Kitchen Appliances

READ ENERGY LABELS
There are two important labels that will assist you in evaluating the energy efficiency of an appliance, the EnergyGuide label and the EnergyStar label. The EnergyGuide is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and Federal Trade Commission. EnergyStar is sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of […]

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The average American household spends more than $1,500 per year on energy costs. New energy-saving appliances can reduce this amount by at least 30% (or $450 for the average household). For example, by replacing a 20-year old refrigerator, it is possible to save $85 per year on energy costs (EnergyStar, 2005). Not only […]

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WARRANTIES
Keep warranty contracts and sales slips for all appliances for future reference. Insist that the sales slip fully describe the product and any terms of the sale. Record the date of purchase, model, and serial number. Also, record in detail any service or repair work done after purchase.
QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT WARRANTIES
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WATER HEATING OPTIONS
A water temperature booster checks the temperature of the incoming water and heats the water to the desired temperature. If the water is not hot enough (less than 140 degrees F) it is heated automatically to provide good washing results. A temperature of 140 degrees F is needed to dissolve dishwashing […]

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DISHWASHERS
In today s kitchens, an automatic dishwasher is no longer a luxury. Automatic dishwashers use less water and sanitize dishes far better than hand washing.
MODELS
The built-in models are designed to fit into a 24-inch-wide space between cabinets and underneath the countertop. A few small-capacity models fit into an 18-inch space. Built-ins […]

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF REFRIGERATORS
The efficiency of a refrigerator is an important consideration because it uses more energy than any other appliance in the kitchen. The total cost of a refrigerator is a combination of the purchase price and what it costs to operate and maintain over its lifetime. High-efficiency models may carry a […]

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Before buying a new refrigerator, check kitchen layout to determine if the door should open to the left or the right. Not all models have reversible doors and if the door opens on the wrong side, the door is often left open longer and cold air escapes. Decorative exterior panels allow buyers to fit […]

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REFRIGERATORS
There are many options to choose from when shopping for a new refrigerator. Choices include a variety of models and styles that have new convenience and energy-saving features. Before purchasing a refrigerator, it is a good idea to measure the space available for the new refrigerator as well as door and hallway clearances. […]

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF RANGES Some cooking surfaces are more energy efficient than others. Manufacturers report that the induction and halogen cooking systems save time and energy and the solid disk and glass-ceramic cooking systems use more energy and take longer to heat. Most of the energy used in a typical oven is not absorbed […]

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AUTOMATIC OVEN CLEANING Self-cleaning (pyrolytic) is the true self-cleaning system. It uses high heat during a special one to three-hour cycle to decompose food soil and grease. During the cycle, which is clock controlled, the oven door is latched and locked. The door cannot be opened until the oven cools. When self-cleaning ovens were […]

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