Best Low-Maintenance Kitchen Appliances
Consumer Reports' tests reveal the suite of appliances that make cleanup a breeze
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With families across the country cooking and eating at home more than ever, it can be hard to keep your kitchen clean and free of clutter. But the right kitchen appliances can help cut down on the amount of cleaning and maintenance you have to do.
CR members with digital access can click on each model name for detailed ratings and reviews. For more models, see our complete ratings of dishwashers, ranges, and refrigerators.
Range With an Easy-to-Wipe Smoothtop
Dishwasher With a Self-Cleaning Filter
Refrigerator With Spillproof Shelves
Fingerprint-Proof Finishes
Sick of seeing smeary fingerprints all over your stainless steel fridge and having to buff them out? Some newer models still have the silver look of stainless but with a fingerprint-proof finish, such as the LG fridge and Maytag dishwasher above, to help them stay smudge-free. You can also check out black stainless appliances; their darker finish helps resist and hide daily smudges. But be aware that different brands make slightly different shades of this dark steel, making it tricky to mix appliance brands within your kitchen.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the August 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.