LibGuides: Appliances/Purchasing: Library & Online Sources for Reviews

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Consumer Reports This link opens in a new window
Access full-text articles (1991 to present) from Consumer Reports via MasterFILE Premier/EBSCO.
Consumer Reports - Buying Guides This link opens in a new window
Access full-text articles from 1999 to present from Consumer Reports Buying Guides via MasterFILE Premier/EBSCO. To browse issues by date, click on the years listed on the right side of the screen. To search by keyword, click on "Search within this publication."
Financial Literacy This link opens in a new window
The database contains Financial Calculators. Use the Auto Loan Payment Calculator but substitute the financial information for the purchase of a large appliance to estimate a monthly loan payment.

The Consumer Reports Website

Visit any branch, use a public computer and the librarian will enter a password for the site.

Good Housekeeping Institute: Product Reviews
Appliances: From vacuums and washing machines to refrigerators and microwaves, these appliances are worth the investment.
USAToday Reviews: Appliances
Our reviews are based on tests carried out in the Reviewed test labs, with very few exceptions.
Wirecutter/NYTimes
Wirecutter is a product review website owned by The New York Times Company.
It is not included in SLCL's online subscription.
A subscription is monthly or yearly.

Read reviews on several sites.
Be wary of similar wording on reviews.
Discount “extreme” reviews.
Search online for the appliance product or company name, plus the words “complaint” or “scam” to see people’s reviews. People are more likely to write a bad review than a good one.
Look at both the good and bad reviews.
Some reviews are fakes, written to boost sales.

Family Handyman Make It Last by Family Family Handyman (Editor)
ISBN: 9781621454199
Publication Date: 2019-02-05
Repair, Reuse, Remodel The best way to cut home expenses--and frustrations--is to prevent problems from happening in the first place. With The Family Handyman Make It Last, see how easy it is to avoid appliance breakdowns, keep your furnace humming and avoid expensive water damage. Extend the lifespan of your water heater, lawn mower, garage door opener and more. We'll also show you instant fixes to try before you call a repair service.