Free Machine?

I want to sell you a machine for nothing...Free( new mantra: volume not profit)
Further, according to the government you will use this machine 8 times a week every week all year...Before you sign, there is a door number 2




Behind door number 2 is the $700 machine. Hold on for a moment. This machine will save $200-300 annually(average life 15 years). It will use less cleaning agents and will have 40-70% more capacity than our free model. This machine is gentler in its operation with less wear and tear on the material placed inside...


What do you think of the free machine now? Well congratulations you just opted for:















A front load washing machine(versus a top load).

The features listed are all factual. As I walk through stores and read industry reports, 60-70% of all washers sold are still inefficient top load machines including some very expensive pieces.

As front loaders become more popular, their average price is dropping(and increasing with more features like steam, etc). The breakeven after considering operating costs can be less than a year, so be careful when a complete stranger offers you something for nothing.

But, seriously, if you are considering a washer or even a dryer, be informed on operating costs as well as initial price

Lighting Warranty

You know the warranty on your car and appliances...I have to ask this one intrigueing question: What do you think the warranty on a light actually is?

I have already posted today....I can ask a question or three.

Choose This or That..Pro Ranges

Back by popular analytics demand, The "Choose this" column effectively details different choices and prices within the same category. In earlier posts, we reviewed refrigerators, gas stoves, electric stoves and dishwashers


Now its time for the professional range..Strangely, this category did not exist until 1991...Professional ranges are similar to commercial ranges, but are insulated for zero clearance to cabinets. Pro range also do not need sprinkler systems and are warm, not hot to the touch unlike commercial products. In the last few years, self cleaning, dual fuel and sealed burners have been added, but style has always sold these product...


Lets look at 30 inch pro ranges:


Dacor is actually the most expensive 30 inch range. Very decent features with a 18,000 BTU burner, 2 16,000 BTU burners and a simmer burner as well. It is also dual fuel with an excellent broiler, but at about $6,000, there are other choices like....





The Viking...Its hard to believe, but Viking is actually inexpensive at just over $4,000 for the base unit. Although the range is basic with 15,000 BTU burners, Viking still sells more pro ranges than anyone...But $4,000 may be out of the budget,
so how about a





Bertazzoni: As I have stated in lighting posts, most style and fashion emanates from Italy. This range is no exception. At just over $2300, Bertazzoni is a good alternative in this niche





Ciao!(couldn't resist)

The Dangers of CFLs?

By now, most regular readers understand I am concerned with the environment. As such, I am a zealous advocate of compact fluorescents(CFLS), which are way more efficient than regular incandescent bulbs.





In fact, if everyone purchased one CFL, it would have the same environmental effect as eliminating 800,000 cars from the road. In last weeks Wall Street Journal, there is an article about the dark side of green bulbs. CFLS do contain a trace level of Mercury, about the same amount as the tip of a ballpoint pen.

I would say that you obviously would not want to place a CFL in your mouth...But you already have. Older thermometers contain 10 times the mercury of a CFL....


With a lamp life of 7 years with 4 times the efficiency of an incandescent, CFLs will certainly save money, energy and the environment..Look at the video for a practical demonstration of the difference in energy consumption.

If a bulb breaks, you do not have to call the HAZMAT squad, here is the skinny:

To recycle a CFL...Go to lamprecycling.com(we will start as recycling center in March)


According to the EPA, if a bulb breaks(I will paraphrase):

1. open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes

2. Carefully scoop up the fragments with a stiff paper or cardboard(use rubber gloves and wipe clean with a a damp paper towel) Do not use a vacuum or a broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces

3. Place all cleanup materials in 2 sealed bags

4 If fluorescent bulb breaks on a rug or carpet then:

5. First remove all materials you can without using a vacuum. Sticky tape can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.

6. If vacuuming is still needed after all visible materials are broken. Remove the vacuum bag and place in 2 sealed bags


Again, I am somewhat paraphrasing, so consult the WWW.EPA.GOV and your local state
for more detailed guidelines for disposal...I do not want to completely minimize the risks, but the potential savings in energy is, in my opinion, too great to ignore.