Major Kitchen Appliances - Purchasing Considerations
Major appliances include refrigerators, freezers, electric or gas ranges with ovens, and dishwashers.
When you buy or rent a house or apartment, some or all of these major appliances will be in place. If you are shopping for new models, however, keep the following considerations in mind.
Refrigerator/freezer
Virtually all homes or apartments have a combination refrigerator/freezer. Some older models have one main door which opens to both compartments. The smaller freezer compartment is usually in the top part of the unit and has a plastic door. Newer models have separate doors for the fridge and the freezer.
Purchasing a refrigerator/freezer
- Look for a model with a frost-free freezer. Although these models use more energy than manual defrost models, they are more convenient. Also, a manual defrost freezer quickly becomes less energy efficient if not defrosted regularly. Defrost a manual unit patiently. Do not attempt to speed up the process by using a knife to pry off the ice. This may puncture the compartment and coolant tubes, and break the unit.
- Look for a model with the “Energy Star” rating. This rating qualifies the appliance as energy efficient.
- Some units have doors that can be reversed. This means you can decide to have the hinges on the left or the right depending on where you put the unit in your kitchen. If the model you like in the store has the door on the opposite side to what you need, ask if it can be reversed. If so, ask to have the door installed on the proper side before the unit is delivered to you.
- Although most refrigerator/freezer combinations have the freezer in the top position, others have two doors. These are side-to-side models. One door opens the freezer and the other, the refrigerator. A third type has the freezer in the lower section because freezers tend to be opened less frequently. The fridge on this model is in the upper section, which makes it convenient to access. Keep these different options in mind when shopping.
- Measure the height, width and depth of the space where you want to put the fridge. Take these measurements with you when you shop.
- Read the owner’s manual. A new appliance will arrive with a print version. If you know the make and model number, you will likely find an online version on the manufacturer’s website.
Stand-alone freezer
Stand-alone freezers provide extra freezer space. The extra space can mean fewer trips to the grocery store and benefiting from sale prices.
- Freezers are available in two types. One is an upright model that looks similar to a fridge. The other is a chest model, which is about waist height. Chest freezers are more energy efficient, but you can buy either type with the “Energy Star” rating. Most chest freezers require manual defrosting while upright models are readily available as frost-free.
- Read the owner’s manual. A new appliance will arrive with a print version. If you know the make and model number, you will likely find an online version on the manufacturer’s website.
Stove
There are two types of stoves or ranges—natural gas and electric. Cooking with gas is more precise because you can control the exact amount of heat under a pot.
Gas stoves have pilot lights and can therefore be hazardous. Be extremely careful about keeping flammable liquids in your home. If you have a gas stove, you should also have a carbon monoxide detector. Know how to extinguish the pilot light when away from home or in an emergency.
Some people are afraid of gas stoves and prefer electricity. They do not like having a pilot light burning in their home, having a gas line nearby, or lighting burners.
Unless you are very experienced with a gas stove, we recommend you use an electric stove if you are blind or vision impaired. Although electric stove elements take longer to cool down, there is no open flame. Instructions for using a gas stove are not discussed here. If you have a vision impairment and have a gas stove in your home or apartment, contact a Daily Living Skills instructor for assistance.
Purchasing an electric stove
- The burner and oven controls on most models are on a panel behind the burners. On other models, the controls are above the oven door on the front of the stove. This is important for cooks who use wheelchairs and prevents reaching over hot elements and pots to adjust the controls. It’s a very useful option if you have impaired vision.
- Look for a model with a self-cleaning oven. This avoids having to use caustic oven cleaners.
- Although many modern stovetops are completely flat, with the burners sealed below the surface, these tend to be more difficult to use if you have impaired vision. Traditional elements make it is easier to locate burners and position pots.
- Avoid models with touch-pad controls. Dials are easier to use.
- Read the owner’s manual. A new appliance will arrive with a print version. If you know the make and model number, you will likely find an online version on the manufacturer’s website.