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You are here: Home / Archives for Refrigerators and Freezers

Refrigerators and Freezers

Miele’s first line of North American Refrigeration is Expected to Launch April 2008

February 25, 2008 By NightOwl

Luxury refrigeration is here.  Miele is launching its  North American refrigeration system – MasterCool – this April. 

“Our patented MasterCool control system beautifully merges accessibility, functionality and design,” states Matthew Kueny, Senior Product Manager for Miele, Inc. “Since most users generally don’t know the proper settings to correctly preserve fruits, vegetables and other perishables, the Miele MasterCool controls automatically optimize the SmartFresh storage drawers by maintaining a temperature just above freezing and varying the humidity levels. The controls are conveniently located for all users, regardless of height, and our clear food-driven descriptions (dairy, meat, fruit, etc.) make using them as simple as a touch of a button.” 

“Our research indicated that customers want to be able to see every area of their refrigerator,” continues Kueny. “Our innovative ClearView lighting design washes the entire unit in bright, clean light using a sophisticated blend of direct spots and an indirect halogen parabolic reflector that cast light throughout the cavity. These major advances are supported by other exciting new innovations such as adjustable Drop and Lock shelving and FullView completely extendable drawer.”

Modular Design System Offers Maximum Flexibility
MasterCool™ refrigerators, freezers and wine coolers are based on a modular design concept allowing for virtually limitless combinations and location flexibility when designing a kitchen environment. Further expanding the options… each appliance can be hinged left or right. These stunning handcrafted appliances are available in stainless steel finish or can be fully integrated behind custom cabinetry.

Three types of installation are available so designers may incorporate these products into any kitchen environment:
1) Framed Stainless – a standard stainless design that remains a popular, classic look right out of the box.
2) Framed – allows models to be installed  flush of the surrounding cabinetry and provides a frame for custom cabinet panels.
3) Fully Integrated – frameless, solution where the refrigerator disappears into the cabinetry surrounding it.  A bottom mounted ventilation system integrates/disappears fully as well.

Noteworthy features include:

MasterCool™ Controls Lock in Freshness
Meat, cheese, produce even seafood, all demand a unique environmental storage condition in order to keep them fresh and flavorful. Milk, for example, is stored perfectly at 40oF, while vegetables require a temperature just above freezing. When it comes to humidity control, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy and deli last longer in a drier environment than fruits do. In reality, most homeowners are unfamiliar with how to properly set these levels given the ambiguity of user controls.  When Miele’s MasterCool control system is activated, the user is greeted with a food-driven menu system that is easy to view, understand and adjust for each of its four independent cooling zones within the cabinet.

Dual Compressor System Keeps Ice and Water Fresh
Icemaker and water/ice dispensing units deliver a truly refreshing drink thanks to Miele’s dual compressor system and the MasterCool filtration system. All Miele preservation appliances (not only select models) have a dedicated cooling system responsible for each interior compartment guaranteeing the refrigerator and freezer – even if they are housed in a single product like a bottom mount appliance – do not exchange air. This technology eliminates flavor transfer so the salmon stored in the refrigerator doesn’t affect the quality of the ice cubes.

Energy Star® Efficient
MasterCool is Energy Star compliant and its dual compressor system helps make the system as energy efficient as possible.

RemoteVision™ Protects Food & Wine Investments
If a family member accidentally left the door ajar to a refrigerator, freezer or wine cooler before leaving for a weekend get-away or if a critical cooling component was to malfunction without detection, the loss and inconvenience would be extensive, especially if storing a valued wine collection or high-quality meats and seafood. With Miele’s innovative RemoteVision homeowners will enjoy complete peace of mind, eliminating this anxiety.

Using Miele’s proprietary wireless local area network (WLAN) technology and application software, RemoteVision enabled products will have a 24/7 connection to Miele’s monitoring center. This “virtual link” is established when a fault occurs allowing a secured transmission of vital temperature and performance data alerting Miele’s client service center, who can then contact the homeowner or another trusted individual, identified on their call roster, in order to gain access to the home and fix the problem immediately. By the end of 2008, this technology will be extended to other Miele appliances including dishwashers and washing machines. 

ClearView™ Sheds Light Everywhere
Miele’s exclusive ClearView lighting system illuminates every nook of the interior cabinet on each level to achieve maximum exposure of all contents. ClearView applies uniquely engineered halogen lamps that cascade light from the top and sides of the appliance, eliminating blind or dark areas. Even those items tucked in the rear of a fully stocked refrigerator, concealed by large catering platters or nestled in the storage drawers are in ClearView.

FullView™ Extends Drawers Completely
FullView storage drawers are built from top-quality materials to ensure stability as they fully extend providing an unobstructed view and easy access to contents. FullView is a built-in benefit found in all MasterCool appliances.

SmartFresh™ Preserves Foods Longer
SmartFresh drawers are customizable to store and preserve food at the perfect temperature and humidity requirements. Users select the drawer location and food type (dairy, meat, vegetables, etc.) from the MasterCool menu system and Miele’s signature electronics adjust and maintain the ideal conditions so food is fresher and nutritious longer.

SuperCool™ Gives Warmed Up Groceries a Boost to the Right Temperature
After stocking either compartment with a significant load of new groceries, including bulky items like fresh poultry or large party platters, engaging SuperCool will override the thermostat and begin cooling the cabinet to a reduced temperature… 35°F in the refrigerator and -22°F in the freezer. SuperCool will continue working to achieve these lowered temperatures for a period of 6 or 52 hours (for the refrigerator and freezer respectively) until it reaches this exact degree or it’s manually disengaged.

Drop and Lock™ Adjustable Shelves
Adjusting shelves and bins on the door and inside the appliance cabinet is a simple one-handed operation. Miele’s convenient Drop and Lock system keeps each unit firmly aligned on its slide-rail framework so an easy “tilt up and slide motion” is all it takes to move the unit higher or lower. Once the desired position is located, simply drop the shelf and watch it automatically lock safely into place.

A floating deli drawer in the refrigerator and unique divider system in the freezer compartment add to the overall flexibility. Both effortlessly glide across shelves or within bins to maximize storage efficiencies.

Stability Hinge™ Eliminates Sagging Doors
Miele products are known the world over for their robust construction. Fully-loaded, with food items on the inside and an elaborate, decorative custom panel on the outside, these hinges are capable of carrying a collective load of over 200 pounds and are tested for over 200,000 door cycles… that’s twice the industry standard! This stamina ensures the door will stay stable, secure and won’t sag over time.

TLC Installation System™ is Gentler to Fine Homes
After understanding the challenges installers undertake when securing counter-depth refrigerator or wine cooler units, Miele developed the TLC Installation System to make mounting MasterCool products a job easy enough for one technician to handle. Key to this system’s success is its unique height adjustable rear wheels for smooth steering of the appliance. These high-quality wheels limit possible floor damage and are adjustable for final mounting from the front of the appliance. Additionally, a convenient ladder bracket makes the installation of any panel, stainless steel or custom cabinetry, a snap. The TLC Installation System: an industry first to save time, labor and costs during the delivery and installation of cooling appliances.
 
Retail prices will be made public in April when the products are on retail display, but may be provided upon request for qualified news stories.
 

Filed Under: Features, Kitchen, News, Refrigerators and Freezers Tagged With: Miele, Miele MasterCool, Miele refrigeration, Miele refrigerators

Does the Fridge Light go Off When the Door is Closed?

February 18, 2008 By NightOwl

We’ve all wondered, what really happens when we close the fridge door.   Thanks to modern technology, this old puzzle is finally solved.  Check out the video evidence.

Filed Under: Humor, Kitchen, Refrigerators and Freezers, Video Tagged With: fridge, fridge light, refrigerator, Video

What to do if Your Freezer Fails

February 15, 2008 By NightOwl

Freezing food is a great way to save both time and money.  Many time managers suggest cooking only one or two days a week, making double amounts, and freezing the rest for future meals.  I love to bake and my family can’t always eat all the bread or cookies that I’ve made – enter my free standing freezer in the garage.  For saving money, buying on sale and freezing is a great way to go.  My freezer can sometimes be filled with six to eight half gallons of the kids’ favorite (okay, mine too)  flavors.  But what happens to those savings and time saving meals if the power goes out? 

Spring storms, for example, sometimes knock out electrical power to entire neighborhoods for days at a time.The appliance itself may develop a problem, or a household pet could accidentally unplug it.  We and motherearthnews.com have some suggestions to help you be sure the food in your freezer stays fresh and safe to eat.

RULES TO REMEMBER

The first thing NOT to do when your freezer falls is open the door to check on the food! Little, if any, thawing will take place during the first 12 hours . . . provided the temperature within had been set at or near 0°F. An unopened, fully loaded freezer can actually keep food safe for up to two days without electricity . . . while a partially loaded chest will be effective for up to one day. (The moral is keep your freezer full, even if you have to use plastic gallon jugs filled with water to take up the empty spaces.) Other rules of thumb: The colder the food at the time of the mishap, the longer and better it’ll keep . . . and the larger the freezer capacity, the longer the food will stay frozen.

So if you’re reasonably certain your electrical power will resume within 24 hours-or if you’ve replugged the freezer and scolded the puppy (in this case, you may have to open the appliance to determine how long ago Fido tripped over that cord)—it’s probably best to leave your frozen edibles alone. But should it appear that the device will be out of service for longer than one day, it’s wise to try to move your goods to a friend’s freezer—or to a rental cold-storage locker—for the duration . . . because even a large, fully loaded freezer just might not be able to recover and refreeze the huge quantities of food it contains before spoilage starts to set in. (If you do move your frozen edibles, remember to “insulate” them well for the journey by wrapping items in newspapers and blankets.)

If you don’t have any convenient way to move your food, try purchasing some dry ice instead . . . 25 pounds will maintain a ten-cubic-foot freezer for two to three days. (To determine the necessary amount, just multiply the cubic-foot capacity of your appliance by 2.5.)

You can locate sources of dry ice by consulting the Yellow Pages of your phone directory. Outlets may be listed under ice cream manufacturers and refrigeration suppliers . . . or you might try firms that sell compressed gas. Local dairies, fish markets, or electric utility companies may also be of assistance in locating a source.

Remember always to wear heavy gloves or use tongs when handling dry ice, to minimize the risk of being “burned” by the substance. And be certain the area around your freezer has adequate ventilation during the loading process . . . since the thawing ice gives off tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide. Place the “cubes” (always on a heavy piece of cardboard) directly over the food, since cold air moves downward . . . and close the door.(If your freezer is only partially full, move all the items close together.)

MELTDOWN!

Let’s suppose the worst has happened. You unsuspectingly open the freezer door one day and discover that all the packages inside are well on their way to being completely defrosted. What do you do? First, check the foods to see if any still contain ice crystals. Those that do are safe to eat, and many of them can be refrozen. Cold foods, even if no ice crystals are present, can also be considered safe but must be cooked before being returned to the freezer. (It’s important to remember that refrozen foods, or frozen cooked foods, need to be used as quickly as possible to guarantee maximum nutritional quality.)

Never refreeze thawed vegetables (they may contain botulism spores, which would have ample time to grow and reproduce during the time it takes to refreeze) . . . casserole dishes that contain meat, fish, or poultry . . . or melted ice cream. And naturally, always use good judgment and toss out any food that looks or smells even a little suspicious.

Finally, use the accompanying chart to help determine how to handle specific categories of edibles. Remember, If there’s any doubt, throw it out. No food is worth the risk of poisoning yourself or someone else.

freezerchart.jpg

Filed Under: Features, Kitchen, Refrigerators and Freezers, Safety, _ Tips Tagged With: food safety, freezer, freezers, refreezing food

Fun Fridge Lights

February 9, 2008 By NightOwl

Turn your fridge into a canvas for LED art. Any passerby can place and relocate the magnetic LEDs any way they wish to create illuminated pictures and messages.

It’s great for high traffic kitchens and It’s fun for kids and adults alike.

You can find complete, step-by-step instuction for this fun project at www.instructables.com

Personally, I see this as being perfect for a dorm room or rec room fridge, not my new stainless side-by-side, but it would be a great summer project for a talented teen.

Filed Under: Features, Humor, Refrigerators and Freezers Tagged With: fridge lights, fun with fridge lights, LED fridge lights

J.D. Power Survey Shows Major Appliance Consumers are Happy

February 7, 2008 By NightOwl

 WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF. — J.D Power and Associates, the market research firm, said consumers are largely happy with the performance, features, styling and price of their major appliances.According to the results of its 2007 Major Home Appliances Study, only one in 10 consumers report some kind of problem with their major appliance during the first two years of ownership, and many of those problems can be resolved by following instructions in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s web site. Relatively few problems actually require a service visit, the report said.Top satisfaction scores went to Bosch in dishwashers, Maytag in freestanding ranges, GE in built-in cooktops and wall ovens, Whirlpool intop-mount refrigerators, Samsung in side-by-side and French door fridges, Kenmore in O-T-R microwaves, GE in countertop microwaves and LG in washers and dryers.The study was based on 22,637 responses from consumers who purchased one or more new major home appliances through a retail store, their new-home builder, or received one through other means (such as a gift) during the previous 24 months. Customer satisfaction was measured based on performance in six factors: operational performance (including how well the appliance functions, noise level and energy efficiency); operational features (such as the number of settings available and appliance capacity); ease of use; styling and feel; price; and warranty. 

Filed Under: Dishwasher, Features, Gas Range, Kitchen, Laundry, Microwave Oven, News, Oven, Ranges Ovens and Cooktops, Refrigerators and Freezers, Washing Machine Tagged With: J D Powers, major appliance, major appliance satisfaction, major appliance survey

How to Move Your Appliances

February 6, 2008 By NightOwl

Moving appliances is a big job.  Before you start, be sure you are aware of the work involved and that you really want to be the one to do it.  Some of us are handy with installations and large unwieldy hulks of metal and some of us aren’t. To decide what type you are, read on and then either go for it yourself, or hire someone to help you out.

The first step in moving an appliance is disconnecting it from its power and water sources.  Some disconnections, such as natural gas lines, should be handled only by qualified technicians.  Even if you decide to hire a mover, preparing for the move is something you can do.  After the appliance is disconnected, has properly disconnected them, make sure your appliance is clean and dry.

Other tips from Better Homes and Gardens include:

If you’re moving the appliances to a new home, on moving day load major appliances into the truck first. This ensures that the center of gravity will be closest to the driver, where it belongs. NOTE: If you don’t have an appliance dolly to do this safely, you can rent one from truck rental companies, hardware stores, and home centers.
Also, check to see if you saved the appliance installation instructions that you’ll need to reinstall the appliance. If not, call a local appliance dealer or the manufacturer for a new copy. You may also be able to find this information on the manufacturer’s web site.
You’ll also want to be prepared to protect the surfaces of appliances when you move them. Even simply moving an appliance in the remodeling process raises the possibility of scratching and denting. Especially when moving appliances from one home to another, be sure to have plenty of blankets and towels to protect the surfaces; also have stretch cords to hold the blankets in place.

The following tips for specific appliances are from Maytag:

Washing Machine

  • Disconnect washer from electrical supply.
  • Shut off the water supply and disconnect inlet hoses from their hot- and cold-water faucets, taking care not to lose the small piece of screening fitted in the end of each inlet hose. Have a bucket handy to catch water remaining in the hoses. Clean screen of sediment.
  • Remove drain hose from the standpipe; empty drain hose of any remaining water.
  • When you call the dealer for cartons, ask for the plastic shipping ring that fits inside the washer lid and holds the washer tub in place.
  • Tape washer lid closed with several pieces of masking tape.


Dryer

  • Disconnect from power source. Move dryer away from the wall and disconnect venting material.
  • If the dryer operates on gas, contact a gas technician to shut off gas and disconnect the gas line in accordance with local codes. On electric models, be sure you take the power cord with you. Tape door shut.
  • Disassemble the venting system and clean it — animals and insects are drawn to the warm air when the appliance is running and may have made a nest in opening.
  • Remove any lint buildup. Be sure not to use any plastic venting or other combustible ductwork in your new home.


Dishwasher

  • Unplug the appliance and close the water shut off valves. Remove the lower access panel below the door to disconnect electric and water lines.
  • Remove the lower access panel below the door to disconnect electrical connections, if you are comfortable doing this; otherwise, contact an appliance service company to do this work.
  • Disconnect the water lines and drain line, keeping a towel and small bucket handy for water spillage.
  • Open doors and unscrew the mounting brackets to free from countertop.
  • Make sure all racks are empty, then latch door securely. Once the appliance is free of the cabinets, you may wish to use masking tape to ensure the door is secure.
  • Bring leveling legs up into the appliance and pull dishwasher slowly from opening. To keep the appliance from damaging floor, tip the dishwasher back slightly, slip a large piece of cardboard under it, and gently slide the appliance out.


Range

  • Have a technician shut off gas and disconnect range from gas line and/or electrical power.
  • Remove broiler pan and racks from oven; on gas range, remove surface grates. Clean storage drawer below.
  • On ranges with standard gas burners, lift the top and secure burners to burner box support rod. On electric ranges, tape coil elements to the top of range.
  • Remove or tape down all knobs. If a knob is stuck, insert a washcloth behind the knob to help dislodge it. Tape the oven door shut.


Refrigerator

  • Turn off the refrigerator according to the instructions, and unplug it. You may have to move it out slightly from the wall to do this.
  • If you have a water dispenser, a plumber may be needed to disconnect it. If you want to attempt doing this yourself, be sure to carefully follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
  • Empty all contents and clean the inside of the refrigerator, including all bins and racks.
  • Thoroughly clean the outside and back of the appliance.
  • Remove refrigerator handles only if the appliance doesn’t fit through the door of your old or new home.
  • Tape doors shut securely with masking tape or duct tape, and remove toe board.

It’s all pretty straightforward, plan ahead, get your supplies in order and make sure you are physically ready for a day of heavy lifting.

Filed Under: Dishwasher, Features, Gas Range, Oven, Refrigerators and Freezers, Washing Machine, _ Tips Tagged With: how to move applianes, moving a dishwasher, moving a dryer, moving a fridge, moving a refrigerator, moving a washer, moving a washing machine, moving appliances

Thermador’s Freedom Collection Refrigerators and Freezers

February 1, 2008 By NightOwl

           

The Freedom Collection features counter-depth 24” and 30” fresh food columns, and 18”, 24” and 30” freezer columns, including dispenser freezers. Additionally, the industry’s first fully integrated and flush-mounted three-door 36” bottom-freezer, as well as a two-door version, are available within the collection. Unique 18” and 24” wine preservation columns have see-through glass doors and an interior that can hold up to 98 bottles of both red and white wine in two separate temperature zones.

As a result of its ingenious design and flexibility, the Freedom Collection recently was awarded with a 2007 Platinum Award for Design Excellence (ADEX) from Design Journal and Gold Award from Appliance Design Magazine’s Excellence in Design Awards. Other notable distinctions include a prestigious 2006 American Kitchen and Bath Award from Home Magazine, and a 2006 Merit Award from Kitchen and Bath Business’ Product Innovator Awards. The Collection was also awarded with honorable mention in the 2007 Woman’s Day Specials Best New Product (KB) Awards.

Each Freedom column has its own compressor and evaporator to eliminate odor transfer and air exchange between the refrigerator and freezer – sometimes a concern with traditional models – and perfectly regulates the interior temperature with a variance of only 1.5 degrees. When combined, this system preserves “market fresh” foods longer. The collection is available in stainless steel or can be matched to existing kitchen cabinetry for a seamless, fully integrated look.

“You have the total freedom to design your kitchen any way you want with Thermador’s new column refrigeration. For example, you can place different sized fresh food and freezer columns side-by-side, or put the fresh food column adjacent to the sink for convenient access to your fruits and vegetables. The freezer can then go on the opposite side of the kitchen, right next to your oven, for easy thawing and cooking,” said Chuck Bryant, senior refrigeration product manager. “To preview all the different types of configurations you can have, we developed a special interactive software program that’s currently available online at Thermador.com for consumers and designers to plan their layouts featuring the Freedom Collection.”

In addition to the infinite design possibilities, Thermador’s Freedom Collection offers an unrivalled assortment of exclusive features, including:

 The unique Freedom® Hinge allows all the columns to be fully flush mounted to cabinetry – without sacrificing accessibility to the interior and the full extension drawers. In fact, the hinge opens the column doors up to an amazing 115 degrees. It can also accommodate a variety of custom panels up to 220 pounds in total door weight.
No longer will you have to unload a shelf to gain extra interior space. The fresh food column’s motorized Liberty ShelfT™ conveniently moves a fully loaded shelf of up to 22 pounds with the simple touch of a button. Thermador liberty shelfAlso available on bottom-freezer models.
The FreeFlowTM Air System (fresh food column) results in superior temperature regulation and air distribution that helps keep “market fresh” foods longer. Cool air continually travels the length of the column door, ensuring that these items are just as cold as those on the interior shelves. A carbon air filter also absorbs any unwanted odors for fresher and more hygienic food storage.
The freezer’s FreeFlow™ Ice System regularly rotates the filtered ice in the icemaker to avoid clumping, while the UltraClarity™ Water Filter dispenses crystal fresh ice and water. The external dispenser also features an exclusive pull-down flip tray that accommodates pitcher-size containers to facilitate bulk amounts of ice or water. The Luminous Light System™ features bright halogen light towers and spotlights that fully illuminate foods, so everything can be clearly seen while creating a beautiful interior look.

Rounding out these industry exclusives are a number of additional performance features, including a convenient digital display that allows for precise temperature adjustments; multiple specially-insulated compartments that keep delicate and perishable foods fresher, longer; and an adjustable toe-kick that can range in height between 4-7 inches.

The entire Freedom Collection is ENERGY STAR® qualified and is among the quietest refrigeration units in the built-in category. Models are available with an MSRP of $2,899-$6,999; wine columns have an MSRP of $3,899-4,399.

Filed Under: Features, Kitchen, News, Refrigerators and Freezers Tagged With: bottom freezer, Freedom Collection, freezer column, refrigerator column, Thermador Freedom Collection

Refrigerator Drawers Handy and Expensive

January 28, 2008 By NightOwl

Many of us could use the space an extra refrigerator in the kitchen would provide. I have a spare freezer in the garage, but when I’m cooking for holidays or other large gatherings, my large fridge bursts to overflowing. I have even stored food for neighbors who have the same dilemma.

If you don’t need a lot of storage space and can spare a cupboard or two, a refrigerator drawer might be right for you. A refrigerator drawer is just what it sounds like- a fridge that fits under the counter and pulls out like a drawer. They can be installed near a prep sink, making them just right for fresh produce.

At consumerreports.org , they offer a complete look at some brands, pointing out both pros and cons.

Refrigerator drawers provide not only additional storage space but also some conveniences. If you have young children, for example, you can stow snacks in an easy-to-access spot. Or, when you’re prepping for that big dinner party, you can keep your fresh ingredients at hand. And on the KitchenAid Superba ($2,500), you can place one drawer at a standard refrigerator temperature and the other at a “pantry” setting of up to 60° F. This would allow you, for example, to chill beer, white wine, and other beverages for your gathering in the bottom drawer and store root vegetables in the top. (All five tested models have two drawers.)

Other upsides are on the design front. Refrigerator drawers don’t eat up much floor space: On average, the units we tested are 35 inches high (they’ll fit below a standard-height counter) and 24 inches deep (matching the standard depth of base cabinets). Three models are 24 inches wide (same as a typical dishwasher), the other two, 27. And, as with many other fridges, they can fit in with the kitchen décor. All five models are available with a stainless-steel look, and the Sub-Zero 700BR ($3,200) can be fitted with a panel to match the finish of cabinets.

But you’ll pay dearly for those limited benefits. The tested models cost an average of $2,500 (prices range from $1,800 to $3,200) for what we measured as only about 4 cubic feet of usable fridge capacity (none of the models has a freezer). What’s more, while fridge drawers cost little to run (about $32 to $42 a year), they’re far less energy-efficient than any type of full-sized refrigerator in our Ratings, scoring poor in our calculations. Some other drawbacks: The Marvel 60RD ($2,500) has no bins, dividers, or shelves, and its controls are inside the top of the front frame, requiring you to open the top drawer much of the way to access them. And the U-Line Echelon ($2,500) is not equipped with an on/off switch. To unplug the unit, you need to pull the fridge out from the wall. So far, we lack repair data for refrigerator drawers.

A different solution to the problem, though possibly not as attractive, is to purchase a small freestanding refrigerator, or even a portable one that can be plugged in on an as-needed basis.
Or, there’s always the neighbors…

Filed Under: Features, Kitchen, News, Refrigerators and Freezers, Reviews Tagged With: drawer refrigerators, refrigerator drawer review, refrigerator drawers, refrigerator review, refrigerators

Shopping Tips – Save Money, be Satisfied

January 7, 2008 By NightOwl

Once you’ve read through our articles on choosing a kitchen appliance and have narrowed down your decision, it’s time to shop.  A good place to start is with your budget.  Knowing what you feel comfortable spending and sticking close to that number will help you to enjoy your new purchases.  One good way to stay within a budget is to decide which appliances you want to splurge on and which ones can be more economical.

These tips will help as you search:

  • Shop for the best buys. Don’t just assume that an appliance warehouse has the best bargains. It’s true that such companies buy directly from the manufacturers, but it’s also common to find a group of smaller dealers who pool their resources to buy bigger volumes at discounted rates from the factory.
  • Consider the value of warranty along with the price. Ask about the extent of the warranty. Which parts are covered? Does the warranty include labor? Will the warranty be honored by another dealer?  In most cases, an extended warranty might no longer be a good investment.
  • Check on installation requirements.Each appliance may have its own requirements. An icemaker on a refrigerator, for example, requires a water line. A downdraft fan on a cooktop eliminates the need for overhead ventilation, but the vent pipe needs outdoor access. Some installations may require the service of a plumber or electrician before the installation.  This will add to the total cost.
  • Find out what is included in the price. If an appliance requires professional installation, ask if that is included in the purchase price. If you decide to install the appliance yourself, be certain the installation charges aren’t included in your purchase price.
  • Although new appliances are a fairly long term investment, they’re not a lifetime commitment like they were 30 years ago,  so take your time deciding, but remember you can upgrade as your budget permits.  So, use these and our other tips and then relax and enjoy your new appliances.

    Filed Under: choosing a Kitchen Appliance, Dishwasher, Features, Kitchen, News, Oven, Ranges Ovens and Cooktops, Refrigerators and Freezers, _ Tips Tagged With: appliances, choosing a dishwasher, choosing a refrigerator, choosing kitchen appliances, cook-top, cooktop, Dishwasher, freezer, kitchen appliances, Oven, range, refrigerator

    Amana’s Jot: Dry-Erase Refrigerator

    January 4, 2008 By NightOwl

    I have a friend who used chalkboard paint to create a large drawing space on her kitchen wall.  The family leaves messages and greetings there and she doesn’t have magnets and scraps of paper posted on (and falling from)  her refrigerator.

    Kitchen clutter is a problem for most of us and Amana is addressing this with their Jot refrigerator.  The Jot has a dry-erase finish so you can leave notes, post reminders or release your inner artist and then wipe it all clean.

    Here are the basic specifications:                                                 

    Practical Convenience

    • 17.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity
    • Humidity-Controlled Garden Fresh™ Crisper Drawers
    • Gallon Door Storage
    • Classic Configuration
    • Easy Freezer Access
    • Sturdy Glass Crisper Shelf

    Common-sense Features

    • Refrigerator Light

    Your Style

    • Integrated Door Handles

    Warranty

    • Limited One Year Warranty – Parts and Labor. For one (1) year from the original retail purchase date, any part which fails in normal home use will be repaired or replaced free of charge.

    Filed Under: Features, Kitchen, News, Refrigerators and Freezers Tagged With: amana, amana jot, amana jot refrigerator, amana refrigerator

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