A Stove is a Stove…Right?
The current wave of new technology has brought on a corresponding new era in stove top cooking. There are many different stove top cooking options that produce the same end result. In part 1 of this 2- part stove top series, we are going to look at some of the different types of stove tops, […]
Honey, I blew up the Microwave!
Microwave Safe – Part 3: What You Need to Know About the Microwave In this the final installment of the Microwave-safe series, I want to look at the different kinds of materials used in cooking bowls and dishes that we often put in the microwave. Ceramics: Ceramics are one of the most common materials in […]
Life Expectancy of Major Appliances
If you are like most homeowners, you may be looking for ways to save money when it comes to keeping the major appliances in your home in working order. In the past when you have replaced one of your appliances, have you wondered if you had gotten your money’s worth out of it or if […]
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor Kitchens – Perfect for Calgary There is no doubt about it, we Albertans covet our summers. After enduring what can be 6 solid months of winter, and a month of iffy weather on either end, most of us are desperate for summer. Alas, our beloved summer makes a brief appearance and all too soon […]
Anatomy of a Refrigerator
Anatomy of a Refrigerator Philosopher and scientist, Francis Bacon, said, “Knowledge is power”.You may be wondering what this statement has to do with appliances. Since most people own several appliances, I thought it might be useful to provide you with some understanding of how the most common household appliance actually works.Nearly every home has a […]
In the Beginning: The Dishwasher
The History of the Dishwasher I know some people who don’t have a dishwasher and sometimes I wonder how do they function? Being in appliance repair I see a deep need for everyone to own a proper working dishwasher. I know my kids can’t imagine life without a dishwasher and neither will their kids. But […]
Packing and Moving Your Home
Kitchen and Household If you are hiring a professional moving company to do your packing as well as your move, many of tips outlined below are not necessarily relevant. If you are packing and moving yourself, here are a few tips to help you prepare. (Packing & Moving Part 2 will discuss readying your household appliances […]
Replace or Not to Replace? – That is the Question.
Whether tis nobler to repair what may have cost you an outrageous fortune or to take arms against compressor troubles and by calling the Junk Guys end them. As Easter is upon us you may be thinking about purchasing a couple of turkeys on sale to have on hand for later. Easter, turkey, freezer, is […]
Convection Affection!
I have heard many conversations about convection ovens and I am always asked what the difference is between a convection oven and a traditional radiant oven. Is one better than the other? Are there any negative side effects? In this week’s blog we will dive into the world of the convection oven. How they Work: […]
Water is just Water
Part 1 of a 5 part series of water in your home. Water is just water, right? Not true! You may be surprised to learn that water is not just water, after all. There are actually many different types of water. Although you have likely never thought about it, that wonderful liquid that you have […]
Microwaves: Is there a dark side?
Microwave Safe – Part 2: What You Need to Know About the Microwave! In Part 1 of the Microwave-safe series, we looked at the positive attributes that the microwave has. However, this small appliance is also riddled with controversy. In this post we will look at some common dissenting opinions regarding the microwave oven. Food Composition: One […]
WATER and YOUR HOME
Varying types of water aren’t the only considerations when you’re examining the performance of your appliances. Although the different variables in water can most certainly have an impact on the way your machines operate, another major consideration is how the appliances use the water that they’ve been given. In 2013, green is everybody’s favorite color, […]
Water Impact and Your Home
The type of water that you have in your home can have an impact on those big ticket items that you rely on to make your household run smoothly. Once you understand the type of water you have in your home, you can take steps to make sure everything is at its most tip-top shape. […]
Guide To Quality Home Appliance Repair Services
We all take home appliances for granted until there is a breakdown. It then becomes clear how important these appliances are in our everyday life. When there is a problem, quality home appliance repair is crucial to ensure quick and long-lasting results. The most important consideration is the repair company that you choose. A reputable […]
Hard Water and Its Impact on Home Appliances
Once you’ve learned a little bit about the different types of water that can be coming into your home, you may still be surprised to learn that these various water types can have dramatically different effects on your appliances. While some of the effects may seem scary at first, don’t worry! We’re here to help […]
A Clean Fridge is a Clean Kitchen!
The refrigerator is an appliance that is used very often in every home. A quality refrigerator should be able to last a lifetime, but even a good fridge needs a little tender love and care now and then. In order to keep your fridge in good working order, a proper cleaning every once in a […]
Effects of Water on Appliances
Once you’ve learned a little bit about the different types of water that can be coming into your home, you may still be surprised to learn that these various water types can have dramatically different effects on your appliances. While some of the effects may seem scary at first, don’t worry! We’re here to help […]
Front Loading Washer
While front loading washing machines originated in Europe, they have been steadily increasing in popularity in North America. Due to their greater energy efficiency, comparatively larger load capacity and greatly reduced water usage, front load washers have become the first choice for many Canadians. The only unfortunate downside to these new found heroes of the […]
A Stove is a Stove…Right? Part 2
In part 1 of the stovetop series we looked at the different heating techniques and ways to clean the electric coil stovetop, the electric smooth top, and the induction stove top. In the second part of this 2- part series we will finish by looking at gas cooktops and modular cooktops.
Garbage Disposal Care and Maintenance
Care and Maintenance of Garbage Disposals The unsung hero of the kitchen has got to be the humble garbage disposal. This unseen little appliance is either convenient and helpful or a stinky, malfunctioning, expensive-to-repair disaster. The most important thing to remember is that the garbage disposal’s best friend or worst enemy is the same person […]
Smart Appliances & Home Technology
In recent years, technology has had a major trend in its innovation — making things “smart.” Smart appliances are different than regular appliances because they have the ability to connect to your smartphone, giving you the control and awareness of the appliances in your home no matter where you are. Though, sometimes these appliances break […]
Smart Refrigerators
Did you know that the first Internet-connected “smart” refrigerator was plugged in more than 17 years ago, in 1998? It still runs today and serves a single purpose: to record when it is opened and closed. As of lunchtime this afternoon, this smart refrigerator has been opened more than 73,000 times and counting.
Laundry Appliance Trends
Home design trends are constantly changing. The massive shift in the color of appliances over the decades is the most glaring example. If you’re planning on replacing your washer and dryer anytime soon, you should know about these three emerging laundry appliance trends.
Are Your Refrigerator and Freezer Cooking Too
Mercifully the rainy season has come to an end and summer has arrived in the Calgary area. While all of us are breathing a sigh of relief that warmer weather is finally here, your refrigerator and freezer are not. In fact, summer is “high season” for refrigerator repairs. But with a little bit of extra […]
Differing Water Hardness and Its Impact on Home Appliances – Section 2
The type of water that you have in your home can have an impact on those big ticket items that you rely on to make your household run smoothly. Once you understand the type of water you have in your home, you can take steps to make sure everything is at its most tip-top shape. […]
The Alternative Lifestyles of Small Appliances Part 2
In part one of our other uses for small appliances blog we looked at alternative uses for common household small appliances. We went over ways to get creative with the coffee maker, the waffle iron, and the toaster oven. In today’s blog Gord’s Appliance would like to visit a few more small appliances and explore […]
Refrigerator Ice and Water Dispensers – Part 1
Refrigerator Ice and Water Dispensers – Part 1 Advantages of In-Door Ice & Water Dispensers In the midst of our hectic schedules and fast-paced lifestyles, conveniences wind up becoming an indispensable part of our lives. In-door water and ice dispensers on refrigerators have become very popular in recent years. Not only are they convenient, these […]
Packing & Moving Part 4 Washer and Dryer
As was discussed in Parts 2 and 3 of this “Packing & Moving” series, even if you are hiring a professional to do your packing and moving, these tips for preparing your household appliances for a move will still be relevant. Again, your particular moving company will inform you of your specific responsibilities regarding your […]
Dryer Maintenance
Dryer Maintenance and Care While most people outside of Canada and the United States live without a clothes dryer, most of us can’t imagine life without the convenience of a dryer. Because most of us own a dryer, it is a good idea to know how to care and maintain one. Improper dryer maintenance can […]
Doing Laundry Au Naturel Bleaches – Part 6b
Natural Bleaches If you would like to keep your laundry room as free as possible from chemicals, there are several natural alternatives you can try. Lemon Juice in the Washer Lemon juice can be one of your best allies! You can try partially filling your washer with hot water and soaking your whites overnight with […]
Doing Laundry Au Naturel – Part 6a
Whiter than White Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb. Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white because she bathed him in optical brighteners, optical brightening agents (OBAs), fluorescent brightening agents (FBAs), fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) and chlorine bleach. In our quest for whiter whites we could be exposing ourselves to some elements that […]
Doing Laundry Au Naturel – Part 3
Homemade Soap There is a sub-culture rising up around us that is taking its place in the mainstream. Thanks to the internet, reality television and the proliferation of DIY (do-it-yourself) – along with an enthusiasm for environmental friendliness – we have a new generation of males and females beginning to embrace things that many of […]
Doing Laundry Au Naturel – part 5
Laundry Balls – Are You Being Taken to the Cleaners? Part 4 of this series “Doing Laundry Au Naturel” focused on several types of laundry balls on the market and how they are supposed to work. And indeed they do work – “kinda”, “sorta” by virtue of the fact that laundry balls are used in […]
Doing Laundry Au Naturel – Part 4
Washing Machine Gizmos & Gimmicks They come in various shapes and sizes. Sometimes they look a bit like a mutant puppy toy, a grotesque baby rattle or some kind of alien chicken egg, but they are called laundry balls (washing balls or discs). They present themselves as the most economically viable and the greenest choice […]
A Dishwasher – It’s Not Life or Death… is it?
Not Using a Dishwasher is a Health Hazard If you think only lazy people need a dishwasher, think again. A good dishwasher can be a life saver – literally. Now you may be thinking, “That’s a tad dramatic; my grandmother never owned a dishwasher and no one ever died!” While it may be true that […]
Right to Dry – Doing Laundry Au Naturel – Part 2
As was discussed in Part 1 of this series, “Doing Laundry Au Naturel”, there is a movement afoot aggressively promoting the use of clotheslines instead of dryers. The “Right to Dry” campaign does have its hands full in some jurisdictions in Canada because there are city bylaws in place prohibiting the use of clotheslines. While there are […]
Doing Laundry Au Naturel – Part 1
The Demise of the Dryer They are militant and they may be waging war in your quiet suburban neighbourhood. Government executives, federal legislators and housing developers are starting to sit up and take notice. Who are these freedom fighters and just what is their cause? They are the champions of the humble clothesline and they […]
Floods and Household Appliances
What to do with household appliances in the event of a flood? There really is no safe way to rehabilitate a dishwasher, range/stove/oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher or washer and dryer that has been completely submerged under dirty flood waters. While it is obvious that a house that needs to be replaced will also need new appliances, […]
Packing and Moving Part 3 Fridge and Freezer
As was discussed in Part 2, “Packing & Moving: Range & Dishwasher”, even if you are hiring a professional to do your packing and moving, these tips for preparing your fridge and freezer will still be relevant. Again, your particular moving company will inform you of your specific responsibilities regarding your household appliances. As always, […]
Packing and Moving Part 2 – Stove and Dishwasher
Packing and Moving Part 2 – Stove and Dishwasher Even if you are hiring a professional to do your packing and moving, many of the following tips for preparing your household appliances will still be relevant. Your particular moving company will inform you of your specific responsibilities regarding your appliances. If you are doing your […]
Cleaning Ovens
Conventional, Self-Cleaning, Continuous-Cleaning & Steam-Cleaning Ovens Apart from price, brand, style and functionality, any serious discussion about a new oven/range must include the important issue of cleaning ovens. While it may not be particularly glamorous , the issue of cleaning ovens should impact your decision just as much, if not more than other considerations. The Conventional or […]
The Alternative Lifestyle of a Small Appliance
These days DIY projects are taking over the internet. Everywhere there seems to be new and interesting DIY ideas and these often include different ways to use everyday objects. Examples of this are turning a t-shirt into a dress or using a brown paper bag to make popcorn. Today I thought I would join into […]
Calgary Hard Water & Dishwashers
Gord’s Appliance Speaks on Calgary Hard Water & Dishwashers Most of us in the Calgary area are familiar with hard water and its effects on large and small household appliances, skin, plumbing, etc. There are a couple of variables affecting the hardness of Calgary water that you may not be aware. The water source for […]
Second Hand Appliances. Curse or Blessing?
Scattered across this great nation of ours are myriads of small community centres, bingo halls, churches and small social clubs. While we may think that community halls or other centres are outfitted with commercial kitchens, this is not always the case. Even within a city the size of Calgary, many small churches and community halls […]
