As wintry weather heralds the holiday gift-buying season, it’s no surprise that heating and small appliances were the most popular topics on our forums this week.

Discussion like “Which gas furnace should I buy?” and “Totally confused by gas brands” include numerous comments on selecting and servicing a wide range of heating equipment, along with links to our buying advice and brand-reliability ratings for gas furnaces. You’ll also find discussions of oil furnaces, pellet stoves, and wireless thermostats. (Watch the video, right, on our pellet-stove tests. And as you check our forums, you might want to keep in mind this advice on weighing the effectiveness of user reviews.)

Our energy savings at home forum is also drawing increased traffic, and many of the discussions are circulating around efficient windows and insulation. Keep in mind that replacing windows for energy-efficiency reasons alone might not make much economic sense as improving your insulation; that’s because many homes have only a minimal amount of insulation.

Small appliances are becoming increasingly popular holiday gifts, and busier discussions on coffeemakers, coffee grinders, and blenders (the CR Best Buy Black & Decker SmartBrew DCM2500 and recommended Oster Counterforms BVLBO7-L each has its own discussions). Mixers and slow cookers are two other small appliances with growing followings.

—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Our Holiday Shopping and Energy Saving & Green Living guides cover many of the products and processes discussed above.