Holiday Shopping with Consumer Reports
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday gift-buying season! With Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Week sales in sight, it’s easy to feel a little lost in the holiday hype. But don’t worry—you can find the best deals without the stress with a little help from the experts at Consumer Reports, an online resource that is free to BPL members.
Before browsing the links below, read our short article on how to sign in and access Consumer Reports (CR) through Burlington Public Library.
Consumer Reports Advises Shoppers
Everywhere you look online, gift guides are weighing in on this season’s brightest, coolest, trendiest buys. While guides from popular sources are a great way to see what’s new and hot, “Let the buyer beware” is a good rule to follow, especially when shopping for pricier items, such as smart home devices, wearable health tech, audio gadgets, and appliances.
With so many products in the market, how do you decide? When it’s time to do some product research, Consumer Reports can help you. CR testers provide unbiased reviews and buying advice on thousands of products and services.
Tested Products, Trusted Reviews
Let’s look at an example of what kind of product information you can typically find through the library’s Consumer Reports eResource.
The Canadian market for air fryers is steadily growing as consumers continue to look for healthier, more convenient cooking options to fit their lifestyles. And with this rising demand, you now have a broader selection of products to choose from. Here’s how Consumer Reports helps guide your buying decision.
Informative Articles
The CR product techs know simpler is better when explaining how things work. In How to Pick the Perfect Air Fryer, you’ll read a short introduction to air fryers and how they work, along with information on how CR tested the products.
Objective Ratings
CR tested 79 air fryer brands, providing each with an overall score based on various ratings for performance and features. The site’s interactive design allows you to view a side-by-side comparison of product specs and CR ratings for up to five items at the same time.
Top Recommendations
CR testers are tough, so when a product meets their highest standards—for performance, safety, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction—earning the coveted CR Recommended mark of approval, you can shop with confidence. CR designates products as CR Smart Buys when they meet quality standards and offer great value.
And Consumer Reports lets shoppers know the best time to buy air fryers—November! So, check out BPL’s free Consumer Reports eResource today!
Where to Find Consumer Reports
Select RESOURCES on BPL’s website main menu to find Consumer Reports under Learning & Research > Reference & Research. Connect directly to the online resource or select More Info to read how to access CR on your laptop or device; no CR app is available.
Consumer Reports is a membership-based service, but your library card gives you access to a free membership. If you’re prompted to pay to sign up, make sure you are logged in with your BPL card number.
