Recent questions tagged appliances

Description : "Fluff question": Where does the lint come from in the clothes dryer and how does the lint trap know how to catch it?

Last Answer : Real answer? The lint itself is simply attrition from the fabric itself, as it breaks down with washing and drying. The lint trap is the last line of defense, after a series of holes, decreasing in circumference, ... wild and poison us all. Ew. ETA and Ijust now got the fluff question th8ng. :-D

Description : Clothes dryer fix: any advice?

Last Answer : Jeruba No you won’t. Dryers are a pain to put back together but there is not much to them and they do go back together. A good repairman will be able to assist but sometimes they’re not so willing if someone has tried first who is not part of their “trade”

Description : Who else doesn't own and has never used a dishwasher?

Last Answer : I never had one until this year, when I got a tabletop dishwasher. Honestly, I could not go back again.

Description : Can we make a list of products you own which lasted long beyond your expectations?

Last Answer : My mom gave me her stand mixer, a Hamilton Beach, that she got as a wedding present in 1947. I still use it. My old stuff is still working, the newer stuff gives up pretty quickly b6 comparison.

Description : The pilot light on my water heater keeps going out. What should I check?

Last Answer : Call a pro. Only the part that controls the pilot light may be at fault, not the entire unit. Make sure there is nothing blocking the air inlets to the unit, or the vent to the outside.

Description : What advice can you give me about buying a new refrigerator?

Last Answer : It's cheaper than an electric car, but doesn't move as fast. I personally like side-by-side, but others may differ. I have always preferred freezer on top because it easier to get to the ice cube tray. I ... is personal choice. And to a degree, how much of a cook are you? How full do you keep it?

Description : Can I turn off my empty mini freezer?

Last Answer : Is the mini-freezer a stand-alone unit, or is it attached to something else? If it’s a stand-alone unit, unplug it.

Description : In your ideal apartment or house, what would be your minimum requirements as far as appliances or other features?

Last Answer : Ideal would be: Full size washer/dryer in a separate laundry room with counter for folding. Six burner gas stove with full oven. Dishwasher. Bread warming drawer. Separate oven for keeping prepared ... half bath off of living room/social area, another off of kitchen, and one with outside access.

Description : Is there a 'best season' for buying appliances? If so, when?

Last Answer : I looked up Consumer Reports' Best Time to Buy Things and When to Get the Best Deals on TVs and Kitchen Appliances Looking at the chart in the second link, which tracks just a handful of specific ... Depot has those items together in a corner of the appliance section. I like to look in there.

Description : Don't leave any electrical appliances on unattended or what?

Last Answer : I usually leave appliances connected unless I'm going away for an extended period of time. I pull out all plugs if I'm going off on holiday but I don't really think it is necessary. The main fuse box ... home electrics are much safer now than in days gone by. But I still don't like to take chances.

Description : Do you leave the dryer on when you are not at home?

Last Answer : Yes I leave them all running, all at the same time. I do shut the doors to the rooms that the appliances are in, to contain a fire if one were to break out

Description : Why do clothes dryers need to vent?

Last Answer : If the air isn’t venting, it would eventually become nothing more than steam. The clothes won’t dry.

Description : Do black appliances depress you?

Last Answer : Glossy black items actually show more fingerprints and dirt. I don’t own them at present, but I have in the past. My mood is not set by the appearance of appliances.

Description : Washer and drier - front or top load?

Last Answer : I personally prefer top loaders. I have had multiples of each. While the front-loading one was better on the clothes and used less water they broke down a lot. It seemed like something would ... really had any problems with even the cheapest of top loaders. Your local laundromat will agree with me.

Description : Will you look up gas cooktops for me on Consumer Reports?

Last Answer : Your library likely has access to Consumer Reports. You should be able to login remotely using your library card. If not, I can login using my library card later.

Description : Do you run appliances when you are away from your home?

Last Answer : answer:I set my dishwasher on a timer to save energy; I usually run it after midnight. I will run the washing machine and dryer when I am out. If nothing else, the dryer seems safe because there is no chance of flooding.

Description : Do you own an appliance that's smarter than you?

Last Answer : answer:I would have to say my computers ,just when I think I have them figured out ,they surprise me with something new. For household appliances ,I have them under control for now,but I hate when we have to get a new one ,then the battle starts all over again.

Description : What do you look for in a washer/dryer?

Last Answer : answer:One from a different time when a washer got clothes clean. Not one that uses a teaspoon of water to soothe environmental guilt. Rant over. My mother has been mostly pleased with the line topping ... rinse and spin option that allows me to spin out so much water that items can be dried flat.

Description : What could be wrong with my dishwasher?

Last Answer : answer:Check you settings, is it going all the way through the cycles? Is it being loaded so that the water is not obstructed or blocked? And a big one, are you able to see if the rotating ... ll spray water all over inside but not in a way that hits the dishes or rinses the dishes directly.

Description : What makes a glass coffee pot with attached lid leak when you pour it?

Last Answer : answer:Well, since water finds its own level, there is clearly a leak somewhere. A crack doesn’t have to be very wide to allow fluid to leak through. If you don’t want to spend any more energy on the mystery, throw the pot out and buy a new one. A hinged lid can be slightly bent.

Description : How can I get a frog out of my washing machine drain hose?

Last Answer : Oh no. Unhook your incoming hose and look for him, then do the same for your drain hose. I would think he’s in the incoming hose. I’m thinking trying to flush the hose with a gentle flow from a garden hose? Put the hose in the drain hose and backflush?

Description : Can you live without a dishwasher, microwave, stove or garbage disposal ?

Last Answer : answer:I don't have a garbage disposal so I definitely could live without that. I also don't have a microwave, so I definitely could live without that. Someone gave me one for Christmas, I didn't use it ... . I probably could live without a dishwasher if I didn't have one, but it's a nice luxury.

Description : Do you unplug your appliances (minor appliances as opposed to major appliances) when you're done using them?

Last Answer : Yes. Always. I include my heating pad and all the small kitchen stuff; coffee bean grinder, food processor and toaster.

Description : Do you decorate your appliances?

Last Answer : Wow. No. I don’t like clutter.

Description : What's something you own that you'd say has stood the test of time?

Last Answer : answer:Old record table from the 50s (I believe). The only problem I have with it is that one of the speakers doesn’t work, but the other is still fine. I’m sure that if I knew how to do anything in terms of repairs I could fix it up. Sure beats an ipod that lasts maybe 5 years ‘if you’re lucky.’

Description : My refrigerator stops cooling, can you help me diagnose?

Last Answer : answer:I appreciate your desire to repair your existing unit. However, it being 13 years old you will probably save money in the long run and be happier with performance if you replace it with a ... in many cases the energy savings alone will cover the replacement cost within around 5 years of use.

Description : Why does Kenmore Coldspot fridge Leak?

Last Answer : Check the connections. You probably have a loose connection that is not sealed properly. Where the water line coming into the ice maker connects to the ice maker would be my guess.

Description : Do you own an immersion blender that you would recommend?

Last Answer : I have a 200 watt Braun model that I bought 5 or 6 years ago- it's similar to this one but only came with a jar and no other attachments. I love it and use it all the time. it is a snap to ... at the press of a button and stops as soon as you stop pressing. I have never had a problem with it.

Description : What's wrong with my fridge?

Last Answer : The compressor is probably shot. New fridge time.

Description : How to use kenmore washer?

Last Answer : Apparently, your landlord told you this for a reason. i would not attempt to alter your landlords instructions, since it might make you liable for any damages that might occur. i would not make a move ... an attempt to locate this washer on the web, without success. better to be safe than sorry.

Description : Are there portable space heaters that aren't electric? Can you recommend one?

Last Answer : There’s always kerosene. I have a small kerosene heater for power outages. Smells a bit when you first start it up, though. Do you have natural gas in the office?

Description : How would not owning a microwave oven affect your life?

Last Answer : You would probably be a lot thinner.

Description : How can I get that scale out of my water heater?

Last Answer : How old is said water heater?

Description : Do you own a Bosch dishwasher? Does it drain properly?

Last Answer : I don't have a solution, but share in your grief! I have the same problem with my diswasher, made by Americana. I think it's a cheapie brand the landlord installed. Nevertheless, I typically ... parts located that you mentioned cleaning? I sure hope another ask-publicite can MacGyver this for us!!

Description : I am redoing a kitchen and need a new stove top and oven (separate applicances)--both electric. What are the best kinds, and where to buy them?

Last Answer : consider a gas stove. i know you didn't ask, but they are so much easier (and less dangerous) to cook on.

Description : Leaving town for 7 weeks. Should I really unplug all my appliances?

Last Answer : Yes. I work for an environmental organization nd we recommend that people unplug their appliances when not in use. Appliances continue to suck energy even when they are off. For example, if you ... simply switch off the power strip when not in use, without having to unplug and replug everything.

Description : Instant hot water heaters?

Last Answer : We put one in recently….I have mixed feelings about it. It’s nice in reducing bills, but because we do not have a supplementary tank, it can take 30sec to a minute to heat. And the further the faucet is from the heater, it seems to take longer.

Description : any suggestions on buying a dishwasher?

Last Answer : Meile & Bosch are great. More expensive but very quiet, energy efficient, & long-lasting.

Description : How many hours have you wasted waiting for a repair man of some kind or other?

Last Answer : ya, i hate when you need to stay home all day for a delivery, because they say it will be delivered from 8:30–6:00. also, the electrician has a “tough day” and cant make it to your house in time because the people before you are hogging him.

Description : What is the bad plasticy smell in my new frig (made in China)

Last Answer : All brand new refrigerators have that smell. It will go away when you start filling it up and get more use from it.

Description : Ever disassembled a washer and found socks its suppose to eat?

Last Answer : answer:Not the washing machine. I changed the heating element and the belts and rollers in our dryer. Tons of crazy shit in there. Old bras and socks and even a belt I thought I had lost. All of it ... a small gap formed from one bearing that went bad so the drum wasn't flush against the back wall.

Description : My little refrigerator (a new version of a half-size non self-defrosting model) is freezing everything inside--even set at the lowest setting.

Last Answer : Susan: I had one of those in the guide’s cabin at Lake Placid. I had to defrost it constantly manually with a chisel and hammer. The ice was two inches thick. You have to buy self-defrosting.

Description : For testing appliances, the wattage of test lamp should be?

Last Answer : For testing appliances, the wattage of test lamp should be high.

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