I have looked on line and in libraries for older copies of Consumer Reports to read the stories and ratings of vintage products. There are a few links on the main page of automaticwasher.org and occasionally someone will post an excerpt pertinent to a thread. Is there any way between the member’s copies here or on line to find or create a library of past Consumer Reports and appliances rating?
Consumer Reports Library
- Thread starter mixfinder
- Start date
If you are near a college or university library, it will probably have back issues into the 1940s. A main city library (often the Carnegie Library) of a large city should have similar holdings. I don't like reading stuff on microfilm, but the title is available that way so if you cannot find a library with the bound printed volumes, you might find a library with the microfilm.
Creating the files here caused Robert to worry about Copyright infringement, but you are right, the old ratings with more narrative are interesting and usually contain photographs.
Creating the files here caused Robert to worry about Copyright infringement, but you are right, the old ratings with more narrative are interesting and usually contain photographs.
My Life Savings
I have 11 copies of Consumer Reports on their way from ebay auction. I am hoping for more. I remember issues in 1966 that have washers, dishwashers and mixers and so far none on the radar. I'd love to find the 1955 mixers review in which the Sunbeam model 11s failed the durability tests because of seizing spindles.
I have 11 copies of Consumer Reports on their way from ebay auction. I am hoping for more. I remember issues in 1966 that have washers, dishwashers and mixers and so far none on the radar. I'd love to find the 1955 mixers review in which the Sunbeam model 11s failed the durability tests because of seizing spindles.
mixguy
Well-known member
CU Archives
Kelly, I think I can locate copies of that 1955 Mixer Report. I like the 1949-1950 Report on mixers as well. CU check rated the Sunbeam model 9, and it retailed for 39.95. I remember CU mentioning their two Sunbeam model 11 samples failing the durability test due to siezed bearing. When they tested Subeam's MM series, they judged the mixer of lesser quality than the model 12 it replaced.
Kelly, I think I can locate copies of that 1955 Mixer Report. I like the 1949-1950 Report on mixers as well. CU check rated the Sunbeam model 9, and it retailed for 39.95. I remember CU mentioning their two Sunbeam model 11 samples failing the durability test due to siezed bearing. When they tested Subeam's MM series, they judged the mixer of lesser quality than the model 12 it replaced.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
"If you are near a college or university library, it will probably have back issues into the 1940s. A main city library (often the Carnegie Library) of a large city should have similar holdings."
I ran across old Consumer Reports microfilm archives in one college library. In fact, there were many old magazines, going to 1940 and earlier. You don't necessarily need to be a student, either--all college libraries I've seen allow people to use books and magazines in library, and will sell library cards to allow checkout. (These cards won't be cheap, but for someone doing heavy research, they'll be worth it.)
A public library might also have older magazines--although I've noticed many public libraries limit magazines to, say, the last 10 years. Still, it never hurts to check.
And yes, microfilm is a pain...but when it's a choice between no archive and microfilm, I'll take microfilm.[this post was last edited: 6/10/2010-02:33]
I ran across old Consumer Reports microfilm archives in one college library. In fact, there were many old magazines, going to 1940 and earlier. You don't necessarily need to be a student, either--all college libraries I've seen allow people to use books and magazines in library, and will sell library cards to allow checkout. (These cards won't be cheap, but for someone doing heavy research, they'll be worth it.)
A public library might also have older magazines--although I've noticed many public libraries limit magazines to, say, the last 10 years. Still, it never hurts to check.
And yes, microfilm is a pain...but when it's a choice between no archive and microfilm, I'll take microfilm.[this post was last edited: 6/10/2010-02:33]
Old issues of Consumer Reports and Consumer's Research Bulletin were two of the most called for reference items in libraries. When Emory University opened their new library building, they shelved these bound volumes in the reference room downstairs. Any research project for school assignments included breaks for indulging myself in back issues of these serials. Sometimes things were tested as they were introduced like the Presto Rock and Mix and Revere's stainless steel 4 cup automatic drip coffee maker in the 60s. Other times many brands of a product were tested like Roaster Ovens. There used to be so many of them on the market. When they reported on automatic coffee makers after WWII, the article mentioned that they had reported on the C-20A Sunbeam Coffeemaster in 1938 or 39 and were happy to say that it was still working well after years of daily use.
mixguy
Well-known member
Cordless Portable )hand) mixers
Long before Black and Decker made cordless appliances, Sunbeam sold an 8 speed cordless mixer around 1963-66. It was tested apart from the group test of electric mixers. Could not do a durability test due to the issue of recharging needed. The battery added weight (almost 4 lbs) and lacked to the power to effectively mix sugar cookie dough.
Another cordless appliance that was popular were cordless electiric knives. GE, Sunbeam and Hamilton Beach all had both corded and cordless models.
Long before Black and Decker made cordless appliances, Sunbeam sold an 8 speed cordless mixer around 1963-66. It was tested apart from the group test of electric mixers. Could not do a durability test due to the issue of recharging needed. The battery added weight (almost 4 lbs) and lacked to the power to effectively mix sugar cookie dough.
Another cordless appliance that was popular were cordless electiric knives. GE, Sunbeam and Hamilton Beach all had both corded and cordless models.
Knapp Monarch mixers et al...
In the August 1950 issue of Consumer Reports, 2 KM models were rated Not Acceptable due to severe shock hazard, otherwise would have been rated poor. The other models rated Not Acceptable were the Eskimo, Gilbert (both of these failed durability tests and were performed inadequately) Hamilton Beach Model G(shock hazard otherwise would have rated good), Kitchenaid 3B(shock hazard otherwise would have rated Very Good),Sears Kenmore(shock hazard otherwise poor) and Universal (easily tipped over).
In the June 1953 issue the Eskimo failed due to durability issues, GE 153M9 failed for durability issues(otherwise would have been rated fair). It was replaced by the 153M12.
All three samples of Gilbert failed durability tests, as did the Sears and Westinghouse FM511. The two top rated models were the Hamilton Beach G and the Model 10 Mixmaster. The KM 9-503WJ rated fair in this article.
In the August 1950 issue of Consumer Reports, 2 KM models were rated Not Acceptable due to severe shock hazard, otherwise would have been rated poor. The other models rated Not Acceptable were the Eskimo, Gilbert (both of these failed durability tests and were performed inadequately) Hamilton Beach Model G(shock hazard otherwise would have rated good), Kitchenaid 3B(shock hazard otherwise would have rated Very Good),Sears Kenmore(shock hazard otherwise poor) and Universal (easily tipped over).
In the June 1953 issue the Eskimo failed due to durability issues, GE 153M9 failed for durability issues(otherwise would have been rated fair). It was replaced by the 153M12.
All three samples of Gilbert failed durability tests, as did the Sears and Westinghouse FM511. The two top rated models were the Hamilton Beach G and the Model 10 Mixmaster. The KM 9-503WJ rated fair in this article.
Hard to Wait
The issue is on it way and I can hardly wait. I've used every mixer you describe, as has Petek and Turquoisedude and likely yourself. It will fun for me to have the others weigh in once I can excerpt pieces of the article. My Aunt had a Knapp Monarch and it was so loud your ears bled but a real no power model. The beaters would self eject just as the batter was at a crucial point. I wonder if the Universal was the side tilt which would have made it off center although I never experienced an issue with Dormeyer tipping. My neighbor had a SEars that was small round with a black knob at the back. It was amoung the powerful mixers I ever used.
The issue is on it way and I can hardly wait. I've used every mixer you describe, as has Petek and Turquoisedude and likely yourself. It will fun for me to have the others weigh in once I can excerpt pieces of the article. My Aunt had a Knapp Monarch and it was so loud your ears bled but a real no power model. The beaters would self eject just as the batter was at a crucial point. I wonder if the Universal was the side tilt which would have made it off center although I never experienced an issue with Dormeyer tipping. My neighbor had a SEars that was small round with a black knob at the back. It was amoung the powerful mixers I ever used.
Similar threads
