Advice when purchasing new appliances

Buying a new appliance can seem like a daunting task. It’s a lot of money and a big investment that you hope will last you for many years. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you go shopping for a new refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine.

Look at the base model or ask to see the most basic model the store has in stock. Like supermarket’s, the basics you need (like bread and milk) are at the back of the store, out of sight to consumers once they enter the store. The same theory applies to places that sell appliances, the latest and greatest and sometimes, most expensive models are out in front. Even so, just looking at the most expensive models will make the ones more in your price range seem pale in comparison. Start at the base models and work your way up.

Read the energy efficient rating on the machine. This will tell you how much energy the machine uses and how much money it could save you. Don’t buy more than what you need. If you have a small family, you might not need a huge refrigerator or washing machine.

Be careful about buying extended warranty plans. According to an article by ConsumerReports.org, they are not the “great investment” that salespeople make them out to be. Ask about when the warranty would start and what it covers. In recent years major appliance makers like Maytag, and Whirlpool have shortened the warranty period for new machines, but not always. Be sure to check how long the manufacturer’s warranty lasts and what is covers such as replacement appliance parts.

Ask to buy the floor model or offer to purchase appliances with cosmetic damages (scratches and dings)

Buy last year’s model (best time to shop: September and October) and see if you can trade-in your old appliance (check with appliance dealers in your area.)

Be sure to ask the following questions:

• What is the cost of appliance delivery?
• What is the cost of appliance installment? Do you need to purchase any additional appliance parts, or do they provide those for you?
• Will they haul your old appliance away for free of for a price? If they charge you for this, contact a recycling center or call your local sanitation department to see if they offer appliance recycling programs. Use the internet to look up local places that might buy your appliance for scrap metal.
• Ask about rebates. The government is offering some rebates for the purchase of new energy-efficient appliances. Check your state’s website to see what rebates are available.

Funny smell and smoke coming from a new oven

If you have purchased a new oven and noticed a strange odor or smoke the first time you turn your oven on, don’t worry, this is normal and will go away after the first use. According to this article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, “Probably no harm in new oven's smell,” the smell is caused by “fiberglass insulation that contains a binding agent to hold it together.”

Appliance Company Frigidaire recommends turning on your new oven to 400 degree for 30 minutes to allow a “burn-in” time for your new Frigidaire oven. This allows any smoke or smells to be eliminated before you cook something in your oven. Be sure to open some windows to ventilate the room before doing so.

Read the original news story online here.

Other oven maintenance and baking tips:

• Make sure to clean up any spills promptly. Something like tomato sauce, which is very acidic, can pit and corrode your oven drip pans and burner bowls. Purchase new stove parts if your drip pans are beyond cleaning.
• In order to brown food the way you like it, set the oven to Bake, not Broil, and then use the right pan. First, shiny pans do not let food brown well, so if you want browned foods, use a darker pan.
• Use the correct rack placement. Place the pan in the middle of the oven on the center rack to promote even heating.
• If any parts of your oven need to be repaired or replaced, purchase the correct appliance parts from an online appliance parts store like APWagner.com in order to save money and to insure you are buying a quality part.