Tag: cooktop

New Kitchen 101: How to choose between a cooktop or a range top?

Posted on by info@techreach.io

So, you are getting a new kitchen or changing an old appliance. First, congratulations! New kitchen appliances are one of the best investments homeowners can make, it’s also one of the biggest because these appliances tend to be pricey and your decision will most likely affect your whole cooking space for good. 

One of the hardest parts of getting your new cooktop or range, besides a proper installation, is knowing which option is right for your home needs. So, let the expert guide you through some of the finer points that can help you make the final call.

How much room do you have?

It’s generally advised that smaller kitchens be equipped with a range over a cooktop. Ranges tend to be more high end and can end up needing a lot of space. The determining factor here will be your ability to fit what you want into what you have. A thing to consider is  a model of cook or range tops that leaves some space below the instalacion on the counter space for other purposes. 

What are your cooking habits?

If you are more of a casual chef or have smaller meals or cooking needs then a cooktop should meet all your requirements and save you space, maybe some onet too! 

Now, if you want the pro kitchen feel, to feed plenty and make your master chefs dreams happen, indulge in a good rangetop, these also tend to be sturdier, fit larger pots and pans, but they can also run on the pricier side. 

What about ovens?

This is a big question to ask yourself, if you are a fan of baking then getting an oven will also take up space from your kitchen. So, take a closer look at a model that would let that be easy to install as well. 

Pro’s and con’s of cooktops

Positives 

  • You can get them to work with gas, electric, or induction models
  • Can be safer for families, the control knobs are on the top of the counter making it hard for kids to reach.
  • Cooktops tend to be priced lower than range tops
  • Smaller size, leaving more free space in your kitchen 
  • The whole appliance sits atop the counter and can have a stylish finish to your kitchen. 
  • Cooktops tend to be easier to clean 

Negatives

  • Normal cooktops don’t have all the bells and whistles of range tops and can be quite plain in comparison
  • The small size may be an issue for homes that needs to meet a lot of cooking demands
  • Since controls are at the top, they can sometimes be difficult to reach when you have pots on and you might burn yourself doing so

Pro’s and con’s of range tops

Positives 

  • Range tops are usually more powerful and can come in models for electric or gas use
  • They are very sturdy, built for heavy use. 
  • More cooking space and able to fit larger pans and pots.
  • The knobs are placed in the front, making it more comfortable to cook with 
  • Range tops have more professional settings and features 

Cons

  • They can take up quite a lot of space
  • Installing a range top can require a lot of work on your cabinets 
  • The knobs being placed in the front may require you to place safeties if you have small children 
  • Range tops can be more expensive 

Best Kitchen Appliances For Smaller Homes

Posted on by info@techreach.io

New living preferences and a changing world, have resulted in a change with housing options, with homes and apartments getting smaller in order to accommodate for new demands whether being able to fit more people in a city at a smaller price or being environmentally conscious about space. Even with all the new specs having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t have the cooking power you want, discover how to have the chef’s appliances you want without overcrowding your space with Maydone. 

Companies and appliance manufactures have always been working towards making appliances more convenient, even with their size, so there should be no shortage of options to fit your kitchen space. 

Plus, there are so many benefits to smaller appliances:

  • Less heavy, so its easier to get out and put away 
  • Easy to move around
  • Facilitates packing when moving
  • Less stuff to clean when you are done 

Now, let’s get to that list of appliances

Mini Fridges

This one is a super space saver! Having a conventional refrigerator can take up so much of your kitchen space and it might not make sense for your lifestyle. Choosing a mini-fridge instead saves space and can even make you more eco-friendly sense you will have to shop only for what you absolutely need. This is great for mini homes and one-person living. 

Keep this in mind when shopping for one:

Size: yes it’s small, but there are options here to make sure it fits your home and your appetite. 

Doors: for more flexibility and freedom get one with a reversible door. 

Freezer: some mini-fridges have this option. 

Check out: Haier HC27SF22RB 2.7 Cubic Feet Refrigerator/Freezer, Black

Compact Cooktops 

Most kitchen appliances brands now carry a small or compact cooktop line. These appliances come in many formats: gas, electric, or induction, your choice. The best way to go here is to ask yourself what you truly need vs what you think you need. If you are a foodie and love to cook maybe go with the bigger version or the small cooktop, but for the less culinary inclined there are super tiny options that can free a lot of space. Take your time making this decision so you can meet your needs. 

Check out: Search for small cooktops online and discover your options. 

Compact Dishwasher 

Having a smaller space does not mean saying goodbye to the assistance of a dishwasher. This time and water saving appliance can find a place in your tiny home if you know which one to pick. 

Check out: Any dishwasher under 24 inches is considered compact so there are plenty of options to choose from. 

3 common electric cooktop problems and how to fix them

Posted on by info@techreach.io

The kitchen can be the center of all the fun in the house but it can also be the cause for a few headaches, here are simple ways you can fix 3 common electric cooktop problems you can encounter. 

So you were trying a new summer recipe or just making a cup of tea and your cooktop stopped working or maybe it didn’t start, don’t worry we have your back! 

It won’t turn on

One of the most common electric cooktop problems and a big one because you cant cook if your kitchen doesn’t turn on. 

What can you do? 

Check if your kitchen is plugged in, check that your outlet is working and your electrical systems are alright. 

If this is not the problem then it’s probably something internal and you’ll need to call an expert. 

Coils are not heating up

This could be caused by a faulty connection between coil and power, here’s how you can fix this common problem:

  • Clean the coils
  • Check that the coils are set properly 

If that doesn’t work, call Maydone! 

Cooktop light doesn’t work

You could be having problems with your control switch or the light bulbs, the last one can be easily replaced. 

For the control switch, you might need professional help. 

Here are a few other basic tips when dealing with appliances problems

  • Turn the appliance off 
  • Check for damages or loose parts 
  • Go to your appliance manual for help 
  • Ask online forums
  • Call a professional if it seems too complicated

Which kitchen cooktop is right for you?

Posted on by info@techreach.io

Many times sit has been said that the kitchen is the heart of your home, so its make since that you do research when picking the right cooktop for your home, from making hot chocolate to cooking important dinners, this appliance will be with you for important milestones. 

We are going to focus on cooktops instead of ranges in this article but you can find out more about the latter one here. For many homeowners, cooktops are the right decision in terms of design and durability.

There’s plenty to consider when setting your kitchen up when it comes to the cooktop there are also a multitude of options available to you, so keep in mind the level of cooking you want to do, space, care and things that are important to you, here’s a few of the cooktop options available for your kitchen: 

Gas

The preferred choice for chefs and those passionate about cooking. There’s something about the flame of the gas cooker that draws some people in. It heat’s up rapidly (and it cools down fast too) so the cooking is more precise. They are also in the lead when it comes to energy efficiency. Two cons to keep in mind: they can be really hard to clean and you need to have a gas hookup (which can be expensive when you don’t already have one)

Coil electric 

A very affordable choice for the kitchen. The heat takes a little longer to achieve and the cooking is not as accurate. These appliances are very durable and can be used with any type of cookware. It could be a bit of a pain to clean. If your not a passionate cook and want something affordable but good this is the best choice for sure.

Smoothtop electric

Easy to maintain and very stylish, more technological than any of the choices before, so more expensive. Keep in mind that while aesthetically pleasing they are very delicate also. This one is good for those looking to decorate minimalistic and not spend too much time making food. There’s plenty of options for this type of cooktop as well. 

Induction

The most modern choice, super-fast heating options, very safe for families, and it doesn’t heat the room it is in. Its the latest in cooking technology plus the most energy-efficient, but they are very expensive and only work with some types of cookware.

There’s plenty of options and surely one that fits your family and your home. 

Don’t forget for us at Maydone we’ll handle any repair call we can manage, always looking to offer you the best service possible, we work with most of the cooktops mentioned before, so trust in us for installation and repair done the right way, by professionals! 

How Long is The Lifespan of Your Appliance?

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What’s the lifespan of each appliance in your household? This article tells you how long you can expect your washer, fridge or dryer should last.

Are you in the process of buying some new appliances for your home? Before spending a lot of money on an appliance, it can be interesting to know how long you can expect it to last. Or maybe you need to replace one of your appliances and you are wondering if it’s worth buying a used appliance such as a washing machine that is almost five years old?

That’s why we have decided to write this article on the lifespan of different appliances. You will find out how many years a dryer should last and after what time you might have to replace the range hood in your kitchen.

Anyhow, if one of your appliances stops working, we encourage you to have it checked up before giving up on it. Our experienced technicians might find a way to repair your stove or the beloved microwave that has never failed you before. You can contact us online or by calling +1 (888) 513-0052 or +1 (289) 801-7857 during our office hours (Mon – Sun from 8 am – 10 pm).

Furthermore, there is one reason why you shouldn’t be too disappointed if you need to replace your appliance. New appliances cost a lot in the beginning, but they have a much lower energy consumption compare to old appliances.

What Factors Influence the Lifespan of Appliances?

Many different factors influence the lifespan of your appliance, such as the brand and the quality or how often you use it. Furthermore, it is important to clean your appliance and maintain it regularly.

Lifespan of Dishwashers

The dishwasher in your kitchen can last up to 12 years. Newer dishwashers have the benefit of using less water and energy. They are also more efficient in the way they are designed.

Lifespan of Washing Machines

On average, a washing machine should be replaced after 11 and 15 years these days. Having that said, older washing machines that were manufactured a few centuries ago might still be working. But as mentioned before, they use a lot more energy than newer models.

Lifespan of Dryers

The average dryer lasts between 10 and 13 years. There are many things that you can do to extend its lifespan, for example by cleaning the lint trap regularly.

Lifespan of Fridges

Your fridge should last about 13 years before it needs to be replaced. Have a look at these tips on how you can expand the lifespan of a fridge as we have collected them in an earlier blog post.

Lifespan of HVAC Appliances

You can expect your heating, ventilation or air conditioning system in your household to last for a lifespan of 15 to 25 years. On average, air conditioning units will last a bit shorter, between 10 and 15 years. Nevertheless, all of these appliances require regular maintenance to keep working efficiently and to expand their lifespan.

Lifespan of Stoves / Ovens

The stove and oven in your kitchen should last around 10 to 15 years. After that time, you might experience problems with the bake element or the control board.

Lifespan of a Microwave

Nowadays, microwaves last for around seven years, depend on the usage. If used a lot without being cleaned and maintained properly, a microwave might need to be replaced after around five years already.

Our Tip: Save Up Before your Appliance Break

It is always good to be prepared if you know that your appliance comes towards the end of their lifespan. Therefore, you should make sure to have some money on the side so you can afford a new appliance immediately after the old one gave up!

How to Clean Your Kitchen Appliances

Posted on by info@techreach.io

Are you waiting for the perfect time to clean your kitchen appliances?! Not only do we have the best advice when you should clean them, but also some good tips on how to clean your appliances quickly and effectively.  

When was the last time you cleaned your kitchen appliances? As winter is approaching, you’ll probably spend more of your weekends inside than during the summer months. So, this makes it the perfect time to give your kitchen a good scrub. If you clean your appliances regularly, you can also expand their lifespan. And: It makes it more fun to use them and prevents them from needing repair.

Anyway, if you need to get a broken appliance repaired or need help with the installation of a new appliance, you can contact us online or give us a call: 1 (289) 801-7857 or +1 (888) 513-0052. Our technicians are available from 8 am to 10 pm in the Greater Toronto Area and we offer $30 off for first-time customers.

How to Remove Grease from Your Appliances

What do you need? One lemon, kitchen towel

How to do it: To remove grease stains from your appliances, you can simply use a lemon. Cut it in half and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then you can start rubbing it on all kitchen appliances that have grease on them. Repeat this with the other half of the lemon if necessary. Finally, wipe the lemon away with a kitchen towel – you’ll see how easily you can clean the grease stains.   

How to Clean a Burnt Stove

What do you need? Salt / White vinegar, baking soda, newspaper

How to do it: If you’ve spilled some food on your stove while cooking, it works best to sprinkle salt on it before it cools down as that will make it easy to peel it off. In case you want to clean other stains on the cooktop, you should cover them with white vinegar and sprinkle some baking soda on it. Give it some time to set before you start scrubbing it away with a newspaper. Furthermore, you can use a dry towel to clean the stove from the vinegar and baking soda.

How to Remove Bad Smells from Your Fridge

What do you need? Baking soda, vinegar, vanilla

How to do it: Everyone knows that feeling: You’re opening the fridge and it just smells horrible. Honestly, that can ruin your appetite. So, if you want to get rid of these smells, you should make sure to throw all the old food away. Then, scrub the surfaces with baking soda and warm water. After cleaning it, mix some baking soda with a tablespoon of vanilla and put it in the fridge. From now on, your fridge will smell fresh and clean!

How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

What do you need? Vinegar, microfiber cloth, oil, paper towel

How to do it: Are there some fingerprints on your stainless steel appliances? Well, don’t worry. Nothing is easier than to wipe them away and make them look shiny and new. Firstly, spray vinegar on the appliances. Wipe it down in the direction of the grain by using paper towels. Finally, dip a microfiber cloth in a bit of oil and use that cloth to polish the appliance.

 

If you want to know how you can clean your dishwasher, you’ll find some good tips in this previous blog post. You can find more tips on our Facebook page and our Instagram account. Follow us so you’ll never miss a new tip!