0 !LENOVO
YOGA
720-15IKB
$ 9500
OVERALL(^73) SCORE
2000 We test 10 Windows-based
laptops and the Apple iBook (above).
Though “very good overall,” the
iBook didn’t rate as well as the IBM
ThinkPad and Sony Vaio.
2018 Though we evaluate
computers costing up to $2,400,
CR’s tests help consumers
find quality machines for less, such
as the Lenovo above. It’s our best-
rated 15-inch laptop under $1,000.
1995 Increasingly popular with
students and commuters, we test
23 “notebook computers,” such as
the HP OmniBook with diskette and
modem card (below). But we still
find desktops to be a better value.
2011 CR reports that the 1 3 -inch Sony
Vaio VGN (below) “gives the MacBook
a run for its money,” with comparable
performance and 6¼ hours of battery
life. It weighs just 4.7 pounds and
costs $100 less than the MacBook.
How to Clean Practically Anything™
Your Microwave
REMOVE STAINS
Wipe the inner walls,
ceiling, and floor of
the oven with a hot,
damp cloth. Wash
removable parts, such
as the turntable, in a
dishwasher (if it’s safe)
or with hot water and
dishwashing liquid.
For over-the-range
units, be sure to wash
the filters underneath.
CHASE AWAY SMELLS
To banish odors ,
place a bowl of water
containing ¼ cup of
lemon juice in the
oven and run it on
high for 1 to 2 minutes.
Wait 3 0 seconds,
then remove the bowl
and wipe the cavity,
using the lemon
water condensation
to clean it. Then wipe
it down with plain
water and repeat
if needed.
SCRAPE IT CLEAN
If you have stubborn
stains or bits of food
baked onto the
interior, try scraping
them with a plastic
credit card—but
never use it to scrape
the inner surface
MOST OF US rely on our microwave oven daily, zapping everything from hot cocoa to last
night’s leftovers, so it’s no surprise how quickly it can become dirty with splatter and
food bits. But a deep clean every so often can keep your microwave humming and odor-free,
especially around the holidays, when it’s likely to work overtime.
0 $LG NeoChef
LMC1275SB $ 160
82
0 !Cuisinart Mini
Prep Plus DLC-2A
food chopper
$ 40
This petite 3 -cup
chopper combines
very good value with
solid performance. It
was particularly zippy
at chopping onions
and almonds in our
tests, and at grating
Parmesan cheese.
63
of the microwave’s
window. A scratch
there could damage
the microwave-
blocking finish.
POLISH IT OFF
Finish up by making
the exterior of
your oven shine.
Simply use a mild
all-purpose cleaner
and a soft cloth.
For more laptop ratings, turn to page 46.
For microwave safety tips
and ratings, turn to our
PHOTOS, TOP: JOHN WALSH/CONSU article starting on page 20.
MER REPORTS;
BOTTO
M ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: XEROX; CONSU
MER REPORTS
DECEMBER 2018 CR.ORG 15