Entertainment
22 Surprisingly Affordable Home Products On Amazon With Extremely High Consumer Reports Ratings
Amazon / Bustle
There's nothing wrong with associating quality with price because, most of the time (sadly), the less you spend on an item, the more likely it is to fall apart after a few uses. But these surprisingly affordable home and beauty products on Amazon with extremely high Consumer Reports ratings are the exception to the rule. Each one of these brilliant gadgets or products is at the top of its class, but won't require taking out a loan or going without dinner to own them.
In case you aren't sure what all of the fuss about Consumer Reports is, the independent, nonprofit organization is one of the most trusted sources when it comes to unbiased reviews of products we need, love, and desperately want. Learning that a certain vacuum is both the highest ranked model and the most affordable is seriously helpful.
Consumer Reports takes several aspects of a product and category into consideration, so you can be sure when a best-selling antioxidant-rich sunscreen (also on this list) nabs a score of 100 or a water-resistant sunscreen for kids is touted as gentle enough for a baby's skin, there's a ton of research and thought behind those statements.
And, lucky for us, not all incredible products with great ratings have to cost a fortune. Here are 22 items that boast really high Consumer Reports scores and are actually affordable.
2. A Self-Cleaning Steam Iron With A Pivoting Cord
Rowenta 1600-Watt Steam Iron, $40, Amazon
This 1600-watt steam iron has a CR score of 85 and is the least expensive and best-reviewed product from this excellent brand. The stainless steel soleplate won't stick to fabrics and there are 300 micro holes for even steam distribution. This iron also gives you more freedom of movement, thanks to its 7-foot electrical cord with 360-degree pivot.
3. A Large Water Filter That Eliminates 200 Harmful Toxins
Clear2o Water Filter Pitcher, $26, Amazon
Fill up this water filter pitcher with plain old tap water and rest easy knowing it's blocking 200 harmful contaminants like chlorine, lead, and mercury from getting into your system. It holds nine eight-ounce glasses, is made from BPA-free plastic, and fits most standard and utility faucets. Most importantly, it has an incredible CR score of 95.
4. A Top Drip Coffee Maker At An Incredible Price
Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Coffee Maker With Digital Clock, $26, Amazon
When it came time to judge the best drip coffee makers, CR gave this 12-cup coffee maker by Hamilton Beach a rating of 79 and placed it among the top three of its kind. The difference? This one, which has a programmable clock and timer, costs just a quarter of the price of its competitors.
5. A Two-Speed Hand Blender That Won't Break The Bank
Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender, $32, Amazon
An immersion blender with two speeds that conveniently fits inside of pots, pitchers, and bowls so that there's no added mess, this one scores a CR rating of 76, making it the second highest rated blender of its kind. But it's also cheaper than competitors, is dishwasher safe, and boasts an ergonomic handle.
6. An 8-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Set On A Bamboo Chopping Block
Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series 8-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set, $96, Amazon
This eight-piece stainless steel knife set tied in third place for the best fine-edge kitchen knives, but is a quarter of the price of those by competing brands. It has a CR rating of 85 and comes with an 8-inch chef's knife, honing rod, 5-inch utility knife, 7-inch Santoku knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, kitchen shears, and wood holding block.
7. A Blender That Crushes Ice In Seconds
Ninja Professional Blender, $70, Amazon
This Ninja blender is in the top 10 of powerful blenders that also process food. But this one, which has a 1000-watt motor and CR rating of 76, is more affordable than most and pulverizes ice in seconds. It's completely dishwasher-safe, holds 72-ounces, and features a pour spout to reduce spillage.
8. An Antioxidant-Rich Sunscreen With A Perfect Rating Of 100
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Body And Face Sunscreen SPF 60, $27, Amazon
It's the sunscreen on every list of beauty essentials, beloved by celebrities, editors, and dermatologists alike: La Roche-Posay Anthelios. The melt-in lotion absorbs in seconds and doesn't leave skin feeling greasy, making it a perfect sun protectant for all skin types (even sensitive). It contains antioxidants that protect from free radicals and is free of fragrances and parabens. Its CR rating is an incredible 100 — it truly has no discernible flaws.
9. A Water-Resistant Sunscreen That's So Gentle, It's Safe For Babies
Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 Lotion, $7, Amazon
We have lofty expectations when it comes to any skincare product used on a baby or child's delicate skin. And this pediatrician-approved kids' sunscreen with SPF 50 hits the mark with a CR rating of 95 and a hypoallergenic formula that's non-irritating and water-resistant up to 80 minutes.
10. A High Chair With A Dishwasher-Friendly Tray That's Simple To Keep Clean
Fisher-Price EZ Clean High Chair, $200, Amazon
This highly-rated high chair scores 89 points on CR and has proven to be one of those baby products that makes parents' lives easier. For starters, it's a breeze to clean — spills wipe right off the nanotex seat pad and tray. It folds for easy storage and the tray can be popped right into the dishwasher for a quick cleaning.
11. A 3-In-1 Blender And Food Processor
Oster Pro 1200 Blender 3-In-1 With Food Processor Attachment, $90, Amazon
One of the top three blenders and food processors, this high-quality, all-metal Oster 3-in-1 blender scored a rating of 67, but is half the price of others in its league. It comes with a 6-cup Boroclass glass jar, 5-cup food processing bowl, and stainless steel slicing disk and chopping blade.
12. A Cool Mist Humidifier For Small Rooms That's A Total Steal
Honeywell Mistmate Cool Mist Humidifier, $32, Amazon
This cool mist humidifier has a CR rating of 88, which is 10 points higher than the Dyson model, but get this: it costs just $32, whereas the Dyson will run you a whopping $500. This humidifier, which comes in four colors, runs for 18 hours per filling on a low setting and is designed for smaller spaces.
13. The Highest-Rated Shower Head On Consumer Reports
American Standard Easy Clean Shower Head, $11, Amazon
If you've ever wondered how luxurious your shower can get, ponder no more: This is the highest-rated shower head on CR, with a score of 76. It's affordable, easy to clean, and reliable when it comes to water pressure. Because, if there's one place where we don't want any surprises, it's in our morning shower.
14. A Glass And Silver Chrome Scale With A Large Digital Display
Weight Watchers Scale, $23, Amazon
While it's true that some had better ratings on CR than this Weight Watchers scale, which scored 87, this one has the added advantage of glowing Amazon reviews — and, it's Prime eligible, which saves you money and time. It has an extra-large and easy-to-read digital display and comes with a long-lasting lithium battery.
15. The Highest Rated 5-Speed Hand Mixer
Cuisinart Power Advantage 5-Speed Hand Mixer, $38, Amazon
You don't always have to spend an arm and a leg to nab a product that works great — this 5-speed hand mixer has a CR rating of 78, making it the highest rated in its category. It's also the cheapest in the top 3 and half the price of competing brands. With a single touch, you can shift among five speeds, and it has extra-long beaters that are dishwasher-safe.
16. An Excellent Steam Cord Reel Iron With Auto Shut-Off
Black & Decker Steam Cord Reel Iron, $25, Amazon
With a CR rating of 83, this steam cord reel iron is considered "excellent," and it also happens to be the cheapest of the bunch. It boasts a vertical and horizontal steam surge that gets wrinkles out of fabric fast, a tangle-free retractable cord, and 3-way motion sensitive auto shut-off to give you peace of mind.
17. A Multitasking Coffee, Espresso, & Cappuccino Pod Machine
NESCAFÉ Dulce Gusto Esperta 2 Coffee Machine, $120, Amazon
With a CR score of 73, this coffee, espresso, and cappuccino pod machine tied for first place with a Starbucks model — not bad company when it comes to coffee-brewing gadgets. This one stands out because it's simple to use, yields more than seven cups of eight-ounce beverages, and can make both hot and cold drinks with the touch of a button.
18. One Of The Top-Rated Convertible Cribs On The Market
Graco Lauren Convertible Crib, $145, Amazon
You can count this convertible crib as the fifth best-rated on CR, with a score of 85 — but its more affordable price can't be beat. It converts to a toddler bed, day bed, and full-size bed with a headboard, and the bottom can be adjusted to suit three different mattress heights that grow with your baby.
19. A Unique Toaster Oven With Large Slots For Bagels
Hamilton Beach Toastation Toaster Oven, $41, Amazon
The word "unique" springs to mind when you consider this affordable toaster oven, which has a CR rating of 63. It boasts an extra-wide top-toasting slot that finally accommodates thick bagels, as well as a baking oven and toast shade selector so you can personalize your breakfast.
20. The Highest-Rated Meat Thermometer For Perfect Roasts Every Time
CDN ProAccurate Digital Instant Read Folding Thermometer, $36, Amazon
You will never undercook or burn another roast or piece of meat again when you own this tool, which has a CR rating of 83, making it the most highly-rated cooking thermometer. It's water-resistant and shatterproof and can calculate a reading in 6 seconds. It also comes in five shades and has extra-large digits and a background that lights up blue.
21. A Non-Stick Frying Pan With High, Contoured Sides That's Safe In The Oven
Daily Chef 10" Non-Stick Frying Pan, $33, Amazon
With a score of 81 on CR, this is the third highest-rated frying pan — and one of the most affordable. It's constructed from high-grade aluminum, has a non-stick coating, and is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has high, contoured sides, to prevent splatter, as well as a silicone grip.
22. An Espresso Machine That's Worlds More Affordable Than Others
De'Longhi 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, $74, Amazon
Most people consider espresso machines to be fabulous, luxury products that are often too expensive to be worth an investment. But this espresso machine is different — it enjoys a respectable CR rating of 68, but is also a lot cheaper than leading brands. Its dual-function filter holder accommodates pods or ground coffee, and it can prepare a simple espresso or cappuccinos and lattes. Its swivel jet frother is the cherry on top.
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