Top or Front-Loader? The Washing Machine Conundrum

By Bill Mendel

Of all the great decisions we make as adults--who to vote for in the election, whether to send our kids to private or public school, whether to take that job offer or not--the one question that plagues more than any other is that age-old debate: front-loader or top-loader washing machine? OK, so there may be some more important decisions than which type of washing machine to buy plaguing humanity at the moment, but there's no denying that the decision is not clear-cut. Here is a presentation of the pros and cons of each model to hopefully help you choose if you're currently in washing machine limbo!

Top-Loaders

Top-loader washing machines are beneficial for a number of reasons. For one thing, they are very easy and convenient to use, especially for older people or people who suffer from poor joint mobility, as a front-loader requires crouching and bending to load and unload. Another reason that top-loaders are a popular choice is cost--they are often hundreds of dollars cheaper than their front-loading counterparts. Also, for all those people who find that whenever they put a load of washing on they'll discover one stray sock just after they've turned it on, a top-loader allows you the freedom to just lift the top and drop in that final piece, whereas a front-loader will seal up in order to keep the water from spilling all over your floor and you'll have to wait to put that sock through another wash, after which time it may never be reunited with its pair again (we all know how it is with socks).

Front-Loaders

Space is one reason why a lot of people prefer front-loaders, as (especially in apartments and smaller houses) the space above the washing machine is often utilised for a dryer, which means lifting a lid takes up valuable air-space. Also, things (such as washing powder and cleaning products) can be stacked on top of a front-loader which means that storage is made a lot easier. Although front-loaders are more expensive to purchase than top-loaders, they utilise far less energy and water, and therefore over time prove to be more economic, paying for themselves through savings they afford you. Because a front-loader will utilise gravity to do half of the work (the clothes are rotated halfway around the barrel and then dropped) they effectively utilise only half the amount of energy to complete a cycle, which is good news for your wallet and the environment.

Whether you choose a front-loader or a top-loader, there are always ways in which you can reduce your energy usage. Like refrigerators or dishwashers, the way they are used is as much a contribution to their value as the way that they are made.

By the way, do you want to learn more about Shopping and Product Reviews? If so, I suggest you check Washing Machines and refrigerators.

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How to Choose the Best Garment Steamer

By Jennifer Bright

What will help you decide on the best garment steamer will depend on what your needs are. What size unit is acceptable? Do you need it to be portable? Is price important? How much clothing do you regularly need pressed or dry cleaned?

The clothes steamer works with plain water. Do not add anything to the water because you risk clogging the machine. The portable ones will make it easy to go from bedroom for the bed skirt, to living room for upholstery, to any room for drapes. The best garment steamer will work faster than an iron to remove wrinkles from your garments.

There are the full size commercial clothing steamers and hand held, portable models. The full sized ones are usually stable and have a wide steam nozzle. They often include a pole to hang your clothing while you steam them, the ability to control the steam and a handle for the nozzle.

The portable models are less expensive with a smaller nozzle. These are easy to maneuver from room to room and some are small enough to take them with you when you travel. Being smaller, they are easy to store. On the downside, the water tank is smaller so you will get less steam per fill, the steam will not be as powerful and you may need several trips to the sink.

The large or full size steamer has a base with a boiler to heat the water. On the boiler is a tank to hold water. This tank is filled with tap water and turned upside down onto the base. The model you choose should hold a lot of water. The amount of water it holds directly corresponds to the amount of time you will have to steam your clothing. A one gallon tank can steam for about 90 minutes. The best garment steamer for you will have to capacity to handle your steaming needs.

Large capacity professional garment steamers usually are 1,200-2,000 watt machines. It is important to note that some machines require a warm up time, which can range anywhere from five to twenty minutes. They cost from $120-$200 on average. Some have controls for steam settings. This allows you to adjust the steam according to the fabric you are working with. There is also a press pad that may be included or purchased as an accessory. This decreases the possibility of burning your hand while steaming. Professional steamers are the best choice for high volume users.

The portable units are often made as one piece with the nozzle attached to the boiler. It will produce continuous steam, although there are a few with push button steam control. These are compact and lightweight, perfect for small household jobs. They do not hold much water and the steam generally only lasts for 10 to 20 minutes.

A hand held clothes steamer can cost from $30-$60. They normally include a travel case and accessories. The wattage varies widely from 200-1,000 watts. The higher wattage units usually provide more powerful steam. The one drawback is you can only handle three to five garments per fill.

These are your choices for the best garment steamer. If you decide on a hand held unit, it will be light and easy to carry or travel with and will provide consistent, but less powerful steam, for shorter periods of time. You will still get a smooth, wrinkle free result.

If it is the full size you want you can achieve professional looking results with the commercial clothes steamers.

To find full reviews of fabric steamers, and a large, low-priced selection, visit the Best garment steamer to find the unit right for all your needs.

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Modern Electric Range Cookers As an Energy Efficient Alternative to Gas

By Liz Morgan

Modern electric range cookers are an extremely efficient choice if you are looking for an alternative to a wood-burning or gas burning stove. They can perform a huge amount of cooking functions with very little time or effort spent. Additionally, they can cook a wide variety of food items with no loss of essential nutrients from your dishes. Electric range cookers have several burners, as well as, grill and other heating options.

These features make electric range cookers have very good choice for performing many cooking functions for a large family. The hot plates are stainless steel and quite sizable in order to accommodate several dishes simultaneously. They can be found in various other colors such as black as well.

Most options measure about 900 x 600 x 600 mm, and are freestanding. Some cooking ranges offer multiple heating choices, either gas or electric. These are commonly called dual fuel cooking ranges, and have several advantages. For instance, you may want to heat the range quickly for a quick meal, in which case you would use the gas heating option. Other times you may want your mail more evenly cooked, in which case the electric option would be best for you.

Most range cookers have an oven with a holding capacity of about 80 foreign leaders and can act as convection or conventional cookers. Additionally, electric range cookers can be used for baking, broiling and roasting. They typically feature a glass door in the front with an interior light so the chef can monitor progress.

Inside the electric range are racks that are adjustable in height, and can be positioned many different ways. The digital time display is also a convenient feature which doubles as a timer. You can also choose from several cooking speeds. Of course that depends on which kind is best suited for you, and how you best like to cook your meals.

If you're looking for an alternative to expensive gas burning stoves, and would like to enjoy the many other benefits, such as increased safety, more evenly spread cooking, and lower energy bills, electric range cookers are an excellent choice.

Learn more about electric range cookers and the vast array of benefits they offer above gas powered stoves - stop by this site where you can find out more http://www.ElectricRangeCookers.net.

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How to Iron Trousers For Faster and Better Results

By Scott Wilkins

Ironing trousers is easy if you follow my, expert step by step guide. Trousers with no creases will soon be the norm! A perfect guide to ironing your trousers.

Step 1: You will need.

* some trousers

* An iron

* An ironing board

* A spray bottle filled with water

* A Cloth/tea towel

* Some White vinegar

Step 2: Methods. There are two ways of pressing your trousers for that important date or meeting. The traditional method is with an iron. Alternatively, you could use a trouser press

Step 3: Be Prepared. Use a steam iron and a sturdy ironing board to make the task easier. Make sure the ironing board is set to a comfortable height for you. Switch the iron on. Check the label on the inside of your trousers to identify what temperature the iron should be set to, and adjust the temperature dial accordingly. Keep a spray bottle filled with water nearby to help you in the event of any stubborn creases.

Step 4: The trousers. Lay the trousers out flat along the length of the ironing board, positioning one leg over the other. You could spray a little water over the trousers to make ironing out creases easier.

HANDY HINT

To avoid getting the horrible shininess common in wool or dark fabrics, use a damp cloth or tea towel to protect the trousers: Lay the cloth or towel over the trouser leg, and iron through it. A good steam iron at the right temperature should avoid this problem.

Step 5: One leg at a time. Flip one leg back and concentrate on the leg that is left. Do not iron the entire length of the leg in one motion, but focus on small sections of the leg, slowly working down from the pockets in circular motions. This will avoid stretching the trousers. If there is a crease running down the length of the trousers from the last time you pressed them, iron it out.

Step 6: The second leg. Bring back the other leg, ensuring the inseams are still lined up. Repeat the ironing motion with this leg.

Step 7: Repeat. Turn the trousers over on the ironing board to iron the other side of the legs, careful to keep the inseams lined-up. As before, flip the top leg back, iron the 1st leg, and bring the 2nd leg back to iron that.

Step 8: Creating a crease. Not all trousers have a built in crease. If you wish to iron in a crease at the front of the trousers, make sure that you position the inseams and the side seams directly over each other as to ensure that the crease at the front of the legs will be central. To create a longer-lasting crease at the front, you must use a pressing solution. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Cover the crease with a thin cloth and spray it with the solution. Press a small section of the cloth at a time, lifting and lowering the iron, until the press cloth is dry. Once you have finished ironing, remove the cloth. Allow the crease to dry thoroughly before moving the trousers from the ironing board.

Step 9: Neatly Ironed. Don't forget to switch your iron off, and let it cool down for a few minutes before putting it away.

If you're not wearing the trousers straight away, place them on a hanger and they'll be ready to wear the next time you need them.

For reviews on tea length dresses

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Deep Fat Fryer Guide - 5 Tips For Healthier Fried Meals

By Harry Anderson

Over the years deep fat frying has become synonymous with obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes. Its bad reputation has made it one of the most forbidden foods for any family concerned about their health and watching their weight.

For many, the obvious solution was to just forgo deep fried foods completely. This, of course, is easier said than done. The craving for things like deep fried fish and chips is very hard to resist, both for children and adults alike. But there are things you can do to reduce the most negative health aspects of deep fat frying. It is all a matter of the right tools and a little know how.

The reason most foods that are deep fried contain unhealthy levels of fats and cholesterol is because of a combination of low quality cooking agents, poor temperature control and inaccurate cooking times. If you want to produce the healthiest deep fried dishes possible you need to tightly control all three of these factors.

Here are 5 practical tips to help you accomplish that goal:

1. Buy A Good Deep Fat Fryer

Safety is of the utmost importance in deep fat frying. Modern deep fat fryers that have been designed for home use have undergone strict safety testing and come with many safety features built in. If you plan on doing any deep fat frying at home this is the best option to maintain an adequate safety margin. The other main advantage is their ease of use. You can come close to the results of a professional chef without having to attend culinary school or spend hours cleaning up when you're done.

There are many different models available including the new mini deep fat fryers that are well suited for single servings. (You can find more details and helpful buying tips at the end of this article).

Under no circumstances should you attempt to use a saucepan filled with oil over a hob. It is inherently dangerous and unless you are a skilled chef it will not produce the desired results.

2. Use An Oil With A High Smoke Point

Since food is cooked by immersing it in hot oil, the oil used is going to have a big impact on how healthy the end result is. One important characteristic of all cooking oils is that they break down when heated above a certain temperature. This is known as the smoke point.

Since most deep fat frying occurs at temperatures between 175C and 190C we want an oil that has a smoke point over 200°C. Some good choices are corn (232°C), sunflower (232°C), safflower (266°C) and rapeseed (240°C).

3. Use Oils That Are High In Poly Or Mono Unsaturated Fats

Unsaturated fats have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels (the 'bad' cholesterol) and at the same time raise HDL cholesterol levels (the 'good' cholesterol). Corn, sunflower and safflower oil are all high in poly-unsaturated Rapeseed is high in mono-unsaturated fats.

4. Maintain A Consistent Cooking Temperature

Maintaining a consistent oil temperature throughout the deep frying process is probably the single most important factor in producing the healthiest result possible. Setting and maintaining the oil at the correct temperature allows a crust to form which prevents too much oil from being absorbed into the food. The end result is crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside.

Unfortunately many consumer deep fat fryers come with inaccurate thermostats. If calibrated too low, the oil fails to reach the specified temperature and you end up with greasy, soggy chips. A simple solution is to use an inexpensive deep fry thermometer that attaches to the side of your fryer. Consistent oil temperature throughout will keep oil absorption levels to a minimum and produce healthier results.

5. Timing - Don't Overcook or Under cook

Cooking times are best mastered with a little practice. Use the times listed in recipe guide as a starting point but remember that they could vary considerably depending on the fryer, the oil temperature and the food being cooked. Food at room temperature is going to cook faster then a similar item that is frozen.

As a general rule you want an even golden brown colour. As soon as this appears remove the food from the fryer and drain on paper towels. If you need to cook several batches keep the finished items warm in a 95$deg;C oven.

Fried fish and chips will never be as healthy as a salad or piece of fruit, but there are things you can do to reduce the negative health aspects of deep fat frying. As with many other things in life, moderation is the key. Maintain a varied diet with plenty of exercise and you can still enjoy that occasional deep fried treat..

Harry Anderson is your guide to all things deep fried. Discover how you can master this popular cooking technique and continue to enjoy it safely and responsibly. Get tips on deep fat fryer equipment, cooking oils, frying technique and much more at http://www.deepfatfryerguide.co.uk.

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Taking Care of Your Microwave Oven

By Jenny G Khoo

Depending on the model and the brand that you buy, microwave ovens can cost you a lot of money. Like any other kinds of appliances, they run the risk of breaking down prematurely. So, the best thing you can do for your microwave oven is to take care of it and make sure that you get what you paid for. Also, taking proper care of your oven will also lessen the risk of fires and other disasters.

The first thing that you can do to care for your microwave oven is making sure to place a cover on top of the food container when you are heating something up. This will help lessen the food splatters inside the oven. But be sure not to completely seal it. If your food container doesn't have a cover, just use a piece of wax paper.

But if food splatters still happen, then be sure to clean it up at once. Use a damp dish rag to get rid of the food particles and use a dry dish rag to dry everything up. Also, another area that you should never forget to clean is the area around the door. If you neglect to clean this up, dirt can build up there which will prevent the proper closing of the microwave oven.

However, if you did not get to the food splatters on time and some of them have dried up, then boil some water in the microwave. The steam from the water will loosen up the dried splatters. Leave it in the microwave for five minutes then, simply wipe everything dry.

Another thing is if you are having some odor problems with your microwave oven, then, get a bowl and mix in one part lemon juice and three parts water. Let for three to five minutes in the microwave and let it cool after that. Afterward, just remove and wipe everything dry.

A couple of things that you have to remember though are to never use abrasive pads or powders on your microwave oven. Also, do not use the oven for canning, deep-frying or heating baby bottles. You always have to make sure that all the utensils and containers that you are placing into your oven is microwave safe. Some melting may occur if you place containers that aren't safe for use within a microwave.

Another thing that you should never do is to dry clothing items in the microwave oven. I know it sounds silly but if you do this, you will run the risk of starting a fire. On that note, refrain from putting any flammable objects in your microwave.

The microwave could be one of the greatest conveniences that you have in your kitchen. It is easy and, most important of all, it is quick. This is why you should take all these extra measures to take care of your microwave otherwise, it might end up costing you more to pay for repairs or to buy a new microwave oven.

For more information about Microwave Ovens and Parts, please visit: best microwave oven and Black & Decker toaster oven.

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10 Benefits of Electric Ovens

By J Schweppe

Gas ovens have always been the first choice for most restaurants and other commercial food service establishments. In fact, if you were to poll consumers, you'd find that most would prefer a gas oven as well. While electric ovens are undoubtedly inferior to gas ovens in many regards, they do have a following among consumers for a number of reasons, here are 10:

1. Compared to a gas-powered oven, an electric oven provides a more even temperature. Although it seems trivial, the level temperature is especially important for baking cakes and pastries.

2. Electric ovens are energy-efficient. Gas is less environmentally friendly.

3. Most electric ovens come with a self-cleaning feature. When cooking, spills and such are obviously inevitable. Because ovens are hard to clean, having a self-cleaning option can save time.

4. The electric version has less moisture. Although for some crusts and other baked goods having a moist oven is a benefit, most foods cook better with drier heat. Plus, moisture can be added to an oven, but not taken out.

5. Because the heat is more even and comes from the top of the oven, broiling in an electric oven works better than a gas oven. Before important holiday meals or dinner parties, broiling quickly and evenly keeps you from having to waste time by constantly re-checking progress.

6. Electric ovens lose less heat. Because the heat is more controlled, it is less likely to leave the oven. The loss of heat not only costs money; the extra heat in the kitchen has to be compensated for by equally expensive air conditioning costs. Therefore, you not only lose the money from the unit, but you spend even more in A/C bills later.

7. Electric ovens require less maintenance. Gas ovens are more prone to breakage. The electric oven runs longer with fewer problems saving money on repairs.

8. Electric versions require less ventilation than gas ovens. Ventilation can not only be expensive, but the ventilation occupies a lot of room, taking up space where cabinets or other appliances could be. This is especially important in smaller kitchens.

9. For less experienced cooks, electric is much easier to use and manipulate when just starting out. The temperature is not only more precise, but the electronic scales and numbers are easier to read than the classic knobs on most gas ovens.

10. The electric oven is one of the only oven models that allow a good roast. Because of combustion, gas burns off moisture which makes even roasting virtually impossible. This is an especially important consideration for roasting meat. Because of the water, the meat loses a lot of the classic roast taste and even more of the appealing look. With chicken, the crunchy skin is also lost because of the moisture in the cooking air.

For at-home cooks, choosing an oven is a personal process that depends on preferences and cooking styles. Electric ovens do have some advantages over gas. The energy is more efficient and less heat is lost, therefore saving money. Plus, the electric oven in the end saves time and effort, two commodities that are in short supply in most households.

Jeff Schweppe is president of Schweppe, Inc. a walk-in, online, and phone order food service and restaurant supply business, with the best selection of professional-grade kitchen supplies and commercial equipment in the Chicago area. Schweppe's store, located at 376 W. North Ave. 1/2 mile east of I-355, in Lombard, Illinois, is always open to the public. Website: http://www.SchweppeInc.com.

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