What Separates the Best and The Worst Refrigerators

How Big Is the Gap in Ratings?

If you’re like many Americans looking for a new French Door refrigerator, you’re probably spending time looking at reviews. Which means you’ve probably seen Consumer Reports, and their ratings across many models of refrigerators. They are an impartial third party with a long history of looking out for the consumer rather than the companies. We wanted to check out what made the best and the worst, as rated by CR, so different. 

Consumer Reports separates their refrigerators first by the style and then by the size. We went for the most popular model among our clients, French Door refrigerators, and chose the 34” and wider selection.  

As of writing this, the most well rated refrigerator is the LG LRFXC2406S with 84 points total. The current worst, as rated by Consumer Reports, is the Whirlpool WRF550CDHZ with only 37 points. 

Consumer Reports tests the models on a variety of things, as well as comparing which features they do and don’t have. 

Features 

So let’s start with the features each has before digging into the testing.

Whirlpool also offers a counter depth  design, again, with the goal of making it look like a built-in model. 

 Adjustable Gallon Door Bins -  meaning you can move the trays around on your door. There when you need it, gone when you don’t. 

Temperature Controlled Full Width Drawer -  for storing meats, cheeses and other items  that you need on a regular basis. 

Two Tier Freezer - To organize frozen favorites with two-tier freezer storage, including two sliding bins.

Spill Proof Shelves -  Designed to contain liquids to a shelf and keep them from dripping down. 

Claimed Useable Capacity 19.7 Cu Ft 

Actual Useable Capacity 11.6 Cu Ft 

LG’s fridge comes with a CoolGuard™ - a metal back plate in the interior of the fridge, not only to offer a premium look, but also to ‘maintain cool air’. 

It’s sized for counter depth, so that it aligns with countertops and cabinets to give your kitchen a built in look, while avoiding the higher price tag. 

Tall Ice & Water Dispenser® with Measured Fill - We love this one. Finally an ice and water dispenser that will give you exactly the amount you ask for, and no more having to fit your water bottle at weird angles or use a second cup to fill it. 

Dual Ice Makers - LG offers the ice maker on the door, as well as a second one in the lower freezer compartment. Goodbye running out in summer! 

Slim SpacePlus® Ice System - The ice maker on the door has a slimmer profile, allowing for you to fit more food in your fridge, without giving up your ice maker. 

Claimed Useable Capacity 23.5 Cu Ft 

Actual Useable Capacity 15.7 Cu Ft 

Testing… Testing… One...Two...Three...

So, those are the facts. What they offer, and how they compare to one another in the features department.   Let’s switch over to how Consumer Reports rated them, and what they were rated on.

Thermostat Control :  Here CR is testing the refrigerators on their ability to: 

• Reach the desired set temps that the manufacturer suggests.

• Achieve the optimum temperatures for both the refrigerator and the freezer simultaneously.

• Keep those temperatures consistent, even when the room the refrigerator is in has large changes in its temperature. (So summer and winter in Texas for example.) 

LG scored a 5/5  Whirlpool scored a 5/5 

Temperature Uniformity: CR tests the models on how well they keep the temps even throughout the entirety of the fridge and freezer sections. 

LG scored a 5/5  Whirlpool scored a 4/5  

Energy Efficiency : CR tests the refrigerators on electrical consumption per useable cubic foot. So even if the two models were the exact same size, the one with the greater storage capacity is going to be more efficient. Which fully explains why the scores weighed out as they did. (Check out our earlier article about energy efficiency here.) 

LG scored 3/5   Whirlpool scored a 1/5  (ouch!) 

We’d also like to point out that the LG earned an Energy Star rating while the Whirlpool did not. 

Noise : CR measures noise based on two different times as well as in two different ways. It measures noise for a refrigerator based both on when the compressor starts up and during steady running. They also use a noise-meter alongside the more subjective responses of a panel of listeners. 

LG scored 5/5  Whirlpool scored a 2/5  

Ease Of Use: The last thing that CR rates the refrigerators on is ease of use. How accessible are they, how useful are the features and layout of the refrigerator and how well do the controls work.

LG scored a 5/5  Whirlpool scored a 3/5 

Let’s finish up looking at the price. The LG is priced at $3400 while the Whirlpool is $3195. Based on the prices alone, you might think that the Whirlpool is the better price. Given the issues that we’ve outlined though, we’re thinking that LG has every reason to command the higher price. 

How Does It Shake Out? 

Looking over the numbers, we have to say that the biggest difference between the two came at the Noise and Energy Efficiency settings. To us, that makes perfect sense then that the Whirlpool ranked so low. It’s also a good indicator of how seriously these things are taken when it comes to ranking different refrigerators on Consumer Reports. 

We do want to point out that this doesn’t mean that Whirlpool is a bad brand, or that all of their refrigerator models, or appliances rank this poorly. We took what Consumer Reports had tested and wanted to give you a look at what made those reports worth looking into if you’re purchasing new. On the flip side, this doesn’t mean that LG is always going to be the best bet. It’s that these models, as the market stands now represent the best and the worst of 34” French Door Refrigerators. 

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to reach out to use here in the comments or over on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you. 

If you have any issues with your refrigerator (whether it’s an LG, Whirlpool, Bosch, Dacor or any other brand) we’re here to help. Keeping your appliances running in tip top shape is our number one goal. Reach out to us via phone ((214) 599-0055) or through our website. 

It’s Back Again, The Self-Cleaning Oven

This time, it’s got a partner in crime! 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we're already swamped from the nightmare that is 2020. There's meals to plan, family to either pick up or travel to and somehow you're supposed to clean the house too? We're right there with you. One thing we can say though, no matter how tempting, don't use the 'self-clean' function on your oven. 

Let's start off by looking at how it works. Technically speaking, a self-cleaning oven is a misnomer. It's not actually cleaning itself. Instead it super heats the bits of leftover food and whatnot inside of your oven to make it easier to remove. It's not even meant to replace a cleaning routine.

When we're talking about a self-cleaning mode we are discussing two different possibilities. You have your high heat models and then you have steam models. 

Light It Up! 

A high heat model starts by locking the oven door. This is important because the next step is to raise the internal temperature between 900 to 1,000° F. The cycle lasts between 2 and 6 hours. The door unlocks only after the oven has cooled completely. So why do people choose this method? Most people think that the high heat model is going to reduce the food and any other debris like tinfoil down to ash. It actually doesn't. It might end up blackening the waste, and it does help with removing it from the walls of the oven where it can get caked on, but it doesn't reduce it down to ash. 

It's Getting Steamy In Here 

The steam-based cycle on the other hand requires putting approximately one cup of distilled water into the bottom of your oven. Typically there's a special reservoir. The door stays unlocked for the entire cycle because the temperature is only being raised to 250° F.  The grime is softened and loosened by the steam, allowing you to wipe it out much more easily. This cycle lasts between 30 minutes to an hour.

The Downsides 

Fumes 

During their cleaning cycle both types of ovens emit foul smells, burning odors, fume and can even release potentially harmful byproducts such as carbon monoxide. The North Texas Poison Center even suggests that you leave your house while you have the high heat models running because they can produce a volume of fumes that is toxic. According to them "  Although Teflon ...  when it is heated to 600 degrees F, breathing the fumes can cause chills, fever, profuse sweating, cough, flu-like symptoms and chest tightness." 

Costs Add Up Quick! 

Another downside to the high heat model is that the excessive heat built up within the oven can short out fuses or burn out your heating elements. Yes we can replace them for you, or if you're handy with appliances and electronics, you can purchase the parts and do it on your own. The problem is that those pieces add up quickly. Not to mention when you're wanting to host Thanksgiving dinner in the same week, if not the next day as one patron recounted, there's not enough time to get it fixed before your oven. 

How Much Does It Use? 

One final issue with these two options, to us at least, is that the high heat version, which is what the majority of our customers have, will cost you the equivalent amount of entire months worth of oven usage. For just one cycle of self-cleaning it typically takes 8 kW hours. The steam clean option is slightly better with only taking three kilowatt hours worth of power. But that still roughly 1/3 of your monthly usage.

Instead what we suggest is doing the process by hand. Cleaning your oven yourself, or having someone clean it for you won't damage any of the internal components or burnout your heating element. All you need is white vinegar, baking soda, and water. Make sure that you avoid anything abrasive though, as they can damage the coating of your oven, causing chips and scratches. Those chips and scratches can then make it far more likely that they will get in your food, or through your exhaust fan, out into the air you're breathing. 

If you're wanting to avoid all that, here's how to clean your oven. 

-Start by removing the racks. They might need to be cleaned too, but for the time being you can put them into the kitchen sink, or your bathtub. (We advise putting down an old towel to prevent it from scratching the finish.) 

-From there, grab a rag, wet it down and wipe down all of the surfaces of the oven. Pay attention to where the built up crud is and take note. 

-Grab a mixing cup and some baking soda. Pour one half cup of baking soda into the cup and add water a few drops at a time. Keep going until you have a thick paste. 

-Take the paste and apply it thickly over every surface in the oven. You want a solid coat, without any of the enamel underneath showing through. Let that sit overnight. 

-Once the requisite six to eight hours have passed, lay out a mat or some newspapers under your oven door and grab a sponge. Moisten the sponge slightly and wipe out as much of the baking soda as you can. You're going to have to rinse out the sponge several times, as you keep wiping until no more paste is in the oven. If your oven still seems dirty, go ahead and repeat the process, being sure to let it sit overnight again. 

We hope we've answered some of your questions about self-cleaning ovens! If you have questions, comments or concerns, please let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook. If your oven, or any of your other major appliances, are giving you trouble, feel free to call or come over to our website to book an appointment. We want to help keep your home running smoothly! 

Three Top Ovens For 2020

KitchenAid / Maytag / Samsung Convection Ovens Compared 

Prices / Features / How Well Do They Stack Up?

As fall is here many of us are thinking of cooking and baking and creating memories with our loved ones. The commonality with these things is your oven. Some of us have a fantastic relationship with our oven. Some of us don't. This week we are looking at the top three electric wall ovens for those of you who are looking to start a new relationship. Will be taking a look at KitchenAid, Maytag, and Samsung. All three are convection ovens. If you want to brush up on what that means you can check out our post here.

Along with the price and features for each oven we also had a set of parameters that they were rated on. The expected reliability or how often are you going to be calling your favorite repair people to come and fix something. Baking because you need to know how well it can handle Grandma's favorite cookies.  Broiling, how well does it handle cooking burgers, roasts and the like.  And how much does the company say it can hold versus how much it actually can, also known as oven capacity. We rated these on a system of five stars, based on how well they handle the various tests. 

KitchenAid KOSE500ESS 

The kitchen aid oven Is our first contender. It's called the Even Heat True Convection oven and offers up consistent heating for even cooking. 

• With a bow tie design for the convection element to ensure "no more burnt edges or undercooked center" . 

• The KitchenAid has a 5 cubic foot capacity. 

• It offers satin glide rollout extension rack and a system that KitchenAid claims takes the guest work out of convection cooking. 

• It also comes with a temperature probe to allow the accurate measurement of internal temperatures without having to open the oven. Personally we like that option. You don't have to risk ruining something just in order to check the temperature. 

• It also offers flexible design elements to allow it to match the height of your existing cabinets. 

The KitchenAid scored only a three for predicted reliability. Unfortunately KitchenAid does have a history of numerous issues. It makes up for it in the other three categories however. In baking, when testing both cakes and cookies on two different racks, it rated four out of five. They weren’t perfect, but very close. Broiling we had to give it a five. When broiling on high heat the KitchenAid did amazingly. Oven capacity also scored a five. You’re getting exactly what they say you are which for a price of $,2499, that’s not a bad thing.

Maytag MEW9530FZ

Our second contender is the Maytag. 

• It is 30 in wide and 5 cubic feet, the same as the KitchenAid. 

• It offers true convection with a single fan and a third element.

• It also offers the FIT system to ensure that it matches the height of your counters. 

• A key feature for this oven is the precision cooking. This combines precise preheat, precise bake, and precise broil. 

• It has a heavy duty rollout rack to ensure long lasting easy to use oven racks. 

• It also has a variable setting for broiling.

While the Maytag doesn’t have as many features as the other two on our list, what it does offer, it does well. It’s priced at $1730, which is less than either of the other two. It landed solidly at a four in predicted reliability, baking, and broiling, with a five for oven capacity. This model of the Maytag is a fantastic purchase if you are looking for a solid new oven that won’t break the bank. 

Samsung NV51K777OSG

Our final contender is the Samsung. Unlike our previous opinions on the Samsung refrigerators your blogger is very enamored with this oven. 

• The Samsung is 5.1 cubic feet in comparison to the previous two ovens. It might not seem like much but who knows that extra bit could be exactly what you need if you do a lot of cooking of poultry or large meats. We don't judge. 

• The Samsung offers a Flex Duo system. This enables you to cook two different dishes at two different temperatures at the same time. They manage this with a removal divider and dual temperature controls. 

• They also unlike the others offer a steam cook option with a compartment for water and a system to evenly disperse it. 

• It comes with two convection fans. 

• The knobs are illuminated when the oven is on which means no more asking “Is it on did I preheat the oven or do I just think I did.” 

• It does come with a companion asked and Wi-Fi connectivity which you know we're not too keen on. However the companion app does allow you to preheat the oven from anywhere, turn it off if you're not at home, or check and adjust the temperature if you're doing something else. 

• The one point of similarity to the other ovens is that it offers a heavy duty gliding rack which allows you to pull it out to almost full extension while it has something still on it.

•  And last but not least it has pre-programmed a recipe guide to help you and learning to use your convection oven to its fullest extent. 

Rounding out our list, the Samsung is… a little weird when it comes to our ratings. It got three fours and one five, but it didn’t end up with the same spread as the Maytag before it. Instead, the fours are for predicted reliability, baking and the oven capacity of all things. The five is actually for how well the Samsung handles broiling. So, although the features list it as 5.1 cubic feet, we didn’t agree. If you can overlook that bit of fudgery, we think the Samsung is well worth its price of $2790. 

So if you're looking to get a new oven which one appeals the most to you? We'd love to get your thoughts over on our Facebook page. In the event that your current oven or one of your other major appliances is giving you trouble feel free to reach out. We'll help you figure out what's wrong and how to fix it. We're always here whether you want to make an appointment via phone or our website, if you need some maintenance tips or to figure out why your oven won't turn on. 

Fire Dangers : What Are You Looking For?

Electrical Fires and How You Can Work To Prevent Them

Did you know that electrical fires are one of the top causes of the over 24,000 fires reported every year? October is Fire Safety and Awareness Month and we at Appliance Rescue Services wanted to do our part to keep you and your families safe. We'll dig in by talking about what are some of the most common causes, how to prevent them, and gear you should have in your home.

Fires: The Facts

Out of the 24,000 plus fires every year, Texas is one of the three leading the nation in fire deaths according to the US Fire Administration. The other two are California and New York. We will point out that these are fires caused from within the home rather than outside sources such as wildfires. Appliances are the number four cause of electrical fires within the home. 

Some of the top causes for electrical fires are wiring, overheating, and improper use of power cords. 

The wiring is the one that is the most clear cut. If cords are frayed,, exposed, or otherwise damaged the possibility of sparking and causing fires is a logical possibility. Some examples are inside of an appliance such as your oven or your dryer,or inside of an outlet that hasn't been properly grounded. 

When it comes to our homes, every year we add more electrical items. Naturally they require more power but we don't always have the number of outlets that we need for our new toys. So instead we might hook extension cord into extension cord and overheat the wiring by drawing too much power through it all. That can cause the internal wires to melt and allow the outer casing to deteriorate which can then cause fires.

Fires: Prevention

So how do you go about preventing these? For the first one, going over cables regularly is a good idea. You should also have your appliances checked out, in addition to the outlets that they hook into. 

It's also a good idea to clean out your dryer every 6 months to get rid of all the built-up lint. (Note that we're not talking about the lint-catch there. We're talking about the outtake duct. Your lint-catch should be cleaned out after every load.) 

Another thing to keep an eye on is if lights start to flicker. This could mean that the wiring from the switch to the light is damaged in some way. If your outlets have an odd smell when running you might look into how they're doing.  As for not having enough outlets; we suggest either having an electrician install new ones or carefully moving items around the room to make best use of the outlets you do have. Hooking extension cord into extension cord is never a good idea. 

Fires: The Gear

Now that we've covered the scary stuff, and the boring stuff, let's get into how to deal with fires. 

In this case the old adage a good offense is the best defense holds true. Your best bet when it comes to fires is to have tools and systems in place well before a fire ever breaks out.

When it comes to a fire it's not just the smoke and heat that are an issue but also carbon monoxide.

Installing dual sensors for both carbon monoxide and smoke is a first and basic step. You should test the batteries monthly and replace them yearly to ensure they stay in working order. The great thing about modern dual sensors is that many of them will be part of a system that you can have send information either to your local fire department or to your home monitor system.

You should also consider a home fire sprinkler system spread throughout your house. 

They can extinguish a fire if it's a small one . They can prevent it from spreading to other areas of the home. And most importantly they can decrease the chance that smoke and deadly gases will reach your family. 

If you're like many of our clients in the Frisco and McKinney areas then you probably have a two-story home. Every bedroom should be equipped with a fire escape ladder. This way in the event of a fire on the first floor you still have a way to get out. The good news is that these are collapsible and easily put away.

Having a fire blanket or two such as in your kitchen or in your garage is a good idea. These are useful for minor fires such as in the kitchen. they can also be wrapped around someone if their clothes have caught on fire.

Fire extinguishers are also something to have scattered throughout your home. You can get training from either your local fire department or a manufacturer. They'll walk you through both the PASS system as well as a few tips for before you use one.

P- pull the pin

A- aim at the base of the fire

S -squeeze the handle slowly and evenly

S- sweep from side to side

Some basic tips:

  Ensure that it's properly charged. This should be something you check once a month along with testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Make sure that your back is to an exit before using, you want to make sure that you can get out.

Make sure that everyone either is leaving or has left the house before using the fire extinguisher.

Even with all of this we know that we plan to start a fire in our backyards as the nights get cooler. Fire and electricity  are  like many things we've discussed, a tool to make our lives easier. So as we turn up the heat as temperatures get cooler, remember the boundaries of these tools. Keep your home and family safe and be aware of the way you use electricity. 

If you have any tips that you think we missed or tools that you'd like to recommend for fighting a fire please let us know over on our Facebook. And if you think that there might be an issue with one of your appliances you can always call us or go to our website to set up a maintenance appointment.

What you want to know about speed ovens

The best of both worlds or too good to be true?

How often do you rush home after work fighting to try and figure out something that you can make that won't take all of your remaining free time and is still healthy? How often does that end up being a meal you toss into the microwave and choke down because it's been turned to mush, cardboard, or rubber? Would you believe us if we said that there was a way to cook without spending hours or eating cardboard afterwards? Today, we're talking about speed ovens. A speed oven is a relatively new type of appliance in the realm of cooking. What are they really, are they worth the hype, and how much would you be spending if you decided to put one in your kitchen.

What is a Speed Oven? 

Let's start off with what they are. Speed ovens combine a convection oven, a microwave, and if you choose, a grill element. They're supposed to be able to reduce the amount of time it takes to cook with a conventional oven, while also avoiding dehydration of food like a standard microwave. They take very little if any time to preheat, which is a drawback of most standard ovens.They often come with a variety of different pre-programmed modes or recipes to make things even easier.

A typical program for example would be baking. Most of us bake even if it is just around the holidays or special occasions. Something that would typically take you say an hour to bake in a normal oven would take roughly half the time using a speed oven. (Depending of course on the model.) This would be something wherein you would have 90% convection and 10% microwave. This innovative combination of different methods of cooking allows the speed oven to shorten the amount of time it takes to make your food. Some people swear by them, some people hate them. We think it's best to keep your manual nearby so that you can learn the different modes and cooking methods and make the best of this nifty appliance. 

Most of them are built and modeled after wall ovens. While some do come with the option to be freestanding, the larger majority of them are meant to be built into your existing cabinetry.

Who makes them? 

The three top speed ovens currently in the field in our opinion at least are made by Miele, Wolf, and Thermador. 

Miele H6700BM Built In Stainless Steel 24” ContourLine

1.52 Cu Ft

M Touch Intuitive Controls

19 Operating Modes

Rapid Preheat

Roast Probe

Over 100 MasterChef Menu Options

Comfort Swivel Handle

Clean Touch Steel

Stainless Steel 

Price: $ 3899

We think this model is best if you regularly host small dinner parties or cook just for your family. This is great for those of us that could use a hand in learning to make more of our ovens

Wolf SPO30CM/B/TH 30” Built In Speed

Dual Convection

10 Cooking Modes

All in One Oven Versatility

Astounding Capacity 1.6 Cu Ft 

Stylish 

Quick Start Controls

Gourmet Mode

Convection Mode

Quartz Broil Element

Keep Warm Mode

3.5 Watt LED Light 

Approximately $ 2580

The Wolf model is something we think best fits the hostess. You're regularly hosting large dinner parties or called on to bring baked goods for PTA meetings and your kids bake sales etc. You know your way around the kitchen and you need an oven that can keep up with you and your demanding life.

Thermador MC30WP  30” Professional Series

1.6 Cu Ft

10 Microwave Power Levels

36 Cook Smart Auto Programs

2 Knobs

Kitchen Timer

Panel Lock

Touch Screen

Standard or Flush Install 

Rounding out our list is the Thermador. We include this one for the professional chef or Baker. You know what you're doing and how to do it and you need a tool that won't flinch at the amount of cooking you plan to do. The Thermador is built for professionals designed by professionals and is just what you're looking for.

So do you have any experience working with a speed oven? Do you think you would benefit from adding any of these to your kitchen? Let us know in the comments down below or over on our Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Although we hope that you've chosen a model that won't give you any issues.

 In the event that you have a speed oven and it's giving you trouble, we do service them. You can always reach out to us via our website or you can call ((214) 599-0055 ) and set up an appointment. We are here to keep  your home in tip top shape.

*Disclaimer: All images belong to their respective companies.