Do you trust Consumer Reports ratings? (or, anyone buy a dishwasher lately?)

[MrBond]

My Mom and Dad just had to replace their dishwasher. The previous Kenmore (very similar to that one, but with an LED that read out cycle time left) malfunctioned and got so hot it melted every plastic utensile in the dishwasher, including a HDPE cutting board (so it was probably 260F+ in there). Apparently even the counter top was hot to the touch.

I think they replaced it with that one. It seems a lot smaller than the one they had, plus the silverware rack is built into the door rather than being a separate carrier that you can pull out, it's slightly annoying.

It may not be that exact model, but they look similar at least. I only saw it for a couple minutes last time I was out there visiting.

 

[dullard]

Consumer Reports is an independant non-profit organization. It gets 100% of its money from donations, subscriptions, and purchases of advanced reports. No money is given to them from companies for the tests. Anyone who says otherwise is just plain wrong (and as I can see in this thread they have no proof and are unwilling to give proof because they don't have it).

That said, their reports are a great guide. But that is it, it is a guide. It is not to be used as the sole decision maker. Here are some potential problems.

[*]CR does not use opinion. For example, when rating a vehicle, the looks of the vehicle are not a factor. CR will use only repeatable measurable data and a consistant formula. Thus, you get some unusual results where cars that look like sh!t are given high marks. Most people buy a car based a LOT on looks. Thus, to use CR solely as your decision maker is a very poor way of buying a vehicle. Instead, choose the vehicles that you like the looks of and then let CR help you narrow down that list to vechiles that also perform well.

[*]CR may test things that you don't care about. Suppose CR gave a large weight in their overall ratings to the noise of the dishwasher. And suppose you only run your dishwasher when you are away from the home. Thus, much of their ranking system is irrelevant to you. What you would want instead is to look at the cleaning ability and other special features of the dishwasher. In this case, they give those individual scores - use them and ignore the overall dishwasher rating. Dr Pizza showed a variant on this. They tested the ability of a vacuum to pick up fine particles, if you don't use yours for fine particles, then that part of the review is useless to you.

[*]CR may ignore tests that you do care about. I for one dislike their blender tests. Why? CR repeatedly ignores the noise of the blender. I've tried several blenders and many are far, far more noisy than others. Why do I care? Because when I was at an apartment I would always want to use the blender late at night (that is when I want a mixed drink) and my neighbors would complain about being woken up by the blender. Thus, the rating system ignored what I thought was a critical factor in my buying decision.

[*]Many people mistakenly use the CR ranking system. If ten models get 90% scores, then one of those ten models is listed at the end in place #10 and a different model gets place #1. Yet they all got the same score. If I recall correctly, this is what dishwasher rankings are like. Many models get about the exact same score (because it is the detergent that is most important not the dishwasher). Thus don't use the number rankings, look at the overall score.

[*]Price isn't a part of the ranking system. They list the price, but it is never a part of their ranking formula. Price is often important in buying a device.

So don't use the CR as a bible. Use it as a guide. They properly and repeatably test many functions of the devices. Look at the function ratings that you care about. Use those important ratings to narrow down your choices. But still remember to include your own opinion in your purchase. If you hate the way the best buy model looks, don't buy it. Buy one of the higher rated models that you personally like and that fits your budget.

 

[vi edit]

I definitely prefer Whirlpools "in door" silverware holder. It frees up useful rack space and actually allows you to wash very long spoons and spatulas that have troubles fitting in the bottom row baskets of other brands.

 

[PottedMeat]

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Accipiter22
the thing i like is the ratings are based on actual consumer's...reports...you can't BUY a rating from them, like with JD power and Motortrend and other garbage publications like that

WRONG!!!!
And I can't reveal how I know.

Thanks

Hahaha, yeah lets all listen to this guy! :roll:

I love how people jump to conclusions that CR must be "bought" because they disagree with some of their rankings. The truth of the matter is that no one has ever presented any conclusive evidence that their test results are biased, bought off, influenced, paid for, or otherwise compromised. All these jackasses like BAMAVOO can do is make unsubstantiated claims.

I am a Jackass because I know what I know. It is you jumping to conclusions thinking you know my claims are not real. I can't tell you and that is that.

Then why do you bother posting? Is it some stupid 'nyah nyah I know something you don't know!' childish crap? Back up your statement or shut the hell up.

 

[desy]

About CR and cars

 

[NuKe9]

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: glenn1

I actually own the dishwasher in question. Salesman told us it was Whirlpool. Confirmed when I saw an almost identical Whirlpool elsewhere. Watch out, this one had a recall. No problem getting it done though, Sears took care of us. They replaced the whole pump assembly. Always ran great for us though.

Good Points
-Very adjustable. Upper rack adjustment is great. Fold down tines, etc. Upper rack removable.
-Cleans really good. I've had to rewash about 2-3 dozen dishes in it's 2 year lifespan. I run a load every night (Family of 5 + dog here). Has 3 arms. Upper arms are fed in back, no tower to load around.
-Many cycle options. Delay nice. Sani cycle nice as well. Sensor cycle can save water and time.
-Quiet. Not as quiet as the Bosch or Jenn Air, but quiet enough. You barely hear water whooshing in the background. We looked at the others, but they are smaller inside.
-Built in disposer.
-Huge inside. Tall tub design is great, can stack lots of pots and still clear the middle arm. No center tower, upper arms fed in rear.

Bad Stuff
-Could use more Fold Down Tines
-Plastic interior. SS would be nice. Certain foods or food left in a long time can create a funk. There are dishwasher/plastic cleaning detergents out there, they do the job just fine.
-No Cutlery or Stemware holders.
-Was recalled, but Sears notified us and took care off the whole process. Got repair slip, repairs wer estimated at $438, almost the cost of the unit.
-Might be isolated to mine, but sometimes the detergent door latch doesn't properly engage after filling. It's easy enough to manually push the latch when closing, though.

Wow, good review. Thanks for all the input, looks like this one will do just fine 🙂

Except "-No Cutlery or Stemware holders."!!!!

What dishwasher DOESN'T have a place to put silverware!

I does have a place for silverware, but not specifically for knives (Should be washing them by hand anyways). It's a general purpose silverware basket with optional slots to keep silverware from nesting and staying dirty. It's also detached and movable. Works better than the on the door type baskets, IMHO.

Thanks for the kinds words on the mini review, OP. 😀

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Accipiter22
the thing i like is the ratings are based on actual consumer's...reports...you can't BUY a rating from them, like with JD power and Motortrend and other garbage publications like that

WRONG!!!!
And I can't reveal how I know.

Thanks

Hahaha, yeah lets all listen to this guy! :roll:

I love how people jump to conclusions that CR must be "bought" because they disagree with some of their rankings. The truth of the matter is that no one has ever presented any conclusive evidence that their test results are biased, bought off, influenced, paid for, or otherwise compromised. All these jackasses like BAMAVOO can do is make unsubstantiated claims.

I am a Jackass because I know what I know. It is you jumping to conclusions thinking you know my claims are not real. I can't tell you and that is that.

Your a jackass because you claim to know something, provide no supporting evidence, and suggest that we trust you on your word. If you're not trying to convince us of your position, then don't bother posting.

 

[BAMAVOO]

Originally posted by: PottedMeat

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Accipiter22
the thing i like is the ratings are based on actual consumer's...reports...you can't BUY a rating from them, like with JD power and Motortrend and other garbage publications like that

WRONG!!!!
And I can't reveal how I know.

Thanks

Hahaha, yeah lets all listen to this guy! :roll:

I love how people jump to conclusions that CR must be "bought" because they disagree with some of their rankings. The truth of the matter is that no one has ever presented any conclusive evidence that their test results are biased, bought off, influenced, paid for, or otherwise compromised. All these jackasses like BAMAVOO can do is make unsubstantiated claims.

I am a Jackass because I know what I know. It is you jumping to conclusions thinking you know my claims are not real. I can't tell you and that is that.

Then why do you bother posting? Is it some stupid 'nyah nyah I know something you don't know!' childish crap? Back up your statement or shut the hell up.

Crawl back in your hole. If yoiu are so concerned at what I post how about you don't waste space with your stupid comments as well.

 

[BAMAVOO]

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Accipiter22
the thing i like is the ratings are based on actual consumer's...reports...you can't BUY a rating from them, like with JD power and Motortrend and other garbage publications like that

WRONG!!!!
And I can't reveal how I know.

Thanks

Hahaha, yeah lets all listen to this guy! :roll:

I love how people jump to conclusions that CR must be "bought" because they disagree with some of their rankings. The truth of the matter is that no one has ever presented any conclusive evidence that their test results are biased, bought off, influenced, paid for, or otherwise compromised. All these jackasses like BAMAVOO can do is make unsubstantiated claims.

I am a Jackass because I know what I know. It is you jumping to conclusions thinking you know my claims are not real. I can't tell you and that is that.

Your a jackass because you claim to know something, provide no supporting evidence, and suggest that we trust you on your word. If you're not trying to convince us of your position, then don't bother posting.

It is you're, not your a jackass.

So don't trust my word, but why name call when you know nothing about me?

You guys want trust my word, but you will accept what is written on their website as fact? I guess you all beleive everything John Stewart reports as the truth as well?

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Accipiter22
the thing i like is the ratings are based on actual consumer's...reports...you can't BUY a rating from them, like with JD power and Motortrend and other garbage publications like that

WRONG!!!!
And I can't reveal how I know.

Thanks

Hahaha, yeah lets all listen to this guy! :roll:

I love how people jump to conclusions that CR must be "bought" because they disagree with some of their rankings. The truth of the matter is that no one has ever presented any conclusive evidence that their test results are biased, bought off, influenced, paid for, or otherwise compromised. All these jackasses like BAMAVOO can do is make unsubstantiated claims.

I am a Jackass because I know what I know. It is you jumping to conclusions thinking you know my claims are not real. I can't tell you and that is that.

Your a jackass because you claim to know something, provide no supporting evidence, and suggest that we trust you on your word. If you're not trying to convince us of your position, then don't bother posting.

It is you're, not your a jackass.

So don't trust my word, but why name call when you know nothing about me?

You guys want trust my word, but you will accept what is written on their website as fact? I guess you all beleive everything John Stewart reports as the truth as well?

It's won't, not want. :roll:

Consumer reports has more credibility than you. You can't just come in here and say, "They're bought and paid for" with no evidence whatsoever and just expect us to believe you. Why is that so hard to understand? That is a direct question - why is that so hard for you to understand?

 

[SecretShadow]

Originally posted by: desy
About CR and cars

Very good read. Food for thought, even if you don't agree with it.

 

[classy]

I trust them completely. I have never been disappointed in any of the advice on the products they have recommended that I purchased.

 

[BAMAVOO]

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Accipiter22
the thing i like is the ratings are based on actual consumer's...reports...you can't BUY a rating from them, like with JD power and Motortrend and other garbage publications like that

WRONG!!!!
And I can't reveal how I know.

Thanks

Hahaha, yeah lets all listen to this guy! :roll:

I love how people jump to conclusions that CR must be "bought" because they disagree with some of their rankings. The truth of the matter is that no one has ever presented any conclusive evidence that their test results are biased, bought off, influenced, paid for, or otherwise compromised. All these jackasses like BAMAVOO can do is make unsubstantiated claims.

I am a Jackass because I know what I know. It is you jumping to conclusions thinking you know my claims are not real. I can't tell you and that is that.

Your a jackass because you claim to know something, provide no supporting evidence, and suggest that we trust you on your word. If you're not trying to convince us of your position, then don't bother posting.

It is you're, not your a jackass.

So don't trust my word, but why name call when you know nothing about me?

You guys want trust my word, but you will accept what is written on their website as fact? I guess you all beleive everything John Stewart reports as the truth as well?

It's won't, not want. :roll:

Consumer reports has more credibility than you. You can't just come in here and say, "They're bought and paid for" with no evidence whatsoever and just expect us to believe you. Why is that so hard to understand? That is a direct question - why is that so hard for you to understand?

I know what you are saying... Let's leave it at that.

 

[markgm]

I own it and I like it. The first one had a defect, Sears came out and replaced it, no issues with the second one. For the price, it's nice and quiet and gets dishes clean.

Edit: And I think CR does include price in the rankings, which is sometimes irrelevant to me. I want to know which is the best, not the best for the price. I can get stuff on ebay for less than the MSRP.

 

[DrPizza]

Good post, Dullard. Only a correction to the particles for vacuums - it wasn't the particle size that mattered, it was the nature of sawdust mixing with water. Sawdust is much more efficiently filtered with a paper bag than dust that would more typically be encountered in a home, but sawdust in particular was a problem for rainbows system, because it didn't mix readily in water, like most dirt encountered in a household would - that was rainbow's complaint.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO

Originally posted by: Accipiter22
the thing i like is the ratings are based on actual consumer's...reports...you can't BUY a rating from them, like with JD power and Motortrend and other garbage publications like that

WRONG!!!!
And I can't reveal how I know.

Thanks

Then don't expect people to believe you.

Originally posted by: BAMAVOO
I know what you are saying... Let's leave it at that.

How about you just don't say it, and leave it at that. Because you're full of sh!t.

 

[BoomerD]

We have a Kenmore dishwasher that is actually a KitchenAide. As has been mentioned many times, Kenmore products are manufactured by other companies, then USUALLY have a few bells & whistles added to them that the otherwise exact same model from the builder doesn't have, then branded Kenmore, and often sold at a slightly lower price.

For many years, Whirlpool made all Kenmore products. In recent years, they've farmed things out to other companies like KitchenAide and Maytag. (now a Whirlpool brand)

In 35 years of owning Kenmore appliances, the ONLY one I've regretted buying is the Kenmore/Whirlpool Calypso washing machine. Numerous class action lawsuits over mechanical issues and performance issues. We have become quite disillusioned by Sears's handling of this to the point that this spring, when we wanted to buy a new range, (stove for many of you) we went to a local appliance store, did some "dickering" and got the top-of-the-line GE range (which my wife REALLY wanted) for about $400. less than we could have from Sears, with a BETTER warranty and free delivery & installation.

 

[azoomee]

Every time I've purchased something with a good consumer reports review I've been happy.