Consumer Reports Air Purifiers - Which is the Best Air Purifier For Allergy Sufferers?

The consumer report air purifier deals with the different types of air filter, there classification, and there application. If you suffer from allergies or asthma then you need to buy the air purifier that is right for you.

consumer reports best baby products

There are several type of air purifier and just as many brands out there, what I want to do is to talk briefly about the different methods employed by the air purifiers to remove pollutants and there effectiveness. Some air purifier uses a combination or techniques to clean the indoor air.

Consumer Reports

The four main types of applications that air purifiers use are:

1. HEPA air purifier or filtration system
2. Electronic ionizers
3. UV purifiers
4. Ozone generators

HEPA Air Filters
The first of the lot is Hepa filtration system or High Efficiency Particle Air or High Efficiency Particle Arresting. These purifiers use pleated filters and a fan of some sort to pull the air through the filter and then beck into the air. This method of purifying the air is by far the best and most effective. The hepa purifiers are able to remove particles as small as 0.3 microns. So even some viruses and bacteria, mold and minute dust particles will be removed. Because they use fans to pull of push air through the hepa filters, these type of air cleaners can be a bit noisy, but the air will be much cleaner.

Electronic Ionizers
This process of removing particles from the air uses an electronic process that reverse the electric charge of particles in the air. The charged particles in the air are then collected on metal like plates in the device. The problem with this type of pollutant removal system is that most of the dust and the contaminants will be deposited on your furniture and your clothes and floor and drapes and your dog. So you will have to vacuum and dust and clean which means that the pollutants will be air borne again.

UV Purifiers
These purifiers work by using UV to destroy microbes such as some mold spores, viruses and bacteria, and some dust mites. It is a proven fact that these contaminants can be killed if they are subjected to enough UV for a good length of time, however, most of the UV air cleaners on the market fail to expose these pollutants to the UV long enough to kill them, rendering them ineffective unless they also have a filter.

Ozone Generators
I hope no one is using these anymore but just in case they are still out there, you should get rid of them. These do absolutely nothing to remove pollutants from the air and they produce a lot of Ozone that is can be dangerous for your health. A large amount of ozone can neutralize some bad odors like smoke but that all they will do. They are also banned in California.

Any air purifier you plan to get should have hepa filtration. This is the most reliable and effective way to get rid of air pollutants and contaminants in your home.

Consumer Reports Air Purifiers - Which is the Best Air Purifier For Allergy Sufferers?

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports Delivers the Skinny on Diets

A panel of nutrition experts at Consumer Reports conducted an in-depth analysis of diets and dieting and made a shocking discovery. The surprising finding is that the basic diet strategy that many programs have used for years-- labeling some foods as evil and others as good -- may be part of what's undermined so many dieters attempts at weight loss.

consumer reports subscription

The bottom line is that smart diets focus on small, simple shifts in lifestyle (like the Enlita Weight Loss Program) instead of highly restrictive diets.

Consumer Reports

Choosing a Comprehensive Diet Program

Leading the pack was the Volumetrics diet plan, which focuses on eating as much as you want of low calorie, nutrient dense foods.
Weight-Watchers came in second because it has the highest long-term adherence. Jenny Craig and Slim-Fast rounded out the top four.

The diets given the lowest rankings were eDiets, Zone Diet, Ornish Diet and the Atkins Diet. The experts were concerned that these diets were too complicated and don't seem to be able to retain people for the long-term.

The report also gave the big thumbs down to three popular dieting strategies -- diet pills, "angel and devil foods," and plans based on glycemic index, which scores foods according to how quickly they boost blood sugar levels -- arguing that there's no good science to support any of them.

Diet Books Demystified

The diet books were ranked as follows:

1. The Best Life Diet - "Oprah endorsed", with straightforward recipes and nutritional meal plans.

2. Eat, Drink & Weigh Less - excellent Mediterranean recipes but little attention to exercise.

3. You: On A Diet - simple but lacking in details or flexibility.

4. The Abs Diet - strong emphasis on exercise, but scored lower for pushing whey supplements.

Bringing up the rear in the diet books were the South Beach Diet, the Sonoma Diet and UltraMetabolism, all of which were "needlessly restrictive" or "overly elaborate".

Advice for People Who Don't Want a Diet Plan

The report also gave 8 tips for people who are looking to achieve natural weight loss on their own.

1. Eat breakfast.

2. Lower your total fat intake and switch to healthier fats (Omega-3s rather than trans-fats).

3. Have a healthy diet: increase the fruits and veggies, moderate amounts of lean meats, fish and whole grains and avoid the refined grains, potatoes, and sugary snacks.

4. Exercise, exercise, exercise.

5. Cut back on carbs.

6. Fill up on low-energy density foods (i.e. foods with fewer calories per bite).

7. Weigh-in at least once a week.

8. Limit your selections as variety stimulates your appetite.

Consumer Reports also points out that many people have to try a few diets before they find the one that is right for them. Because we are all so unique and have unique eating challenges it seems that the right diets are out there for everyone, but they're not always easy to find. This comparison of diets is designed to give consumers a good place to start looking.

Dr. Amy Neuzil's comment:

Right now 41% of Americans are trying to lose weight, 63% have dieted at some point in their lives, 16% are enrolled in free weight loss programs and another 8% are in paid programs. It is clear that there needs to be a strong comparison of diet programs, but unfortunately I don't think this is it.

Consumer Reports got the right idea by observing that the best diets focus on lifestyle changes and good nutrition rather than strict rules and lists of good and bad foods. Sadly, they've neglected to look at any of the other factors that need to be present in a weight loss program.

The rankings didn't take into account any information on mental and emotional factors in weight loss, individualized strategies for people with different metabolisms, or medical barriers to weight loss such as toxicity, hormonal imbalance, digestive disturbance and depression.

My biggest objection to this report lies in the 8 tips for people losing weight outside of a program. Some are clearly good advice while others fall far short of the mark. I will evaluate them below, one by one.

1. Eat breakfast.

-I agree, as breakfast is vital to boost your metabolism and help you shed pounds.

2. Lower your total fat intake and switch to healthier fats (Omega-3s rather than trans-fats).

- This one is partially correct. Staying away from trans-fats and boosting your omega-3s is great advice for anyone, especially when you're trying to lose weight. However, eating a low-fat, high-carb diet is NOT an effective way to lose weight--it can make you gain weight.

3. Eat a healthy diet. Increase the fruits and veggies, moderate amounts of lean meats, fish and whole grains and avoid the refined grains, potatoes, and sugary snacks.

- For weight loss to last long-term the plan has to promote a healthy diet that you can learn to use and enjoy on a daily basis. Otherwise you may lose weight for a while but the pounds will come right back when your nutrition slips back into old patterns.

4. Exercise, exercise, exercise.

- Exercise is vital to build muscle, which increases your resting metabolic rate. Also it improves your insulin sensitivity which helps your body burn fat more easily. Exercise also conditions your heart and lungs for cardiovascular health and to prevent heart disease. Exercise is an absolute must for all people, not just those who are working on losing weight.

5. Cut back on carbs.

- What kind of carbohydrates? Does this mean fruits and veggies? Whole grains? Refined carbs and sugars? I say increase the fruits and veggies, and decrease the refined carbs, starches, sugars and artificial sweeteners.

6. Fill up on low-energy, high-density foods (i.e. foods with fewer calories per bite).

- This one needs some help. Some low-energy density foods are great, but some are not. The goal should be nutritious and low-energy density. Foods like carrots, celery, lettuce and berries that have fewer calories per bite but lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will allow you to eat more and also to get more out of your food.

But some people need to eat calorie dense foods like avocados, red meat, coconut milk, nuts in order to be at their best. It is clear that one diet does not fit all. .

7. Weigh-in at least once a week.

- Weigh-ins are important to keep you on-track, keep you motivated and help you to understand when your diet is working and when it isn't but they can be misleading because muscle weighs more than fat. Instead, the best thing to do is take your body fat percentage and body part measurements.

8. Limit your selections - variety stimulates your appetite.

- I couldn't disagree more! Variety is the spice of life and boredom is one of the biggest reasons that people quit their diets. Eat lots of variety just make sure it's healthy variety. Appetite is not the enemy, but poor food choices are. Eating still can be a pleasure, just a healthy pleasure.

While Consumer Reports has a good start with general weight loss advice, they neglected to include the following five vital weight loss and health principles.

1. Avoid processed foods and chemicals - they will contribute to your weight gain far more than just high-calorie foods will.

2. Sleep - insomnia will cause weight gain even if you have the healthiest diet in the world. Our bodies need time to repair and restore.

3. Drink lots of water - your body can't lose weight if you're chronically dehydrated and losing weight means there's a lot of metabolic waste. Water is vital.

4. Have a weight-loss buddy. Even if you're losing weight outside of a program make sure there is someone you can go to when you're having a weak moment, when you have a major breakthrough or when you just need to talk.

5. Set small goals. One big long-term goal is essential, but having small goals in between helps you to have success along the way and success is a huge motivator. Your goal can be as simple as "Today I am going to have only positive thoughts." or "Today I will drink 10 glasses of water."

Consumer Reports is right in that successful weight loss does not come from following rules and that it needs to include lifestyle changes, but they have only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making important lifestyle changes.

This is why our staff of natural health physicians and weight loss experts developed the Enlita Weight Loss Program- to pick up all the pieces that other diets leave behind and focus on you as a whole person. Great nutrition and exercise information along with detoxification, mental and emotional support, easy ways to stay motivated and custom weight loss information specifically for your individual nutritional needs.

Click here to learn more about how Enlita can help you reach your ideal weight.

Consumer Reports Delivers the Skinny on Diets

Consumer Reports

Refrigerator Brands - Make a Smart Decision

Selecting the refrigerator brands when shopping for new home appliances can be difficult if you haven't done your research and thats why it is becoming more and more popular to buy online, where you can read customer reviews, compare products and make a short list. The home appliances market place is competitive, which is great news for consumers as it drives down cost, meaning there are great deals to be had on the most well-respected and trusted brands and products.

There are household refrigerator brands which are well-known and respected and they tend to be such for a reason, because they have been around for a long time, have built up a loyal customer base and provide excellent customer care as well as high quality refrigerators. Choose a name you know and trust and read up on the refrigerator brands they manufacture which fall into your budget; a great way of understanding whether it is the item for you is to compare its features with similar products for different manufacturers.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

If you want to own refrigerators that are of good or exceptional quality, you need to research the history of that company, ask questions online and see if the products you are interested in score highly with industry experts and existing users. It is important to be a wise buyer and be speculative about the product or you may end up with a product that doesn't do what you want or need it to, or which only just outlasts its manufacturers guarantee. Here is a list of well-known and respected manufacturers of fridges that will give you a good starting point:

1. Samsung fridges
2. Bosch fridges
3. Beko refrigerators
4. Whirlpool refrigerators
5. AEG refrigerators

Do some thorough research online before making your purchase, it might take a little bit of time but it will definitely be worth it in the end when you are left with a good quality fridge that lasts for years and looks great. Choosing from one of the above brands will give you a good head start in terms of quality but it is not all you should consider, where you buy your fridge from is also important. Buying from a retailer you can trust will give you the peace of mind that should anything go wrong with the product through no fault of your own, you will have a professional customer care team on hand to help you solve the problem.

Refrigerator Brands - Make a Smart Decision

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

12 Common Skin Irritants

With so many cleaning supplies and personal care items in our homes these days, it's no wonder that few of us have any idea about which of them are skin irritants. The worse culprits bring redness, itching or inflammation, others bring on stinging or burning. Some reactions are triggered by your own allergy (contact allergic dermatitis) while others cause problems for everyone (contact irritant dermatitis).

Here are the "dirty dozen":

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

1) Soap - frequent washing using soap and water, while tough on germs, also strips your skin of natural oils, leading to what they used to call "dishpan" hands. Your skin might just look chapped at first, but if you don't do anything about it, it will crack and bleed. Other related irritants are bubble bath, body washes and dishwashing liquid.

2) Household Cleaners - most of us know full well what these products can do to our skin. Wearing protective gloves when working with all purpose cleaners, dish and laundry detergents, window cleaners, furniture polish, drain cleaners and toilet disinfectants is the best way to protect your skin.

3) Fabric Dryer Sheets - believe it or not, fabric softener and those handy dryer sheets can bring itchy, irritated skin. Doctors see the rash in places that are covered by clothing, with less in areas that are not. Try fragrance free liquid fabric softeners to lessen the effect and still get rid of static.

4) Clothing - especially rough fabrics like wool can be troublesome for those who have a skin problem known as atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema). Cotton and cotton-poly fabrics are best if you are one of the 10-20% of children or 1-3% of adults who have this condition.

5) Heat - the hot weather can aggravate skin problems because of sweating. You might see redness or chafing in some spots. While you can't move from a hot climate if that's your home, you can make an effort to reduce sweating by staying in cool places and bathing frequently.

6) Latex - some people are hypersensitive to latex, a natural rubber in everything from those gloves in your doctor's office to condoms. If latex is a problem for you, you'll see raised, red marks under a bra strap or elasticated waistband. Some people who are allergic to latex may also have reactions to fruits like bananas and kiwi.

7) Fragrances - while they may smell wonderful to some, allergies to scents are very common. For some it's musk while others struggle with different smells. Since there are some 5,000 fragrances that use different combinations of chemicals, finding the one that bothers you is particularly difficult. Avoidance, or limiting you exposure is best in these cases.

8) Face Creams - the skin on your face has deep pores that easily absorb creams, meaning you should be careful with what skin care products you use - especially if you feel a burning or stinging when you apply them. Wrinkle creams, cleansers and skin peels are all culprits. Your best bet is to check the labels for well-known irritants like ascorbic acid, paraban preservatives and alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, malic acid, lactic acid) and avoid as best you can.

9) Plants - like poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are the most well known causes of allergic contact dermatitis in the U.S. While a mild reaction can last 5 to 12 days, more severe reactions can linger for 30 days or longer. Learn how to recognize all three of these plants so you're able to avoid them.

10) Food - allergies to foods can bring skin reactions such as hives and rashes, but even handling some foods can cause trouble. If you have any open cut on your hands, working with acidic foods or spices can be particularly dicey.

11) Nickel - a substance that's in costume jewelry, watchbands, zippers and more and is a common allergy. In severe cases people have reactions to vitamins or the metal used to repair a fracture in a limb. Your best bet here is to avoid the substance if you know its trouble for you.

12) Sunscreen - while everyone advises you to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from damage by the sun, some chemical agents in the sunscreen itself can lead to the development of a rash or an allergic reaction. Most often this happens with products that have PABA based chemicals, so look for PABA free.

Now that you know a bit more about the most common skin irritants, you can shop as an informed consumer and hopefully put an end to your own skin problems for good.

12 Common Skin Irritants

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

What Are the Best Brands for Home Laundry Appliances?

In this 21st century, it can be a not easy task to make any home appliances purchase decision, even when it bowls down to finding best brands, such as buying washing machines and clothes dryers. With the vast improvement on the internet, we all have changed the way we do shopping these days.

Indeed, study has been conducted on how consumers perform searching and make buying decisions. In 2006, it has revealed some very interesting data - an amazingly over 40% of people would search for detailed customer reviews and reports found online prior to narrowing down the list of potential brands for any home appliance investment.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

So with so many brand names claiming to serve you the best products, which one can you trust? Which one will truly deliver quality washer dryers? Or perhaps, which ones provide the best value for money? These are just some very common question most buyers have, be it an online or offline purchase from local laundry appliance dealers.

Good Names Always Spread Like Epidemic

One thing we know for sure, is that quality and outstanding services tend to get very good exposure just from word of mouth. And this in turn leads to wide brand recognition both on the internet and in traditional media, such as TV, radio, newspaper and other authorities.

One way of quickly identifying the best brand for washing machines is to find out how many people are searching for the particular brand related terms in the industry. In other words, it's about finding out which brand is the most popular or most sought after by the consumer.

So here is a rundown of the most high volume brand related searches for the home laundry appliances sector (this list is broken down to North American washer dryers and European - UK washing machines):

US Best Washer Brands:

On top of this list is Whirlpool, also most widely considered as the leader when it comes to home laundry appliances. The runners up manufacturers are: Kenmore - which is now being produced by many different companies, Maytag, Samsung, GE (General Electric), LG, Frigidaire and Electrolux.

Europe - UK and Ireland Washing Machines:

This is getting a little harder to rate, because there many close contenders, each offering slightly different unique features concentrating on different segments of the market. Nonetheless, we can safely say that Bosch is currently considered the leading maker of high quality clothes washers and dryers, which utilise some of the most advanced and intelligent wash cycles available in the market.

Next in the ranking are the Hoipoint and Indesit, both offering very affordable price points for budget conscious home owners. Zanussi is also a very popular supplier of fully integrated washing machines both in the UK and Europe. Down the list we have Whirlpool again as a highly respected brand, and then is Miele - famous for expensive, but extremely durable washing machines that would last for decades and more. Some other very good producers of laundry appliances include, but not limited to: LG, Samsung, AEG, Beko and Candy.

Bear in mind that there is no definitely answer to what is the best washer dryer for you, because this is a quite a subjective question - it all depends on what is important for you. Is it prices that concern you most? Or is it durability? Or is it functions and ease of use? Those are just a few things to take into account.

What Are the Best Brands for Home Laundry Appliances?

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Toxic Chemicals in the Home - Are They in Yours?

What is the definition of a "toxic chemical"? According to online dictionaries, toxic chemicals are described as: Any chemical that can cause death or permanent harm to humans or animals. This includes all such chemicals, regardless of their origin or of their method of production, and regardless of whether they are produced in facilities, or elsewhere.

The fumes that come from air fresheners, household cleaners, and laundry detergents that make your home and laundry smell so fresh contain dozens of toxic chemicals, and "volatile organic compounds". You can research that term later. They have the ability to harm your health, and your pet's health as well. None of these toxic chemicals will be listed on product labels so don't even bother to look for them. The federal government does not require companies to disclose ingredients that are considered fragrances.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

I'm only talking about household scents here. I can write an article every day for a year and not cover all the toxic chemicals in our environment. Most of us know to stay clear of cleaners that look dangerous and include warnings on the label, like "do not breathe", but we may not think about fragrances as toxic chemicals.

Of course, the health effects of toxic chemicals in the home are "unclear". I don't want to be part of an experiment, do you? It seems the American way is to put the product out there and if a few too many people die or are hospitalized, then maybe they'll consider taking it off the shelf. If product complaints include reports of dizziness, headaches, seizures, and shortness of breath, and asthma attacks, that's enough for me to give it up!

If you don't think I'm being straight with you, do your own research to become informed and to be able to make the right decisions for you. I wanted to share with you an article from National Geographic where an employee willingly allowed himself to be tested for toxic chemicals in his body. It is an eye-opener, even if you think this is a bunch of nonsense put together by women who have nothing better to do than report the sky is falling.

Some of you may already be taking measures to protect your family, and I applaud you. Your awareness may have started with the problem of lead in toys, or maybe you are in Health and Wellness like me, and watch out for these things. I do not think our health is the main concern amongst big businesses today. You will have to take your health into your own hands, even when it comes to laundry products. Seems ridiculous, doesn't it?

So, what exactly is the problem this time? Not much is considered safe these days. The problem of toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds in scents goes along with the finding of hormone disruptors in plastics, toiletries and other man made products. You can research "hormone disruptors" as well, and learn all you need to know about how these chemicals affect your body, and it's not pretty!

The latest studies by the University of Washington focused on commonly used products: dryer sheets (women love the way they smell), fabric softeners, laundry detergents, and different types of air fresheners. All the products gave off major volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.

Many volatile organic compounds like paint and gasoline are known to be harmful. Of course, the safety of the rest are "unclear". VOCs are compounds that vaporize easily. You may have heard about volatile organic compounds from interior house paint ads, or from your city's water quality report. They are in there!

All of the products that were tested emitted at least one harmful, toxic chemical; classified by the federal government, not by me. There were 3 toxic chemicals emitted that the EPA considers hazards with no safe exposure levels, that have been linked to organ damage. I'm sure the rest is "unclear".

Although certain groups have spoken up to assure you that these toxic chemical fragrances have been tested for safety and be used with confidence, I am "confidently" not using them and haven't been for a long time. Knowledge is power here. I only mean to inform, although I'm sure you pick up on where I stand on the matter.

Children are very sensitive to toxic chemical exposure and their little bodies should be protected. Because of their size the toxic chemicals can affect them even more. Even healthy males, during a recent study, reported the side effects listed above, when they were exposed to volatile organic compounds.

Naturally, the products tested will not be named, because you guessed it: big money is involved. Even though we deserve the right to know what is in the products we use daily, manufacturers are not required to tell us.

So, how do you avoid toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds in the home? Look for natural, plant-based products with fragrances disclosed on the label. They are out there if you look, and they are not always more expensive. Stop using laundry products with a fragrance; look for unscented. Use a fan in the bathroom! Be an "informed consumer" and remember, "Knowledge is Power" to make a difference in your health, and in those you love.

Toxic Chemicals in the Home - Are They in Yours?

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

Refrigerator Buying Guide - Tips You Need To Know When Buying A New Refrigerator

Buying a new refrigerator can be a daunting experience. Reading through all the refrigerator reviews, refrigerator ratings and consumer recommendations can be mind boggling. After all, there are so many different models to choose from in addition to all the different brands, styles, even colors. So where do you start?

Well, the easiest place to begin is by asking yourself the following questions:

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

1) How Much Space Do You Need?: The space inside a refrigerator is expressed in Cubic Feet. Considering most people don't understand what a cubic foot represents, think of it this way. You need about Ten Cubic Feet of interior storage capacity per 2 people.

This 10 cubic feet is for freezer space as well as refrigerator space. So, figure about 7 cubic feet of refrigerator space and 3 cubic feet of freezer space per 2 people.

Granted, even though that's the rule of thumb, you have to consider your specific space needs such as:
How big is your family? - If you have a family of four, figure you'll need at least a 20.0 cubic foot fridge. Are you a Vegetarian? - If you are a vegetarian, you won't need as much freezer space or internal meat drawers. You'll want as much refrigerator space as you can handle to be sure you have the space for your fresh fruits and vegetables. How will your family grow, or shrink? - Are your kids in college and about to flee the nest? Do you have a baby on the way or elderly parents moving in? All of these factors are things to consider when making a refrigerator purchase. Consider that most refrigerators last about 10 years, so factor in how your family will be growing or shrinking over that time period so that you don't have to keep buying new refrigerators.

2) What Kind of Refrigerator Will Fit into Your Kitchen?: It sounds silly, but there have been a number of people that have purchased a new refrigerator only to get it home and find out that the new fridge doesn't fit into their existing kitchen. So, take measurements before you go refrigerator shopping.

Factor in not only where the fridge will be sitting, but also how far out the door will swing. After all, you don't want to get your new fridge home and then find out you can't open it!

Keep in mind that counter depth refrigerators are very popular, but they often lack the storage capacity that most people need. So, consider this when you're shopping. Counter depth by the way means that the front face of the refrigerator will sit flush with the existing counter top, rather than sticking out. It looks much nicer, but it's not always the right choice for everybody.

3) Color Choices: There's good and bad news with refrigerator colors -- the good news is there aren't too many to choose from -- and you guessed it, that's also the bad news.

Refrigerators typically come in white, black, stainless steel, bisque (or beige) and a stainless steel alternative called, satina. Satina is usually cheaper than stainless and easier to maintain, but it doesn't always (depending on the brand) look as nice.

The days of avocado green and lemon yellow are gone for the moment.

So, what do you do if you need a different color? Well, many refrigerators have attachable panels that affix to the face of the refrigerator that allows you to make it any color your desire. Most people like to blend their refrigerator into their existing cabinetry by getting panels that match the wood work. GE Monogram, Kenmore Elite and Kitchenaid offer this option and all have performed well in a number of online refrigerator reviews.

4) Type of Refrigerator: The type of refrigerators available are:
Side by Side - Where the freezer and refrigerator are next to each other Top Freezer - Where the freezer is mounted on the top of the refrigerator Bottom Freezer -- There the freezer is mounted on the bottom of the refrigerator French Door Refrigerator -- Which is also referred to as a bottom freezer because it has two split (side by side) doors on the front with a pull out drawer freezer on the bottom. Built In Refrigerator -- Can be any of the above styles, but the refrigerator is built into the existing cabinetry and hidden away with the stylized color panels mentioned above. Compact Refrigerator -- Also called a "dorm refrigerator", the compact refrigerator is perfect for game rooms, spare rooms, garages or family areas.

5) Best Refrigerator Brands: We're always reviewing different models of refrigerators by a wide variety of manufacturers. In all of the refrigerator reviews that we've done, only a handful of manufacturers rise to the tops as leaders -- so these are the brands to consider and brands to avoid:

General Electric: GE, GE profile and GE Monogram are all excellent choices and rate very well with consumers. The GE Aurora brand (sold exclusively at The Home Depot) was above average, but did NOT rate as well as the GE or GE Profile brands.

Consider:

Amana: Amana has consistently been rated by Consumer Reports as one of the best performing refrigerator brands. Our testing proves the same as well. Amana is one to consider.

Kenmore: Sears has had its ups and downs with its many inside brands, but Kenmore consistently has led the pack with high quality, durable and affordable refrigerators. The Kenmore Elite was especially outstanding.

Whirlpool: Whirlpool has been making high quality products for decades. They are now the parent brand of Amana, Maytag and JennAir. Whirlpool is top notch.

LG: Although they lack a bit in customer service, the LG French Door Refrigerators are some of the most affordable and attractive units on the market. Additionally, LG manufactures models for other reknown brands such as Kenmore and GE among others.

Samsung: Samsung has some of the most innovative features on the market. For the price, it's hard to beat Samsung in both quality and list of features. Definitely one to consider.

We hope this helps you as you journey out into the world of refrigerator shopping.

Refrigerator Buying Guide - Tips You Need To Know When Buying A New Refrigerator

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS