Kitchen Appliances

SHOPPING ENERGY SENSE

A new kitchen appliance is a major investment, not only in the initial purchase cost but
also in the use, care, energy consumption, and maintenance for the lifetime of the appliance.
Most major household appliances have a relatively long life expectancy. Therefore, a
poor choice can be both irritating and costly, especially if the appliance must be replaced
early because of high energy and repair costs or failure.
Most of today s appliances use less energy than those made just 10 years ago.
When comparing refrigerators from 1972 to 1984, an energy-efficient refrigerator
can save, on the average, $47 per year in reduced energy costs. An energy-efficient
dishwasher can save, on the average, $35 per year. Ranges are not required to have energy
guide labels; therefore, their energy use has not been calculated.

RANGES
The basic free-standing range is the most common type. It is self-contained, finished
on both sides, sits on the floor, and is usually placed between two base cabinets or at the end
of a line of cabinets. Some free-standing ranges have a second, smaller oven mounted above
the cooking surface.
A variation of the free-standing style is the slide-in range, which is self-contained and
rests on the floor. The sides are usually unfinished, but end panels are available when either
side is visible.
A drop-in range is permanently installed flush with the base cabinets and is supported
on a low cabinet base. A drop-in range is a good choice for an island design because it is flush
with the surrounding counter and is built-in.

EXTERIOR FINISHES
Porcelain enamel is the material most frequently used for ranges because it is resistant
to heat, acids, stains, and scratches and because its color will not fade or yellow with use.
Baked or synthetic enamel is a paint material applied at high temperatures. This
finish resists knocks and blows better than porcelain enamel but cannot withstand abrasion.
Enamel is usually less expensive and is considered less durable than porcelain enamel.
Stainless Steel is available in matte and glossy finishes. It is very durable, corrosion
and stain-resistant, easy to clean; and does not dent easily, but it may discolor if overheated.
Chrome-plated surfaces will not chip, scratch, or dent easily. However, heat may
cause chrome to discolor, turning it blue-brown over time.
Vitro-ceramic is a new material imported from West Germany. It is noted for ease of
cleaning. This is not the same glass material that was previously used on ceramic cooking
surfaces. The color does not yellow with time and it is easy to clean and maintain. Vitro-
ceramic is used in the construction of several smooth-glass cooking surfaces.

OTHER FEATURES
Electronic controls are now found on ranges as well as cooktops and ovens.
Electronic controls may increase the initial cost of an appliance, but they are a good
investment because they offer more precision and reliability than mechanical controls.
Available on ranges are a variety of cooking timers that keep time from 5 minutes to 4
hours. They have reminder options, automatic shut-offs, buzzers or chimes, or warning lights
to indicate completed cooking times. Timers help save energy because they prevent
overcooking.
Many new ranges have built-in venting. A high-low range may have venting from the
top oven, where air is vented through a wall. Other ranges may have down-draft systems that
must be vented through floors or walls. A down-draft ventilation system is a good choice for
an island or peninsula kitchen design because it eliminates the need for an overhead exhaust
system.