How to Buy a Refrigerator with Confidence

So, your serviceperson has just told you, “Sorry, your refrigerator is not repairable, you will have to buy a new one”.

It’s time to jump into the car, go to the appliance store, make a selection, and have it delivered to your home. Wrong! Quick decisions are usually bad decisions.

The biggest misconception about buying a new refrigerator is that it will be simple. This is rarely true. Once inside the appliance store your choices are so varied that you either make a bad selection, or rely too much upon the salespersons advice. You can end up with something that’s too large, too complex, or too costly.

Therefore, before even going to the store do a little research. The knowledge you gain by simply knowing what is available will make your purchase easier.

Don’t let the work “research” scare you. It simply means taking thirty minutes to look at the latest newspaper advertisements. Or making a couple of telephone calls to different appliance stores to compare prices.

Use a notepad to itemize your basic preferences in regard to price, size, type, and style. Then take it to the store with you as a reference guide.

For the average consumer a refrigerator purchase will be separated into the following segments:

1 Appearance and style
2 Price range
3 Options
4 Name brand appeal

Appearance and style ---------- will include your choice between a white, black, stainless steel, freezer on top, freezer on bottom, side-by-side, smooth finish, or pebbled finish. All of these choices are arbitrary. They should match your personal preferences and the style of your kitchen.

White is the most common choice, while stainless steel is a distant second. White is popular because of its clean looks. Stainless is popular because it matches other appliances or decors. A stainless steel refrigerator with a black range will not look out of place. But be aware that stainless steel will require much more cleaning to maintain its appearance. While white requires an occasional cleaning with household cleaners, stainless steel requires a special cleaner that must be applied regularly. If not the steel will quickly look dull and dirty.

Most consumers still choose a freezer on top model. A freezer on bottom model has the advantage of allowing easier access because the refrigerator section is at chest level. To get into the freezer section though requires some dexterity. To remove a heavy item from a bottom freezer may require you to get down onto the floor. This can be a definite disadvantage to an aging population.

The side-by-side is popular primarily because of its large size. Plus, they offer many more options, such as an ice and water dispenser, adjustable shelves, humidity control crispers, or meat keeper containers. Always weight the usefulness of such items against the extra cost involved.

Price range ---------- is always important. While a basic single-family refrigerator can be as low as $600, a side-by-side with all the options would probably be close to $2500.

Always go to the store with an idea of how much you want to invest in a new refrigerator. Try not to exceed your price limit by more than 10%. If you are attracted to something more expensive ask yourself: a) Is it really required b) will it make my kitchen more efficient.

If unsure about your purchase leave the store, go do other shopping, and come back later. Or go to another appliance store to comparison shop. This is a major investment; therefore, allow yourself enough time to make a good decision.

Never allow a salesperson to force you into a hasty decision. Don’t believe the, “If you don’t buy today the price may go up tomorrow”, or, ”I can’t guarantee this appliance will still be here tomorrow”.

Options ---------- available on a modern refrigerator can be confusing. With all the choices it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Any option is a good one if you know you will use it. Plus, having already decided upon appearance and price range your options choice will be lessened.

For example digital temperature control readouts are very modern looking, but no more accurate than a simple numbered dial. Icemakers or water dispensers are useful if you do a lot of entertaining, or drink a lot of water. It’s one of the most common options consumers choose. If you are considering one look for a model where the dispenser is simple to operate, even for children. Avoid those models that include a digital display as part of the dispenser assembly. Don’t forget to include the price of water filters into your price limit. They will be changed every four to six months and cost between $50 and $100.

Glass shelves have become standard in refrigerators. They make it easier to see what is inside the refrigerator. Their disadvantage is they collect more spills and food debris.

Energy saving features are becoming common. There are refrigerators that go into a type of sleep mode if the door hasn’t been opened lately. Although they may save you money they can add greatly to the refrigerators complexity. They often require computer boards to keep track of the refrigerators operation. This in turn will add to the cost of any future repairs.

If you live in an area where electrical power outages are common, avoid the computer based or digital appliances. Power fluctuations can seriously affect the electronics.

Name brand appeal ---------- can be important. It may be the final deciding factor as to which refrigerator you end up buying. If the company has been around for some time they obviously are doing something right. If the refrigerator name is new to you perhaps further research is required. Also, a manufacturer with a proven name will have a service network in case anything fails during your warranty period.

In conclusion, take a few extra minutes before rushing off to the appliance store to buy the new refrigerator. The small amount of time you invest in preparing yourself will be worth the effort. It’s much easier to envision how different styles will look in your kitchen while seated in your kitchen. Trying to do it standing in a store, in front of a line of fifty refrigerators is almost impossible.

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Advantages of Having a Counter Top Microwave Oven

Counter top microwave oven choices offer you a way to make your home cooking just a bit faster. If you are one of those people trying to save time by finding ways to shorten your time spent at the kitchen cooking, then the ever reliable microwave should not be missing in your home.

The microwave oven has become one of the most innovative inventions in the 20th Century. It has become a permanent fixture in most homes today. You could find a few homes today not having this ingenious appliance in the kitchen or the dining room. The counter top microwave oven has given people the convenience of quick cooking.

Most people today live a very fast paced life. They would find their time a very valuable commodity. Cooking and preparing food can take up most of that time. It is time that they would rather spend on doing things that matter more.

That is why more and more people would prefer shorter time periods to make more effective use of their time. It is a good thing that the microwave oven has come into the picture just when more and more people seem to have a need for it.

The microwave oven has provided people with the opportunity to do their cooking more quickly. Microwave ovens have the ability to heat up food in minutes. This is because such ovens use microwaves I order to heat food.

They are radio waves that belong to the frequency range of about 2,500 megahertz. Radio waves in this frequency range have the interesting property of being easily absorbed by water, fats and sugars. As they are being absorbed, they are converted directly into heat. Microwaves in this frequency also have another interesting property- they are not absorbed by most plastics, glass or ceramics.

Microwave ovens cook or heat food from the inside out. This is due to the ability of the microwaves to penetrate the food and excite the fat and water molecules evenly, thereby heat is distributed equally throughout the cooked food. It is far more effective in cooking your food in less time than conventional cooking which relies on heat conduction to cook food.

And because of this convenience, counter top microwave ovens have become a necessity in most homes. People no longer have to spend so much time cooking food especially when they are on the go. With the counter top microwave oven, quick cooking convenience has suddenly become more appealing and essential.

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How to Buy a Range with Confidence

Buying a major appliance is always stressful. No matter how well prepared you think you are the variety of choice can be overwhelming. The trick to make this purchase less stressful is simply to be prepared.

Firstly, make a list of what you want, need, or desire in a replacement range. Check out the latest newspaper advertisements to narrow down the choices. The ads can give you an idea what is available and how much it will cost. Then make a few calls to your local appliance stores. Ask for some basic prices and whether they have a floor model of the style you are interested in buying. Only then, with list in hand, should you proceed to the appliance store.

The purchase of a new electric range can usually be broken down into the following segments:

1 Appearance and style

2 Price range

3 Options

4 Name brand

Appearance and style ---------- choices would include your preference for white, black, stainless steel, freestanding, drop-in, glass top, and digital or standard controls. All these choices are arbitrary. They should match your personal preferences and the style you feel would look the best in your kitchen.

While white remains the most popular choice for a range both black and stainless steel is becoming more common. White will match most kitchen styles and colors, plus it’s easy to maintain. Stainless is popular because it can give your kitchen a modern look. Plus its color is neutral, and will blend in with other appliances. Its disadvantages are that it can scratch easily, and requires a special cleaner to maintain its appearance.

A freestanding range is still the standard. It will be the least expensive when compared feature to feature with any other styles. It can be moved easily if spring-cleaning is required, or food is spilled between it and the counter. Its construction is basic so simple repairs can be done by the homeowner.

A drop-in (sometimes called a slide-in) range is one that installs level with the counter top. It has no rear console therefore all the controls are all at the front of the appliance. This may be considered an advantage since you never have to reach across the heating surface to regulate the elements. It is more expensive than a freestanding range and is often only available as a glass top model. It does give the kitchen a more customized look but you may find this style more complex to operate. Also, their added complexity means they are costly and usually involve at lot of digital items and displays. Future repair may be expensive.

Glass top ranges are definitely beautiful. They give any kitchen a more modern look when installed. Glass tops are usually available in both freestanding and drop-in styles. Their disadvantage is they must be fully cleaned after every few uses. If not done they quickly become stained and dirty looking. Extra care is also required not to allow pots to spill or boil over because burnt-on stains will result. Not all cookware works on a glass top range. You may have to purchase new flat bottom pots and pans. Some consumers find them slow to heat because of the temperature regulation devices necessary to protect the glass from overheating.

The basic freestanding range you are replacing probably has simple controls. You turn the element control higher or lower to get the required heat. Today’s higher end ranges offer digital controls. As you turn a knob a digital readout increase or decreases. This allows a more accurate regulation of the elements heat. But being digital they are going to be expensive to repair if they fail. Definitely not a job the homeowner will be able to do. Plus, like all things digital they can be affected by electrical fluctuations. Therefore if you live in an area where electrical power outages are common, avoid the computerized or digital ranges. Power fluctuations can seriously affect the electronics.

Price range ---------- will be important to you, just as it is to most consumers. A simple freestanding electric range with basic coil elements can be as low as $400, while a glass top drop-in range with all the options is probably priced at $2500.

This wide variation in price means you should not go shopping without setting a price limit. Once in the appliance store you may be attracted to a model beyond your preset limit. If this happens ask yourself:
a) is it worth the extra money b) will it make my cooking easier or more efficient.

If unsure about your purchase leave the store, and come back later. Don’t make a quick decision, nor allow any salesperson to pressure you into a sale. By walking away you will allow yourself the time necessary to make in informed decision. You can rethink the choices available and ask yourself if what you are about to buy is worth the investment.

Options ---------- available for ranges can seem endless. Some of the ones you will encounter are self-cleaning, convection oven, bridged elements, full door glass, warmer drawer, and clock features.

Self-cleaning is one everyone understands. It avoids the hassle of getting into the oven to clean out the grease and grime -- a job no one likes doing. The disadvantage is that it uses large amounts of electricity. The oven temperature will climb to approximately 900 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of three to four hours. But remember, even a self-cleaning it will require you to clean parts of the oven by hand. It’s not meant to eliminate manual cleaning, but it does a lot of the work. Also, the self-cleaning will only remove recent debris, stains left too long will become baked into the oven. Baked in stains require hand cleaning. They can be difficult to remove because normal oven cleaners or strong detergents cannot be used inside a self-cleaning oven.

A convection oven option allows faster baking, and more even baking throughout the oven interior. During convection baking a large fan draws air through the oven. It eliminates the problem of hot spots on different oven racks. Using a convection fan allows multiple trays of items such as cookies to be cooked at the same time. Rather than doing one sheet of cookies you can do four. This is a substantial time saver if you do a lot of baking.

Bridged elements are an option available on some glass top ranges. A special section of element is used to join the elements on a side of the top. Therefore when the two elements and the bridge are turned on, one side of the top becomes equivalent to a grill. This is an option you may find useful if you grill all the time. Like most options though it adds greatly to the complexity of the range. It will only be on high-end models so you will need to justify the additional money required to obtain this option.

A full door glass is cosmetic only. It gives the range a more contemporary style. It has no function other than hiding the regular oven glass.

Warmer drawers are utensil drawers with an element added to their bottom. They keep plates and food warming as you cook. Unless you have specific need for this option it’s usually not worth the extra cost.

If you have small children a clock lockout might be a feature to consider. It locks the clock and controls so that a child cannot start the range elements or oven. This may be something to consider with drop-in ranges because the controls are at the front where they are more accessible to children. This option is usually not available as a separate feature, but as a secondary option on very high-end ranges such as glass top drop-in ranges.

Name brands ---------- can be important. They become a part of your final decision about which range to buy. The advantage of a brand name you recognize is that it will have a service network. This becomes important if the range has a problem during the warranty period. Name brand manufacturers also have a network of part distributors. This certainly makes obtaining a part a much easier process.

In conclusion, never make an impulsive decision when out shopping for a new electric range. A bad choice is one you will have to live with for many years. Therefore, go prepared with as much initial information as you can find. Whether from newspaper advertisements, flyers, catalogues, or word of mouth you have to know your choices. Gather together your facts and prices before going to the appliance store. Being well prepared will greatly lower the stress involved in your purchase and allow you to make a good choice. One you will be proud to show the neighbours.

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A Review of Southern Living

Southern Living is a company that offers products for every room of your house. Southern Living specializes in selling home equipment. At Southern Living, you can find anything you have ever desired for your home. Although every one of Southern Living’s products must be bought only by a consultant, I believe this part of your purchase will entertain you a lot.

One of the advantages of working for Southern Living is that you do not need to go out of your home. This option is ideal for mothers with small children. We all know that mothers should not leave the children alone but if they want to do work, they can apply as a Southern Living consultant. The advantage is that they will schedule their working hours by themselves. The income they will get depend on the time they will spend working.

The main obligation of the Southern Living’s consultant is to arrange parties and encourage others to do it as well. There parties are all about Southern Living line of products. This will be a wonderful way to earn money from home. Moreover, you will not be working; you will be spending time with your friends.

My sister-in-law quit her regular job. Now, she is a consultant for Southern Living. She loves her job. She didn’t feel well when she was going out for work every day but now she works for Southern Living and she never complains. She is really very proud of her work and she loves most the idea that she determines herself her working hours for Southern Living.

I am always very surprised by the wonderful themes she is presenting at each Southern Living party. The first theme I remember was the classic tea party. She decorated the rooms in a Victorian style. Then she asked the guests to come wearing Victorian style clothing or simply with lacy clothes accessorized with hats and gloves. All guests loved this Southern Living party.

Each summer she makes a Southern Living beach party. It happens that we almost forget that we are at a Southern Living party. This beach party is so much fun. Everyone enjoys the frozen daiquiris and forgets that he or she is at a consultant Southern Living party.

I also remember many other themes, my sister-in-law, used to show us. I am always very amazed by her creativeness. Here I can name a Southern Living parties like golf widows’ day or not just golf but any other sport you can think of. All holidays can also be used as themes for Southern Living parties.

When the time for a Southern Living party comes, I am always very impatient to understand what theme is coming up next. It is always fun to attend a Southern Living party, which has an interesting theme, no matter how good Southern Living products are.

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Comparison of Sewing Machine Prices and Features

When performing sewing machine comparisons, it is important to compare not only prices but features as well. Sometimes, obtaining the best price does not mean you get the best deal on your purchase.

Compare sewing machines by sitting at them as if you were sewing. Better yet, ask for a scrap of material and actually sew. Are the foot controls comfortable or, if you opt for a knee control, is it comfortable? Do your arms feel comfortable when guiding the fabric through the machine? Does the machine feel as if it is pulling the fabric away from you or does it gently feed the material? You want to find a sewing machine that is comfortable for you.

Of course, you have to do a sewing machine comparison on pricing. Purchase the best quality machine you can afford. Don't trade off crucial features to save only a few dollars. If you must choose a lower model to save money, select one with fewer of the 'whistles and bells' that you don't use often rather than an important feature you'll need regularly.

Sewing machines to consider with different function and prices:

Electronic sewing machines

As with mechanical models electronic sewing machines also use a single motor along with cams and levers to power the needle with electronic features making it easier to precisely control settings. With the press of a button you are able to change stitches or adjust lengths in a much simpler manner than turner a less precise knob or lever. Stitches are more consistent, and adjustments are easier since they require pushing buttons instead of fiddling with knobs. The prices of electronic machines have dropped dramatically making it affordable for everyone.

Computerized sewing machines

Depending on your needs you may require a computerized machine, which is coordinated by a computer microprocessor. One important thing about these machines is that they need hardly any maintenance. A basic computerized machine will allow you to embroider letters of the alphabet and a few small decorative motives. If you are intending to download designs from the internet your machine will need to be able to interface with a computer. These machines usually fall in the higher price range.

Embroidery machines

The top of the range sewing machines will have hoop embroidery features. They will have a number of pre-programmed embroidery patterns and offer additional patterns on a memory card. Some machines have a special drive that will enable you to download patterns of the internet onto a memory card. With other machines you are able to scan images onto your computer and digitize it for embroidery. These types of machines can be very expensive.

Quilting machines

Most sewing machines can be used for machine quilting with some requiring special considerations or adaptations. It would be wise to consult your dealer as to what these special consideration may be. One requirement that is especially important for making large quilts is the opening between the needle and the motor. The larger the opening the easier it will be to handle a large quilt.

It is important to ensure you have an in-store demonstration of whatever sewing machine you are considering purchasing. Be very aware of the warranty and service available on the machine

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Give Your Kitchen A New Look With The Right Kitchen Faucets

When it comes to making your kitchen stand out and look great even the littlest things can make a big difference, so if your kitchen faucets are causing you a problem it is well worth forgetting about trying to mess around with repairing them and instead consider replacing the faucets altogether. This is a very cost effective and simple procedure that can make a huge difference to the appearance and practicality of this room. You can find faucets to suit all needs, and by installing faucets that fit in with any theme you have going in your kitchen or with the general décor you can enjoy really adding to the appearance of the room. You will find the perfect sink faucet to match your kitchen, as there is such a great choice available, and you can find accessories to match your kitchen cabinets, countertops, sinks, and decoration of your kitchen.

Replacing your kitchen faucets can make a real difference

When you replace the faucets in your kitchen you will enjoy a range of benefits. You can look forward to finding accessories that really fit in with your décor. You can add to the style and class of your kitchen as well simply be replacing the faucets for one of today’s modern and sleek styles. And with these faucets boasting a range of features you can also increase practicality in the kitchen, making life easier for yourself and others that use the kitchen. You will be able to select from many wonderful styles, with designs and features to suit all needs. Enjoy a choice of brass, copper, chrome, stainless steel, and more, which ensures that there is something to suit every taste and pocket. You can select the features that best meet your needs too, with choice that include filter faucets, double or single handle faucets, wall mount faucets, mixer faucets, shower faucets, and many others.

You won’t have to spend a fortune on your faucets

By shopping for your faucets online you can make really huge savings, as well as enjoy a far greater choice of faucets. You will find many top manufacturers offering great deals on faucets via the Internet, and the deep discounts on offer mean that you can enjoy excellent value for money. Enjoy comparing the faucets on offer to find the designs and features that best meet your needs, and look forward to saving money on the cost, ordering with ease, and even getting fast and convenient delivery of your order. Plumbing your faucet in should prove no problem, so once you receive them you can get your kitchen looking perfect in next to no time.

Whatever the theme or décor of your kitchen, you will be able to really complement it by installing the right faucets to match the style of your kitchen and the kitchen fixtures. This is a great and cost effective way to add to the look and functional benefits of your kitchen.

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