Cuisinart CBT-500 Brushed Stainless Power Blender
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $150.00 -- our price: $99.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Super powerful, this handsome 600-watt blender effortlessly crushes ice to perfect margarita or daiquiri consistency. The heavy die-cast metal base with brushed stainless finish sits in place and won’t jump around, even when the blender is working hard. Sharp precision blades mince even small amounts of herbs and garlic, and the blade unit unscrews for easy cleaning. The wide-mouth 50-ounce glass jar with durable, metal-look plastic handle and base is perfect for puréeing soups or whipping up smoothies. A digital count-up timer displays automatically when blending begins, and LED lights flash red when the power and speed buttons are pushed. Operation is very simple: there are two speeds, high and low, for regular blending or pulsing, and a separate button for ice crushing. Ingredients can be added midstream through the top. The blender stands 16 inches tall, and is covered by a limited three-year warranty. --Ann Bieri ... Read more

Features

• Heavy die-cast metal base prevents jumping
• Digital count-up timer; flashing LED lights
• 50-ounce glass jar with durable plastic handle
• Measures 9-3/8 by 8-1/2 by 16-1/2 inches

Reviews (23)

Throw it in the trash
I used this blender to make smoothies using mostly frozen fruit and a fresh banana.Usually I had to thaw the fruit somewhat and add some liquid for the blender to work properly.
I have had to replace the blade assembly 3 times at a cost of over $15 each time.Today was the 4th time it burned up and I am throwing it in the trash.
I don't know what exactly happens but I think perhaps the collar giggles loose and then the rubber teeth that catch and turn the blade burn up making a terrible smell.I was always tightening the collar sometimes to the point of not being able to get it off for cleaning.I'm fed up with this blender and am looking for another brand.

Very very pretty but not easy to keep clean and working well
I used this blender for about a year and a half, and it is very pretty to have out on the counter, but it is a bit of a pain to keep clean.Issues with cleaning are:

1) The fittings need to be very tight so that they don't leak, but then they are hard to open to clean it.

2) Turning the whole jar upside down in the dishwasher results in collecting water in the inverted base -- i.e. you pull it out then have to dump the water out of the base.

3) The fittings wear over time, so they handle gets cockeyed and screwy, and the base cracked eventually.

Please note I am a very demanding user, since I make a smoothie every day.

I think if you are an infrequent user, this blender is GREAT for you, but if you use it every day, I'd go with the Warring Professional instead.

If you can't pour it, what's the use?
I just got this blender for my birthday and am reluctantly coming to the conclusion it must be returned. You just cannot pour whatever you blended without it spilling down the front of the blender. The squarish jar is about four inches wide and as you pour the contents come bearing down across the entire four inches. It's like Niagra Falls. There is no taper or anything directing your margarita or smoothie to the spout. Pouring out the corner doesn't work either; the angle is too wide.
If only I could get my milkshake out into the glass it would be a great blender.
On another note, several reviewers complained about motors burning out and blade assemblies melting. The first time I set the blender up and turned it on, it made a loud noise and the blades did not turn. It is very easy to seat the jar solidly on the base WITHOUT the blade mechanism engaging with the motor. ... Read more

Asin: B00006F2MJ
Subjects:  1. Blenders    2. (Osterizers)    3. Small Appliances    4. Electrics   

Dyson DC 07 All Floors Upright Vacuum, Steel Yellow
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen (01 January, 2003)
list price: $500.00 -- our price: $399.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Designed by engineering guru James Dyson, inventor of the cyclonicvacuum, the 12-amp Dyson DC07 upright is an inspired combination of power andstructural smarts. At the center of the machine's innovation is the Cyclone air pathdesign, an eight-section chamber that creates powerful, consistent suction. The conicalchambers generate 100,000 g of centrifugal force, pushing dust and dirt out of the airflowinto the vacuum's 1-gallon collection cup. With no bag to clog, the vacuum's 270 airwatts of suction remain steady. The large, transparent collection cup is easy to check andempties tidily--pop it off, hold it over a trash bin, and pull the trigger to release dirtwithout having to touch it. The DC07 also comes equipped with a multipart filtrationsystem to improve overall air quality in the home. The HEPA filter, measuring 412square inches in surface area, traps microscopic particulates and allergens. Expertly built, the filter is designedto last the lifetime of the machine.

Suitable for bare floors and carpets, the Dyson upright features a 14-inch cleaning pathand edge-cleaning bristles. A simple foot pedal switches off the brush roll for bare floors,and the nozzle automatically adjusts for changes in carpet height. The vacuum isequipped for above-floor cleaning with a cleverly stowed, quick-release 17-foot hosewith a reversible, extension-wand handle. Onboard accessories include a crevice tool, adusting brush, and an upholstery attachment, all designed to function without "sticking"to surfaces. Made from the same material used in crash helmets, the vacuum isunquestionably durable. Plus, the design only puts 4 pounds of weight on the handle, sopushing and turning is easy. This model comes with a 35-foot power cord and a limitedtwo-year household warranty. --Emily Bedard ... Read more

Features

• Measures 14 by 46 by 13-1/2 inches
• Eight-chambered cyclonic design for powerful, consistent suction
• Bag-free dirt collection with hygienic emptying trigger
• Long-lasting filtration system with HEPA filter
• Includes 17-foot hose, crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery attachment

Reviews (243)

Great vacuum with a few drawbacks
I have owned and used this vacuum for five months, and am generally pleased - I would buy it again. The design is especially awesome.I've had other bagless vacuums before, but this one really deserves praise for being easy (and clean!) to empty, and it's nice to not have to worry about replacing HEPA filters.It's also held up to "first use" standards over five months (read reviews of competing products, and you'll see that this can be a big issue!)

The drawbacks are:

(1) The Dyson base is much higher than other vacuums, making it impossible to use it under furniture. The floor attachment costs an additional $60. Additionally, the floor attachment must be attached to the wand, which means that you're switching back and forth as you clean the floors. The floor attachment is bulky (12" x 10.5" x 7") and there's no built-in place to store it with the vacuum.

(2) The wand for attachments is cumbersome and inflexible at the bottom, which makes it heavy and awkward to use for certain tasks (e.g. underneath sofa cushions, the tops of windows, etc.), especially in small or crowded rooms.

(3) The attachments themselves are small in comparison to some other manufacturers' attachments, requiring more time and effort to clean upholstery, baseboards, etc.

(4) The suction does indeed reach deep down into carpets. This is a plus re: dirt, but can be hard on carpet fibers - I notice a great deal of wool comes up every time I use the Dyson to vacuum my bedroom carpets.

(5) Be very careful when vacuuming fringed area rugs - the fringe easily can get caught in the vacuum.

(6) It's true, and curious, that the Dyson doesn't always pick up small little things, like pieces of thread, on the first pass.

I have resolved most of these issues by using my Roomba (which goes around and under everything, and is easier on the carpets) for routine floor and carpet cleaning.If only I-Robot would make a roomba that could climb walls, clean furniture and do blinds, these machines together would truly be an unbeatable combo!:-)

Easy to empty..beware of the HORRID SOUND
I asked for and got this vacuum believing the claim that it never loses suction. it was great (sucks up a lot of carpet fiber too though). and i LOVED it the first few months. one day, my husband vacuumed up some dust from a sheetrock job he did. the fine powder (much like cornstarch) coated too many of the numerous seals and the vacuum lost suction. i cleaned the filter as instructed, followed the easy online tips and tricks.. and it was good as new. CLEAN THE CANISTER OFTEN (love how easy that is).

second.. beware of area rugs or anything that ends up hitting th yellow bar.. this HORRID RIPPING WRENCHING sound comes out of the front of the vaccuum. i only assume its the brush beating against the internal frame or something. other than that.. the vacuum is soooo worth it.

Disapointed... or unreasonable expectation?
I comtaplated between the Dyson and the Hoover Self-Propelled Windtunnel for a while and decided to get the Dyson.The Dyson looks great out of the box and the assembly was easy.The material doesn't seem that cheap to me although the piece in the front of the floor vacuum did pop off after the second time I used it.However, it is no big deal as I just poped it back in and good as new.The tools didn't keep on falling out as some others as well.To me, this is a well built machine that would last a while.However, it didn't pick up dirt as good as I originally thought it would.After vacuuming, I can still see some specs of stuff that my daughter left on the carpet and some left over baking soda I use to vacuum with.I had to go over the same area at least 4 passes slowly for me not to see anything on the carpet.The manual says that you are not suppose to vacuum a large amount of fine dust and you can't vacuum up "big" debris.Also, the cyclone suppose to keep the dirt spinning around in the can but some of my dirt always stays to the bottom and not "spinning around".So, I resolve to clean the can every single time I vacuum.But remember, when you clean the can, DO NOT to tip it becuase there are two holes where dust and lint can fall out and make a huge mess.I've decided to keep the machine because it does seem to do its job fo the most part and I really like the life-time HEPA filter. Anyway, I thought a more expensive machine would pick up everything in one pass and include all the accessories, this DOESN'T. ... Read more

Asin: B000079R7E
Subjects:  1. Vacuum Cleaners    2. Upright Vacuums    3. Floor Care    4. (Vaccums)    5. (Vacumes)    6. (Vacums)    7. (Vacs)    8. Vacuums   

VTech 2528 2.4 GHz Analog Cordless Phone with TeleZapper and Caller ID
Average Customer Review:
Electronics (29 October, 2002)
list price: $59.99
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Editorial Review

The VTech 2528 offers 2.4 GHz high-frequency technology for longer range and reduced interference. Plus, the built-in TeleZapper helps reduce annoying telemarketing calls--a special tone fools many automated telemarketing computers into thinking your number has been disconnected. Caller ID with call waiting tells you who's calling even when you're already talking to someone else (a subscription from your local phone company is required). A 50-name-and-number phone book and 99 caller ID entries make dialing your most important numbers quick and easy. Additional features include headset compatibility and amessage-waiting indicator for voice mail. ... Read more

Features

• 2.4 GHz analog operation
• Built-in TeleZapper helps reduce annoying telemarketing calls
• Caller ID with call waiting
• 50 name and number phonebook directory
• 99 name and number caller ID memory

Reviews (24)

Same poor battery life; poor reception
I also found that the battery life of this phone makes it unusable.Even after
it has charged 24 hours, the battery life is less than 20 minutes. Also, the reception is poor compared to the much cheaper 900 MHz cordless I had before it.Although the porduct claims to have a choice of ring tones, they all sound basically the same.

This product is a waste of money.

Good phone, very poor battery life
I have the same problem as the other reviewers with a very poor battery life. After hours of recharging, it allows approx 20 minutes of use. Searching for a new new battery and will see how it goes...

Stay away from this phone
Poor battery life, poor reception, and it broke after 8 months of regular home use. Go Uniden instead... ... Read more

Asin: B000075B6F
Subjects:  1. Phones (Telephones)    2. Cordless    3. Cordless (Cord-less)    4. Caller ID (CID)    5. (Identification Display)    6. 2.4 GHz (2.4GHz, gigahertz)   

DEWALT D21009 Heavy Duty 3/8" VSR Drill with Metal Keyless Chuck
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $106.00 -- our price: $56.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• 0-2,500 rpm with single gear reduction
• All-metal chuck offers greater durability
• 6 amp motor provides more power than any other unit in its class
• All-metal 3/8-inch keyless chuck
• All ball-bearing construction for long life

Reviews (3)

The DeWalt 21009 is not a heavy duty quality drill.
I thought it was time to upgrade from the 25 year old 3/8" key chuck Skil brand drill, so I wanted a good, basic, no frills keyless chuck drill when I chose the DeWalt 21009.I made a poor choice in two regards:the keyless chuck loosens while drilling, too often, and will also tighten up on it's own other times to the point I had to use an adjustable wrench to unlock it.Frustrating.

But worse than that, this drill didn't make it through even 6 months of very intermittent use before the motor overheated and is now incapable of drilling a hole of any substance before it grinds to a halt.

I had another DeWalt unit- a DW272 drywall screw driver quit holding bits the very same day.I am now a very disappointed DeWalt customer who will not be buying or recommending DeWalt to anyone.Very frustrating and extremely disappointing.

Luckily I kept the Skil drill and put it back in service.

Poor choice
I purchased about a year ago and saved $20. It doesnt work,couldnt get it repaired for less than $40, so I gave it to a friend as a paperweight and am in the process of buying another Brandwith a decent warrantee like I should have done to begin with. Any Questions?

DeWalt is drills
DeWalt makes the best cordless drills and I am now convinced that their corded stuff is just as good.I had a Makita drills that burned up - (pretty quickly) and I needed something new.This DeWalt is strong and I had a hard time bogging it down.More importantly - it did not get too hot after 5 minutes of drilling.I wasn't expecting it, but the tool also has a metal chuck, which is amazing.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JSPH
Sales Rank: 1008
Subjects:  1. DeWalt    2. (De Walt)    3. Drills    4. Pistol Grip Drills    5. (Drils)   

Yard-Man 12A-979L40121" Self Propelled Mower
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $499.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Whether you're looking for a mower that mulches, bags, or discharges clippings to the side, the Yard-Man 21-inch self-propelling mower can handle the job. Thanks to its design and patented, 21-inch blade, this mower is highly versatile. Powered by a six-speed, 6.5-horsepower, single-cylinder, Briggs & Stratton engine, Yard-Man's mower delivers easy, start-ups and powerful blade action, while emissions are lower than with many comparable models. The cutting height for all four wheels is controlled by a single lever for added convenience, and the mower comes fully assembled in its box. For mulching, the mower features a deep-dome mulching deck that allows clippings to get cut into smaller, finer pieces, resulting in more rapid decomposition and a healthier, cleaner-looking lawn. An optional rear bag is also included for those who prefer bagging to mulching or side discharge. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• 6.5-horsepower Briggs I/C OHV engine delivers excellent power
• 6-speed transmission allows operator to adjust drive speed
• Mulches, bags, and side discharges
• Easylift system adjusts height with a single action
• Mower comes fully assembled

Reviews (21)

Several Problems in after 3 seasons of use
I have similar problems with my Yard-man model 979 as many of the other reviewers. My gear shifter is frozen and one of the wheels keeps falling off due to a worn screw hole in the front axle assembly. I have only been using it for 3 seasons. Considering how much it cost, I expected better quality, durability and reliability. I've used several mowers in my life (mostly really cheap ones) and this has the worst quality of all of them.

Model 12A-979L401
I brought my Self Propelled mower about 3-4 years ago and after the first year I became very disappointed.Like many of the complaints in the prior reviews, I have a problem with the gear box.Currently I only have the 6th gear and that does not move the mower as though it's in 6th gear, more like 2nd or 3rd.

Shear pin?
I paid [amount of money] for this mower, and had two major problems in two years.First, the lower gears in the transmission failed.The only gear that worked was 6th.Second, and most importantly, I hit a hidden rock with it, and because there apparently is no shear pin, bent the drive shaft.The local lawn mower shops told me to throw it away.I'm very dissapointed in the quality of this product and certainly cannot recommend it, especially if you have rocks in your yard. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S55I
Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Mowers    3. Gas Mowers    4. (Lawn Mowers)    5. (Lawnmowers)   

Black & Decker CMM1000 19" Cordless Mulching/Rear Bag Lawn Mower
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware (01 July, 2005)
list price: $743.95 -- our price: $449.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

While mowing the lawn may never be considered a recreational activity, this rear bag mower from Black & Decker makes the chore as close to fun as it will ever get. With its 24-volt battery, which delivers 5-horsepower gas equivalent at peak torque, this cordless electric mower represents the top of Black & Decker's line of lawn mowing products. During our field tests, this orange powerhouse stood out above other mowers for ease of use and performance. Its versatile operation allowed us to mulch, bag, or expel the debris from its 19-inch cutting path. Switching between the three methods was as easy as removing the catch bag and the mulch plug--easily performed tasks when the mower is not running.

The most obvious difference between the new generation of electric mowers and the heavier gas-powered mowers of yore is the start-up. The ease with which this mower starts is almost stupefying. Simply pull and hold the thin handle lever, then pull the ignition lever, and presto!--the engine is running. To minimize safety risks to young children, a removable safety key must be inserted prior to starting the mower.

Once started, this mower runs like a dream and is much quieter than older gas-powered models. In addition to the lack of noise, vibrations were also dampened by the cushioned handgrips, a feature that makes mowing a much more comfortable experience. Another innovation is the method by which the mower is raised and lowered. Where once it was necessary to adjust each wheel individually, the height of the mowing platform is now controlled by a single squeeze of a single lever, which allows for seven positions from 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches. While this mower is much lighter than a gas mower, we did find that this Black & Decker cordless model, weighing in at 76 pounds, is heavier than its corded relatives.

The only disadvantage this machine seems to have is in the power department. While there were no serious problems during our field test, it was necessary to slow down or go back over thicker sections of grass in order to make a completely clean cut. This cordless model also requires a substantial charging time when first out of the box: the manufacturer suggests at least a 16-hour period initially in order to get peak performance and maximum run time. According to Black & Decker, the battery will be 70% energized with four hours of charging. When fully juiced, this mower can be expected to cut between 1/2 and 1/3 of an acre per charge. Though the charge is one aspect that needs to be considered when deciding whether to purchase a corded or a rechargeable mower, we found the added maneuverability of the cordless over the corded model far outweighs the inconvenience of charge times.

When you've finished mowing, the handles fold back, making it easier to store this mower in a tight garage or shed. It comes with a 30-day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and a manufacturer's full two-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty
• Convertible mulcher/rear bagger
• Cuts up to 1/2-acre lots on one charge
• One touch height adjustment (1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches)
• Lifetime 19-inch 3-in-1 deck

Reviews (77)

Loved the Mower Until the Battery Died
I have had this mower for three seasons.Like all rechargeable products, the battery has worn out.I don't mind replacing batteries - it is just a fact of life.Unfortunately, Black & Decker has chosen to charge $100 for the new battery plus a small service charge to have it put in the unit.If anyone knows a less expensive replacement let me know.

So, essentially you have to pay the purchase price of this mower over again every 8 years.By that I mean you need a new battery every 2 years - or 4 batteries in 8 years for a total of over $400.Remember, my battery died on my third year mowing a 1/3 acre lot (in Minnesota, so a short summer followed by harsh winter).By last year the battery was nearly useless - two charges was necessary to do the whole yard even with short, dry grass (read:entire weekend of mowing).

One could also think of this as buying a new mower every 4-5 years, which is silly.Older gas mowers lasted 20+ years.New ones with good motors last just as long.A mower should be a minor investment of money, time, and energy.

One additional problem was dealing with wet or long grass - this is true even with a perfect battery.It is just a fact of life that everyone has a busy month now and then and can't mow any other time than when it is either wet or after the grass has gotten too long.A good gas mower just uses more gas but can take the job.This mower can't do the job.Even if you get the mower to cut the wet or long grass for a time, you'll run out of power before you are done and need to charge the thing back up to finish the job.

Oh, and this last summer I often found myself double-cutting the grass to get a clean cut.This is because the mower just wasn't delivering the same power to the blade (yes, I did replace the blade this spring).In other words, you can't just live with the lower power given off by a dying battery.

Two additional problems that exist with even a new battery - the rear bagger is fairly useless.Of course, I hate rear baggers, especially when you don't have a self-propelled unit.Ever drag around a heavy bag of grass on a hot day?Not fun.In addition, this mower is useless on leaves with or without the bag.It doesn't have the power to mulch them into the grass or bag them if you've grown addicted to that that tactic as a way to avoid raking.

Now, having said all that, I simply loved using this mower when it worked well.It is very quiet, not at all smelly, and very easy to use.I could literally mow in dress clothes.Don't laugh - sometimes you're in a hurry.

Now, if Black & Decker would lower the cost of the battery or better yet replace it with a Li-ion battery, I'd keep using the unit.As it is, right now I'm considering buying a gas mower.

Early thought - yes !
Received this recently, so I can't speak for the "long term" - but even a dummy (like me) was able to take it right out of the box and get excellent results at the start.So far at least, I definately prefer it over my old gas powered mower, every bit as powerful without the hassle.

Light hungry machine
Love it.It is light, easy to use and I am saving by doing it myself as opposed to using a lawn care service.The only two things I do not like about it is that it is somewhat awkward to remove and inset the bag and the hookup for the electrical power is very small and the hold tab for the power cord is so flimsy it breaks easily, otherwise no complaints. But performance is great so far. It does the job. One handle level adjustment is a breeze. ... Read more

Asin: B00006RSIJ
Subjects:  1. Landscaping Tools    2. Mowers    3. Cordless Mowers    4. (Lawn Mowers)    5. (Lawnmowers)    6. Electric Mowers