Appliances have come a long way since their beginning. Food used to be kept cold in ice or cold water. Ice boxes were utilized, then further changes were made all the way up to what we know as the refrigerator. The refrigerator was easy to understand, you plug it in, place your food in it, and turn the dial to your desired coldness. When the freezer got too cold, you needed to defrost it to remove the ice buildup. Ovens/Stoves had a similar history. Wood or coal was utilized to cook the food, beginning with an open flame and then transitioning to the heat source being placed in a potbellied stove. Then we began to plug those in/hook them up and use either gas or electric to cook our food. Now, appliances have become “smart”, and they do so much more than just cook your food or keep it cold. When considering a remodel, it is good to know the choices that are out there for appliances today.
Refrigerators
So many options for your refrigerator nowadays. Refrigerators can keep your food cold and entertain you. You can connect to the Internet through your fridge, listen to music, browse the web, or even watch TV. You can control your refrigerator through your phone to either adjust the temperature or determine which item is closest to its expiration date. Instead of having magnets and such cluttering your space, you can use an app to virtually see your child’s artwork. Since it can be connected to the Internet, you can even order more groceries from your refrigerator and have them delivered. You can choose to have one door or three doors (freezer on top or bottom and one or two doors for the fridge). You can choose how the doors open (left/right/or from the top, like a drawer) and can determine the size of the refrigerator needed for the space that you have.
Stove/Oven
Like the refrigerator, your stove can be connected to the Internet and be controlled by your phone. “Smart” pots and pans can be connected to the appliance (wirelessly) as well and interact with each other to determine the perfect doneness for your meal. The units can be stand-alone, installed in the wall (oven), or installed on the countertop (stove). You can look up recipes and see the ingredients right where you are cooking. Any spills that would have ruined a paper recipe can simply be wiped off the display. Ovens can open the tradition way by pulling the door down, and also they can be opened on the side like a door in your home. They can be remotely controlled to keep food warm, shut off automatically after a certain time, and run cleaning cycles.
When choosing your appliance, it is best to keep your budget in mind. Just because there are appliances that can do hundreds of things, does not mean that this would be the best for you. In the long run, it is good to choose an appliance that suits your needs, has the functions that you desire, and is within your budgeted amount.
Need some help understanding the choices that are out there for appliances? We’re here to help you. Give us a call at (440) 884-4600 or email us at customerservice@littsplumbing.com. We’d be more than happy to discuss the current appliance landscape with you.
