Great relationships make life more rewarding — and so do great appliances. Whether you’re cooking, cleaning or doing the wash, finding a good partner in the kitchen or laundry room can help make daily chores feel like a team effort. Here are some tips on making a smart appliance investment you can live happily ever after with.
Are You Compatible?
Energy efficiency can play a key role in long-term savings. And while a high-efficiency model might be a little pricier at the outset, it could save you enough in reduced energy costs to cover the difference in price over time. Plus, you’ll likely get to enjoy enhanced features compared to many standard options.
With appliances, size matters, so measure your space carefully. You’ll need room for doors and cabinets to swing open, proper ventilation and good traffic flow through your space — especially when you’re carrying that bag of groceries or there’s more than one cook in the kitchen.
Finally, think about style considerations. Finishes, styling details and hardware that complement your existing kitchen and laundry room can help harmonize your space and bring enjoyment even when appliances aren’t in use.
Supper Sidekicks
A lot of serious cooks prefer gas ranges with their instant and visible temperature controls, while others like the even heating and easy cleanup of a glass-top electric unit. In recent years, induction cooktops — which combine precise temperature control with easy cleaning and energy efficiency — have also gained popularity. Shop for features that fit your personal cooking style. If you do a lot of baking, think about a double oven with a convection feature. Better induction cooktops offer multi-zone heating, allowing you to combine elements to create large cooking areas for griddles or large stockpots if you regularly cook for a crowd or a large family.
If you’re replacing an existing unit, make sure the new one fits within your current space. A slide-in range needs to match the existing width, and a drop-in cooktop must fit the cutout — or you might need additional modifications.
Find a Fridge That Gets You
Match your refrigerator capacity to your household size and shopping habits. If you’re at the grocery three times a week, you may not need as much holding space as a once-a-week Saturday shopper who buys in bulk. Side-by-side models give easy freezer access, though the refrigerator shelves aren’t as wide.
French-door models have capacious shelves that can allow you to better organize the contents and hold larger platters. Top-freezer models tend to be the most affordable, but bottom freezers can be somewhat more energy efficient. A counter-depth refrigerator gives you a more built-in look, though you’ll likely sacrifice some interior space.
Your Cleanup Confidante
Today’s dishwashers offer numerous improvements over many older models. Stainless steel tubs are generally more durable and retain heat better than plastic. Multiple wash-cycle options and sanitizing features can help save water and ensure a deeper clean. Third-level racks add space for small items and flatware.
Look at the sound rating — especially if you live in an open-concept home where homework is done in earshot of the kitchen. Do you entertain often? More space and multiple racks can help. Is your household small? An effective rinse-and-hold feature can save power by helping you avoid running partial loads.
Loyal to the Last Load
Front-load washers are a very popular option, and they excel at stain removal and water efficiency. Traditional top-load models, on the other hand, can be easier to fill and empty, and they often cost less. Look for multiple temperature settings and specialized cycles for delicate fabrics. Dryers with moisture sensors help prevent over-drying and reduce energy consumption. Sanitizing cycles can help keep germs at bay.
Show Your Appliance Some Love: Maintenance Matters
Regular, professional maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your appliances and ensure optimal performance. Aggressive Appliances has an affordable annual maintenance plan that covers multiple units in your home — whether you bought them from us or not. Our expert technicians provide comprehensive cleaning services to help keep your appliances running smoothly.
Choosing “The One”
Start with a list of must-have features. Consider the total cost of ownership, including energy, maintenance and potential repairs. And remember: You’re going to be living with your choice for a long time, so the lowest price may not represent the best value when you consider long-term performance and satisfaction.
At Aggressive Appliances, our knowledgeable consultants will help you make a selection that you can live in harmony with for many years to come.
A Beautiful Friendship
We’ve been introducing Central Florida families to reliable appliance companions for more than four decades, offering a wide selection from the industry’s top brands. Stop by one of our two live appliance galleries and get to know the models that could be your next tried and true partners. Here are just a few we think you’ll really click with.
The Samsung Bespoke RF90F29AECE refrigerator (https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/samsung/rf90f29aece.html) has a ton of modern conveniences: AI vision that tracks what you do and don’t have inside; a 32” touchscreen to stream entertainment, leave messages and more; and a flex-zone middle drawer with customized cooling that offers five different temperature settings.
The Dacor DTI30M977BB 30” induction cooktop (https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/Dacor/dac/dti30m977bb.html) features nine flexible zones that can be configured from an LCD touch panel that also gives users access to step-by-step cooking advice. Slash boiling and searing times with up to 4,800 watts in boost power while tracking which zones are active using a “virtual flame.”
The LG WT8400CB top-load washer (https://www.aggressiveappliances.com/products/lg/wt8400cb.html) is a high-capacity/high-efficiency machine that’s easy on your back — and your utility bill. The 5.5 cu.ft. drum lets you fit more in every load, and AI assistance selects optimal wash settings automatically. Its electronic controls and LED display help ensure ease of use, and there’s a slam-proof glass lid so you can see what’s going on inside at a glance.
