ICYMI: Lead in a Popular Blender, Resistance Band Recall, Bandages with Low PFAS
Also last week at CR: What to know about car care, how to clean a dishwasher, and the best tablets
Our In Case You Missed It series highlights recent ratings, news, and investigations.
- Product Safety: Lead in Blenders Injury Risk from Resistance Bands PFAS in Bandages
- Cars: Maintenance Checklist
- Appliances: Dishwasher Cleaning
- Electronics: Tablets
- Latest Ratings
We have lots to discuss in product safety this week: We found lead in Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230 blenders, reported on a recall of HomeProGym’s 60- and 70-pound resistance bands after CR’s independent testing found the handle of certain bands can separate during use—posing an injury risk—and looked into whether there are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in adhesive bandages. CR’s auto experts helped separate which car maintenance tasks you should handle on your own, and which to delegate to the professionals. CR’s resident dishwashing expert shared three easy steps to keep your dishwasher clean. And we shared the best tablets for five different types of people.
Photos: Consumer Reports Photos: Consumer Reports
Stop using the Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230 blender immediately if you own it
After a terrifying incident involving a baby with elevated blood lead levels, parents discovered that a metal component in the base of their Black+Decker PowerCrush blender contained lead.
The parents had used the blender daily to make the 1-year-old baby’s food.
We investigated by testing the model in our labs after finding a report that was submitted to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in January 2026. Here are the details of what we found.
If you need a new blender, pick among our top-rated options from brands including Cuisinart, Ninja, and Vitamix.
Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports
HomeProGym recalled 60- and 70-pound resistance bands due to injury risk
When we tested for the best resistance bands, we discovered an issue with the HomeProGym PowerTube Stackable Resistance 60- and 70-pound bands: They came apart at the handle during use, posing a risk to users. The bands have now been recalled.
HomeProGym moved quickly to remove the models from the market and updated the design of its future products. If you own the 60- and 70-pound bands, stop using them immediately.
Check out our guide to the best resistance bands for alternatives—from tubes to mini loops to flat bands.
Photo: Scott Meadows/Consumer Reports Photo: Scott Meadows/Consumer Reports
CR tests show that adhesive bandages contain low levels of forever chemicals
The federal government doesn’t have regulatory limits for PFAS in products like bandages. In 2024, Environmental Health News and Mamavation, a consumer advocacy-focused online community, found widespread PFAS contamination in more than half of the 40 adhesive bandages they sent for testing.
So we tested 15 widely available bandage products for 30 distinct PFAS compounds.
What we found:
- 14 bandages had detectable levels of at least one PFAS chemical, while one didn’t reveal detectable levels of any of the PFAS we screened for.
- The quantifiable PFAS levels in the bandages were below the European Union’s 25 nanograms per gram limit, which means the detected levels were low.
- Read our report for more information on PFAS levels in popular bandages.
Your no-stress guide to keeping your car alive
Staying on top of basic maintenance is the best way to avoid overspending on car repairs, and following a consistent schedule will keep you and your vehicle safe.
In our guide, we share what you can handle on your own, like:
- Checking tire pressure
- Replacing windshield wiper blades
- Monitoring fluid levels
And also share what you should leave to the professionals, like:
- Oil changes
- Brake replacements
- Diagnosing dashboard warning lights
Finally, we discuss what you should outsource by calling local shops.
Follow these three easy steps to eliminate dishwasher odors and ensure the best performance
Cleaning your dishwasher will keep it running smoothly, smelling clean, and looking its best. It’s also one of the ways you can help your dishwasher last longer.
We spoke to Larry Ciufo, CR’s testing leader for dishwashers, as well as other experts, to gather these tips:
- First, clean your dishwasher’s exterior.
- Then, clean the filter and spray arm.
- Finally, sanitize and deodorize.
For more on dishwashers, check out our best dishwashers and dishwasher detergents, as well as the most reliable dishwasher brands.
An iPad isn't for everyone—the best tablet depends on what you’re looking for
That’s why CR has outlined five scenarios, each for those looking for a different tablet experience. We can help you find the best tablet for your needs. We test a broad selection across brands, scoring each model on battery life, performance, and display quality, among other factors.
- For the Apple devotees: Apple’s basic iPad
- For Amazon lovers: Amazon’s Fire Max 11
- For Androidheads: Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11
We also identify the best tablets for professionals and kids alike. Check our tablet ratings for every model we test, and consult our buying guide for smart shopping tips.
Fresh from the labs
We’re constantly testing the latest products and retesting existing stock. Here are last week’s drops:
- We tested a few new food storage containers. See our latest ratings.
- We added new countertop icemakers to our ratings. Read more about the best nugget icemakers.
- We assessed new WiFi routers. For more, check our ratings.
