Large appliances can cost big money, so avoiding a lemon is a top priority for most shoppers.
Some products are especially dodgy, according to reviewers at Consumer Reports. The publication recently rolled out what it calls its “not-so-hot” list of appliances that truly failed to make the grade with CR experts.
The products that made the (dis)honor roll all earned the lowest Overall Score in their respective categories. That means their primary functions earned ratings no better than Fair or Poor.
CR stresses that none of the products made it onto the list for safety reasons, and none was so bad that CR labeled it with a “Do Not Buy” recommendation.
Still, you might want to think twice before buying these major appliances.
Refrigerator: Viking Professional 7 Series VBI7360WRSS
This pricey product is listed for north of $ 10,000, but CR says there is sometimes a mismatch between the fridge’s internal temperature and its thermostat setting.
In addition, consumers who buy Viking refrigerators see them break down within just a few years more often than purchasers of other brands, CR says.
Range: Fisher & Paykel OR30SCG4X1
This range — which retails for nearly $ 4,000 — has burners that struggle to maintain low-heat settings when you are trying to simmer or melt foods.
CR experts found that cookies and cakes baked on different racks had uneven browning, and the publication says you can do better with ranges that cost $ 2,000 less than this model.
Washing machine: Amana NTW4516FW
This machine got just a Fair rating for washing performance. As CR says, that “means there were plenty of red wine, blood, and carbon stains left on the swatches we washed on a normal cycle.”
In addition, the washer uses 25.5 gallons to wash a load, netting it a Poor rating. CR says washers that earn top ratings use less than half that volume of water.
For more on buying the right appliance, check out:
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