The January 2010 issue of Consumer Reports includes reviews of toasters and toaster ovens and steam irons. We also put to the test an ambitious laundry product that's designed to clean, soften, and remove static cling from clothes and took a look back at vintage cooking appliances.

Who’s toast in our tests? We found excellent two- and four-slice toasters for $15 and $40 and toaster ovens that work as well as dedicated toasters and even are equipped with a rotisserie. Some models add sandwich grilling and convection capabilities. See our buyer’s guide to toasters and toaster ovens for more information.

Stellar steam irons: A $20 steam iron outperformed pricier models and a steam-generating model we tested can tame a basketful of wrinkled laundry with ease. The video (above) details how nonstick soleplates, auto-shutoff functions, and adjustable steam-level controls performed in our tests. You'll find more information in our free buyer’s guide to irons.

Claim Check: Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets. These toss-in sheets that combine detergent, softener, and antistatic agent all in one powerful sheet went 1-for-4 in our tests. They were decent against stains and static, bad at softening, and hard on your budget.

Looking back on cooktops and toaster ovens. This year marks the 10th anniversary of our first report on smoothtop ranges, which used to work less quickly than electric coil ranges until they were equipped with higher-wattage burners. They’ve since been trumped in the speed rankings by induction ranges, which use a powerful magnetic field to heat cookware.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Discuss your favorite steam iron, toaster or toaster oven, or other small appliance in our laundry and cleaning and appliances forums. And check out our list of the small appliances you might consider as holiday gifts.