Chapter 9Chapter 9Choosing Kitchen Choosing Kitchen

AppliancesAppliances

Part 2Part 2The Management of The Management of

FoodFood

ObjectiveObjective

• Evaluate safety seals, warranties, and energy labeling to help you make purchase decisions when buying kitchen appliances.

courtesy of Maytag Appliances

Safety SealsSafety Seals

Look for safety seals on appliances, which indicate the appliances have passed safety tests performed by an independent agency and meet industry standards.

WarrantiesWarranties• A warranty is a seller’s promise that a

product will be free of defects and will perform as specified.

• A full warranty provides for free repair or replacement of a faulty product.

• A limited warranty includes conditions for service, repair, or replacement.

Why should the conditions of a warranty be one of the factors you consider when purchasing an appliance?

Energy LabelingEnergy Labeling• EnergyGuide labels

are required on many major appliances to show an estimate of yearly energy use.

• ENERGY STAR labels may appear on appliances that exceed federal minimum energy standards.

Apply It!Apply It!

A reputable dealer has an off-brand range with no safety seal. It comes with a two-year limited warranty. An unfamiliar store offers a brand-name range with a safety seal and a one-year full warranty at the same price. The EnergyGuide label shows a higher estimated energy use than the first range. Use this safety seal, warranty, and energy labeling

information to decide which range to buy.

ObjectiveObjective

• Describe styles and features of major kitchen appliances.

Range StylesRange StylesFreestanding

– has finished sides– may be placed at end of counter– may have a second oven above

the cooktopSlide-in

– fits between cabinets– sits on floor– has oven below rangetop

Drop-in– fits between cabinets– sits on cabinet base– has oven below rangetop GE Appliances

Range FeaturesRange Features• Specialized cooking units

allow for grill, rotisserie, and thermostatic cooking.

• Super-hot oven offers conventional browning in microwave cooking times.

• Downdraft vent removes steam and cooking fumes without an overhead hood.

• Self-cleaning or continuous cleaning oven simplifies cleaning tasks.

GE Appliances

Microwave Oven StylesMicrowave Oven StylesCountertop

– offers the most features– may be mounted under

cabinetsOver-the-range

– may have a light and exhaust vent underneath oven

– may be the top oven on a two-oven range

GE Appliances

Microwave Oven FeaturesMicrowave Oven Features• Turntable revolves food

during cooking period.• Automatic settings

determine cooking times and power settings for the food being cooked.

• Add time allows you to add 30 or 60 seconds with one touch.

• Child lock prevents children from operating the microwave oven. Sharp Electronics

Refrigerator StylesRefrigerator StylesRefrigerator styles, which are based on freezer placement, include

• top-mount• side-by-side• bottom-mount• single-door

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these styles?

GE Appliances

Refrigerator FeaturesRefrigerator Features

• Automatic ice maker eliminates need to refill ice trays.

• Ice and water dispenser reduces need to open the door.

• Pullout shelves provide easy access to foods.

• Temperature-controlled compartments keep different foods at optimal temperatures.

GE Appliances

Freezer Styles and FeaturesFreezer Styles and FeaturesStyles• Chest allows for easy storage of large, bulky

packages.• Upright is easy to organize and has in-door storage

but is more costly to operate.Features• Lock prevents children and pets from becoming

trapped in freezer.• Safety alarm or light indicates when temperature

has become too high or freezer is not working.

Dishwasher StylesDishwasher StylesBuilt-in– fits between two cabinets– loads from front– is permanently connected to a

drainpipe, hot water line, and electrical circuit

Portable– rolls to sink for use– may load from top– connects to sink faucet with a

hose and drains into sinkGE Appliances

Dishwasher FeaturesDishwasher Features• Adjustable racks hold dishes of

all sizes.• Delay-start allows you to run

dishwasher when most convenient.

• Hard food disposal eliminates need for rinsing.

• Water-heat booster and no-heat drying save energy.

• Timer shows how much time is left in wash cycle.

• Sound insulation provides quieter operation.

GE Appliances

ObjectiveObjective

• List points to consider when purchasing portable kitchen appliances.

Toasters and MixersToasters and MixersToaster

– Desired slice capacity– Wide openings– Standard toaster or toaster oven?

Mixer– Stand or hand model?– Strong motor

How might the size of your family affect your choice of these appliances?

Hamilton Beach

Blenders and Food ProcessorsBlenders and Food ProcessorsBlender

– Removable glass or plastic container with a wide opening, handle, pouring spout, and measurement markings

– Self-sealing vinyl coverFood processor

– Safety interlock switch– Dishwasher-safe parts– Food pusher that adapts to small

foodsHamilton Beach

Coffeemakers and Can Coffeemakers and Can OpenersOpenersCoffeemaker

– Percolator or automatic drip?– Timer

Can opener– Adjustability for different can

heights– Removable cutting assembly

for easy cleaning– Knife sharpener, if desired

Hamilton Beach

Skillets, Slow Cookers, and Skillets, Slow Cookers, and Bread MachinesBread MachinesSkillet

– High dome, vented cover– Heat indicator light– Desired cooking surface

Slow cooker– Desired heat settings– Removable cooking vessel with

nonstick surfaceBread machine

– Manual setting– Timer– Desired loaf size Hamilton Beach

Key QuestionKey Question

How will information about choosing kitchen appliances help you in the future?

Other Questions to ConsiderOther Questions to Consider

• What should I consider when deciding whether to buy a service contract for a new appliance?

• What are the latest trends in major and portable kitchen appliances?

• What other types of kitchen appliances might I find useful?