2009-01-22

Wardrobe Lift Closet Organizer


  • Finish: Chrome
  • All cabinet hardware comes with screws.
  • Our finishes are designed and tested to withstand corrosion by moisture and salt air.
  • When properly maintained, our finishes resist abrasion and enhance the luster and exquisite beauty of our products for years.
  • All our die-cast, stamped and solid brass products are protected by triple treatments of long-lasting genuine laquer which is the only coating designed to enhance the finish without discoloring.
  • Unlimited lifetime guarantee.

2009-01-18

RM400 with Base Station


Robomow RM400 is an automatic lawnmower that cuts the grass all by itself. It comes with a Base Station and it will depart from the Base Station at the pre-set scheduled days and times. At the end of each operation Robomow returns to the Base Station for charging until the next scheduled operation. Your lawn will be maintained even when you are away from home!

Mows more. For less.
  • Remote Control used to mow very narrow areas manually (available as an accessory)
  • User controlled theft protection including an alarm system
  • Compact one blade mulching system
  • Tilt Sensor – stops rotating blade immediately when Robomow is tilted
Technical specifications:
  • Rain sensor: prevents mowing while it is raining
  • Two maintenance-free 12 AH sealed lead acid batteries
  • Mowing Height: 0.80”-3.15”, easy to set
  • Weight: 39 lb. (incl. the batteries)
  • Dimensions: 25” l x 20.5” w x 12” h

2009-01-13

Bissell SpotBot


While more expensive than most portable carpet cleaners, the Bissell SpotBot is the top performer in reviews for two main reasons: It does a better job of removing tough stains, and it's the easiest to use. Users love that they can park the SpotBot on a stain and leave its agitating brushes to do the work by itself. The SpotBot's biggest drawback ironically serves as testimony to its effectiveness: areas that have been “Botted” appear cleaner than surrounding carpet, leaving a "crop circle" of contrast. We also find scattered complaints of wet carpets and leakage, although less so than with other small cleaners. While the SpotBot gets better ratings, the Bissell Little Green is less expensive and also gets good reviews, though they aren't as strong.

2009-01-12

Craftsman 34118

Top-rated budget electric chainsaw


Reviews recommend the corded electric Craftsman 34118 as the best among budget corded electric chainsaws. The Craftsman chainsaw has bucking spikes for cutting up firewood, plus important safety features like an intertia blade brake, anti-kickback bar tip, and wrap-around handle. For most users -- as long as you can work within 50 feet of an outlet -- the Craftsman chain saw can perform most short tasks. Note that Poulan makes this particular Craftsman chain saw -- the Poulan Pro 400E CRBB is nearly identical. If you need to use a chainsaw for more than a few minutes at a time, consider getting a model with an anti-vibration handle to cut down on fatigue -- such as the quieter Husqvarna 316 .

2009-01-10

Hoover Constellation Bagged Canister S3345


The Hoover Constellation S3345 Bagged Canister Vacuum cleans carpets and bare floors. It comes with a rotating brush nozzle, hard floor nozzle, upholstery brush, crevice tool and dusting brush. The Constellation has a 16-foot stretch hose and a telescopic handle that makes hard-to-reach surfaces easier to clean.

There's no mistaking it: The Constellation canister vacuum is a good-looking machine. The orb-shaped canister, with its brushed stainless steel exterior, tempts us to leave the Constellation in view rather than out of sight in a closet. The real question, however, has yet to be answered: How well does the Constellation S3345 work?

During testing, it was immediately evident that the Constellation S3345 Bagged Canister Vacuum operates quietly. We could run the vacuum and easily participate in a conversation. Even though it weighs about 22 pounds, the Constellation feels lightweight. We credit the vacuum's lack of wheels with its lightweight feel. Instead, the vacuum uses forced air to invoke a "floating" movement, which allows the user to maneuver the vacuum without much effort.

When used on bare floors, the Constellation sucks up dirt, dust and larger particles such as sand. It managed to clean hardwood and tile floors without blowing dust around, as is the case with some upright vacuums. We were impressed with the Constellation's suction power and we were anxious to see if the Constellation performed equally well on carpets. We were mildly disappointed.

The Hoover Constellation does work on carpets, but not as well as we expected. It seemed to take longer to vacuum carpets with this canister vacuum than with an upright vacuum equipped with a wider nozzle. The Constellation did pull dirt, particles and pet hair from carpets -- but not completely. It was necessary to re-vacuum some areas at least twice before they looked clean. On a more positive note, the Constellation is convenient to use on carpeted stairs, as well as area rugs.

We like the canister vacuum's HEPA filtration system, which helps keep dust and allergens contained. The cord wraps around the middle of the vacuum; if the vacuum were a globe, the cord would follow the equator. This cord storage system works well enough, but lacks an automatic rewind feature.

After testing, we determined the Hoover Constellation S3345 Bagged Canister Vacuum is a solid choice for homes with hard surfaces and little carpet to clean. Those who attempt to vacuum large carpeted rooms with the Constellation are likely to become frustrated by its time- and energy-consuming performance.

Pros: Cleans bare floors, lots of attachments
Cons: Doesn't work as well on wall-to-wall carpet

Snapper 355Z 24/44 zero-turn mower

Snapper's 355Z 24/44 zero-turn mower is a high-end residential mower is a well-built machine that exceeds many of the basic functions of other homeowner-targeted models. This machine weighs a mere 655 pounds (before attachments) thanks to the omission of many of the heavier suspension elements found in commercial-grade mowers. The 355Z is not intended for heavy-duty use, but in normal residential conditions, it provides a smooth and comfortable ride.

This machine offers an advanced hydraulic system and a versatile cutting deck. The end result is an engine that runs cooler, a suspension that handles smoothly and a cutting deck that offers seven height adjustments from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. The frame is similar to those found on lower-end zero-turn models, but the sophisticated suspension makes a big difference in the comfort of ride. We find the 24-hp engine makes the 355Z a zippy machine, but occasionally the floatation of the cutting deck bounces around a bit on hills when the blades are set above 3 inches. On normal surfaces at all speeds, though, the delivered cut is even.

The 355Z's pivoting is responsive and its zero-turn cuts are handled well by its 44-inch cutting deck. Like other Snapper models, the transmission engages smoothly when speeding up or slowing down to make sharp angle turns. The anti-scalp wheels are well placed; if you make an awkward turn on a low-angle hill, they prevent divots as long as your speed is reasonable. The chassis and front axle are a bit light for heavy-duty mowing, and you will feel the machine shudder if you drive over deep bumps or uneven terrain. The deck flotation adjusts well to most bumps, however, especially at lower cutting heights. Handling is always very good, which we find to be consistent throughout Snapper's line of zero-turn mowers.

Snapper offers a selection of very good -- though expensive -- attachments for the 355Z. The triple-bag grass collector is a great add-on if you have the money and wish to collect your clippings. An optional mulching attachment is also effective, though we find that making a second pass on pre-cut clippings does an equally good job. You can also choose to purchase a pull-behind dump cart.

The 6.5-gallon fuel tank is the ideal size for a residential mower; it's large enough for the full day cut of a large yard but small enough that it doesn't add extra weight. Snapper's 355Z 24/44 zero-turn mower is a nice upgrade from entry-level models for those who trust Snapper's performance and want a few high-end features thrown in for good measure.


Pros: Smooth ride, great cut on normal residential terrain, very good optional bagging system, powerful engine, lightweight and compact
Cons: Bouncy on rough terrain, cutting deck shakes on higher cutting settings, attachments are expensive

Weber One-Touch Silver


Best budget charcoal grill

pros Good value; Versatile; Easy to clean;
consSome durability problems with legs, wheels;
Painted rather than powder-coated;
Nylon handles;


According to reviews of charcoal grills, the Weber One-Touch Silver kettle grill - available in 18.5-inch or 22.5-inch sizes - has a proven design, efficient heating and an easy-to-use cleaning system, making it the best value among budget charcoal grills. Its name references the cleaning system where ashes are channeled into a removable tray for easy cleanup. The large dome lid allows the Weber One-Touch Silver to double as a smoker. It comes with a 10-year warranty on the exterior (one year on the cooking grates). However, the kettle is painted rather than powder-coated, and owners report some dissatisfaction with the sturdiness of this grill's legs and wheels. Others are peeved that its nylon handles can become hot. The 22.5-inch Weber One-Touch Silver is roomy enough to handle a 12-pound turkey, but if you need something larger the Bar-B-Chef Charcoal Barbecue Built-In (*est. $500) earns the best reviews.

Cub Cadet 11A-18MC


Gas push mower

pros
  • Fuel-efficient four-cycle OHV engine
  • Quiet for a gas mower
  • Cutting height adjusts with a single lever
cons
  • Some durability complaints
  • Can be difficult to start and restart
  • Narrow 19-inch deck
  • Handle could be more comfortable

Consumer Reports compares the Cub Cadet 11A-18MC with 44 other lawn mowers, ranking all based on objective tests. The single-product review at Consumer Guide, part of HowStuffWorks.com, is based on less-formal tests, but provides more details. Consumers Digest magazine also recommends this mower, and we found very useful owner-written reviews at HomeDepot.com and Epinions.com.

The Cub Cadet 11A-18MC is a basic gas push mower. It's powered by a fuel-efficient Chinese-made four-cycle OHV engine, but it doesn't meet CARB (California Air Resource Board) requirements. Most reviews say this mower performs well, is easy to use and priced attractively. It has single-lever height adjustment, a feature owners say they appreciate. For a small lawn, reviews say that the electric Black & Decker MM875 (*est. $230) is similarly priced, quieter and even less polluting, but you will be limited by a maximum power cord length of 100 feet.

2009-01-09

Brill RazorCut Premium 33 Cylinder Lawn Mower

The Classic Lawn mower now in a new design. Worthy of note is the modern shape of the robust and foldable handle bars in silver and grey ergonomic foam rubber handles. The large wheels with their special profile also ensure convenient working as does the attractive "rear spoiler" which ejects the grass cuttings in a controlled manner.Mowing with the cylinder mower means precision cutting each single blade of grass.Precision sharpened to a hundredeth of a millimetre, blade cylinder and bottom blade of special hardened steel leave a lawn cut as if with scissors. With the contact free cutting technique - a Brill invention- ensures quietness.A grass catcher is available as an optional extra.Detailed Specification:Cutting Width - 33cm
5 Bladed Cylinder
Ergonomically shaped with foam rubber handle
Cutting Height from 14-45mm
Weight 6.9kg

Remington PowerMower MPS6017A electric mower


Remington PowerMower MPS6017A electric mower

Give your gas can to your neighbor -- you won't need it if you pick up the Remington PowerMower MPS6017A cordless electric mower. This is a great alternative to gas-powered mowers; the 60-volt battery gives you the power you need at the turn of a key without the loud noise, hassles or noxious fumes of fuel. Its eco-friendly power source means that you'll have no more worries about flooding the engine or polluting the air with harmful carbon emissions.

The look of the PowerMower MPS6017A is sleek and the design is lightweight, so it handles maneuvering up hills and around yard obstacles with ease. We also like that it comes equipped with large 9-inch rear wheels, which give better traction and maneuverability on uneven ground. Another nice touch is the padded grip handle, which provides added comfort. The removable 60-volt battery provides up to 60 minutes of clean-energy mowing; that's more than enough time to mow an average-sized lawn. Mowing in the cordless mode gives you free range to roam without the need for an extension cord. Once you're done mowing, recharge the battery by plugging the mower into an electrical outlet.

If you need to tackle a larger yard, you're probably resigned to the fact that you'll need to have a spare battery charged and ready to go. This is not necessarily the case with the PowerMower MPS6017A; this revolutionary machine is the first cordless mower designed to operate by way of either a rechargeable battery or 110-volt outlet. If you're faced with a drained battery in the midst of a long lawn job, you can simply plug it in and keep on mowing. (The mower has a built-in extension cord retainer to prevent accidental disconnection of the power cord during use.) What's more, Remington's patented power select technology also gives you a boost of power using combined power sources from both the 60-volt battery and 110-volt outlet; we find this to be a great option for tackling tall grass and other tough mowing conditions, such as clearing yard debris or leaves. Just plug the mower in and turn the power selection dial to the 120-volt Boost mode for the same cutting power as a gas mower, only better; unlike a gas mower, the PowerMower's blade tip speed is controlled by an electronic circuit when in Boost mode, so the blade tip speed is prevented from slowing down.

The 8-position single-lever deck height adjuster is a timesaving feature that allows you to quickly and easily adjust the cutting height on all four wheels at once, from 1.5 to 3.5 inches. The mower is equipped with 3-in-1 mowing capability and comes with a grass collection bag and mulch plug. (The side-discharge tube is sold separately.)

For the power and performance of a gas mower with the clean energy source of a cordless mower, the Remington PowerMower MPS6017A is the best in its class.


Pros: Removable 60-volt battery, quiet operation, easy to use, 9-inch rear wheels, padded grip handle, corded option, Boost mode, 8-position single-lever deck height adjuster, 3-in-1 mowing capability
Cons: Doesn't bag as well as a gas mower