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Appliance Buying Tips

Be Informed and Buy Appliances That Meet Your Needs

By Mariette Mifflin, About.com

Before you buy an appliance or home product, read my buying tips for each type and compare prices. You'll also find other tips, resources and information that will help you make your buying decision.

Before You Buy a ...

Air Cleaner or Purifier
Learn what features efficient air cleaners have, where to place one and what an ionizer does. You'll also learn how to check the packaging to find the Clean Air Delivery Rate and what it means.

Air Conditioner for a Room
Air conditioners come in all forms, from the portable to the more elaborate central system. What's best for your home? Find out the pros and cons of each type and then you can make an informed decision.

Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mats
Achy back and feet from standing too long baking or cooking? There is a solution - an anti-fatigue mat, but not all are worthy of their name.

Appliance Extended Service Contract
Learn the pros and cons of service agreements and when it it's a good idea to purchase one for your new appliance.

Blender
Blenders are very convenient for a variety of tasks including light batters and frozen drinks. But not all are suited to each task. Find out what features you should be looking for.

Coffee Maker, Coffee Maker - Video, Splurge or Save on a Coffeemaker?
Since the price range of coffee makers is quite wide, you'll want to look for the features that matter most to you. Are some features really worth the cost? Find out why a certain type of filter can improve coffee flavor.

Dishwasher
Learn about a dishwasher feature that can help your dishes come out cleaner and what size of dishwasher to look for when your kitchen is too small for a standard unit.

Dryer
What type of dryer are you shopping for - a full-featured dryer or a basic unit? There are some features you shouldn't sacrifice - learn why.

Food Processor (Compact)
A compact food processor can be extremely handy in the kitchen. Learn what you can do with one.

Freezer, Freezer 101 - From Buying to Caring
There are two main types of freezers and one maintenance item that you won't want to be without.

Garbage Disposal or Food Waste Disposer, Garbage Disposal vs Trash Compactor
These little systems work hard behind the scenes, but they do have features worth looking for.

Gift Housewares - How to Choose a Great Gift, Need Gift Ideas?
Learn how to pick out a gift they'll appreciate and use and get ideas to help you make purchase decisions.

Gifts for Seniors
Most seniors are very appreciative of gifts, but there are times when certain items are not suitable, practical or could be viewed as a waste of money. These tips will help you buy a gift they'll love and use.

Humidifier (portable), Humidifier - Video
A humidifier can help you maintain a proper moisture balance in your home. But what size should you get and what does the capacity listed on the package really mean?

Iron, What is a Steam Generator Iron?
A steam generator can be a little pricey; make sure it's the best ironing appliance for your needs.

Juicer - Video
Some juicers are more user friendly than others. Learn more about juicers and what to look for in way of features.

Kitchen Cart or Island
A kitchen cart adds so much to a kitchen - storage, workspace and most often, a focal point. But this isn't an item you'll want to replace anytime soon, so find out how to shop for one.

Knife Set or Knives, Splurge or Save on Knives
Learn why a full tang is the best kind of blade and why some prefer to buy a knife set instead of singles when setting up their kitchen.

Popcorn Makers
While you can easily make microwave popcorn, some would argue that using regular popping corn in a popcorn maker results in better tasting corn. Learn what popcorn makers are available to find the type that's best for you.

Range
Will it be conventional, convection or induction? And what about a bridge element? Make these types of decisions before you head out shopping to save time and frustration.

Refrigerator, Refrigerator 101 - Buying Tips & How to Care For it
It's an essential home appliance, but it's also a difficult one to decide on because of the variety of styles, features and sizes. Find out what the best features are and why certain ones are must-haves.

Roaster or Roasting Appliance
This portable appliance can allow you to divert the cooking to another area and reduce the congestion in the main kitchen corner. Find out how to find a great roaster.

Robotic Vacuum
A time-saver and all-around helper, but some features make the best robot vacuum. Also learn what you can expect from a robot vacuum.

Stand Mixer
Find out what influences stand mixer prices and how to spot the best features.

Toaster, Toaster vs Toaster Oven
A toaster is a kitchen essential but it's certainly no longer a basic appliance. There are features you may want to have and should you consider a toaster oven instead?

Trash Compactor
Be better prepared to know what features to look for and what to consider when buying a trash compactor.

Find more appliance buying tips on page 2

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