Before you buy an appliance, there are a few things to consider before you buy.  The following information will help you make the right decision!

 

Learn about features that can help your dishes come out cleaner. You also need to consider the size of dishwasher that will fit in your kitchen. If your kitchen is too small for a standard unit, make sure you have the proper measurements. The staff at The Maytag Store will find the best solution for you.

 

The first consideration is dishwasher capacity: An 18" dishwasher generally is adequate for 2 - 3 persons and can hold up to 6 or 8 standard place settings. A regular 24" dishwasher has a capacity for 12 to 14 standard place settings and is sufficiently family-sized. The number of place settings can be deceiving and for this reason, I would recommend a standard 24" dishwasher for family use. A compact 18" dishwasher is great for a couple or small kitchen and occasional use.

 

Energy conservation is in! A dishwasher that proudly displays the Energy Star symbol will save you energy dollars compared to non-qualified dishwasher models. Some dishwashers even have low water features or 'quick wash' options which will benefit you if you are paying for measured water use. Another energy saver is a 'delay start' which is great if your electricity usage is calculated for off peak and on peak pricing - you set the dishwasher to wash later when energy is cheaper.

 

If you're shopping for a dryer, consider what must-have features you want.  A gas dryer does save on electricity costs, but it does require an installed gas line to the home and special installation. If gas is available for a dryer, the outlay for a gas dryer model may be a good option if you use your dryer frequently. An electric dryer actually costs less, but requires installation. Energy costs for a dryer varies with usage. Both types of dryers require proper venting to the outside. Always follow the dryer manufacturer's installation recommendations.

There are two dryer capacity styles - 25" to 29" wide full, regular or oversize size dryers with around 7 cu.ft. drums, and 24" compact models with around 3 cu.ft. of drying capacity. Two things influence which style is best for you - space to install the dryer, and your drying needs. For a large family with sufficient laundry room space - choose an oversize dryer to dry large loads quickly. For a couple in a small home, a compact washer dryer set may be sufficient.

 

Dryer moisture or dryness sensors that adjust the drying time required, or allows you to custom select Regular, More or Less Dry, have similar benefits - reducing drying time and energy use. Temperature controls can allow for High Quick Dry for some fabrics, and Low or Fluff for delicates. A permanent press or press care dryer setting provides a cool-down period at the end of the cycle - this reduces wrinkles, saving you ironing time. A dryer drum light is also a must, and is not always a standard feature.

 

This is certainly a priority dishwasher feature if you do not like to scrape, pre-wash or rinse your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Installed right in the unit, you wouldn't even know it's there. If unsure if this feature is included, don't hesitate to ask the dealer or check the product manual.

 

The most important dishwashing cycles are Light, Regular, Pots & Pans and Econo settings. The econo cycle will air dry dishes saving on heating element energy costs. Additional enhanced cycles are Glass or Stemware, Rinse, Quick Wash and Sani Wash, which all add up to convenience benefits. A stainless steel dishwasher interior is a beautiful feature but will not improve washing performance - it is mainly a style option. However, a stainless steel dishwasher washing arm will not rust and will be more durable.

 

Given the range of models, styles and sizes of washers, there are many things to consider when shopping for a washer to ensure this laundry appliance will be adequate for your family's needs. Costs and installation requirements are also of prime importance with this buying decision. These tips will help you to find the appliance that is right for your home.

The first decision you need to make is what style of washer you want. A traditional top-load washer is less energy-efficient. It also costs much less than a front-load or high-efficiency top-loader. Washer capacity is measured by interior drum cubic inches and manufacturer recommendations for washload size. These vary with washer brands. For a large family, look for a full-size or oversize top or front-load model. Compact front-loaders have small or medium capacities and vary in size from 24" to 26", with many having stacking options. Most washers are generally 27" to 30", so measure the space before shopping. A small washer is ideal for a couple, however you may not be able to wash a large comforter in it. High-efficiency washers may have optional pedestals or side storage units which need extra room.

 

The traditional top-loader is more comfortable to load and cheaper to buy. High efficiency washers in top-load or front-load models, cost much more but are water and energy savers. Front-load models have the best energy ratings. Front-load washers also have a better spin leaving less water in the load which means less drying time. High-efficiency models require low-sudsing HE detergent due to low water levels and they require a little more care. They also have more cycles and convenience features than traditional top-loaders. Warranty periods generally are a year regardless of washer style.

 

Refrigerator style is a matter of preference and convenience, however you should consider installation limitations when choosing a style. An All refrigerator model does not have a freezer but has the best capacity. This may suit your home if you have a freezer close at hand. A Top Mount model has an upper freezer, with or without a separate door. A Bottom Freezer model has either a drawer/bin or shelf style freezer on the bottom. A Side by Side has a freezer on one side and refrigerator on the other. A French Door model has two refrigerated top sections with a freezer on the bottom.

 

Once you've established installation, type and style, you can decide on capacity. If this will be your main refrigerator, size this appliance to meet your family's needs. Buying an overly large refrigerator which may remain partially empty will only use more kitchen space and increase purchase and energy costs. If you're buying a spare or beverage refrigerator, a compact model under 11 cu. ft. may be sufficient. A 14 cu. ft size can be adequate for a family of 4, but a 18 - 22 cu. ft or higher would be better for a large family.

 

Kitchen appliances such as cooking ranges require a considerable investment especially if you prefer the higher end, full-featured or professional models. As these home appliances are long-term purchases, you 'll want to ensure that your new range fits perfectly in your kitchen and has all the features you need.

 

First thing to consider is what type of range you are looking for, electric or gas. If gas is readily available in your home you may might want to consider a gas or dual fuel model. A dual fuel range will usually have a gas cooktop with an electric oven. Gas may be propane or natural gas, though propane ranges are often used in remote areas where electricity or natural gas are unavailable. Before considering gas, ensure that it is available and you can meet installation requirements. Gas ranges often have power burners which can really heat up your kitchen, you may want to add a vent above it.

 

Freestanding ranges for the most part are more economical to purchase than any other type of cooking range. Other styles include drop-in models which require a built-in cabinet to drop into. These provide the best custom look, however drop-in models do not have drawer storage. Slide-in models are easily installed and designed to fit flush with the cabinetry and usually have a storage drawer. A standard freestanding range is 30" wide, but smaller 24" ranges are available. Other models such as professional ranges can be much larger. Measure your available space and take the measurements with you to ensure a good fit.

 

Another custom look option is a wall oven and cooktop. Wall ovens are mostly electric, but cooktops can be gas or electric. Cooktops vary in size from 24" to 30" and from 4 to 6 burners. Single or double wall ovens are available in 24" to 30" widths, and are very handy if you do a lot of cooking. However, cooktops do tend to reduce counter workspace - this may be an important consideration for your kitchen. The extra convenience of separate cooking areas will cost you about twice as much as a freestanding range. Check installation requirements before purchasing, as they vary per model.

 

A conventional single oven is the most economical, and other oven options include double ovens, convection or trivection cooking. Convection uses air circulation to cook/bake quickly and evenly. But cooking times will vary considerably - look for one that has an auto conversion feature. Trivection cooking on some higher end ranges combines microwave, conventional and convection for quicker cooking - a great feature but be prepared to pay more for this oven. Any enhanced cooking method will increase the price and you'll need some time to adjust your cooking and baking.

 

Coil cooktops are still the most economical and easy to replace when an element burns out. Most coil cooktops are now liftable to make it easy to clean underneath, with a seamless top without a crevice to catch dirt or cause paint to chip. Smooth glass or ceramic cooktops are very stylish and have become much more affordable, but they do take special cleansers and care to maintain their good looks. When choosing a smooth-top range, look for models with a no-drip raised edge to prevent boil-overs from running down into the door vents.

 

The most economical is a smooth top with the standard 4 burners, two large and two smaller ones. However, expandable burners which can adapt to a larger size pot, or those that can expand to incorporate a front burner (cover two burners) are very convenient for grills or odd shaped pans and are well worth the extra cost. A simmer or warming burner is also a handy feature, as are additional burners or grill add-on's. Induction cooking is available on some models, however you may need to replace your cookware for magnetic pots for this type of cooktop.