Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 17, 1995 TAG: 9511170096
SECTION: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PAGE: HGG-14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SARAH COX
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The holidays are a great time for selection and price, and with holiday business bonuses being handed out, appliances are more affordable, he said.
Traditionally, "we see husbands buying appliances for their wives for Christmas, and from time to time, it's a mutual gift, said Steve Terry, Holdren's vice-president. Sometimes it's a surprise, and sometimes a last-minute purchase. But one of the most important elements in shopping for a home appliance, said Terry, is not to make it a last-minute decision, because the purchaser needs to match his or her needs to the purchase.
Year end ushers in the new models, said Terry, and through November and December the latest products are out on the floor for display. In addition, "there tend to be very good finance promotions'' this time of year, he said, but cautioned to use care before signing up for one. He advised making sure there were no "gimmicks'' attached to these promotions. In addition, make sure these no-interest, no-payment plans for a certain number of months will apply to you: If you can't pay off the appliance before the payment is due and the high interest kicks in, Terry said, you're better off with a regular payment plan and loan.
Terry also said the best buys in ranges often are seen this time of year, because manufacturers want to ride the coattails of the turkey-roasting crowd. So, with selection, price and promotions going your way, you can start shopping around.
Ward said the first thing to do is to find out what the gift recipient really wants and likes in appliances. Ask if the new side-by-side refrigerator will fit in that certain space. How many family members will be burdening the new dryer? In colors, do you want almond, black or white - or even the pricier, but more high-tech chrome look?
Terry said to look at the basics: the colors in the kitchen, whether a super-quiet dishwasher is most important, and whether the cook in the family really wants a new stove, or will a great microwave be better for his or her style of cooking.
Another aspect in shopping for appliances is to be aware of their efficiency rating, which is listed right on the appliance. The lower the number, the less energy is used. Ward said that most reputable dealers will work out an exchange after the holidays if the gift doesn't suit the recipient.
In ranges this year, Ward said some of the most popular choices are ones with solid glass tops that offer "cleanability.'' In addition, Terry said they offer instant heat, and heat efficiently. Ward also pointed out Jenn-Air's duel-fuel arrangement, which has a gas cooktop and an electric oven. As popular as ever are the griddle accessories on cooktops. Grills, which some say have a reputation for spattering grease, now have been outfitted with a more powerful motor that has increased pulling power. This should reduce spattering.
Microwaves, according to both Ward and Terry, have come a long way in design and dropped in price. Ward said that 20 years ago the top models were as much as $500, and now they range in price from $99 to $249. The additional features include push-button controls and a cooking sensor.
Convection microwaves are essentially a second oven: They cook faster and more evenly and are easier to use. These, which have a fan and heating element and can brown the food, are more expensive than the conventional microwaves. Terry said the starting price is about $289.
Everyone loves a side-by-side refrigerator, but will it fit? Chances are greater now than they used to be, said Ward. Jenn-Air and G.E. are now manufacturing a shallower refrigerator that doesn't stick out far beyond the cabinets. Many men, such as Ward, don't like bending way down to get to something in a refrigerator, and side-by-sides help avoid this. In addition, the in-door dispensers for crushed and cubed ice and chilled water are very popular.
Terry said new refrigerators have the ability to separate foods and odors with sealed bins in a variety of sizes. "It's easier to store fresh foods than in the past, but prices keep going up because their energy-efficiency'' keeps going down, he said.
To round out the newest and best in kitchen appliances are the ultra-quiet dishwashers. "They are quieter, clean better, and your better dishwashers truly wash dishes,'' said Terry.
Again in answer to today's trends, washer designs are now matching today's fabrics. They have increased capability to wash delicates much better, said Terry, and the dryers are bigger, doing more laundry at one time for busy families.
With this advice in hand, and a big red bow from your local appliance store, you'll be in clean clothes and cooking with the gourmands during the holidays.
by CNB