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Refrigerators and Freezers

Downsizing? Some Choice Advice for Baby-Boomers

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As the population ages, many people choose to move to smaller homes or condos for ease of maintenance.  Some Baby-Boomers are purchasing smaller, second homes that can become retirement homes in the future. 

Marriette Mifflin at about.com advises:

Take a serious look at your appliances, large and small, and consider their age, general condition, capacity, performance, and how likely you are to use them in the future. Consider the impact of moving certain appliances. Older refrigerators or freezers may not survive a physical relocation and would be best replaced for the new home.

Replacing older appliances for more efficient ones will save you energy dollars and the outlay to purchase now, will hopefully provide you with many years of trouble-free use. Replacing later on a limited budget may be more difficult.

We all have our favorite appliances and housewares, but most of us have items that we actually like, but seldom use for whatever reason. And, we often store appliances that aren’t working quite right, for disposal at some undetermined time – well now is the time. When you’re faced with moving, re-evaluating and de-cluttering is a must.

A second or retirement home may be smaller than the family home you’ve spent many years in new appliances should be evaluated accordingly.

Do you really need a high capacity washer and dryer, or would a compact set be sufficient? What size of refrigerator is adequate? Maximize counter space by choosing space-saving appliances and limiting counter presence by importance, and storing the rest.
Consider handling and ease of operation. Choose a vacuum that you can easily lift and maneuver, or consider an upright that may be easier to handle. When buying a new laundry set, the optional pedestal drawers do add to the cost, but may greatly increase the ease of transferring clothes and reducing back strain. An upright freezer may be more accessible for you than a chest model.

It is worth the investment of some careful planning now– it could pay off with some serious savings financially and emotionally, in the future.

You Probably Don’t Need That Extended Warranty

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Straight from PR Newswire: J.D. Power and Associates Reports: High Reliability of Major Home Appliances May Reduce Need for Extended Warranties

According to J.D. Powers and Associates 2007 Major Home Appliance Study, most major appliances these days are quite reliable, yet many consumers continue to purchase extended warranties.

The study measures customer satisfaction in nine segments of major home appliances: dishwashers; free-standing ranges; built-in cook-tops and wall ovens; freezer-on-top style refrigerators; side-by-side and French door-style refrigerators; clothes washers; clothes dryers; over-the-range microwave ovens; and counter-top microwave ovens. The study, now in its third year, examines customer satisfaction with microwave ovens for the first time. Customer satisfaction is 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.

The study finds that during the first two years of ownership, approximately one in 10 consumers report some kind of problem with their major appliance. However, many of these 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.

Despite this high degree of reliability, many consumers purchase an extended warranty for their appliances. Among owners of refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers and laundry appliances, approximately 25 percent report purchasing an extended warranty, while approximately 15 percent of microwave oven owners do so.

“Extended warranties certainly provide a degree of peace of mind,” said Dale Haines, senior director of the real estate and construction industries practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “With some appliances — particularly those with complex electronics and potentially high repair costs — purchasing an extended warranty may make sense. However, major appliances tend to be very reliable, and consumers should consider very carefully — depending upon their circumstances — whether an extended warranty is worth the additional cost.”

In satisfying customers with major kitchen and laundry appliances, Bosch, GE Appliances, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool and Whirlpool Gold rank highest in various segments.

“Particularly strong performers include Bosch, LG and Samsung, which have achieved consistently high satisfaction levels in consecutive years,” said Dale Haines, senior director of the real estate and construction industries practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “For two consecutive years, Bosch has ranked highest in the dishwashers segment and LG has ranked highest among clothes washers, while Samsung has earned an award in a refrigerator segment for three consecutive years. This is especially impressive considering the high levels of quality and reliability that many appliance manufacturers attain.”

The 2007 Major Home Appliance Study is 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.

Maytag Refrigerator Woes- An Update

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Last September I wrote here about my mother’s horrible experience with a brand new Maytag refrigerator.  She spent endless hours on the phone and weeks waiting for service for a fridge that was clearly a lemon.  We have had feedback that shows she is not alone.  I thought readers might be interested to know the end of the story. 

The defective refrigerator was never repaired properly, Maytag refused to speak with my mother further, and the store she purchased it from would not take it back.  It now sits (safely sealed for the protection of small children) in my parent’s garage while we try to dispose of it.  We thought maybe it could be repaired and used by a shelter or that an occupational school could use it for practice.  No one wants this new, yet defective fridge. 

 At this point, it looks like it is headed for the recycling heap.  At least it won’t be adding too much to the landfills.  That is the best I can say about it.

Cooking in Full Color

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Homeowners who add high end appliances to their kitchens have for years acknowledged stainless steel as the premium finish for appliances according to appliance magazine.  But now “more consumers are daring to commit to vibrant color on kitchen fixtures, and colorful alternatives to stainless ranges are becoming common.”

Dacor launched a colored-glass front on its wall ovens three years ago, and for 2007, it expanded the colored glass to a full line of appliances under the Preference brand name. At this year’s Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, the was an exhibition by Viking Range Corp., which is relaunching the St. Charles brand of kitchen cabinetry. This all-steel line of cabinets will be offered in 24 planned colors, and Viking’s kitchen appliances will come in matching colors.
Prizer-Painter Inc., once a contract manufacturer of commercial appliances for Garland and other brands, launched BlueStar commercial-style appliances for the residential market in 2002. Prizer had a history of finishing expertise, and in the 1990s it developed a significant two-coat/one-fire powder-coating system. In 2007, that finishing expertise gives it the ability to offer 190 color choices in its BlueStar ranges—the most of any range OEM. If that’s still not enough, BlueStar will finish a range in custom colors as well.

European ranges can have sophisticated color choices. For example, La Cornue’s handmade Château ranges can be finished in rich shades such as British racing green and Eggplant.

Tecnogas, a member of the Antonio Merloni Group based in Italy, ­is taking a more lighthearted approach to the Allegro Fornello, or “cheerful gas cooker,” a freestanding range launched in June. The range aims to bring more cheerfulness into the kitchen through the innovative use of color. A combination of lids and flame diffusers in different colors and materials is interchangeable with the Series II gas burners supplied by Sabaf. The appliance even allows the homeowner to change out these cooker elements to match changing kitchen décor.

Appliance makers seem eager to supply this colorful addition to today’s kitchens.

Is the Food Safe to Eat?

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The Detroit Free Press offers an answer to the often asked question of whether food that has been in a refrigerator that has been off for a number of hours is safe to eat.

Chances are most of the perishable foods reached an unsafe temperature if the refrigerator was off for 24 hours or more. Items such as leftovers, fresh meats and poultry most likely reached an unsafe temperature where bacteria growth can take place. Milk products, soft cheeses, eggs and yogurt are considered not safe if stored above 40 degrees. Toss these items out. Also, homemade or store-bought mayonnaise, cream-based salad dressing and soups should be discarded.

The USDA says refrigerators should maintain a 40-degree temperature or below. Use an appliance thermometer to verify this and keep it in the refrigerator.

“This can be critical in the event of a power outage. When the power goes back on, if the refrigerator is still 40 degrees, the food is safe,” according to www.fsis.usda.gov

Many condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, jelly, jams, soy sauce and bottled marinade should be OK. These condiments usually have high salt and sugars that can act as a preservative. Bread would be fine as well as most fruit and vegetables. If the refrigerator is off more than 24 hours vegetables and fruits could become slimy or moldy.

If your freezer was turned off too, consider that some of those foods thawed during that time. If the foods still contain ice crystals they can be refrozen safely, according to the MSU Extension, Oakland County. The issue with thawing and refreezing is quality may be compromised.

Another Type of Appliance Recycling

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This is possibly another way to view appliance recycling and is definitely a way to save money.

Reverse logistics- this is the business of taking merchandise that has been returned by customers or overstocked by retailers or has been cosmetically damaged and finding a market for it.  Reverse logistics can keep appliances out of landfills.  What some people see as damaged (a slightly dented washer or fridge) becomes a bargain for someone else.  Reverse Logistics Executive Council can help you learn more about how the process is part of being “green.”

Appliancesmart.com is a subsidiary of Appliance Recycling Centers of America (ARCA), and has locations in five states.  ApplianceSmart sells factory overruns and manufacturer closeouts as well as those appliances with slight imperfections.  My neighbor bought a beautiful front loading washer and dryer from this type of outlet and got them for a fraction of the retail price.  Both the washer and dryer were new and worked perfectly, but they had slight scratches on their sides.  She planned for them to be in a closet and the scratches will never show. A great deal! 

Recycle Responsibly

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Reuse, recycle, save energy– These ideas are ones many of us try to do daily.  There is one way we may not have thought of before- disposing of an old appliance properly.  Appliance Recycling Centers of America estimates that 55 million appliances will be removed from service this year.  If yours is one of them, be aware that nearly 20 states ban appliances from being disposed of in landfills, and more than 15 other states require that landfills separate appliances for recycling. Some states, like Minnesota and California, require that a variety of hazardous materials be removed from appliances before the metals are recycled.

There are more than 11,000 appliance recycling locations throughout the United States. Unfortunately, many of these locations do not process appliances thoroughly before recycling the metals. Older appliances can contain environmentally harmful materials such as mercury and PCBs. These substances must be removed and managed properly before recycling an appliance. Ask your city, waste hauler or recycling location for a description of the hazardous materials they remove from appliances and how they dispose of them.

Another option is to donate your old washer, fridge or dishwasher to a local occupational school.  Many schools use these old appliances for instruction and practice.  When the students are  finished the appliance is recycled.  Or even better, it will have been refurbished and will go on to serve an underprivileged family or sold to help the school.

 Doing the right thing can take a bit if extra thought, but it can feel good too.

A Photo Finish in the Refrigerator Race

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Whirlpool has entered a new contender in the race for kitchen bells and whistles.  It is called the Central Park Connection and its gimmick is a digital photo frame that is built into the door.  The theory behind this new gizmo is that it will cut back on kitchen clutter by reducing the number of photos posted on the fridge with magnets.  They plan to add an intuitive interface that will allow you to charge and play MP3 player, satellite radio, DVD and CD players, a family calendar and cell phone.

I honestly cannot see the point of this new fridge. The storage and usage is comparable to other refrigerators on the market.  Why would anyone need this?  It won’t necessarily cut down on fridge clutter- anyone with children will still want to display their artwork and many people post community notices and invitations on the fridge. 

This new refrigerator must be aimed at the minimalist, modern designer with money to spare. (The MSRP is 1999.00)   I also can’t help wondering what happens when the frame breaks or becomes obsolete?  Then the photos will need to posted around it making more of a mess. 

This is not something I’ll be pining for.

Another Maytag Refrigerator Nightmare

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Some posts just have to brought to the front page.  This is one of them.  The writer is responding to our post relating a similar refrigerator problem. 

This whole story about the fridge is nothing compared to what I am STILL going through. We bought a Maytag Model MZD2666KEB side-by-side fridge/freezer, with water and ice on the door, last November. Our nightmare started in July. Here we are in the middle of October and I am still have the SAME problem that started in JULY. At first the refridgerator side, of our side-by-side, started freezing all the food. We made the call to have a service call made and was told 1-1/2 weeks. We had to throw away all the frozen spoiled food and buy the minimum food that would not be ruined by the freezing for the week and a half, try that with 3 growing kids. We dealt with it.

Service guy comes and informs us that he has to order the part and it will be another 2 weeks, because of back order, to get the part. What are you going to do? We wait 2 weeks and no service guy. WE have to call THEM to find out, we are told, the part is back ordered and it MAY be in, in a couple more weeks.

In the mean time the fridge side is working correctly on and off. The only way we knew the problem was starting to come back again was when the water on the door would stop working. Now, we are freezing ice to put into a cooler to keep some food around (milk, eggs, mayo, etc.). By the way, have you ever seen mayonaise or eggs after they have been frozen and thawed??

It turns out the repair guy for our area was on vacation and they didn’t have anyone covering his calls. After some heated phone calls they sent out another guy who installed the part and left. Every thing seams fine. A couple of weeks go by, the fridge is well stocked again and the nightmare reaches a new low. The water on the door stops working one evening, the sign of bad things coming. I go to bed with the intention of calling service in the morning.

Next morning I go to the kitchen to make some coffee. (I don’t do well without coffee in the morning.) I hear a strange sound coming from the fridge and open the door to the fridge.

When I open the door to the fridge a FLOOD of water, the kind you see in cartoons, comes streaming out of the fridge flooding the kitchen into our living room, a bedroom and into the basement. I’m talking LOTS and LOTS of water. It seems the plastic around the water filter froze and broke so water was pouring into the inside of the appliance! The wood flooring in the living room is buckled and popping (ruined), carpet in the bedroom is molding (ruined)and the basement has and INCH of water in it with the ceiling stained and ready to fall (ruined). The strange noise I heard was water spraying into the INSIDE of the fridge. It probably was happening most of the night.

Of course all this happens on Saturday morning with the Service Department closed on the LONG Columbus Day weekend, so the Service Department (oxymoron) is not in until TUESDAY.

The technichan doesn’t get here until THURSDAY orders parts and won’t be back for A WEEK AND A HALF!!! Partly because the parts had to be ordered and because HE WAS GOING TO BE ON VACATION FOR A WEEK. I call Maytag directly and they register the complaint, “feel my pain” and basicly tell me they have no responsibility, but “have a nice day”. If you can top that it would make ME feel better that someone else is worse off.

I never had a Maytag appliance before and never, never buy one again. If I hadn’t spent so much money on this fridge I would take it outside and set it on fire.

The saga goes on.

You can see the original story at Maytag refrigerator
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