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.