Your Guide to Replacing Kitchen Appliances and Supplies
All good things come to an end, and the same goes for your trusted cooking supplies and other kitchen appliances. Though they were state-of-the-art when you first purchased them, they will get old and lose their shine. Ultimately, you will need to repair them or replace them altogether.
When updating your kitchen, it’s not enough to merely appraise your appliances at face value. There might be underlying issues you have to address. Read on for tips on how to keep your kitchen under the best condition.
When to Replace Your Dishwasher
A dishwasher is one of the most essential kitchen appliances that every home should have. It’s necessary to keep your kitchen clean. But with time and constant use, your dishwashers will wear out or break and will require replacements.
State-of-the-art dishwashers can last up to 10 years. However, you might need to have it repaired or replaced sooner once you start to see the following signs of wear and tear before that given period:
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Rusting exterior which may suggest a water leakage
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Stagnant water which may indicate clogging
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A door that doesn’t close or locks properly
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Cold dishes after a washing cycle
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Breaks on the doors or frames
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Water leaks under the dishwashing unit
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Grubby and spotty dishes following a cycle
Repairing or replacing some of the unit parts may fix these issues. However, it is still best to replace the whole unit to enhance energy efficiency.
When to Get a New Refrigerator
No modern home is complete without a refrigerator. That said, your fridge should always be in good working condition. Soiled food can cost you a lot of money, and can even put your family’s health at stake.
Refrigerators can last around 10 years, but watch out for these signs as they may indicate that you need to replace your unit the soonest time:
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Too much condensation, which is often caused by a broken door seal
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Overheating motor
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Food quickly going bad
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The freezer section is too cold
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Increased power consumption without a change in usage
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Noisy motor
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Cools unevenly
Ice makers or water filers usually last for around three to five years. If you live somewhere hot, make sure to repair these attachments timely or as needed. If your fridge has broken parts, it is recommended that you replace it with a new one in time for your kitchen update.
Timelines for Stove
Like other appliances mentioned above, your stove or oven also needs to be replaced every ten years at the latest. You’ll know it’s time to replace your cooking range when:
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The glass is broken or has cracks
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A burner won’t ignite or get hot
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The oven doesn’t heat up evenly
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Preheating takes too long
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The burners are not level
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The gas stove smell like kerosene, which may indicate leaking gas
Usually, repairing your cooking range costs almost half the price of a new one. In cases like this, replacement is a better option.
Refurbishing Countertops and Cabinet Installations
Contrary to popular belief, your kitchen counters and cabinets won’t last forever. They need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. In time, your cupboard doors won’t close properly, and your shelves will cave in due to excessive use. When these things happen, it’s time for a kitchen makeover.
Replacing Countertops
Worn down countertops may not lose their function, but their look can affect the overall vibe of your kitchen space. Further, a countertop with cracks can be a breeding ground for bacteria. So, if your countertop has scratches, cracks, irreparable stains, or just looks old, consider getting a new one.
Installing New Cabinets
You should replace your kitchen cabinets and countertops side by side. However, make sure to repair or install new cabinets first as their functionality will significantly affect your kitchen space and how you store your utensils.
Updating Microwaves and Small Appliances
Smaller appliances have shorter timelines. For this reason, you will need to replace them sooner than your other appliances.
Microwave
A decent microwave can last for around five years. However, cheaper models may only hold up for a year. If your microwave doesn’t heat up, the turntables don’t rotate, or the buttons don’t work, it’s time for you to get a new one.
Microwaves are repairable, but the repair costs are often too expensive compared to the cost of getting a new one. A better deal would be to get a new one.
Toasters
Oven toasters are a convenient way of cooking or heating leftovers. However, these small appliances are won’t last longer than five years. Signs of sparks, smoke, uneven cooking, or strong metallic odors from your toaster mean you have to replace it as soon as possible.
Stand Mixers
These small appliances are handy for baking, but they can be really expensive. Hence, people think hard and long before deciding to buy a new one. You can quickly repair simple operating faults on your own. However, more complicated problems like power problems require a replacement. Before purchasing a new one, make sure to check the item’s warranty.
The Shelf Life of Spices
Despite spices being dry and preserved, they still have expiration dates. When spices expire, they lose their flavor and usefulness. Whole spices last for around four years, while ground spices last for two to three years. Herbs, on the other hand, can last for a year or two.
Cooking oils last around one to two years, while table salts last for five years. Kosher and sea salt have an indefinite shelf life.
When to Discard Non-Stick Pans
Use your non-stick pots and pans for five years or less. The peeling of the surface or signs of scratches indicates replacement.
A fully-functional kitchen can make your life comfortable, so make sure to give it a proper and timely update. If you need help in updating your kitchen space in terms of design, Casci Designworks Inc. is ready to provide you with the best service. Contact us today at 916-376-9226 for a free consultation!