Amana French Door Refrigerator

Since a fridge usually lasts for close to two decades, it’s not a purchase you have to make everyday. When the time does come, however, there are so many refrigerator models on the market nowadays that it’s not always so easy to choose. Although your old fridge was probably a top-mount or a side-by-side, this time around there is a new model out there known as the French door refrigerator which has rapidly become the most popular type of fridge on the market. French doors are a variation on a standard bottom mount refrigerator (add link) with added convenience. We’ve put together a guide to help make your refrigerator shopping experience easier so that you don’t become French toast in the process!

Pros
French door refrigerators are the most popular model of the day because they take the best of all worlds by combining a bottom mount freezer with a double door, side by side fridge. The double doors are ideal for smaller kitchens or kitchens with an island, allowing for less clearance room for doors. Unlike a side-by-side fridge, however, the French door possesses standard interior room inside for wide items like pizza boxes and baking trays eliminating the down side of side-by-sides. It’s also possible to open one side at a time, to prevent cool air from escaping, making them the most efficient type of fridge on the market. GE and LG both make French door fridges with four doors, meaning that the freezer has two different sliding drawers. This is ideal for organization and easy access and also helps to conserve on energy, since less cold air is lost each time you open the freezer. Although most French door models come with through the door water dispensers as well, it’s hard to find them with ice dispensers as well except for in the Maytag model.

Cons
The only real downside of a French door fridge is the price, since they are substantially more expensive than top mount, bottom mount, and even side by side refrigerators. It is also more and more difficult to find them in narrower widths.

Additional Features

• Glass shelves are the sturdiest and easiest to clean, although plastic shelves are also fairly durable. Adjustable shelves such as pullout shelves or bins, split shelves, and full-extension drawers are a must to make room for oddly shaped or oversized items. Most must be raised by hand while some have a crank system. Anti-spill shelves are also highly recommended as are fridges with larger door shelves for gallon containers.
• Mini-doors provide easy access to most popularly used items. They also save energy by allowing you to open the main door less frequently.
• A fridge with a manual defrost uses half the energy of an automatic defrost model but obviously has the major drawback that it needs to be defrosted regularly.
• Refrigerators with anti-sweat heaters that prevent condensation consume 5-10% more energy.
• Accessible controls located in the front of the compartment make adjusting the temperature and humidity much easier. Some extras include humidity and temperature controlled drawers for meat and vegetables.
• A fridge with insulation to help dampen the sound of the compressor will be substantially quieter than one without although most fridges are quiet enough it.
• Some models now have digital controls that display the actual temperature of the various compartments of the refrigerator. However, electronic controls and thermometers are likely to fail at some point, which may make it more headache than it’s worth. As the kitchen becomes the new living room, more refrigerators are being made that incorporate high-tech equipment such as TVs, digital-picture or music devices, and family-organizing centers, although it will cost you much more than it would to purchase each item separately.
• Most French door freezers come with internal ice makers—a valuable feature for most homes.

Size
French door models come in 30, 33, and 36 inch widths with as much as 25 to 28 cubic feet of interior storage space making them the biggest type of freestanding fridge on the market. GE and Samsung even make a model with 30 cubit feet of space. It is considerably more difficult to find them in narrower widths.

In Summary
A French door refrigerator is the best way to go for anyone who can afford it, offering you the best of all worlds. They are convenient and attractive offering the conveniences of a side by side fridge without the inconveniences. Since five of the major brands on the market are really made by Whirlpool, including Maytag, Amana, and KitchenAid, most of the differences you find in the various models are purely cosmetic. We hope this guide will help make your shopping experience easier so it doesn’t all look like French to you in order to make the decision that’s right for you.

Whirlpool Bottom Mount Refrigerator

Refrigerators consume up to one-sixth of all electricity in a typical American home–more energy than any other household appliance. Considering that an average fridge will last for close to 20 years, it pays to make a wise decision when purchasing your next one. There are a number of different styles on the market nowadays, providing added convenience and efficiency so before going shopping it is wise to be informed as to what’s out there. A Bottom-mount refrigerator is a very popular model these days, with the freezer on the bottom instead of on the top as in classic top-mount models. Here is a list of some of the pros and cons of a bottom-freezer model to help you make your decision without hitting rock bottom.

Pros
Bottom-freezer models are clearly more convenient than top-freezers because the more popular refrigerator compartment is located comfortably at eye level, without any need of bending down to get to most items. Bottom mount refrigerators are also the most energy efficient model on the market, beating side by side fridges by as much as 16%, and even beating top mounts by a few percent. New French door models add even more convenience and efficiency to a standard bottom mount (link to French door).

Cons
The only draw back of a bottom mount refrigerator is the price. Although more convenient and efficient, bottom mount refrigerators are as much as 1.5 times more expensive than top mount models with only a little extra convenience, making it a difficult comparison. It can also be difficult to find rarely used items that get buried in the back of the freezer. The full sized door in the standard models is also a drawback for smaller kitchens, since the door can block aisle space when fully opened unless you go with a French door. It’s also unlikely to find one with the popular in-door ice-making and cold water feature.

Considerations
The main difference you will find in various bottom mount models is the type of door on the freezer. A standard swing door requires you to get down on your knees whenever you need to get something from the back of the freezer, but a convenient pull out drawer will cost you—in some cases as much as several hundred dollars more. A pull door is also less energy efficient, since you loose much more cold air every time you open the freezer. Slide out baskets are a good compromise, making a swing door much easier to handle. Additional features include shelf material and internal layout, which is more a personal preference than a qualitative difference. KitchenAid is the only company to make a bottom mount refrigerator that is a narrower counter depth model, lying flush with the cabinetry.

Additional Features
Most fridges out there today are made by the Whirlpool cooperation under different names, so most of the differences are mainly purely cosmetic. The following features are available from almost all manufacturers:

• Glass shelves are the sturdiest and easiest to clean, although plastic shelves are also fairly durable. Adjustable shelves such as pullout shelves or bins, split shelves, and full-extension drawers are a must to make room for oddly shaped or oversized items. Most must be raised by hand while some have a crank system. Anti-spill shelves are also highly recommended as are fridges with larger door shelves for gallon containers.
• Mini-doors provide easy access to most popularly used items. They also save energy by allowing you to open the main door less frequently.
• A fridge with a manual defrost uses half the energy of an automatic defrost model but obviously has the major drawback that it needs to be defrosted regularly.
• Refrigerators with anti-sweat heaters that prevent condensation consume 5-10% more energy.
• Accessible controls located in the front of the compartment make adjusting the temperature and humidity much easier. Some extras include humidity and temperature controlled drawers for meat and vegetables.
• A fridge with insulation to help dampen the sound of the compressor will be substantially quieter than one without although most fridges are quiet enough it.
• Some models now have digital controls that display the actual temperature of the various compartments of the refrigerator. However, electronic controls and thermometers are likely to fail at some point, which may make it more headache than it’s worth. As the kitchen becomes the new living room, more refrigerators are being made that incorporate high-tech equipment such as TVs, digital-picture or music devices, and family-organizing centers, although it will cost you much more than it would to purchase each item separately.
• Most bottom mount fridges come with internal ice makers—a valuable feature for most homes.

Size
It’s important to purchase a fridge that is the right size for your family. Too large a fridge wastes expensive energy while too small means overcrowding. Bottom mount refrigerator widths run from 30 to 36 inches, with 18 to 26 cubic feet of storage space although usable space doesn’t quite match that of comparable top-freezers.

In Summary
In summary, a bottom mount refrigerator is a great option for anyone who can afford it, provided you get a pull out freezer drawer. Otherwise, it may be more trouble than it’s worth, rummaging through the freezer on your hands and knees to find that lost item. Either way, bottom mounts are extremely efficient and will do a great job at keeping your food cold. The bottom line is that if a more popular French door is out of your price range, most Americans feel that a standard bottom mount is the second best choice. Bottoms up!

Amana Top Mount Refrigerator

Refrigerators consume more energy than any other household appliance alone and use up to a sixth of all electricity in a typical American home. Considering that an average fridge will last you for close to 20 years, it pays to make a wise decision when purchasing your next one. There are a number of different styles on the market nowadays, so before going shopping it is wise to be informed as to what’s out there.

Most American’s grew up with top mount refrigerators, with the freezer on the top and the fridge on the bottom. Until fairly recently they were the most popular type of fridge simply because that’s what was available on the market. Now there are a number of different alternatives to the top mount, none-the-less, top mount refrigerators still has a special places in many people’s hearts. Until today, it’s still the most affordable model on the market—sometimes surprisingly cheaper–and believe it or not, also the least prone to malfunction. Due to today’s difficult economic times, the top mount is once again becoming more and more popular for people who care more about their wallets than their convenience and décor. We’ve put together a guide to the basic things you need to know before purchasing a top mount refrigerator to help you make your decision without popping your top.

Pros
The advantage of top mounts is that the freezer is located at eye level, making it easier to find those rarely used frozen goods, although this is also a disadvantage since the more commonly used produce section of the fridge is only accessible by awkwardly bending down. They are also among the most energy efficient types of refrigerators out there next to bottom mounts. They also typically offer the most usable storage for their size.

Cons
As mentioned, top mount refrigerators can be annoying, since the more frequently used fridge is less accessible. The full sized door is also a drawback for smaller kitchens or kitchens with an island, since the door can block aisle space when fully opened. It’s also unlikely to find one with the popular in-the-door ice and cold water dispensers.

Size
It’s important to purchase a fridge that is the right size for your family. Too large a fridge wastes expensive energy while too small means overcrowding. Top mount widths typically run from about 30 to 33 inches with 22 cubic foot interior. Frigidaire, GE, and Whirlpool make the smallest top mount models with 24 inch widths and 10 cubic feet of space. GE makes the largest top mount with 25 cubic feet of interior space. If you need more space than that, a top mount is not for you.

Additional Features

Most fridges out there today are made by the Whirlpool cooperation under different names, so most of the differences are for the most part, purely cosmetic. The following features are available from almost all manufacturers:

• Glass shelves are the sturdiest and easiest to clean, although plastic shelves are also fairly durable. Adjustable shelves such as pullout shelves or bins, split shelves, and full-extension drawers are a must to make room for oddly shaped or oversized items. Most must be raised by hand while some have a crank system. Anti-spill shelves are also highly recommended as are fridges with larger door shelves for gallon containers.
• Mini-doors provide easy access to most popularly used items. They also save energy by allowing you to open the main door less frequently.
• A fridge with a manual defrost uses half the energy of an automatic defrost model but obviously has the major drawback that it needs to be defrosted regularly.
• Refrigerators with anti-sweat heaters that prevent condensation consume 5-10% more energy.
• Accessible controls located in the front of the compartment make adjusting the temperature and humidity much easier. Some extras include humidity and temperature controlled drawers for meat and vegetables.
• A fridge with insulation to help dampen the sound of the compressor will be substantially quieter than one without although most fridges are quiet enough it.
• Some models now have digital controls that display the actual temperature of the various compartments of the refrigerator. However, electronic controls and thermometers are likely to fail at some point, which may make it more headache than it’s worth. As the kitchen becomes the new living room, more refrigerators are being made that incorporate high-tech equipment such as TVs, digital-picture or music devices, and family-organizing centers, although it will cost you much more than it would to purchase each item separately.
• Most top-mount fridges come with internal ice makers—a valuable feature for most homes.

In Summary
We hope this helps you make your shopping experience more enjoyable. At the end of the day, a top mount refrigerator will keep your food cold just as well as any other type of fridge for less. It’s really just a matter of personal preference, style or added convenience. If you choose to go with a top mount fridge, we hope you find it to be the top of the line!

In the mid 90’s, the STAR-K kosher certification organization in Baltimore hired a team of engineers who began working together with the appliance manufacturers to rewire the computer boards in ovens, fridges, air conditioners, and freezers to override these enhanced features. In 1998, the Whirlpool Corporation (manufacturers of KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana and others) was awarded a patent for their “Sabbath Mode,” which successfully eliminated these problems in many models. Today the STAR-K certifies sixteen major brands of ovens, fridges, and freezers including most of the major manufacturers such as GE, KitchenAid, Whirlpool and others.

The STAR-K certification on appliances falls into two categories:

Sabbath Mode
The Sabbath Mode includes models that have unique software/hardware programmed into them that specifically address the concerns of Sabbath observant Jews. Some models come with a built in Sabbath Mode option whereas others require it to be programmed by order.

Sabbath Compliant
The second category includes models that were assessed by the STAR-K at to the manufacturer’s request with the intention of helping consumers avoid the unwanted surprise of not being able to use their expensive purchase on the Sabbath and holidays. The STAR-K has a list of which appliances are Sabbath compatible and what some of the pitfalls are to be aware of in each model. Details of manufacturers in both these categories, listed by company along with the specific model numbers, can be found by visiting the STAR-K website at http://www.star-k.com/cons-appl.htm. The STAR-K has issued the disclaimer that although the models are certified for use on the Sabbath, a qualified Orthodox Rabbi should be consulted to clarify exactly what actions do and do not constitute the forbidden labor of cooking.

Here is a list of some of the major considerations that Sabbath Mode eliminates:

Ovens
There are a number of issues in modern ovens regarding the kosher consumer. Many ovens have thermostats that pump up the heat when the door is opened to compensate. Others have lights, digits, and sensors that are activated as well when the door is opened, or the temperature increased on the holidays when certain cooking is permitted. Additionally, many ovens automatically shut off after 12 hours and for safety reasons, most ovens will not recover from a power failure in the on position, meaning that food will be cold for the duration of the day.

Ovens with the Sabbath Mode take care of these concerns by deactivating many of these features. No lights, digits, solenoids, fans, icons, tones or displays will be activated or modified when the Sabbath Mode is activated. In many cases this mode will also prevent the oven light from going on or off as the door is opened or closed. In other models, however, the bulb must be unscrewed or the light left on for the entire day. A delay is built into the temperature controls so that the oven temperature can be raised or lowered on the holidays (though not on Shabbat). Many ovens have a timed bake feature that permits one to have the oven go off after a fixed period of time, however it is usually followed by an alarm. The STAR-K models with timed bake do not have an alarm after the time is up nor do they have an icon that is cancelled when the door is opened. To ensure that food will stay hot in the event of a blackout on the Sabbath, most Sabbath Mode appliances will turn back on once power is restored and will not shut off after twelve hours of continuous operation. Warming drawers should be treated as standard ovens since they present the same issues.

Ovens certified as Sabbath compliant have various protocol depending on the model that determine how they can be used on the Sabbath. If opening the oven door turns on a light, the bulb should either be removed before the Sabbath or Holiday or the light should be turned on at the control panel and left on for the entire Sabbath or Holiday. Some models that have an indicator light that cycles on and off during heating instead of a digital temperature readout can be used on the holidays when the light is on. Most Sabbath compliant models lack a delay in the temperature change process and therefore the temperature cannot be changed on the holidays.

Cooktops
Both gas and electric cooktops may have a light that increases or decreases as the temperature setting is adjusted. Some also have simmer lights that turn on and off as one enters or exits a very low setting. Sabbath Mode or Sabbath compliant models avoid electronic controls and lights, and turn on after a power failure. There should also be a way to disable or override the 12-hour automatic setting.

Air Conditioners
Although air conditioners do not come with Sabbath Mode, Sabbath compliant units will stay on after return from a power failure and should be compatible with Shabbat clocks.

Refrigerators
Modern day refrigerators pose a number of problems for the Sabbath observer. Often times, opening a refrigerator door will cause lights, defrost cycles and digital readouts to go on, and circulation fans to go off. Refrigerators certified with the Star-K Sabbath Mode incorporate technology that eliminate the problem of lights, digits, icons, tones, alarms, solenoids or fans being activated/deactivated when opening or closing the door. A built-in delay prevents the compressor from turning on immediately after the door is opened and the defrost cycle operates solely on clock time without any feedback from consumer usage of the refrigerator. The ice and cold water systems will be turned off since they invariably use electrical solenoids and motors to operate.

In Summary
Thanks to modern day ingenuity, it’s still possible for religious Jews to observe their ancient traditions while benefiting from state of the art technology. We hope this guide has been helpful to provide you with a brief overview of what to look for when shopping for Sabbath appliances. We wish you all a Shabbat Shalom and a good Sabbath!

GE Advantium Oven

Meal time again, but you’re on the go? What else is new? If your busy schedule doesn’t leave time for cooking dinner, you’re just like most Americans today. During the 1970’s, American kitchens were revolutionized by the introduction of microwave ovens for everyday use. Microwaves are a great way to prepare many foods quickly—perfect for today’s fast paced world. The only problem is that microwaves alter the taste and texture of foods. They may be great for defrosting or heating up, but a “zapped” chicken doesn’t come close to an oven-roasted one. No one would trade the browned outside and juicy inside of oven-roasted meat or vegetables for the rubbery, un-browned microwaved version.  However it takes more than six times as long to cook—a time commodity that most people don’t have. Thanks to the Speedcook technology of the GE Advantium, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds.

Using a combination of convection microwave cooking, together with innovative new halogen light technology, the Advantium oven cooks as fast as a microwave, while preserving the conventional oven-baked texture you enjoy. The Advantium can cook food up to 8 times faster than a conventional oven like a microwave, while browning and locking in moisture and flavor like an oven. Chicken, rolls, fish, pizza, and other items will taste great in a fraction of the time and there’s never a need to preheat your oven! How’s that for fast food!

The Advantium can brown, bake, crisp, and broil using three 1500-watt high-intensity halogen bulbs work together in various combinations depending on the ingredients and the desired results to cook both the top and bottom of the food. The sensor microwave simultaneously helps to cook food from the inside out. It can also function as a regular microwave whenever conventional defrosting or warming is required. We’ve put together a list of some of the main Pros and Cons of the Advantium to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Voltage

The Advantium comes in two different voltage options, either 240-volt or 120-volt. The 240-volt oven cooks up to 8 times faster than a conventional oven, while the 120-volt oven provides results up to 4 times faster, giving new meaning to the term “fast food!” The true European convection oven can get up to heats as high as 450°F. The more powerful oven is considerably noisier to run and takes up the same energy as an oven, simultaneously using halogen lights and microwaves to cook food. The 120-volt model cooks food by alternating halogen lights and microwaves. With the 240-volt oven, it’s possible to cook many of your favorite foods to perfection such as steak, whole roast chicken, fish and pies in under thirty-five minutes, often even faster, and the results are even moister than with a standard convection oven.

Style

The Advantium oven is available in two different styles: either as an over-the-range oven, or as built-in wall oven. No new duct work is required for either of them and the over-the-range model can be combined with pre-existing kitchen ventilation for maximum efficiency. Both ovens are large enough to accommodate most normal family-sized meals as large as a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish or a 5 pound chicken. Sizes range from 27-30-inches wide by 16.5″ high by 15″ deep for both models.

Some additional Pros and Cons to consider:

Pros

• Settings – The Advantium comes with 175 preprogrammed settings together with a cookbook containing their corresponding recipes to start cooking with just the press of a button. Simply dial in the code for the food and press start! You can also program in up to 30 custom settings, although it will take some experimentation to find the right combination of power and settings when using your own favorite recipes. GE has been lobbying to get food manufacturers to add “Speedcook” times and directions frozen and pre-packaged products together with microwave and conventional cooking instructions.
• Finish – The stainless steel oven interior of the Advantium is easy to clean with a towel and all-purpose cleaner even though there’s no self-cleaning feature.
• Auto-Timer – In case of power supply shortage, the Advantium automatically readjusts the cooking time to ensure quality results.
• Warming oven mode keeps prepared foods ready to serve, while the proofing feature allows dough to rise quickly.

• Warranty – GE employs specially engineered halogen light bulbs that have been tested to a 30-year life time. All parts and labor for lamps are warranted for the first ten years.

Cons

• Settings – Professional cooks or anyone who prefers using their own family recipes will find it difficult to adjust to Advantium’s set recipes and settings. Adjusting the custom setting to your own recipes is difficult to master. Furthermore, if you are technologically illiterate, the Advantium is definitely more complicated than operating a VCR.
• Price – The Advantium is extremely expensive to purchase, as much as six times the cost of a regular microwave and it is similarly more expensive to run.
• Availability – Advantium is not available through all retailers. Visit their website at www.geadvantium.com and type in your zip code to find retailers in your area.
• Space – The interior space isn’t insufficient for extra large items such as a thanksgiving turkey.
• Repairs – Only a GE technician can replace a faulty bulb and consumers report needing frequent repairs in various aspects of the machine. Mechanical turntables will eventually need to be repaired over time.

We hope that this has been helpful if you are considering purchasing an Advantium oven. Anyone who can afford it, or who is often pressed for time, will greatly benefit from the quality gained and time saved. It’s definetly fast food in style!

There are basically three different types of freezers on the market–chest freezers, upright freezers, and compact freezers. Here are some of the pros and cons of each:

Maytag Chest Freezer

The downside of chest freezers is that they require a large amount of floor space to store. Because of their great width, it’s not unusual to have to remove a door or two to get it inside the house and beyond. It is also more difficult to keep them perfectly organized and items can get lost more easily than in an upright model, although you’d be surprised how many things can get lost on a shelf as well! The difference is that with a chest freezer, it requires a lot of bending and reaching to find what you’re looking for. Furthermore, chest freezers do not always come with an internal light, making it even harder to find things although some models do come with baskets that make organization easier. Some models possess bottom drawers that are accessible from the outside, and although this is convenient, it slightly reduces freezer capacity. As mentioned above, manual defrost can also be a burden making chest freezers much less attractive to anyone for whom saving money is not an absolute priority.

Upright Freezers
With a door that opens from the front just like a refrigerator, an upright freezer provides the comfort and convenience of a fridge with shelves and lighting making it easy to find items. It also requires much less floor space than a chest freezer. As with a fridge, you can choose between a left-opening and right-opening door with some reversible models, providing you with added flexibility. The capacity of upright freezers range just slightly less than a chest model, from 10 to 20 cubic feet. Most upright freezer models come with automatic defrost for ease of cleaning. This feature costs substantially more upfront and since the freezer constantly shifts on and off to prevent frost buildup like a refrigerator, the energy costs will also be much higher. Foods can also get freezer burn more quickly with auto-defrost, so it’s important to use things up more quickly. Upright freezers are also easier to relocate due to their narrow size and will usually fit through most doorways.

Upright freezers are more expensive than chest models yet provide about 10 – 15% less usable storage capacity. Although shelving makes organization easier, shelves may have to be removed to fit large or oblong items. If money isn’t an option, however, the comfort you gain may be well worth it.

Compact Freezer
If you have limited space, a compact freezer may work best for you. The food storage capacity is as small as 5 to 10 cubic feet and are available in both chest and upright models and will be cheaper to run.

Other aspects to consider when making your decision are freezer capacity, energy efficiency, and additional features:

Freezer Capacity
It’s important to properly size your freezer, since an undersized freezer will minimize usefulness and an oversized one will cost more than necessary to buy and operate. Additionally, a full freezer is more efficient than an empty one and ideally, your freezer should be kept at least two-thirds full at all times. Proper size can be determined by how large your family is, how often you buy in bulk, and how frequently you go shopping. Each cubic foot of freezer space can hold about 35 pounds of food. The most popular size purchased is 15 cubic feet.

Efficiency
As mentioned, a chest freezer is more efficient than an upright and an automatic defrost feature also takes up substantially more energy. Even if you choose to buy an upright with auto-defrost, you should make sure to buy a unit with a good energy star rating.

Additional Features
Now that you’ve decided on style and capacity, here are some more common features to consider:

• Adjustable temperature controls for added convenience may not be available on all models
• Interior and operating indicator lights make it much easier to find what you need
• Childproof safety lock is essential for anyone with young children in the house
• Adjustable shelves on uprights or baskets on chests make organization much easier
• If your fridge doesn’t all ready have one, an ice maker feature is useful
• A textured steel exterior is easier to maintain and will stay clean of fingerprints
• A seamless interior is easier to clean
• Fast freeze section or other freezing features are helpful
• A defrost drain or hose will make defrosting easier on a manual defrost model
• Freezer coils that extend to all side walls will help to keep the temperature constant

In Conclusion:
As we have seen, the advantages of a freezer make it a well worthwhile investment that will most likely bring in regular returns. Although chest freezers are much more economical, upright models are substantially more convenient, making them the number one choice for anyone who can afford the higher purchasing and operating costs. We hope this will help you find the right freezer for your family’s needs so that you can buy in bulk and not spend in bulk!

Frigidaire FAD504TDD 50-Pint Dehumidifier

Ever experience a summer day that was so humid that it felt like you were walking through a rain cloud? Dehumidifiers keep the house free of unwanted moisture in the air and solve problems such as stickiness and window condensation associated with high relative humidity. They are also frequently used in damp basements or laundry rooms to prevent mold and rot from eating up the furniture, books, and boxes. Dehumidifiers can be expensive to purchase and operate, and must be maintained to prevent other problems from developing, it’s therefore essential that you are properly informed before purchasing one. We’ve put together this guide to teach you everything you need to know to choose the right dehumidifier for you.

Why Get a Dehumidifier?
The first step is to decide if a dehumidifier is necessary for your home at all. Anyone who usually leaves their window open throughout the spring and summer will find that their house accumulates with moisture during the summer months. This moisture gets trapped in when windows are closed up in the fall, which could result in damaging humidity. Similarly, houses without central air conditioning that reaches to the basement, may find dampness in the walls and air that will eventually condense and cause irreparable damage to furniture, books, and storage and will also foster the growth of mold. In both these cases, a dehumidifier may be the perfect solution. Nonetheless, sealing up any internal or external leaks is the first priority.

There are a number of different types of dehumidifiers on the market. Here are some of the pros and cons of each of them:

Heat-pump Dehumidifiers
Heat-pump dehumidifiers are the most common type of unit. They work by chilling the incoming air so that massive condensation occurs. This dries out the air that passes through the system and is eventually returned to the atmosphere of the house. This dehumidified air is slightly warmer than the rest of the air, which also has a drying effect on the rest of the house. The resulting condensation from the dehumidifying process is either collected in a bucket that must be emptied on a regular basis or is automatically drained into a sink, or out of the house.

Heat pump dehumidifiers can be relatively expensive to buy and utilize a substantial amount of electricity to run. They can also be pretty noisy, which isn’t a problem if the unit is placed in the basement. Nonetheless, heat-pump dehumidifiers are the preferred way to go in most circumstances.

Chemical Adsorbent Dehumidifiers
Chemical adsorbent dehumidifiers are designed for hot, humid climates and absorb moisture from the air by using a drying agent. The hot, humid air is then expelled from the house through an exhaust pipe.

Dehumidifying Ventilators
Dehumidifying ventilators work by bringing fresh air from the outside in through a vent. The fresh air is filtered and dehumidified before it is introduced into the house. When only filtration is desired, some units possess dampers that can be set to seal off the fresh air duct and simply re-circulate and filter the indoor air. Many units have a built-in sensor to start the motor when humidity rises above the programmed level. Dehumidifying ventilators use less electricity than a heat pump dehumidifier, but are not effective in hot, muggy weather since they work by bringing fresh air in from the outside but they are good in cold weather. Dehumidifying ventilators can cause depressurization to occur in the basement, causing combustion gas from fuel-fired furnaces and domestic hot water tanks to be sucked back into the house. It’s important to ensure that all of your combustion appliances are properly vented before buying a dehumidifying ventilator and it is also recommended to purchase a CO detector as well. In case of doubt, a professional contractor should be hired.

Some other factors to consider when purchasing a new dehumidifier:

Size
Although buying a good humidifier is an expensive purchase, the costs of home damage and adverse health effects that could result if excessive moisture goes untreated, are much higher. Dehumidifier size is determined by floor area and the level of dampness of your home. A 500 square foot home (length x width) will need a dehumidifier with 12 to 14 pints capacity per day depending on the degree of moisture. Similarly a room of 1,500 square feet requires between 21 to 25 pints per day, and a room of 2,500 square feet needs a capacity of between 31-38 pints. It never hurts to round up, since the more powerful the unit, the more efficiently it will be able to address the problem.

Efficiency
Energy Star provides all dehumidifiers with an EF number, an energy factor. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit, removing more water and generating less heat for cheaper. It’s important to choose a model with a built-in humidistat that measures the humidity of the air inside the house. The optimal relative humidity should be between 40% and 60% in summer and 30% and 50% in winter. With an adjustable meter, you can set the machine to automatically shut off when the desired humidity is reached, saving you money by cutting down on overuse. Make sure that filters are washable. A dirty air filter can dramatically increase operating costs and reduce optimal functioning so the filter should ideally be cleaned once or twice a month.

Drainage
An automatic shutoff mechanism is a valuable feature that prevents the unit from overflowing once the buckets have filled up to maximum capacity. Dehumidifiers with larger buckets need to be emptied less frequently, making them easier to maintain. Front-loading buckets also make it easier to empty manually. Most dehumidifiers also come equipped with self draining outlets and hose connections that can be let out into a basement floor drain or a laundry room sink.

Low Temperatures
Unless you live in a climate that is warm year-round, it’s important to buy a dehumidifier with an automatic defrost feature that can function at temperatures as low as 41 degrees F (5 degrees C).

Mobility
It’s important to make sure that your dehumidifier comes with casters so it can be easily rolled from room to room. A long power cord will enable you to put the unit anywhere you want and easy to remove, light weight buckets will make emptying them regularly easier.

In Summary:
If humidity is a problem, affecting you, your home, or your possessions, a dehumidifier is for you! We hope that this will make your dehumidifier shopping experience easier, so that you can find the right model for your home without breaking a sweat!

Maytag Gas Built-In Single Wall Oven

An oven is arguably one of the most useful kitchen appliances, cooking everything from meat to cakes and anything in between. When it comes time to buy a new oven, there are a number of different types on the market as well as numerous different features. Although some differences are merely stylistic for aesthetic purposes, others have actually qualitative and quantitative differences that will provide convenience, better results, and may save you money in the long run. That’s why it pays to be informed before shopping for a new oven. Here are some of the pros and cons of the basic items out there to help make your decision less heated.

The first decision to make is between a gas or electric oven. Here are some of the pros and cons of each:

Gas Ovens
A gas oven is only an option if a natural gas or propane line is easily available in the area in which you live. Although gas ranges are highly recommended (link to Ranges or ovenranges), gas ovens are not as popular as electric ones, since their sensors are less accurate. Nonetheless, gas ovens heat food more evenly, so there is less chance of uneven results such as burning whatever is on the bottom rack before the item on the top rack has finished. The moister heat of gas is also desirable for such things as baking bread, cakes, and roasts. Finally, gas is cheaper to run than electricity, costing as much as 50% less to operate which could lead to a huge savings over time.

Electric Ovens
Although there are plenty of people who swear by gas ovens alone, electric ovens are definitely the preferred type of oven according to professional consensus. Therefore anyone who prefers the superior quality of a gas range but wants the advantage of an electric oven, can purchase a dual range with gas stovetops together with an electric oven. Electric ovens provide a more accurate heat, since their built-in sensors are designed to react to even a one degree drop in temperature, whereas gas ovens only start reheating once the temperature drops by ten degrees. A down side of electric ovens is that in most models the main heating element is a coil, in the very bottom of the oven, to introduce heat into the chamber. This means that heat tends to concentrate towards the bottom, so dishes can easily get burned on the bottom. An easy solution is to simply place items on a middle to upper rack, greatly avoiding this problem.

The next decision to make is what type of oven style you are looking for. This decision is purely aesthetic and will not affect the functioning of your oven.

Slide in/Free Standing Ovens
Slide in ovens and free standing ovens are the most traditional type of oven with the range built above the oven. Simply slide them between two cabinets or next to a wall. As long as you have an empty space in your kitchen, no additional renovation is necessary. Whereas freestanding ranges have the controls on a raised backsplash, slide-in ranges have them on the front section of the range. Both have finished sides.

Drop in/Built-in Ovens
Drop in, or built-in ovens require some custom cabinetry. Built-in or wall ovens are separate from the stovetop or range and are built directly into an opening in a cabinet and therefore don’t have finished sides. Drop in ovens are essentially the same as built-in ovens except that they have a stovetop built onto the unit. Unlike a slide-in range that rests between two cabinets, drop in ovens rest between three cabinets: one on both sides and a third underneath, which serves as a pedestal, lifting the stove off the floor. A stovetop is then attached to an empty countertop. The main advantage of drop in or built in ovens is that they raise the unit off the floor, making it more accessible without having to bend down. The other advantage is that many people prefer the sleek, modern look of a built-in which is why 90% of new homes have a built-in ovens, making them a popular choice when renovating your kitchen.

Some additional features and factors to consider when making your decision are:

KitchenAid Built-In Double Wall Oven

Double Ovens
Today, some ovens come equipped with a second smaller oven in place of the broiler. This not only gives you the option to cook two different types of items simultaneously, but it is also a great money-saving feature. Since most people rarely fill their large ovens to maximum capacity, all the energy it takes to heat the entire oven is wasted. A smaller oven is a great option for people cooking smaller amounts at one time, requiring much less energy to cook single items.\

Self Cleaning Ovens
For anyone purchasing an electric oven, it is well-advised to make sure it includes a self-cleaning option as most models do nowadays. In addition to the obvious benefit of easy cleaning, self-cleaning models have additional insulation to be able to handle the 500 degree heat during cleaning cycles. This makes them more efficient, cutting down cooking time and energy costs and making for more even cooking. Nonetheless, frequently using the self cleaning option will end up using more energy than you will save from the extra insulation. The two main types of self cleaning ovens are pyrolytic and catalytic lined ovens. Although they both burn off the dirt inside the oven, catalytic lining does so at half the heat and can leave the presence of some dirt after the cycle.

Convection Ovens
Many experts today recommend buying a range with a convection oven. Made with a built-in fan and extra heating element in certain models, convection ovens are designed to continually circulate hot air around the food, distributing heat more evenly to cut down cooking time and temperatures by as much as 30%, saving a third on energy costs. The added heat from the circulating air speeds up chemical reactions that take place when food cooks, creating a superior result, leading to flakier pie crust, juicier meat, and vegetables that are crispier on the outside, and moister on the inside.

Oven Size
Most standard slide-in or free standing ovens are 36 inches wide by 36 inches tall, although they are available anywhere from 20 inches wide in a compact model to as big as 48 or 60 inches in a professional residential range. Built-in ovens range from 20 to 30 inches wide.

Additional Features
• A window in the door and a light in the chamber will save you energy since you don’t have to open the door to check on progress, also leading to more even rising.
• A built-in timer can be very helpful, saving you from burning your food.
• An internal temperature meat probe is essential when roasting beef or lamb, which requires a certain precise temperature to be medium rare. Simply insert the built in thermometer into your roast and the oven will let you know precisely when it is fully cooked.
• Multiple removable racks, half racks and adjustable rack positions give you additional flexibility for large dishes or roasts, allowing you to cook something else on the other side simultaneously.
• Automatic shut-off shuts off the oven after 12 hours so there’s no need to worry about accidentally leaving it on while you’re out of town.
• A turnspit feature provides you with a built-in rotisserie for anyone who loves roasted meat.
• Pizza function allows for slightly better tasting pizza for all those homemade pizza fans out there.

We hope this information will help to take some of the heat off of you so that you can find the right oven without getting cooked. Anyone who loves cooking and can afford a professional convection oven made by Wolf or Viking will enjoy the additional or larger oven fans for faster baking and maximum stovetop power, however if you aren’t a cooking fan, you probably won’t ever need it.

Kenmore Built-In Microwave

Microwaves have become a regular part of life for quite some time. They make things much easier, heating up or defrosting food in a fraction of the time that it would take using conventional methods. In our fast-paced world, this is a tremendous convenience. Today, for most Americans, microwave ovens are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. In fact, most people have had one in their homes for so many years that’s it’s already time to purchase a second or third replacement. Whether it’s your first time buying a microwave or you’re already on the second or third generation, it’s important to know what’s out there before you go shopping so that you don’t get fried. Here’s a list of some of the basic considerations to make your shopping experience more enjoyable.

Placement
Wherever you are planning to put the microwave will determine what type of unit to buy. Countertop models are most popular. The most challenging thing is to find a spare counter or empty cabinet to put it on. Afterwards, simply plug it in and start cooking. If your cabinet or counter space is limited, smaller models are available.

Built-in microwaves require professional installation and can be installed directly into the wall so that the door is flush with the surface of the wall. Microwaves can also be placed over the range, saving valuable counter space. It’s also possible to purchase a combination system with an over the range microwave and ventilation system together, (link to ventilation) making even more efficient use of your space.

Wattage
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing your new microwave is the wattage. More powerful microwave ovens will cook foods faster. Most microwaves range between 600 to 1200 watts. Anything between 800 to 1000 watts should be sufficient to cook food evenly.

Features
Microwaves today come with a variety of different features, some more useful than others. Some models come with sensors that automatically shut off when food is fully cooked based on the humidity in the oven from the amount of steam that is released. Programmable settings allow you to start cooking with one touch. Simply select the food you are cooking and the microwave will remember the previously selected time and power. If you are a light microwave user, primarily using it for reheating, defrosting, and making occasional popcorn, there’s no need for you to pay for any extra features. If you use your microwave to prepare entire meals, you may want to invest in the latest innovations. Additional features include combination microwave/convection ovens that utilize a fan to more evenly distribute heat like a convection oven to brown and crisp food. This is highly expensive, although useful. Others are equipped with a built-in coffee maker or toaster and one even has a rotisserie.

Size
Microwaves range in size from compact units (0.5-0.8 cubic feet), to mid-range (0.9-1.3 cubic feet), family (1.4-1.6 cubic feet), and full size (1.8-2.0 cubic feet). The larger the family, the larger the microwave should be. Additionally, if you plan to cook casseroles in the microwave, make sure the size you choose is large enough for your microwave safe dishes. If your favorite dish is too wide to rotate in a normal model, look for a feature that lets you shut off the turntable so it’s stationary during cooking.

Safety
If you have young children in the house who are old enough to figure out how to operate the microwave but too young to do so safely, it’s important to purchase an oven with a childproof lock. It’s easy to use, simply type in the code to activate the appliance. Make sure to only use your microwave oven with microwave safe dishes such as glass, ceramic, and some hard plastics. Never use metal in your microwave. Whether or not microwave radiation is harmful to your health has not yet been conclusively proven.

In Summary:
If you’re frequently on the go, a microwave oven is for you. Not much has changed in microwave technology over the past ten years, but models are available in a variety of sizes and styles with numerous luxury features. If you can afford it, a convection/microwave is the way to go, since it bakes faster, more evenly, and seals in juices to prevent drying out of meats. We hope this guide will help you find the one that’s right for you without getting nuked!

Honeywell 2 Gallon Cool Moisture Humidifier

Choosing a humidifier not only increases the comfort level in your house but also prevents damage to walls, wallpaper, and wood floors from excessive dryness. Humidified air has been shown to reduce the level of bacterial, viral, and allergenic contaminants in the air and is therefore recommended for children or the elderly. It is also helpful in the winter to battle the drying effect of indoor heating or to help in healing a dry cough. Choosing one can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. That’s why we’ve put together this basic guide to teach you everything you need to know about buying a new humidifier.

There are a few different types of models on the market. Here are some of the pros and cons of each of them:

Cool Mist/Ultrasonic Humidifier
Cool mist humidifiers usually work by use of a high-speed rotating disk inside the unit to propel the water into the air. Ultrasonic humidifiers also produce cool mist by way of sound vibrations caused by electricity. Both devises can cause indoor air pollution such as white dust from water minerals that settle in the air and furniture which could be adverse to your health. A cool mist humidifier also lowers the temperature in the room by a few degrees, which may or may not be desirable depending on your climate.

Steam Vaporizer Humidifier
Steam vaporizer humidifiers or warm mist humidifiers create steam from boiled water inside the unit, therefore killing off most microorganisms and bacteria and don’t disperse minerals into the air. The fact that they utilize boiling water makes them dangerous if placed anywhere where children or pets can knock them over. Portable warm mist humidifiers provide a safer alternative by using cooler airflow, but require a lot of electricity to operate.

Evaporative Humidifier
Evaporative humidifiers work by blowing air through a wet filter and are capable of creating the most amount of mist, using up to 13 gallons a day. They are also substantially louder to operate than other types of systems. The filter also prevents minerals from being released into the air. It’s also recommended to purchase a unit with an anti-bacterial filter.

Central Humidifier
Central or in-duct humidifiers can be built into the existing central heating and air conditioning system and will humidify the entire home. If you already have a forced air heating or cooling system, in-duct systems have automatic water-filling capability and require much less attention than portable models. You only need to change the filter every six months or so and they are the cheapest to run, although they are the most expensive to buy. Additionally, most regular air conditioners, even window units, succeed in humidifying the air as part of their normal air conditioning cycle.

Here are some additional factors to take into account:

Size
Tabletops humidifiers are the smallest, lightest and cheapest type of humidifier available, but are only suited for humidifying single rooms. Larger console models have the ability to generate enough water vapor for a small house. It’s important to choose a model with a large enough tank size that you will not have to add water too frequently. Nonetheless, tank size can be deceiving since the real measure of how frequently tanks need to be filled is how much water it can evaporate in a given period of time and, more important, how much water is needed to be vaporized to attain the desired humidity level. Look for a humidifier that will turn off when the water reservoir empties or that will alert you when it’s running low and needs to be refilled. A see-through reservoir will also make it easier to tell when water is required.

Humidifier Problems
If not maintained properly, bacteria and mold can grow in the tanks of humidifiers and will subsequently get blown into the air. This can pose a risk for young children, the elderly, or anyone with respiratory weakness or allergies. It is therefore essential to wash out humidifier units with anti-bacterial detergent on a regular basis. If you live in an area with hard water, it is important to lower the mineral content of the water by purchasing a heavy duty water filter for your home to reduce the presence of white dust. The humidity level in the house should be kept below 60 percent to prevent dust mites and mold from developing in the house.

Noise
All humidifiers make some noise, however a warm-mist tabletop unit is substantially quieter than an evaporative model, making only a mild hissing sound. In contrast, evaporative models generate the same noise level as a small air conditioner. If the unit is to be placed in a child’s room, it is essential to choose a quieter warm-mist tabletop unit. Alternatively, a console evaporative unit can be placed in the hallway outside the bedroom, generating enough air to reach the entire area, if bedroom doors are kept open. The alternative of placing table top models in each room will end up costing more, both upfront and over time.

Honeywell Up to 99.999% Germ Free Warm Mist Humidifier

Humidistats
Nowadays most models come with essential humidistats that display room humidity levels and humidity settings. Humidistats control humidity levels and shut the humidifier off when the set level is reached. They come in either dial or digital form. Without a humidistat, humidity levels can become high enough to form condensation on windows and other cold surfaces leading to mold and bacteria growth. As outdoor temperatures drop, it’s important to lower the humidity level to prevent condensation on windows, doors or other cold surfaces.

Operating Costs
Warm-mist humidifiers are the most expensive to operate since they require boiling water. In-duct systems and evaporative models are the most energy efficient, although they cost the most upfront. A humidistat will also cut down on costs, since it shuts off the machine whenever optimum humidity is reached. Some filters are expensive, so it’s also important to find out how often they need to be replaced.

In Summary:
As we explained, the first step is to decide what type of humidifier will satisfy the unique needs of your home. Depending on how many rooms you need to humidify, your budget, and whether or not noise is an issue, you may decide on either a portable or central humidifier with evaporative, cold, or warm mist humidity. We hope that this will make your humidifier shopping experience more relaxing. May it bring a breath of fresh air into your home!