Popular Appliances Melbourne - Review, Features and Customer Knowledge

The following is a compilation of popular appliances which are discussed and reviewed:

• Coffee Makers
• Cooktops
• Fans
• Mixers
• Microwave Ovens
• Refrigerators
• Vacuums & Accessories
• Range Hoods
• Ranges
• Heaters
• Water Filters
• Washers & Dryers
• Air Purifiers
• Humidifiers

Please note that the review is taken directly from other relevant sections of appliances.

Small Kitchen Appliances - Coffee Makers / Espresso Review,
Features and Information

Coffee Makers vary in price and performance. Some specialise in Espresso. A $450 coffee maker machine is probably optimal for even a fussy coffee drinker. For this price we should get:

• Capacity of 2 caps
• 15 bars of pump pressure (Espresso)
• Multiple cup filler
• 2 liter water tank
• +/- 1000W power output.

Brands to notice: Saeco, Delonghi, Breville, Avanti and Nespresso.

Please note, that good features of coffee maker will also apply to espresso machine.

Kitchen Appliances - Cooktops Review, Features and Information

Kitchen cooktops are often reviewed with kitchen ranges. You can buy them separately or as a set with the convection oven. Generally, you should have minimum of 4 burners (gas or electric). Electric cooktops are easy to clean, look elegant and convenient. However, the running cost of gas cooktops is cheaper.

Majority of people is right handed. This means that knobs should be situated to the right. Knobs should be tightly integrated with the base for easy cleaning. Otherwise, cleaning maintenance becomes problematic.

Ask for scratch resistant cooktop. Anything else will fade and will look ugly after a while. As for gas cooktops' accessories my favourite are continuous grates. You can actually put them into dishwasher. The temperature control should be fine and adjustable from simmering to hot boiling points. Timer should be a standard. For good but not a fancy 4 burner cooktop try to bargain $900 or less. Good brands for those prices are: Kenmore, Maytag, Asco and Chef.

Seasonal Appliances - Electric Fans Review and Features

Electric fans are the most crude and inefficient way to cool down the surrounding. However, they are portable, light and easy to operate. Electric fan will cool proportionally to its power. Basically, electric fan should have minimum of 3 settings. Some, not necessarily expensive ones, come with 2 hour timer.

Please do not try to spend more than $35. Most electric fans will do the job for as little as $30 (or less). Brands are not that important. This seasonal appliance is cheap and not complex - so reliability is not an issue.

Small Kitchen Appliances - Mixers Review and Information

Mixers' performance is primarily based on the output power. For small jobs (beating egg or doing a milkshake) $50-$70 hand mixer will suffice. For big jobs for kneading bread dough you need 800W mixing machine. It should come with 12 speed control and have a durable die-cast metal. For this kitchen appliance you may expect $400 mark. But it will cover all you mixing needs. Please, shop around. It is not uncommon to pay $200 more for the same heavy-duty mixer in different retailers.

Small Kitchen Appliances - Microwave Ovens Review, Features and Information

Microwave ovens offer the healthiest way of cooking. Many years ago there was a speculation about dangers the microwaves pose to the food. It all ended up to be a gossip. Microwaves are great kitchen appliances - small, powerful and easy to operate.

The main feature in microwave oven is its output power and capacity. Please, do not buy a big microwave with power to burn the building. A 20-liter microwave with 800W output power is all you need! Electronic features are usually standard and any ridiculous extras are probably just gimmicks. A decent microwave with above features should not go over $90. Stainless steel body and touch keypad (if you really need it) will substantially add to the price.

Kitchen Appliances - Refrigerators (Fridge) Review and Features

Refrigerators are the most important kitchen appliances. You simply cannot live without them. Bachelor can probably live with any small and unreliable refrigerator. However, family cannot afford to be without it.

Therefore, we recommend spending a bit more for improved fridge reliability and capability. Also energy usage is important. We do favour top freezer refrigerators. The design is the most reliable and the cheapest. Double or french door refrigerators tend to break more. This is due to the through door pipe connections for water.

The main feature for refrigerator is its size. You must estimate how much you need to "pack to keep your family going". Once capacity of your fridge is established then we recommend:

• Water dispenser
• Ice maker (not very important but has value)
• Spill proof shelves
• Humidity controlled crisper
• Sliding shelves
• 2-5 year warranty

We recommend an average of 610 liters fridge for an average family. This, together with the above features, should cost less than $1100.

Please note that brands may not necessarily matter for features and performance. But reliability is important.

Leading brands like GE, Kenmore, Whirlpool, LG, KitchenAid, Fisher & Paykel, Amana, Jenn-Air are more reliable than some models of Maytag.

Home Appliances - Vacuum Cleaners Review, Features and Specification

The first vacuum cleaner was patented in 1868. The original idea incorporated a pneumatic manual suction mechanism. Currently, vacuum cleaners are the most widely owned appliances. They also evolved into brand new technologies. Currently bagless cyclonic vacuum cleaners dominate the market. However, there is also very good 10 year water filter technology on the vacuum market.

The water filter vacuums are probably the best. These machines trap dirt in the container filled with water. However, water filter technology (mainly supplied by Rainbow Vacuum Cleaners) is very expensive. Cyclonic, bagless (with HEPA filter) vacuum cleaner is probably good enough for the average household. Basic cyclonic vacuums should generally have:

• Power of 1800W (1200W will do for easier carpets)
• Telescopic wand
• Variable suction/power (either knob or air depleting hole)
• Retractable Cord
• Vacuum accessories: upholstery, crevice nozzle, turbo head with swivel, floor head)
• On board storage for vacuum accessories

Vacuum cleaners extras include:

• HEPA filter
• Power rather than turbo head

HEPA filter is an international standard for air filtration. Vacuums with HEPA filter cost more than ordinary vacuums. However, please be aware that for asthma sufferers none of the air filtration vacuums are the answer. Only water filter vacuums can help here. Power head is also a relatively new gadget. It uses an onboard motor to increase suction.

Good brands for vacuum cleaners include Hoover, Electrolux, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Miele, Kambrook, Vax, Bosh and Volta. Please note that cyclonic bagless vacuums do not necessarily perform better with the increased price. $230 will definitely buy you a very good bagless cyclonic vacuum.

Kitchen Appliances - Range Hoods Review, Features and Information

Range Hoods are the standard feature in modern households. They are important to remove grease and unpleasant smells / odors from the kitchen. They come in variety of shapes, sizes and above all - prices. Again, we look at features you need for a fair price. Today kitchen range hoods should have:

• Automatic self cleaning mechanism
• Non-stick internal housing
• Blowers
• Process of residue being liquefied
• Minimum of 3 varying speeds
• Quiet (5.5 sones)
• Operate at 695 CFM

Range hood should cover your cooking area. Generally 90cm-length range hood will satisfy most households. Be aware that more than 3 speeds are not needed. Also, extras such as stainless steel may hit your budget. The above specifications will fully satisfy your needs. The price range for above range hood specification should be between $480 - $620

Kitchen Appliances - Ranges Review, Features and Information

Kitchen ranges come in two types of fuel - electric ranges and gas ranges. There is of course a third type: the combination of electric and gas kitchen range. Both electric and gas ranges do a pretty good job in boiling, simmering, baking and broiling. The differences come in gadgets, ergonomics and comfort. Be aware that the main choice of the range depends on fuel source. Electricity is more expensive per kilo joules than gas.

However, electricity is safer and more convenient. The features to look:

• Amount of burners (we recommend 5 but 4 will do just fine)
• Convection oven (unless you do not need it or you have it separately)
• Self-cleaning feature (we discuss it further later on)
• Warm and ready drawer (new feature in modern kitchen appliances)
• Warranty (1 year warranty is simply ridiculous - for this appliance you need 2-5)

With electric ranges easy to use keypad and total range lockout are significant. Self cleaning feature is important for both type of kitchen ranges.

Please note, that modern cleaning features do not always perform as advertised. Conventional heating and removing sticky residue is still relatively reliable. Prices for the above +/-$850-$900 but you can get bargains ($750 probably). Brands maybe significant as material and workmanship matters here. Popular brands: GE, Kenmore, Jenn-Air, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Whirlpool.

Seasonal Appliances - Heaters Review

Heaters come in all sizes and shapes. But their performance depends on application. Heaters generally use a resistive element. Current passes through that resistive coil and heat is generated.

You should use convection space heaters or radiant heaters for warming the surrounding room. Convection space heater warms surroundings equally while radiant heater warms space in front of itself. These are safe, quiet and self regulated heaters. For very small rooms/office a fan heater will suffice.

Be aware that heater use a lot of electricity. Fan heater is cheaper to use and cheaper to buy. However, convection heaters are necessity for larger spaces. Here, the fan heater may actually cost more to heat the same area.

Fan heaters come between $30-$50. Convection heaters and radiant heaters are usually above $75 mark. You should not pay more than $200 for convection heaters unless the shop can justify it.

Small Kitchen Appliances - Water Filters Review, Features and Information

Water filters come in various sizes and applications. It is impossible to discuss all options. The small filter jug system is often sufficient for ordinary households. These units remove chlorine, certain pesticides and organic impurities. These units also reduce amount of heavy metals including lead and copper. They also reduce carbonate hardness.

The typical Brita unit will cost within $30 or so. For a serious water decontamination you need a proper water filter system. For water filter systems you need to check local suppliers. These units are costly but a simple filter jug may not be enough in some cases.

Home Appliances - Washing Machine / Washer Review and Features

Electric washers / washing machines were advertised as early as 1904. This important home appliance has been revolutionised over the past 100 years. What to look when you buy your washing machine? The most important are:

• Capacity you need
• Water efficiency
• Automation and programs
• Filter (top loader)
• Top or front loader washer

Capacity is probably the most important. A medium sized family should be ok with 6kg-7kg washing machine capacity. Washing machines are appliances, which do use a lot of water. You should consider rating, which will help you with yearly budget Energy efficiency is less important. It is unlikely that the household will do more than one washing in a day.

You should consider programs and automation. Check if programs allow you to safely wash your delicate clothes. Automation is a real convenience. With Fuzzy logic technology you only need to press one button (but this does come with the big price tag). Filter is an issue for top loaders. You should have lint filter to avoid threads all over your clothes.

Top loaders or front loader? Top loaders use more water, are rough on clothes and use more detergent. However, front loading washing machines are more expensive, slower in wash, smaller in capacities and less convenient during the wash. There is no problem with top loading washing machines to add more clothes midway through cycle. The price does vary. For front loaders a decent 7kg machine will draw $800 plus.

For top loaders $680-$700 is reasonable to get a good 7kg washer. Popular washing machine brands: Fisher & Paykel, LG, Samsung, Simpson, Whirlpool, NEC and Electrolux

Home Appliances - Dryers Review, Features and Specifications

Dryers are complementary home appliances to washing machines. They (same as seasonal appliances) are not essential but provide convenience during winter seasons. You should look at Vented Dryers. Ordinary dryers may ruin your clothes.

A decent vented dryer should have:

• Minimum of 5kg capacity
• Overheating temperature protection
• Reverse action drying
• A decent length (2m or so) venting hose
• Low heat setting for finer clothes
• Autodrum stop

The decent dryer's extras could include stainless steel drum. The above dryer specifications should not set you by more than $620. For those who use dryers less frequently the $550 appliance will still do a good job. Popular brands: Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, Simpson, Electrolux and Bosh

Home Appliances - Air Purifiers and Humidifiers Review and Features

For asthma allergies air purifier is not a cure. However, this seasonal appliance does make life easier and enjoyable. What features should I look for air purifier? The most expensive ones clean air in larger areas.

You should check dimensions of your place and buy accordingly. This WILL SAVE you money on air purifier. On average, air purifier should purify 55 meter square. This appliance should:

• Use a true HEPA filter with pre-filter and carbon filter for odors
• Annual replacement filter should cost less than $100
• Preferably life time guarantee (why not? - it is not a complex mechanism)

The price for above should be +/-$400. You can get a cheaper unit but your running costs of changing filter will hit you back. We recommend Alen A350. It does have all the above features and the filter costs only $80. Popular air purifier brands: Airpura, Alen, IQAir.

Humidifiers are great appliances if you require moist air. In dry climates humidifiers are necessity.

Very dry and hot conditions can be damaging to the body. Therefore, humidifiers provide not only a comfort but they are also therapeutic.

They are two humidifier types:

• cool mist
• warm mist

Warm mist humidifiers are less likely to release bacteria. They employ UV light and this sanitises the humidified air. Cool mist humidifiers (console humidifiers) are believed to be safer with children. This is because they use cool water.

But which one is better? If you like warm air you take the warm mist humidifier, otherwise the cold one. What features and what prices can I expect from humidifier?

You should look for:

• Build-in humidistat (important even if it comes with price)
• Ease of cleaning
• Minimum amount for cleaning
• Low noise
• Automatic shut off

Build in humidistat allows you to control humidity (optimum humidity is 30%-50%). This way you will not over humidify air (and thus prevent creating molds)

Ease of cleaning is important. Humidifiers do get dirty and you do not want to introduce bacteria in air. Automatic shut off is an important safety feature. You do not want to run an empty humidifier.

Low noise is an important feature. These machines are supposed to run in the background. The price for a good humidifier (with above features) should not go over $240. Keep in mind that humidifiers below $100 are probably of little value. Graco and Air-O-Swiss are respectable brands.