Best corded/cordless phone with answering machine

Corded/cordless phone systems help you stay connected during blackouts

Corded/cordless phone combinations are increasingly hard to come by, despite the fact that they offer both versatility and security, especially for people in areas prone to blackouts. Corded phones can be a communication lifeline during power outages because they don't require electricity to operate. A corded handset also makes over-the-air eavesdropping impossible. While cordless phones have improved on these two fronts -- some can operate on saved battery power, and DECT technology makes cordless phone conversations more secure by prohibiting interference -- most cannot compete with the security of corded phones. On corded/cordless phone models, you can also expect large keypads on both the handset and the base.

The AT&T CL84100 (*Est. $65 with one handset) performs well in expert tests, with especially high ratings for the long range from the base and voice clarity. As with all AT&T cordless phones, this model is manufactured by VTech. The CL84100 can support up to 12 handsets -- making it one of the best options for handset expandability on the market -- and features 50 caller ID memory slots, handset conferencing and a voicemail indicator. It also includes extras such as a base ringer, keypad and speakerphone, as well as one-touch dialing. Some reviewers take issue with the CL84100's answering machine, which has an indicator light only for digital voice mail.

If you know you want extra handsets, it is generally less expensive to buy them as part of the base unit package. AT&T sells the same base with additional handsets. The CL84200 cordless phone base comes with two handsets, the CL84300 comes with three, and so on.

The Panasonic KX-TG1062M (*Est. $75), which comes with two handsets, also scores well in this category, generating over 500 Amazon.com reviews. It is expandable up to six handsets and, like many Panasonics, also includes headset jacks, three mailboxes and well-designed backlit keypads. On the downside, customers complain of poor quality sound on the KX-TG1062M's cordless phones and answering machines.