Buyers Guide

General Guidelines

Dishwashers are a modern convenience that few want to live without. Not only do they allow us to spend more time with our families and less time washing dishes, dishwashers have become so efficient they save us money on water and electricity. Today's dishwashers use half as much electricity as those manufactured in 1972 and half as much water as washing the same amount of dishes by hand! And many new dishwashers have built-in booster heaters that gets water hot enough to kill germs and cut grease much better than can be done washing by hand.

Listed below are the popular kinds of dishwashers available today. Read about their pros and cons and also special considerations for each type. Remember to bring accurate measurements of the space you want your new unit to fill.

Under Counter Dishwashers

Most homes use under-counter dishwashers today where the dishwasher is a permanent part of the kitchen. This saves valuable kitchen floor space, as opposed to separate portable dishwashing units and offer you many more options and styles to choose from. Under-counter dishwashers also fit more dishes and are available to match your other appliances. They are easier and faster to operate as they are always attached to electricity and water sources and you can use your sink at the same time as your dishwasher.

Dishwashers involve complicated interactions between your plumbing and electrical systems and their complex electronics. If you're installing an under-counter dishwasher for the first time, extensive plumbing, carpentry and electrical skills are needed. Please consult professionals to make sure your appliance is installed safely and correctly. Also, make sure to accurately measure the space your new unit will fill, which can be difficult, as the old units are built in and it may not be easy to see where they end inside your counters. Most manufacturers can get you exact measurements when provided with a model number.

There are many different features available today in under-counter dishwashers. Make sure to examine your unique needs and choose the correct balance of features. Some features that you may wish to look into include noise reduction, delayed start and filters. Dishwashers can vary in their noise production, which can have a large impact on your family if your kitchen is connected to a commonly used gathering area like a family room. If a noisy dishwasher will interfere with your evening time in the family room, consider a model that has extra noise reduction features. Delayed start features allow you to set a time for the wash cycle to begin later in the day. This is very useful if you want to run your dishwasher at times when noise will not disturb you or energy costs are lower. Under-counter dishwashers have a variety of filtering methods. Some need to be replaced periodically and others have grinders which dispose of large food items without replacing filters. Look into each unit's filtering methods to see which is right for you.

Portable Dishwashers

Portable dishwashers are much less common than under-counter dishwashers but can be a very convenient solution in certain circumstances. Portable dishwashers are stored elsewhere and connected to your kitchen sink when a load is ready to be washed. If there is no room in your kitchen to install an under-counter dishwasher, portable dishwashers can be stored elsewhere and wheeled in when needed. They often have butcher-block tops that can provide extra counter space when in the kitchen. Also, portable dishwashers can be taken with you when you move to another residence.

Portable dishwashers can be somewhat inconvenient since they need to be connected to and disconnected from electricity and water each time they are used. While they can save your under-counter space, they do need to be stored somewhere when not in use and do take up kitchen floor space when in use. These units are usually smaller than standard under-counter dishwashers but still clean effectively.

Make sure to measure the space you have available carefully, including where it will be when connected to water and electricity and where it will be stored when not in use. It is important to understand how to connect it to electricity and water and to make sure the proper connections are available in your space. Less features are usually available in portable dishwashers, but it still important to compare your needs with the features available. See the last paragraph in the under-counter dishwasher section for a review of some convenient features you may wish to research.

Special Note on Self-Installation

Thinking about saving some money by installing your new dishwasher yourself? Stop!!

Dishwashers are expensive and complicated appliances. They are very heavy, require specialized tools and can have complicated connections with your home's plumbing and electrical system. Improper installation can result in broken appliances, invalidated warranties, damage to your home's floors, surfaces, plumbing and cabinets and injuries to yourself. Not to mention that you'll need to find a way to get your dishwasher home without damaging it and what will you do with your old one when you're done?

If you're installing an under-counter dishwasher for the first time, extensive plumbing, carpentry and electrical skills are needed. Please consult professionals to make sure your appliance is installed safely and correctly. If you want to get the most out of your investment, have it installed by an expert. Installation is usually very inexpensive and even small mistakes made while installing it yourself can cost you big bucks in the future. Save yourself! Let us, true experts, install your new dishwasher.

To Warranty or Not to Warranty?

Dishwashers involve lots of water and lots of electricity working side by side, which we all know can lead to a dangerous and destructive situation should something go wrong. Misbehaving dishwashers can cause kitchen floods and only experts should attempt to deal with electrical matters when water is involved. Because of this, repairs to your dishwasher can be very expensive.

On the other hand, extended warranties are usually very inexpensive and can therefore save you thousands in the future. Some can even cover extra costs that result from the malfunction of an appliance. It's simple and inexpensive to purchase extended warranties and one of the smartest ways to protect your investment.

If you can spare a few thousand dollars without batting an eyelash for a new one should it break tomorrow and destroy your floors along with it, don't bother buying warranty. But if you're like most of us, protect yourself by purchasing inexpensive extended warranties when you buy a new appliance and save yourself big money in the long run.

General Guidelines

Wow -- there are a lot of choices when it comes to how you'll bake and simmer your dinner. You can have your cooktop and oven in the form of one appliance (a range) or separated at different locations in your kitchen. And each situation involves a myriad of choices including options of sizes, styles, fuel sources, energy consumption, heating methods and features. If the sheer number of choices available hasn't already made you think you need some professional help, keep in mind that the consequences of incorrectly choosing or installing these appliances can be expensive and dangerous. This is one appliance area that you should definitely seek the advice and assistance of true experts. Make sure you find a store that specializes in appliances to help you shop for your new oven, stove, or range.

The first decision you need to make is what form you want these appliances to take. Do you want them together in one central location? Do you want the oven and stove separated? How will these appliances fit in with the architecture of your kitchen? There are three distinct options for this most basic question.

Ovens: Technically, an oven is a large cavity with a door that is used for baking and broiling food. Your oven can be part of a range, or can be separated and built into a wall or cabinet space.

Stoves: Stoves have four or more burners on which pots are placed to cook food in. Stoves can be part of your range or can be built into your kitchen separately on a countertop or even in a kitchen island.

Ranges: Ranges are a single appliance unit that combines both an oven and a stove. These are the most traditional forms of ovens/stoves.

Read about the type of appliance you are thinking about purchasing for more information about the many varieties available, their pros and cons and helpful tips to choosing the correct model for you and your family. Expect to be overwhelmed; there are a variety of options in styles, sizes, features and fuel sources. Feel free to contact the experts at XYZ for more assistance as you shop for your new oven, stove, or range.

Ovens

Ovens can be part of a range or stand alone as a separate appliance. Though this section mostly addresses ovens as separate appliances, many of the same features and choices are available in ovens that are part of a range as well.

There exist three main choices when it comes to ovens: the size, cleaning method and heating method. Read about the choices available and their pros and cons.

size: Ovens come in three main sizes: single, double and combination. Consider the following questions. How many people like to cook at the same time in your home? How often do you entertain large numbers of guests? And do you or your family members have any physical limitations that make opening the oven or taking pans in and out of the oven difficult?

Single ovens are the most traditional model of ovens. They have one door which almost always hinges at the bottom of the oven opening from the top down. Single ovens are great for those that have limited space in their kitchens. However, only one temperature is available at a time, meaning longer cooking times if multiple items must be baked at different temperatures.

Double ovens have two separate cavities. Each cavity can be heated to any temperature independent of the other, allowing cooks to bake food at different temperatures simultaneously. They take up more space than a single oven, but are great for prolific cooks.

Combination ovens are a single or double oven combined with a microwave installed on top of the oven. This provides a very sleek kitchen design with all these appliances in one central location. These units are usually quite large and usually require a custom space in the kitchen cabinetry.

Cleaning Method

Nobody likes to clean their appliances and it's even worse to spend time thinking about cleaning them in the future! But you owe it to yourself to consider your future cleaning when picking out a new oven. You can choose between standard cleaning, self cleaning and continuous cleaning ovens.

Standard Cleaning ovens must be cleaned by hand with soap and water. Some models have removable doors to make cleaning hard to reach spaces easier. This cleaning method is usually the most inexpensive option of the three methods available.

Self Cleaning ovens use an extremely high heat cycle to turn soil inside your oven into a fine powder that can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth. Self Cleaning ovens are very fast and easy to clean and require very little of your own effort. They have special safety precautions that lock the door when the high heat cleaning cycle is in use. This added convenience usually adds to the price as well, especially since special porcelain enamels and door seals are required for safety purposes.

Continuous Cleaning ovens also get rid of oven soil without your elbow grease, but these models do not require the extreme heat cycle. Instead, the walls are treated with a special catalyst that oxidizes the soil continuously. Because the extreme high heat cycle isn't needed, these units consume less energy which reduces the cost of their operation. However, most people find that these models do not clean the ovens quite as well as Self Cleaning models and still require some scrubbing at times.

Heating Method

Ovens can be further classified by their heating method into one of two types: conventional ovens or convection ovens. Below is a description of each type of heating method and their relative pros and cons. It's important to ask yourself how vital cooking quality and price are in your decision, as well as what power sources you have available.

Conventional ovens are, well, the conventional type! These ovens have two heating elements; one for baking and roasting and another for broiling foods. Most people use their oven primarily to bake items, during which heat comes from the bottom of the oven. Some more modern conventional ovens will have heating systems which use both upper and lower heating elements during baking, which can amount to a more even heating of the food. Conventional ovens are usually the less expensive option of heating methods available, but some cooks notice they do not always heat food evenly.

Convection ovens all have an extra critical component that separates them from conventional ovens: a fan. The fan helps to disperse the hot air faster and more evenly throughout the cooking space. This helps food to cook more evenly throughout and also uses about 50% less energy than conventional ovens. Because the hot air will circulate faster, convection ovens reduce cooking times by an average of 30%.

As if there were not enough choices already, there exist two types of convection ovens. Fan assisted convection ovens disperse heat from the bottom and the fan is located at the rear. Fan forced convection ovens have the fan surrounded by the heating element. This allows the food to be placed anywhere in the entire oven. Keep in mind that fan assisted units come in both electric and gas compatible models, while fan forced is only found in electric units. Fan forced units are usually louder and can make food dry out faster if it is not covered properly.

Stove Tops

Stove tops get a lot of attention and inspire a lot of debate between cooking professionals and average kitchen owners alike. Stove tops can be part of range or stand alone as their own independent appliance. There are a variety of fuel choices, each with their own unique pros and cons. And don't forget to consider all the new technology that has added features to more traditional models and also created entirely new heating methods. Read about the stove tops listed below to learn more about them.

Standard Gas Burners The standard gas burners are the most traditional and common choice for professional cooks. Because the burner and pot/pan is heated directly by an open flame, it is very easy to control the temperature very precisely and most importantly, immediately. Professional chefs require the ability to raise or lower the temperature of the burner immediately upon adjusting the knob. If you're a cooking enthusiast, you probably already know the great benefits of cooking on a standard gas burner stove-top and would love to get your hands on one.

Though standard gas burners have many highly sought after features, there are also some drawbacks in certain circumstances to having this kind of stovetop. Since this type of stove top uses gas as its fuel source, a properly installed gas line and hookup in your kitchen is required. If that does not already exist, getting one installed can be pricey. Also, the flame is visible in these models and therefore could be dangerous, especially if small children have access to that area. Energy efficiency varies and depends on the local costs of electricity verses gas in your area. Also, check into standard gas burners that have pilot-less ignitions to conserve energy.

Sealed Gas Burners Sealed gas burners are a relatively newer arrival to the stove top scene. They offer the same fine control over temperature as standard gas burners, which are preferred by professional chefs the world over. Sealed gas burners, as the name implies, enclose the burners in a cook top. This increases safety as there are no open flames. The sealed burners are also much easier to clean. These units very often come with energy saving electronic ignition systems, eliminating the need for an energy consuming always-on pilot light.

Like all gas appliances, sealed gas burner stove tops require professional installation of a gas line and hookup in your kitchen. These units should also be professionally installed, as incorrect installation of gas appliances can decrease the life of your appliance, damage the appliance and be very dangerous to your home and family.

Electric Coil Elements Stove tops with electric coil elements are fueled by electricity rather than gas. There are several advantages to using this kind of stove top. They are usually less expensive than gas models. They are also safer because there are no visible flames. They do not require a gas hookup, which can be expensive to install if one does not already exist. They are also very easy to maintain and inexpensive to repair.

Though stove tops with electric coil elements can be less expensive than gas models at their initial purchase, they can cost you more over time in most areas of the country. Check into the relative cost of electricity and gas in your local area. Also, heating and cooling these burners takes longer, meaning you have less immediate control over the temperature you are cooking with. In general, electric coil elements are less responsive than gas, making most professional chefs prefer to have the increased control allowed by gas burners.

Ceramic Glass Burners Stove tops with ceramic glass burners have increased in popularity lately. They offer a smooth surface that is very easy to clean and is very visually appealing. When the stove top is not in use, the top can be used as extra counter space. No crumbs or spills can get into the burners which not only makes this unit easy to clean, but also reduces the chance of little kitchen flare ups.

Because ceramic glass burner stove tops are fueled with electricity, they are not as precise and responsive as gas stove tops. It is sometimes difficult to tell if the burners are still hot after turning them off, which could be a safety issue, especially if small children have access to that area. Because of the upgraded flat smooth cooking surface, ceramic glass burners can be more expensive than standard electric coil burners.

Magnetic Induction Magnetic induction stove tops are relatively new on the market and many people have never heard of them. They are very similar in appearance to stovetops with ceramic glass burners. They both offer smooth surfaces that are easy to clean and are very attractive. However, that is where the similarities end between these two types of stove tops.

Magnetic induction stove tops only work with steel and cast iron pans (or any pan that you can get a magnet to stick to). Because they only cause the pan and its contents to heat up, the rest of the surface unit remains completely cool at all times. Because of this, these stove top units are very safe. They are also extremely responsive and precise, making them very similar to cooking with gas stove top units but without the need for a gas line and hookup in your kitchen.

Like most new technologies, magnetic induction stoves come with a premium price and are usually more expensive than other types of stove tops. Also, make sure to consider whether or not the pots and pans you currently own will work with this type of appliance. If you're looking for the accuracy and performance of a gas stove top, but more safety and no need for a separate gas line and hookup, look into magnetic induction stove tops.

Solid Disks These stove tops are very similar to electric coil stove tops. Instead of open coils, they have solid cast iron disks in which the burner elements are contained. This makes them very easy to clean and also unique and attractive. The extra ease of cleaning and unique look come at a price though; the solid cast iron disks are very slow to heat up and cool down, which can lengthen cooking time and decreases the control you have over temperature.

Ranges Many people choose to have their oven and stove come together in one convenient appliance; the range. Though choosing a range eliminates the need to choose two places in your kitchen for a separate stove top and oven, there are a myriad of other choices available to you when choosing which range is right for you.

The two main choices you will have to make involve your fuel choice and how it will be installed in your kitchen. Read about the different fuel choices available in ranges and their relative pros and cons.

Fuel Choices:

When buying a range, it is important to consider what fuel source you wish to you. There are three main choices in ranges available: electric ranges, gas ranges and dual fuel gas and electric ranges.

Electric ranges are by far the most popular choice today. In most homes, electricity is more available for kitchen appliances than gas is. The coils in the stove top are reliable and very easy and inexpensive to replace should they fail. Almost all cookware can be used in these ranges and they are often safer since there is no open flame. Some gas stove tops may not be able to heat consistently at very low temperatures, though electric stove tops usually do this with ease.

Ranges with open electric coils on the stove top can be vulnerable to spills. Smooth closed tops are available and usually come with a bigger price tag. The responsiveness and precision of stove top heating is not as fine as with gas units. Though most professional cooks prefer gas over electric stove tops, they also usually prefer electric over gas ovens.

Gas ranges are not as popular as electric ranges. However, most professional cooks greatly prefer using a gas stove top as opposed to electric due to its better responsiveness and precision. But, they also usually prefer to use electric ovens as opposed to gas (as would be included in these ranges).

Gas ranges have visible flames in the cook tops (unless using a sealed burner) which can be a safety concern, especially if children have access to the area. They are usually more expensive than electric ranges and require a natural gas or liquid propane gas hookup in your kitchen in order to install.

Dual fuel gas and electric ranges solve the problem of compromising one appliance for the other. Since most professional chefs prefer to cook with gas stove tops but electric ovens, before dual fuel ranges you would have to sacrifice one appliance for the other. But dual fuel ranges allow you to have the best of both words: a gas stove top and an electric oven.

Dual fuel ranges save you space if you require an electric oven but gas stove and don't want to put them in separate areas of your kitchen. These ranges are usually professional models and can be more expensive than other types of range. They also require that there is a gas line and hookup in your kitchen to supply fuel for the stove top.

General Guidelines

If you've started shopping for new laundry equipment lately, I'm sure you've realized that these not your mother's washers and dryers anymore! Washing machines and dryers have become much more efficient over the past few years, but many have also become more complicated. The choices can be downright overwhelming.

Did you know that a typical family does about 400 loads of laundry a year? That's a lot of laundry and a lot of time. Don't let laundry put a wrinkle in your day. It's well worth your time to research and find the washer and dryer that best meets your needs.

Washing Machines

Washing machines fall into two main categories, the more traditional top loading machines and the more efficient and stylish front loaders. Remember to bring accurate measurements of the space you have available, and to keep in mind the type of space you plan to keep your laundry units. How important is noise level, efficiency, and attractiveness in the space you have available? What kind of clothes will you be laundering? All of these considerations should be taken into account while you're shopping for your new washer and dryer.

Top Loading Washers

Traditional top-loading washing machines are available in a wide assortment of models, price ranges and styles. Most top loading machines first fill the tub with enough water to cover the clothing, and then agitate the contents to get the clothing clean. Instead of agitating fabrics to get them clean, some top loading washers use a wash plate. Wash plates moves them through a shower of concentrated detergent and water. Without the friction caused by the agitator, the wash plates are able to clean fabrics more gently and keep your clothes looking new for longer.

Generally, top-loading washers are less expensive to purchase than front-loading machines, but are more expensive to operate because they use more water and electricity. As most things go in life, top loading washing machines trade one benefit for another, generally costing you less up front but more throughout their lifespan.

Front Loading Washers

Front loading washers deliver excellent overall performance. Typically, front-loaders use less water ? from one-third to one-half the amount that top-loaders require. They do not have agitators and instead clothes are cleaned through a tumbling action which is gentler on fabrics. Because less water is used, less gas or electricity is required to heat the water. These machines have faster spin cycles, therefore clothes get wrung out more completely, reducing the cost of running a clothes dryer. In just about every way, front loading machines are more energy efficient. They use less electricity or gas, water and detergent, and faster spin cycles reduce the energy and time required to dry them. When you consider energy, water savings and the increased life of your clothing, a front loading washers usually pay for themselves as the years go by.

Dryers

Dryers consist of a large, heated tumbler that vents moisture out through a dryer vent as it dries your clothes. The size of the drum capacity will determine if you can dry large items such as comforters or quilts. Most dyers come with a moisture sensor which regulates the interior temperature. This allows the dryer to gradually decrease the heat and energy used over the course of the drying cycle and can add years to the life of your new machine.

An efficient washer deserves an equally efficient dryer. Nowadays, dryers come with a all kinds of extra convenient features, including the ability to monitor the dryer progress on your computer, antibacterial drying cycle designed to eliminate bacteria in sheets, towels etc., and a no-tumble cycle which can dry items on a rack.

Washer/Dryer Combinations

A washer dryer combination may be a very useful item if you are short on space. However the smaller size also means smaller washing and drying capacity. A combination unit may be a wise choice if you are a 1-2 person household, or if space dictates the need for a smaller unit. Washer/dryers are very heavy, especially when they are full of water, and they can vibrate when they run. Make sure you can place them on a solid floor and most people usually prefer to have them separated from their living area.

Special Note on Self-Installation

Thinking about saving some money by installing your new washer yourself? Stop!!

Washers are expensive and complicated appliances. They are very heavy, require specialized tools and can have complicated connections with your home's plumbing, electrical, and gas systems. Improper installation can result in broken appliances, invalidated warranties, damage to your home's floors, surfaces and injuries to yourself. Not to mention that you'll need to find a way to get your washer home without damaging it and what will you do with your old one when you're done?

Please consult professionals to make sure your appliance is installed safely and correctly. If you want to get the most out of your investment, have it installed by an expert. Installation is usually very inexpensive and even small mistakes made while installing it yourself can cost you big bucks in the future. Save yourself! Let us, true experts, install your new washing machine.

To Warranty or Not to Warranty?

Washing involve lots of water and lots of electricity working side by side, which we all know can lead to a dangerous and destructive situation should something go wrong. Misbehaving washing machine can cause laundry room floods and only experts should attempt to deal with electrical matters when water is involved. Because of this, repairs to your washing machine can be very expensive.

On the other hand, extended warranties are usually very inexpensive and can therefore save you thousands in the future. It's simple and inexpensive to purchase extended warranties and one of the smartest ways to protect your investment.

If you can spare a few thousand dollars without batting an eyelash for a new one should it break tomorrow and destroy your floors along with it, don't bother buying a warranty. But if you're like most of us, protect yourself by purchasing inexpensive extended warranties when you buy a new appliance and save yourself big money in the long run.

Gas or Electric?

While the connections you have in your laundry room will probably dictate which style you use, consider that gas dryers cost a bit more to begin with than the comparable electric model. But in most areas, gas dryers will cost less to run over their lifetime.

Gas appliances require the professional installation of a gas line and hookup. These units should also be professionally installed, as incorrect installation of gas appliances can decrease the life of your appliance, damage the appliance and be very dangerous to your home and family.

The Sweet Sound of Silence

Washers and dryers can vary in their noise production, which can have a large impact on your family if your laundry room is connected to a commonly used gathering area. If a noisy washer or dryer will interfere with your evening time together, consider a model that has extra noise reduction features. Delayed start features allow you to set a time to run your washer or dryer later in the day. This is very useful if you want to set times when noise will not disturb you or energy costs are lower.

To Warranty or Not to Warranty?

When purchasing a new home, most people refer to the expertise of real estate agents; specialized professionals that have been and will be selling homes for years. Why accept less when shopping for home electronics? Don't go to a store that really specializes in something else ? say, selling tools, or CDs. At those stores, you're likely to be helped by someone who flipped burgers last week, worked in house-wares yesterday, and who can't tell you anything about that HDTV except what he can read on the price tag. If you really want help ? go the experts!

We are in the electronics business. That's what we love, that's what we do and that's what we know. So, if you want your money's worth, come shop for electronics at our store and expect nothing less than expert advice and service.

Consider the size and lighting of the space you have available, and the needs of you and your family when purchasing TV's and audio equipment. Take into consideration your entertainment preferences. For example, is your favorite TV show offered in high definition? Will your home be a gathering place for the big game? How many people will need to be able to view the TV at once? Do you strive to always have the newest and latest technology? Come with your wish list of features so we can help find the product, features and price that is right for you.

Most people consider the cost of electronics to be significant. We also depend on our electronics to perform well and consistently. It's easy and inexpensive to protect your investment with extended warranties.

Would it upset your budget if your $4000 plasma TV bit the dust? If you're like most of us, it sure would! Protect yourself with extended warranties. Extended warranties are usually very inexpensive and can save you thousands in the future.

Televisions and custom electronics are expensive items. If you can spare a few thousand dollars without batting an eyelash should it break tomorrow, don't buy a warranty. But if you are like most of us, protect yourself by purchasing inexpensive extended warranties when you purchase your new TV or custom electronics and save yourself big money in the long run.