Betta brings Innovative and Unique Appliances for Modern Mums

Betta Home Living has been providing unique and innovative appliances for Australian households for more than 20 years. It's the go-to source for top-notch appliances and furniture. Modern mums need efficient, practical and energy saving appliances so if you’re looking for a perfect birthday or Mother’s Day gift for your mum, Betta Home Living is the best place to find it. But with the huge array of choices, deciding what to buy can be a daunting task.

To ensure that you make the best decision on an appliance, you should look for certain criteria: function, fit, and price. The appliance should be able to do what you need it to do, should fit where you want to install it, and should be ideally priced so you can afford it. A good appliance is solidly constructed and durable, meaning it can take a beating from years of use and still function properly. When choosing an appliance, you should also consider your lifestyle.

Appliances feature different designs that cater to the priorities of today’s families. For example, if you live alone, you may want to opt for appliances with simplified controls and basic functions. For families with small kids, you may want to look for design features such as child lock and noise reduction. If you have the money to spare, you can opt for more expensive models that have high efficiency ratings, so you can save on energy in the long term. You should also consider the capacity of the appliances that you are looking at. Pick an appliance that can accommodate the needs of the entire family and even beyond, especially if you get a lot of visits from family and friends.

Betta Home Living has a wide range of top-notch appliances that a modern mum would love to have in her kitchen. For instance, the Panasonic NN-SF550W Microwave Oven has a 27-litre capacity, perfect for large families. Its state-of-the-art inverter cooking technology is energy efficient. It also has a child lock for security. If you’re looking for a washing machine that can do more, the LG WF-T6571 Washer Top Load 6.5Kg is a red--hot deal from Betta Home Living. This fully automated washing machine has a 6.5kg capacity and a turbo drum system for efficient washing. It comes with a 3-star energy efficiency and 2-year warranty. 

Tips in Organizing the Storage of Your Bar Fridge

Bar fridges are highly popular appliances that are found in many home bar areas, and some people have also invested in these appliances for a bar in an executive office. In addition, because of their relatively small size, they are ideal for areas where space is limited but a fridge is desired.

For example, they are suitable for smaller condos, break rooms in small offices and other related areas. If you have a bar fridge in your home or commercial space, you should consider following some practical tips to keep the area organized due to its small size.



Avoid Buying Larger Items or Items in Bulk

Because space in these fridges is limited, you will need to use your space wisely. When you purchase items in bulk, you are essentially forced to dedicate a large amount of space in your fridge to these items. Therefore, whether you have bar-style Westinghouse fridges or a fridge from another manufacturer, you should consider purchasing smaller quantities of the items you need.

Only Refrigerate the Items You Need

When you purchase a 12-pack of soda, it may take you and others who share the fridge several days or longer to drink all of that soda. Rather than take up valuable space in bar fridges with items that do not require refrigeration and that you don’t need to be cold for several days, only refrigerate items that require refrigeration and that you need to be cold within the next day or so.

Place Like Items Together

A final note to consider when organizing, Westinghouse fridges or other brands of fridges is to place like items together.

For example, if your fridge needs to hold drinks, condiments, snack food and items for meal prep, place each of these groups of items together. While space may be limited in a smaller fridge, the fact is that trying to find items in these fridges can be challenging because of the smaller size too.

When you place all of your drinks in one location of the fridge and all of your condiments in another location, you can rest assured that you will easily be able to reach for the items that you need.

Bar fridges are convenient appliances to use when space in the home or commercial office is limited, but because these are smaller appliances, practical steps must be taken to ensure that they are used in the most efficient way possible. Each of these tips can help you to maximize the functionality of these appliances to ensure that you enjoy the best use of your fridge. Consider following these tips regularly to promote the superior use of your smaller fridge over the years.

Overview of Washing Machine Types and Features

For an appliance that has just one job to do—get clothes clean—washing machines sure come in a variety of types and with a variety of features. People searching for a new washing machine can easily become overwhelmed if they do not take the time to research their options before heading to the store. 

Top-loader vs. Front-loader

Traditional top-loading washing machines are the least expensive to purchase but the most expensive to use. They hold 12 to 16 pounds of laundry and adding laundry in mid-cycle is very easy. However, top-loaders can become unbalanced, which causes machines to wear out faster, and they can be too noisy for central living spaces.

Front-loaders get clothes cleaner than top-loaders, while using less energy and water. They spin faster, which removes more water and reduces drying time, and they tend to be very quiet. Their ability to handle 17 to 24 pounds of laundry makes this type of washing machine ideal for large families while their stacking ability makes them ideal for families with limited space.

High-efficiency vs. Regular Efficiency

High-efficiency machines cost substantially more upfront, but they clean better and use less electricity and water, saving families money in the long run. Regular efficiency washers may be best for single people and families who cannot afford much at the moment and who do not produce large amounts of laundry. Large families who do several loads of laundry a week should invest in high-efficiency machines, however.

Washing Machine Size

Regular sized washing machines are typically 27 inches wide. They are best for average sized families with average amounts of laundry. Single people, people living in small apartments and people who do not generate a large amount of laundry may be able to use a smaller compact washing machine. Compact washers are no more than 24 inches wide and hold only eight to twelve pounds of clothes. They can be stored away in a closet or stacked with compact dryers to take up less space.

Special Features

• Automatic Dispensers: These dispensers add laundry additives such as detergent, bleach and fabric softener into the machine at the appropriate time and in the appropriate amount.

• Extra Rinse Cycle: An extra rinse cycle is essential for people with allergies or people washing cloth diapers who need to get all the detergent residue out of their laundry.

• Time Delay Feature: This setting can come in handy if you need to run both the dishwasher and the laundry, but you need them to run one after the other while you are out.

• Dials vs. Digital Controls: Traditional dials are the easiest to use, but digital controls allow people to program specific wash routines they frequently use.

Why Chest Freezers are Good Business Investment

Chest freezers are a popular appliance choice in retail environments due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. In general, freezers are appliances that are able to maintain a temperature below the freezing point of water. There are two primary types of freezers: chest and upright. An upright configuration is the kind you’re most likely to have in your home, but chest orientation provides several benefits.

Benefits of a Chest Freezer

Chest models are typically the most economical type of freezer because all space is dedicated to storage. This may not be a significant factor at home, but it makes a big difference to the retail outlet that requires x amount of space to store its stock of frozen goods. Let’s consider the benefits in a little more detail:

• Initial Cost

The up-front cost of a chest freezer will be less than a comparable upright freezer. One reason is that the mechanism is simply less expensive to manufacturer; another reason is that the upright freezer requires certain amenities that the chest models do not.

• Energy Efficiency

Due to sidewall insulation, chest-oriented freezers maintain their cold temperature much easier. That means that they require less energy to run. Therefore, not only is a chest freezer less expensive to buy, it’s also cheaper to own over the long term.

• Storage Space and Versatility

Chest freezers provide a considerable amount of storage space and are versatile. Retail upright freezers generally require wall mounting, but a chest freezer can be wheeled anywhere from which it can reach an outlet.

Portable, Too

Chest freezers, including Westinghouse fridges, aren’t limited to large, heavy models. Portable chest freezers are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Some run off gas and can be taken anywhere, while others use electricity and are ideal for use on campers and ice cream trucks.

Products Made Possible

In a retail environment, chest freezers are well suited to particular products. These products could be maintained in traditional freezers, but a chest allows them to be sold individually and near the counter, which helps increase impulse buys.

Frozen Treats

Individual ice cream cones are great examples of products that aren't well suited to the conventional upright freezer. With a chest freezer, the cones can be stored in baskets or boxes and be made readily available near the counter.

Beer and Soda

Individual cans and bottles of beer and soda are a particularly popular product to store in chest freezers because the freezer can hold a lot of product and the per-item profit is very high.

Microwavable Food Items

Microwavable items are profitable seller in convenience stores and similar establishments, and a shop never wants to make these food items difficult to prepare. Having them near the microwave makes the preparation process much simpler for the consumer.

Electric Wall Ovens vs. Microwave: What Should You Buy?

Shopping for appliances can be both fun and exciting, whether it’s for upgrading, building or just replacing appliances with newer models. When shopping for kitchen appliances, consumers are often filled with questions and concerns. How much room they have, what is the better buy and - how room the appliances take up are just a few of the concerns faced by the consumers when buying ovens, ranges or microwaves.

Trying to decide between an electric wall oven which is also known as "built in electric ovens" and a microwave can be a big decision. Whatever is decided, it’s generally something the consumer and the family have to live with for a few years. Below are some facts or tips that may help consumers make an informed decision whether they should buy an electric wall oven or a microwave.

• Initial Cost – Cost is usually a consumer’s first consideration when making large household purchases. When people buy electric wall ovens, they generally end up also buying a cook top, which has a combined total of $1,000 or more. Since ranges combine the cook top and the oven, and are less expensive, shoppers generally go with ranges. Microwaves, on the other hand, are very inexpensive. Shoppers can easily find microwaves for under $100.

• Energy Efficiency – The cost of running a microwave is substantially less than running an electric oven. According to the Consumer Energy Center, the cost of operating a microwave oven is one-third the cost of operating an electric oven. Additionally, microwave ovens do not heat up the home as electric ovens do, which can save energy during air conditioning season. Each year that brings out new microwaves also brings out more features that improve their energy efficiency even more. 

• Space – Space is always a big consideration when choosing appliances. Electric wall ovens take up less floor space than ranges do, but microwave ovens take up even less space. Many microwave owners use microwave carts that can be easily moved from the kitchen to the dining room. 

• Flexibility – Wherever electric wall ovens are installed is where they stay permanently or until the next remodeling takes place. Microwave ovens are smaller, lightweight and can be easily moved to different locations. 

• Cooking Lifestyle – Another consideration when debating electric wall ovens versus microwaves is use. Large families who enjoy cooking large meals may prefer the electric wall oven, whereas a single individual may enjoy the efficiency and speed of a microwave. 

Choosing between an electric wall oven and microwave may also come down to a matter of personal preference. Many consumers who can’t decide on which one to buy consider how inexpensive microwaves are or they purchase both.

Practical Tips in Taking Care of Your Clothes Dryer

Using clothes dryers for several hours a day can lead to early dryer failure. Avoiding heat build-up by allowing the dryer to cool will add years to the life span of any clothes dryer. Follow these tips to keep a dryer running maintenance free for years to come.

Dryer overload

An overloaded dryer cannot dry clothes efficiently. This is hard on the motor and drive belt as well. Dry smaller loads and allow the clothes dryer to cool if it has excessive heat build-up. Spread washing time over several days to avoid continuous use from doing all the laundry in one day.

All the lint

Keeping the trap free of lint is a must. Clothes will not dry right and could even lead to a risk of fire. Clean the trap before using every time. This will make the dryer last longer and the house safer.

The vent system

Make sure the vent pipe and outlet are clear and free of obstruction. During winter the dryer outlet could freeze shut so this needs to be checked before running the clothes dryer. Make sure the outlet works properly or else small rodents or even birds could get into the vent pipe.

Inside the dryer

The dryer tub will get dirty and also build up a film that needs to be cleaned. Do not use strong chemicals to clean the tub or the smell will penetrate into your clothes.

The motor

The clothes dryer needs to be placed where the motor area has room to release the excess heat. This also needs to be checked periodically for dirt and lint. This could be another fire hazard if not kept clean. Inspect the belt for wear and proper tension. If the belt shoes signs of fraying, cracking, of any other defects, it must be replaced.

Keeping it clean

Keep the laundry room clean and well lit up. Avoid obstructions in the room that can cause tripping while carrying loads of laundry. Try to wash and dry clothes in the cool part of the day to help keep the house from becoming hot. A lot of areas have cheaper electricity rates at night so money can be saved by using the clothes dryer during those hours.

Proper care of the dryer will give many years of use, even well after the warranty has expired. Dry small loads, clean the lint, and properly maintain the dryer motor will keep the dryer repair free. Taking care of and using your dryer right will save money as well. 

How to Cut Utilities Bills with Gas Wall Oven

These days, home owners everywhere are looking for ways to save on their monthly utility bills. After all, utility expenses are higher than ever, taking up a larger proportion of many home owners' expenses than ever before. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that all home owners can take as a way of reducing their monthly utility costs and cutting down on energy consumption in the process. In this sense, it is a win-win situation for all parties involved, including the planet.

Consider New Appliances
One of the first things that any home owner should look at when trying to reduce energy costs is the current state of their home's appliances. Often times, older appliances are simply not energy efficient enough to save the home owners any money. In fact, older ovens, stoves, and refrigerators can be downright wasteful and can cost a home owner hundreds of dollars more over the course of a year.

Upgrading appliances, then, is a good first step to take. It is good to look at this as an investment, as it will require some money up front. Still, the energy savings should pay the cost of the appliances off in just a few years. Not to mention, new appliances can add to the overall look of one's kitchen as well. 

Specifically, home owners may want to consider shopping for and installing a gas wall oven at the home. This can be a great and energy-saving alternative to a traditional oven and stove. In addition, it also saves space within the kitchen by essentially being built into the wall. Therefore, cabinet and cupboard space can still exist above and below the unit. A gas wall oven can substantially reduce one's monthly energy costs, especially with the high price of gas these days, because such an oven is energy efficient and uses less gas to get the job done.

Furnace and AC Maintenance
Another great way to go about saving money on utilities in one's home is to ensure that one's air conditioning and heating units are well maintained. This includes changing air filters as necessary, making sure there are no leaks in pipes or problems with ducts, and having the units professionally inspected and worked on at least once per year.

Insulation
Finally, if a home is not well insulated, this can be the equivalent of throwing money out the window. Home owners should take the time to ensure that their window and door seals are tight and take steps to prevent drafts. This will keep one's home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter without having to spend more on energy and utility bills in the process.

Cooking Quick Meals Using Microwave Ovens

Today's busy professionals, challenged with meeting responsibilities while needing time for relaxation at the end of the day, are finding that microwave ovens offer an inexpensive way to create delicious meals while cutting down on time-intensive preparation and cooking efforts.

Quite a few dishes can be made cheaply and easily in the microwave throughout the day. By following some simple recipes, everyone from tired business executives to late-shift janitors can enjoy comfort foods and snacks that take minutes instead of hours at a low cost.

Breakfast, Fast
Although familiar frozen microwave biscuits and calorie-laden breakfast platters are an easy option, healthier choices are viable and quick to prepare. Zap whisked seasoned eggs for one minute on high in a butter-brushed bowl, then re-whisk and cook for 30 seconds for light and fluffy scrambled eggs. Or add cheese and microwaved bacon or cooked crumbled sausage to flour tortillas, warmed between damp paper towels, for an on-the-go breakfast burrito. If a high-fiber breakfast is the goal, try a warm bowl of hearty oatmeal with chopped fruit.

Lunch in a Rush?

Soups, chilis and stews do exceptionally well in microwaves, as they won't lose too much moisture and dry out. Pair some piping hot tomato soup with a turkey club sandwich, using leftover breakfast bacon. Chopped chicken breast served with steamed broccoli over rice with lemon-pepper sauce can be made in minutes. Popular picnic staples like hot dogs and brats heat evenly when wrapped in damp paper towels and quick-steamed in the microwave, which can even bake the potatoes just right for a quick homemade potato salad side dish.

Dinner is Served

Imagination is the only limit in microwave cooking, even when it comes to making an entire meal in thirty minutes or less. So many accessories and techniques now exist for microwave chefs to achieve great results that there are few foods that can't be turned into successful dinners. From a creamy beef stroganoff over egg noodles to macaroni-and-cheese casserole, sloppy joes and chicken enchiladas, microwave ovens enable fast access to a satisfying time at the dinner table.

Tasty Treats

With less time every day to savor little things, flash cooking makes parking on the sofa with a big bowl of microwaved chocolate-topped popcorn or a cinnamon-swirled coffee mug cake an easy feat. Microwaves also allow pre-cooking to get a jump on tomorrow or defrost meat for dinner in a hurry. With reading and experimentation, mastering microwave cooking is a snap.

Tips in finding the Best Baby Monitors

When buying baby monitors, most people do not know where to begin or what they need out of this electronic device. However, when doing some research and understanding one’s needs, a consumer can find the best product for his or her needs. With that being said, here are four tips to find the best baby monitor.

Know the need: Often, a customer will walk into a store and feel overwhelmed when looking at the available selection of electronic items. When this happens, a shopper will often feel out-of-place and walk up to the salesperson who will probably not know much about this device. Sadly, a buyer will walk away without buying what he or she needs. Other times, the customer will buy a product that does not meet their needs. To fix this, a consumer should know what they need out of a baby monitor; for example, some will want one with a long-range while others will want a monitor with a long battery life. When knowing one’s needs, it will be easy to approach the situation and find the most useful product.

Narrow down: When a customer knows what they want, they can narrow down the list. Ideally, when choosing a four or five potential products, one should look for reviews and look at them in person. When testing them out in person and reading online reviews, a shopper will know what monitor will work for his or her situation. To get the most out of this, a shopper should read dozens of reviews on each model; when reading up on the product, one will know, with near certainty, which product will work with their situation.

Other parents: Before taking the plunge or testing a few monitors, one should ask local parents for their help. A parent with a child under the age of five has probably recently used the device in their household. When getting real world advice from a trusted source, one will feel good about their purchase.

Test: Now, this is not always an easy proposition, but one should test the baby monitor in person. When testing it, one parent should sit near the monitor and the other near the receiver. When performing a thorough and drawn out test, one can determine if the product works as intended. Of course, while in the store, some may feel awkward at doing this; however, it is a critical step as knowing how the monitor works in a real environment is essential.

With these four tips, a shopper can find a baby monitor that meets their needs. Remember, this is a serious investment and one must take their time to know what they need and what will work in their life.

A Guide to Avoiding Leaks in Washing Machines

Washing machines are major appliances which require care and proper maintenance to remain functional. Without this attention, disaster is close at hand, with the potential for ruined floors and expensive repairs lurking behind every leak. There are several ways to avoid leaky washers, including replacing the hose, paying attention to the water pump, keeping the machine level and employing an automatic shut-off valve. 

Replace the Hoses

The rubber hoses that provide hot and cold water to a washer are built to be strong, but not everlasting. The more time passes, the more these hoses become brittle and hard. When this happens, they are prone to damage, such as cracks. And, it only takes a small crack to cause a massive leak. These hoses should be checked on at least an annual basis for problems. If they feel hard, delicate or otherwise damaged, they should be replaced at once. Even if no problems are detected, the rubber hoses should be replaced every five years, to ensure proper function.

Pay Attention to the Water Pump

Washing machines have water pumps that help circulate and drain the water. If the water pump malfunctions, the water will not drain properly, instead remaining stagnant in the machine. This water then becomes a leaking problem. A broken water pump will often make a loud, clunking noise. Any sudden, loud noises should be investigated as potential water pump problems and addressed right away.

Keep the Machine Level

The machines are large and loud; during the average washing cycle, there is a lot of force employed. If the washer is not level, the entire machine will move and shake. To the casual observer, it may seem humorous to see the machine’s dance across the floor. However, this could lead to property damage and leaks. Make sure the machine is level by checking its legs. Most legs on modern machines are easy to adjust; some require just a slight forward tilt of the washer, while others can be manually tightened.

Use an Automatic Shut-Off Valve

An automatic shut-off valve for a washer is one is a device which, upon installation, detects when the machine is on and off. When the machine is on, everything functions as it should; the hoses are free to transfer water. When the machine is determined to be off, however, these hoses are clamped down. This means that there is no potential for accidental leaks or floods. Some of the automatic shut-off valves even have a floor sensor which shut down the hoses if there is any water pooling at the base of the machine.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Mattress Online

The best way to get a good night's sleep is to have a quality mattress to sleep on. Unfortunately, the only way to determine if a mattress is right for you is to actually lay on it before you buy. If you decide to buy yours online, what can you do to guarantee that you are getting the most value for your money?

Inquire About A Money-Back Guarantee

It is common for online retailers to return your money if you are not satisfied with the product that you have purchased. If you decide that your bed is too firm or too plush, make sure that you have the ability to return it for a full refund.

Do You Save Money Buying Online?

There are a few tricks that can help you save money when buying bedding online. For example, buying a product from another state can help you avoid paying sales tax on your purchase. Additionally, online retailers may be willing to offer free delivery on most purchases. That alone could save you as much as $100.

Can You Get Help From A Salesperson?

The one disadvantage about shopping online is that you don't get to talk to a salesperson face-to-face. While some consumers may appreciate the ability to shop without a lot of hype or hassle, it can be nice to have someone to talk to if you have questions about your purchase. If you do want someone to talk to, look for a site that offers real-time chat with a customer service representative.

Only Buy From Reputable Dealers

While you might think that you are getting a good deal buying from a discount retailer, you should stick to dealers that you have heard of. If you have to buy from a clearance section, you should only buy clearance from a major company. Anyone who wants to buy from an outlet retailer should look for something with a brand name on it. This will ensure a minimum level of quality from your bedding.

Never Buy Used

This is one item that you never want to buy used. In general, you never want to buy anything that you will be sleeping on through an auction site. Although the seller may claim that your item has never been used, that cannot be verified or guaranteed.


Buying a piece of bedding online can save you money while making the shopping experience less stressful. However, you have to make sure that you are buying from a reputable dealer that has a good return policy. Otherwise, you could be stuck with something that you cannot use.

Identifying the Best DSLR Camera for You

Once the photography bug bites, it is not long before a novice photographer makes the jump into the SLR camera realm. When film reigned, SLR (Single Lens Reflex) stood for one type of camera. Now that digital is king, there are DSLR cameras. The DSLR models range from entry-level, which start at a few hundred dollars, to high-end professional models priced at several thousand dollars. Some might consider the most expensive model to be the best however, when it comes to cameras, the "best" model for one photographer may not be the best for another.

Why Get an SLR?

The leading feature of a Single Lens Reflex Camera is a prism and mirror that permits the photographer to see what the lens sees. Other viewfinder types are offset, which causes the photos to vary considerably from what was seen in the viewfinder. The SLR mirror flips out of the way when the shutter is released to expose film or a digital sensor depending on the type of camera. The other great feature is the variety of lenses that can be mounted to the camera body.

The Digital Sensor

There are full-frame sensors and APS-C sensors. Typically, full-frame sensors allow for better photos on a professional level. However, APS-C sensors allow for lighter and smaller camera bodies, a greater depth of field, and possibly better image border clarity due to the sensor looking at the center part of the field of view of the attached lens. Optically, the center of the lens is usually the best part. Due to how an APS-C sensor works, this is the area of the lens the sensor sees.

Lens Choice

Most pro DSLRs are sold as a camera body only. Camera kits are often entry-level models. The lenses are usable out to the level of advanced novice only. They provide superior results over point-and-shoot cameras, but the lenses often have quite dramatic limitations. Image sharpness is the most noticeable issue with kit lenses. Though initially a former user of point-and-shoot cameras will see dramatic improvement in images shot with an entry-level DSLR with a kit lens, the limitations of kit lenses will soon become apparent.

Pixel Wars

Pixel warring should be irrelevant. A digital camera is much more than its pixel count. The sensor, image processor and the lens are all critical components of how an SLR camera works. Choosing solely based on pixels is not a good idea. Pro level cameras vary in pixel capability, but all take excellent photos. If a photographer is planning on printing photos the size of a wall or larger, then a large-format camera is a better choice rather than a DSLR with the highest pixel count.

Each manufacturer of DSLRs offers everything from an entry-level model to its flagship model. However, the ones in between usually have specific technical capabilities better suited to specific types of photography. There are models better suited to wildlife, portraiture, celestial and even journalistic photography. The photographer needs to figure out the specific needs for their type of photography and get a camera body and lenses to match.

Keep your Desktop from Pets When You're Not Home

The desktop computer at your home is likely one of your most important possessions. Computers are used for so many different things, and it is essential to make sure that you keep it safe from your pets when you are not at home. There are many things that you can do to protect your valuable lifeline.

Trust me, I'm an IT. Image from Daily of the Day.

Cover It Up

One of the best things you can do is cover up your desktop when you leave the home. All that you really need to do is find some type of bag or towel to protect it from your pets. Simply make sure that you have the entire screen, mouse, keyboard and hard drive covered before leaving. Some companies actually sell items that protect your computer when you are not at home.

Lock Up Your Pet

This is probably not the best option, but it is a great way to keep your computer safe when you are not home. You do not have to cage your pet; all that you need to do is block access to the area where your desktop is located. Many stores sell gates that fit between the entryway into the next room, and this can be all that you need to keep your pet out of the area.

Purchase a Computer Desk

A computer desk can eliminate all of the problems for you, and these pieces of furniture can also enhance the look of your room. The hard drive fits nicely into an area that has a door, and the rest of your equipment may also be stored away behind a door or sliding mechanism on the unit. Your pets will be unable to get to any of your equipment with one of these desks.

Go Wireless

When you purchase a wireless keyboard and mouse, you can easily keep them out of harm's way from your pets. All you need to do is put them away into a secured location when you are not using them. You only need a USB port on your computer to go wireless, and you will also need to replace batteries. This is a great way to make your computer more accessible from other areas, and it also keeps these parts safe from animals.

Remember that when you keep your computer safe from your pets, you are also keeping your pets safe from your computer. Computer equipment is connected to electrical connections, and the possibility of electrocution or some other problem is possible. Do all you can do to keep your pet happy and computer system safe when you are not at home.

Get the Best Movie Experience with Blu-ray Disc Players

Blu-ray disc players are now being adopted at a faster rate than DVD was back in the first couple years after it came out. What this means is that, if you haven't yet, now is a great time to discover the great advantages that Blu-ray has to offer.

(Photo credit: Netgrafika)

A Brief History

Let's take a step back for a minute and have a look at where Blu-ray technology came from. To begin with, DVD had long been struggling with storage limitations; certain video games and movies had to be shipped on multiple discs, as a single DVD was no longer large enough to hold all of the information. Blu-ray was envisioned by Sony and Philips as the heir apparent to DVD, offering a disc of the same form factor but containing orders of magnitude most storage capacity. To be more specific, a dual-layer Blu-ray disc has a 50 gigabyte capacity.

In its early days, Blu-ray players were hugely expensive and few movies were released for them. As with any new format, there were several growing pains, including resistance from Hollywood studios with regards to digital rights management. It took a while, but the specifications of the Blu-ray disc were finalized in 2004.

The High Definition Format War

In the first couple of years, Blu-ray experienced stiff competition from HD DVD, which had a small head start getting to the market. Sony's PlayStation 3 was probably most responsible for Blu-ray’s eventual triumph over HD DVD; when it was released with a built-in Blu-ray player, it helped a great many families make the transition to from DVD to Blu-ray for their home movie needs. The rival Xbox 360, on the other hand, did not ship with an HD DVD player equipped. An external drive was later released for the console, but it was too little, too late.

The Advantages of Blu-ray

As mentioned previously, Blu-ray discs have huge storage capacities. They are best known for offering a vastly superior audio and video experience than their predecessors, the DVD. The inferior image quality of DVD was due largely to the storage limitations of the disc; the video was, quite literally, compressed to fit on the disc. With Blu-ray, a solution had finally been found. Movies filmed with the latest high definition cameras no longer had to compromise on their image quality in order to fit on the storage medium.

While early adopters paid a significant premium for Blu-ray disc players and Blu-ray discs, those sitting on the fence will be pleased to know that as Blu-ray has gained popularity, the prices have decreased dramatically. Players are now highly affordable, and the discs themselves are, most of the time, priced only slightly higher than their DVD counterparts.

Basic Guide to Dishwasher Repair and Maintenance

If you’re deciding on whether to buy a dishwasher or already have one, there are a few things to remember to properly care for the appliance.

Dishwasher repair (Photo credit: Bosch Dishwasher Reviews)

Maintain Your Dishwasher

Although each model varies to some degree, there are some essential truths about dishwasher maintenancethat can be applied to each type.

Keep Debris Clear

They should be used regularly to keep them working correctly. Drains are kept clear when water regularly flows through them. The spinning arms should be cleaned at regular intervals. Once a week should be sufficient to keeping the sprayer holes clear. A fine wire, pliers or a bristled scrub brush can get into the small sprayer holes easily. At the bottom, there is a trap or drain for waste water to leave the dishwasher. Large food particles should be scraped from dishes before they are loaded into the dishwasher, but even small pieces can get stuck in the trap.

Tips for Proper Usage

Load the unit properly. Plates should be facing the same direction; towards the back of the dishwasher. Bowls and pans should be facing downward, so the sprayer arm can shoot water into them.

Don't overload the dishwasher. Each dish washing cycle should include a full load to conserve water and energy, but if the unit is overloaded, the arms cannot spin freely. Dishes won't get cleaned and the motors and gears could grind, overheat and burn out.

Hot water should be run into the sink first to ensure that the water is the hottest temperature possible. This helps the dishwasher to clean the dishes thoroughly. While the water is running, this is a great time to run the sink's garbage disposal. The drain should be clean since the dishwasher and disposal use the same water drain.

Not only should the inside of the unit be cleaned properly to remove particles of food and other debris, it's helpful to run white vinegar or a dishwasher cleaning product through a cycle. This removes hard water deposits and cleans the inside of the unit.

This should keep the dishwasher running smoothly for a very long time. Still, problems can occur even with the most routine maintenance.

Common Problems

No Power

Make sure the door is latched properly, and there is power to the unit. Before assuming it's a mechanical failure, eliminate the simple fixes first. Check the connection to the wall outlet, or if it's wired directly into the under counter wiring, check the circuit breakers. There might be a timer that is set to a delayed start, or a child lock-out feature enabled. All these things should be checked before assuming mechanical failure.

No Water

If no water is entering the unit, make sure the door latch is tight and secure. The water inlet valve should be working properly to allow water to fill the unit. The float switch or overfill protector should be checked too. Any of these valves and switches may be working improperly and need to be replaced.

LCD versus LED TV: Which Suits You Best?

Shopping for a new television can already be an overwhelming experience without having to worry about deciding between LED or LCD televisions besides. It's easy to be overwhelmed with the different options out there, what with varying resolutions (720p? 1080i?), screen sizes, and different types of backlighting technology. Before you rush into a purchase, let's take a look at the difference between LED and LCD technology, so as to remove just one variable from this potentially confusing equation.

Why Is Backlighting Necessary?

Put simply, LED and LCD technology are two different ways to "backlight" a television. Modern televisions need to be lit because they have no light source of their own, unlike previous generations of CRT televisions. In point of fact, an LED TV is just another type of LCD TV, but with a different type of backlighting. To avoid confusion, however, the simpler acronyms "LED" and "LCD" were introduced.

What's an LCD TV?

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A television that's simply referred to as "LCD" uses a form of backlighting known as cold cathode fluorescent lamps (or CCFLs). The most significant disadvantage of this type of backlighting is the fact that it lights the entire screen evenly. What this means is that different sections of an image that might require different lighting (think of a small white shape on a dark background) cannot be seen unless the backlights on the entire screen are brightened almost to maximum. What this does is seriously undermine the picture quality for most of the image, most particularly by altering the contrast of the image. You don't experience "true blacks" - instead, the entire image is washed-out.

The primary advantage of LCD TVs, however, is that they are slightly cheaper than their LED counterparts.

What's an LED TV?

(Photo Credit: Difference Between)

LED backlighting, on the other hand, is a way to locally adjust the brightness of an image for different sections of the screen. In addition to this, LEDs are a great deal smaller than the CCFL tubes in LCD TVs, which means that LED screens are much thinner and are therefore lighter and take up less space.

For those concerned with power consumption, another benefit of choosing an LED TV is that it uses less power than LCD TVs.

Hopefully now you have a better understanding of the differences between LED and LCD televisions. It should be mentioned that CCFL backlit televisions are waning in popularity; LED backlighting is positioning itself as the new frontrunner in HDTV technology. That said, you can still pick up an LCD TV just about anywhere that sells TVs. It's not the absolute pinnacle of television technology anymore, but it's still a great choice for budget-conscious customers.

How to Find the Best LCD TV Sales

If you are in the market for a television, you might be surprised at how much a brand new LCD television can cost you. Even some of the lesser known brands are pricey, so it really does pay to shop around and make use of the best LCD TV sales that you can find.

There are a couple of ways that you can make use of these sales in order to get a high quality electronic at a discounted price. This is going to make things easier for you to afford because you will be purchasing something you need or want without paying full price for it.

Ways to Look for a Great Sale

One of the best ways to look for sales on televisions would be to scour your weekly newspaper or advertisement paper. Be sure to look at several stores to see if they have any LCD TV sales going on and what they are like.

Don't think that just because one store is having a sale, it is the best option for you. You might find that a store having a sale on a television is still just as expensive as one store that doesn't even have the television set on sale. Look for these things and do a lot of research so that you can save a lot of money for yourself in the process.

Use the Web

Yet another thing you can and should do when shopping for a television would be to use the Internet to find great deals. The Internet is home to hundreds of stores that carry a myriad of different televisions. You can read reviews, compare prices and even use easy-to-find promotional codes that can be put towards your final order so that you can get money taken off in the end.

Shopping online allows you the chance to look for different types of televisions so that you know you are able to find the right one for you. You don't have to spend a fortune on a new television set when there are quite a number of LCD TV sales going on at any given time.

Getting the Best LCD TV Sales

The whole key to getting a good sale is to compare stores and prices before buying anything. This includes looking in local stores as well as ones that happen to be online. When you do things this way, it makes it very easy for you to save money on any size television you want.

You will have a beautiful set to add to your home or give as a gift to a loved one without feeling like you spent all of your hard-earned money on it. Either look in weekly ads or scour the Internet for promotional codes that can be put towards your order.

Benchtop Dishwashers: How Can It Benefit You

Washing by hand has become nearly archaic when you consider that just about every home has a dishwasher to do the task of cleaning kitchenware and dishes. There are some residences that do not have dishwashers or the plumbing to hook them up. 

This is where the convenience of a benchtop dishwasher has a distinct advantage and can be easily fitted on a kitchen counter with a few simple connections. Not only are the latest mini-dishwashers portable and easily cleaned, they come in an array of styles to fit your kitchen decor.

Description

A benchtop dishwasher comes with square or rectangular dimensions about the size of a large microwave oven or slightly larger. They are compact in design, able to fit on a kitchen countertop without taking up a large area. 

The outside casing can be made of plastic, porcelain coated or metal, depending upon the model. Generally, volume sizes range from 4 to 12 place settings. This means it can accommodate 4 to 12 of each piece of side plates, cups, mugs or glasses, dinner plates, saucers, bowls and silverware sets. 

Plates and trays are restricted to about 10 to 12 inch sizes. These units feature electronic controls, typically having a timer option, quick wash and wash delay. 

Some stainless steel models are completely enclosed while others feature a viewing window. Some of the more robust models are designed for permanent hook-up to the water supply, having screw-on fittings with feed and discharge lines. 

Other models may have a quick-release connector and water line that fits to the faucet spigot. Depending upon the model, some manufactures tout water and energy saving technology over other features. Prices can rang from $350 up to $1995 or more.

Usage and Versatility

Benchtop dishwashers appeal to those who have very limited space in their kitchen where no floor-mounted dishwashers exist. This especially applies to rental apartments, small studios, guest houses, vacation cabins and older condominiums. 

The washing capacity is best suited for one or two household occupants of a smaller dwelling. Portal dishwashers also function well in entertainment rooms that might have half-kitchens and wet bars. Due to their portability, they can be moved easily from room to room and transported by car to a special event, provided the event has a source of water with faucet hookups and electricity. 

Due to their ease of hookup, they do not require special building codes for installation and they do not violate the stipulations of rental property modifications. Most models have self-cleaning features and need only a sponge wipe-down on the outer case and viewing window.

Best Home Theater Setup

Due to the current economic crisis, many consumers are concerned with the high cost of electronics; however, there are several cost-effective measures that can be taken to ensure high quality hardware at a fraction of typical costs. Many people don't realize the level of competition on the electronic marketplace, which can open countless doors to savings on all popular products. And with this knowledge in mind, looking for the best home theater setup is now easier than ever.

There are several factors involved when creating the best home theater setup. Some of the most popular items on the electronic market today are flat-screen television sets, which range enormously in quality in price. Where some people may be interested in the largest television possible as a centerpiece to their home theater, others seek better value and prefer smaller sized television sets. With high definition being the most desirable feature of modern television sets, many people are unsure of which option best suits them. Most popular TVs display at 1080p resolution, with LED televisions being a popular alternative to LCD displays.

Another important factor in a home theater is the sound quality of the speaker system. Many people prefer to operate their media centers with digital 5:1 surround sound, where others use the stock speakers that come with their television. For people on a budget, shopping for a TV with the sound quality of the speakers in mind is the best option; however, for a few more dollars, home-owners can enjoy sound quality similar to what would be heard in a movie theater. The quality of the speakers will make all of the difference when compared side-by-side, which means most people interested in a high quality setup will also shop for external speaker packages.

One very popular edition for consumers interested in the best home theater setup is a high quality Blu-Ray player. In a time period where definition is almost everything, purchasing a quality, high definition TV would be a mistake without incorporating the use of a quality Blu-Ray player. These devices display resolutions at 1080p and are the best way for movie enthusiasts to enjoy high definition audio and video. All popular movies are now in this formatting, which makes the purchase of a Blu-Ray player an extremely worthwhile investment. Consumers can choose from thousands of popular titles to bring the quality found at the movie theater home with them.

Many people operate under the assumption that all electronics are made from durable materials that will serve them for years; however, this is simply not the case. In a market so completely flooded by cheap competition, choosing the right home entertainment setup must be done with patience and caution.

Washing Machine Buying Tips

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For someone looking to purchase a new washing machine, the below washing machine buying tips can offer good information to help make the decision-making process easier.

The size of the washing machine does matter. For a single person, a couple, or someone with very clean children, a washing machine with a smaller capacity of around 6 kg is probably best. But, for those with larger families, a larger capacity machine of around 10 kg will be more efficient. This will save time and money because fewer washes are needed. Make sure that the washing machine offers options for a half-load to allow for flexibility.

The spinning speed of the washing machine can vary a lot. A minimum speed of 1400 rpm should be used so that clothes come out of the washer fairly dry. This means they will take up less time in a tumble dryer or hanging dry. By needing less drying time, a lot of money is saved. Remember that the faster the speed spin is, the louder the machine will be. The machine will also wear out a bit faster with a faster spin. For someone hoping to buy a cheaper machine, it is best to choose one with a low spinning speed.

Choosing a machine that has a high-efficiency rating will save a lot of money in operating costs. This needs to be balanced out with the higher cost of the washing machine. Washing machines have a grading system from A to G, with A being at the most efficient end of the scale. A machine graded as an A will use half the energy that a G rated washing machine will use. Most new washing machines are rated as an A or B. In this case, the efficiency rating should not be the deciding factor. Buying a washing machine that lasts longer before it needs replacing will benefit our environment.

Some washing machines offer a larger selection of programs. This helps make clothes last longer by washing them on an appropriate cycle for delicate fabrics. It can also save a lot of money by washing separate garments at different temperatures. For someone single, washing clothes on half-loads or saving up the dirty clothing until there is enough for a full load will save money.

Washing machines come in a variety of colors today. One can go with a stainless steel, deep black, silver or something even more colorful.

Some of the more recent washing machines have a digital display that provide information such as the total wash time, current wash cycle, time remaining for wash and more.
Never pay to have features you will never use. Do not always assume that the more expensive washing machine is going to produce better quality. Shop around, compare prices and read reviews to find the washing machine that sounds best.

Hopefully, after reading some of these washing machine buying tips, the decision will be much easier to make.