All Entries in the "Appliances" Category
A Blender Brand Comparison: Vitamix Vs. Blendtec
By Brittany Rowland Two of the biggest brand names when it comes to blenders are Vitamix and Blendtec. The reason these two brands are also the most expensive is because they offer such versatility and performance. Not only can their blenders crush ice and make smoothies, but they are equipped to prepare complicated sauces […]
Features to Expect from Hand Mixers in Various Price Ranges
By Brittany Rowland A hand mixer is a simple, convenient kitchen appliance that saves you some time and effort mixing, beating, or whipping food. While generally not as heavy-duty as a stand mixer or a blender, a hand mixer still possesses more power than your arm with a spoon. You can find basic, no-fuss mixers […]
What Is the Sabbath Mode On My Oven?
As you scan through the list of specifications for various appliances, you may notice some models have a Sabbath Mode designation. We know that the Sabbath is the day of rest for practicing Christians and Jews, but what does that have to do with ovens? In fact, KitchenAid developed the Sabbath Mode in 1994 out […]
How to Light a Gas Range in a Power Outage
An added bonus gas ranges have over their electric counterparts is that you can still light them when the power has gone out in your home. This trick works if your gas range uses natural gas and an electronic ignition. If you aren’t sure which type of ignition your stove uses, see if the burner […]
The Different Types of Juicers: Pros and Cons of Citrus, Centrifugal, Masticating, and Wheatgrass Juice Extractors
By Brittany Rowland There are different juicers that perform different functions and yield varying performance results. As you shop for a juicer, you need to decide if you want a general purpose juicer for fruits and vegetables; a more versatile model that can make other foods like pasta, salsa, and baby food; or a juicer […]
10 Tips for Improving the Efficiency and Performance of Your Dryer
By Brittany Rowland 1. Look for an energy-efficient model. A dryer’s efficiency is measured in terms of the energy factor, or the pounds of clothes dried per kilowatt-hour of electricity. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient the dryer. Even if an energy-efficient model costs more initially, you’ll recoup the cost in the long […]
What You Should Know About Washer Warranties
By Brittany Rowland Most manufacturers of washing machines offer a one- year warranty, covering all parts and labor for the machine. After the first year, the warranty typically covers specific parts. When you’re buying a new washer, however, you’ll probably hear a sales pitch for an extended warranty. The question becomes: do you really need […]
Putting Your Washer on a Pedestal
By Brittany Rowland Front loaders have become a popular choice in recent years, but people quickly realized they need an easier way to load and unload the washers. Bending or kneeling down to pull out damp, heavy armfuls of clothes is not easy on the back. That’s why many manufacturers are offering pedestals as an […]
Preventing Mold and Mildew in Your Front Load Washer
By Brittany Rowland Front load washers are increasingly favored for their energy efficiency and conservation, but there is one potential issue with them that most people are unaware of: the risk of mold and mildew. Because the machines use less water, some have trouble draining away all the water, dirt, and detergent residue. Left unattended, […]
Six Tips for Better Food Processor Use
To get the best function and the most use out of your food processor, you need to know how to work it properly. Following some of these tips will save you time and effort in the kitchen and help your appliance run more efficiently. Always choose the right blade for the specific function you want. […]
Stainless Steel Dishwashers: Stylish and Sanitary
By Brittany Rowland More families today are choosing stainless steel dishwashers because they lend a professional, sophisticated look and imitate the kind that real chefs use. To accommodate this demand, several top dishwasher manufacturers proudly advertise their models’ stainless steel interiors. Not only do they look sleek and stylish, but stainless steel offers several benefits […]
Getting the Most Out of Your Blender: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
By Brittany Rowland After buying a quality blender, you want to make sure you get the most out of it. Don’t just let it collect dust on the countertop or, worse, lie forgotten in a cabinet. You don’t have to be a master chef to make amazing mixtures with this appliance, and there are several […]
Broan F403023 Review
Range Hoods 7/10 By Brittany Rowland You can’t find many decent range hoods for under $100, but this Broan 30-inch black hood does the trick considering it’s only $46.97. You have the option of installing it four ways—ducted vertically, horizontally, round vertically, or non-ducted. To be non-ducted, you have to purchase a separate charcoal filter. […]
Broan PM390 Review
Range Hoods 7.5/10 By Brittany Rowland A silver range hood insert that fits within a hood liner, this Broan model is fairly quiet at its lowest speed setting but powerful at 390 CFM. You have the option to install it with a duct or without; a charcoal filter for the non-ducted fashion is sold separately. […]
Broan 413004 Review
Range Hoods 8/10 By Brittany Rowland If a ducted range hood isn’t an option for you, then this Broan economy range hood is a viable alternative. Quite affordable at $74, it effectively traps the odors and air impurities that result from cooking. You just have to remember to clean the charcoal filter regularly. The 2-speed […]
Air King DS1308 Review
Range Hoods 8/10 By Brittany Rowland For an affordable under cabinet range hood, this Air King 30-inch model has a pleasant stainless steel design and adequate 200 CFM ventilation. The range hood accepts lights up to 60 watts and has 2 brightness settings (bulb not included). We didn’t find the installation instructions to be terribly […]
