Appliances

For whipping, pureing, and a host of other food prep tasks, a reliable mixer is essential. The market is divided into hand mixers and stand mixers that range in price from $10 to $400.

Ranges still rule when it comes to cooking appliances. But added flexibility, induction and a raft of discounts are making separate cooktops and wall ovens increasingly attractive. A wall oven can also eliminate the bending required by cooking in the oven of a range.

Steam mops look like a cross between a stick vacuum and a floor sweeper, with a built-in water reservoir and a heating core that generates the steam. Infomercials and Web ads tout their ability to "melt away" the toughest floor spills and grime, with "no need to apply pressure." But can they?

After sweeping Europe, single-serve coffeemakers are gaining popularity in North America. These "pod" machines offer convenience, but they tend to cost more than automatic drip coffeemakers and they rarely match the flavor and brew performance. Smaller drip coffeemakers are another way to "joe."

TVs and refrigerators have been growing bigger in recent years, while containers of liquid laundry detergents are shrinking. The bulky plastic jugs you used to lug home from the store are giving way to smaller packages as many manufacturers offer concentrated versions of their detergents.