0 23 24 0 0 0 0 0 0

!
0 Rainbow SRX Cleaning System 70 $1,300 5
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 5
0 2
0 4
0 4
0 36 24 0 0 0

B A G G E D C A N I S T E R VA C U U M S

!
0 Miele Complete C3 Marin 84 $1,100 5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 23 24 0 0 0 0 0 0

!
0 Miele Complete C3 Alize 77 $700 5
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 17 24 0 0 0 0 0

$
0 Kenmore Pop-N-Go BC4026 76 $280 3
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 22 26 0 0 0 0 0 0

Brand + Model Overall Price Survey Test Results Features

Score Results

Brush on/off
satisfaction

Charge time

Weight (lb.)
Bare floors

emissions
Predicted
reliability

Run time
Pet hair

Battery
Carpet
Owner

Edges

(min.)
Noise

Clean

type
(hr.)

C O R D E D S T I C K VA C U U M S

Shark APEX UpLight Lift-Away

!
0 DuoClean LZ601
97 $275 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 NA NA 11 Corded model
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Slim 2897
!
0 (Walmart)
85 $150 4
0 3
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 1
0 NA NA 9.3 Corded model 0

$
0 Dirt Devil Power Stick SD12530 85 $100 4
0 2
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 2
0 NA NA 7.2 Corded model

C O R D L E S S S T I C K VA C U U M S

Tineco Pure One S11 95 $350 – – 5

0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 22 4 5.8 21.6 volt lithium ion

Tineco Pure One S11 Tango EX 94 $470 – – 5

0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 17 4 5.8 21.6 volt lithium ion

Dyson V11 Outsize 90 $800 2

0 5
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 40 5 7.9 25.2 volt lithium ion

32 CR.ORG MAY 2021 1

0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 $
0
POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED CR BEST BUY
 Brand + Model Overall Price Test Results Features
Score

solution tank
Convenience

area (sq. ft.)

Hose length

Weight, full
Calculated

empty (lb.)
coverage

Separate
Cleaning

Carrying
Dryness

Weight,

Weight,

handle
tanks
Noise

Hose
(lb.)

(lb.)
(in.)
F U L L- S I Z E D C A R P E T C L E A N E R S

!
0 Bissell ProHeat 2X Lift-Off Pet 15651 71 $300 4
0 5
0 4
0 2
0 15 61 30 24 6 0 0 0

$
0 Hoover PowerDash Pet FH50700 69 $100 4
0 4
0 4
0 2
0 8 NA 17 12 5 0

!
0 Bissell TurboBrush PowerClean 2987 69 $130 3
0 5
0 4
0 1
0 8 NA 18 12 6 0

Brand + Model Overall Price Test Features

Score Results

pumped in use
Steam levels
Convenience

Time to heat

Unit must be
Cord length

or indicator

or indicator
Empty light
Weight (lb.)
Steam rate

Ready light
Reservoir

Warranty
capacity
Cleaning

(fl. oz.)

(sec.)
(ft.)
STEAM MOPS

!
0 Bissell PowerFresh Slim 2075A 79 $150 5
0 4
0 3
0 25 7 12 2 years 30 2 0

$
0 Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 77 $90 4
0 3
0 4
0 25 7 15 2 years 30 2 0

Shark Genius Steam Pocket S5003D 73 $120 4

0 5
0 3
0 23 7 10 1 year 30 3

Brand + Product Overall Price Test Results Features

Score Per Load

For sensitive
Hard water

Measuring
Chocolate
dressing

Pretreat
Body oil

Coffee

Grass

Blood
Salad

skin
Dirt

cup
LIQUID L AUNDRY DETERGENTS

!
0 Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release 84 28¢ 5
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 Clear

!
0 Persil ProClean Stain Fighter 84 21¢ 5
0 5
0 5
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 Solid
Kirkland Signature (Costco) Ultra Clean
$
0 Liquid
76 11¢ 5
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 2
0 4
0 4
0 Clear

HOW WE TEST: VACUUMS: The Overall on surface debris, such as cereal and CARPET CLEANERS: The Overall Score LAUNDRY DETERGENT: The Overall
Score includes information on predicted rice. For cordless stick vacs, we also is based on results from four tests. For Score is based on how well a detergent
reliability and owner satisfaction from measure each model’s battery run time. cleaning, we use carpet soiled with red removes common stains. For cleaning,
our member survey. (Dashes indicate Georgia clay. We run a cleaner over the we use fabric swatches saturated with
insufficient data to provide a rating.) STEAM MOPS: The Overall Score is carpet for four wet and four dry cycles, body oil, dirt, salad dressing, coffee,
Full-sized vacuums (uprights and based on tests for cleaning (we apply then repeat on two more swatches to chocolate, grass, and blood. Using each
canisters) undergo our toughest tests. ketchup, mustard, and jam to ceramic see how well a model cleans. Dryness detergent, we wash the swatches, then
We sprinkle talc and sand on a medium- tiles, let them dry and take 10 back-and- indicates how much solution is left let them air-dry. We use a colorimeter
pile carpet for carpet cleaning and forth passes with a steam mop, then behind. Convenience measures machine to see how much stain remains. For
spread sand on a linoleum floor for our use photo-imaging to compare before weight, cord length, coverage area, pretreat, we apply detergent to a
bare floors test. For pet hair, we stomp and after), steam rate (the amount of and ease of tank filling and emptying. stain and let it sit for 5 minutes before
pet fur into a carpet. We measure noise, steam a unit produces per minute), and Noise is how loud the machine is during washing. Hard water is how well a
and how well the vacuum contains what convenience (how easy the mop is to operation. detergent cleans in very hard water.
it sweeps up for the emissions score. use and maneuver).
For stick vacuums, we concentrate

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 33

SPECI AL R EPO R T

118 of 120
water samples taken across the U.S. had
concerning levels of PFAS, arsenic, or lead

34 CR.ORG MAY 2021 ILLUSTRATION BY JUSTIN METZ

CR investigated the nation’s tap water. Here’s what the results
mean for you. Plus, how to test and treat your own water.

by Ryan Felton, with additional reporting from Lisa Gill

of Consumer Reports and Lewis Kendall for the Guardian
SPECI AL R EPO R T

the quality of the water supplied by chemicals in his water.

I
an entire system or at other times. “Now I’ve got to find something to
But the ambitious undertaking, with filter out the PFAS,” Ng says.
community water systems chosen by CR’s tests revealed other problems
CR’s statisticians from a representative as well. About 8 percent of samples
mix of systems across the country, had levels of arsenic—which gets into
provides a unique view into some of the drinking water through natural deposits
most significant challenges in America’s or industrial or agricultural pollution—
ongoing drinking water crisis. above CR’s recommended maximum for
The challenges don’t stem from a drinking water. And almost every sample
technology problem. Filtration systems had measurable amounts of lead, a
can cleanse water of contaminants. Yet heavy metal that leaches from corroding
they are not being used uniformly by water lines and home plumbing fixtures.
community water systems. It is unsafe at any level.
Indeed, almost every sample tested In response to CR’s findings,
had measurable levels of PFAS, a group Environmental Protection Agency
of compounds found in hundreds of spokesperson Andrea Drinkard says
household products. These chemicals that 93 percent of the population
IN CONNECTICUT, A CONDO had lead in are linked to learning delays in supplied by community water systems
its drinking water at levels more than children, cancer, and other health gets water that meets “all health-based
double what the federal government problems. More than 35 percent standards all of the time” and that the
deems acceptable. At a church in North exceeded a safety threshold that CR agency has set standards for more than
Carolina, the water was contaminated scientists and other health experts 90 contaminants. That includes arsenic
with extremely high levels of potentially believe should be the maximum. and lead but does not include PFAS.
toxic PFAS chemicals. The water flowing Yet many consumers have never America’s water crisis, while
into a Texas home had both—and heard of PFAS. widespread, affects some communities
concerning amounts of arsenic, too. Hung Ng, a resident of Florida, N.Y., more than others, according to an
All three were among locations that says he has long used home water filters, analysis of more than 140,000 public
had water tested as part of a nine-month in part to remove lead. But the 69-year- water systems published by the Guardian
investigation by Consumer Reports and old says he didn’t know anything about in February. It found that access to clean
the Guardian US news organization PFAS until he had his water tested drinking water is highly unequal in the
into the nation’s drinking water. as part of this investigation, which U.S., with water systems that service
Since the passage of the Clean Water found comparatively high levels of the poorer and rural counties far more likely
Act in 1972, access to safe water for
all Americans has been a stated U.S.
government goal. Yet millions of people
continue to face serious water quality
problems because of contamination,
Jim Vaughn, Pittsboro, N.C.
deteriorating infrastructure, and
inadequate treatment at water plants. “It’s that little feeling of
CR and the Guardian selected helplessness. Is there
120 people from around the U.S., out of something that the
PHOTO: JEREMY M LANGE/THE GUARDIAN

a pool of more than 6,000 volunteers, town will do about it?

to test for arsenic, lead, PFAS (per- and Or will we let it ride?”
polyfluoroalkyl substances), and other
TOTAL PFAS LEVEL
contaminants. The samples came from
water systems that together service
more than 19 million people.
80.2 PPT
CR’S RECOMMENDED
The study has some limitations: The MA XIMUM: 10 PPT

quality of the water at one location on

a single day doesn’t necessarily reflect

36 CR.ORG MAY 2021

to have violations than those that provide
water to wealthier or urban ones. Water
systems in counties with large Latino
populations were particularly likely to
HOW CONSUMERS UNITED TO
have violations, the Guardian found.
TEST AMERICA’S TAP WATER
CONSUMER REPORTS teamed up collect the samples. That

PFAS
with our members and readers of included gathering samples of
the Guardian US to investigate the water before it went through
nation’s drinking water. From a any filter or treatment system
pool of more than 6,000 potential that participants might have in
volunteers, CR statisticians their homes. When tests were
The ‘Forever Chemical’ Problem winnowed the group to 120 people complete, we sent volunteers
The PFAS results from CR’s tests are representing a cross section advice tailored to their results.
of the country and the water We can’t draw conclusions about
particularly troubling.
systems that service it. That any specific water system,
Manufacturers use PFAS to make included 12 samples from each because only one sample
stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, water- of the Environmental Protection came from each, but together
repellent clothing, nonstick cookware, Agency’s 10 jurisdictional regions. the results provide powerful
and hundreds of other common Testers were chosen to provide a insights into problems faced
products. The compounds can seep into mix of urban and rural locations, by the nation as a whole. “While
as well as small and large water much of CR’s testing is done
water from factories, landfills, and other systems. We were particularly in our labs with our scientists,
sources. And because they don’t easily interested in PFAS, chemicals projects like these need real
break down in the environment, they’re notorious for both their health people,” says James Dickerson,
often called “forever chemicals.” risks and their perseverance PhD, CR’s chief scientific officer.
Investigation into the health effects in the environment. Each “We are grateful to the readers
participant received test kits who helped and shared their
of PFAS exposure is ongoing, but some of
for PFAS, as well as for arsenic, stories with us.” If you would like
the strongest evidence about their lead, and other contaminants, to help on future projects, go to
potential risks comes from research plus a video showing how to CR.org/participatoryresearch.
of about 69,000 people in and around
Parkersburg, W.Va. The research—part
of a settlement between DuPont, which 120 Locations Tested Across the U.S.
makes some PFAS, and residents of the Drinking water from 118 of the 120 locations tested across
community—was depicted in the 2019 the U.S. had levels of PFAS or arsenic above CR’s recommended
movie “Dark Waters.” maximum, or detectable amounts of lead.
It found a “probable link” between
exposure to a type of PFAS and six health
problems: high cholesterol, ulcerative
colitis, thyroid disease, pregnancy-
induced hypertension, and testicular and
kidney cancers. Research has also linked
some PFAS to learning delays in children.
Most Americans have trace
amounts of PFAS in their blood,
according to research by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
And at least 2,337 communities in
49 states have drinking water known
to be contaminated with PFAS,
according to a January analysis by the
Environmental Working Group (EWG),
an advocacy organization.

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 37

SPECI AL R EPO R T

CR’s tests results confirm the ubiquity equipment salesman, collected at his PFAS by the end of 2021 and is taking
of the chemicals: We found PFAS in church in Pittsboro, N.C. steps “to reduce contamination into
117 of the 120 samples we tested, from Vaughn wasn’t particularly surprised, the Haw River, which will provide the
locations across the country. he says. Places such as Pittsboro—a best results long term.”
Despite mounting evidence of community of about 6,700 on the
widespread contamination and fringes of North Carolina’s Research
health risks, the EPA has still not set Triangle, which is anchored by three
an enforceable legal limit for PFAS
in drinking water. Instead, it has
established only voluntary limits,
which apply to just two of the better-
studied forever chemicals—PFOA, or
universities and filled with industry and
high-tech business—are used to getting
“dumped on,” he says.
“It’s that little feeling of helplessness.
Is there something that the town will do
ARSENIC
A Toxin in the Water
perfluorooctanoic acid, and PFOS, or about it? Or will we let it ride?” More than 1,200 miles away from
perfluorooctanesulfonic acid—at 70 parts Indeed, residents of Pittsboro have Pittsboro, Sandy and Scott Phillips sat
per trillion combined. (For context, 1 ppt reason to worry, beyond the results of around their kitchen table in Texas on
is the equivalent of one grain of sand CR’s tests. In 2007, an EPA study found a weekday in February reflecting on the
in an Olympic-sized swimming pool, PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear test results for their water samples.
according to some estimates.) River Basin, a major source of drinking Last year, looking to downsize, they
Many public health experts think water for the eastern half of North built the custom home of their dreams
those levels are far too high. Harvard Carolina. Some of the highest levels came in a new development in Round Rock,
environmental health professor Philippe from the Haw River in the basin’s north 20 miles north of Austin. Sandy Phillips
Grandjean, PhD, has suggested that end—where Pittsboro gets its water. especially enjoyed picking out everything
the limit should be just 1 ppt for PFOA Ongoing research out of Duke from the floors to the kitchen cabinets.
and PFOS, citing his 2013 research— University, in nearby Durham, has also “We paid a little extra for the white
partly funded by the EPA—showing raised concerns. It found that levels of cabinets because I just love the clean
decreased vaccine response in children PFAS in a study of 49 Pittsboro residents’ look,” she says.
exposed to the chemicals. The EWG blood are two to four times higher than What the couple didn’t get to pick
supports that threshold for total PFAS, that of the general U.S. population. was their tap water supplier. Soon after
pointing to Grandjean’s work as well as Heather Stapleton, PhD, the project’s moving in, they began to notice the
other research linking PFAS to health lead investigator, says Vaughn’s test water had an unusual odor, prompting
problems in rodents. results align with her team’s findings. them to invest thousands in a water
CR’s chief scientific officer, James Stapleton’s team found a striking softening and reverse osmosis water
Dickerson, PhD, agrees that when it similarity between the levels of PFAS filtration system.
comes to PFAS, “the lower the better.” in the blood of Pittsboro residents and Not long after, the couple got their
CR’s scientists say the maximum residents of the cities of Wilmington and water tested as part of CR’s project,
allowed amount should be 5 ppt for a Fayetteville, downstream from Pittsboro, taking samples from water before it was
single PFAS chemical and 10 ppt for two raising concerns that the drinking filtered. The results were concerning:
or more. That is in line with standards water in those communities could be high not just in PFAS (32.8 ppt) but also
for bottled water that an industry contaminated with PFAS, too, she says. in arsenic, at 3.3 parts per billion. “We
group, the International Bottled Water “If you think about the number of get this gorgeous house,” Sandy Phillips
Association, has its members adhere to. communities that could be impacted, it’s says, “and then the water is terrible.”
Among the 120 samples CR tested, close to a million people, or 10 percent of Bill Brown, general manager of the
more than a third had PFAS levels North Carolina’s population,” she says. Jonah Water Special Utility District,
above 10 ppt, and more than a Chris Kennedy, town manager for the couple’s water supplier, says it “has
quarter exceeded 5 ppt for a single Pittsboro, says the town was not a complied with all federal and state
PFAS chemical. source of PFAS but that it minimum contaminant level standards
Two samples had PFAS levels above was “diligently working towards for arsenic and lead for many years.” He
ICONS: ELIAS STEIN

the federal advisory level of 70 ppt, removing PFAS from our potable says that while CR’s results conflicted
with the highest amount—80.2 ppt— water supply.” He adds that the town is with its records, the water district will
coming from a sample that Jim installing filters at the water treatment investigate. He did not comment on the
Vaughn, a 76-year-old retired electrical plant to remove at least 90 percent of PFAS found in the Phillipses’ water.

38 CR.ORG MAY 2021

 CONTAMINANTS IN OUR WATER
80
WHAT CR FOUND
PFAS IN TESTED WATER

46
TOTAL PFAS (parts per trillion)
WHAT ARE THEY? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are
a group of nearly 5,000 compounds with bonds so tight
60
that they are almost indestructible, earning them a
reputation as “forever chemicals.” Used to make
products stain-, grease-, and water-resistant, PFAS can samples were over CR’s
get into water during manufacturing or when products recommended
degrade in landfills. Risks include high cholesterol, some 40 total PFAS maximum of
cancers, and learning delays in children. 10 ppt

WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

20

over 10 ppt

STAIN-RESISTANT NONSTICK FAST-FOOD

FABRIC PANS PACK AGING 0

10 ARSENIC (parts per billion)

WHAT CR FOUND
ARSENIC IN TESTED WATER

10
WHAT IS IT? A toxic heavy metal naturally found in the
ground, arsenic is also used in pressure-treated lumber 8

and in several other industrial processes. In agriculture,

it is used to kill insects on cotton and other crops.
Smelting copper and burning coal create arsenic as a samples were over
6
byproduct. It can enter water through natural deposits CR’s recommended
or industrial or agricultural pollution. It has been linked arsenic maximum of 3 ppb
to cancer, as well as lowered IQ in children. 4

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? over 3 ppb

NATURAL FACTORY AGRICULTURAL

MINERALS WASTE RESIDUE 0

WHAT CR FOUND
LEAD IN TESTED WATER

118
2.0 LEAD (parts per billion)
WHAT IS IT? Another heavy metal, lead was once found
in many products, including water pipes. In 1986, the
federal government banned new lead service lines,
which bring water into people’s homes. But it can still 1.5
enter drinking water through the millions of lead pipes samples had detectable
that remain in the ground or in people’s homes. It has amounts of lead. CR
been tied to reduced IQ and slowed growth in children, believes lead should not
high blood pressure, and reproductive problems. 1.0 be detectable in
drinking water.
WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

0.5

SERVICE HOME over 0 ppb

LINES PLUMBING 0

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 39

 DOES YOUR WATER COME FROM …
HOW TO TEST AND
TREAT YOUR
DRINKING WATER

… A PRIVATE … A MUNICIPAL
WELL? WATER SYSTEM?
TEST YOUR WATER FOR LEAD.
Ask your utility if it offers free lead tests.
Healthy Babies Bright Futures (hbbf.org/lead-
drinking-water) offers low-cost ones. YES

NO
HAVE A COPY OF YOUR WATER REPORT?
Many cities publish a consumer confidence
report (CCR), typically with info about arsenic YES
and lead but not PFAS, each year by July 1.

NO
TRY TO GET A COPY OF YOUR CCR.
Rent? Ask your landlord or contact your utility.
If it serves more than 100,000 people, check
its website or epa.gov/ccr to find the CCR.

CHECK YOUR REPORT.

Did it include information
about PFAS?
DID NOT GOT
TEST YOUR WATER. GET A CCR A CCR
Find a certified lab at epa.gov/dwlabcert. Two
mail-in kits that performed well in recent CR NO YES
tests: SimpleLab, $129 for municipal, $149 for
well, and $289 for PFAS; and WaterCheck,
$169, $180, and $425.

WATER REPORT MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL (MCL) CR’S MAXIMUM

The highest level of contaminant allowed by the The maximum that CR
RED FLAGS EPA. If the value in the “Your Water” column in a scientists believe
Your CCR or private lab report will CCR is above the MCL, the system is in violation. should be in tap water.
show contaminant levels found in
your water. The CCR is only required
to show federally regulated ARSENIC 10 PPB 3 PPB
contaminants, which do not include
PFAS, and a private lab report will list
only contaminants you tested for.
See at right to interpret either report LEAD 15 PPB. Your CCR will show an average based on a
limited sample of homes in your community, so
NOT DETECTED,
particularly if you’re
for arsenic, lead, and PFAS. For other
contaminants, go to epa.gov; scroll you may want to test for lead even if it says none pregnant or you
down and click “Drinking Water,” then was found. have young children.
“Drinking water regulations.” To see
lower levels recommended by the
nonprofit Environmental Working
Group, go to ewg.org/tapwater/
PFAS NOT FEDERALLY REGULATED, so no MCL and not in
many CCRs. EPA advises limit of 70 PPT for two
5 PPT for any one PFAS
chemical and 10 PPT for
ewg-standards.php. PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) combined. two or more.

BY PERRY SANTANACHOTE
 SPE CI AL REPORT

In the early 2000s, the EPA considered

a drinking water limit for arsenic of
3 ppb, before settling on 10 ppb as an
amount that balances the costs for water Sandy Phillips,
system operators while reducing health Round Rock, Texas
risks. CR scientists have long said the “We get this
EPA should set a limit of 3 ppb or lower, gorgeous
in line with what other health experts
house, and
and environmental advocacy groups,
then the water
such as the Natural Resources Defense
Council (NRDC), have called for.
is terrible.”
Almost every sample CR tested had
measurable levels of arsenic, including
CONCERNED ABOUT LEAD, ARSENIC LEVEL

3.3
ESPECIALLY IF YOU 10—or about 8 percent—with levels
ARE PREGNANT OR HAVE between 3 and 10 ppb. Previous tests PPB
YOUNG CHILDREN? from CR and others have shown elevated CR’S RECOMMENDED
MA XIMUM: 3 PPB
levels in juices and baby foods.
Hundreds of water systems have
exceeded the EPA’s 10-ppb limit. And
though research indicates that the
percentage of systems violating the rule
has dropped over time, a 2017 NRDC
study found that more than 500 systems
provided water with excessive arsenic to
1.8 million people in the U.S. in 2015.
Research suggests that exposure to
even low levels of arsenic can pose health
FIND THE
RIGHT FILTER risks over the long term. A 2014 study
See page 42 for advice. in the journal Environmental Health
found an association between water with
arsenic of 5 ppb or greater and a 5- to not only arsenic but also lead, at 5.8 ppb.
6-point IQ reduction in children. (CR’s follow-up tests of the couple’s
YES Two states—New Hampshire and New filtered water showed trace amounts of
Jersey—have lowered their arsenic limit lead and levels of arsenic and PFAS well
to 5 ppb, citing warnings from studies. within CR’s recommended limits.)
The EPA itself even sets its “maximum The risks of lead, and problems with
contaminant level goal”—the level below how water utilities test for it, became
which there is no known or expected a national concern when news of the
risk to health—at zero for arsenic. water crisis in Flint, Mich., exploded
DID IT SHOW A in 2015. Scientists and the EPA agree
CONCERNING LEVEL OF
that there’s no safe exposure level of
ANY CONTAMINANT?
lead. But taking into consideration the

NO
LEAD
No Safe Amount
feasibility of achieving lower levels, the
EPA says utilities have to take significant
steps to lower lead levels—including
replacing lead service lines—only when
10 percent of samples from homes in
The Phillipses, in Texas, were especially their service areas exceed 15 ppb.
fortunate to have installed a filtration Consumer advocates say those EPA
system because the results of their regulations are problematic—a reality
CONGRATULATIONS!
You don’t need to take unfiltered tap test showed high levels of underscored by the testing results of
any further action.

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 41

SPECI AL R EPO R T

water being piped into a condo owned

by Stephen and Robin Newberg in New

FIND THE RIGHT WATER FILTER Britain, Conn.

Lead typically works its way into
drinking water through lead pipes that
Ensure that any filter you purchase meets standards set by NSF
feed people’s homes or in the home’s
International and the American National Standards Institute for the
specific contaminants you’re concerned about. Look for a code such as plumbing itself. That underscores the need
NSF/ANSI 53, followed by the manufacturer’s claim for the product’s for more robust residential water testing,
contaminant reduction. And when replacing filters, make sure you use one including samples from far more homes
recommended by the manufacturer. For more on water filters, including than currently required, experts say.
other types (such as faucet-mounted and countertop) and which models While New Britain’s annual water
work on chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and organisms such as
quality report for customers indicates
giardia, go to CR.org/waterfilters0521. —Perry Santanachote
that its average lead level is 6 ppb,
the Newbergs’ results showed a
concentration of 31.2 ppb, more than
PITCHERS Often the cheapest and
simplest option for lead. double the EPA’s action level of 15 ppb.
Stephen Newberg, a former postal
PASSED CR’S TESTS FOR LEAD worker, says he drinks filtered water and
BRITA CLEARLY
his wife drinks bottled water, so he’s not
MONTEREY FILTERED
OB 50 COMIN personally worried. But the 66-year-old
$40 16JU025114 $85 sits on the board of his condo, and he’s
concerned about the possibility of the
heavy metal being in his neighbors’ water.
He plans to raise the issue at an upcoming
meeting. The results caught him and
UNDERSINK Good options if you want to filter
lots of water and have multiple his wife off guard: “The lead really did
FILTERS contaminants, especially lead and surprise us,” he says.
PFAS. Some can filter arsenic.
Ramon Esponda, New Britain’s deputy
director of public works, says that the city
PASSED CR’S TESTS FOR LEAD complies with the EPA’s lead regulations,
AQUA-PURE CULLIGAN EVERPURE WHIRLPOOL based on its 2020 tests, which found
BY CUNO US-EZ-4 H-1200 ULTRAEASE an average lead level of 2 ppb. Esponda

PHOTO: RYAN FELTON/CONSUMER REPORTS; PREVIOUS: LISA GILL/CONSUMER REPORTS

AP-DWS1000 $85 EV9282-00 WHAMBS5
$300 $450 $110 says that results of a single sample may
be thrown off by new fixtures, recent
PASSED CR’S TESTS FOR PFAS AND LEAD plumbing work, or other factors.
AQUASANA BRONDELL BRONDELL MULTIPURE The installation of new lead service
AQ-5200 CORAL UC100 CORAL UC300 MP750
$100 SINGLE-STAGE THREE-STAGE $430
lines—pipes that connect a water main
$100 $150 in a street to individual buildings—was
banned in 1986. But an estimated
3 million to 6 million homes and
Can filter lead, PFAS, and businesses nationwide still get water
REVERSE arsenic, and are often the best through older lines that contain lead,
OSMOSIS option if you have high levels of
all three. They generally cost
according to EPA estimates. An untold
number of homes have plumbing fixtures
more than other filters, and also made of the heavy metal. Exposure can
require plumbing work and
especially pose risks in children, such as
professional annual maintenance.
For reverse osmosis filters reduced IQ and behavioral problems.
previously tested by CR, go to The Newbergs’ results were the only
CR.org/waterfilters0521. ones in CR’s tests to be above the EPA
action level. But almost every sample
had measurable levels of lead, and health

42 CR.ORG MAY 2021

experts emphasize that no amount of
lead is safe.
Erik Olson, senior strategic director Stephen Newberg, with
his wife, Robin, New Britain, Conn.
of health and food at the NRDC, says
the Newbergs’ results illustrate several “The lead really
problems with how the EPA regulates did surprise us.”
lead. One is that water systems typically
test for lead only once every three years,
and larger systems can get waivers to
LEAD LEVEL

31.2
test every nine years. Another is that the
sample sizes are generally small. PPB
“Even in a large city, they may only CR EXPERTS SAY
test 50 homes,” Olson says. Systems NO AMOUNT
OF LEAD IS SAFE
are supposed to test homes that have
lead service lines or plumbing and
fixtures, but that requirement is often
skirted, too, he says. “There’s very little
oversight, and they may not be testing
the highest-risk homes.” problem shouldn’t be up to consumers. the findings from CR’s tests, saying they
CR’s Dickerson agrees that the EPA “Americans shouldn’t have to show that “we do not have any time to
needs to require municipalities to take navigate bureaucracy and be forced waste as we battle these toxic chemicals.”
many more samples from taps inside to make significant investments in She renewed her call for PFAS to be
homes, to better protect consumers. order to access clean tap water,” says banned and designated as hazardous.
The EPA, in the waning days of Brian Ronholm, CR’s director of food “Congress must pass my PFAS Action Act
the Trump administration, finalized policy. “The implementation of strong and take other concrete action to protect
changes to the lead regulation that standards would ensure everyone has our drinking water, our environment,
would require testing in elementary access to clean water, regardless of and our public health,” Dingell says.
schools and established new rules income levels.” CR agrees that a standard must be
regarding the steps water systems must Legislation passed last year by the set as soon as possible. “The burden
take when lead is detected. House of Representatives would have shouldn’t be on consumers to monitor
But the NRDC, the NAACP, and other authorized $22.5 billion to replace lead contaminants in drinking water,”
groups recently sued the EPA, saying service lines across the U.S., according Ronholm says.
those steps didn’t go far enough, and to the NRDC, but the bill died in the Pittsboro’s Jim Vaughn says that
urged the Biden administration to Senate. The NRDC called for the Biden while government and industry debate,
improve on them. In particular, the administration and Congress to enact residents of his town are left with
NRDC says, the revised rule would leave legislation requiring the expeditious unsafe water. “The town that has the
lead service lines in place for decades. removal and replacement of lead lines. polluters in it, they’re getting their
EPA spokesperson Drinkard, citing “The only way to really solve the lead water from upstream, so what’s their
the pending litigation, says the agency problem is to remove lead from the impetus” to fix the problem, he says.
has no additional information to share. system,” Olson says. “The ones downstream have no power
Congress is also focusing on PFAS. over the ones upstream to force them
In January, a congressional task force to do that. I just don’t think it’s fair.”
urged the Biden administration to To support federal action on clean

THE FIX take immediate steps to address PFAS

contamination by, among other things,
water, go to CR.org/pfaspetition.

People seeking cleaner drinking water directing the EPA to phase out any Online bonus: Read one man’s journey
do have some options for reducing their uses for the chemicals deemed “non- to find the PFAS in his home—and
exposure to dangerous contaminants. essential,” to finalize a standard for PFOA even in his cat. Go to CR.org/pfastest0521.
(See “How to Test and Treat Your and PFOS, and to accelerate cleanup. Editor’s Note: Reporting in North
Drinking Water,” on page 40.) But Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., a Carolina for the Guardian was supported
consumer advocates say that fixing the member of the task force, responded to by the Water Foundation.

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 43

44 CR.ORG MAY 2021
A LUSH
LAWN
WITHOUT
PESTICIDES
The truth about the
chemicals that keep
your lawn green, and
how to create a healthy
oasis without them.
B Y C AT HER INE ROBER T S

SHORTLY AFTER LYDIA CHAMBERS

had her first child, in 1995, her family
moved to a new home in Ohio. “It
was this neighborhood with perfect
lawns,” recalls Chambers, now 60. In
her previous home, when a swath of
dandelions appeared shortly after she
and her husband moved in, she spent
two weeks pulling them out by hand.
In their Ohio home, however, she
had no time to take care of the yard.
So she hired a service to come and treat
it. At the time, she didn’t realize that the
chemicals the service used might
be dangerous. “Even though I kind of
sensed it … I didn’t know,” she says.
In her professional life as a
hydrogeologist, Chambers was
beginning to learn about how long-
term, low-dose exposures to dangerous
chemicals could lead to cancer and
other chronic diseases. This made her
increasingly suspicious of the pesticides
her landscaping company applied. By
2005, her family had moved to New

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROSS MACDONALD

Jersey and her elementary school- of “organic” when it comes to lawn exposure to chemicals on our lawns
aged kids were playing in the yard products, so it’s hard to assess the are much harder to quantify than acute
constantly. As she did more research, safety of a product that advertises poisonings, but plenty of research
she learned a particularly disturbing itself as “organic,” “natural,” or has been conducted into how it may
fact: One common weed killer, 2,4- “environmentally friendly.” affect health. One thing we know:
dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Still, it’s possible for consumers to Lawn chemicals don’t just stay on the
was also an ingredient in Agent Orange, move away from conventional lawn lawn. Research has demonstrated that
a chemical used during the Vietnam War. care. It just requires a bit of strategy, a pesticides can be tracked inside on shoes
“I guess if anything flipped a switch, few new habits, and some fresh ideas and clothes, where they then settle into
it was that,” she says. Chambers and her about what your yard should look like. the dust on floors and other surfaces.
husband finally committed to taking There, children, especially young ones
care of their yard with no synthetic who crawl around on the ground and
pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers— explore the world by putting things in
even if that meant it sprouted a few
HEALTH HARMS their mouths, are more likely to get these
weeds. “I was proud that I had a few
OF LAWN CARE substances into their system.
weeds in my grass,” she says. “It was a The prenatal period and early
symbol I was doing the right thing.” ON ONE HAND, it’s a minority of lawn childhood are also times when people
For many Americans, however, a owners who hire lawn-care companies are more vulnerable to the risks of
pristine lawn is the goal, and weed- or add fertilizers or pesticides to their these repeated tiny exposures, which
free grass is big business. American lawns. In a February 2021 CR nationally may have long-term effects, says Sheela
consumers spend about $35 billion per representative survey of 1,772 lawn Sathyanarayana, MD, a pediatrician and
year on lawn and garden products, owners, 51 percent said they don’t use an environmental epidemiologist at the
according to market research firm any pesticides or fertilizers on their University of Washington and the Seattle
Mintel. Professional lawn-care services lawns. And according to Peter Groffman, Children’s Research Institute.
and consumers going the DIY route PhD, a professor at the Advanced Science Still, the specific health effects of
choose from a variety of pesticides and Research Center at the City University of cumulative exposure to individual
fertilizers, many with familiar brand New York’s Graduate Center, who studies pesticides are difficult to tease out, in
names, such as Roundup and Scotts. ecosystem ecology, “the biggest group part because pesticides are designed to
The sense of unease that Chambers felt of homeowners are what we call passive be toxic to living organisms. Scientists
about pesticides is grounded in evidence: land managers—they just mow.” don’t typically expose people to them
A growing body of research has linked Still, many American homeowners on purpose to find out what happens, as
many of them, even at low levels, to strive for a perfectly uniform, bright they do with medications. The evidence
potential health problems such as green lawn. And according to research we do have—based on observational
cardiovascular disease, says Consumer by Paul Robbins, PhD, professor studies and experiments in animals and
Reports senior scientist Michael Hansen, and dean at the Nelson Institute for in cells—is open to interpretation.
PhD, an expert in environmental health. Environmental Studies at the University Take, for example, the herbicides 2,4-D
Also, while synthetic lawn-care of Wisconsin-Madison, many do this in and glyphosate (the active ingredient
products may be helpful to your yard in spite of misgivings about the sometimes in Roundup). They were the two most
the short term, they can harm beneficial mysterious chemical inputs involved. common active ingredients found in
organisms in soil and won’t lead to a Lawn chemicals pose short- and home and garden pesticides used in 2012,
healthy ecosystem in the long run. “You long-term risks to health, and children the last year for which data on national
wonder,” asks Jay Feldman, executive are particularly vulnerable. Kids can pesticide usage was available from the
director of Beyond Pesticides, a accidentally ingest pesticides if they get Environmental Protection Agency.
nonprofit that advocates for transitioning their hands on them. Although acute The International Agency for Research
away from synthetic pesticides, “why are poisonings are relatively rare, poison on Cancer, a part of the World Health
we still using these things?” control centers still logged around Organization that investigates the causes
Part of the problem is that even when 34,000 cases regarding pesticide of cancer in humans, classifies 2,4-D as a
consumers look for alternatives to exposure among children 5 and younger possible carcinogen and glyphosate as a
traditional lawn chemicals, navigating in 2019, according to the American probable carcinogen.
the marketplace can be tricky. Unlike Association of Poison Control Centers. Still, the science isn’t perfectly clear.
with food, there’s no legal definition The long-term risks of chronic The IARC’s classifications of carcinogens

46 CR.ORG MAY 2021

only indicate the strength of the Research Data, told CR that regulators This is thought to occur at very low
evidence showing a given substance’s have “consistently found 2,4-D not to doses during certain vulnerable phases
link to cancer. But chemicals in the same have adverse human health impacts” of life, such as the prenatal period and
category could pose very different levels when used as directed on the label. early childhood. Endocrine disruption
of real-world risk. Bayer, glyphosate’s A variety of studies, particularly may contribute to a range of issues,
manufacturer, told CR that the IARC’s among agricultural communities including diabetes and reproductive and
analyses of carcinogens “do not reflect exposed to pesticides through their developmental problems.
real-world exposure,” meaning the work or by proximity to farms, have Still, industry groups maintain that the
agency doesn’t say whether the amount linked these and other common EPA’s approval of existing lawn pesticides
of a substance you would typically be lawn chemicals to an increased risk means the chemicals should be safe to
exposed to is enough to be dangerous. of other health problems, too. These use as directed on the label. Responsible
The EPA has ruled that there isn’t include neurological issues, respiratory Industry for a Sound Environment, an
good enough evidence to say whether irritation, asthma, and liver and kidney association representing pesticide and
2,4-D causes cancer in humans—and that damage. One 2015 study even suggests fertilizer industry players, says the EPA
glyphosate probably doesn’t. The EPA that both 2,4-D and glyphosate could reviews hundreds of studies to arrive at
also says that although 2,4-D was indeed be contributing to the development of its approval of a pesticide. And Andrew
an ingredient in Agent Orange, it was a antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bray, vice president of government
different component, known as dioxin, What’s more, several common lawn relations for the National Association of
that was found to cause cancer. And pesticides are suspected endocrine Landscape Professionals, says, “We look
Lindsay Thompson, executive director disrupters, meaning they might at EPA as the experts.”
of the Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D interfere with the body’s hormones. [ CONTINUED ON PAGE 50 ]

DO ECO-FRIENDLY LAWN
HELPERS ACTUALLY WORK?
If you’re shooting for an environmentally friendly lawn
and garden, you need a holistic approach, not just chemicals
(see “How to Rehab Your Yard,” on page 48). Here’s a guide
to various alternatives to conventional lawn products.

FE RTI LI Z E RS products with a seal from the beneficial insects such as bees. H E R B I CI D E S
Fertilizers generally release Organic Materials Review They carry some risks of skin or Common types include
nitrogen, phosphorus, and Institute (OMRI); “organic” alone eye irritation, so as with botanical oils, acetic acid,
potassium. Organic types may doesn’t mean much. conventional products, you special soaps, and corn
contain plant or animal material, ALSO TRY: Leaving grass clippings should carefully follow all gluten meal. Generally, these
such as bone meal or manure. on your lawn, which adds plenty directions on the label. don’t eliminate weeds as
These must be broken down of nutrients. Allow clover to ALSO TRY: Welcoming natural completely as Roundup. Weeds
by soil bacteria and fungi, so flourish in your grass to provide enemies of pests, such as could regrow, and acetic acid
they may work slowly but can nitrogen to the soil. assassin bugs and spiders. can be corrosive.
improve soil health. As with Mowing grass higher and ALSO TRY: Hand weeding. Pulling
conventional products, too much I N S EC TI CI D E S planting a variety of native weeds might seem
organic fertilizer can contribute These can include pyrethrin, plants will benefit natural like a drag, but it is free and
to water pollution, so test your neem oil, spinosad, and enemies, says Shaku effective, especially if
soil to find out which nutrients it insecticidal soaps. While these Nair, PhD, of the Arizona Pest you do it in the spring when
needs. And in general, look for do work, some may harm Management Center. weeds are young.
 HOW TO REHAB YOUR YARD

WATER WISELY

Watering grass infrequently

can help encourage deeper
roots and help your lawn resist
drought. Water only in the early
morning. Watering at night can
promote fungal growth. Add a rain
barrel to catch water that drains
from your gutter; use the water for
future irrigation.

SHRINK YOUR LAWN

Add flower beds, vegetable gardens,

or, to discourage ticks, a wood chip
barrier between grass and wooded
areas. If you have patches of grass
that wear down because of foot
traffic, replace them with a footpath.

PLANT NATIVE PLANTS

Native plants are ideally adapted

to the weather conditions and
local pests of your area, so
they’ll require less water and
maintenance. Plus, they’ll attract
birds and beneficial bugs.

TEST YOUR SOIL

Before you add fertilizer or

anything else to your soil, you
need to know which nutrients
it needs. You can send some
soil to your local cooperative
extension service, where they
can test it for a small fee.

48 CR.ORG MAY 2021

READY TO RETHINK YOUR YARD? Try these easy strategies to improve the health of your lawn and make it safer for
your family and the environment. Keep in mind that the needs of lawns vary widely, depending on climate, sun exposure,
the types of soil and grass you have, and more. A cooperative extension service can provide plenty of advice more
tailored to your land. (You can find services in your state at npic.orst.edu/mlr.html.) But these tips are a good start.

COMPOST

If you have space, create a

compost pile or bin in your yard to
recycle table scraps and garden
waste. To boost your soil’s health,
spread ¼ inch of compost over
the top of your grass a couple
of times a year.

EMBRACE DIVERSITY

Treat some weeds as welcome.

Flowering weeds feed bees and
other pollinators, and clover
fertilizes your lawn (see “Do Eco-
Friendly Lawn Helpers Actually
Work?” on page 47). Young
dandelion leaves can even be
added to salads.

MOW RIGHT SEED NEW GRASS

Cut your grass to 3 to 4 inches A resilient lawn contains more than

and keep mower blades sharp. one kind of grass. Adding seed,
Taller grass is healthier, and its especially to bare spots, can help
shade is inhospitable to weeds. it grow densely. Ask your local
Use the mower’s mulching mode, extension about drought- and
which will cut the grass into fine pest-resistant grass varieties.
clippings and deposit them back
into the soil, says Dave Trezza, who
oversees CR’s lawn mower testing.

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 49

[ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47 ]

laws exist for “organic” lawn-care

THE LIMITS ENVIRONMENTAL products or service providers.
OF REGULATION IMPACT Before you hire a provider
advertising organic lawn care, ask
IT CAN BE HARD for consumers to know LAWN CHEMICALS don’t just stay on plenty of questions, says Michele
what to make of all this, especially your lawn or end up in your household Bakacs, associate professor and county
when studies come to contrasting dust. They can also sink deep into agent with the Rutgers Cooperative
conclusions. After all, if these the soil, float off into the air, and be Extension in New Jersey. “If the first
chemicals posed a real danger, why carried off by stormwater, ultimately thing the landscaper talks to you about
would they still be on store shelves? causing harm to a range of organisms is the type of product that they’re
In fact, David Dorman, PhD, a they were never meant to target. using, well, that may be a little bit of a
professor of toxicology at NC State A major component in conventional warning sign,” she says. Instead, look
College of Veterinary Medicine in lawn care, fertilizer, is a key source of for a provider that offers a soil test and
Raleigh, N.C., says many dangerous water pollution. The excess nutrients talks to you about improving the health
products have been banned in the U.S., get washed out by rain into local of your soil, putting the right plant in
including DDT. Modern pesticides, he waterways or sink into groundwater. the right place for your yard and using
says, are “so much safer than what Once the nitrogen and phosphorus several types of turfgrass. These are
was used even 40, 50 years ago. So from fertilizer reach a lake or signs of a provider interested in the
progress has been made.” pond, they can prompt an overgrowth unique ecology of your yard.
In theory, the EPA’s approach to of algae, which eat up the oxygen Although uncertainty remains
regulating pesticides is precautionary— in the water. That can cause fish to about the extent of the harms of lawn
it requires manufacturers to die en masse and sometimes products, reducing risks to people and
demonstrate a chemical’s safety makes water toxic. the environment is easy: Avoid using
before bringing it to market. But Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides synthetic lawn chemicals. There are
many consumer advocates, including may also gradually degrade the other ways to achieve the same goals
CR’s Hansen, say the EPA’s testing health of your soil by diminishing that are better for your lawn and for
requirements are outdated and don’t beneficial microbes and fungi. your family (see “How to Rehab Your
reflect the latest in toxicological Healthy soil, along with being great Yard,” on page 48).
science. That allows some significant for your grass, can help keep carbon It can take a bit of a mindset
harms of pesticides to go undetected. out of the atmosphere, an important shift, says Joseph R. Heckman, PhD,
The problem, says Laura bulwark against climate change, says an extension specialist and professor
Vandenberg, PhD, associate professor soil scientist Asmeret Berhe, PhD, of soil science at Rutgers University in
of environmental health sciences at the professor of soil biogeochemistry at the New Brunswick, N.J. “If you want to
University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of California, Merced. have an organic lawn, you have to have
is that a clearer understanding of some a little bit of tolerance for something
of the most serious potential effects— less than perfect,” he says.
such as cancer—may take decades Over the years, the practice of
to emerge. In that time, millions of
WHAT’S A pesticide-free yard care has evolved
people will have already been exposed
CONSUMER TO DO? for Lydia Chambers and her husband.
unnecessarily, she says. They still live in New Jersey, and
The EPA told CR that it is in the IF YOU’RE CONCERNED about the Chambers now considers herself an
process of incorporating endocrine potential health and environmental environmental activist. Their latest
disruption into its standard tests effects of synthetic lawn chemicals, effort: converting much of their 3-acre
for pesticide safety, and that it is you might think the answer is property from lawn into meadow.
implementing a set of new evaluation choosing organic chemicals instead, or Soon, in place of acres of trimmed
methods designed to reduce the need employing a green lawn-care service. turf, they’ll have a spread of native
for animal testing. The agency says its But that can be harder than it sounds. wildflowers and grasses. The meadow
risk assessment “ensures that when For agriculture, the federal will encourage a more diverse ecology
a pesticide is used according to the government enforces regulations for in her lawn, she says—and there’s a
label, people and the environment are food producers that would like to label bonus: “It will be way easier than
adequately protected.” their food as organic. But no federal handling more flower beds.”

50 CR.ORG MAY 2021

 ROAD
NEW S & E X P ER T
ADVICE TO
K E E P YO U
A H E AD OF
THE CURVE™
REPORT
AHEAD OF THE CURVE ASK OUR EXPERTS T H E V I TA L S TAT I S T I C

73%
Advances in When does it cost more to repair
Windshield Tech an old car than buy a new one?
Head-up displays project
information such as the
speed limit and vehicle
speed onto the windshield,
letting drivers keep their
eyes on the road more of Percentage of Americans
the time. Mercedes-Benz who agree that the
uses augmented reality government should continue
in some of its displays to to raise automobile fuel-
help drivers navigate. efficiency standards.
WHAT’S COMING: Augmented Source: July/August 2020 CR nationally
representative survey of 3,879 U.S. adults
reality head-up displays about fuel economy.
will soon project additional
data, such as underpass
clearance, and bold icons
that will make cyclists and RECALL
Almost never. Nobody wants to pay for expensive
pedestrians far easier to
see. “Head-up displays
repairs, but it’s usually cheaper to keep your old car
can improve safety by going than to buy a new one. Most major repairs
providing drivers with vital won’t set you back as much as a few months of Tesla
information without having
to take their eyes off the
new-car payments or come close to the depreciation Tesla is recalling more than
road,” says Kelly Funkhouser, that can knock 30 percent off a new car’s value 134,000 model year 2012-
who leads CR’s vehicle in less than a year. But while it may be cheaper, 2018 Model S sedans and
interface testing. “This 2016-2018 Model X SUVs
driving an old clunker isn’t always a smart that have Nvidia Tegra 3
technology will put even more
information right in front of choice. A new car will be safer, more enjoyable to processors. The flash memory
drivers’ eyes.” drive, and more fuel-efficient. chip in the Media Control Unit
of affected cars can wear out,
causing the center display
touch screen to malfunction.
This may prevent drivers from
FIRST DRIVE Polestar 2 is an electric car drab fit and finish. For now, it’s being able to view the backup
from Polestar, a new brand available to test-drive in only a camera display or access the
Polestar 2 launched by Volvo and its handful of cities. Service and defrost/defog switches.
parent company. We appreciate repair options are also limited. WHAT TO DO: Tesla will replace
its quick acceleration and agile CR’S TAKE: You can spend the faulty component at
handling, but its 233-mile range thousands less on an EV with no charge and reimburse
is not great given the price and more range, a nicer interior, owners who already paid to
today’s standards. We dislike and easier-to-use controls. have it replaced. For more
its finicky infotainment system, information, owners can call
Price range: $59,900-$70,100
choppy ride, baffling controls, Destination charge: $1,300
Tesla customer service at
snug interior, poor visibility, and Price as driven: $62,400 877-798-3752.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MATTHEW HOLLISTER MAY 2021 CR.ORG 51

 ROAD
REPORT

What Makes
a Car Really 2 NOISE

Comfortable
Use our new Comfort Score to
find your most relaxing, well-appointed
ride for the money, based on our
exclusive expert testing and evaluations.
by Benjamin Preston

1 RIDE

HEN IT COMES to drive,” says Gabe Shenhar, associate in each category is determined by

W
buying a car, we director of CR’s Auto Test Center. a jury of testers who drive each car
believe consumers “But it takes a lot of time to really in their daily lives for thousands
should find a vehicle appreciate comfort.” of combined miles. Our testers
that’s safe and Comfort for us is also a question also come in all heights and sizes,
performs well. But of safety. We find that a comfortable, ensuring we take into account a
Consumer Reports fatigue-free driver is more relaxed and range of perspectives.
also evaluates likely to pay better attention to driving 1 RIDE Our testers assess how well
aspects of vehicle comfort—ride, than someone who is aching because of a car absorbs road bumps. A lot of
noise, the front and rear seats, driving an unsupportive seat or irritated by a engineering and expense can go into
position, and access. We’ve rolled these stiff ride and road noise. creating forgiving suspen sions that
evaluations into a new Comfort Score What follows are the categories help glide you down the road, but in
that you can use when shopping we individually assess that become some cases you also might sacrifice
PHOTO: KIA

for a car. “A brief test drive will tell part of our Comfort Score —with extra handling, Shen har says. “Sedans
you whether a car is quick or fun to weight given to the first two. Scoring generally ride better than SUVs

52 CR.ORG MAY 2021

5 ACCESS

4 DRI V ING
POSITION

3 F R O N T- A ND
R E A R - S E AT
C O MF O R T

because SUVs need firmer suspen- seat comfort and also take into 5 ACCESS How easy it is to get in and
sions to keep their taller bodies stable account how well the seats provide out of your car can make or break an
and under control,” he says. continuous thigh and lower-back ownership experience. As CR’s testers
2 NOISE Irritating engine, wind, or support on long drives—something spend time with each vehicle, like
road noise can drive even the most that’s more difficult to assess during a an ordinary consumer would—
patient car owner completely batty, traditional test drive. running errands and living their
especially on long trips. CR’s testers 4 DRIVING POSITION With each car, lives—they take note of door width,
used to assess noise by measuring our testers determine the range of doorsill height, footwell access, head
decibel levels inside cars, but we available seat adjustments. We also clearance, and seat height when
switched to a jury evaluation because measure shoulder space, headroom, getting in and out of the vehicle. “If
not all noise is equal: Softer sounds, and legroom, and how easy it is to you drive locally, and get in and out
such as tire hum, can grate on nerves reach vehicle controls. “Sometimes of the car several times a day, it can
more than some louder noises. driving position is about the space be inconvenient if you have to duck
3 FRONT- AND REAR-SEAT COMFORT around you,” Shenhar says. “You down or climb up to access your
Our testers judge front- and rear- don’t want to feel hemmed in.” seat,” Shenhar says.

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 53

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REPORT

5 COMFORT SUPERSTARS

AS PART OF our extensive

autos program, CR determines
each tested model’s ability to
coddle. We believe you and your
passengers have the right to a MIDSIZED SEDAN SMALL SUV
smooth and relatively quiet
SUBARU LEGACY SUBARU FORESTER
experience. To home in on our Under $35,000 Under $35,000
comfort champs in various
THE LEGACY OWES its smooth ride to a THE FORESTER LAVISHES you with
price ranges, our data analysts suspension system that soaks up road comfort from the first time you open its
took the test results for ride, imperfections with the grace of luxury large doors and effortlessly slide into
cars that cost three times as much, its easy-to-access hip-height seats.
noise, seat comfort, and other
keeping passengers unaware of most Once inside, the elevated driving
variables and spun them into a bumps. To its credit, the Legacy uses new position gives you a commanding view of
new, specialized CR Comfort technology to add to its comfort while the road. We found the Forester to be
staying in a lower price range. The optional one of the most comfortable SUVs
Score. Here we highlight five of turbocharged engine, for example, delivers toward the lower end of the price scale,
the highest-scoring models on a a lot of power, and it runs quieter than the with its great elbow room, endless hat
base trim’s nonturbo version. The Legacy’s space, and—on most models—a driver’s
100-point scale in several
quiet cabin is big enough to comfortably seat with adjustable lumbar support.
vehicle types—sedans and two- accommodate a variety of body types. The The optional dual-zone climate control
and three-row SUVs. All of the Premium trim we tested came with two- helps the driver and front passenger dial
way lumbar support seat adjustment, in their preferred temperatures for
vehicles in this feature are which we feel is essential. CR recommends personal comfort. The interior can be
CR recommended. We left out the Limited trim, which has more preconditioned by remote start using
supportive seats than the base model and Subaru’s Starlink app, a nice treat on hot
pricey ultra-luxury cars—many
also has a power front-passenger seat. or cold days, although the feature is
costing in the six-figure range — EyeSight, the standard suite of active subject to a monthly service fee. Drivers
because we expect them to safety features, includes adaptive cruise also have great visibility, among the best
control, which can reduce stress in stop- to be found anywhere, thanks to slim
already be really comfortable. and-go traffic by adjusting speed to roof pillars and large side windows. So
maintain a safe following distance. no neck strain when backing out.

COMFORT OVERALL COMFORT OVERALL

80 SCORE 84 SCORE 80 SCORE 89 SCORE

4 FRONT-SE AT COMFORT 4 DRI V ING POSI T ION 4 FRONT-SE AT COMFORT 5 DRI V ING POSI T ION

4 RE AR -SE AT COMFORT 4 FRONT ACCESS 5 RE AR -SE AT COMFORT 5 FRONT ACCESS

5 RIDE 4 RE AR ACCESS 4 RIDE 5 RE AR ACCESS

4 NOISE 3 NOISE

54 CR.ORG MAY 2021

L ARGE SEDAN MIDSIZED 2-ROW SUV MIDSIZED 3-ROW SUV
CHRYSLER 300 LEXUS RX KIA TELLURIDE
$35,000-$55,000 $35,000-$55,000 $35,000-$55,000

FLYING UNDER MOST people’s radar, THE RX DELIVERS a driving THE WELL-BALANCED TELLURIDE
the Chrysler 300 has remained nearly experience that accentuates comfort, offers a mountain of features for the
unchanged over the last decade. tranquility, and luxury. Its soft money, making it a worthy alternative
That includes Chrysler’s steadfast suspension does a great job absorbing to vehicles costing thousands more.
commitment to plushness, which seems bumps, creating a smooth, relaxed ride. There’s a lot to like about this
to be the main point of this now-classic The silky, nonturbo V6 engine provides acclaimed SUV, and it especially shines
sedan. The 300 exudes a modern, good- lots of power without strain. The in the comfort department. Wide,
handling version of 1970s-style comfort, efficient hybrid version can glide along welcoming seats and a comfortable
offering a smooth ride and lush seats. As silently in electric-only mode, typically ride, combined with a roomy, quiet
part of this attitude, the 300 has a quiet, up to 25 mph. The plush seats are wide cabin and smooth power delivery, allow
luxurious interior, plus a large back seat and supportive, and can be readily the big Kia SUV to punch above its
and a roomy trunk. The driver and front- tailored with the power lumbar support. weight. The front seats come with
passenger seats come with power More expensive trims get height- power adjustments and can
lumbar support adjustment. The best adjustable lumbar support that takes it accommodate a variety of body types.
combination is the smooth V6 and to the next level. The second row is The third-row seats are best suited for
slick-shifting eight-speed automatic roomy, with a flat floor that offers children, but a novel one-button
transmission, which delivers better fuel adequate space for even the center control moves second-row seats out of
economy than the V8 and is available passenger’s legs, and the seatbacks the way to give access. The three-zone
with all-wheel drive. Plus, the 18-inch recline. Big doors allow easy access climate control system, as well as an
wheels provide a smoother ride than the front and rear. The infotainment easy-to-use infotainment touch
20-inch versions. Chrysler’s Uconnect system’s touchpad controller is one of screen, leather upholstery, and heated
infotainment system is extremely user- the few downsides; the best strategy is and cooled front seats on the EX
friendly, adding to the de-stressing to avoid it by using voice command and version, contribute to an all-around
atmosphere inside the cabin. steering wheel controls when possible. tranquil experience.

COMFORT OVERALL COMFORT OVERALL COMFORT OVERALL

82 SCORE 78 SCORE 85 SCORE 80 SCORE 84 SCORE 97 SCORE

5 FRONT-SE AT COMFORT 4 DRI V ING POSI T ION 5 FRONT-SE AT COMFORT 4 DRI V ING POSI T ION 4 FRONT-SE AT COMFORT 4 DRI V ING POSI T ION
5 RE AR -SE AT COMFORT 4 FRONT ACCESS 4 RE AR -SE AT COMFORT 5 FRONT ACCESS 5 RE AR -SE AT COMFORT 5 FRONT ACCESS
4 RIDE 4 RE AR ACCESS 5 RIDE 4 RE AR ACCESS 4 RIDE 5 RE AR ACCESS
5 NOISE 5 NOISE 5 NOISE

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 55

 ROAD
REPORT

A TEST DRIVE doesn’t on longer drives. We like key for helping drivers of ride on a bumpy road. A
last long, but it’s your seats with multiple various sizes find the best stiff suspension can get
first opportunity to make adjustments—two- or position for arm comfort. irritating after a while
sure the car is one you’ll four-way lumbar support, Neither the center con- and lead to driver fatigue.
like and can live with. an adjustable bottom sole nor the door should NOISE Make sure that
Here are a few things to cushion, and adjustable intrude into the driver’s you’re satisfied with
consider as you evaluate bolsters. Rear seats leg space, and the left the level of engine, wind,
overall comfort. should be supportive and footrest should be at a and road noise, and keep
SE AT COMF OR T Make provide adequate head- good angle and distance. in mind that a short
How to Judge sure there’s adequate
lumbar and bolster sup-
room and space for a rear
passenger’s feet to fit
R IDE COMFOR T Make
sure the ride is smooth
10-minute test drive is
different from a long
Comfort on port (which will help stabi-
lize you during cornering)
under the front seat.
DR I V ING POSI T ION A
and comfortable by tak-
ing the car on a potholed
trip or commute. Some
cars make more engine
Just a Short that neither feels tight
nor digs into your back.
good driving position
keeps fatigue to a mini-
road to feel whether the
suspension adequately
noise than others, and
cars with convertible
Test Drive Are the cushions too
soft? They might seem
mum. Look for a car with
a tilt-adjustable, tele-
soaks up road imperfec-
tions. Low-profile tires
tops and specialty tires,
such as knobby off-road
plush at first but may not scoping steering column. may look nice, but they tires, can make more
provide adequate support We believe this feature is can make for a rougher wind and road noise.

EXTRA FEATURES THAT SPOIL YOU

Finding the most comfortable car for you starts with picking the right model,
then equipping it with the features that will pamper you and your passengers.
Based on our experience, these are the features worth considering for your next car.

LUMBAR SUPPORT HEATED AND HEATED AND MEMORY SETTINGS CLIMATE ZONES
CONTROLS COOLED SEATS RECLINING
REAR SEATS Different drivers like
their mirror, seat
A dual-zone system lets
the driver and front
Seats with power- These can make a big
adjustable lumbar difference on truly hot position, and other passenger set their
Luxury items once
support can help the and cold days, activat- settings saved to own temperature,
reserved for front-seat
driver and front ing much quicker than specific configurations. adjusting for personal
passengers are now
passenger adjust to traditional heat and air The memory feature preferences and sun
making their way to
the needs of their lower conditioning. In makes it possible for exposure. In some
the rear seat. Reclining
back. Two-way lumbar extreme cold, heated each driver in a family models, even rear-seat
rear seats can be found
adjusts the cushion in seats can quickly warm to get their preferred passengers get their
in a lot of SUV models,
and out, and four-way up your behind. And a settings at the touch own climate controls.
and heated rear seats
versions add up and heated steering wheel of a button. With all the At minimum, a rear vent
are becoming more
down options. This is a treat that once you different adjustments, is important for airflow.
common, too. (See far
makes long-distance experience it you'll have this can save a lot of We’ve found that these
right for info on rear
driving easier, reducing trouble going without. time. Many models systems can really help
climate zones.)
fatigue. For the In hot weather, cooled can identify the driver to take some stress
ICONS: ELIAS STEIN

ultimate experience, seats can keep your by key fob and out of family travel.
consider massaging legs from sticking to automatically adjust
seats, if available. the seat. the settings.

56 CR.ORG MAY 2021

Ratings   Comfort Champs We highlight the CR-recommended cars and SUVs that do well in
the comfort factors we evaluate, such as ride quality, noise, and seat comfort.

Make + Model Comfort Survey Comfort Factors Overall Active Safety Features
Score Results Score

satisfaction

Rear access

pedestrian
Front-seat

Rear-seat
Predicted
reliability

position

comfort

comfort

highway
access
Driving
Owner

Noise

Front

BSW
AEB,

AEB,
Ride

FCW
SEDANS U NDER $35,000

Subaru Legacy 2.5L 80 3

0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 84 S S S O

Honda Accord 1.5T 77 3

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 84 S S S O

Toyota Camry 2.5L 75 5

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 88 S S S O

Subaru Impreza 2.0L 73 3

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 75 O O O O

Kia K5 1.6T 72 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 73 S S S O

S E D A N S $ 3 5 , 0 0 0 –$ 5 5 , 0 0 0

Chrysler 300 3.6L 82 4

0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 78 O – O O

Lexus ES 3.5L 80 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 82 S S S O

Toyota Avalon 2.5H 80 3

0 5
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 88 S S S S

Dodge Charger 5.7L 79 4

0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 79 O – O O

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2.0T 79 4

0 3
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 83 S S S S

SUVs U NDER $35,000

Subaru Forester 2.5L 80 4

0 4
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 89 S S S O

Honda CR-V 1.5T 77 4

0 3
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 82 S S S O

Subaru Crosstrek 2.0L 73 4

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 84 O O O O

Chevrolet Equinox 1.5T 72 3

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 74 S S – O

Mazda CX-5 2.5L 72 5

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 83 S S S S

2 - R O W S U V s $ 3 5 , 0 0 0 –$ 5 5 , 0 0 0

Lexus RX 3.5L 85 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 80 S S S S

Subaru Outback 2.4T 82 3

0 4
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 86 S S S O

Mercedes-Benz GLC 2.0T 80 3

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 75 S S S S

Audi Q5 2.0T 78 3
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 78 S S O S

Ford Edge 2.0T 78 4

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 83 S S S S

3 - R O W S U V s $ 3 5 , 0 0 0 –$ 5 5 , 0 0 0

Kia Telluride 3.8L 84 5

0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 97 S S S S

Buick Enclave 3.6L 82 3

0 3
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 76 O O O O

Hyundai Palisade 3.8L 82 4

0 4
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 85 S S S O

Honda Pilot 3.5L 81 3

0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 72 S S S O

Toyota Highlander 3.5L 80 4

0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 5
0 84 S S S O

HOW WE TEST: Comfort Score is a compos- factors in road-test results, predicted forward collision warning (FCW), automatic is offered; O means it’s available but not
ite of our comfort-oriented testing results, reliability, owner satisfaction, and active emergency braking (AEB), pedestrian as standard equipment; S means it’s
based on a 100-point scale. Recommended safety features, including crash-test detection, and blind spot warning (BSW). standard on all trims. We dock points from
models got a high Overall Score, which results and availability of features such as A dash (–) means no such safety system vehicles without rollaway protection.

1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 MAY 2021 CR.ORG 57
WORSE BET TER RECOMMENDED
 TRACK RECOMMENDATIONS
FR O M CR ’S TE AM OF
INTELLIGENCE AUTO EXPERTS

First Drive: Ford F-150 Hybrid Pickup

THE POPULAR FORD F-150 pickup has long
been known as the best-selling vehicle
in America. A 2021 redesign that includes
updated interior and exterior styling,
improved ride and handling, and the first-ever
F-150 hybrid option suggests that Ford is
serious about hanging on to that designation.
The new PowerBoost 4WD hybrid
powertrain (starting at $49,995) impressed
us with its mostly smooth transitions
between electric motor and gas engine, and
a combined 430 hp that feels like it has
a nearly bottomless pit of power. (It gets a
24-mpg combined EPA rating, but we’ll report
our own fuel-economy findings when our
testing is complete.) The F-150 turns into
corners with slightly more precision than
before, and the ride is a bit less stiff than in
previous model years.
Below we spotlight five standout
innovations on the 2021 Ford F-150.

TOWING MOBILE COMPUTER ADVANCED TECHNICAL

TECHNOLOGY GENERATOR SHELF DRIVER TAILGATE
The $880 Tow The F-150 hybrid comes Ford not only improved ASSISTANCE Every F-150 now comes
Technology package with dual 120-volt the design and quality SYSTEMS with built-in clamp
comes with several 20-amp outlets in the of the interior over last Unlike its competitors pockets on the tailgate
useful features. Pro bed that allow the truck year’s model but also the Chevrolet Silverado to hold materials in
Trailer Backup Assist to be used as a mobile added some pretty cool 1500 and Ram 1500, place when sawing. Side-
steers the F-150 as generator producing innovations. The one every F-150 comes mounted cleats can
the driver rotates a 2.4 kW. Ford claims that that stands out the most standard with forward be used to secure tie-
dashboard knob to it’s capable of providing to us is the available collision warning and downs to hold extra-long
indicate the direction enough juice to run a Interior Work Surface, automatic emergency items in place when
the trailer should couple of saws and an a $165 option. When braking with pedestrian driving with the tailgate
go while viewing its air compressor for in Park, the traditional detection. (Pedestrian down. (They make handy
backward motion on a 85 hours on a full tank gear selector can be detection addresses bottle openers, too.) An
screen. Trailer Reverse of gas. An optional folded down, allowing the unique risks of large available Tailgate Work
Guidance provides 7.2-kW system, which the center console trucks, which have Surface includes an
multiple camera views includes a 240-volt armrest to unfold to compromised forward integrated 48-inch ruler
of the trailer behind you, outlet, could easily run a create a large, flat work visibility.) The XLT and and niches to prop up
a big help when backing heater and your fridge. surface between the higher trims bring blind a cell phone, hold a cup,
into tricky spots. Smart It might even provide front seats. It makes a spot warning, rear cross and store pencils. Mid-
Trailer Tow Connector enough electricity to run great perch for typing on traffic warning, rear level Lariat and higher
warns if any trailer lights your whole house in the a laptop, doing paperwork, automatic braking, and trims are available with a
aren’t working properly. event of a power outage. or eating lunch. lane keeping assistance. power-operated tailgate.

58 CR.ORG MAY 2021 ILLUSTRATION BY MATTHEW HOLLISTER

 ROAD EXCLUSIVE RATINGS & REVIEWS
BASED ON TESTING AT CR’S
TEST 327-ACRE AU TO TEST CENTER

SMALL SEDANS ROAD-TEST SCORE 76 L U X U RY S M A L L S E D A N S ROAD-TEST SCORE 69

Hyundai HIGHS Fuel economy, secure

handling, braking, controls
Lexus IS HIGHS Acceleration, braking,
fit and finish
Elantra LOWS Engine noise, ride, access
Light Makeover LOWS Controls, tight quarters,

More Mature, but Offers Little driving position, fuel economy,

POWERTRAIN 147-hp, 2.0-liter limited seat adjustments
Still Not a Standout 4-cylinder engine; continuously Improvement
variable transmission; POWERTRAIN 260-hp, 3.5-liter
front-wheel drive V6 engine; 6-speed automatic
transmission; all-wheel drive
75 FUEL 33 mpg on regular 70
FUEL 22 mpg on premium
OVERALL PRICE OVERALL
SCORE SCORE
$19,650-$28,100 base price range PRICE
$23,000 as tested $39,000-$44,900 base price range
$45,345 as tested

THE LATEST ELANTRA is a not harsh, which can make the THIS SMALL UPDATE to the vehicle’s genre. Pick up the
more grown-up version of car feel jiggly. IS300 delivers only modest pace and the IS feels nose-
the model it replaces, with a As with most sedans, the improvement for this luxury heavy, and its steering lacks
new sleek and easy-to-use Elantra sits low to the ground, sports sedan. Once again, the tactile feedback that
infotainment system, a well- so getting in and out can be it’s no match for the Audi A4 makes a well-tuned sports
tuned transmission, and a chore. Once in, the driver and BMW 3 Series in terms sedan a joy on curvy roads.
excellent fuel economy. Even has decent space, though we of driving experience, interior The suspension provides
so, our testers thought the found that the seat cushion room, and fuel economy. a veneer of isolation on
cabin noise and ride quality loses support on longer trips, It’s still very quick and smoother pavement, but it
could be improved. which can cause leg fatigue. powerful, however. Rear- loses composure and becomes
The four-cylinder engine, The uplevel Limited trim wheel-drive versions come jittery on bumpier surfaces.
though boisterous when comes with a power seat that with a 241-hp, turbocharged The well-fi nished cabin is
pushed, gets off the line includes adjustable lumbar four-cylinder engine, and fairly quiet but not hushed like
smoothly and delivers enough support, a feature that can the all-wheel-drive models— you might expect from Lexus.
power to be considered brisk improve lower back comfort. such as our test car—have a The interior is tight—front and
by compact car standards. The optional digital V6 that produces 260 hp. The rear—and the center tunnel
The continuously variable instrument panel is easy to nonturbo V6 and six-speed on AWD versions intrudes into
PHOTOS: JOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS

transmission (CVT) is a real use, as is the new 8-inch automatic pairing might the driver’s right leg space.
champ, doing such a good infotainment touch screen, seem old-school, but the IS The infotainment system
job mimicking traditional which has large, simple-to- has a refreshingly linear, relies on an overly sensitive,
automatic shifts that most decipher icons. It also features meaty power delivery unintuitive touchpad that’s
drivers won’t realize it’s there. standard wireless Android and a smooth, cultivated difficult to use while driving.
It rarely exhibits the common Auto and Apple CarPlay. engine note. It’s one of the But at least the IS now has
CVT trait of disproportionately An impressive roster of quickest cars in the class a touch screen, so you can
high engine revs. active safety and driver but also one of the thirstiest, bypass the pad for many tasks.
At 33 mpg overall, the assistance features comes at 22 mpg overall. FCW, AEB with pedestrian
Elantra’s fuel economy standard, including FCW, AEB Handling is responsive but and daytime bicycle detection,
is among the best in the class. with pedestrian detection, not all that sporty, which is BSW, and RCTW all come
Its ride is quite firm though BSW, and RCTW. surprising considering this standard on the IS.

Safety Term Glossary: AEB automatic emergency braking; BSW blind spot warning; FCW forward collision warning; MAY 2021 CR.ORG 59
LDW lane departure warning; LKA lane keeping assistance; RCTW rear cross traffic warning.
 ROAD
REPORT

M I D S I Z E D S U Vs ROAD-TEST SCORE 83 M I N I VA N S ROAD-TEST SCORE 80

Kia HIGHS Controls, acceleration for the

turbo four-cylinder
Toyota HIGHS Fuel economy, ride, interior
room and versatility, controls
Sorento LOWS Ride, turbo engine’s
Sienna LOWS Long stopping distances,
dual-clutch transmission engine noise
Higher Tech, but Sensible SUV
Less Refinement POWERTRAIN 281-hp, 2.5-liter Alternative POWERTRAIN 245-hp, 2.5-liter
turbocharged 4-cylinder engine; 4-cylinder hybrid engine;
8-speed dual-clutch automatic continuously variable transmission;
transmission; all-wheel drive front-wheel drive
77 77
FUEL 25 mpg on regular FUEL 36 mpg on regular
OVERALL OVERALL
SCORE SCORE
PRICE PRICE
$29,390-$42,590 base price range $34,460-$50,460 base price range
$38,725 as tested $43,570 as tested

THE REDESIGNED SORENTO and jumpy, with bumps THE ALL-NEW SIENNA in some hybrids, and the
has more tech than before, but transmitted into the cabin minivan is one of the most brake pedal had a grabby feel
it’s not as well-rounded as the over rough pavement. The sensible vehicles on the when we first drove the Sienna.
previous generation. Though suspension does a good job market. It seats up to eight Toyota issued a technical
quicker and more fuel-efficient, controlling body roll through passengers, rides comfortably, service bulletin to address this
it has regressed in terms corners, but the steering is and is available with all-wheel last problem, and the pedal
of ride comfort and overall light and rather dull. drive. It’s also extremely feel in our Sienna markedly
refi nement compared with The new Sorento is also efficient, but the driving improved after a service visit.
the outgoing model. As such, available as a front-wheel- experience is unlikely to raise Wide front seats with plenty
it remains stuck in the drive hybrid. We rented one anyone’s pulse. of adjustments should fit most
middle of the pack of midsized from Kia and found it enjoy- Exclusively sold as a hybrid, body types, and the raised
three-row SUVs that have able, aside from an initial the Sienna’s fuel economy center console leaves ample
approachable prices. acceleration lag when starting at 36 mpg overall easily bests space for the driver’s knee.
The Sorento’s standard from a stop. all other minivans. It can The optional second-row
191-hp, four-cylinder engine All versions of the Sorento glide on electric power at very captain’s chairs provide
is neither energetic nor have wide and supportive front low speeds. But when quick flexibility between passenger
quiet. But our nearly $39,000 seats, suiting many body types. acceleration is needed, the comfort and cargo capacity;
midlevel EX trim has a EX and higher trims get comfy gas engine gets loud and lacks they tilt and slide forward
turbocharged four-cylinder second-row captain’s chairs, the effortless power of V6s in accordion fashion. The
with lots of oomph. With that but this feature essentially found in rival minivans. easy-to-use infotainment
engine, our SUV returned an makes the Sorento a four-seat The suspension delivers a touch screen comes standard
impressive 25 mpg overall. SUV because the third-row comfortable ride, shrugging off with Android Auto and
The EX comes mated to a dual- is too cramped for adults. bumps and broken pavement. Apple CarPlay. Other family-
clutch automatic transmission Standard active safety Handling is relatively respon- friendly touches include seven
that transmits vibrations features include FCW and sive and secure, but it suffers USB ports and second-row
when creeping along in stop- AEB with pedestrian from light steering and sunshades on our XLE trim.
and-go traffic, but it shifts detection. BSW and RCTW noticeable body roll. Stopping FCW, AEB with pedestrian
smoothly and quickly at speed. come standard on all but distances were long, an detection, BSW, and RCTW
The Sorento’s ride is stiff the base LX trim. unsettling trait we’ve noticed come standard.

60 CR.ORG MAY 2021 Safety Term Glossary: AEB automatic emergency braking; BSW blind spot warning; FCW forward collision warning;
LDW lane departure warning; LKA lane keeping assistance; RCTW rear cross traffic warning.
Ratings   Variety Pack A compact car, an updated sports sedan, an SUV that offers
improvements and drawbacks, and one of the most sensible vehicles on the market.

Make + Model Overall Survey Road-Test Results Active Safety

Score Results Features

Avoidance-maneuver

Cargo volume, cu. ft.

Suitcases + duffels/
Predicted reliability

Owner satisfaction

Routine handling
Road-test score

AEB, pedestrian
0-60 mph, sec.
Seat comfort,

AEB, highway
60-0 mph, ft.
Acceleration
Overall mpg

Dry braking
speed, mph
front/rear

Fit + finish
Usability

Noise

BSW
Ride

FCW
SEDANS UNDER $25,000

!
0 Nissan Sentra 2.0L L 77 3
0 3
0 81 32 3
0/4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 55.5 8.5 129 3+2 S S S S

!
0 Toyota Corolla 1.8L 77 5
0 4
0 68 33 3
0/3
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 53.0 10.4 134 3+1 S S S O

!
0 Subaru Impreza 2.0L L 75 3
0 3
0 85 30 3
0/4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 56.0 9.5 124 2+2 O O O O

!
0 Mazda3 2.5L 75 4
0 4
0 75 30 4
0/3
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 54.0 7.7 125 3+1 S S S O

!
0 Hyundai Elantra 2.0L L 75 3
0 3
0 76 33 3
0/3
0 5
0 3
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 55.5 7.9 128 2+3 S S S S

!
0 Honda Civic 1.5T L 74 3
0 4
0 75 31 3
0/3
0 3
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 54.5 7.1 129 3+1 S S S –

Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T L 50 1

0 3
0 78 34 4
0/4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 52.0 9.0 135 3+2 O – O O

S E D A N S $ 3 5 , 0 0 0 -$ 4 5 , 0 0 0

!
0 Audi A4 2.0T 87 5
0 3
0 88 27 5
0/3
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 53.5 6.3 135 2+2 S S O O

!
0 BMW 330i 2.0T 83 4
0 3
0 86 29 5
0/3
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 5
0 54.0 6.4 129 2+2 S S O O

!
0 Mercedes-Benz C300 2.0T 83 4
0 3
0 85 26 5
0/3
0 2
0 4
0 5
0 5
0 4
0 55.5 6.8 136 2+1 S S S S

!
0 Lexus IS300 3.5L 70 3
0 3
0 69 22 4
0/2
0 3
0 4
0 3
0 5
0 4
0 55.0 6.1 129 1+3 S S S S

Cadillac CT4 2.0T 65 2

0 4
0 78 25 5
0/2
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 55.0 7.4 129 2+1 S S O O

Acura TLX 2.0T 56 2

0 3
0 67 23 4
0/3
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 54.0 6.5 136 2+2 S S S O

3 - R O W S U V s $ 3 5 , 0 0 0 -$ 4 5 , 0 0 0

!
0 Kia Telluride 3.8L 97 5
0 5
0 97 21 4
0/5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 53.5 7.2 127 47.5 S S S S

!
0 Hyundai Palisade 3.8L 85 4
0 4
0 88 21 4
0/5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 52.5 7.1 132 47.5 S S S O

!
0 Toyota Highlander 3.5L 84 4
0 4
0 86 22 4
0/5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 50.0 7.3 132 41.0 S S S O

!
0 Mazda CX-9 2.5T 80 4
0 4
0 79 22 4
0/5
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 50.0 7.9 139 34.0 S S S S

!
0 Kia Sorento 2.5T 77 3
0 4
0 83 25 4
0/4
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 52.5 6.5 133 39.5 S S S O

!
0 Honda Pilot 3.5L 72 3
0 3
0 80 20 4
0/5
0 3
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 49.5 7.5 136 48.0 S S S O

Subaru Ascent 2.4T 60 1

0 4
0 93 22 4
0/5
0 5
0 4
0 5
0 4
0 3
0 52.0 8.0 129 40.5 S S S O

MINIVANS

!
0 Toyota Sienna 2.5H L 77 3
0 4
0 80 36 4
0/5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 3
0 50.0 8.2 148 48.0 S S S S

Honda Odyssey 3.5L 68 2

0 3
0 85 22 4
0/5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 50.0 8.1 136 71.5 S S S O

Chrysler Pacifica 3.6L 68 2

0 4
0 85 21 4
0/4
0 5
0 4
0 4
0 4
0 3
0 51.0 8.0 136 66.0 S S S S

Digital and All Access members can find the latest, complete ratings at CR.org/cars. When you’re ready to buy, configure the
vehicle and find the best price in your area by clicking the green “View Pricing Information” button on the model’s dedicated page.

HOW WE TEST: Recommended models advanced safety, which includes emergency braking, pedestrian detection, S means that the feature is standard on
did well in our Overall Score, which crash-test results and the availability and blind spot warning. – means no such all trims. We deduct points if a model’s
factors in road-test results, predicted of crash-prevention features, such as safety system is offered; O means that gear selector lacks fail-safes to prevent
reliability, owner satisfaction, and forward collision warning, automatic it’s optional on at least some trim levels; the vehicle from rolling away.

1
0 2
0 3
0 4
0 5
0 !
0 L MAY 2021 CR.ORG 61
WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED GREEN CHOICE
Index THIS INDEX LISTS ALL THE ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN THE MAGAZINE OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS
(INCLUDING THIS ISSUE). FOR INDEXES COVERING THE PAST FIVE YEARS, GO TO CR.ORG/5YEARINDEX.

Used cars . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . Apr 21, 82 Food

A under $10,000.. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . . Nov 20, 62 coronavirus safety . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. ... ... .. Jul 20, 19
extending shelf life .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... . Mar 21, 14
R–S
Air fryers. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. Oct 20, 44 Refrigerators
ratings . . .. . .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . Oct 20, 54 labeling . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... .. .. Oct 20, 7
features.. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... Sep 20, 46
Air purifiers
effective for coronavirus. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . Jul 20, 16
B–D pesticide in . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. .. ... .. . Oct 20, 24
produce health risks .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. ... ... Oct 20, 28
upcycling . ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ..... May 21, 17
Repainting home interiors.. ... .. ... ... ... .. ... Sep 20, 18
Air travel Baby food safety .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. .. . May 21, 7 plastic in .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... .. Jun 20, 26
Rice cookers . ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ...... Jan 21, 17
COVID-19 safety . .. .. . .. .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . Jan 21, 7 cereal . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . ... Nov 20, 7 “Forever chemicals”
Robocalls .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ...... Jul 20, 9
refunds .. . .. . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. ... . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . Jul 20, 9 Beard trimmers . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . Mar 21, 20 in food packaging . . . .. . .. . . .. . . . Nov 20, 7; Mar 21, 7
Router ratings.. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .. May 21, 23
Appliances ratings . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . Mar 21, 23 in water . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . . Nov 20, 26; May 21, 34
Saving money .. .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Dec 20, 32
for backyard BBQ . .. .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . Jul 20, 17 Bedroom setups for better sleep . . .. . .. . . Mar 21, 24 Frozen meals .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... Aug 20, 28
Sheet ratings ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ..... Mar 21, 33
buying online. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . Dec 20, 40 Bidets . . . . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. Aug 20, 24 ratings .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... . Aug 20, 34
Skin cancer . ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .... Jul 20, 32
countertop.. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . Oct 20, 44 ratings . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . Aug 20, 27 Fruit juice labeling . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... May 21, 18
Sleep ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. Mar 21, 24
ratings .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . Oct 20, 52 Bike helmets . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . Jun 20, 14; Jan 21, 7 Furniture shopping . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. .. .. ... .. Feb 21, 34
mattress ratings. ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... Mar 21, 31
reliability ratings. .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . Aug 20, 42 Blenders.. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. Oct 20, 44 store ratings . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... . Feb 21, 40
pillow ratings ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... Mar 21, 33
retailer ratings .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . Dec 20, 45 ratings . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . Oct 20, 53 Garbage disposals . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... Aug 20, 20
sheet ratings .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... Mar 21, 33
timeline . . .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. ... . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . Jan 21, 14 Blood pressure monitors . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . Oct 20, 16 ratings .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... . Aug 20, 23
timeline ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Mar 21, 14
Arsenic in tap water . .. .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . May 21, 34 Boom boxes .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . ... . Feb 21, 16 Generators
Slow cookers.. .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .. Oct 20, 44
Bread makers . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. Sep 20, 14 home standby .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. Sep 20, 16
ratings .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .... Oct 20, 52
Cable TV money-saving tips . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . Jun 20, 42 ratings .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... .. Sep 20, 16
AUTOMOBILE RATINGS Genetic testing . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. ... ... . Mar 21, 34
Smart home products . ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... Jan 21, 24
Acura TLX .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. ... . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . Mar 21, 60 Cameras, instant print . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. .. . Jul 20, 15 privacy and security .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ..... Jan 21, 27
Carpet cleaner ratings . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . May 21, 33 Gifts for $50 and under . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. ... ... .. Dec 20, 13
Audi Q7 . .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . Oct 20, 63 ratings .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ...... Jan 21, 31
Cauliflower pizza crusts . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . Jul 20, 21 Glasses
BMW 228i Gran Coupe . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. Nov 20, 63 Smart speaker privacy ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Oct 20, 16
Cell phones lens coatings .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. ... ... Sep 20, 28
Buick Encore GX . .. .. .. . .. ... . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . Sep 20, 64 Smartphones
ratings . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . Sep 20, 45 Grills.. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. .. ... .. .. Jul 20, 38
Cadillac CT4 .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . Nov 20, 63 car integration ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Feb 21, 15
service providers .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . Sep 20, 38 ratings .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... .. .. Jul 20, 41
Cadillac CT5 .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . Oct 20, 63 money-saving tips. .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... Jun 20, 44
Chevrolet Silverado . .. .. ... . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. Jul 20, 64 ratings . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . Sep 20, 44 ratings .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... Sep 20, 45
Cleaning products timeline . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . May 21, 14
Chevrolet Suburban .. .. ... . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . Feb 21, 60
Chevrolet Tahoe .. .. .. .. . .. ... . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . Jan 21, 59 Cleaning tips
around the house . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . May 21, 24
H–I service providers ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .. Sep 20, 38
ratings .. ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... Sep 20, 44
Smartwatches.. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ..... Jan 21, 13
Chevrolet Trailblazer .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . Nov 20, 64 Hair coloring kits . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . ... ... . Nov 20, 16
Honda CR-V Hybrid . .. .. .. . .. . Jul 20, 64; Dec 20, 60 car interiors. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . Sep 20, 63 Smoothies.. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ..... Aug 20, 17
Healthcare
Hyundai Elantra . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . Mar 21, 60; May 21, 59 mattresses. .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . Oct 20, 14 Snow blowers .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .... Jan 21, 20
costs . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... Jun 20, 36
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . Dec 20, 59 robotic vacuums . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . May 21, 16 Soda makers .. .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... May 21, 13
race adjustments .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... .. Dec 20, 46
Kia K5 .. .. . .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. ... . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . Jan 21, 59 using vinegar . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . Sep 20, 15 Space heaters .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .... Feb 21, 13
Helmets, bike . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. ... ... .. Jun 20, 14
Kia Seltos .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . Aug 20, 64 Coffee, cold-brew . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . Aug 20, 13 Steam mop ratings ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... . May 21, 33
Holiday season timeline . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... . Dec 20, 16
Kia Sorento .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . May 21, 60 Coffee makers, quick-brewing . .. . . .. . .. . . . Nov 20, 18 Strawberry products .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... Aug 20, 14
Home innovations timeline . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. Jan 21, 14
Land Rover Defender .. . .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. Feb 21, 60 Competition in the marketplace . .. . .. . . .. . . May 21, 7 Stress relief during COVID-19.. ... ... ... .. .. Aug 20, 44
Housecleaning . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. .. ... .. May 21, 24
Lexus IS.. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . May 21, 59 Computer keyboards String trimmers . ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .... Jun 20, 21
Humidifiers .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. . Jan 21, 16
Mazda CX-30. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . Jun 20, 60 & mice, ergonomic. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. Sep 20, 20 ratings .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .... Jun 20, 24
Inclined infant sleepers . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. ... ... .. Sep 20, 7
Mercedes-Benz GLA . .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . Jan 21, 60 ratings . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . Sep 20, 24 Student loans .. .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ..... Dec 20, 7
Insect repellents . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. ... ... .. Jul 20, 23
Mercedes-Benz GLB.. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . Aug 20, 64 Consumer Protections . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . Dec 20, 7 Sunscreens .. ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... Jul 20, 26
ratings .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... .. . Jul 20, 25
Nissan Sentra. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. Oct 20, 64 COVID-19. .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. Jun 20, 7, 18 ratings .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ..... Jul 20, 35
Instant Pot add-ons. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. Mar 21, 16
Porsche Taycan.. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . Dec 20, 59 and diabetes. . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . Jan 21, 34 Super Bowl, how to watch... .. ... ... ... .. ...... Feb 21, 18
Instant print cameras. .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. Jul 20, 15
Ram 1500 Turbodiesel... . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . Dec 20, 60 free testing. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. .. Nov 20, 7 Supplements
Insurance
Tesla Model Y . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. ... . . .. Sep 20, 64; Jan 21, 60 healthy eating . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . Feb 21, 42 dangerous . ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Mar 21, 40
drugs, dropped coverage . . .. . .. . . .. ... ... Aug 20, 48
Toyota Highlander . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. Jun 20, 60 housecleaning tips .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . May 21, 24 FDA oversight . ... ... .. ... ... . Sep 20, 30; Mar 21, 40
health . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... .. Jun 20, 36
Hybrid. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. Oct 20, 64 liability immunity . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. .. . . Oct 20, 7 schemes. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ..... Oct 20, 34
Toyota RAV4 Prime. . .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . Feb 21, 59 safe air travel . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. Jan 21, 7
safe holiday gatherings . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . . Dec 20, 26
Toyota Sienna. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . May 21, 60
Toyota Venza . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. ... . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . Feb 21, 59 scams . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . Oct 20, 39
stress relief . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. Aug 20, 44
L–P T–Z
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.. . . .. . . . .. . . Nov 20, 64 Laptops
supplement schemes . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . Oct 20, 34 Tea drinks
bargain. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... . Nov 20, 13
AUTOMOBILES & AUTO EQUIPMENT travel tips . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . Nov 20, 50 labeling ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .... Sep 20, 17
M1 MacBooks . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. Mar 21, 15
vaccine. .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . Mar 21, 18 timeline ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Sep 20, 14
Best & worst lists .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . Apr 21, 16 Laundry detergent ratings . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. ... .. May 21, 33
voting safely . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. Nov 20, 18 Tech company oversight ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ........ Feb 21, 7
Brand Report Card. .. .. .. . .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. Apr 21, 20 Lawn care
winter safety . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . Jan 21, 14 Telemedicine . .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... Aug 20, 17
Buying from home .. .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . Aug 20, 56 pesticide dangers & alternatives .. .. May 21, 44
CR Recommended program.. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. Jul 20, 6 Tianeptine ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Mar 21, 40
Car care during coronavirus . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . Jul 20, 63 rehabilitating .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... .. May 21, 48
Credit card strategies . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. .. Jul 20, 54 Toaster ovens .. .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Oct 20, 44
Comfort.. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. May 21, 52 tools, battery-powered.. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... Aug 20, 16
Credit scores . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. Mar 21, 46 ratings .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .... Oct 20, 52
ratings . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . May 21, 57 Lead in tap water . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . ... ... . May 21, 34
Data privacy. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . ... . Feb 21, 7 reliability ratings.. .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .. Oct 20, 15
Coming in 2021 .. .. .. .. .. .. . ... . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . Apr 21, 22 Mac & cheese . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . .. ... .. . Dec 20, 16
health . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . Sep 20, 7 Toiletries timeline .. ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... Oct 20, 14
Data collection and sharing . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . Jun 20, 54 Mask tips .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . Nov 20, 15; May 21, 16
Zoom . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . ... . . Jul 20, 9 Tools timeline.. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... Aug 20, 14
Destination fees . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . Apr 21, 28 Mattress ratings . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . ... ... .. . Mar 21, 31
Debt collection.. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . Aug 20, 7; Feb 21, 7 Toothbrushes, electric... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Oct 20, 18
Driver assistance systems . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . Feb 21, 52 Meal prep timeline.. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. . Feb 21, 14
Diabetes and COVID-19 .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . Jan 21, 34
ratings . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. Feb 21, 57 Medical alert systems . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . ... ... .. Feb 21, 20 ratings .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... .... Oct 20, 22
Digital divide .. . . .. . .. Aug 20, 7; Mar 21, 7; May 21, 7
risks .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . Jun 20, 7 ratings .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... .. Feb 21, 22 Tortillas .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... May 21, 15
DIY home projects .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . . Aug 20, 36
Electric vehicles. .. .. .. . .. .. ... . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . Apr 21, 24 Medical billing Travel mugs ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... Mar 21, 13
Drinking water safety. .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. May 21, 34
overall costs . .. .. .. .. .. .. . ... . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . Jan 21, 7 surprise bills .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. ... ... .. . Mar 21, 7 Treadmill workouts . .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... Mar 21, 17
contaminants .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . May 21, 39
Ford Bronco preview . .. .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. Oct 20, 62 Medical debt . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. .. ... .. Nov 20, 42 TV streaming .. .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ..... Jun 20, 52
filters . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. May 21, 42
Fuel-efficiency ratings. ... . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . Nov 20, 61 Medical race adjustments . . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... Dec 20, 46 TVs. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... . Dec 20, 20
Drugs, dropped by insurance . .. . . .. . .. . . .. Aug 20, 48
Gas-saving technologies . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . Nov 20, 56 Minestrone . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. .. ... .. .. Feb 21, 17 ratings .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... Dec 20, 23
Green Choice cars .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . Apr 21, 32 Misinformation online .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. ... ... . Nov 20, 19 Vacuums .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... Nov 20, 34
Home EV chargers . .. .. . .. .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . Dec 20, 58 Money-saving tips . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . ... ... . Dec 20, 32 maintenance tips ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .. Nov 20, 39
Infotainment systems . .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . Sep 20, 56
built-in vs. smartphone. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . Sep 20, 59
E–G Mosquito-borne diseases . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. Jul 20, 19
Multi-cookers. . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. .. ... .. Oct 20, 44
ratings .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... Nov 20, 40; May 21, 32
robotic, cleaning tips ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... May 21, 16
troubleshooting. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . Sep 20, 62 Earbuds ratings .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... .. Oct 20, 53 Voting safely . ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Nov 20, 18
Luxury cars . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. ... . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. Jul 20, 58 Apple AirPods vs. Oatmeal cups. . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . .. ... .. ... Jan 21, 14 Waffle maker ratings .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. .... Oct 20, 54
timeline .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . Jul 20, 16 Samsung Galaxy Buds . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. .. Jun 20, 17 Online safety guide . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... Feb 21, 24 Water
New car reviews, 2021 .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . Apr 21, 48 true wireless. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . Aug 20, 15 .Org domains .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. Aug 20, 7 bottled, tested ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... Nov 20, 30
Owner satisfaction . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . Mar 21, 52 E-bikes . . . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . Jun 20, 13; May 21, 14 Password managers . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. Jul 20, 22 “forever chemicals” in .. ... .. ... ... ... .. .... Nov 20, 26
brand ratings .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. Mar 21, 57 E-books, free. .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . ... Jul 20, 21 Pesticide in produce. .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . ... ... .. Oct 20, 24 home tap, safety . ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .. May 21, 34
Ratings, 2021.. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . Apr 21, 38 Electric toothbrushes.. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . Oct 20, 18 health risks . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. .. ... .. . Oct 20, 28 contaminants . ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... May 21, 39
Reliability .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . . Jan 21, 50; Apr 21, 86 ratings . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . Oct 20, 22 Pet supply shopping filters.. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... May 21, 42
ratings . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . Jan 21, 56; Apr 21, 88 Ergonomic keyboards & mice.. . .. . . .. . . .. . Sep 20, 20 Amazon vs. Chewy .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... ... . Dec 20, 17 WiFi
Repair, certified shops . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . Jan 21, 16 ratings . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . Sep 20, 24 Photographing Black skin tones . .. ... ... .. Jan 21, 44 extenders . ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ..... Feb 21, 14
Safety systems Eyeglasses Pillow ratings. . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. .. ... .. . Mar 21, 33 mesh routers ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... . May 21, 20
back seat . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. Oct 20, 56 lens coatings . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . Sep 20, 28 Pizza crusts, cauliflower. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. ... ... .. Jul 20, 21 ratings .. ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .... May 21, 23
as standard equipment .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . Oct 20, 7 Financial tips during coronavirus . . .. . . .. Jul 20, 43 Plastic Wireless chargers . ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... Oct 20, 13
Smartphone integration . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . Feb 21, 15 cash flow . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . Jul 20, 48 in food . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... .. Jun 20, 26 Work-from-home setups . ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ...... Jul 20, 18
Tires . .. .. . .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. ... . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . Dec 20, 52 credit cards . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. . Jul 20, 54 recycling.. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . ... ... .. . Jun 20, 31 Yogurt . ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... . Nov 20, 21
inflators .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. Aug 20, 63 credit scores . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . Mar 21, 46 timeline . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. ... .. . Jun 20, 32 ratings .. ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... Nov 20, 24
ratings . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . Dec 20, 54 mortgages . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . ... . . Jul 20, 51 Projectors . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . ... ... .. Sep 20, 13 timeline ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... .. Nov 20, 14
Top Picks for 2021 .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. Apr 21, 10 retirement savings . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . Jul 20, 45 Pumpkin nutrition . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . .. ... .. Nov 20, 14 Zoom privacy .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ...... Jul 20, 9

62 CR.ORG MAY 2021

Selling It

Clean Up Your Act, Please

These products and pitches are kind of a mess

This Deal Sucks Don’t Spread

“Free” just doesn’t mean what it used to. This on Toast
Submitted by Steve Hilkemeyer, seen in Collinsville, IL Ignore the label:
This recalled
hand sanitizer
definitely
isn’t edible.
Submitted by
Amy Ho, CO

What’s
That Smell?
Sometimes the
“New & Improved
Scent!” is
actually the
same old one.
Submitted by
S. Neil Owen,
Yellville, AR

When a Bird Bath Just Isn’t Enough

Here’s a product that will never fly.
Submitted by Dale Gleason, Chillicothe, OH

Be on the lookout for goofs and glitches like these. Share them with us—by email at SellingIt@cro.consumer.org
or by mail to Selling It, Consumer Reports, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703—and we might publish yours.
Please include key information, such as the publication’s name and date.
SHARE

MAY 2021 CR.ORG 63

 The Truth About What’s Good for You

HOW COVID-19 CAN HURT YOUR HEART

The key steps to staying healthy Page 4

Sneezing? 4 Moves to
Best Ways to Help You
Ease Spring Build Muscle
Allergies. Page 7
Page 12

The Surprising
Benefits of
Is Intermittent Potatoes Page 6
Fasting Good
for You? Page 8
Coronavirus
Vaccine News
What you must
know about these
shots Page 10

PLUS • Plastic in Your Food Page 2 • Get Drug-Free Relief From Heartburn Page 3 • Takeout Meals Made Healthy Page 11
 Consumer Reports in Action

The Problem With Plastic

President and CEO Marta L. Tellado
Editorial Director, Print Ellen Kunes
We’re all ingesting it unknowingly. What to know.
Deputy Editor, Print Diane Umansky
Content Development Team Leader, Health & Food
Lauren F. Friedman
Deputy Content Editor Trisha Calvo Plastic is ubiquitous in the prod- approach. Some are concerned that
Senior Multimedia Content Creator, Health Kevin Loria
Associate Editor Catherine Roberts
ucts we use, and because it tends to ingesting plastic may, for instance,
Contributing Writers Jennifer Cook, Sari Harrar, Hallie Levine, degenerate slowly, it contributes to create a systemic inf lam matory
Lisa Lombardi, Michele Stanten
Director, Food Policy Brian Ronholm
the planet’s litter problem. But reli- response or release harmful chemi-
Copy Editing Leslie Monthan, Copy Chief; able research also shows that tiny cals into our bodies.
Noreen Browne, Alison France, Wendy Greenfield
Fact Checking & Research David Schipper, Associate
bits of plastic are in our food, drink- To reduce the plastic you may be
Director; Tracy Anderman, Sarah Goralski, Christine ing water, and air—and in our bodies. taking in, experts advise that you:
Gordon, Karen Jacob, Jamison Pfeifer
Design Director Matthew Lenning
Over time, plastic can break down Drink tap water instead of bottled,
Associate Design Director Sheri Geller into small particles—microplastics or unless your tap water is contami-
Art Director Tammy Morton Fernandez
Photo Editor Emilie Harjes
tinier nanoplastics—that nated with substances
Photographers John Powers, John Walsh we can ingest. Actions such as lead. A water fil-
Imaging Specialists Frank Collado, Mark Linder
Production Manager Eric Norlander
such as cracking open ter may further reduce
Production Associates Letitia Hughes, Terri Kazin a new plastic bottle and microplastic levels.
Consumer Reports On Health is published by Consumer Reports, tearing a wrapper off a Buy and store food in
a nonprofit, independent organization providing information and
advice on goods, services, health, and personal finance. CR’s income
sandwich also release glass, silicone, or foil,
comes from the sale of its publications and from services, fees, and plastic fragments. Some not plastic.
noncommercial contributions and grants. No CR publication accepts
outside advertising or is beholden to any commercial interest. researchers think the Eat fresh food—instead
Violations of CR’s No Commercial Use Policy Our ratings and average person con- of processed food that’s
reports may not be used in advertising. No other commercial use,
including any use on the internet, is permitted without our express sumes up to 5 grams a wrapped in plastic—as
written permission.
Consumer Reports On Health (ISSN 1058-0832) is published monthly
week—the equivalent of a credit card. much as possible.
by Consumer Reports, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703. Periodicals Manufacturers and some regu- Vacuum regularly. House dust may
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This Month’s Experts

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our affiliate, the Consumers Union Action Fund, Inc. (CUAF), which
engages in advocacy to improve the marketplace for consumers. Loneke Blackman Carr, Andrew W. McHill, PhD, Dorothy Sears, PhD,
Privacy Policy You can review our complete privacy policy regarding PhD, assistant professor research assistant professor, professor of nutrition,
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assistant professor of Miriam C. Morey, PhD, Ruwanthi Titano, MD,
PLEASE REMEMBER CONSUMER REPORTS IN biostatistics, University of co-director, Older Americans cardiologist, Mount Sinai
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 Health Wire
Quick Tips for Living Well

Relief
From
Reflux
Five habits
cut heartburn
symptoms by
Birdsong’s Healing Powers
37 percent in The sounds of birds, whether real or recorded,
a study that may be good for your mood, according to a
tracked 42,955 survey of 665 hikers in Colorado. Researchers
women for played the sounds of goldfinches, wrens,
Risks of Ultraprocessed Food 12 years. They nuthatches, robins, and other birds over
Can foods like bacon, sausage, cold cuts, and maintained a hidden speakers along hiking trails during
commercially made baked goods hurt your the late summer, when mating season is over
healthy weight;
health? A diet packed with such ultraprocessed and real birds are typically less vocal. The
never smoked;
food was associated with a 58 percent higher scientists, from California Polytechnic State
did at least University, found that hikers who heard
risk for fatal heart disease and strokes over
30 minutes of 7 to 10 minutes of recorded and real birdsongs
eight years in a study of 22,475 adults. Among
the negatives: Processed foods may boost daily moder- reported experiencing a little lift in their
weight gain and replace nutrient-rich items like ate to vigorous sense of well-being compared with those who
produce, whole grains, and lean protein. activity; had no didn’t hear the recorded tweets and twitters.
Source: Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Dec. 16, 2020.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dec. 18, 2020. more than two
cups of coffee,
tea, or soda
Ease Cancer Therapy Problems a day; and ate
Sixty-nine organiza- life for 60 percent of
tions worldwide recom- people during and after a diet rich in
mend cancer rehab— cancer treatment. But fruits, veggies,
physical, occupational, a recent review found
and other therapies— that only 2 to 9 percent
whole grains,
for problems like of people get this re- beans, fish,
pain, swelling, fatigue, hab, perhaps because and poultry.
and mental fog that oncologists are un-
Source: JAMA Internal
interfere with everyday aware of the benefits.
Medicine, Jan. 4, 2021.
Source: CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Oct. 27, 2020.

Skip High-Dose Vitamin D Check Face Masks Before MRI

Research suggests that vitamin D may If you’re getting a burns during the scan,
boost strength and balance. But a magnetic resonance according to the Food
imaging (MRI) scan, and Drug Administra-
study involving older adults found that ask the technician to tion. Metal pieces can
PHOTOS: GET T Y IMAGES (4)

supplements of 1,000 IU a day or more check your face mask include nose clips, wires,
showed no benefit over 200 IU, and for metal first, or use and staples, as well as
even hiked the risk of serious falls. The a mask provided by the ultrafine particles in the
facility. Masks that material and metals
researchers say the safe daily upper contain metal may heat like silver or copper in
limit (4,000 IU) should get a second look. up and cause face antimicrobial masks.
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, Dec. 7, 2020. Source: Food and Drug Administration, Dec. 7, 2020.

C R .O RG/ H E A LTH
Self-Care Strategies

acute heart failure—where the heart is

suddenly unable to pump sufficient blood
How to Protect to meet the body’s needs—have almost
double the risk of dying if they contract
Your Heart Now COVID-19, according to a January 2021
study in ESC Heart Failure, a journal of
COVID-19 is the European Society of Cardiology.
Our understanding of the link between
especially risky COVID-19 and the heart is still evolving.
for those with But experts say it’s particularly impor-
cardiac issues. tant right now to be mindful of your heart
health. There’s much you can do.
Here, what
can help you HOW COVID-19 HURTS THE HEART
stay safe. Due to its effects on the respiratory
system, COVID-19 puts pressure on the
heart, forcing it to work harder to pump
blood throughout the body, says Mitchell
Elkind, MD, a professor of neurology and
epidemiology at Columbia University.
The virus may attack and weaken your
heart muscle, too, and a study published
last year in the journal JAMA Cardiology
found this can occur even in normally
healthy people with a mild case of COVID-
19. When researchers performed cardiac
MRIs on 100 people who’d recently re-
covered from the virus, they found that
76 percent had elevated troponin—a pro-
tein that indicates heart damage. Sixty

O
lder adults with heart disease face are too fast, too slow, or irregular—too. percent also had heart inflammation, or
a double health whammy during “Patients with existing heart issues may myocarditis, which can cause chest pain,
the pandemic: Both their age and have structural changes to the heart or breathing problems, heart rhythm issues,
heart problems put them at higher risk for underlying electrical abnormalities that and extremity swelling.
COVID-19 and its severe complications, leave them more prone to arrhythmias Some good news: “We suspect that
such as the life-threatening lung injury during a severe infection, such as COVID- for most people, this will be temporary
called acute respiratory distress syn- 19,” says Ruwanthi Titano, MD, a cardi- and resolve on its own over time as the
drome, blood clots, and kidney damage. ologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New body’s immune response subsides,” says
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) isn’t York City. If you’re very ill with COVID-19, de Lemos. Whether this is likely for those
the only illness that hikes such risks, you’re more likely to develop blood clots with preexisting cardiovascular disease is
but it’s a leading one. Just having heart because you’re less mobile, which allows not yet clear, says Joyce Oen-Hsiao, MD,
disease risk factors is a concern. For in- blood flow to stagnate. a cardiologist at the Yale School of Medi-
stance, a paper published last October And, we’re learning, the virus may ex- cine. This may depend, in part, on how
in the Journal of the American College acerbate some preexisting heart prob- scarred the heart is from problems like
of Cardiology found that the elderly and lems. “The acute inflammatory response myocarditis, she says.
people with high blood pressure, obesity, caused by COVID-19 may worsen cardiac
or type 2 diabetes were more susceptible function, which is already compromised TAKE HEART-SMART STEPS
PHOTOS: GET T Y IMAGES (2)

to COVID-19 infection, serious illness, in people with heart disease,” says James Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the most
and complications. A. de Lemos, MD, co-chair of the Ameri- important action you can take. “We have
For those with preexisting heart dis- can Heart Association’s COVID-19 Regis- seen it is effective and very safe in a broad
ease, severe COVID-19 may also raise try Steering Committee and a professor host of patients,” Titano says. Afterward,
heart attack or stroke risks. It may boost of medicine at UT Southwestern Medi- you’ll need to continue social distancing
the risk of arrhythmias—heartbeats that cal Center. So, for instance, people with and wearing a mask, says Oen-Hsiao. You
still have a small possibility of contracting 95 percent or under, it’s best to call your
COVID-19, and we don’t yet know whether doctor immediately, she says.
vaccination prevents you from spreading And if you have significant trouble
the coronavirus to others. breathing, persistent chest pain or pres-
Keep your medical appointments, sure, sudden confusion, or bluish lips or
whether in-person (many facilities have face, call 911. These may be signs of a com-
safety protocols in place) or by telehealth. plication like pneumonia. Some of these
“We really still want our patients to check symptoms, along with dizziness, nausea,
in with us every three to six months to slurred speech, weakness on one side, and
make sure things like their blood pres- facial drooping on one side, may also be
sure, cholesterol, and blood glucose lev- warning signs of heart attack or stroke.
els are under control,” Oen-Hsiao says. With a mild case of COVID-19, you
And take immediate steps if you sus- Experts say that it’s should feel better within about two to
pect an emergency: A study published important to keep your three weeks. But you may still become
in January in the Journal of the American medical appointments, breathless when you exert yourself, even
College of Cardiology found an increase whether in-person during simple tasks like washing dishes.
in deaths due to ischemic heart disease If breathlessness persists for more than
and high blood pressure in some states
or by telehealth, and to three weeks, Titano advises calling your
after the pandemic began, possibly continue to take your primary care physician. Though most
because people avoided doctors and heart medications as people experience this simply because
hospitals for fear of COVID-19. directed by your doctor. they’ve lost strength during COVID-19,
It’s also important to take your heart “a subset may benefit from evaluations
medication as directed. Early in the pan- for issues such as myocarditis, heart
demic, concerns arose that blood pressure For physical activity, consider walking rhythm irregularities, or heart failure,”
medications such as ACE inhibitors—like at home or nearby, moving to a video, or says Titano. In such cases, your doctor
benazepril (Lotensin) or lisinopril (Prini- joining a virtual exercise class. may prescribe medications such as ACE
vil, Zestril)—could make it easier for the inhibitors, beta blockers like metopro-
virus to enter your cells. But a study pub- WHAT IF YOU GET COVID-19? lol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL) or carvedilol
lished in October in the journal Nature Alert your doctor and get tested if you (Coreg), or diuretics like furosemide
Communications found that these drugs suspect you have COVID-19. Mild symp- (Lasix), and advise you on exercise (see
don’t increase infection risk. toms, such as fever, can be treated at box, below) and diet. “Most patients re-
Lifestyle steps remain essential, so home with a pain reliever like acetamin- spond well to this, but it’s too early to tell
work to consume a heart-healthy diet— ophen (Tylenol and generic), fluids, and if they’ll need to be on these medications
one focused on produce, whole grains, rest. It’s also wise to have a drugstore permanently,” Goldberg says.
healthy fats such as nuts and olive oil, and pulse oximeter, a small device that can
lean protein—and exercise regularly, says check your blood oxygen levels, Gold-
Nieca Goldberg, MD, a cardiologist at New berg says. If you experience shortness For information on long-lasting
COVID-19 symptoms, go to
York University. This may benefit you if of breath or your home pulse oximeter CR.org/longhaul.
you do become infected with COVID-19. shows that your blood oxygen level is LEARN

Taking Back Your Health After COVID-19

After COVID-19, it’s from prolonged bed rest such as chest pain or extreme with something like walking.
important to start physical and being so sedentary,” shortness of breath, you may Go slowly and stop when you
activity as soon as is safely says cardiologist Ruwanthi also need to be evaluated feel breathless. If standing
possible. “People don’t Titano, MD. Before you by a cardiologist and do exercise is too tiring, try
realize the amount of cardiac start exercising even lightly, physical therapy (PT) to something you can do while
deconditioning that can though, get your primary care regain strength. If you’re in PT, sitting or lying down, such as
happen after just two doctor’s okay. If you were your therapist will direct your leg lifts. As you gain stamina,
to three weeks of illness, hospitalized or had symptoms regimen. Otherwise, start you can add more activities.

C R .O RG/ H E A LTH
Food Sense

Are Potatoes studies found that eating

fries every day upped the
risk of type 2 diabetes by
Good for You? 66 percent and high blood
pressure by 37 percent. Eat-
Stop worrying about the ing potatoes prepared in other
ways raised the diabetes risk
carbs. You can fit spuds only slightly and hypertension
into a nutritious diet. not at all.
Oven-fried potatoes may be a
healthier bet. Slice potatoes
lengthwise and drizzle them with

H
ere are two facts about potatoes: olive oil and a little salt, then bake
they’re extremely nutritious and at 425° F for about 25 minutes. (For
you should probably cut back on chips, cut horizontally and bake at
how often you eat them. 400° F for 25 minutes.) Or whip
How can both be true? “Potatoes are a some up in your air fryer.
top source of potassium, which is an essen-
tial mineral for heart health,” says Loneke TOP IT RIGHT
Blackman Carr, PhD, an assistant profes- Too often we mash potatoes with cream
sor of nutrition at the University of Con- and butter or pile baked potatoes with
necticut. A small potato (about 5 ounces) sour cream, bacon, and cheese. That
has 23 percent of the amount you should means excess calories and saturated fat,
consume every day. You also get 26 percent which is bad for your heart health. A
of the recommended amount of vitamin B6 tablespoon of butter, for example, adds
(key for neurological health), along with more than 100 calories and 7 grams of
iron, vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber. saturated fat; a tablespoon of sour cream
We eat more potatoes than any other packs another 30 calories and 1.5 grams
vegetable—nearly 50 pounds a year per of saturated fat. For a healthier option,
person. But that’s a concern because po- Potatoes should replace rice or bread in cut a potato in half, drizzle it with olive
tatoes have a high glycemic index, mean- your meal, not other veggies, says Mi- oil and rosemary, and bake in a 400° F
ing they raise blood sugar rapidly after chelle Cardel, PhD, an assistant profes- oven. Then put it under the broiler for a
you eat them. Experts think this is why sor in the department of health outcomes few minutes until brown on top, suggests
some studies have found a link between and biomedical informatics at the Univer- Lisa R. Young, PhD, an adjunct professor
potatoes and an increased risk of cardio- sity of Florida College of Medicine. The of nutrition at New York University. And
vascular disease, hypertension, type 2 Department of Agriculture says women you can slim down mashed potatoes by
diabetes, and excess weight, regardless over 50 shouldn’t eat more than 4 cups swapping out cream and butter for low-fat
of the way they’re cooked. The research of starchy vegetables per week (for men, plain Greek yogurt. “It has a similar taste
isn’t consistent, however. For example, it’s 5 cups). In addition to potatoes, and consistency, plus protein and healthy
in a 2019 study published in the journal these include cassava, corn, green peas, fats,” Cardel says.
PLOS One, researchers followed more parsnips, and plantains.
than 400,000 people for 16 years and saw EAT THE POTATO RAINBOW
no differences in the risk of early death MAKE FRIES A ‘SOMETIMES’ FOOD White potatoes have antioxidants, which
from any cause between those who ate the French fries tend to be higher in sodium help fight cell damage. But getting a mix
PHOTO: YULIYA FURMAN/GET T Y IMAGES

most potatoes and those who ate the least. and calories than nonfried potatoes. And of red-, purple-, and yellow-fleshed spuds
What’s a spud lover to do? These tips in some studies, fries posed more of a risk will give you a greater range (such as an-
will help you get all the advantages of po- than potatoes overall. More research is thocyanins and carotenoids) than sticking
tatoes while sidestepping the risks. needed, but a 2017 study of people over with your standard russets.
age 50, for example, found that those who
THINK CARB, NOT VEGETABLE ate fries two or three times a week had
Botanically speaking, potatoes are veg- a 95 percent increase in the risk of early Braising is a healthy way to prepare
potatoes. For our easy recipe, go to
etables, but nutritionally their high starch death from any cause; nonfried potatoes CR.org/potatorecipe.
content puts them in the carb category. didn’t raise the risk. A 2019 analysis of 28 LEARN
 Stay Fit

The 4 Moves You Need to Build Muscle

These exercises, all modified for older adults, will help you get and stay strong

W
hen you think of strength train- “Maintaining strength is essential for all your major muscle groups. They’re
ing, exercises such as squats, maintaining independence and mobil- modifications of traditional exercises, to
sit-ups, pushups, and bench ity as you age,” says Miriam C. Morey, make them doable for adults at all levels
presses probably come to mind. And they PhD, co-director of the Older Americans and abilities—but they’ll work just as well.
are all effective. As you get older, though, Independence Center at Duke University Aim to do 10 to 12 reps of each (both sides
you may shy away from these moves School of Medicine in Durham, N.C. for the seated arm and leg lift) twice a
because of pain or other limitations. But The prescription for doing that is easier week. (That will take you just 10 minutes
avoiding them will only exacerbate the than you may think. Morey recommends a week!) You can expect to see results in
normal muscle loss that comes with age. the four simple exercises below to hit about two weeks.

arms & chest legs & glutes core midback & shoulders
The stronger your upper You need lower-body strength All movement originates from Targeting these areas helps
body is, the easier it will for getting into and out of the core, so building back and you stand taller and makes
be to carry groceries and do the car, standing up from the abdominal muscles will help activities such as vacuuming
chores such as laundry. couch, and climbing stairs. you power through your day. and gardening easier.
try wall presses try chair stands try seated arm & leg lift try seated rows
Compared with pushups, Doing squats with your body If getting to the floor to This seated version protects
wall presses reduce the weight supported during part do crunches or planks is the lower back. Holding light
ILLUSTR ATIONS: BROWN BIRD DESIGN

amount of body weight of the exercise takes stress difficult for you, this move is a dumbbells (or soup cans,
you’re moving and ease off the knees. Sit toward the good alternative for strength- water bottles, or no weight
pressure on shoulders and edge of a chair, feet hip-width ening your abdominal at all), sit in a chair with arms
wrists. Stand slightly more apart. Lean forward slightly and back muscles. Sit in a at your sides extended. Lean
than arm’s length away from and press through heels to chair with feet flat on the forward as far as possible
a wall. Lean forward; place stand. Then slowly sit down. floor and arms at your from the hips. Squeeze
palms on the wall at chest To make it easier, place sides. Simultaneously raise shoulder blades, bend elbows,
height. Heels will be off the a cushion or folded blanket right foot and left arm. and pull hands toward hips,
floor. Bend elbows and lower on the seat; the higher the Slowly lower and repeat with elbows pointing behind you.
chest. Then straighten arms. seat, the less range of motion. opposite arm and leg. Then slowly release.

C R .O RG/ H E A LTH
Nutrition Know-How

The Benefits
of Timing
Your Meals
Reap the rewards of
intermittent fasting—
and learn how to avoid
the downsides.

I
t’s long been known that what and how
much you eat can influence your risk
of chronic illness. Now researchers are
focusing on the effects of when you eat.
Studies suggest that intermittent fasting
(IF)—typically, eating only during an 8-hour
period or every other day—could have many
potential benefits, including improvements
in glucose (blood sugar) and cholesterol
levels, blood pressure, and weight. Done
in a healthful way, IF holds promise for
controlling inflammation and lowering
the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, of Health Solutions. Fortunately, science levels of the sleep hormone melatonin,
and even some cancers. points to similar benefits simply from which rise in the evening and fall in the
The benefits are thought to result from timing meals to align with your body’s morning, may still be elevated when you
a process called metabolic switching, circadian rhythm, the internal 24-hour wake up earlier than normal. When mela-
which is when the body goes into a fast- clock that drives metabolism, sleep-wake tonin is high, insulin, which is respon-
ing state and begins using body fat in- cycles, the immune system, and other sible for processing glucose, is reduced.
stead of glucose to meet its energy needs. body systems. Even incorporating just a And breakfast foods, such as whole
IF helps preserve the body’s normal in- few of these six tips can help you main- grains like oatmeal, fruit, or eggs, can
terplay between the hormone insulin tain a healthy metabolism. boost your intake of fiber or other nutri-
and blood glucose, preventing insulin ents, countering insulin resistance and
resistance (when the body doesn’t re- 1. HAVE BREAKFAST EARLY improving glucose tolerance at your next
spond properly to it). Metabolic switching “Try to eat within 1 to 2 hours of waking,” meal. Research also suggests that a large
also signals the body to activate mainte- Sears says. This will prevent you from high-protein breakfast—30 grams of protein
nance and repair systems, which aid in having a low fasting glucose level for too (e.g., a cup of cottage cheese) and 350 or
disease prevention. long, which some studies suggest may more calories—may help control appetite
But intermittent fasting isn’t for ev- raise heart disease risk. and satiety, and support weight control.
eryone. “Going for long periods without If you have to get up unusually early
ILLUSTR ATIONS: L . J. DAVIDS

food may be too extreme for some older on occasion, however, it may be better 2. EAT DESSERT BEFORE 3 P.M.
adults, people with diabetes, and those for your blood sugar control to wait un- Your body is most efficient at processing
who must take certain medications at til your usual breakfast time to eat, says carbohydrates in the morning and early
designated hours, among others,” says Andrew McHill, PhD, a research assistant afternoon, Sears says. That means it’s bet-
Dorothy Sears, PhD, a professor of nutri- professor at the Oregon Institute of Occu- ter to eat foods that may cause glucose
tion at Arizona State University College pational Health Sciences. That’s because spikes earlier in the day.
 afterward and still consume fewer than
600 calories. The fiber from those foods
Sleep More
will also help you feel fuller. And if you and Eat
don’t overdo it on calories in the evening,
Peterson says, you can afford to have a Healthier
bigger breakfast and lunch, when your Adults need at least 7 hours of
body is primed for food processing. sleep a night for optimal health,
DIAL BACK YOUR DINNER HOUR according to the American
Research suggests that it’s best to fin- 5. PHASE OUT BEDTIME SNACKS Academy of Sleep Medicine
ish eating between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. As For all the reasons mentioned here, “our and the Sleep Research Society.
But most fall short, and that
bedtime approaches, melatonin increases general rule is ‘no food after dinner,’”
can influence eating habits and
and insulin output begins to drop. That says Krista Varady, PhD, a professor of metabolism.
means blood sugar climbs higher and nutrition at the University of Illinois at In one study, 16 people
circulates for longer because there Chicago. It’s probably the most important slept for 9 hours a night for
isn’t enough insulin to clear it quickly. change you can make. “I think the lack five days (to simulate the
Research has linked late-evening eating of nighttime snacking is the main reason workweek), then switched to
5 hours a night for five days.
to a greater risk of obesity, type 2 diabe- we see such great decreases in insulin
Sleeping just 5 hours dis-
tes, and heart disease. In a recent study resistance in time-restricted eating stud- rupted their circadian rhythm,
by Johns Hopkins University, for example, ies,” she says. If you must eat a snack, have which led them to take in ex-
healthy people who ate dinner at 10 p.m. a small portion of a food low on the glyce- cess calories, gain weight, and
saw greater spikes in blood sugar, slower mic index (GI)—a measure of how quickly experience an almost 20 per-
body-fat breakdown, and increases in cor- a food raises blood glucose—such as cent drop in insulin sensitivity.
tisol, a hormone thought to be involved celery, cucumbers, apples, blueberries, Insufficient sleep seems
to prompt evening eating, says
in weight gain, compared with a group or raspberries. Many typical snacks—
Andrew McHill, PhD, of the
who ate the same meal at 6 p.m. cookies, chips, crackers—are high GI, and Oregon Institute of Occupation-
“research suggests that it is metabolically al Health Sciences. “And it’s
4. SLIM DOWN YOUR SUPPER unhealthy to eat foods with a high glyce- those calories that seem to ac-
Most Americans consume nearly 45 per- mic index late in the day,” Peterson says. count for the [resulting] weight
cent of their total daily calories at dinner gain and metabolic issues.”
What you eat can also
and in an after-dinner snack. A healthier 6. SET A REGULAR SCHEDULE
disrupt sleep. Consuming spicy
goal, Sears says, is 30 percent. That’s Whichever of these strategies you use, foods close to bedtime may
600 calories for someone who usually employ them consistently. Irregular upset your digestive system,
eats 2,000 calories a day. For example, eating has been linked to a higher risk and caffeine may delay the
in 2013, Israeli researchers looked at the of metabolic syndrome (health conditions onset of melatonin. (McHill
effects of eating a small dinner and a large that can lead to heart disease and type 2 says to put down your coffee
cup at least 5 hours before
breakfast vs. a large dinner and a small diabetes). “The data suggests that mainte-
going to bed.) Research also
breakfast in a study involving 93 over- nance of regular meal times will promote suggests that eating lots of
weight women. Both groups ate the same better heart health and metabolism,” Sears added sugars and processed
lunch and overall number of calories. Af- says. For example, a study from the Salk grains may trigger insomnia,
ter 12 weeks, those who ate the lighter Institute for Biological Studies that tracked while eating more vegetables
dinners lost more weight, had a smaller people’s eating habits found that half and fruit may help prevent it.
waist, and had better metabolic profiles of the participants spread their daily
than the women in the other group. meals and snacks over 15 hours or more.
One way to downsize the dinners When overweight participants in a sec-
that you prepare is to make them the ond part of the study reduced their eat-
healthiest meal of the day. Try eating ing window to 10 to 11 hours a day for
lots of vegetables, which are naturally 16 weeks, they lost weight, felt more en-
low in calories, suggests Courtney M. ergetic, and slept better.
Peterson, PhD, an assistant profes-
sor in the department of nutrition sci-
ences at the University of Alabama at For healthy veggie-based dinner
ideas, go to CR.org/meatless.
Birmingham. That means you can eat a
large portion so that you’re not hungry LEARN

C R .O RG/ H E A LTH
Healthcare Savvy

asked to stay for a 30-minute observa-

tion period after injection, instead of the
typical 15 minutes.

When will I be protected?

You should get your second dose three
weeks after your first for the Pfizer vac-
cine, and four weeks after the first for
Moderna. After that second dose, it usu-
ally takes two weeks or so for protection
to fully kick in, according to Natalie Dean,
PhD, an assistant professor of biostatistics
specializing in infectious disease and vac-
cine development at the University of Flor-
ida in Gainesville. Though people appear
to be somewhat less likely to get COVID-19
within two weeks of receiving the first
dose, the second dose is still required for

Getting the COVID-19 Shot full protection. In the future, occasional

booster shots may be needed, experts say.
Answers to key questions about the safety and How protected will I be?
efficacy of the coronavirus vaccines In clinical trials, the Pfizer and Moderna
vaccines were about 95 percent effective

I
n January 2020, COVID-19 was first and soreness at the injection site are com- overall at preventing people from develop-
detected in the U.S. A year later, mil- mon, and show the vaccine is working. But ing symptoms of COVID-19. When looking
lions of Americans had already been rare side effects could still emerge. In Jan- at test results for people 65 and older, the
inoculated against it, with rigorously uary, the Norwegian government reported Moderna vaccine was 86.4 percent effec-
tested vaccines that reduce the risk of get- that it was investigating at least 23 cases tive; the Pfizer vaccine was 93.7 percent
ting COVID-19 and help prevent severe ill- of severely frail elderly people who died effective for people 55 and up. According
ness in those who get sick. Whether you’ve within six days of receiving Pfizer’s vac- to the CDC, the efficacy could vary in a
already been vaccinated, are eagerly cine. At press time, health officials had real-world setting. Still, these vaccines are
awaiting your turn, or are feeling a bit not found evidence that these people were highly protective. Even the best flu vac-
nervous, here’s what you need to know. more likely to die because of vaccination. cines, for example, reduce the likelihood
Side effects such as fever can be more seri- of flu illness by about 40 to 60 percent.
Are there any concerns about ous when people are frail, but the timing
the vaccines in older adults? may have been a sad coincidence. How many people need
From the start, vaccine experts and vaccines to restore normal life?
the Food and Drug Administration Is there anyone who shouldn’t Scientists don’t yet know. Once enough
have stressed the importance of includ- have a COVID-19 vaccine? people have some immunity, either
ing older adults—who are particularly The only adults who should not get a vac- because of previous infection or vacci-
vulnerable to severe COVID-19—in vac- cine are those who are allergic to vaccine nation, the virus will have a harder time
cine trials. A quarter of participants ingredients such as polyethylene glycol spreading widely. We might hit the point
in the Moderna trial and over 21  per- or the related substance polysorbate, when communities are protected by the
cent of participants in the Pfizer- accord ing to the Centers for Disease time around 70 to 85 percent of people
BioNTech trial were 65 or older. People Control and Prevention. There have been are vaccinated, according to CDC officials.
older than 65 were less likely to have reports of severe but treatable allergic But more contagious virus strains could
severe adverse reactions to the Moderna reactions after vaccination in approxi- require more people to be vaccinated.
PHOTO: GET T Y IMAGES

vaccine than younger participants. But mately 4 out of every 1 million people,

only a small number of people in both according to early analysis. But people
trials—roughly 4 percent—were 75 and with a history of severe allergies that are This information could change as
we learn more. For the latest, see
older, so there is limited data for this not specific to the vaccine ingredients CR.org/covidvaccines.
group. Side effects such as fever, fatigue, should still get vaccinated. They may be LEARN
 CR’s Expert Advice

7 Smart Takeout Tips

Take a break from cooking without sabotaging your diet

T
hese days, you might be getting helpful during stressful times, or even RETHINK
5 YOUR SIDES
takeout meals or food deliveries when you just don’t feel like cooking. Just because your order
more frequently than you used Fortunately, with a few smart strate- comes with chips or onion
to, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. gies, you can maintain healthy eating rings by default doesn’t
mean they’re your only
Although a homemade meal is usually habits even when you’re ordering a meal option. Ask whether you
the healthiest choice, ordering in can be to go. These tips will help. can swap them for a
salad, a vegetable, or fruit.
If you’re really craving a
less healthy side, be extra
START WITH THE savvy about your main
1
RIGHT EATERY dish—for instance, if you
CR recently rated 17 chain want the onion rings,
restaurants to see which have them with a grain
ones made it easier to opt bowl or a veggie wrap,
for a nutritious dish. We 6 not a bacon-topped
scored them on many cheeseburger.
factors, including whether
the drink options were INCORPORATE
more or less sugary, the 6 HOME COOKING
1
availability of whole grains, Have the main dish
the variety of fruits and you’ve been craving,
vegetables, the levels of but prep your own
sodium and saturated fat, accompaniments. For
7
and whether you could get instance, get the pizza
healthier protein options, or chicken sandwich to
like fish, legumes, nuts, lighten the cooking load
and tofu. Chipotle, Chopt, one night, but skip drinks,
CoreLife Eatery, Panera fries, and extras. Instead,
Bread, and Sweetgreen toss your own salad
were some of our highest with whatever vegetables
scorers. Find our full you have on hand;
ratings at CR.org/fastfood. serve your dish with raw
sliced carrots, celery,
KEEP AN EYE and tomato; or heat up
2 ON CALORIES a frozen vegetable as
A dish’s calorie count a side. Feeling more
isn’t the only measure of ambitious? Roast some
whether a meal is good fresh cauliflower or
for you, but it may be the carrots or steam green
only nutrition info you see. beans or broccoli.
In those cases, use it as
3 5
a guide. CR’s testing has SPLIT
4 7
found that the counts are A DISH
generally on target, so 2 Restaurant portions tend
try to aim for less than to be oversized, which
600 calories for your entire can encourage you to
meal. An easy way to keep overeat. To avoid this, plan
track is to use the chain’s from the outset to share
mobile ordering app. Many one entrée with a family
allow you to view how member. Another option:
calorie counts for custom- When your food arrives,
izable dishes, such as pack up half and put it
salads and sandwiches, in the fridge to save it for
change when you add the next day’s lunch.
or subtract ingredients.
ILLUSTR ATION: CHRIS PHILPOT

UPGRADE WHEN SIP of ordering in a healthier

3 YOU CAN
4 SMARTLY meal. It’s wisest to AMY KEATING, RD,
Opt for brown rice instead Adding a large soda to skip drinking soda alto- is a nutritionist
of white, or a whole-grain your order for just a gether. Better beverage and oversees all the
bun or pasta, if available. dollar may seem like a options include water, food testing projects
at CR.
Add extra vegetables good deal. Unfortunately, unsweetened iced tea,
to a pizza or beans to a all those added sugars or no-sugar-added seltzer,
taco, burrito, or salad. will undercut your goal if it’s available.

C R .O RG/ H E A LTH
On Your Mind
QUESTION OF THE MONTH more accurate, says Susan Fuhrman, MD,
vice-chair of the College of American Pa-
My spring pollen allergies are starting. thologists’ Point of Care Testing Resource
Committee. And most home tests were
What meds can help? studied in people with COVID-19 symp-
toms—“which makes it harder to tell how
An over-the-counter steroid nasal spray that contains they will work on asymptomatic patients,”
fluticasone or triamcinolone is a good option and is safe says Valerie A. Fitzhugh, MD, associate
for older adults, says Amie Taggart Blaszczyk, PharmD, professor of pathology, immunology, and
division head of geriatrics at Texas Tech University Health laboratory medicine at the Rutgers Robert
Wood Johnson Medical School in New
Sciences Center School of Pharmacy. You can add a “second
Brunswick, N.J.
generation” antihistamine such as fexofenadine (Allegra),
loratadine (Claritin), or cetirizine (Zyrtec) for a few days
I walk more slowly than I did in
until the nasal spray starts working. “Start with half the the past. How can I speed up?
dose recommended on the label,” says Blaszczyk. “I’ve had
patients get sleepy using them.” If you’re slowing down just a bit and are
otherwise healthy, walking regularly and
doing strength-building exercises like wall
My fresh fruit often spoils actually counts as 1 cup of fruit, says An- pushups could help quicken your pace.
before I eat it. Is dried gela Lemond, RDN, a spokesperson for the But if you’re concerned, consult your doc-
or canned healthy, too? Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. tor, who can check for medical issues that
may contribute, says Jennifer Brach, PhD,
It can be. Canned, dried, and frozen all Can I rely on the results of an PT, a professor in the department of physi-
count toward the 1 ½ cups a day for women at-home test for COVID-19? cal therapy at the University of Pittsburgh
ages 51 and older and 2 cups a day for men who studies walking in older people. A
ages 51 and older recommended by the It’s probably best to alert your doctor if you physical therapist can also evaluate the
Department of Agriculture. Opt for canned suspect you have COVID-19. The accuracy way you walk and create an exercise pro-
fruit in water instead of syrup and dried of home tests can be close to 90 percent gram to help, she adds: “You may need
fruit without added sugars. Note: A half- in ideal conditions, but tests done by medi- help with balance, and the timing and
cup of dried fruits like raisins or prunes cal personnel and analyzed in a lab are coordination of movements.”

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Tips for great home gardens.
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