Smart Shopping with Consumer Reports

With the rising prices of fuel, groceries, and consumer goods, it is now more beneficial than ever to be an informed shopper. It can be challenging to determine the accuracy of advertisements and online reviews as you try to decipher if a product is worth buying. Fortunately, the Library can help!

Mid-Continent Public Library provides you access to Consumer Reports, a handy online resource that can aid you in nearly all of your purchasing decisions. Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that performs tests on a vast array of products and compares them side-by-side.

Each product is reviewed and rated based on their performance within specific criteria. For example, refrigerators are scored for predicted reliability, thermostat control, temperature uniformity, and energy efficiency. Each refrigerator is then ranked from the highest score to the lowest.

Some of the main product categories that Consumer Reports regularly reviews include cars, appliances, electronics, health products, food, and many others. A quick search of their website shows reviews of cell phones, sunscreen, mattresses, vacuum cleaners, laptops, bike helmets, breakfast cereals, eBook readers, refrigerators, and coffee. It is safe to say that if you are buying something, it is very likely that Consumer Reports has tested it or a similar category of products.

Besides testing products, Consumer Reports also publishes articles and videos about current news and trends relating to consumer goods. They also provide monthly tips on timely deals and sales.

You can access the ever-growing collection of Consumer Reports’ product reviews anytime and anywhere, using your MCPL card on the Library’s website. Your local MCPL branch may also have print copies of the monthly Consumer Reports magazine and annual buyer’s guide.

If you would like a guided tour of this resource, be sure to check out the Before You Buy – Consumer Reports video on the MCPLMO YouTube channel. Mid-Continent Public Library premieres new technology and online resources videos on the MCPL360 Facebook page at 1:00 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday.

Be sure to take advantage of this excellent Library resource to help your dollars stretch further.

Brad S.
Consumer Technology Specialist