Sunday, March 16, 2008

Remodelling The Kitchen With News Appliances

When remodeling your kitchen, you're most likely going to buy new appliances. This article will cover the basics of what you need to know before you buy your next new refrigerator, dishwasher or stove.

1. Refrigerator Buying Guide

Capacity:

In most homes, the refrigerator is the high-traffic area. As a family focal point, it's important to buy the right refrigerator for your needs, including the right capacity.

A good, general rule for calculating capacity is to assume a family of two needs about 8-10 cubic feet of fridge space, then add one cubic foot for each extra person in your family (maybe two if you have teenage boys). Remember, maintaining an empty refrigerator wastes energy while overstocking a too-small refrigerator is frustrating at best.

Style:

Refrigerators typically come in four styles.

Top-mount - this is the classic refrigerator design with the freezer compartment above the refrigerator. Each door swings open the full width of the refrigerator, so there must be sufficient kitchen space for them.

Bottom-mount - the freezer is below on this style.

Side-by-side - The freezer and refrigerator are adjacent. Designed for smaller kitchen space, this style can be a great space saver.

Compact - these are smaller fridges designed for dorm rooms, garages or basements.

2. Dishwasher Buying Guide

You know that a dishwasher can save you time, but did you also know that it can save you money? Most modern dishwashers actually use less water than hand washing. Thanks to energy efficient design, dishwashers use a minimal amount of water to keep your dishes clean.

Look for a model with a built-in food disposer to keep bits of food from getting stuck in your machine. Next, check the size of the holes on the washers - the smaller the holes, the greater the scrubbing power. Finally, choose a dishwasher with a thick level of insulation. The thicker the insulation around the dishwasher tub, the quieter the machine will be.

3. Range/Stove Buying Guide

Most families need an oven that provides at least 4 cubic feet of baking and roasting space. When you're replacing a range, you'll most likely replace it with the same type, but you may want to switch between electric and gas.

Electric ranges are often easy to clean and give an even heat distribution when you're cooking. But safety must be a concern, especially with small children. When electric stove heating elements are hot, they turn a hot orange color, making them easy to spot.

However, as the elements are in the process of heating up initially or cool down after being hot, they will be the same color as the other cool ones and not as apparent that one or more may still be hot to the touch. Many a young child has burned his hands on an electric stove heat element that appeared to be off.

Meanwhile gas ranges allow you to cook during power outages and, some cooks say, give you greater control over your cooking. Gas ranges can also pose a threat in houses with small children. Make sure your children understand the importance of safety when it comes to gas stoves and not playing with the knobs.

Finally, no matter what appliance you buy, make sure it's rated as an energy-efficient appliance. Products with these ratings will help both the earth and your checkbook while maintaining convenience around your kitchen activities.

An Home With Great Performing KItchen Appliances

Ask any real estate agent and they will tell you that one of the things that will make a house sell fast is the kitchen. Having great looking and great performing kitchen appliances is want home owners want we all spend a lot of time in the kitchen and we do a lot of work in there too.

When you reach for your favorite soda or beer you want it to be as cold as it can be there is nothing like having your refrigerator go out or any of your appliances go out for that matter. One day you will have to replace your appliances and here is a few tips to help you choose the right one for you that's right there is a appliance for everyone and if you choose the one that fits your needs you will be happy with your purchase.

The first thing you need to do is determine how much money you want to spend on your new appliances Be realistic about your budget don't make your choice on price alone we all know you get what you pay for. Discount appliances can be found a scratch and dent sales this way you can get a top name brand product for a very low price. Another thing to look for is how long is the standard warranty on the product you can save a lot of money by not buying the extended warranty up.

Choose the product with the features that you will use the most don't wast money on all the bells and whistles if you are not going to use them. There are a lot of good deals out there just take your time and you will make the right choice.