Find the best appliances for your home. Whether you're in the market for a new refrigerator or want to know whether you should buy that extended warranty -- we've got expert advice for you!

Whether you’re remodeling the kitchen or just looking to upgrade, check out this guide so you can turn up the heat.

Range vs. Cooktop
First, decide whether you want a traditional all-in-one range (aka, a stove) or a counter cooktop and a separate wall oven. Costs for either option can easily go to into the thousands, though there’s a greater selection of affordable ranges.

Usually, the most practical option is an oven-and-cooktop combo, especially if you’re simply replacing an old stove. Slide-in ranges are designed to slip into a space in between cabinets, while others, like this AGA, require major space.

A built-in cooktop and a professionally installed wall oven can give the room a modern look and make the best use of space. But, be careful, the update may require a major renovation if your kitchen is already set up for a traditional range.

Electric vs. Gas
You may not have a choice with this one: If you don’t have access to a gas line, an electric range is your only option; if you don’t have a 220-volt outlet, you’ll want to stick with gas. How to decide? Consider the type of cooking you do most.

Baking, low-maintenance cooking: Pros say electric ranges are best for baking because they allow for a more even oven temperature. The drawback: Electric coils stay hot after being turned off, so watch out!

Searing, boiling, frying: True foodies often prefer gas cooktops because they allow for more control of the heat. The flames add to the poetry of cooking, and, more important, the burner quickly cools once it’s turned off.

The Right Range, the Right Price
After deciding on a type of range, research online which brands and features fit your budget (Cooking.com has more than 300 models, including Viking, DeLonghi, and Jenn-Air). Once you’ve found a few different options, take a trip to a local store to see the range and check its aesthetics; then consider whether you’d prefer to purchase it on the spot or to search for a better deal online. If you decide to purchase over the Internet, make sure the site’s customer service representatives are available to discuss delivery, installation, and warranty information in detail.

Nestperts Skip Heinrich, Merchant-Cooking The Home Depot; Audrey Reed-Granger, spokesperson for Whirlpool

Not sure if a front-loader or a top-loader is right for you? We've pared it down so you won't get caught in a spin cycle of confusion (sorry, too easy).

Decide how to load
A front-loader offers the same range of temperature and fabric care as a top-loader. But front-loading washers use 40 percent less water in every load, which is especially key for those with septic tanks or high utility bills. They’re also easier on your clothes because they clean by tumbling -- rather than pulling -- items through the water.

If you’re short on space, front-loaders are great since you can stack your dryer on top of it. But if you have back problems, go for the top-loader.

Go for speeds
Some washing machines have a lot of cycles, but just one speed for all of them. This means it washes your sweatshirt at the same agitation speed as your unmentionables. A good washer should have two speeds.

Choose your extras
Newer washer models allow you to put soap down the center of the agitator so it mixes with water as the tub fills. This feature is especially useful if you use a lot of fabric softener or bleach. For people who are sensitive to chemicals in soap, some machines also have an extra rinse cycle option.

Know your limitations
Think about the use your washer will get and decide on capacity size. Coordinate the capacity of your washer with the size of your dryer. You’ll need twice as much dryer space because wet clothes need to tumble freely. Plus, a bigger dryer allows items to dry faster, saving you money in the long run. Since a washer and dryer will last for years, consider changes in your family when deciding the capacity. Overstuffing smaller units will just result in extremely wrinkled clothing.

Embrace technology
While older dryers use timers, newer models have moisture sensors that stop the cycle when the humidity in the drum falls below a certain level. This prevents over-drying, thus extending the life of your clothes. Some units even have a cool-down cycle, which keeps the dryer spinning even after clothes are dry, preventing wrinkles. If you don’t need that level of sensitivity, just make sure both your washer and dryer have a loud buzzer that sounds at the end of the cycle.

Make a deal
Always buy a washer and dryer together, as you will get a better price for the pair. And make sure the purchase price includes delivery, setup, and disposal of any old units.

Not sure which microwave is right for you? We'll help you navigate the world of food-nukers.

The Wattage
You need the power of at least 700 watts to cook food evenly. Buying an oven with less wattage would be like trying to roast a marshmallow with a match. Luckily, a 700-watt microwave doesn’t cost more than a lower-wattage one and isn't necessarily bigger, either.

The Power
Look for a microwave with at least three power levels. All ovens cook at 100 percent power. But to defrost, you only need a 30 percent power level and to simmer foods, you’ll use about 50 percent.

The Placement
Countertop microwave models are the most popular because you can plug them in anywhere and start zapping. On the other hand, built-in microwaves are usually more powerful and save valuable counter space. While these models seem convenient; however, make sure they’re not installed so high up that adding ingredients or stirring involves standing on a chair.

The Spin Cycle
Sure, your food looks mesmerizing when it’s slowly spinning around. But a turntable actually limits the size of dishes you can use in your microwave.

The Rack
Some ovens come with a rack. But will you really use it? Nope. Depending on their moisture content, a microwave heats some foods faster than others. So cooking foods separately is actually easier.

The Controls
A touch panel is not only easier to operate and to read than a dial, it’s also more exact. Remember, the easier a microwave is to operate, the handier you'll find it.

The Bells and Whistles
You’ll be amazed at the fancy features today’s microwaves have. Sensor cooking measures the humidity in the oven from a food’s moisture. Preprogrammed cooking allows you to pop in a dish, tell the oven what you’re cooking, and walk away until it’s done. Combination microwave/convection ovens even let you brown and crisp food.

You can pay $1,500 or more for a fancy dishwasher with hidden controls, digital displays, and special grime-fighting cycles. But when it comes to clean dishes, sparkling performance starts well below $500.

What’s more, you needn’t settle for a bare-bones dishwasher at that price. Luxury features such as a stainless-steel exterior are migrating to more low-priced models. This dishwasher guide will help you with your purchase.

Size matters

Most conventional dishwashers fit a 24-inch-wide space under a kitchen countertop and attach to a hot-water pipe, drain, and electrical line. Cabinet-matching front panels are available as kits, typically for several hundred dollars. Compact, portable dishwashers come in finished cabinets and can be rolled to the sink and connected to the faucet.

Conserving energy

Dishwashers are using less water as manufacturers strive to meet tougher federal energy standards. But it’s taking longer to get dishes clean. Lower operating costs can save you more over a dishwasher’s lifetime than the price difference between an efficient and less-efficient model. Don’t rely on those familiar yellow Energy Star labels. Our tests are based on much dirtier loads and are a more accurate gauge of energy efficiency, in our judgment.

Types

The greatest differences in dishwashers, beyond results differences in our performance-based tests, are features and costs. There are a few distinct types of dishwashers, however, including traditional models, drawer-type versions, and portable models.

Low-Priced Dishwashers
They may suit buyers who care more about performance than glitz.
Pros: As a group, they clean dishes as well as premium-priced models.
Cons: They tend to be noisier than the upscale models and less convenient to load.

High-Priced Dishwashers
Pros: They tend to be quieter.
Cons: They don’t clean dishes any better than the best low-priced dishwashers.

Dishwasher-drawer Models
Pros: You can use them simultaneously or individually, and you don’t have to bend to load a single- or, sometimes, a double-drawer model.
Cons: They can be expensive, and three versions of one model we tested had significant problems. What’s more, models from Fisher & Paykel, which introduced these products to the U.S. market, have been repair-prone.

 

ConsumerReports.org has no relationship with any advertiser on The Nest.

Copyright © 2004-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission.

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In the market for a new refridgerator? The market is packed with options; we'll help you sort through them all!

1. Pick a type
There are two basic kinds of refrigerators: Freestanding, which doesn't require custom installation. and built-in, which does (and is more expensive because of this -- but also looks more customized).

2. Size up your space
Measure the height, width, and depth of the space where you’re putting your fridge -- most refrigerators measure somewhere between 30 and 36 inches wide. Make sure to measure how much space you need for the door to open all the way!

3. Start your research
Even if you’re not buying online, use the Web to get an idea of the types of refrigerators are available in your price range. Compare prices and read reviews on sites like froogle.com and amazon.com -- depending on the fridge and its features, expect to spend anywhere from $400 to more than $10,000.

4. Face facts
If you’re faced with five refrigerators that look alike, the difference may be in the features. Ice and water dispensers are common add-ons. Look for a model that has the ice dispenser built into the door (so there’s more room in the freezer). Remember that your fridge will have to be hooked up to your plumbing for each of these options. Make sure you like the way the door handle feels. Open the refrigerator and freezer doors a few times, keeping in mind that they’ll weigh more when the shelves are stocked with food. Pick a fridge with a finish that matches your kitchen decor. The most common colors are white, black, off-white, and stainless steel; you may also be able to order panels to match your cabinets for a built-in look on a cheaper freestanding fridge.

On the interior, some fridges have little cranks that allow the shelves to move up and down easily. Look for glass shelves rather than grates, so that a spilt soda on the top shelf won’t drip all over the food below. If there are sliding drawers or bins, check that they open and close smoothly and sturdily. The fridge should have a crisper (the bin that keeps your fruits and veggies fresh). Check out the storage space on the inside doors. If you like to buy food in bulk or gallon bottles of milk, you’ll want to make sure that there’s enough room for larger containers. Determine how the temp is controlled inside the fridge. Digital controls let you be precise about how cool your food is kept.

5. Get the 411
After you’ve picked out your fridge, ask the retailer about the final details. Is there a shipping charge? Have they ever heard any complaints about this refrigerator? Will they take away the old refrigerator? How much will that cost? How long is the warranty, and what kinds of repairs does it cover? How often do we have to change the water filter (if it comes with a water dispenser)? Where can we buy replacement parts? Is there any regular maintenance that we can do to keep the fridge working well? If we want to return the fridge, will we have to pay to have it picked up?