Kitchen fresh and hot with latest appliances
Latest line of gizmos can overwhelm the senses -- and wallets
Appliances have become the latest gee-whiz gizmos to enliven the home, with stove tops offering intelligent advice on recipes and washers running complex cycles that tumble, swing, step, scrub and roll. These newly complex machines boggle the mind with choices.
Take the newest line of Samsung's four-element induction ranges. Its three-fan convection system in the oven cooks food more evenly, Samsung says. A warming drawer offers three levels of heat, and a control panel lets cooks choose a power level with the glide of a finger -- like the controls on a smartphone. The newest line of Maytag dishwashers sports technology that blasts three times the usual pressure on the silverware basket.
With appliances having more features than a souped-up Maserati, how do you figure out what to buy? Find a deal? Distinguish what works and what's bling? Here is advice from Mariette Mifflin, who covers housewares and appliances for About.com and publishes a buyer's guide at Housewares.about.com.
REFRIGERATORS. Features such as French doors and water and ice dispensers can drive up the price significantly. Focus on the capacity your family needs, how well it will fit in to your kitchen space, and whether there is room for the door swing. Downsizing slightly may still meet your needs, save money and cut energy costs.
WASHERS AND DRYERS. Decide whether you want a traditional top-loading or a newer, high-efficiency front-load style. Front-loaders cost more, require special detergent and need more care than the old-fashioned models. Consider whether you can believe claims that cold-water washes in the latest models can clean as well as hot- and warm-water cycles.
For the budget-conscious, go with a top-load washer with adjustable water levels and temperatures. To further cut energy costs, go with a dryer that lets you set drying time and temperature.
DISHWASHERS. Choose one with an economy or air-drying setting to save on energy, as well as pre-set options for a short or long wash. Make sure the dishwasher has a built-in food disposal, and pay attention to the stacking and rack features that matter to you.
STOVES. First decide whether you want or need electric or gas, or a combination dual-fuel range: a gas cooktop with an electric oven.
You'll need to choose between a free-standing range or a separate wall oven and cooktop. Ranges are generally less expensive. If you opt for one, measure your available space and take the measurements with you to ensure that it fits.
If you prefer a wall oven and cooktop, note that the cooktop can reduce your counter work space, and the convenience of separate cooking areas will cost about twice as much as a free-standing range.
A single oven is the most economical, but you'll be confronted with double ovens, convection and trivection cooking. These options, some of which are time-savers, will increase the price and require you to adjust your cooking and baking habits.
The most economical cooktop is the smooth top with the standard four burners, two large and two small. But expandable burners that can adapt to odd-shaped pans might be worth the extra cost. A simmer or warming burner or additional burners may also be worth it.
KEEPING COSTS DOWN: For any appliance, compare prices and, features, and let value and dependability drive your purchase rather than frills. In addition:
• Avoid payment-deferral plans that can add to the cost, but discuss layaway options with the retailer. Be aware of administration costs or payment schedules that can accompany financing arrangements.
• Watch for deals and free delivery.
• When considering extended service contracts, know that they are usually offered by a third party, so take time to review the manufacturer's product warranty. Weigh the appliance's cost, whether it will be used heavily, and how reliable you think it will be.
• Take advantage of savings programs such as energy-efficiency rebates.
• Negotiate the removal and disposal of your old appliance while you are discussing delivery of the new one.
• Consider energy and maintenance costs, as well as set-up costs for water-ice refrigerators that require plumbing and electrical work, or wall ovens and dishwashers that require professional installation.•