Select ‘bells and whistles’ with care

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Appliances can do amazing things. Take coffeemakers. All of them can brew a fine cup of coffee, but some models do more - like brew a pot while you’re still in bed, adjust the coffee’s strength and temperature to suit your tastes, allow you to draw a single cup while you’re waiting for the pot to fill, and even grind your coffee beans. Unfortunately, these bells and whistles come at a premium price.

Most appliances come in three versions - basic, mid-grade, and high-end. With this in mind, be on your guard when you shop. Ask yourself these questions:

* What do I need this appliance to do?

* How easy is it to operate?

* Is it energy-efficient model?

* Does it have the safety features I need?

* Are other features, like digital controls, programmable timers, and
self-cleaning options, important to me?

The deciding factors in the purchase of any appliance should be cost, usefulness, user-friendliness, and safety. If the basic model does what you need it to do, buy it. You’ll be delighted with your appliance and your savings.

Many people who buy up-scale models rarely use the high-tech features. These extras often do little more than complicate the operation process.

One extra you shouldn’t overlook is the automatic shut-off feature on appliances with heating elements. Have you ever left the house only to be plagued with doubt as to whether or not you turned off your iron, coffeepot, or curling iron? An appliance that shuts itself off relieves you of that worry.

Appliance manufacturers have done their job and deserve your business if they’ve made their products easy to use. Don’t ignore the owner’s manual, but its main purpose should be as a trouble-shooting guide, not as a map through a maze of complex directions. The ordinary operation of most appliances should be more intuitive.


All the best,


Timben