Home Appliances

When considering getting new kitchen appliances, it is important that they fit properly in your kitchen. Poorly fitting kitchen appliance can cause traffic flow problems which reduces the functionality of a kitchen. In order to ensure a kitchen appliance will fit correctly, make sure to take and write down several different measurements to bring with you when you go shopping for any new kitchen appliance.

Instructions

1 Measure the height and width of all the doorways between where the appliance will be brought in and the kitchen and write down each set of dimensions. In order to have a kitchen appliance that will fit in your kitchen, it must first be able to get there. So do not assume that an appliance will fit through a doorway.
2 Measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cabinet where your kitchen appliance will be fitting and write this number down. Subtract an inch from this number to allow for ventilation. This is how high your kitchen appliance can be. This number is particularly important with taller appliances like refrigerators.
3 Measure the space from the end of the wall or cabinet on the left side of where your appliance will be going to the end of the right side of the wall or cabinet. Subtract 1/2 inch from this number to allow for easy installation. This is how wide your kitchen appliance can be. Subtract an additional 2 to 3 inches when a light switch or electrical outlet is next to where the appliance will be.
4 Measure the length from the back wall to the end of the front cabinet. This is the maximum depth you will want you kitchen appliance to be in order to fit properly.
5 Measure the distance from the back wall to the closest opposing object, like a cabinet or island. This is the maximum depth your cabinet can be with the door open.
6 Bring these measurements with you when you go to buy your appliances to ensure they will fit properly. Make sure to check the appliance height, width, depth and depth with the door open. If any of measurements is greater than the ones you wrote down, then you need to consider a different appliance.

Home heating appliances use heating elements that can create fires if they touch combustible materials. For example, if someone puts a wooden object in front of an electric heater, that heater can overheat and create a dangerous fire. Also, various heating appliances use combustible materials as fuel, which can cause fires themselves. Although many property owners turn to alternative methods of home heating to supplement normal house heating, these alternative methods can cause house fires if they are used improperly.

Effective Cleaning

Property owners must make sure that they clean home heating appliances because buildups of various materials, such as carbon, can encourage fires.

Clear Ventilation

When burning any kind of fuel, property owners must make sure that they have appropriate ventilation. Poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of materials that can catch fire when hot air rises into the ventilation shaft.

Refueling

All refueling must occur outside the home so that spills do not cause fires that can ignite the larger number of combustibles inside the home than outside. Also, most fossil fuel spills clean up easier outside or do not need cleanup at all if the spill occurs on soil.

Heater Clearance

Homeowners must make sure that their heating appliances always have space to release the heat. Placing objects, such as clothing, in front of a heater, creates a fire hazard. Oftentimes, homeowners do not realize their wall heaters, which might have objects in front of them, can cause fires.

Evening Check

Property owners should check their heating appliances before going to bed. They should always extinguish fires and should make sure that the appliances have no objects blocking the heating element.

Qualified Professionals

Homeowners should not repair heating appliances themselves but should instead have qualified professionals repair the heating appliances. Poorly repaired appliances can lead to fire hazards.

Unobstructed Escape

Homeowners must always make sure that they can exit their homes during fires.

Electrical appliances in North America operate with either 120 or 240 volts of current. Electric stoves, ranges and clothes dryers use a 240-volt circuit for the higher power requirements needed to operate these appliances. Other devices, including stereo equipment, small kitchen appliances and a bedside alarm clock, use 120 volts. All appliances that pass Underwriters Laboratories, or UL, inspection are shipped with a label listing the voltage requirements. If you have any doubts about the electrical requirements for a particular appliance, check the labeling before plugging in the device.

Instructions

1 Dry your hands before touching any power cord, even if it's only the plug or insulated cable.
2 Look at the back panel of the appliance or the label folded onto the power cord to check the voltage requirements before connecting the device. For safety, products such as electric clothes dryers are equipped with a special four-prong plug that will only connect to a 240-volt socket with matching slots.
3 Line up the plug blades with the slots in the outlet. Modern grounded plugs feature one blade slightly wider than the other, so if the plug will not insert on the first try, turn it over and push straight in.

You can find just about anything in an online auction, including appliances ranging from blenders and coffee machine's to deep fryers and refrigerators. One advantage to online bidding on appliances is convenience and the possibility of finding a great deal. On the other hand, it can be difficult to analyze the condition of the item without highly detailed pictures. Many times, however, the deals that can be found in online auctions outweigh the risks.

Instructions

1 Search the online marketplace, AtOncer.com, for new and used appliances. Users buy and sell a large range of appliances locally and worldwide. Categories include electric cookware, specialty appliances and home improvement. Both large and small appliances are available; calculate the costs of shipping large items before committing to a sale.
2 Navigate to Governmentauctions.org, a Guide to Government Auctions & Foreclosures. This site lists appliances that you may not find anywhere else. There are thousands of government auctions available in the U.S. and Canada, with some available exclusively online. There is a membership fee of $18.95 (as of June 2010) that is applied after a three-day trial.
3 Try eBay. Even those familiar with eBay may not know that it offers appliances--electronics tend to be more popular. EBay appliances are located in the Inside the Home category, a subcategory of Home and Garden. Sellers pay fees to list on eBay and sometimes try to offset them by inflating shipping costs. Determine the exact shipping cost before committing to buy on eBay because once you bid you've entered an agreement to purchase that item.
4 Browse Overstock.com auctions using the expandable left-hand navigation menu. Search for specific items in the search box or an advanced search page found near the top of the screen. Specify price, keywords and department to narrow results. A Buy Instantly option allows immediate purchases; this is sometimes better than waiting for an auction to end if it's something you really want and you think the price is right.

Magic Chef has a long and venerable name in the appliance business. The company has gone through several changes of ownership over the years and lost some divisions, but the brand itself is still popular. The label can be found on kitchen appliances from small coolers to large refrigerators and stand-alone freezers.

History

The Magic Chef company began in 1881 in St. Louis, Missouri. Later, the company bought Norge and Admiral appliance manufacturers. Maytag bought out Magic Chef in 1986, but the brand is now distributed by mcappliance.com.

Microwave Ovens

Microwave oven choices include both counter-top and over-the-range ovens. Power capacity varies from 700 to 1100 watts. There are 44 different models with varying features and finishes.

Freezers

Magic Chef freezers are available in capacities from 5 to 10 cubic feet. The smallest weighs 88 pounds and the largest 123.5 pounds. The freezers come in both horizontal and vertical shapes.

Refrigerators

Magic Chef refrigerators come in 27 varieties, both compact and full size, although most are small, apartment-sized models. Black, white and stainless steel finishes are available.

Small Appliances

Small kitchen appliances with the Magic Chef label include five, six and ten-speed blenders, coffee and espresso makers, food choppers, rice cookers, slow cookers, toaster ovens and wine and beverage coolers.

The electrical load of the house is the total power consumed per day by all the appliances and electronics in the household. While the electrical load is based on the wattage or maximum power draw of each appliance in the house, it also takes into consideration the average amount of time each appliance is used for in a day. Electrical load is calculated in watt-hours or kilowatt-hours, which describe the power consumption over the course of an hour. Understanding your house's electrical load helps you identify and control large areas of power consumption. It also points to any modifications that may be required by your electrical system.

Instructions

1 Make a list of all the electrical devices in your house. This includes large appliances, such as water heaters and dishwashers, as well as the smaller appliances like light bulbs and alarm clocks.
2 Locate and note down the wattage of each appliance in your list. This information is typically written on a label on the back of the device or in the user manual.
3 Estimate how many hours per day each appliance is used for. For example, an alarm clock runs 24 hours a day, but a lamp is used only for a few hours in a day.
4 Multiply the wattage of each appliance by the number of hours per day to calculate the watt-hours per day.
5 Find the sum of all the watt-hours per day. Divide by 1000 to convert to kilowatt-hours if necessary. This value is the total electrical load of your home.

Japan enacted the Home Appliances Recycling Law as a way to benefit consumers. In 2001, the law officially took effect and required customers to recycle appliances that no longer worked or those that they would otherwise throw in the trash. The electric components, metal and other pieces are recycled and saved from the landfills.

Manufacturer Requirements

According to the Home Appliances Recycling Law, those who sell or manufacture home appliances must accept appliances returned by customers. The law also requires that the manufacturer pick up the appliance from the owner. The manufacturer must pay any costs associated with picking up the item and recycling the item. The exception to the law is manufacturers that no longer exist. If an appliance owner wants to recycle or dispose of an appliance and the manufacturer is no longer around, then the Association for Electric Home Appliances (AEHA) takes over responsibility.

Disposal

The law is designed to reduce the number of appliances thrown away. To achieve that goal, the law requires anyone who throws away an appliance to first pay a fee for disposal. Manufacturers that recycle products under the law include GE, Electrolux, Daewoo, Toshiba, Sharp, Sanyo and Sony. Each company has the right to contract out the recycling with another agency and give that agency responsibility for picking up and recycling items from a specific area.

Appliances Covered

Nearly every home appliance is covered under the law, but it generally relates to larger appliances. Air conditioning units, televisions, washing machines, dryers, freezers and refrigerators are all listed under the law. Recycling fees are based on the age and condition of the appliance. The cost to recycle an air conditioner is listed at $23 to $30 as of June 2011, while recycling a television costs $18 to $24. The manufacturer pays the recycling cost to dispose of the appliances after receiving the item from the former customer.

Wording of the Law

According to the way the law is worded, the manufacturer must recycle or dispose of as many appliances as it sells. The manufacturer is responsible for recycling the same item, or an item of similar nature if the original is no longer made. A series of checks and rules are in place to ensure that manufacturers follow the law. Manufacturers do have the right to work with the AEHA and request that the association pick up and recycle appliances, particularly in rural communities where homes are not easily accessible.

Fuses play an important part in electronic circuitry. Using the proper fuse reduces the potential for short circuits that can damage electronic components. Shorts circuits cause an unexpected increase in current through a circuit. This can damage microcomputers, transistors and other solid-state devices. Using the wrong fuse can fail to protect these circuits. Fuses are defined by their physical construction, operating voltage and current-handling capability.

Instructions

1 Remove the blown fuse. Mark the location with a marker to help designate where the replacement fuse is to be installed. Install the fuse while comparing its size and amperage to ensure compatibility.
2 Recheck the new fuse to ensure that the amperage rating is the same as the fuse that is replaced. From the current rating, you can determine how much current the fuse will tolerate before it blows. A fuse labeled "7.5-amp" could blow after the current remains at or above 7.5 amps for a short time. Fuses can be designed to function with a "slow-blow" or "fast-blow." It is critical that the new fuse design is the same.
3 Check the power to appliances. Replace the blown fuse and turn on the power. Watch to make sure that the new fuse does not blow.

If you're going to dispose of some appliances and you live in Eagan, Minnesota, you'll be disposing them according to Dakota County, Minnesota, recycling laws. Dakota County is responsible for disposing and recycling of items like appliances for the residents of Eagan as well as for residents of Apple Valley and Burnsville. Appliances that you may need to dispose of include major appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners, small appliances including blenders and toasters, and cordless appliances such as hand drills and hand-held vacuum cleaners. The disposal method you use in Eagan, Minnesota, will depend on the type of appliances you have.

Instructions

1 Figure out which category the appliance you want to dispose of falls under within Dakota County, Minnesota. Major appliances are generally large appliances that are used by everyone in your home. Large kitchen appliances, heating and cooling systems and laundry machines are major appliances. Small appliances include smaller items like toaster ovens, coffeemakers, blow dryers, curling irons and other personal-use items. A cordless appliance is any appliance that's powered by alternating current, meaning it must be plugged into a wall to operate. Cordless appliances include those you recharge with a wall charger; these types of appliances convert alternating current to direct current. These might include cordless razors and other grooming appliances, as well as communications and entertainment appliances and some power tools and yard tools. Electric can openers, it just so happens, are categorized under cordless appliances in Eagan, Minnesota.
2 Check the "Reuse & Donation Opportunities" page of the Dakota County, Minnesota, website if your appliance is still in working condition. This page lists businesses, thrift stores and charities that will accept major, small and cordless appliances. Contact each one to ask about your particular type of appliance.
3 Bring large appliances no longer in working order to a recycling center. It's illegal in Eager, Minnesota, to dispose of large appliances for regular trash pickup. You can find a list of recycling centers by using online resources, like Earth 911.com or the "Recycling Zone" page of the Dakota County website.
4 Dispose of a small appliance as you do your other household trash if it is no longer in working order. Small appliances do not have components that will harm the environment and so can be disposed of normally.
5 Remove the battery from a cordless appliance and throw out the appliance as you would your normal trash. Do not throw away the battery.
6 Recycle the batteries from within your cordless appliances. Batteries are items that can be harmful to the environment and so cannot be disposed of in the trash. Use resources like Earth 911.com or the "Recycling Zone" page of the Dakota County website to find a recycling center that accepts appliance batteries.

Because electrical appliances contain so many different materials, some of which may be toxic, you can't recycle them in the standard manner unless you have expertise in dismantling electrical goods and sorting the materials. Restrictions on disposal in the garbage may also apply. However, there are several companies that collect and recycle entire items. It is also possible to find new homes for appliances that are still in good working order, or only need minor repairs.

Issues

In the United States, millions of electrical appliances are thrown out every year, including about 9 million refrigerators. Electrical goods make a substantial contribution to landfill, reducing the land available for natural habitat, recreation or agriculture. Raw materials and energy are required to make the new items to replace the old. Some appliances, such as refrigerators, may contain highly toxic materials, which contribute to air, land and soil pollution when they leak into the environment. Recycling appliances addresses all of these issues, although it's far better for people not to continuously replace items that are still in working order, and to repair those with minor problems.

White Goods

Stores often collect or accept white goods such as refrigerators, freezers and washing machines for recycling when they sell new ones. Sometimes they provide a discount on new item for trading in the old. If the store won't collect, there may be other appliance recycling schemes in your area. To find out local policy on recycling white goods, check the Environmental Protection Agency's website or use Earth911's handy search function.

Other Appliances

Other electrical appliances including toasters, microwave ovens and food processors may be covered by recycling policies in your area. As with white goods, some stores provide discounts for trade-ins on certain goods such as coffee machines or vacuum cleaners. Otherwise, local recycling companies may accept such items, especially if they are still in working order. General second-hand or electrical second-hand stores pay for some items, although it is best to phone the store beforehand to confirm details. Some thrift shops accept small electrical appliances as donations.

Other Options

People need items that are still in working order or need only small repairs, especially when money is tight. High-end appliances are worth money and you can sell them through local advertising. Others may well get takers if you advertise them on a site such as Freecycle. Some charities and NGOs such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill collect and redistribute or sell appliances. Small local charities and community groups may need such goods for their own use.

Appliance repair covers a wide range of items, but many tips and pieces of advice can be applied to almost all of them. You should definitely take the time to learn how to perform at least minor repairs by yourself. For major appliances, this can mean big savings on a professional repair bill, and for smaller appliances it can mean keeping a perfectly fine older model rather than paying big bucks for an upgrade.

Locating Access Screws

A common problem that can arise when working on small appliances is having difficulty locating the access point. Sometimes you can remove every single visible screw and still not figure out how to get inside the machine. In these cases, the best tip available is to find the nameplate of the manufacturer, and remove its mounting screws. In many cases, nameplates serve the dual purpose of concealing access points.

Plastic Housing Access

Some appliances don't have any screws at all indicating access points. If your appliance has no screws but does have molded plastic housing, inspect it carefully to find things like a post sticking through a hole. When you find these, locate the nearest seam in the plastic, and use it to pry the machine apart.

Finding Dropped Parts

Appliance repair many times means dealing with small parts that can be dropped and are difficult to find. One effective method for finding lost parts sounds backwards, but it often works. The obstacle may actually be too much light. Turn off overhead lights and draw curtains or blinds to make the room darker. Grab a flashlight, and situate it close to the floor while you swing it back and forth slowly like a searchlight. This method of illumination will reveal the shadow of lost parts better than a room filled with light.

Unclogging Air Vents

Repair of small appliances powered by a motor can often be as simple as unblocking air vents. Obstruction of these vents reduces air circulation, which can cause overheating. Repair is as simple as inserting a pipe cleaner into the vents to break up larger pieces of debris and then using a handheld vacuum to remove what's left.

Checking Power Supply

When a major appliance, like an oven, water heater or air conditioner, appears to need major repair work because it has stopped working, one little step can reduce frustration and save time and money. Head to your home's main service panel. Depending on the type you have, you should look for either a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. Replace with a new fuse, or flip the circuit breaker back into position. Turn on the appliance again, and your repair needs may have just come to a quick conclusion.

Space

Space, or lack of it, is the determining factor in how you organize a small kitchen. Consider how you will use the kitchen. If your kitchen is a gathering area for family and guests, your seating plan should have enough space to cook, clean and eat. Organize your cupboards and pantry to maintain a homey feel. Use a narrow table for dining. Or invest in a pub table that is small and easy to stand around. Use the wall above the seating area for your kitchen clock, knick-knacks and small plates and cups so that you can work without reaching over diners' heads.

Downsize

Be realistic about the kinds of appliances and cooking pots you'll keep in your small kitchen. Leave as much free counter space as possible for meal preparation and store as many appliances as you can under the counters or in other closets. (Don't use up valuable counter space with a food processor that you only use a couple times a year.) Cluttered counters make a small kitchen seem even smaller.
If you haven't used it in more than a year, get rid of it. Seriously inventory your dishes and keep only those that you use regularly. Pack up and store little-used dishes and switch them out every year if you must hold on to them.

Food

When grocery shopping, avoid buying in bulk. Bulk items take up valuable storage space, and the inconvenience will outweigh your savings. Store food in plastic containers that easily stack to save room in the pantry or food cupboard. Invest in a small folding step stool so that you can use the top shelves and other high surfaces for cooking and baking products that are used only occasionally.

Logic

Economize movement in the kitchen by putting items near the space on which they'll be used. Put coffee cups, filters and sweeteners on a shelf just above the coffee pot. Store dishes and glasses above the dishwasher or drain board. Hang large spoons and spatulas on a rack above or beside the stove. Keep measuring cups inside of baking pans. Arrange spices and oils on shelves near your counters. Invest in storage items that can double as both storage and dcor. Display attractive bowls and pitchers that can also be used as storage on open shelves.

In 1992 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced the Energy Star program. The goal of the program is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Consumers benefit by selecting qualified energy star appliances in terms of lowered energy consumption, thereby lowering their energy costs while also helping the environment. Consumers can also gain periodic tax credits and rebates. Appliances in retail stores bear a yellow sticker that rates the appliance for energy use and projected annual energy costs for the consumer.

Department Stores

Visit major department stores for savings and deals on Energy Star appliances. A good time to shop is when there are major sales on appliances and during periods in states that have "tax-free" holidays, which typically take place around the back-to-school season in August and September. Stores like Macy's and Kohl's focus on smaller Energy Star qualified appliances, such as vacuum cleaners and lighting. Sears is the largest department store with nationwide locations carrying Energy Star qualified appliances. In 2010 Sears won the coveted Energy Star "Partner of the Year Award." The biggest brand and manufacturer of Energy Star appliances at Sears is Kenmore. Additional manufacturers include GE, Samsung, LG and Whirlpool.

Home Improvement Retailers

Home Depot and Lowe's are major retailers of Energy Star rated appliances. Home Depot and Lowe's sell energy star ranges, washers, dryers, air conditions and refrigerators from most major manufacturers. Benefits of shopping at home improvement retail stores is that they may often have bigger selections of styles and models and one-stop-shopping for devices if needed to hook up the appliance, such as electrical outlets, adapters and hoses.

Electronics "Superstores"

Electronic superstores such as Best Buy, Ames and H.H. Gregg have large selections of Energy Star appliances. They also have frequent sales on appliances. Some use marketing tactics to generate sales after the Christmas holiday selling season, right around tax return time and to stimulate sales during the spring and summer months.

Big Box Retailers and Club Stores

So-called "big box" retailers like Walmart, Target and K-Mart carry small Energy Star appliances from various manufacturers. Both carry smaller appliances, such as compact refrigerators and air conditioners. Walmart leaves sales for larger appliances to its Sam's Club store, which carries Energy Star ranges and refrigerators. Other club stores, including Costco and BJ's also carry Energy Star appliances. Club stores often provide lower prices; however, styles, types of appliances and manufacturer selections can be limited, versus selections at electronics superstores and local retailers that specialize in selling appliances only.

Local Appliance Stores

Local appliance stores are also a source to check and purchase Energy Star appliances. While prices may be a bit higher than big box and superstores, they often provide a greater selection of styles and offer the benefit of more personalized service and specific expertise in their knowledge about various appliances, such as the various benefits of one model, style or manufacturer versus another. They may also have their own in-house repair service or structured relationships with local repair companies if service on an appliance is needed.

Many of us depend on electrical appliances when we wash and dry clothes, cook dinner and entertain ourselves. While electrical appliances are useful for many tasks, they also present potential danger if not handled correctly. It is important to treat your electrical appliances carefully to avoid fires, shocks and other accidents. Make sure to heed safety hints when dealing with electrical appliances.

Care

Make sure that none of your electrical appliances get wet. Do not put electrical appliances in areas that are often damp or wet. Appliances in these areas are more likely to be hazardous. If an appliance has gotten wet and you are not sure whether to use it or not, have a professional check it out rather than risking electrocution. If your appliance has a damaged cord with exposed wires, it is also a good idea to have a professional look at it. Use surge protectors to protect your appliances.

Wires and Plug-Ins

Keep your appliances unplugged unless necessary. Leaving toasters, hair straighteners and other common appliances plugged in is dangerous and wastes power when the appliances are not in use. Keep wires from different appliances separated from one another. Bunches of wires clumped together are a risk for electrical fires. Make sure all wires and cords are kept out of the way of traffic. When people walk over cords and wires constantly, the cords and wires become damaged.

Heat

If you have an appliance that gives off heat, keep items a good distance from it. The heat that comes from small heaters and other hot appliances can cause fires when combined with paper or clothing items. Turn off lamps when they are not in use, as the bulbs can get hot and cause fire with items that are resting nearby.

Warning Signs

If an appliance you consistently use begins to give off sparks or get hot much sooner than it should, have it checked out by a professional. These signs generally mean that the appliance is at a much greater risk to cause an accidental fire.

Many appliances such as kitchen appliances, laundry appliances and small appliances are manufactured in the United States. These appliances include items such as vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, ovens, and ranges.

Viking Range Corp.

Viking Range Corp. is based in Greenwood, Mississippi. It manufactures premium, restaurant-grade kitchen appliances for the home. The company manufactures ranges, cooktops, ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, outdoor gas grills and countertop appliances.

Sub-Zero Freezer Corp.

Sub-Zero Freezer Corp. is based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Sub-Zero brand manufactures appliances such as built-in refrigerators, undercounter refrigerators, freezers and wine storage units. Wolf is a brand under Sub-Zero Freezer Corp. and appliances manufactured under this brand include dual fuel ranges, gas and electric cooktops, microwaves, warming drawers, outdoor grills and built-in ovens. These appliances are manufactured in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.

BSH Home Appliances Corp.

BSH Home Appliances Corp. is based in Huntington Beach, California. The company is owned by the BSH Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Group based in Germany. This company manufactures appliances in La Follette, Tennessee, under the Thermador brand. BSH Home Appliances Corp. manufactures refrigerators, dishwashers, and washer and dryers in New Bern, North Carolina.

Dacor

Dacor is a family-owned company based in Diamond Bar, California. This company manufactures a full line of kitchen appliances including wall ovens, ranges, cooktops, dishwashers, warming drawers, microwaves, ventilation systems and refrigerators. Other appliances include outdoor ranges, outdoor refrigerators and built-in coffee makers.

Metro

Metro, whose motto is "Deliberately Made Better in the USA," is based in Suffern, New York. The products manufactured include pet grooming products such as blaster dryers and computer maintenance equipment to clean dust and dirt from computers and office equipment. Metro also manufactures vacuums for your car and home, compact dryers that pump warm, filtered air for drying bikes as well as inflators and deflators for boats, pools, mattresses or toys.

Originally established in 1872 as a direct mail catalog retailer, Montgomery Ward sells house dcor products and clothing, in addition to small appliances, like blenders. Montgomery Ward offers consumers a membership program that gives them access to discounted prices on items.

Appliance Types

Types of kitchen appliances that Montgomery Ward sells include pizza makers, deep fryers, hand mixers, convection ovens and waffle makers. Montgomery Ward also sells air conditioners, dehumidifiers and air purifying units. As of April 2011, Montgomery Ward does not sell large appliances, such as refrigerators or dishwashers.

Brands

Among the kitchen appliance brands Montgomery Ward carries are Black & Decker, Oster, Deni, Presto, Hamilton Beach and George Foreman. Other appliance brands carried by this retailer include Sharp and Thermamax.

Membership Program

To participate in the Montgomery Ward membership program, you need to pay a $39.95 fee each year. Benefits of the membership program include 20-percent discounts off any items Montgomery Ward sells, in addition to a lifetime guarantee on any item you buy.

Some appliances might be considered more of a small purchase, such as a toaster, a coffee maker or an iron. However, other appliances, such as a washer, dryer, refrigerator or oven, might be considered more major purchases in many households. When you're shopping for new appliances, it's important to do your homework and know what the best option is for your household. Otherwise, you could end up with an appliance that doesn't fit your family's needs.

Instructions

1 Decide if you want to buy the appliance online or in a store. You can often find good deals online, so if you're on a tight budget this could be a good option for you.
2 Figure out what size appliance you want. This especially important for larger appliances, like dishwashers and refrigerators. However, even smaller appliances, like microwaves, may need to fit into a predetermined space. Measure the width, height and length of the space so you know what size you're looking for.
3 Browse online stores This is helpful in creating your budget whether you want to buy the appliance online or not. Get an idea about the typical price for the appliance and decide how much your budget allows you to spend. Typically, the more features an appliance has, the more expensive it will be.
4 Visit a few stores that sell the appliance you're looking for. This should be done whether you buy online or not. Before you buy an appliance, it's important to see it in person. Make sure it's the right size and has the features you need for your household. Write down the brand name and model number if you want to buy it online.
5 Utilize online resources, like ConsumerReports.org, to research the appliance you're planning to get. On these sites, you can look up specific appliances by brand name and get expert ratings and reviews. You can also look up stores you're thinking of buying from.