Consumer Reports May 2022

OUR LIVES have changed during the pandemic, and we’re only starting to grasp some of the less obvious impacts. For example, many of us stopped eating at restaurants and opted instead for takeout meals. In fact, 62 percent of Americans are now more likely to get takeout than before COVID-19, according to the National Restaurant Association. And aside from the sheer waste created by all those takeout containers, we now know that they could also contain potentially dangerous chemicals. You may have heard of PFAS (pronounced PEA-fahs), short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals can be found in countless products, including nonstick pans and waterproof jackets, as well as takeout containers. They’re linked to some serious health concerns, such as lowered immunity and various types of cancer. CR’s tests (see…

Making Cars More Efficient Drivers in the U.S. will save thousands of dollars, and we’ll all enjoy improved air quality, because in December the Environmental Protection Agency finalized more stringent emissions standards for new cars and light trucks. CR was one of many groups urging the EPA to reestablish standards at the same level as those set in 2012, which were rolled back in 2020. We took the lead in providing data and analysis on the consumer costs and benefits of stronger rules, showing that they would save consumers an average of $2,400 over the life of each new car, starting in 2026. We also objected to an earlier proposal, arguing that it included too many loopholes for automakers. We submitted over 25,000 petition signatures in support of the stronger rules and rallied…

MY TRICK FOR falling asleep is listening to podcasts about sports, as well as audiobooks on history and other nonfiction [topics]. I use comfortable in-ear headphones at a low volume, with an off timer set for about 30 minutes. For me, Apple’s wired EarPods block just enough sound and don’t become irritating. —Aaron Isgar, Honolulu DON’T COUNT SHEEP, instead count backward by 3 from 300. It can require some persistence, but I’ve had nearly 100 percent success getting to sleep or back to sleep. It’s really amazing how effective this is in turning off an overactive mind. —David Dornbusch, Ithaca, NY YOUR ARTICLE ON sleep was very helpful but missed one important option: using meditation apps. I use a free one called InsightTimer, and I know there are others. If you go to Sleep…

Bike Helmets WE TESTED: 50 models WE TEST FOR: The helmet’s ability to absorb the impact of a crash, how easy it is to adjust the fit of the helmet, how well ventilated it is, and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 71 Range: 37-85 EXCELLENT VENTILATION Giro Register MIPS $65 85 OVERALL SCORE REMOVABLE VISOR & WASHABLE INNER PADDING LEM Boulevard $40 81 OVERALL SCORE EASY TO ADJUST FOR FIT Freetown Lumiere $40 80 OVERALL SCORE Microwaves WE TESTED: 77 mid-to-large-sized countertop models WE TEST FOR: How quickly, quietly, and evenly it heats and reheats food, and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 66 Range: 33-89 SPEEDY HEATING Panasonic NN-SN77HS $220 88 OVERALL SCORE VERY EVEN HEATING Hamilton Beach P11043ALH-WTB $100 80 OVERALL SCORE SLEEK & QUIET BARGAIN Oster OGCMDM11S2-10 $100 00 OVERALL SCORE Smartwatches WE TESTED: 27 models that work with iOS and Android. WE TEST FOR: How easy it is to use key features like the messaging and calendar apps, how well the display resists scratches, and more. ABOUT THE SCORES: Median: 77 Range: 60-84 EASY TO…

It seems like there have been a lot of food poisoning outbreaks from fresh produce. Is it safer to buy frozen vegetables? THE OVERALL RISK of getting sick from properly handled produce—fresh or frozen—is low, says Sana Mujahid, PhD, manager of food safety research and testing at CR. But both types have been involved in outbreaks of illness due to salmonella, listeria, and other bacteria in recent years. Produce can be contaminated at the farm during harvesting, or while being packaged at a processing plant. And even though most frozen vegetables undergo an additional process of being blanched in hot water or steamed before freezing, they may still contain bacteria. Those at highest risk for food poisoning—young children, the elderly, and people who are immunocompromised—may want to cook their veggies, which…

Kenmore 200 Series BC4002 $250 76 OVERALL SCORE This vacuum excels at removing embedded dirt from carpets and picking up pet hair—one of the hardest things to banish. Plus, you can easily adjust the pile height with a foot pedal. Hoover PowerDash Pet FH50700 $100 69 OVERALL SCORE Stained carpets? This cleaner scrubs a mix of water and detergent into your carpet, then vacuums up the water and dirt. It removed red clay stains well in our tests and, at 17 pounds, is lighter than many other models. Toro 51624 $65 81 OVERALL SCORE The top-rated, budget-friendly Toro works beautifully to clear away debris and grime from patios. It's easy to handle, and has more than one speed setting for better control in tight areas. For Pet Hair Dampen rubber gloves with tap water, then run over couches and curtains to pick up hair and lint. For…