Braun KF600 Impressions Coffeemaker Review

Braun KF600 Coffee Maker

The Braun KF600 Coffee Maker is one of Amazon’s best reviewed and best selling coffee makers. This coffee maker by Braun can make up to 10 cups of coffee in a single spot. This coffee maker was designed with a drip-stop feature that allows users to suspend coffee brewing to pour cups of coffee. The most unique feature on this coffee makers is a built in Brita water filter for pure, better tasting coffee.

Hoover S3765-040 WindTunnel Canister Vacuum Review

The Wind Tunnel Bagless Canister Vacuum by Hoover is designed with patented technology designed to pick up the most dirt and grime from your carpet or hard floor. This vacuum includes a true HEPA filter that reduces allergens floating around in your home. Reach all the far places in your home without an extension cord! This machine includes a long 22 foot long cord with that rewinds with the press of a foot pedal.

Included Attachments:
Includes crevice tool, dust brush, a nozzle for furniture, and floor brush. Also includes a brush for cleaning the WindTunnel’s filter system.

Jenn-Air Refrigerator JS48FSFXDA Review

If you’re looking for a refrigerator with top of the line temperature control then the Jenn-Air JS48FSFXDA Refrigerator is a great choice.

Product: Jenn-Air JS48FSFXD Refrigerator
MSRP: $5799
Refrigerator Capacity: 18.3
Freezer Capacity: 11.8 cu. ft.
Total Capacity: 30.1 cu. ft.

This refrigerator by Jenn-Air represents the pinnacle of home refrigeration technology. It’s temperature control system can sense changes in room temperature, freezer, and fresh food compartments. It allows users to maintain consistent desired temperature levels in their refrigerator at all times.

Special Features
The JS48FSFXDA Refrigerator is designed to be compatible with Jenn-Air’s custom color paneling that allows users to adjust the look and feel of their refrigerator to match and compliment their kitchen. The inside of this Jenn-Air refrigerator is also customizable. Add or remove storage bins and shelves to suit your needs and style.

If freezer storage is an issue, this model is designed with elevating shelves that make it easy to adapt your freezer to suit your present needs. If you bought a turkey and need to store it till next week simply raise the height of the shelf to make it fit. Also includes tilting freezer door pockets that make it easier to see and find the things you need.

Don’t waste energy cooling your whole house, this refrigerator is equipped with a door ajar alarm that tells users when you’ve left your refrigerator door open. Ice Maker is equipped with a built in PuriClean filtration system that guarantees clean and clear ice every time.

Dyson Root 6 Hand Held Vacuum Cleaner Review

When I first saw the Dyson Hand Held Vacuum Cleaner in Amazon’s top selling appliance list I thought “how did a drill get into the appliance category?” As it turns out, this oddity isn’t a drill at all but a hand held vacuum.

I like this handheld because this is a man's vacuum cleaner. Dyson built this handheld vacuum cleaner with as much power as they could pack into the Root 6 frame. This hand held vacuum is great for getting dirt in high up, hard to reach places or removing dirt after a nasty accident. My favorite use for this handheld vacuum is cleaning keyboard.

KitchenAid Artisan Series Mixer Review

KitchenAid is well known for quality mixing machines. Their entire line of mixers is still made in America and come with this assurance taken directly from the official KitchenAid website:

Our Hassle-Free Replacement Warranty guarantees that if your countertop appliance fails
during the first year, KitchenAid will replace it free of charge. We will:
Deliver a replacement to your door
Arrange the return of the failed appliance
Guarantee the new appliance for one year

Features
The Kitchen Aid KSM150PSER Artisan Series Mixer comes with three different attachments including a wire whisk, flat beater, and dough hook. Artisan Series Mixers are designed with 10 variable speeds to get your dough, cake batter, or anything else you need to mix just right.

If you want more than a mixer then you might want to check out the optional attachment sets offered by KitchenAid. They turn any mixer into a wide range of other useful appliances from meat grinder to vegetable dicer.

Capacity
The KitchenAid Artisan Mixer comes with a 5 QT. bowl that allows users to mix 6 lbs. of mashed potatoes, 6 lb. loaves of bread, or about 108 cookies in one bowl. Larger bowls are available including the 6 QT. mixer bowl that can handle 8 lbs., of potatoes, 156 cookies, or 8 1 lb. loaves of bread.

Color Options
It should be noted that the Artisan Series of Mixers comes with a wide range of color options. I’ve read several customer reviews on Amazon of people who buy these mixers because it “looked like it belonged” in their kitchens. If you’re looking for a mixer with that’s going to match your kitchen colors the KitchenAid Artisan series of mixers is a great place to start.

Cooper Cooler Beverage Cooler HC01 Review

I really like my drinks ice cold. Even in winter when it’s hailing and 20 degrees outside I love my water, Gatorade, and soda ice cold. When I saw the Cooper Cooler HC01 Rapid Beverage Chiller I thought wow! Cold beverages whenever I want! But after a little bit more reading I wasn’t impressed

First off, the Cooper Cooler can only chill one can or bottle of liquid at a time. Second, and most importantly, I couldn’t envision a single instance where I would need or want to use a beverage chiller.

To use the Cooper Cooler you need something cold already. The Cooper Cooler doesn’t create cold, it merely disperses it. Let’s say you’re on the beach and want to chill your warm can of coke with your Cooper Cooler. To make it work you’ll need an ice chest filled with cold water and ice to cool down your coke.

The Cooper Cooler HC01 isn’t a practical device and you’re probably better off buying a mini fridge.

CuisinArt Breadmaker CBK-200 Review

Today I drove past a bakery making fresh bread and I thought I should review one of the more popular bread machines on the market right. I bring you a review of the CuisinArt CBK-200.

What makes the CBK-200 so popular? Well, it comes with a variety of options and settings that makes getting the perfect bread easy. You can set your bread maker to bake soft bread, chewy bread, crispy bread, or doughy bread. You can set your breakmaker to bake pizza, low carb, and gluten free dough. You can set your bread maker to bake different sizes of breads for special dishes and tastes.

The instruction manual also includes a long list of tips and recipes to make with your bread maker.

Hoover Steam F5505 SteamVac Spot Cleaner Review

Hoover F5505 SteamVac Spot Carpet Cleaner

I wish I could review this SteamVac by Hoover, but unfortunately Hoover has not provided nearly enough details to give this Steam Vacuum a proper evaluation. I’ll provide you as best an overview of features as I can.

Features

Adjustable handle height
The handle of the F5505 Steam Vac allows users to adjust handle height.

Attachments / Hose
The Hoover Steam Vac F5505 comes with a 5 foot long hose for attachments and includes a steam vac brush for cleaning furniture and hard to reach spaces.

Folding Design
Handle folds down for easy storage. (Folding design does not reduce length or width.)

This model folds

Final Note
Hoover has not provided enough information to write a detailed review. It’s the least expensive steam cleaning vacuum cleaner in their lineup and is definitely a no frills model. My biggest complaint with the F5505 SteamVac is Hoover’s claim that this model is “powerful”. I searched their website up and down to find out just how powerful it is and unfortunately they have not provided this information. I’ve emailed customer service with an information request and hopefully I’ll get a response within a few days from their staff.

This image and caption is taken
directly from the F5505 PDF
catalogue. It presents no proof
as to why it's so powerful.


Buy the F5505 SteamVac Now

Hoover Agility SteamVac 5 Brush Agitation System

The HOOVER Agility 5-Brush Agitation SteamVac is a steam vacuum cleaner designed for home use. It comes with all the standard features included in a typical steam vac including brushes and hose attachments for reaching tight corners and cleaning edges. The scrubber is based on a 5 brush design to clean deep inside carpets.

Features

Clean Surge Button
The The Hoover Agility SteamVac comes with a Clean Surge button that releases extra solution into your carpet. Use this feature to clean high traffic areas, dark spots, and hard to remove stains.

Hoover's Clean Surge button sprays
extra cleaning solution to scrub those
deep stains clean.

Folding Handle
This Steam Vac is designed with a folding handle. It’s ideal for those who want to conserve vertical storage space. Folding handle does not reduce length or width of this steam vac.

This Hoover SteamVac Folds

Spinning Brushes
In addition to spinning head brushes, the Hoover Agility Steam Vac includes a hand-held rotating brush. This is a great for removing stains on furniture, hard to reach spots, and stubborn carpet stains.

These spinning brushes clean deep.

Heated Cleaning
The Agility by Hoover is designed to heat the steam vac’s cleaning solution with pressure as it exits the vacuum head.

Extension Cord
24 foot extension cord allows provides users with flexibility and freedom when using cleaning their carpets.

Product Notes:
The Hoover Agility Steam Vac has one fatal flaw. It lacks a rinse option. Users can’t spray clean tap water into their carpets to rinse their cleaning solution from their carpet. The spinning head brushes are removable for quick and hassle free cleaning after you’ve steam cleaned your carpets. This model comes fully assembled, you can take it out and steam clean your carpets as soon as you bring home.

One last note, the Hoover Agility Steam Vac comes in two different models. Both are identical in size and features. The only difference between the two is color. Some retailers and e-tailers offer both models at different prices. If color isn’t a concern, go with the cheapest model.

Blue F6212-900 Lavender Mist F6215-900

Eureka 4870GZ Boss Smart Vac Upright Vacuum

Good evening, your Sensei returns from another hard day at work anxious to dispense his wisdom. Tonight I review the Eureka Smart Vac Upright Vacuum. Does this Vacuum really suck, or does it blow? Read on and find out.

Product Review: Eureka 4870GZ Boss Smart-Vac Upright Vacuum
MSRP: $149.99

True HEPA Filter: Yes

The 487GZ Upright Vacuum by Eureka is a no frills vacuum with excellent suction. It includes standard cleaning tools and a 30 foot electrical cord. This is also a great low cost vacuum for allergy sufferers. This Eureka Upright Vacuum includes a True HEPA filter system that prevents 99% of dust 3 microns and larger from being put back into the air you breathe!

Included attachments for the Eureka 4870GZ Upright Vacuum Cleaner.


Like I said, this is a no frills vacuum, and the $149.99 price point reflects that statement. If allergies or dust isn’t a big concern I recommend you check out the Hoover Tempo Widepath Vacuum instead, its more than $50 dollars cheaper and has very powerful suction. However, the Eureka Boss Smart-Vac is still a great buy at this price because it includes a True HEPA filter into its design. The Eureka 4870GZ Upright Vacuum earns 5 stars out of 5!

This Vacuum Cleaner gets 5 Stars for a small price
and including a True HEPA Filter system.

Roomba IRobot Vacuum Cleaner

By special request, here is my review of the Roomba IRobot Vacuum Cleaner.

Product: Roomba IRobot Vacuum Cleaner
MSRP: $89.99 - $299.99

Yes, dawn of the Personal Robot Age is here. At least once a week science releases the results of a research project, experiment, or design challenge that pushes the limits of robotics further. Each new advancement brings more practical applications of robotics technology into the home. The Roomba IRobot Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent example of the rapidly changing scene of electronics.

The best feature of the Roomba is that despite its name, it’s not planning the subjugation of the human race, hunting down Will Smith, or making a mockery of the book I Robot by Isaac Asimov. As a matter of fact, if you made a documentary about using a Roomba Vacuum Cleaner you’ll probably have a plot line more similar to the book I Robot than I Robot the movie I Robot starring Will Smith even if you haven’t heard of the book! That’s because the Roomba IRobot is a helper robot and will actually clean your carpet for you so you don’t have to.

The question you’re probably asking yourself right now is “does it work?” Of course it does! The Roomba Vacuum Cleaner works on thin and thick set carpets, wood floors, and tile floors. You can set invisible walls to keep the Roomba within certain boundaries and prevent it from cleaning in heavy traffic areas or other areas you would prefer not having a robot clean.

The various Roomba models share these common features: ability to recharge batteries, set up invisible barriers to keep the Roomba out of specific areas, and programmable schedules so you don’t even have to remember to turn the Roomba IRobot on.

Though the Roomba can’t replace a human….yet. Its still a very useful appliance. It can run when you’re at work or school so you don’t have to worry about a messy carpet if company unexpectedly drops by, and its also very quiet. However, owners with long haired pets may want to stay away from the Roomba IRobot because it’s known for getting tangled in hair and rendered unusable. It may have a few bugs, but its still a neat little appliance and earns a good review. The Roomba gets 4 stars out of 5.

The Roomba IRobot Vacuum gets a 4
for actually working!

Buy Roomba Vacuum Cleaner Now

Amana AFI2538AES Refrigerator Review

Tonight I decided it was time to take a look at an Amana Refrigerator. I chose the Amana AFI2538AES Refrigerator because it has a large amount of shelf space. Does this Amana Refrigerator pack in enough features to make it a contender for the Sensei Awards? Read on and find out!

Product Overview
Product Review: Amana AFI2538AES Refrigerator
MSRP: $2399
Refrigerator Type: French door, bottom freezer
Shelf Space: 25 Cu. Feet
External Water / Ice Dispenser: Yes

Among the typical features found on a refrigerator in this price range, the Amana AFI2538AES is designed with several unique features worth mentioning like the Control Lockout that keeps smaller children out of trouble and danger by limiting access to the temperature control panel and the ice / water dispenser.

This Amana Refrigerator features multiple storage drawers including a rollout freezer drawer allowing quick and easy access to everything in your refrigerator. The Sophisticated Temp-Assure system allows users to fine tune freezer and refrigerator temperature for a wide range of chilling options.

Most importantly, this refrigerator has earned an Energy Star Rating which means you’ll cut a huge chunk of change out of your energy bill. Your sensei highly recommends purchasing appliances with the Energy Star rating; it will save you money and preserve our natural resources!

Final Rating
This Amana Refrigerator earns high marks for innovative features like child proof controls and water / ice dispensers. This refrigerator is also designed with a lot of storage space, normally found on higher end, more expensive refrigerators. The AFI2538AES Refrigerator earns 5 stars out of 5 for excellent design and a wide range of useful features.

Unique features make earn this Amana
Refrigerator an excellent review.

Buy Now

Alen YTA500 Portable Mini Fridge Review

Product: Alen YTA500 Portable Mini Fridge
MSRP: $49.99

Positives
The Alen Mini Fridge can store up to 6 cans of soda! That’s incredible for a portable mini fridge! It can also run on your car battery, so you can take it with you on long car trips and keep your drinks cold on long car trips and includes a car power adapter.

Negatives
The Alen Mini Fridge doesn’t fit larger items like those giant Gatorade bottles or large Arizon Iced Tea cans.

Final Analysis
The Alen YTA500 Portable Mini Fridge is the cheapest mini fridge on the market. It delivers excellent reliability and comes equipped with a car adapter so you can bring it with you on long road trips. Unfortunately, this mini fridge doesn’t fit a wide range of bottle sizes, and you’re pretty much limited to things the size of coke cans. The Allen Mini Fridge earns 4.5 stars out of 5.

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LG LFX25960SW Refrigerator Review

Tonight, I bring you yet another LG Refrigerator Review. LG has managed to earn great ratings for all of its products; can the LG LFX25960SW Refrigerator keep defend the good LG name? Read on and find out.

Product: LG LFX25960SW Refrigerator
MSRP: $2199

Positives
If you’ve read through any of the other LG refrigerator reviews you’ll notice several recurring features throughout their line of refrigerators. The LFX25960SW by LG includes several of these features such as SmoothTouch digital temperature controls that allow you to control the temperature in different compartments of the freezer, allows you to engage the very useful accelerated cooling feature.

This LG Refrigerator also includes the OptiBin crisper, LG’s excellently designed humidity compartment that helps preserve fresh fruits and vegetables.

You may recall me taking away points from a KitchenAid Refrigerator for a sliding freezer drawer on top of the refrigerator. The high location made that feature very impractical. Lucky for us, LG made the LFX25960SW with sliding freezer drawer on the bottom! Yes, you can actually make use of the sliding drawer on this refrigerator!

Other features include a built in wine rack, utility bin, egg tray, and 4 slide-out spill protected shelves to help you organize everything you might need to store. This model also includes a built in water filtration system and ice dispenser that can serve crushed as well as crescent shaped ice.

Negatives
This LG model offers few features to distinguish it from several other similar LG Refrigerator models that sell for several hundred dollars less.

Final Analysis
LG builds and designs quality appliances with a sleek, modern look. This refrigerator will give you many good years of service with very few problems. However, if you’re really looking for value you’re going to want to check out other LG Refrigerators or other appliance brands like Whirlpool and GE. This refrigerator gets a 3.5 out of 5.

This medicore LG Refrigerator earns a 3.5 in this review.


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Appliance Guide : New vs Used Appliances

It’s high time I explain the differences between used and new appliances. (Thanks Jan.) Used appliances offer a 15% to 40% reduction in price, but are the risks worth the cost?

Remanufactured Appliances: The Basics
First of all, it’s very important to understand the difference between remanufactured appliances and used appliances. A used appliance is a unit like a refrigerator, washer, or mixer that is defective, has been replaced, or not used anymore by a consumer. A consumer will generally trade these products in for store credit or cold hard cash. Retailers will superficially test these appliances and put them on their showroom floors (Though often on their Ebay Stores.) at a greatly reduced priced compared to their brand new counterparts.

Remanufactured appliances differ from used appliances in one key way, they are thoroughly tested and often completely rebuilt and typically carry better warranties than used appliances. Because of the extra labor and cost of replacement parts, remanufactured appliances generally cost more than used appliances.

Because used appliances aren’t thoroughly tested, I strongly advise against purchasing large used appliances. Yes, you may find an amazing deal here and there from your neighbor down the street or at a local yard sale, but buying used equipment from a so called Mom and Pop appliance store is very risky business.

Now that we have the basics of pre-owned appliances out of the way, lets explore how remanufactured appliances measure up to brand new equipment.

WarrantyBrand new appliances come with more comprehensive warranties that cover more items for a longer period of time such as electronics, wearable parts like handles and grips, and frame of the appliance. Warranties on new appliances are also backed by the manufacturer and remanufactured warranties generally aren’t. Most remanufactured appliances are warranted for 60 – 90 days compared to a 2 to 4 year warranty period on new equipment.

Price
Price is the other huge difference between new and remanufactured appliances. New Appliances sell for 15% - 40% more than remanufactured appliances. These products on Amazon, for example highlight the possible savings of buying a remanufactured appliance.

Product: iRobot Roomba 4230
Brand New: $329.99
Remanufactured: $199
Difference: $130.99

Bissell 1930R QuickSteamer Steam Clean Vacuum
Brand New: $99.99
Remanufactured: $59.99
Difference: $40

For anybody who wants the most bang for their buck, remanufactured appliances are the best route to go. If you’re worried about your appliance not working when you bring it home, purchase an extended warranty. (Unfortunately, this sharply decreases your savings.) Remember, appliances marked “used” are going to be a lot more riskier than appliances “marked” remanufactured, so I advise only buying used equipment from people or appliance stores you’ve dealt with in the past and trust.

Reader Mailbag: Remanufactured vs New Appliances

Today I got an email about a subject I’ve been meaning to write about for the past two weeks. I’ll let the Jan from New York open the dialogue up:

Dear Wise and Gracious Appliance Sensei,

Thank you for your reviews on refrigerators. They helped me and my husband choose a great refrigerator that fits great inside our new apartment.

We’re a busy couple and we don’t always have time to do everything we should. That’s why I started looking into the Roomba robot vacuum cleaner. We were comparing prices on Amazon and noticed that they offered new models as well as remanufactured models. Can you explain the differences between new models and remanufactured models? Oh yeah, and tell us if the Roomba is worth buying? Thanks,

Jan
New York, NY


Thanks for that email Jan! I would be glad to explain the differences between remanufactured appliances and brand new appliances! Oh, and the Roomba Vacuum Cleaner Robot Review will be up shortly too!

Thanks for the email Jan and keep those emails coming.

Johnny,
The Appliance Sensei

Hoover Tempo Widepath Bagged Upright Vacuum U5140900 Review

Welcome to my first foray into the world of Vacuum Cleaners. I didn’t want to review a vacuum that sucked and if you don’t need a vacuum you can view my other appliance reviews or blow on through this site.

Product: Hoover Tempo Widepath Bagged Upright Vacuum U5140900
MSRP: $59.99

Positives
Power, power, and more power describe this bargain vacuum by Hoover. The Tempo Widepath comes with a very powerful 12 amp motor and many users are reporting that the vacuum bag is filled with dust and dirt that their old vacuum wasn’t able to remove within 1 or 2 uses! In fact, this vacuum is so powerful it caused many to complain to Hoover that their vacuum was defective when in reality their vacuum was in fine working condition. In reality, their new vacuum had picked up so much dust in such a small amount of time the bag was full and couldn’t fit anymore waste inside. All they had to do to get their vacuums up and running again was replace the bag. (Cleaning the filter helped too.)

Negatives
You may need to buy and replace the drive belt a little more often compared to most other vacuums. Some users have reported poor suction on hardwood floors. The big and tall may want to avoid this short vacuum.

Final Analysis
At $69.99 this is one of the cheapest vacuums on the market. Hoover delivers an extraordinary product with incredible cleaning power and 3 different hose attachments to get reach hard to clean spaces. The Hoover Tempo Widepath gets a perfect 5 stars out of 5 for incredible performance and value.

The Hoover Tempo Widepath gets a perfect 5 stars
for a low price and highly above average performance.

Buy Now