Tips for Selecting a Coffee Machine

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Coffee makers came a long way. From yesterday’s cowboy pots boiling coffee over the coals to today’s slick gourmet brewers, there is a coffee maker to meet every lifestyle, every taste, every budget and every counter space. So where do you start discovering the coffee maker of your dreams?

Do a little homework before you head for the appliance aisle at your favorite shop. Consider what type of coffee you prefer, how frequently you drink coffee, how much space you have for a coffee maker, how much you are able to afford to spend on a coffee maker. These are the issues associated with determining whether to purchase an espresso or a non-espresso coffee maker.
Picking a Coffee Maker: Espresso or No Espresso

Espresso coffee makers are elaborate. They cost more than other coffee makers (some price thousands of dollars) and make a number of java types including cappuccino and lattes. Espresso machines regularly make just one cup of coffee and require cleaning after each cup. The java is stronger than that brewed by other means.

True java aficionados often choose to use particularly the superb automated versions that do everything from grinding the coffee to pouring it, the espresso coffee maker.

Typical coffee drinkers who prefer to have a pot of coffee available at all times and aren’t interested in lattes or other versions of coffee tend to prefer non-espresso coffee makers. Non-espresso coffee makers operate well for individuals who like to start the coffee brewing and carry on about their customary tasks while it brews. They do not trouble with beans or grinding and buy coffee already ground.

For coffee drinkers needing large amounts of coffee, non-espresso is the way to go. Large percolator sort coffee urns can be used to make significantly more than a hundred cups of coffee.

In addition they prefer returning to the coffee pot time after time over making just a cup at a time and refilling their coffee cup. Non-espresso sort coffee makers are much less expensive than espresso machines.

Choosing a Coffee Maker: Non-Espresso

These coffee makers are available in drip, French press and blend models. Drip machines normally make 6 to 10 cups of coffee. For individuals who need a lesser amount, it is better to purchase a model that makes 4 cups (or less) at a time. Drip coffee machines are easy and inexpensive to use.

There are pod coffee makers available which use single portion pods to brew coffee. Pod coffee makers can be affordable but the java itself costs a lot more than conventional cans of pre-ground coffee.
French Press coffee makers are amazing for a few cups of coffee at a time. Mix coffee makes featuring espresso and non -espresso coffee makers in one machine will also be available. Java drinkers are given the best of both worlds by these machines.

Selecting a Coffee Maker: Espresso

Espresso coffee makers come in semi-automatic, fully automatic and automatic models that are superb. These machines make fewer cups at a time and may need more hours and attention that the typical drip coffee machine.

The more automated an espresso coffee maker is, the more features it’ll offer. Some take care of everything from grinding the coffee beans to filling the cup with coffee and ejecting the used coffee grounds.

The more attributes the espresso coffee maker offers, the higher the cost attached to it. These coffee makers can cost anywhere from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars.

The first decision in choosing a coffee maker to be made is the demand to ascertain whether an espresso coffee maker or a non-espresso coffee maker is necessary. Coffee tastes, quantity and funding of coffee to be made are factors that impact the decision making process.

Best Buy washer dryer: our pick of the 8 top washer dryers

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If you don't have the space for a separate tumble dryer in your utility room or kitchen then a washer dryer could be a better alternative for your home.

Here we've whittled down the market and picked eight great tumble dryers you should definitely consider, all of which offer big-capacity drums and innovative cleaning technology to help remove tough stains from your laundry...

1. Samsung WD8000 (WD12J8400GW/EU)

Price: £1,299 | Load: wash 12kg; dry 8kg | Size: H 850 x W 600 x D 600 | Energy efficiency: A Samsung WD8000 (WD12J8400GW/EU)

Samsung excels when it comes to design and features and this machine is among its best efforts. Even its image-led console screen has the appeal of a quality smartphone.

The WD8000 shares the same dimensions as most white appliances yet the bods at Samsung have somehow managed to turn it into a Tardis capable of holding a truly whopping 12 kilograms of laundry in wash mode and an equally mammoth 8 kilos in drying mode.

But there’s more… Samsung’s proprietary ecobubble tech uses tiny bubbles to saturate the clothing up to 40 times faster than the norm. Its diamond pattern drum, meanwhile, makes clothing slip around as if on a waterslide. All of this goes towards a more efficient launder.

But we haven’t finished yet. It comes with a raft of programs including Eco Wash, Speed Wash and Silent Wash and it’ll even deodorise and sanitise the entire laundry load. Oh, and like many other Samsung appliances, you can troubleshoot it using a smartphone. Top dollar.

2. AEG ÖKOKombi (L99695HWD)

Price: £1,199 | Load: wash 9kg; dry 6kg | Size: H 870 x W 600 x D 605 | Energy efficiency: A AEG ÖKOKombi (L99695HWD)

AEG’s revolutionary washer dryer comes with a Woolmark Blue label which means your favourite cashmere won’t shrink to the size of your daughter’s teddy bear. Using OptiSense technology, the AEG automatically measures the amount of laundry and adjusts the cycle time accordingly. It comes with a range of programmes – cotton, synthetic, delicate, wool and easy iron – while its 1600 spin speed ensures the laundry is dry enough for the tumble sequence which utilises a heat pump to dry the clothes at lower temperatures than the norm. This method not only saves up to 40% energy but it also puts less stress on the fabrics. The AEG ÖKOKombi has a huge capacity (wash 9kg; dry 6kg) which makes it ideal for larger families. It’s very quiet, too.

3. Bosch WVH28422GB

Price: £784 | Load: wash 7kg; dry 4kg | Size: H 845 x W 600 x D 590 | Energy efficiency: ABosch WVH28422GB

The Bosch is extraordinarily quiet (must be the EcoSilence Drive) which is a good thing if you’re siting it in the kitchen area. As all-in-one appliances go, this one’s pretty efficient on all fronts and, for a washer dryer combo, reasonably priced too. The 7kg drum is ample for an average sized household though do remember that the recommended drying capacity is just 4kg. Washer dryers don’t enjoy the same rosy energy ratings of washing machines but at least you can program this one to take advantage of night-time energy tariffs.

And another thing… Most washer dryers consume additional water during the drying mode. Yes, that’s right. This extra water is used to condense the warm vapour from the drying clothes. The Bosch, though, uses air to dry the load thereby saving a few extra quid on the water bill. And finally, when you’re in a rush to go out and realise your favourite shirt has egg all over it, simply select the speedy 15-minute wash program and you’ll be out and about in a thrice.

4. Siemens iQ500 (WK14D540GB)

Price: £968 | Load: wash 6kg; dry 3kg | Size: H 820 x W 595 x D 584 | Energy efficiency: BSiemens iQ500 (WK14D540GB)

Siemens’ non-stop wash and dry programme is good for up to three kilograms of laundry which equates to around 15 adult T shirts. Not the biggest load, granted. The machine uses a smart water system that pumps jets from three different points ensuring the laundry is completely soaked for better results. We’re especially enamoured of the Rapid 15 speed wash which is perfect for lightly soiled shirts, etc. The iQ500 spins at 1400rpm which is ample enough for all but the heaviest of fabrics.

The dryer section has some interesting tech too. For instance, during the drying cycle, sensors monitor the moisture in the clothing and when done, the machine automatically switches off. This method ensures your shirts aren’t dried to within an inch of their life and saves a bit of energy in the process. As this is a built in model, be sure to check the dimensions of the machine against the space between your kitchen cabinets or you’ll have a bit of a ’mare getting it in.

5. Miele WT 2796 WPM

Price: £1,299 | Load: wash 6kg; dry 3kg | Size: H 850 x W 595 x D 580 | Energy efficiency: AMiele WT 2796 WPM

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This high-end, feature-packed washer dryer combo includes many of the same features of the Miele WDA100 washing machine. On the washing side it has Miele’s proprietary honeycomb drum which makes laundry glide over the surface on a thin film of water. When the wash is complete, it enters Thermospin mode where a combination of hot air and tumbling prepares the clothing for the actual drying cycle.

One key thing to remember with all washer dryers is that if you want to set the machine to run an automatic wash and dry cycle, make sure you only use half a load at a time. In order to ensure efficient drying, all appliances of this nature have a smaller tumble drying capacity; usually half the load of the washing volume. This unit has a veritable shedload of program combinations so keep the manual to hand because you’re likely to need it. If you have a shortage of space in the home, give this all-in-one model a whirl.

6. Neff V7446X1GB

Price: £650 | Load: wash 8kg; dry 5kg | Size: H 850 x W 600 x D 590 | Energy efficiency: ANeff V7446X1GB

This German-made unit has an electronic control dial for all wash and special programmes including down wear, mixed loads, a rapid 15-minute blast, allergy care, handwash for woolens, delicate silks, even a drum clean. Its EcoSilence Drive ensures a decent level of quietness during operation, its spin speed is a commendable 1500rpm and the child safety lock is a bonus.

It doesn’t have the biggest drum in the business so consider something larger if you have a family of muddy kids. But its a-rated energy efficiency should at least ensure a few pounds are saved over its lifetime. This unit is deeper than most so make sure you have enough room for it.

7. LG F14A8YD

Price: £612 | Load: wash 8kg; dry 6kg | Size: H 850 x W 600 x D 640 | Energy efficiency: ALG F14A8YD

Washer dryers are ideal for those with space restraints but they do have their limitations. As is the case with all models, you can only wash just over half the machine’s stated capacity if going for the full automatic wash and dry programme. Hence, the only time you can really wash a full load is if the sun’s shining, allowing you to take advantage of nature’s efficient drying method.

Try a full load during the winter months and you may have to find somewhere to store half the damp load while the other half’s being dried. In this respect a washer dryer with a larger capacity (see the Samsung WD8000) is an especially worthwhile investment. The LG’s 6kg drying capacity is good for smaller families and those who don’t regularly indulge in muddy sports.

Its 6 Motion performs a combination of different rotation sequences depending on the wash programme selected and this apparently produces a more efficient wash. It also uses a direct drive motor for a ‘quieter, cleaner wash’. And, like most of Samsung’s products, you can diagnose problems using your smartphone. The LG has deeper dimensions than other models so bear that in mind when installing it.

8. Smeg WDF147X

Price: £569 | Load: wash 7kg; dry 4kg | Size: H 850 x W 600 x D 550 | Energy efficiency: ASmeg WDF147X

Smeg doesn’t just do retro as this sleek modern model so aptly illustrates. There’s quite a lot of attractive stainless steel in the construction but there are also a few plastic parts like the door and control knob.

The Smeg features 15 wash programs (including mixed loads, wool, shirts and an ultra rapid 15 min blast) and two drying programs. Spin speed is a respectable 1400rpm.

The Smeg is an excellent choice for medium sized families but it doesn’t sport as much tech as other models on these pages. Still, it’s easy to use and those with poor eyesight will benefit from the control panel’s large typeface.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Washer and Dryer

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A while back Abby and I got some tips from Danny Seo on how to be smarter about how we did laundry. He had some great simple (green) tips that we implemented right away. He also was one of the first to point out the importance of maintaining the machines so that your clothes get clean, the machines stay efficient and you get the most out of your investment.

Washing Machine

• Inside: A cup of white vinegar run through the warm cycle will break up mineral deposits and clean out any dirt caught in the drain or mechanism. Add vinegar to the wash when using a laundromat if you're concerned about what went in before your load. The vinegar will also serve to neutralize any lingering odors (including pungent leftover fabric softener)


• Outside: A machine that is used a lot can end up accumulating grime in the corners and rim of the loading area. Use a sponge or rag with a solution of 50/50 water and vinegar to clean it out. Remember to wipe down the outside of the washer periodically and use the vacuum to suck the dustbunnies out from underneath the machine.


• Level It: This great post on extending the life of your washer and dryer points out the importance of leveling your washing machine so that as it spins, it isn't causing undue wear to itself, the floor, or the wall near it.


• Front Loaders: Some people have had issues with their front loading machines beginning to smell of mold or mildew . Apparently it isn't totally uncommon for an accumulation of detergents and water to create the smell. Try the vinegar trick, leaving the door open in between washes, and if that doesn't help, try some smelly washer.

Dryer

• Lint: Clean the lint filter before every load. Every once in a while you can go beyond just cleaning the lint out with your hand and actually take the filter over to the sink and rinse it gently with warm water and a soft brush.


• Exhaust: Check the dryer exhaust on the exterior of the house to make sure it's clear of debris and that the hot air is able to escape the flap vent without any blockages. The hose connecting the dryer to the outside world can also collect lint and dirt over time. To keep it as clear as possible, straighten out the kinks where the lint is likely to collect. The straighter the hose, the cleaner and less likely to cause a fire.


• Outside: Use the vacuum and a damp rag to clear out any dust or dirt that has built up around the base of the dryer (or underneath). Make sure to wipe down the sides, the door and the rubber tubing that seals it on a regular basis.

How To Choose Your Washer Settings Without Destroying Your Clothes

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Most of us learned the hard way during our teenage years about clothes washer settings (red socks + white shirt mishaps, anyone?). But there are lessons beyond separating our colors from our whites. Find out what those temperature and cycle settings on your washing machines actually mean for an optimal laundry cycle.

Temperature
Modern washers generally give you the option to select a temperature for cleaning your clothes. Generally speaking the hotter the water the cleaner your clothes will be, but you don't always want to just crank up the heat. Hot water can cause your clothes to shrink and often colors and delicates require cold water but might not get out the really tough stuff. Selecting warm is often a compromise, but it's best to sort your laundry to maximize your washer's efficiency with the right settings. Always check your clothing tags for specific instructions but here's good general advice:

• Durable white clothes should go on hot wash, cold rinse
• Durable colors generally go on warm wash and cold or warm rinse
• Permanent press generally goes on cold wash and cold rinse
• Delicates should go on cold wash and cold rinse.
• When in doubt, always check the tags!

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Cycle
To confound matters beyond temperature, we're often presented with cycle options such as heavy duty, permanent press, hand wash, and delicate. RealSimple provides a breakdown of some of the more common settings you'll find and when to use them.

• Quick Wash: A speedy cycle for a few lightly soiled items, like the blouse and pants you want to wear to dinner tonight. A faster spin means clothes will dry quicker, too.
• Pre-Wash: Stained or extra-dirty garments? Use this to add a soak to the beginning of a cycle. Divide detergent among the pre-wash and detergent dispensers.
• Permanent Press: Choose this to minimize wrinkling in dress shirts and pants, and preserve the finish on wrinkle-free items. Warm or hot wash water relaxes creases and a slow spin helps prevent new ones from forming.
• Heavy Duty: Muddy play clothes and other sturdy, heavily soiled items do well in this cycle, which features a long, warm or hot wash and high-speed tumbling to scrub out filth.
• Delicates: A short, cold wash with slow tumbling and spinning. Use it for sweaters, lingerie, and other items that require a light touch.
• Hand Wash: Designed to mimic the way clothes are washed in the sink, with periods of gentle tumbling and soaking in cold water, this is for garments labeled "hand-wash."
• Extra Rinse: Tacks an additional rinse onto the end of a cycle to ensure dirt, dust and detergent are thoroughly flushed out. A good option if a family member has allergies or sensitive skin.
• Rinse and Spin: Quickly rinses and removes moisture from things like bathing suits and beach towels with no detergent.

- RealSimple

You could always just toss your clothes into the washer willy nilly, but read all of the labels and properly sorting your laundry loads into groups that match your washer settings will really stretch the lifespan of your wardrobe for you to always look your best,

How to Choose the Right Microwave for Your Needs

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In a world pressed for time, the microwave has become man's best friend (in the kitchen, anyhow). Heating, defrosting, and broiling food has become a little easier because this handy device shortens the time needed to do the job. However, with so many options available, purchasing a new microwave can often be complicated especially for a first-time buyer. Maybe you have heard stories from people who paid extra for features that hardly ever get used. Or you know someone who bought a budget microwave that they now realize cannot handle cooking meals for a large family. To avoid these situations and make a wise purchase, prospective microwave owners should consider the types of microwaves available along with their styles and features to ensure getting a machine that meets their individual needs.

These are just some of the many features that can be found on a microwave. When choosing a microwave, be realistic about the features that you will likely use. Remember that the more features a microwave has, the more expensive it becomes.

Household Size

Other key factors when purchasing a microwave is the household size and the recipes you plan to cook. All these things determine the ideal wattage and cubic feet of the microwave. Below are some tips on choosing the right power levels and size for your microwave.

Microwave Watts

Microwave power levels normally range from 600 to 1,650 watts. The higher the wattage, the faster the food cooks. Keep in mind that most microwave-friendly recipes call for power levels that are 800 and above. Those who plan to make fancy dishes that have long cooking times should go for a higher wattage, while those who just need the microwave to heat soup or pop some popcorn should go for lower levels.

Microwave Cubic Feet

Microwave sizes come in 0.5 all the way to 2.0 cubic feet. The more people in your household, the larger the microwave should be. The same can be said for those who enjoy having guests over for dinner or enjoy hosting parties. Households with few people may only require a small to midsize microwave that is 0.5 to 1.3 cubic feet. Family microwaves should range from 1.4 to 1.6 cubic feet, while those who entertain a large number of people should go for a full-sized microwave at 1.8 to 2.0 cubic feet.

There are many popular brands that offer microwaves today. Among those are Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore, LG,Panasonic, Sharp and Whirlpool. These brands are known for offering basic microwaves all the way to professional-grade microwaves that can be found in restaurants.

Purchasing Microwaves on eBay

If you are looking for a microwave for your kitchen, consider getting it on eBay instead of comparing prices at various home stores, department stores, and appliance stores. eBay offers a wide selection of both new and used microwaves at great prices. Instead of going to traditional retail stores that carry a limited selection, you can conveniently search for the microwave that you specifically want in just a few clicks.

How to Use eBay

Shopping for microwaves on eBay is not hard. Start by visiting eBay's homepage and typing what you are looking for in the Search field. If you just want to browse the various microwaves that are available, simply type "microwave." If you have already decided which microwave you prefer, key in the specific product, such as "GE countertop microwave". This brings up product listings specific to your search. Your can further narrow results by clicking on the filters that appear on the sidebar.

Another way to hunt for microwaves is is to use eBay's Advanced Search function. After typing in your search term, you can include additional options that help filter the results immediately. eBay gives the option to indicate price range, shipping options, category, currency, seller locations, and more. This is helpful if you are interested in saving money on shipping by picking up the product from sellers within your proximity as you can also indicate your preference there. Those who are keen on purchasing only from authorized sellers may also mark that option.

Conclusion

Choosing the right microwave for your needs means understanding what those needs. One of the most significant considerations is the kitchen setup, because it tells the person if he or she should buy a countertop, built-in, or over-the-range microwave. Other important factors are the necessary microwave features based on the people in the household and the types of food that one plans to cook. When it comes to picking the power and size of the microwave, make sure to factor in the number of people in the household. Last but not least, buying the microwave online allows you the freedom to select from a wide range of products at reasonable prices.