Productopia

Mechanical sewing machines, which start at about $80, make good starter models for beginners and are fine if you mainly want to do mending projects or make simple Halloween costumes for the kids.

However, the most thorough tests of sewing machines suggest mechanical models aren't quite as easy to use as pricier electronic machines, and reviewers note it sometimes take a lot of trial and error to get the thread tension right. In reading reviews of simple machines in the $80 to $150 price range, that's the single biggest complaint we read -- that poor-performing sewing machines frustrate users with knotted-up bobbin thread and needle jams.

The lesson? Check reviews before buying an inexpensive machine. Fortunately, we identified a couple of standout models in our latest sewing machine report.

Mechanical sewing machines, which start at about $80, make good starter models for beginners and are fine if you mainly want to do mending projects or make simple Halloween costumes for the kids.

However, the most thorough tests of sewing machines suggest mechanical models aren't quite as easy to use as pricier electronic machines, and reviewers note it sometimes take a lot of trial and error to get the thread tension right. In reading reviews of simple machines in the $80 to $150 price range, that's the single biggest complaint we read -- that poor-performing sewing machines frustrate users with knotted-up bobbin thread and needle jams.

The lesson? Check reviews before buying an inexpensive machine. Fortunately, we identified a couple of standout models in our latest sewing machine report. Read more

Canister vacuum cleaners are the best choice if you have mainly hard floors and area rugs. They also work well for cleaning upholstery, drapes and stairs, say experts. These types of vacuums are typically more expensive than their upright counterparts, but they're also durable and long-lasting.

If you're on a budget, reviews point to the aggressively-priced Hoover WindTunnel Bagless S3765-040 (*Est. $220). This bagless canister vacuum performs well on carpets and bare floors, and it uses a HEPA filter to help keep dust from leaking back into the room. Hoover's WindTunnel Bagless canister vac is on the heavy side at 22-pounds, but it comes with a number of helpful tools to help you get into corners and effectively clean furniture and upholstery.

Canister vacuum cleaners are the best choice if you have mainly hard floors and area rugs. They also work well for cleaning upholstery, drapes and stairs, say experts. These types of vacuums are typically more expensive than their upright counterparts, but they're also durable and long-lasting.

If you're on a budget, reviews point to the aggressively-priced Hoover WindTunnel Bagless S3765-040 (*Est. $220). This bagless canister vacuum performs well on carpets and bare floors, and it uses a HEPA filter to help keep dust from leaking back into the room. Hoover's WindTunnel Bagless canister vac is on the heavy side at 22-pounds, but it comes with a number of helpful tools to help you get into corners and effectively clean furniture and upholstery. Read more

This is the first Black Friday deal we've seen for a breadmaker: Kohl's, in its leaked circular, is featuring the Oster 5838 ExpressBake at an advertised price of $40. However, read the fine print and you'll see that you'll actually pay $60; the $20 savings comes in the form of a mail-in rebate. If you're the type that sends in rebates, it's not a bad deal, but if not, there are better deals out there on better breakmakers.

The deal: Oster 5838 ExpressBake Breadmaker for $40 (after $20 rebate)

The verdict: A good deal if you're diligent about mailing the rebate

Attention, kitchen mixer fans. Kohl's is the place to be this Black Friday. A recent leaked circular has revealed the store will be significantly discounting three highly-rated KitchenAid stand mixers, offering them as doorbuster deals.