Refridgerators
Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer? Now that's a mystery. But when you go looking for a refridgerator today you'll find that many problems of the past have been solved!
The number one refridgerator on the "Top Ten" list has French doors, a bottom freezer drawer, is quiet, spacious, and beautiful. It is an ENERGY STAR qualified appliance and runs in the vicinity of $2500. Black, stainless steel, and white are the most popular colors going.
That being said, you can step it up to the next level with Integrated refridgeration. Because it merges seamlessly into the decor with no visible hinges or grilles, this style can be used anywhere in the home. Integrated refridgeration boasts two distinct temperature zones so that food stays fresh and, at the same time, energy is not wasted. This fridge features panel finishing in classic stainless steel with platinum or carbon tints.
Most new standard size fridges come equiped with a built-in water dispenser, and built-in ice maker. Market value is approximately $1000. You can save money, however, by purchasing your fridge at a wholesale appliance direct-buy company. You'll pay wholesale prices because the product goes directly to you from the manufacturer or authorized suppliers.
You could follow Oprah's example and liven up your kitchen with a retro-fridge! It has a vintage look and vintage color, like turquoise blue, but modern functionality. Get the matching dishwasher while you're at it!
One final note, if you've downsized and wish to honour the environment as well, there are mini-compact fridges, fully modern with customizable shelving. Very sweet in a small apartment setting.
Don't get the big chill from your friends; slash greenhouse gas emissions by getting rid of your older second fridge. Be cool.
Washers and Dryers
Before purchasing a washer or dryer it's highly recommended that you read the Consumer Guide reviews on getting the best bang for your buck! These appliances are considered to be essential. Can you imagine what life was like before them?
There is a green way to deal with washing clothes, bedding, and towels. The twin tub washing machine is ideal for a smaller household that wants to make as little impact on the environment as possible. It also offers a relatively low expenditure for the appliance. By leaving the tub full of water you can use both wash and rinse water more than once. However, this appliance requires lots of manual intervention to move the laundry through the cycles.
The steam dryer boasts cutting-edge drying/refreshing technology aimed at meeting the needs of the time-pressed consumer. Be prepared: it costs a pretty penny!
Speaking of cost, the front loading washer is a big investment but it's proven to be more efficient than the top loading counterpart and it does add a decorative design to the laundry room.
The traditional top loading washer is known for effectiveness with regards to speed, capacity, and ease of controls. There are even "fuss-free" models available for the keep-it-simple folks.
A compact washer is ideal for a small family and a small living space. It washes less laundry, of course, but in turn, it's a less expensive alternative than the standard size.
Washer-dryer combos are obvious space-savers. You'll find one-piece or front loading double stacked models. What is the most appropriate unit for your needs? The all-in-one washeranddryer does all the work in one unit! Something to take seriously if you live in a small downtown apartment.
A few considerations before buying:
- is it important to you to have quiet operation of your washer and dryer?
- do you find the end of cycle signal helpful or disturbing?
These are both options that you pay for.
Final word: check the Consumer Guide for the best budget-conscious price/quality index.
Ice Makers
Seems like a seasonal topic! It's summer time when we hear the whir of blender drinks and the jingle of ice in glass pitchers full of sangria or fresh-squeezed lemonade!
Ice makers are no longer unique to restaurants and bars. Families are finding them to be a convenient appliance for year 'round enjoyment.
Top brand name appliance makers offer both built-in and free standing ice machines, with or without a drain pump, as you wish. Most commonly available in white, black, panelled, or stainless steel, ice makers vary in price from around $500 to over $2000, depending on their special features. For example, does it have electric controls with push-pad? Does it have a drop-down door with ice scoop? Automatic shut-off? On-off clean cycle?
A generous supply of ice would be 50 pounds of ice in 24 hours and a 25 pound storage bin would be befitting. Most ice makers are compact at 15-18 inches wide and boast streamlined styling. You can even choose whether you'd like a left-hinged or right-hinged door.
No more wishing that summer would always be here! With an ice maker you can create that ambiance every day. Party on!
