If your old washer has been steadily chugging along for a number of years, you probably haven’t been paying too much attention to the newest appliance battlefield—front-loading washers versus top-loading washers. It used to be that front loading washers were used primarily in laundromats and commercial washing operation while the vast majority of homes used top loaders. However, in recent years, front-loading washers have become much more common in the consumer market, leading to the question which is the better choice for you - a front-loading washer or a top loader? Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to selecting a gift for your average weekend warrior, a tool is a pretty safe bet. There’s always some tool or tool accessory that he could find useful in whatever big project he has planned next. The problem is identifying the right tool/accessory on your own, particularly when you might not have the same extensive knowledge that your DIY-er does. All too often, the tool gift-giving process breaks down when you have to be told what to get, instead of being able to surprise your weekend warrior with a gift you’ve chosen on your own. Read the rest of this entry »

Holiday card photos are a great way to help friends and family keep up with how you and your family are doing, and they provide a visual record of your family over the years as well. Since most people can’t afford to pay a professional photographer hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a professional sitting, taking the photo usually becomes a do-it-yourself project. Read the rest of this entry »

Before adding a new TV, cell phone, or laptop to your home electronics arsenal, think about what you’re going to do with the one that’s being replaced. In one of its many efforts in waste management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has partnered with several leading consumer electronics manufacturers, retailers, and mobile service agencies to create Plug-In to eCycling, a program that promotes opportunities for individuals to donate for reuse or recycle their unwanted electronics. Read the rest of this entry »

From candy to wine, there’s a kitchen thermometer for all kinds of food preparation. Kitchen thermometers are inexpensive and can save you a lot of guesswork, especially when preparing meat.

Thermometers for Checking Meat Temperature
Cooking meat to the correct temperature greatly reduces the possibility of food-borne illness. You’ll keep your family healthy and safe, while making a perfect meal. You can choose from classic dial thermometers or fancier digital models.

Many of the digital oven thermometers let you set the desired temperature and alert you when it’s reached. You never have to open the oven because this thermometer is inserted into the meat and kept there while cooking. Models like the Polder Original Cooking All in One Timer/Thermometer also feature timers. Some even have pre-programmed settings, so you don’t have to know the exact temperature, simply select “chicken” or “pork.”

For temperature accuracy, consumerreports.com recommends the Polder THM-360 and the Taylor Weekend Warrior 806. According to the site, the Polder THM-360 is best to insert before cooking and the Taylor Weekend Warrior 806 is good for checking temperature while the meat’s cooking-it’s instant read.

Oven Thermometers
If you want to make sure your oven reaches the right temperature, place a thermometer next to food while cooking. This will give you the most precise reading of cooking temperature. The Taylor Oven Thermometer is one trusted model.

Thermometers for Grilling
A fork thermometer can help you grill meat to perfection. You can also use a fork thermometer for checking the temperature of meats while they’re cooking in the oven.

Thermometer for Refrigerators
Consider adding a refrigerator thermometer to the inside of your fridge. You’ll be able to make sure that leftovers are kept at the right temperature. There are many top brands to choose from including Taylor, Sunbeam, Oxo and KitchenAid. You can also get one that alerts you when the temperatures in your refrigerator and freezer get too warm. These models include the CDN Audio Visual Refrigerator Freezer Alarm and the Orka Fridge and Freezer Thermometer.

Candy and Deep Fry Thermometers
Candy making is a science and getting a sugary mixture to the right temperature is essential. The same goes for deep frying foods. Most thermometers for these tasks are dial read, but you can get the Maverick CT-03 Digital Oil & Candy Thermometer. It’s a popular choice on Amazon.com. When the desired temperature is reached, the Maverick beeps for convenience. Choose a candy/oil thermometer with an adjustable clip that secures the thermometer to pan.

Wine Thermometers
Never serve wine at the wrong temperature again. Crateandbarrel.com sells a cuff-shaped model that wraps around most wine bottles. It features a reference guide that lists the ideal temperature for various wines. The wine enthusiast should check out the SnapShot Wine Thermometer from Nuvovino.com. It uses infrared technology to read the temperature of the wine instead of the bottle.

Helpful Tips
Be careful when washing your thermometer. It might not be waterproof. Check the owner’s manual for washing instructions.

Name of Product: Yayita Baby Hammocks

Units: About 20 (related recalls have been issued: 08-604 August 2008, 09-760 August 2009, and 09-761 August 2009)

Distributor: Three Sisters Toys Inc., Neptune Beach, Fla.

Hazard: The hammock can flip over, posing a serious fall hazard and strangulation hazard to infants who become entrapped in the seat’s restraint straps while upside down. Read the rest of this entry »

Name of Product: Bicycles with EA30 Stems

Units: About 6,400

Importer: Easton Sports, of Scotts Valley, Calif.

Hazard: The bicycle stem can crack and cause the rider to lose control, posing a risk of serious injury if the rider falls. Read the rest of this entry »

Name of Product: Homelite Backpack Blowers

Units: About 85,000

Distributor: Homelite Consumer Products Inc., of Anderson, S.C.

Hazard: The fuel tank can leak gasoline, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Read the rest of this entry »

Name of Product: Hang-On Fixed Position Treestands

Units: About 13,000

Importer: Gander Mountain Company, of St. Paul, Minn.

Manufacturer: StrongBuilt, of Waterproof, La.

Hazard: The clasp may open unexpectedly if the strap is fastened incorrectly, causing the treestand and user to fall to the ground. Read the rest of this entry »

Name of Product: Rechargeable Batteries sold with MVP 5000 Series Wireless Touch Panels

Units: About 1,900

Manufacturer: AMX, of Richardson, Texas

Hazard: Touch panels left uncharged for more than three months can fail, causing the battery to rupture. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers. Read the rest of this entry »