When was the last time you cleaned your oven? It’s a necessary chore that most of us probably don’t do enough. A buildup of burnt up food or debris can actually lower your oven’s performance. A dirty oven also produces harmful smoke fumes that are potentially dangerous to breathe in. Instead of risking it, clean your oven periodically. Here are some easy oven cleaning tips to get you started.

Clean Up Spills When They Happen

The best way to prevent built-up messes in your oven is to clean them when they happen. When food or liquid spills out of your baking dishes, wipe them up with a damp cloth after the oven cools off. This may seem inconvenient at the time, but its easier than waiting until they become hardened messes.

Use Oven Cleaner Products

Using a store-bought oven cleaning product is a good idea for greasy, hardened messes that may have been there for quite some time. Be sure to read the instructions on the product carefully, but most should be sprayed on and left for at least 30 minutes before wiping off.

Make a DIY Natural Cleaner

If you try to avoid chemical products, you can easily make your own oven cleaner using vinegar and baking soda. Make a thick paste from baking soda and water and apply it to any caked-on messes in your oven. Lightly spray or pour vinegar on top and let the solution sit for 30 minutes before wiping off.

Use the Self-Cleaning Setting on Your Oven

If your oven has one, consider using the self-cleaning option. It will heat up to over 800 degrees for several hours, so it’s best not to use it during the warmer months. You also may want to open the windows because the smell of burnt food debris can be a little overpowering.

Need help with your oven? Express Appliance Repair has got you covered. Call for an appointment today.

With all the choices on the market, it’s hard to know which brands to look for when you’re shopping for a new appliance. A new refrigerator is a big investment, so you want to be sure you’re getting a good deal, and a reliable product. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top refrigerator brands to make it a little easier for you. Read on to learn more.

LG

LG has been around since the late ’50s and is known for its high-quality home appliances. LG Refrigerators are always the latest in technology and design, and you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth. LG also focuses on producing energy-efficient, user-friendly products, with several of their best-selling models winning the J.D. Power Award year after year.

Samsung

You may just think of smartphones when you hear the name Samsung, but if you’re looking for a top-notch smart refrigerator, Samsung probably has what you’re looking for. Samsung’s latest smart technology refrigerators are some of the top-selling in the market. With French door and side by side models, there’s something for every kitchen.

Kitchen-Aid

Kitchen-Aid has been a reliable kitchen appliance brand for decades. Not only do they offer dozens of different style refrigerators, but they also have some of the best product warranties in the business. You might be looking at a higher price tag with Kitchen-Aid, but you’ll know you’re getting an appliance that will last you for years to come.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool has the best-selling French door refrigerator model on the market. For its price and consumer rating, you really can’t go wrong. The brand has been a leading competitor in the kitchen appliance market for a hundred years, so it’s hard to compete with that.

No matter which brand of refrigerator you have in your home, it’s essential to take care of it so it will last as long as possible. Contact Express Appliance Repair for any of your home appliance needs.

There have been so many advancements in smart technology, just over the last few years, that has drastically changed our everyday lives. Appliances we use every day are becoming even more convenient, with more features and more capability with other devices in our homes. Let’s take a look at the latest smart technology appliances.

Smart Ovens

Can you imagine owning an oven that actually makes you a better cook? It’s possible with a smart oven. The latest smart ovens and ranges are not only controlled by your smartphone, but they’re able to detect when food is cooking unevenly and adjust the temperature accordingly. Theoretically, you can preheat the oven from your phone as you’re leaving the office and cook for a feast for the holidays without worrying about burning the turkey.

Smart Refrigerators

Smart refrigerators may be the most exciting smart appliances for the kitchen. They are able to keep track of the food inside and text you reminders of food items that you’re running low on.  They can even tell you when fresh fruit or vegetables you have are close to their expiration date so you can use them up. Your refrigerator can even send you recipes for casseroles or soups, so you don’t waste all those fresh veggies!

Smart Washers and Dryers

One of the most innovative things about owning a smart appliance is that they can update themselves. That means when a new wash cycle is developed, your smart washer can download it, and you can begin using it immediately. Smart washers and dryers are also extremely energy efficient and can even give you tips on how to improve your laundry habits so you can save even more money.

Remember that Express Appliance Repair is standing by to assist you with any of your smart or traditional appliances. Call for an appointment today.

What would we do without dishwashers? A lot of dishes, that’s what. Dishwashers have made our lives easier for almost 100 years now. And it’s incredible to think how far the technology has come over the last several decades. Let’s take a look at the latest dishwasher technology.

Advanced Wash Systems

Some of the latest dishwashers available on the market come equipped with over 140 cleaning jets. All that washing power means you get a crystal clear clean every time. There are no more blind spots since every area has designated jets, including the top rack. Every corner of the dishwasher is getting clean with this kind of advanced wash system.

Dry Boosts

Ever get frustrated with finding water droplets all over your kids plastic dishes or your Tupperware? Not anymore with the latest dishwashers equipped with “Dry Boost.” This unique cycle gets your hard to dry items up to three times dryer than the heated dry cycle.

Adjustable Racks

You’ll never have to handwash your fancy stemware or glasses with adjustable dishwasher racks. Just move the top rack down a few notches, and you’ll be able to fit all your delicate glassware comfortably.

Half Load Washes

Having a light week? Those dirty dishes start to smell musty after a while, but you don’t want to waste water and energy washing a half load of dishes. Thankfully, the latest dishwasher technology makes it possible to do a half load of dishes. Just load all your dirty dishes into a designated “wash zone,” and your dishwasher will only use the water and energy it needs to wash that area.

Does all the latest dishwasher technology make you long for a new dishwasher? Let Express Appliance Service install it for you. Remember to contact Express Appliance for all your home appliance needs.

Did you know that a chest freezer has about 20% more usable space than the freezer in your refrigerator? If you don’t have a chest freezer in your home, but have recently been considering one, read on to discover the many benefits of owning a chest freezer.

Consistent Temperature

A chest freezer can maintain a steady constant temperature because it doesn’t have a self-defrost system. That’s why items in chest freezer can stay nice and frosty at all times. Since air circulates less in a chest freezer as well, you don’t have to worry about freezer burn.

Energy Savings

Many people worry about energy costs when purchasing a large appliance like a chest freezer. Stop worrying! A chest freezer uses far less electricity than your refrigerator, in fact, you’ll barely see a difference in your energy bills. Just be sure to look for a chest freezer with an energy saver tag.

Room to Buy in Bulk

Groceries can be expensive, especially if you’re shopping for a large family. Having a chest freezer allows you to buy the more pricey items, like meat and poultry, in bulk. You can save money, and always have dinner ingredients on hand without worrying about where they can be stored.

Preserve Fresh Produce

If you have a garden at home, or purchase from a local farm or co-op in the spring and summer months, having a chest freezer means you can preserve those fresh fruits and veggies and eat them all year round! It’s easy to prepare and freeze fresh produce, just store them in reusable bags and take out what you need. You can even combine ingredients and label them for easy crockpot and quick meals.

Remember to contact Express Appliance Repair for all your appliance needs, including chest freezers!

Washing machines are noisy. While it’s true that most of the noises they make are normal, there are some that you should pay attention to. Some noises could indicate serious problems that should be addressed right away- before they turn into costly repairs. Read on to discover which noises are typical for your washer, and which ones aren’t.

Rattling Noises

When your washing machine either starts or stops a spin cycle, you may hear a gentle rattle. This type of rattling sound is entirely normal. However, if the rattling noise is loud and accompanied by loud banging sounds, this could indicate an uneven weight distribution in your wash load. This commonly happens with towels or more substantial items that tend to become very heavy when wet. Usually, all that’s needed to fix this problem is a quick rearrangement of the load by hand. If this doesn’t stop the rattling, there could be a loose pulley or component in your machine. Contact Express Appliance Service right away.

Loud Buzzing

A loud buzzing sound coming from your washing machine usually indicates a problem with the motor. If this problem isn’t addressed right away, the motor could burn out completely, leaving you with a dead washing machine. If the buzzing sound is more of a light humming, this could be a problem with your pump. Either way, you’ll need to seek the service of a professional appliance repair professional.

Grinding Noise

If your washing machine is making a grinding noise, this could indicate a problem with the agitator or another failing component. Get a grinding noise checked out right away. It’s most likely an inexpensive fix, but the longer you wait, the more damage it could cause.

Hearing any strange noises we haven’t addressed? Call Express Appliance Repair right away for all your washing machine needs.

We’ve all heard of smartphones, smart houses, but smart ovens?? Is that a thing? Yes, it is. And once you’ve read all about them, you’ll probably want one of your own. What exactly is a smart oven? A smart oven is an electric oven, usually a smaller one that sits on the countertop, that uses technology to control the settings and temperature remotely with an app on your phone. This can entirely change the way you cook. Imagine being able to change the temperature setting on your Thanksgiving turkey while you chat with your guests, or even preheat the oven on your way home from work. The possibilities are endless. Now that we’ve piqued your interest, here’s a couple of the latest “smart” ovens.

Smart Oven by WLabs

It may not be on the market soon, but when it is available for purchase, you’re going to want this bad boy. The Smart Oven by WLabs actually learns and remembers your cooking habits, so it knows how you like things cooked and gets it right every time. Like your roast a little bit on the well-done side? The Smart Oven will catch on quickly. With its eleven different cooking settings, you can bake, broil, dehydrate, air fry, defrost or warm just about anything. It replaces several various appliances so you can declutter your countertop and always have what you need in one spot. Plus it is voice activated so you can be a multi-tasking dinner hero.

Brava

The Brava Smart Oven can cook gourmet meals at microwave speed. Its smart technology allows it to rapidly adjust the temperature as food is cooking, resulting in perfectly cooked meals every time. Even the most novice of chefs can get picture perfect meals in no time. It’s an ideal tool to encourage kids to cook too!

Don’t have a smart oven? Don’t worry. Express Appliance Repair can fix just about any appliance in your home. Give us a call today!

Washers and dryers are probably the most convenient appliances you can own. Can you imagine if we still needed to scrub our clothes clean with washing boards?  The bigger your household is, the more dirty laundry that accumulates during the week. Thankfully modern laundry appliances come in many different sizes and styles so that you can find the perfect size for your family. Here’s a closer look at how to do just that.

Consider an All in One Machine

If you live by yourself or with one other person, you may not even need two separate machines. All-in-one washer dryer combos both wash and dry a load of clothes, with you only needing to set it once. Although these usually are smaller capacity machines and take longer than traditional washer and dryers, they are small and compact and can be extremely efficient for smaller households.

Measure Your Space

If you’ve ruled out a combo machine and know you’d like a traditional washer and dryer, the first step is to decide where you’d be placing them. You’ll need to make sure you have a water hookup, and gas hookup if you’re purchasing a gas dryer, or that you’ll be able to have the connections installed in your chosen space. Next, measure the designated laundry space. Make sure you’ll have enough space for the machines, as well as an area for door clearance and loading and unloading. If you’re crunched for space, you may want to consider stackable machines.

Determine Your Machine Capacity

If you have a larger family, or at least one small child, you probably go through quite a bit of clothes during the week. Larger capacity machines may be the best option for you. Do your research and compare models online before going to an appliance store, this lessens the chances of being overwhelmed and coming home with something that may not work for your family.

Once you’ve determined which size and capacity laundry machines are perfect for your home, you can start shopping! And remember that Express Appliance Repair is here for all your washer and dryer needs.

Every appliance in today’s modern world seems to have a million different settings. For example, your dishwasher- “Heavy,” “Normal,” “Light,” “Pots and Pans”… How do you know which setting to use? Here’s a closer look at each option so you can decide if you’re using the proper cleaning setting on your dishwasher.

The Normal Cycle

According to Whirlpool, 80% of dishwasher owners use the normal cycle. And why wouldn’t they? It sure seems the most logical choice to wash things the “normal” way. The normal cycle was designed for moderately soiled dishes, like plates, silverware, and glasses. When in doubt, use the normal cycle.

Light Wash

The light wash, or sometimes called “1 Hour” or “Quick Wash” setting is for lightly soiled dishes that don’t have a lot of built-up debris, like dozens of wine glasses after a cocktail party, or a new set of plates just purchased from the store. This is an excellent choice to conserve water and energy when all you need is a quick wash.

Heavy Setting

The “Heavy” or “Pots and Pans” setting on your dishwasher is meant for heavily soiled items like casserole dishes and built up messes. This setting may be called “pots and pans,” but it’s always best to wash pots and pans by hand if possible. Even with a heavy setting, they might not come out completely clean due to their irregular shapes and design. It’s also important to note that the water gets about 5 degrees hotter with this setting, so be sure only dishwasher safe items are inside.

Use the Normal Setting Most of the Time

Although it may be tempting to use a lighter setting more frequently to conserve water and energy, the truth is you’ll probably end up having to rewash the dishes, or at least handwash some of them.

Have any other dishwasher related questions? Express Appliance Service can help you with all your home appliance needs.

Why It’s Important to Use Oven-Safe Dishes When Baking

Oven-safe bakeware is specifically designed to tolerate the extremely high temperatures of your oven while evenly cooking your items, so they turn out the way you want them to. Using dishes that aren’t approved as oven-safe can not only lead to a baking fail, but it could be potentially dangerous. Here’s why it’s important to use oven-safe dishes when baking.

Specifically Made with Instructions

Dishes that are made oven-safe usually come with instructions for their proper use. When you use these types of dishes and bakeware, you can be sure that your food will cook the right way without any sort of cracking or breaking during the baking process. There may be temperature limits on certain bakeware, so be sure to check the label before use.

Non-Oven-Safe Glass Can Shatter

If you can’t find any oven-safe labels on a particular dish, don’t put in the oven. Non-oven-safe glass or materials can shatter with extreme temperature changes, creating a potentially dangerous mess for you to clean up, or even damage your oven. Not to mention your baked goods will be inedible.

Decorative Dishes Could Melt or Leak

Dishes with decorative designs that are not explicitly labeled oven-safe can melt in the oven. Whatever was used for the colored design could leak into your food, that is if it even holds up at all to the extreme heat. When it comes to bakeware, basic is best.

Even Heating

Oven-safe bakeware is designed to cook your baked goods evenly, giving them the proper texture and doneness. Using anything other than oven-safe could lead to soggy cupcakes or burnt cookies, and no one wants that.

Are you using oven-safe bakeware and your baked items still aren’t cooking properly? There may be a problem with your oven. Express Appliance Repair can help, call today!