1. Buying Kitchen Appliances

2. Things to Consider Things to consider: Consumer Safeguards Warranties/Service Contracts Space! What type of appliance?

3. Safety Seals- Underwriter’s Laboratories mark: Look for this when purchasing electrical appliances EX: mixer, blender, toaster, etc. American Gas Association seal: NO LONGER IN USE but is still on your test… EX: used to be on gas appliances like gas ranges Energy Guide label: Can help estimate an appliance’s energy cost Helps you to compare costs between different models Most appliance manufacturers hire INDEPENDENT agencies to test their appliances for safety. Important examples:

4. What is a warranty? A manufacturer’s guarantee that a product will perform as advertised If you have problems, the manufacturer promises to replace and repair the product There ARE time limits and conditions SERVICE CONTRACTS: An insurance policy that you can buy to cover the cost of needed repairs after the warranty expires

5. Buying Major Kitchen Appliances Ex: Ranges, Microwaves, Refrigerators ALWAYS MEASURE YOUR SPACE FIRST! The proper size is the MOST important consideration when buying a large appliance.

6. What is a RANGE? A combination unit with a cooktop and an oven Available in GAS and ELECTRIC

7. TYPES of OVENS Conventional Convection –Uses heated air that is circulated by a fan to bake and roast foods –Result is faster and even cooking/browning Microwave –A magnetron tube converts electricity into microWAVES –A fan-like device distributes the waves, causing friction between the food molecules… this produces the heat that cooks the food!

8. MICROWAVE OVENS Microwave ovens defrost, heat, and cook food rapidly.

9. Buying SMALL Appliances Ex: Electric Griddle, Toaster, Blender, Food Processor, Mixer, Crockpot, etc. Things to Consider: –#1: How many jobs will the appliance perform? ex. Buying a mixer vs. buying a bread maker –Will you use it often? –Does another appliance already do the same job? –Do you have somewhere to store it? –Is it easy to clean?

10. Safety/Practical Considerations Does it come with a warranty? Is it made by a reputable dealer? What safety features does it have? –Senses when the appliance is not in use and turns it off –Shock protection –UL seal?