Fridges
13 Telling Signs That You Need a New Refrigerator
Thirteen signs it is time to replace your fridge, from warm food and a failing seal to frost build-up, constant running and repair bills that no longer add up.
What your appliances cost to run, what fits, and how to fix them
Straight answers for small homes and apartments, with the numbers shown so you can check them.
Browse by topic
- Running costs What each appliance draws in watts, how many kilowatt-hours that adds up to, and what it costs on a typical bill. 3 articles
- Fridges Sizes that fit small kitchens, what is normal and what is a fault, and when a repair stops being worth it. 7 articles
- Kettles Electric, stovetop and smart kettles: how they work, what they are made of and how to keep them free of limescale. 5 articles
- Kitchen Answers about the appliances and fittings that make a small kitchen work, from stove widths to dishwasher salt. 10 articles
- Laundry How washing machines, tumble dryers and irons work, and what to do when they misbehave. 5 articles
- Heating & cooling Keeping a small home comfortable: fans, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and heaters. 2 articles
- Home & care The rest of the house: cleaning, personal care and entertainment appliances. 3 articles
Latest articles
Kitchen
20 Thoughtful Appliances for Wedding Gifts
Twenty appliance wedding gift ideas beyond the usual toaster, from espresso machines and air fryers to stand mixers and robot vacuums, with what to check before you buy.
Running costs
Are Clothes Dryers Expensive to Run?
What an electric clothes dryer costs to run per year and per hour at today's US electricity rate, how heat pump and ventless models compare, and how to cut the cost.
Running costs
Are Dishwashers Environmentally Friendly?
Are dishwashers better for the environment than washing by hand? Water and energy use compared, eco-friendly detergents, and how to keep a dishwasher efficient.
Kitchen
Are Garbage Disposals Worth It?
The pros and cons of a garbage disposal: environmental impact, whether you need a plumber to install one, what not to put down it, and when it is worth the money.
Kitchen
Do Blenders Destroy Fiber?
Does blending destroy fiber or nutrients? What blending really does to fruit and vegetables, how long a smoothie keeps, and whether it raises blood sugar.