Buying Kitchen Appliances

Things to Consider

Things to consider:

• Consumer Safeguards

• Warranties/Service Contracts

• Space!• What type of

appliance?

Safety Seals-

Underwriter’s Laboratories mark:

•Look for this when purchasing electrical appliances

•EX: mixer, blender, toaster, etc.

American Gas Association seal:

•NO LONGER IN USE but is still on your test…

•EX: used to be on gas appliances like gas ranges

Energy Guide label:

•Can help estimate an appliance’s energy cost

•Helps you to compare costs between different models

Most appliance manufacturers hire INDEPENDENT agencies to test their appliances for safety. Important examples:

What is a warranty?

• A manufacturer’s guarantee that a product will perform as advertised

• If you have problems, the manufacturer promises to replace and repair the product

• There ARE time limits and conditions

• SERVICE CONTRACTS: An insurance policy that you can buy to cover the cost of needed repairs after the warranty expires

Buying Major Kitchen Appliances

Ex: Ranges, Microwaves, Refrigerators

ALWAYS MEASURE YOUR SPACE FIRST!

The proper size is the MOST important consideration when buying a large

appliance.

What is a RANGE?

• A combination unit with a cooktop and an oven

• Available in GAS and ELECTRIC

TYPES of OVENS• Conventional• Convection

– Uses heated air that is circulated by a fan to bake and roast foods

– Result is faster and even cooking/browning

• Microwave– A magnetron tube converts electricity into

microWAVES– A fan-like device distributes the waves,

causing friction between the food molecules… this produces the heat that cooks the food!

MICROWAVE OVENS

Microwave ovens defrost, heat, and cook food rapidly.

Buying SMALL Appliances

• Ex: Electric Griddle, Toaster, Blender, Food Processor, Mixer, Crockpot, etc.

• Things to Consider:– #1: How many jobs will the appliance

perform? ex. Buying a mixer vs. buying a bread maker

– Will you use it often?– Does another appliance already do the same

job?– Do you have somewhere to store it?– Is it easy to clean?

Safety/Practical Considerations

• Does it come with a warranty?• Is it made by a reputable dealer?

• What safety features

does it have?– Senses when the appliance

is not in use and turns it off– Shock protection– UL seal?