Very often we don’t know what to choose and what are the benefits offered when it goes about appliances, gadgets, decor etc. Here’s how to ensure the 6 most common gadgets in your home outlast their guarantee and they are proved to be the best investment for 50000 USD or even less.
Appliance Knows How
Last year you worked your way through two new vacuum cleaners; last month the kettle burnt out and now the iron has died in a puff of steam. Why does it seem your appliances give in as soon as the guarantee expires? Should you have it fixed or just replace it? If you buy a new one should it be from an expensive brand – and is it really worth it to take an extended guarantee? We called on Game and a few well-known manufacturers for the finer details.
6 Most Common Home Appliances
Everyone agrees the most important consideration when buying an appliance, is to opt for popular, reputable brands who are known for manufacturing quality products and offer value for money, outstanding after sales service and the availability of parts should repair be needed. Consumers often make the mistake of buying unknown imported brands and are stuck with appliances that are difficult to repair; long waiting periods for parts which have to be imported or high repair costs because the parts are so expensive.
Local manufacturers usually stock parts for 10 or even 20 years, which is not often the case with international brands – though reputable international manufacturers do have local services departments.
Iron
Buy the best brand you can afford, as a good quality iron will last longer and parts are more easily available. Vertical steam iron and those with stainless steel, PTFE-coated or ceramic sole plates are more effective. Irons should also have an anti-drip feature to ensure it does not leak when the iron gets hot.
Cost: ~$70 – $360
Guarantee: ± 1-year
Lifespan: 1 – 2 years
Washing Machine
Although top loaders allow you to add more washing powder or fabric softener in the middle of a cycle, front loaders have bigger advantages: they wash cleaner and use less water and electricity. When shopping around for a new machine, make sure it is the right size for your household’s needs and has an economical wash function. Also consider water usage, cycle time and energy efficiency.
Cost: ~$699 – $999
Guarantee: ± 2 years
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Tumble Dryer
Tumble dryers eat away at electricity, which is why you must be certain of the correct size for your needs. There are two types of tumble dryers: a vented dryer and condenser dryer. The vented dryer blows warm air and steams out – either directly from the machine or via an outlet pipe, thus decreasing the humidity and heat in room – while condenser dryers condense steam into a container that one empties.
Dryers which blow steam and air out through the door are more economical and use less electricity, but also blow fine particles into the room. A vented tumble dryer with an outlet pipe or a condenser model eliminates this problem and is recommended for allergy sufferers. To save electricity, opt for a tumble dryer with electronic humidity control; this will switch off automatically when the clothes are dry.
Cost: ~$1 999 – $5 999
Guarantee: ± 2 years
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Television
An important feature to consider if you’re thinking of buying a new television this year is high definition technology. DStv has already switched to this technology while SABC, M-net, and e.tv are scheduled to do so by November 2011 – giving everyone enough time to get a high definition television (HDTV) set. Naas Orffer of LG Electronics defines high definition as a video signal with a line resolution of 1080; the current line resolution is 480 – hence the image is much sharper and brighter. Special cables are needed to receive a high definition signal such as a Component/VGA/DVI/HDMI-cable.
Some television screens have built-in converters that allow the screen to accommodate the resolution of the image. Do ask the salesperson more about high definition and make sure it is compatible with your existing audiovisual equipment.
Cost: ~$5 999 – $14 999 (26″ LCD to 42″ LCD screen)
Guarantee: ± 1-year
Lifespan: ± 20 years (LCD and plasma)
Stove
Consider the price, size, whether it’s free-standing or built-in and whether it operates with electricity or gas. electrical ovens are more versatile than gas ovens and are especially convenient for bakers when it has a thermal fan that can spread heat equally. A gas stove, on the other hand, is better suited for roasts and casseroles because the oven is slower and cooler. If you’d like to save electricity without giving up the convenience of an electric oven, you should get a stove with gas burners and an electric oven. And note that Eskom recommends convection ovens as being the most energy efficient.
Cost: ~$1 999 – R8 999
Guarantee: ± 2 years
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Fridge
Consider the price in view of size, energy efficiency, and storage space. When buying a fridge, ensure that it’s big enough for your requirements and that there’s room to freeze items, especially if you do not have a separate freezer. A fridge that defrosts automatically is convenient and economical, as more power is required to keep a fridge cold when it is frozen up, but this function is only available on expensive models; buy a fridge with a minimum four-star freezer rating for efficiency.
Cost: $1 999 – $16 999
Guarantee: ± 2 years
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years