Explaining the Basics of Appliance Recycling

Why It Matters To You And The Planet

Imagine a world where every home, every neighborhood, and every city makes a conscious choice towards a greener, more sustainable future. A world where your old appliances, once destined for the scrapyard, find new life and purpose, reducing your energy bills, lessening the load on our aging power grids, and shielding our fragile environment from harm. This world isn't a distant dream; it's within reach, and the key to unlocking this greener reality lies in something you might have never considered - appliance recycling. In the pages ahead, we'll unravel the complexities of this vital practice and show you how, by recycling your appliances, you can become an eco-warrior, an economic champion, and a guardian of the planet. Welcome to the beginning of a journey towards a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

Unveiling Appliance Recycling: A Green Solution

Courtesy of Vlada Karpovich

Let's start by clarifying something: recycling, surprisingly, can mean a couple of different things when it comes to appliances. It might mean the resale or reusing of a unit, or it might mean the breaking down of the unit as far as possible and reselling the valuable scraps while everything else is sent on to a landfill. This second option is especially problematic, as it does not contain or safely dispose of the hazardous chemicals contained within the refrigerator. Our point here is that "recycling" can be a vague term that does not always line up with best environmental practices.

It is important to figure out how to recycle your appliances and how to do it safely, as the outcome is directly tied to your future health and that of everyone else. We all know that at this point.

The concept of reduce, reuse and recycle has probably been drilled into our collective consciousness for 30 plus years at this point - at least in the United States.

What most people don't know, though, is that recycling doesn't have to just be paying somebody else to take the appliance off your hands. In fact, there are several ways that recycling appliances can actually benefit you. By working with us through this four post series, we'll show you how you can benefit from recycling appliances, how the environment benefits, your partners you can look to in the process, and how to go about it.

Eco-Warriors Wanted: The Environmental Impact of Appliance Recycling

Now that we've told you why you want to be involved with recycling, let's take a look at the environmental impact of it.

The most obvious benefit of recycling household appliances is personal energy savings. The lower bill is nice, but especially nice is the knowledge that you're helping reduce overall usage in your area. 

Think of how often during the summer Texas has rolling brownouts because of the age of our electric grid. How often do you have to prioritize utilizing your washer versus running your air conditioner? Now think about if every household was able to switch over to modern, efficient, energy-saving appliances. Given that household appliances are among the biggest draws on the electric grid, you can see how beneficial this could be to Texas as a whole.

Now we won't say that industry, agriculture, entertainment venues or schools don't have their own impact on the grid. However, those things are much larger than our purview here at Appliance Rescue.

Recycling your major appliances allows for the recovery and reuse of materials. For every appliance that gets recycled and broken down, that's one less that has to be created from scratch. The energy isn't put into mining new materials from the Earth; the fuel isn't used for processing those materials. Instead, what has already been used can be reused, and the hard workers in our factories and appliance sections are still able to be paid.

Another benefit is that the recycling of these parts reduces the emission of harmful substances that negatively impact our ozone layer. 

In Texas, we are acutely aware of the heat every summer. You have days at a time where you're told "don't go outside if you can avoid it," because it is just that hot. We are more acutely aware of this than people in some of the farther north areas of the country. Part of the reason for the growing heat year-over-year is the impact we've already made on our ozone layer.

While we cannot go in-depth into all of the myriad things (both caused by humans and caused naturally by cycles within the Earth) that are affecting the ozone layer, we can say that the materials used within major appliances do affect it if allowed to just release into a landfill. If we could stop adding to that, we won't say that it's a miraculous cure for the heat - but it is one less step toward making it any hotter.

Another topic to consider is E-Waste. For the last decade or two, the concept of e-waste has started to filter into our understanding of recycling and issues with the environment.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Many of us wouldn't look at our appliances and think that they would be contributing to this problem. After all, e-waste is from things like cell phones, computers, tablets and gaming consoles - not your refrigerator or your oven, right?

Nope! As we shift towards smarter appliances, this means that your e-waste also includes your appliances. There are circuit boards within your stove. There are tablets built into your refrigerator. If you've got Wi-Fi connectivity, that requires its own set of bits and bobs built in, which means another layer to be conscious of when disposing of your appliances.

However, all of this e-waste contains valuable resources that can be reprocessed and reused. Metals, glass, plastics: all of these can be returned to a purified state and reused for making other materials, either for new appliances or for something else entirely.

Think back to science class as a kid. One day, if you were lucky, your teacher pulled out this beautiful silvery liquid to show the way that it could collect on surfaces, be manipulated, and then group back together easily at room temperature. And then, at the end of the display, you were told that although it looked like fun, it wasn't. It was definitely not something you could play with bare-handed because it would get into your skin, then into your bloodstream and from there into your brain.

Or maybe you remember learning about the story of Alice in Wonderland and the dark reasons why the Mad Hatter is mad in the first place.

Yes, we're talking about mercury. Mercury is in many older models of refrigerators; more of them than you might think. Unfortunately, when old refrigerators aren't recycled properly, that mercury does leech out of them and into the ground below. Then it works its way into the water, which then goes into the plants, on into animals... And while it does take time, just like microplastics, it eventually ends up in what you're eating. Even for all of our best attempts at eating organic, or fair trade, or vegan - without taking care of where materials are disposed of, it still circles back around. Everyone - elders from even the most isolated tribes all the way to scientists studying in their labs - will tell you on every level, everything is connected. Unfortunately, that means that if you feed the water table mercury, you will eventually be feeding it to yourself.

A final point to consider is that recycling major appliances or even minor ones as we'll cover in a later post, does not simply benefit you. It doesn't just benefit the planet. It also greatly impacts our economy in a positive way.

With the amount of trash that gets collected just in a single year, there is an amazing amount of job security. You need people to sort everything. You need people to handle the processing. You need people to handle extraction. All of these (and so many more) are necessary jobs that would not exist if not for recycling. More importantly, the industry can stand to grow further, given how little is actually being recycled as of right now.

By recycling your major appliances as a consumer, you are telling the industry as a whole that this is something that matters. You are saying that you want to ensure it continues, and that it is worth their time and resources to see it done more often or more thoroughly.

Not only do you support jobs when you recycle, you also support the creation of a circular economy. When things are broken, they have multiple options. Right now, you might look at it and see there are only two choices: take it to a landfill (and probably pay a fee), or call somebody like us and have it repaired.

But what about when it gets to the point that even our best technicians can't keep your appliances running any longer? It might not be that we don't know how to fix something, but instead that we don't have the materials or tools, or that the parts simply are not being made for this model any longer. At that point, a circular economy says, instead of sending this off to a landfill to become just another piece of garbage (taking up space and not having any use), the next step is to break it down. Take every single piece and material that we can out of this. Instead of having to purchase new, raw materials from a company that's going to rip them out of the Earth, we can reuse what we've already harvested. The circular economy is good for you the consumer, it's good for the economy of the United States, and it's good for the planet! Three wins in one.

Leading the Way: The Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program

If you've been paying attention, you might have noticed that at several points we touched on how few people or industries or companies recycle right now. We've also mentioned that recycling does not always mean the best environmental practices.That is where the Responsible Appliance Disposal, or RAD, program comes in.

They are a leader in responsible recycling practices. The RAD program was developed by the US environmental protection agencies partnership, launched in 2006 to protect our ozone, cut greenhouse gases and benefit communities like ours.

The RAD program recognizes partners all over the country who are committed to collecting and disposing of old appliances using the best practices. These partners are going well beyond what is currently required by federal law.

 They take on the responsibility to recover things like insolation foam out of  end-of-life appliances. They also collect the less efficient models of appliances from the secondary market. From here they work with recyclers to ensure that the materials are handled properly and broken down safely to comply with federal law. 

Together, we've uncovered the immense potential of appliance recycling and its profound impact on our world. As you embark on your journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle, remember that Appliance Rescue is here to support you every step of the way. When your faithful appliances are in need of care, trust our expert technicians to breathe new life into them, ensuring they serve you for years to come. Let's make recycling a part of our daily lives and embrace a future where both our planet and your appliances thrive. Join us in this eco-conscious mission, one repair at a time. 

You can reach out to us via our contact page or by giving us a call ((214) 599-0055). You can also connect with us on Facebook. 

Additional Resources For Things We’ve Mentioned Throughout :

Waste | Take Care of Texas

https://www.epa.gov/rad/responsible-appliance-disposal-rad-partners-affiliates-recyclers

Additional Reading: 

https://appliance-rescue-service.com/blog/appliance-disposal2023

4 Reasons You Should Not Get a Professional Range

(And 4 Reasons You Absolutely Should)

Have you ever watched the Food Network and thought, "I would love to own a range like that?" For many of the shows on air, 'that' is a professional range. These are larger-than-average oven and stove combinations meant to handle a lot of cooking. There are plenty of reasons that you should not get a professional range for your kitchen, and there are also plenty of reasons that you should. We're going to take a look at a few of each.

Your kitchen is too small. 

Courtesy of meekBASE

Let's face it; professional ranges are large. They're meant to be. They're intended for people who love to cook. If you're working with a galley kitchen or a older home where space is at a premium? A professional range will make the from more crammed, leaving you with even less storage space. The smallest professional range you can get is a 30 in. Which at that point, there's little difference between a professional range and a standard.

You want a ‘straightforward’ range with no fuss. 

If you’re not interested in the various bells, whistles and toys that can come with a professional range, that’s a fantastic reason not to get one!  If all you need is 4 burners and an oven to make the meals you enjoy, why go for something larger? 

You're working on a tight budget.

Although there are a range of options on the market, the starting price for most professional ranges is $10,000. When you consider just how much that can go towards in other areas of a kitchen upgrade or repairing your current range model, spending that amount is only sometimes worth it. If you're working on a tight budget, that amount of money might be better spent on other options.

You don't cook much, or you prefer baking.

If cooking isn't for you, or you prefer baking to cooking on a stovetop, you don't need a full professional range. In the case of the former, a 'basic' range is fantastic, especially when paired with things like multi-cookers and countertop ovens. On the other hand, if you prefer baking to working on a range rather than a balanced blend, a set of double ovens would get you more bang for your buck.

Some people, though, do want a professional range. If that's you, even after the reasons we just listed, let's take a look at some of the reasons you would want one. 

 If you want the space for a grill and griddle without using pans.

If you love grilling all year round, a professional range is for you. If you love making breakfast every morning and want an easier way to do it, such as having a griddle, a professional range might be for you. And if you want to add more of both to your life, all the better!

You love to cook and bake, and you need more space to do it.

If you love an equal balance of cooking and baking, but your current range isn't enough, then a professional grade is a great upgrade. Most professional ranges come with four to eight burners and one to two oven compartments. That is a whole lot of room to do a whole lot of cooking.

You're interested in all the bells and whistles a top-of-the-line range can offer.

Whether you're looking at Wolf, La Cornue, or Miele, or any of the other brands, professional ranges tend to come with all of the bells and whistles. Everything from Wi-Fi connectivity and digital displays to built-in sous vide Chambers and convection ovens.

You want something truly custom.

Photo Courtesy of La Cornue

While this is possible with other types of ranges, professional ranges tend to be even more customizable. From the color and trim to the placement of burners to being able to choose to swap out burners for induction sections, grills, or even wok burners. If you want a truly unique range meant precisely for how you work in the kitchen,  as of right now, a professional is a great way to get it.

What do you think? Are you sold on the idea of getting your own professional range? Let us know over on our Facebook page, as always. We love to hear from you and your thoughts on the matter. 

If you wound up here, though, because your current range is giving you fits, we can help. Whether you have a standard range, a wall oven with a built-in stove, or you already own a professional range, we service it. You can reach out to us via our contact page or by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055). We'll work with you to find a date and time that fits your schedule and send one of our expert technicians to solve the problem. At Appliance Rescue Service, our goal is to get your home running smoothly again.

Are Your Appliances Overheating Due To Problems? Or Is It Just The Weather?

What Causes Overheating in Appliances and How to Fix It When You Can 

 Even though we're heading into September, we all know that summer isn't done with Texas just yet.  As you go around your house you might notice that your refrigerator is too hot, or that your stove is hot in an area that shouldn't be.  We'll often blame the summer heat, but is that really the answer?  Sometimes, there's more to it than that and it takes a closer look to fix the issue, rather than setting it aside for another day. 

Some of these you'll be able to fix for yourself, some of them will require professional help. If you suspect that the problem is there, please don't hesitate to call a professional as the damage can be much larger than the appliance just being too warm. 

General Tips 

Before we dive into specifics, let's start with general issues that can lead to an appliance overheating, whether it's large or small.  

Yup, that's the first point. Every appliance in your home is at risk of overheating, although the reasons vary. Your dryer, your washer, your refrigerator and freezer, your stove, your oven, your microwave, your HVAC system, all of them can overheat. 

With that in mind though, there are warning signs that you can regularly look around for if you notice that the area around an appliance is warmer than is normal.  Some things to look for include, frayed cords, discolored outlets, broken outlets, cracked outlets, or smoke. 

If you do see any of these signs, turn it off, whatever it is, immediately and unplug it.  The problem can all too easily go deeper than the appliance itself. It might be that the electrical connection for the outlet is drawing too much power and is causing the appliance to overheat because of that excess. 

Courtesy of wikimedia commons

Is Your Refrigerator Overheating?

The harder the condenser works to keep the inside of the refrigerator cool, the more heat is released in the process. If your refrigerator is old or dirty or if your kitchen is enclosed, all of these can lead to the whole room heating up OR the refrigerator overheating.  

Clean the condenser coils 

Over time, the coils on your refrigerator gather dust. The coating of dust isn't just about your allergies or your kitchen looking nice. it's also about the health of your refrigerator.   Condenser coils rely on exposrue to the air both on hot and cold sides and the dust blanket prevents that access to air for the dispersion of heat. 

Check these three places

- The back of your refrigerator 

- Under a back panel inside of the fridge 

- Behind the bottom vent. 

If you can't get to it yourself, there's no shame in calling in a friend or a professional for some assistance. 

Clean or change the air filter (if it has one, not all of them do) 

Some refrigerators are built with an extra filter that sits between the coils and the rest of the kitchen. Keeping that filter clean improves the performance over time. An important note is that unlike your car or your HVAC unit, this isn't typically a mesh or fabric filter. Instead it'll be a metal screen that can be removed and cleaned in your sink using the sprayer. 

If the screen is damaged or the metal is corroded in some way, it needs to be replaced. 

Check the fan 

Your refrigerator also has fans that directs the air flow around and through your refrigerator. The fan draws air over the cold coils and directs the hot air out of the lower vent (that's why it's always warm there, even in winter>) Just like everywhere else though, it means that dust can accumulate. Find the fan and give it a close look. It might need to be cleaned, repaired or replaced. It's actually a good idea to regularly turn your refrigerator off and wipe down the fan, once a quarter or so. 

Is Your Freezer Overheating?

Much like your refrigerator, the outside of your freezer being warm sometimes is normal. Having it hot all the time, or to the point that you're scalding yourself, is not. 
Your freezer also has condenser coils and a fan just like your refrigerator that need to be checked and cleaned regularly. The difference here is that in order to clean either of these you'll need to turn off the freezer so that you can get access to them. The coils will most often be near the bottom front of the unit, and behind a base grill. You'll want to use a vacuum hose with a soft brush for cleaning them.

The fan on the other hand, is something that either works or it doesn't. If the fan isn't activating or isn't running when it is activated, it won't cool the coils, this in turn means that the refrigerant never cools off, and your freezer will get extremely hot to the touch. In that case, the fan needs to be replaced. 

A final thing that can cause issues is the sealant for your freezer. The rubber seal around the door of your freezer, no matter what style it is, is there to keep all of the cold air in. If the seal is cracked, damaged or removed, it won't seal properly, and your freezer starts working overtime to try and keep things cold. An easy way to check if the seal is an issue is to see if you have cold air leaking out of the doorframe. If that's there, you probably need to replace it. 

Is Your Stovetop Overheating?

It sounds silly to say that a stovetop can get too hot, but it's true. Although they're meant to reach fairly high temps, they shouldn't be hot enough to make your kitchen warmer.  Some of the reasons they might though are the following.

Placed Too Close to a Wall

If you have a stove that is placed directly against a wall, it will reflect that heat back at you, the stove and the rest of the room. 

Covered or Clogged Stove Vents

Your stove vents are meant to be one of the ways your stove cools off, but if the  the air vent has become clogged by debris, dust or food, your stove will continue growing hotter instead.  

To fix it, remove the filter from the range. That's going to be underneath the hood and shouldn't be difficult to remove. Then set the filter in your sink and hose it off with your sinker's hose.  If that doesn't remove everything, look for an all-purpose degreaser and follow the directions. 

Melted or Warped Burners 

As odd as it might sound, the burners on your stove, whether gas or electric, can become warped. They're designed to direct the heat of your stove, but if they've become damaged, they'll heat unevenly. Repeatedly using a burner even after this can cause patches and hotspots on your stove making it too warm. Sadly, this isn't one that can be fixed with a cloth and some good soap. Instead, you'll need to call in a professional if you suspect a warped or damaged burner. 

Damaged Oven Insulation

And a final one that can cause your stovetop to overheat is if the oven's insulation is damaged or breaking down. As odd as that might sound, its true. The insulation for your oven keeps the internal temperature of your oven consistent and keeps the heat from escaping into the rest of the room.

If your oven's insulation is breaking down, you need to call a professional in to replace it or get a new oven. Continuing to work with damaged insulation means that insulation can get into your food, into your lungs, or if you're unlucky, catch fire.   

There might be hope other than the the insulation though. If it's the seal to the door of your oven that's busted, and not the internal insulation, that could be what's venting the hot air up towards your stove and causing the confusion. That is a much easier fix, and can be done by someone handy or by calling in a repair tech. 

Ovens can Overheat too

Just like your stove, it sounds odd to think that your oven might get too hot. But as we've mentioned when it comes to the self-clean feature of older models if your oven gets too hot, it can become toast. 

Some ways to check if your oven is overheating is to compare the internal temperature to the temperature you set it to using a digital thermometer.  You can also take a look at the heating elements and the heat sensor. And you can make sure the the oven fans are working properly.  

Unfortunately, other than unplugging your oven and making sure that everything is properly cleaned (not utilizing the self-clean button...) there's not much you can do at home. if your oven is overheating, that's a definite time to call in a professional. 

Is Your Dryer Overheating?

Your dryer is much the same as your oven, whether it's gas or electric, it can cause serious problems if it's overheating. On a scale from bad to worse, you could cause damage to your clothes, you could cause damage to the dryer, or it might flat out catch fire. So, it's not one to fool around with. If you notice any of the following, please unplug your dryer and call a professional. 

Shutting down

Many dryers today have a built-in safety, if they get too hot, they automatically shut off. Unfortunately, it doesn't always trigger and it's not a guarantee to prevent a fire. 

Error Codes

If you're getting an error code of E3 or HE it can indicate overheating, but you'll need to check your manual or the manufacturer's website to be certain. 

Burning Oder

If something smells like it's burning, it is probable that the dryer is overheating, and your lint might also have caught fire. Don't ignore that one. Check the drum and air vent for smoke and empty out the lint trap even if you don't see any. It's better safe than sorry. 

Tips for Keeping Your Appliances From Overheating

Not all of these are going to work all of the time. Appliances break, parts wear down, vents or fans are clogged, and you might not notice it. BUT there are still steps you can take to lengthen the life of your appliances and help them to keep cool. 

Keep it clean 

Give it a rest

Check out the condenser

Your refrigerator, your freezer, and your dryer all can have condensers in them, so keep an eye on them especially during the summer months. 

Don't overload your outlets

Call for repair if you have frayed cords 

As you've seen by now, there's nothing wrong with the outside of an appliance like your refrigerator or freezer being warm, even on a cold day. And it's perfectly normal to worry about it, even when you know it's normal. The best thing you can do is to let that worry guide you in keeping a cleaning schedule for your appliances, as well as a regular maintenance visit. Doing these two things you're more likely to spot minor issues before they become major problems.

As we said at the top, please be cautious and don't underestimate the danger that some of these present. If you see something or smell something, investigate as that can be the difference between needing to call a repair technician or needing to call the fire department. 

Have you had issues with your appliances overheating? Have you seen causes that we missed out on? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page. As always we love to hear from you. 

If it turns out that your freezer is more than you can fix, or your dryer is shutting off on it's own, give us a call at ((214) 599-0055). Or you can reach out to us via our contact page. We'll work with you to not only set up an appointment time that works for you but also to get your home running smoothly again. At Appliance Rescue Service we're here for you. 

Courtesy of Ben Schumin

Easy Ways To Hide Your Appliances

Do you ever get tired of your appliances or appliances in general? What about other necessary fixtures around your house? The way they look, or the fact that they never seem to change? We know we do, and we know that some of our clients do as well. This week we’re taking a look at different ways you can change the look of your appliances and how they fit into your kitchen. 

There are three different ways so far that we’ve found to change your appliances.

Exchange It

The first method is the most straight forward. You can get rid of the appliances you have and exchange them for alternate models that will fit with what you already have. This might involve buying specially built appliances. However, you won’t have to worry about messing up the decor you’ve spent time building your dream kitchen. So while not the most cost-effective, this one can be the easiest. 

• Some companies offer refrigerated drawers rather than a full fridge, which is what is going on here. It looks fantastic, and you can keep everything close to hand. We think it would work best if you have a larger kitchen, though, or perhaps a hanging rack for your pots and pans? 

• This one is definitely custom. Not only are you working with what you already have around you, but you’re building a shelf that will pop out only when you need it. It can also still be used for storing baked goods.  

• What are the panels under your sink for? Can anyone honestly think of a reason, other than decoration? These tiny drawers solve that issue by giving you somewhere to store your sponges that are easy to clean and hide away when you’re done. 

• We cannot tell you the number of times we’ve smacked our elbows on the knife block, or a hand or a plate. You get the picture. By creating a small sliding drawer at the end of your countertop, you add more storage space to your counter, and you don’t have to worry about smacking the knife block.

Work Around It

The second method is to have custom cabinetry (or something similar) that is built around the appliance. Depending on how handy you are with tools, you can either do this yourself or have someone else build them for you. These aim to blend the appliance into what you already have, making it, so they don’t stand out. Again, cost is a factor, though, because you’re working to build around or with what you have.

• Do routers count as appliances? We’re not sure given how everything is connected to the internet these days, but we can all agree that they are undoubtedly ugly. Why should you have to look at them then? Cover them up by making them look like something else, like this row of books, for example. 

• Bamboo screens are one option; you can also use other types of screens, such as fully wooden ones or fabric ones to hide things, such as washers, dryers, radiators, etc.

• This company will create a drop-down section within your counter where the appliances hide until they’re needed. Definitely a custom piece. 

• Built-in refrigerator that perfectly matches the surrounding cabinetry. If you look closely, you can see how it’s been affixed to the refrigerator doors without having to alter the fridge itself in any fashion. 

• This one is a little bit of using what you already have and a bit of custom cabinetry to leave your kitchen clutter-free when you aren’t using them. 

• This refrigerator has been cleverly disguised to look like an icebox. This one definitely can be done, but it’s going to take a bit of ingenuity to make it work. 

• All three of these are the same basic concept. Taking a cabinet you already have and adding something to it so that it serves the purpose of keeping your appliances out of the way, while still easily accessible. Each one is slightly different, but that goes to show how versatile this idea can be. 

• Adorable tiny custom box for your mixer? Check. 

• Can we all agree that breaker boxes are atrocious? What are you supposed to do if it’s inside your home in a critical room, though? Or if you’re looking to refurbish your garage into a new room?  Build a custom box around it and make it not stand out. 

• Continuing on with creating custom cabinets, why not hide your cat’s litter box? Give them somewhere quiet to go to the bathroom, as well as keeping you from having to smell it all the time.

• Other than the stove, do you see any appliances in this shot? This is all custom cabinetry built around the fridge, dishwasher, and any others that the owner has. Even the oven appears to have been covered over. 

Cover It

The third method is for those of us who aren’t /quite/ in love with our kitchen or need a change of pace. Maybe you’re like me, and committing to just one way of looking isn’t your thing? Or you want to test out a change before you make it more permanent? Try some of these alterations and see how they work for you! 

• While this one isn’t exactly changing the outside appearance of what you have, it is hiding it away within what you already have, i.e., one of your cabinets. Having a trash can that stays out of the way? Provided it’s on heavy-duty rollers, yes, please. 

• This is the perfect way to update your home, whether you own it or rent. This particular version is moisture and steam resistant, too, which means it’s excellent for your kitchen or bathroom. 

• This one doesn’t just have to be done with doorknobs or faucets. You could also do this with the hardware for cabinets, or the handles on your appliances. 

• Granite paint kits are fantastic. However, they can also be easily damaged if you don’t seal them right or choose the wrong one. Make sure that you do your research beforehand so that your hard work will last for years to come. 

• This kitchen is an excellent example of creating a panel that sticks to the front of an appliance, in this case, the dishwasher, as well as reusing a space to make something new. 

• Both of these continue on the trend of creating a panel that covers the appliance to blend in, without needing a custom cabinet around it. 

• All of these are using different materials to go and give your appliances a makeover. Whether it’s electrical tape, paint or cling film, you can get all sorts of ideas by looking on the internet. 

• When it’s not in use, why have your tv just sitting there? Why not hide it and have a beautiful piece of artwork instead? 

• Cords are a fact of life with electronics. But who says they have to be ugly? You can use cord wraps like these, or get inventive and use painters tape to create your own designs. 

• Plain doors are the worst in this blogger’s opinion. They need depth! Fortunately, it’s surprisingly easy to do that with just a bit of paint and masking tape. 

Thanks for joining us this week!  If you have other ways to disguise an appliance or update their look, let us know in the comments below or over at our Facebook page. 

Tovala Smart Oven: The Strangest Oven We've Ever Seen

Working with appliances and having a wide customer base,  we see all sorts of things. We often get calls to work on appliances we might never have heard of before. Some of them are nifty, such as a Northstar Keg Fridge, or a 3 in 1 Breakfast Master. Others have been downright strange.  The Tovala Smart Oven trends towards the ‘strange’ as far as we’re concerned. One of our team members brought the Tovala to our attention and we knew we had to take a look at it. 

Tovala started off as a meal delivery service. They would send you meals, you would scan them using the scanner on their oven and you would get perfectly cooked meals. Perfect! No more guessing and hoping that your settings were the same as the ones that the company used to develop the food. Then with their latest version of the oven, they have made it so that you can scan  ‘hundreds of brand name grocery products—like Eggo® Waffles and Pop-Tarts®!’ At least in theory, this can save you a lot of time. Much like with their own meals, they are taking the guesswork out of things so that you can focus on what you want to get done. Their app will even tell you when your meal is done cooking. If you’re a bit old-school though and prefer not to use the scanner, you can still use the Tovala toaster oven. It has more traditional functions such as baking, reheating, and steaming. 

It sounds like a nifty idea! Hundreds of products and all you have to do is scan them to get them cooked to perfection. But, who’s idea of perfection is it? When it comes to food, the ‘perfect’ amount of cooking is up for debate. Just look at the way some people take their steaks after all. 

Now, that is everything that Tovala claims your toaster oven will do. What they don’t talk about is what they’re going to do with your information. Many ‘smart’ devices including smart assistants such as Google and Alexa don’t tell you what they do with your data. You have to go hunting in several different places in order to find out.  Our question then is does Tovala keep your information for when you cooked that chicken at  2 am? What about when you had a rough day and stress baked seven batches of cookies? Even after looking over their page, Tovala isn’t clear about this. 

Their website only says that you have to use their app to connect the oven to your wifi or use any of the advanced features of the oven.  If you want to cook something from their hundreds of recipes? They know about it. If you want to scan in your box of Pop-Tarts, or one of their premade meals, they know it. Companies such as Google have been brought to the court of public opinion on the fact that they use your data to select ads for you. Many people aren’t happy about that. How would you feel about having more ads in your Tovala app for particular foods or suggestions for certain medications based on the foods that you’re eating? The possibilities are there, and sadly, Tovala isn’t telling us what they’re doing. 

A second issue is the matter of hooking the oven into your WiFi. As you may remember from our post about the Samsung smart fridges, hooking appliances up to your WiFi can be a security risk.  If Tovala chooses to stop updating the features and security measures on their ovens, it can be an opening into your home or office’s network.  

What you probably shouldn’t use it for :

Some of the things you probably shouldn’t be using a Tovala for, based on what it is: 

Cooking a large chicken or other piece of meat. - You can only get so large before different areas are cooking at different speeds.

Trying to cook a cheesecake. - This is just personal preference, but the fact that the Tovala is capable of ‘steaming’ foods leaves me a little leary. I’ll use it for fish after an experiment or two, but I’m not putting my cheesecakes in there. 

Melting plastics- There are all sorts of crafts that you can do using a toaster oven. Given the various features of this one, and that once it’s been used for plastics, you shouldn’t use it for foods again, I wouldn’t do this. 

Thank you for joining us this week! If you’re having issues with a major appliance, let us know, we’d be happy to help you get it back into shape. If on the other hand, you have a strange appliance that you want us to take a look at, post it in the comments below or over at our Facebook page. We love the chance to hear what you’re thinking about and the strange appliances you’ve encountered.