Buying Tips for Housewares & Appliances
By Mariette Mifflin, About.com Guide to Housewares / Appliances
From installation options to desired features, these buying tips, resources, and reviews will help you to choose the appliances and housewares that best meets your needs.
Large Appliances
Buying large appliances usually requires considering a number of things including appliance set up, installation, styles, finish, and must-have features. These buying tips can help you sort it all out and make the right buying choices for your home and budget.
- Index of Before You Buy Tips
- Dishwashers
- Laundry Appliances
- Refrigerators & Freezers
- Microwaves
- Ranges, Ovens & Cook Tops
- Buying Appliances - Should You Consider Color or Go Neutral?
- Appliance Set-Up Costs You Can Expect
- Baby Boomers & Downsizing Appliances
- Old Appliances - Donation & Disposal Options
- Why Buy Energy Star Appliances?
Small Electrics
Although considerations are usually less complicated when buying small electrics, you'll want to find the right appliance for the intended task. These buying tips and resources will help you to choose your small appliances, from quick breakfast to slow-cooking electrics.
- Blenders & Processors
- Bread Makers
- Buffet Servingware
- Coffee & Tea Makers
- Fondues & Melting Pots
- FoodSavers
- Fun Appliances for Family Night
- Grills, Griddles & Skillets
- Juicers
- Kettles
- Party Appliances
- Before You Buy Appliances Index
- Top Picks of Housewares & Appliances
- Pink Ribbon Housewares
- Slowcookers
- Toasters & Toaster Ovens
- Travel Appliances
- Treat Makers
- Which Type of Batteries to Use for Your Appliances
Comfort Appliances
Buying tips and resources for appliances that keep you comfortable, including air and water quality, cooling, heating and ventilation products.
- Before You Buy an Air Cleaner
- Air Cleaner Reviews & Resources
- Before You Buy a Portable Humidifier
- Humidifier & Dehumidifier Resources
- Portable Multi-Function Units
- How to Install a Water Purifier on Your Kitchen Faucet Video
- Water Coolers & Dispensers
- Cooling, Heating & Ventilation Products
- Keeping Your Kitchen Cool - Alternative Kitchen Appliances
- Buy Energy Star Products
- Saving Energy
Gadgets
Who can run a kitchen without gadgets? Plus, they're so much fun! From food prep to serving, kitchen gadgets are not only functional but wonderful time-savers.
Gift Ideas
Gift ideas to help you find just the right gift for that person on your list. Shop by price, choose from top appliances or kitchenware, make a gift basket, or give a Pink Ribbon gift to support Breast Cancer Research.
- How to Choose a Great Gift
- Gifts for Her
- Gifts for Him
- Gifts for the Hunter or Outdoor Enthusiast
- Gifts for Grads
- Give a Gadget
- Shop by Price
- Make it a Gift Basket
- Gift Baskets Themes & Ideas
- Top Housewares for Kids
- Buying for Seniors - What to Consider
- Top Housewares & Appliances
- Give a Pink Ribbon Gift
- Bundle it Up! Accessorize Your Gift
- Gifts for the Hunter or Outdoor Enthusiast
Kitchen & Bakeware
Buying tips and resources to help you pick out kitchenware and bakeware that is not only functional, but will make your kitchen more efficient. A more efficient kitchen means more free time for you to enjoy.
- Basic Housewares - What You Need
- What Kind of Openers Should I Get?
- Top Easy Openers
- Bread Boxes Follow Trendy Styles
- Top Pink Ribbon Housewares - Support Breast Cancer Research
- Kitchen Gadgets & Tools
- Bundt Basics
- Canning & Home Preserving Wares
- Top Housewares for Buffets, Hosting & Large Gatherings
- Silicone Bakeware Basics
- Selecting a Lasagna Pan
- Top Picks of Lasagna Pans
- Kitchen Timers That Double Up
- Vintage Kitchenware
Cookware
Every kitchen needs sufficient cookware to make meals, but with such a wide selection on the market, choosing the right pots and pans can be a little daunting and expensive. My buying tips will help you choose cookware that is durable and enhances your cooking abilities.
- Non-Stick Stir Fry Skillets
- Pressure Cookers - Real Time Savers
- 5 Reasons to Cook With a Pressure Cooker
- Pot Racks - Storing Your Pots
Knives & Cutting Boards
Knives are the cook's primary tools, and kitchen knives are designed to accomplish certain food preparation tasks. These buying tips will help you pick the right knife and cutting board for your kitchen.
- Your First Set of Kitchen Knives
- What is Santoku Knife?
- Super Slicing With a Santoku Knife
- A Point Defined - Explanation of Knife Blades
- Just Handle it! Types of Knife Handles
- Choosing a Good Bread Knife
- Knife Reviews
- Top Picks of Steak Knife Sets
- Kitchen Knife Storage Options
- Cutting Board Basics
Table Top
In many homes, the table is the center of activity and conversation. Resist the urge to take your meal to the living room area and make your table a fun and functional gathering place.
- Selecting Family Glassware
- Table Place Setting - How to Set the Table
- Brides & Silverware - Matching Flatware With Dinnerware
- Turntables & Lazy Susans - Put a Spin on Your Table
- Is it Really Bone China?
- Stainless Steel Flatware - Types of Stainless
- Fruit Bowls - Keeping Fruit Fresh & Handy
- Completing an Old China Set & Finding Replacement Pieces
- How do Your Dishes Stack Up?
- Showcase Glassware With a Spring Bouquet
Vacuums & Floor Care
A vacuum is a home essential and hopefully a long-term appliance. Selecting the right vacuum for your home can save you money as well as cleaning time.
Keeping Your Home Safe
From emergency essentials to fire prevention, choose products to keep your home safe and your family secure.
- Emergency & Disaster Kits - Every Home Needs One
- How to Install a Child-Proof Lock on a Cabinet Door - Video
- Smoke Alarms & Detectors Save Lives
- Choosing a Stepladder That's Right for You
- Which Type of Battery is Right for Flashlights
Consumer Tips
Consumer tips to make your shopping experience not only enjoyable but successful.
