Tag: home appliance

Induction cook tops: are they worth the price?

Induction cook tops: are they worth the price?

The ‘battle’ between gas and induction cook tops has been going on for a while, at least ever since you can see everyone on TikTok using induction ones. Whether they look better or are simply more efficient, we can’t tell for now, but what’s sure is that most people want gas stoves to be gone, especially since gas is no longer considered a sustainable choice.

That’s the reason why chefs on social media talk about the benefits of cooking with induction appliances. Jon Kung, for example, prefers them because they keep the air cleaner since they don’t burn natural resources to be operable.

But how reliable are induction cook tops really? And what about the costs of owning and running one? If you’ve ever wondered about these products’ efficiency, we’ll discuss some of these aspects to help you decide if it suits your kitchen and your lifestyle.

Induction cook tops: the technology of the future

Induction cook tops are fairly similar to electric ones as far as design is concerned, but what differs between them is the electromagnetic technology behind induction. The cook top doesn’t necessarily heat up, as the energy is transferred to the pan.

In the beginning, induction cook tops were merely a trend on social media. Nowadays, more people have got the handle on it and are switching from gas or electricity to this safer and more energy-efficient solution.

What’s the difference between induction and gas?

Induction is superior to gas in many ways, such as when we talk about surfaces used for cooking. However, the most significant benefit of induction is that it’s sustainable when compared to gas – for both nature and humans. Gas stoves can lead to respiratory problems due to emitting pollutants and are more dangerous to kids, who can be prone to developing asthma with prolonged exposure to gas from stoves.

Are there other advantages of switching to induction cook tops?

Besides being a sustainable and less health-damaging solution, induction is an excellent choice from many perspectives. Firstly, it’s incredibly safe since there are no naked flames resulting from the process. This means that it’s impossible to be burned by touching the surface of the hob. Also, there’s practically zero risk of the kitchen igniting. Moreover, most induction cook tops will automatically shut off after you remove the pan from it after a few seconds. Hence, even if you forget to switch it off after cooking, it’ll shut itself down almost immediately.

At the same time, induction is a more precise method than gas or electric when cooking & heating food because it directly heats only the bottom of the pan. When you switch the stove top off, the heat immediately cuts out, so your food won’t overcook. And since induction is more powerful than electric and gas stoves, it’s also more energy-efficient.

Finally, induction cook tops are extremely easy to clean, as any spilt food won’t burn or stick to its glass finish. Hence, you don’t need powerful cleaning products applied with lots of elbow grease; a simple wipe with a damp cloth and everything’s clean. If you install it in handleless kitchens, then you won’t have to worry about spots ever again.

However, induction is not for everyone because…

Induction is quite costly. Since it’s a fairly recent product on the market, only a few have had access to it so far. Prices tend to start at around £800. The cost for an electrician to install it will be an additional outlay; the electrical wiring needs to be installed safely. On the whole, induction is more expensive compared to gas and electric appliances.

The installation cost will be further increased if you’re making the switch from gas to induction. This is because both a plumber and electrician are needed as it will be necessary to remove the gas line safely, following which you’ll have to install specialist wiring. Finally, they’re required to test to ensure that the stove is properly integrated into the property’s electrical system.

In addition, as the material above the induction unit is glass, the appliance is prone to scratching with regular use. Even the edges are challenging to keep in good quality, which is why some induction cook tops come with a metal frame that helps them last longer in terms of appearance.

Finally, cooking on an induction cook top requires a little getting used to because it works in differently to regular gas and electric hobs. For instance, there’s a lot less waiting time when boiling or frying since pots & pans will reach the necessary temperature almost immediately.

You need a certain type of cookware

The thing with using induction cook tops is that you may have to replace your cookware or simply learn which one of your current ones are suitable for usage. For instance, aluminium, copper or glass won’t work because the material needs to have a magnetic pull for the induction to work.

You can successfully use anything made of cast iron and a particular type of stainless steel with an induction cook top. You can test if your pans are good for induction by sticking a small magnet to each and see if the pan holds it.

What do you think about getting an induction cook top?

Induction cook tops have been trending because they’re smooth and easy to use and clean. They don’t work with literal heat, so the cook top’s surface won’t burn you or the food that falls from the pans. At the same time, the heat is distributed better, so preparing foods may be smoother and faster than with any other stove powered on gas or electricity.

However, before deciding to purchase such an appliance, know that the financial outlay and installation can be quite expensive and the glass surface on top is susceptible to scratching.

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Should you include appliances when selling your home?

Should you include appliances when selling your home?credit

When you’re hoping to put your home up for sale, there are a number of different questions you may have running through your head. How much is your property worth? When do you want to move? But also, what are you actually going to include in the listing? Although this may seem like quite a simple question, many sellers are thinking the exact same thing. Technically, you can take anything that isn’t permanently attached to the property, which includes your kitchen appliances. Here’s more information about whether you should or shouldn’t include appliances when you’re selling your home or going live with your property listing.

Repair and maintain your appliances before listing

If you’re thinking about listing your home with your kitchen appliances, it is important to maintain and repair them beforehand. Many buyers will lower their offer or completely lose interest in your home if there are broken appliances. Now would be the perfect opportunity to learn how to use dishwasher cleaner and maintain your washing machine effectively so that you can ensure your appliances are all in good working order.

It would also be wise to get a plumber out to check and service any appliances connected to water lines, such as refrigerators with ice makers and dishwashers, to prevent any issues during home inspections. This proactive step can avoid potential roadblocks to selling your home and might even increase its appeal and value to prospective buyers. Repairs and maintenance can be essential in showcasing your home in the best light.

Washers and dryers can stay or go

In general, it is normal for kitchen appliances to come with the property, which is why it’s important to maintain your dishwasher and keep your fridge freezer in excellent condition. However, laundry appliances fall in the middle when it comes to keeping them or taking them with you. Only around half of sellers take their washers and dryers with them so it’s completely up to you whether it’s beneficial to your new property or not. Many people choose to leave their washers and dryers where they are because appliances like this can become damaged during the moving process. More often than not it’s safer to keep them in the property you are selling.

Matching kitchen appliances

Buyers generally look for certain things when they’re looking to invest in a property. One of the high priorities for home buyers is having stylish and matching kitchen appliances. If you’re due to upgrade your kitchen appliances soon before you sell your property, you should always try and purchase matching equipment whenever possible. Choosing the same type of finish and style will help the kitchen to appear more aesthetically pleasing to the buyer. On a similar note, choosing the same brand for all of your appliances such as your fridge, oven, microwave and cooker will also add a level of consistency which is always extremely appealing to buyers on the property market.

With these points in mind, you can make an individual decision that suits your personal circumstances. On the plus side, new and well-maintained appliances can attract buyers to your home, however you can list your home for a more competitive price if you take your appliances with you. All in all, it’s worth asking for some advice from a local estate agent to see what would be expected in the area you’re looking to sell.

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Everything to know about freezer repair technicians

Everything about freezer repair technicianscredit

Refrigerators work day in day out, and sometimes they can fall into disrepair. Like any household appliance, wear & tear is to be expected and freezer repair technicians are on call in many areas to respond to such emergencies. It’s easy to tell if your fridge-freezer is malfunctioning simply by checking whether its function of keeping food cold is still intact.

The first step in repairing a refrigerator or freezer is by identifying whether the problem has arisen due to issues in the compressor, air circulation or defrost mode. If both the fridge and the freezer are warm, the problem is likely to be a compressor or thermostat issue. A qualified and competent freezer repair technician is best placed to conduct this diagnosis.

Many people are wary of someone entering their home to repair bulky appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines or tumble dryers. Since the practicality of repairs of this nature involve a repairman coming to the property instead of you hauling the freezer to the repair shop, there are some things to consider before engaging a maintenance specialist. These factors include:

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Ensure the repairman has the right credentials

Freezer repair is a difficult skill that’s also potentially dangerous. The chemicals involved in keeping freezers cold are called refrigerants and they’re quite corrosive – especially on the skin or in the eyes. A qualified repairman has undergone training and taken regular refresher courses on repairing different types of freezers and refrigerators. Like any other kind of equipment, freezer technology consistently updates as time moves on. Therefore, a good technician keeps abreast of all new developments in technology and learns new repair methods.

Illustration of itemised estimate

Transparent pricing

Given the complicated nature of freezer repairs, some repair people are vague about pricing and charge their naive clients excessive fees. A good maintenance specialist should give a honest price estimate even before they begin the repair process. Consider it a red flag if a technician is unwilling to offer a transparent quote. A good technician will also reveal whether they expect the pricing to fluctuate depending on the availability of parts. Their labour and cost of materials need to be itemised and clearly outlined.

Illustration of person standing in front of a tick and cross

Capacity to accept and correct mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, and technicians are no exception. New models and iterations of freezer technology are occasionally released and a qualified technician may come across a brand they have never interacted with previously. Whereas the underlying technology doesn’t change much, the little changes might cause a technician to make minor errors during the repair process or even wrongly evaluate the damage and possible remedies. A good technician will admit that they’ve made a mistake and take the necessary measures to remedy their error. However, if they cannot correct the fault, they should be gracious enough to consult a more qualified technician who has a better chance of correcting the mistake and repairing the freezer as per the client’s needs.

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Possess a solid reputation

As with any other type of engineer, freezer technicians should have positive referrals to work on your refrigerator. A good reputation means that the technician respects the client’s home, their time and money. References are also a great way of sieving through dozens of technicians who all seem to have the exact same skill set based on their advertising material.

You may look for other qualities in your preferred technician, and these qualities depend entirely on the client’s preferences; proximity to their location, whether or not they have a website or the number of 5-star reviews they’ve received.

Some people are very private and would prefer to take their freezers or refrigerators to the repair shop rather than allow a technician to enter their home. For those who are happy to have at-home repairs, a technician should always arrive prepared with all the necessary tools and equipment for the job. If replacement parts need to be purchased, the technician should factor this into the price estimate.

Illustraion of a refrigerator repair man

How to become a freezer repair technician

The most common path to becoming a freezer repair technician is working as a trainee in a freezer repair company or a freezer manufacturing/sales organisation. Most manufacturers conduct in-house training for prospective freezer repair technicians, which equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become qualified technicians in repairing various models of refrigerators and freezers. Therefore, a competent freezer technician should be knowledgeable about a range of appliances and this will enable them to quickly identify and solve problems arising in appliances even if they’re seeing the make or model for the first time.

Expertise that’s often underrated is good communication skills. A technician must have competent verbal and written skills because a large part of their work involves dealing with their clients. From the moment a technician starts a project, they must consistently communicate where they are at during the process with the client and ensure they have a record of every transaction they make in their work.

Becoming a freezer repair technician is not an end in itself. A technician should always strive to learn more skills and update their core technical knowledge base to continue to succeed. There are many courses on offer, and choosing the right one may be the difference between being a successful technician and merely an average one. A technician capable of understanding the inner working of new machines is best equipped to handle diverse older models of different appliances.

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After-sales services for freezer repair technicians

As with many other servicing jobs, a freezer repair technician must keep close communication with the client to ensure the freezer continues to operate seamlessly. After-sales service in freezer repair typically entails checking whether the freezer retains its optimum temperature. A competent maintenance specialist will be honest enough to tell the client whether their appliance needs a new component or whether they should scrap the entire machine and trade it in for a new one. This type of advice may go against the selfish need to make money, but it builds trust with clients, and there’s a greater chance of referrals simply because the technician chose honesty over greed.

Overall, freezer repair technicians need to be competent in customer service and be adept at actual machine repair work. The combination of both skills makes for the best technicians in any field.

Expert commercial refrigeration repair technicians for efficient freezer repair services. Quick diagnostics, skilled repairs, and reliable solutions to keep your business running smoothly. Contact us today for assistance.

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Tumble dryer troubleshooting

Tumble dryer troubleshootingcredit

Tumble dryers might not be among the most important appliances in the home, but they are indeed very useful. Today, more and more people are turning to dryers to get their laundry dried, and, certainly, the number of users will only keep growing. However, it’s not uncommon to see this home equipment malfunction occasionally. Luckily, you don’t have to call a technician every time your dryer fails. There are many problems that you can correct yourself. Simple knowledge of common tumble dryer issues and their solutions may be all that’s needed to save you money and time. This post breaks down how to troubleshoot dryers and fix common problems.

Common dryer problems and their solutions

Below are some of the problems you may encounter while using your dryer:

  • Dryer fails to start

If your dryer fails to start, the first thing to check is the power source. Confirm that you’ve plugged it in properly. If you did, then make sure the circuit breaker is intact. Also, check the fuses. If the breaker is tripped, flip it back on. If the fuse on the plug is burnt out, replace it. However, if the power source is OK, check the dryer’s fuse and also the start button. Confirm from the back panel that the start button is appropriately engaged. If the fuse is in place and the start button is engaged correctly, then the only thing left is the door latch. Remove any lint in the latch and clean it to make the door close properly.

  • Dryer suddenly stops after starting properly

If your dryer suddenly stops working in the middle of a drying cycle, then the power was probably cut off by a protection mechanism. The first things to check are the fuses. If every fuse is in working order and the circuit breaker isn’t tripped, check the thermostat and the thermal resistor. You can use a multimeter to check if all these are working correctly.

  • Dryer won’t stop once you open the door

Opening the door should automatically stop the dryer, but if it fails to stop, then check the door switch to confirm it’s intact. A failing timer or start button may also be the cause. Confirm that all these are working properly.

  • Dryer makes too much noise

You should be accustomed to the sound produced by your dryer when it’s working. If it makes abnormal noise, then something may be wrong. Check if your dryer is standing level on the floor. If not, adjust the balancing of your machine, but if it is balanced perfectly, then it may be that you have a loose object inside the drum. Check to confirm coins, keys or any other noise-producing objects haven’t been accidentally loaded into the dryer. Remove all the clothes and check the drum properly and reload the dryer, checking each item carefully before reloading them. The dryer can also make unusual noise if a roller or belt has failed. Check these and also check the idler pulley.

  • Dryer dries too slowly

The most likely problem here is that something is stopping the dryer from circulating damp air. There may be a clogged vent, so clean the vent. It could also be a result of lint build-up. Check the lint filter and clean it if necessary. Also, ensure you didn’t overload the dryer. You may need to remove some of the clothes to allow air to circulate properly.

  • Dryer not heating up

This could be due to a blown fuse or a failed heating component. Check the internal fuses to be sure all of them are fine. If one fuse has blown and the other is working, your dryer will start but won’t heat up. Also, if the thermostat or thermal resistor failed, there will be no heat. You can detect a blown fuse easily by doing a physical examination, while you can use a multimeter to check if the thermostat and the thermal resistor are functioning correctly.

  • Clothes don’t dry

If you’ve completed an automatic cycle, but the clothes are still damp, then it may be that the moisture sensor is failing, or it doesn’t connect properly with the clothes. Try to clean the sensors with cotton wool dampened with surgical spirit. The load may also be too small for the sensors to work effectively. If you’re only drying a couple of items, avoid using an automatic drying cycle, use timed drying instead.

  • Dryer doesn’t spin

You can see that your dryer is powered, but it doesn’t move, or it doesn’t spin properly. This is usually caused by a failing belt. It could also be as a result of a failed idler pulley or glide. Check all of these. If the belt is broken, you can remove it, order a new one and replace it. Note that it’s essential to take photos of your dryer before you remove any component so that when you want to replace it, you’ll know exactly where it was positioned before you removed the part. A problem with spinning could also be due to the motor; although, that’s not a very likely cause.

Washing machine and tumble dryer

 The take-away

You don’t have to call out a technician each time your dryer has a problem. Most of the time, you’ll be able to fix it yourself. All you need to do is work out the likely cause and correct it. Common problems that can arise when using a tumble dryer include failure to start or stop, a slow rate of drying or the dryer failing to heat up. Your dryer may also make a strange noise or struggle to spin.

In any case, make sure you take a photo of the layout of your dryer part and position before you remove it for fixing or replacement. If you need to clean any part of your dryer, do so with a cotton swab moistened with surgical spirit and, if you need to order any component, ensure you order from a place where you can trust the quality of their product.

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