August 29, 2018

4 Questions to Ask When Buying a New Maytag Washer

4 Questions to Ask When Buying a New Maytag Washer (2)

Have you ever bought something from a store thinking you got EXACTLY what you needed only to realize too late that it was not at all what you were looking for? That happens way too often, and the best solution to prevent that from happening is to ask the store and product specialists lots of questions.

So, when you are in the midst of buying a new Maytag washer, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want to help you make the correct decision. It’s your money and your time on the line, so always make sure you know what you’re buying before making a final purchase.

Always remember, we specialized in appliances to answer these questions with precision and accuracy, and are always happy to help.

Here are a few questions we thought would be important to have the answers to before choosing which Maytag Washer is right for you:

1) Should I get a front-load or top-load washing machine?

The answer to this question isn’t simple. It depends on your personal preferences, home size, family size, and more. If you have a small space, getting a front-load washing machine would be perfect for stacking with a dryer and saving room in your home.

Front-load washers are also good for saving water and energy. An average wash cycle contains about 21 gallons of water in a front-load washer, while top-load washers use about 25 gallons.

If you have a large family, you must consider how many loads you’ll be washing in the long run.

If you tend to not have as much time on your hands, Maytag top-load washers are significantly faster than front-load washers and even allow you to stop the cycle to add clothes.

Figure out which one will go best with your lifestyle to come up with an answer. Again, let us know your circumstances and we will be able to give you our opinions on what will work best for your home!

4 Questions to Ask When Buying a New Maytag Washer

2) What features will make my life easiest?

Knowing and understanding what your Maytag washer is capable of is important for obvious reasons. The features are there for you to take advantage of, but if you don’t even know what they do, how can you make the most of them? Visit our store and speak to a sales associate about what features you’re interested in. The more you know, the more fulfilling your washing experience will be.

On the other hand, if you get a washer with way too many features that you don’t ever plan to use, there’s no point in overcomplicating your life with that. Find out what you need out of a washing machine and if the one you want can handle it.

3) Is this washer energy efficient?

Getting a washer that’s energy efficient will both beneficial to you and the environment. You’ll eventually save more money in the long run with an eco-friendly washer. Ask this question if you’re interested in being energy and water efficient with your next washer – and maybe even in saving yourself a little money every year.

How much does a washer cost

4) How much?

It would be awful to pick out a specific Maytag washer and dryer if it wasn’t in your budget to buy them. The next time you’re in our store looking for a washing machine, let your sales associate know what your budget is. This way, they’ll show you what options are available to you but still in your price range.

Remember to always ask questions when you’re out shopping for a new product. The more you know, the better you can choose what’s best for you, and the happier you’ll be. Stop by our store and let us help you through this process, we look forward to your questions!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

August 28, 2018

How Aging Affects Your Sleep Patterns

As a teenager, you could sleep through gale force winds, earthquake tremors and jackhammers. What happened to that “I can sleep anywhere at the drop of a dime”?

“Youth is wasted on the young” is an old saying probably shouted out by a retired person with lots of time on their hands but suffers from aches, pains, and sleepless nights! Although everyone’s sleep needs are different and may change with age, The National Sleep Foundation states that “It is a common misconception that sleep needs decline with age.” For the average 40-year-old, the metabolism begins to slow down, wear and tear on joints becomes an issue, as does a disruptive sleep pattern. Without adequate sleep, at any age, we will experience moodiness, irritability, some degree of memory loss, just to name a few

Studies show that people aged 65 and older have one or more complaints about their quality of sleep. Many will struggle with body pains which prevent a deep sleep, and some toss and turn due to the medications that they are prescribed. Others just get by with a couple of hours of sleep when they were used to so much more.

What are the real disruptors of sleep in older people?

1) Retiring From a Long Career

How exciting to have all this time on your hands to enjoy life to the fullest. It’s not always an easy transition, however, if you have always worked consistently over a long period of time and now find yourself free as a bird!

The first thing you do is throw out the alarm that woke you at the crack of dawn every day. You may sleep late and get to bed late into the night. This might be great for the first few weeks or so but getting back into a routine is essential to reset your internal clock and get enough hours of sleep to enjoy your day.

2) Naps

Although naps can be restorative and will offer a boost of energy when you need it, as an older person, you will be needing a nap because you just don’t get much sleep at night. This begins a cycle that will be tough to break. Keeping naps under 20 minutes would be ideal, and earlier in the day so afternoon and evening activities can tire the body and encourage sleep.

3) Illness and Inactivity

There is nothing more discouraging when you are keen to get things done but illness, injury, and pain prevent you from moving around. Certain conditions like menopause, Alzheimer’s and arthritis already disrupt sleep so when you add inactivity, the body is not burning any energy and sleeplessness sets in.

Movement is important to the body which ultimately affects the well-being of your mind. Grab a friend or a neighbour for daily walks and stretches that will encourage not only proper blood flow and oxygen intake but are great for staying focused and sharp. Joining a gym is a great alternative.

4) Psychological and Emotional Stress

As we age we deal with life issues with less patience and acceptance, and the results include stress and sleeplessness. Life changes like losing a loved one, illness, selling the family home are the most common stressors as we get older.

Constantly worrying about things that are out of our control is the new normal. This creates a cycle of distress that will literally keep us up at night. Finding an outlet to release stressors is essential for everyone. As we age, however, fears, frustrations and worries are more difficult to manage. Getting support from family and friends to help release the stresses that weigh us down and keep us from enjoying the best sleep is a great remedy. Also, joining a group for fun activities and socializing will help with stress and encourage restful sleep.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

August 28, 2018

How to Wash Your Pillow

When was the last time you threw your pillow into the washing machine? Never, you say? Let’s examine why this should be a regular practice, for your health’s sake!

Let’s be honest. Pillows are a breeding ground for bacteria yet not all are harmful. Moisture is the primary source of most bacteria, and there could be plenty of that during the summer months. Pillows do have a shelf life and if you own any older than two years, make sure that you wash them with some of the methods we describe below. Even if stains are not visible, bacteria are mostly microscopic and can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Here are some tips on how to get your pillows clean.

Read the label

All pillows are not created equal, so it is important to read the manufacturer’s suggested washing instructions. The outer shell or the filling may be dry-cleaning only so it’s important to get this step right to prevent damage to your pillow and your washing machine. Always load two pillows at a time to help balance the washing machine and use a small amount of soap.

Foam Filled Pillows

This variety is not machine washable, however, they always come with an outer zippered case that can be thrown into the wash every week. Whether your pillow is one solid piece of foam or cut up into little morsels, the best way to wash it is to fill a bathtub or large wash basin with mild detergent. The ratio should be 1 teaspoon to a gallon of water, and spot cleaning is always a good idea for stubborn stains. By completely submerging the pillow and squeezing it gently for about 10 minutes, it will get the job done. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and squeeze out excess moisture. Lay flat to dry out of direct sunlight or heat. Repeat twice a year or when needed.

Down or Fibre Filled Pillows

These can be easily washed in a top or front-loading machine with great results. If your machine has an agitator in the middle, make sure that you place the pillows standing vertically to avoid any damage. Always use a gentle soap, use the gentle cycle with warm water. The fun and noisy part is when you place them in the dryer with clean tennis balls (you should always have some handy for this purpose). The balls will serve to re-fluff your pillows to their original state, keep them moving in the machine and prevent clumping. Make sure the setting is on low heat and that they are thoroughly dry before you use them.

Feather Pillows

Before you toss these in the machine make sure that there are no tears or breaks in the seams or you will have a feathery mess in your washing machine! Using warm water and the gentle cycle will get these clean as can be! Giving them an extra cold-water rinse will seal the deal for removing any soap residue. For additional brightness, adding 1 cup of peroxide, which is a natural whitening agent, and ½ cup of white vinegar to your gentle detergent, your pillows will be restored to their original whiteness!

Don’t toss your yellowing or stained pillows out in the trash but give them a new life with a regular machine or hand-washing!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

August 27, 2018

How to Play with Fabrics and Patterns on Upholstered Furniture

Source: Malcom Duffin Design

Why be boring. When it comes to creating a unique sense of style and character for your home that is all your own one very easy way is by customizing your upholstered furniture. A simple swap with fabulous fabrics can elevate a room and ensure your home is never boring (and totally you!).

Some small projects, like an ottoman, or the cushions on your barstools or dining room chairs are simple enough you can do them yourself or bring in a professional if you’re unsure. Here are some great examples of how a simple swap of fabric can make all the difference to a space or a room.

We’ve talked before about awesome accent chairs can be, and one of the MANY reasons we love them is the opportunity they provide to pick a bold fabric, either in colour, pattern or both!

This luxe leopard print chair is an awesome accent and great way to introduce a little funky without going cat crazy.

Source: Houzz

This bench and the chairs in a different fabric really make for a special place to enjoy a meal or cup of tea with family and friends.

Source: Houzz

These elegant dining room chairs have a distinct bold fabric that brings your eye right to them. They scream for attention and are a great addition to the room.

Source: Houzz

This room has a great combination of fun chairs and awesome ottoman.

Source: Houzz

This bold ottoman and striped chair offer up some great contrast and interest to the room.

Source: Houzz

Bigger furniture items like sofas or pairs of chairs are definitely best left for the professionals. When you invest in quality items splurging for a fresh fabric update and fluffing up of the cushions every decade or so is always worth it.

Here are some great examples of fresh furniture makeovers using fabric. You’ll note the opportunity to mix and match patterns and colours really shines when you decide to go big and update larger items.

These bold blue wing chairs are a stunning statement in this living room.

Source: Houzz

With colour everywhere, this room has a big impact. It is also a great example of how you can combine fabrics in multiple patterns and textures in the same colour family to create harmony. The pop of pink is perfect!

Source: Houzz

Very traditional, but very beautiful: this combination of fabrics and use of blue creates the sense of an English country manor home.

Source: Houzz

Also traditional, but GREAT use of fabrics in this lovely living room.

Source: Houzz

This small space packs a BIG punch with style. Both the living room furniture and the dining room chairs offer up fab fabrics and great punches of colour.

Source: Houzz

Inspired to be bold and freshen up your fabrics? We hope so!

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

August 27, 2018

3 Dining Table Trends to Fall in Love With

Source: Canadel

It is often said that ‘there is no better moment than the present’, and when it comes to choices in dining tables it couldn’t be truer. If you have outgrown your big box store table, or need the perfect table for your new forever home there couldn’t be a better time to invest in a quality dining room table.

Why? There is more choice in ALL THINGS dining table than ever before. So much choice (style, materials, colour, shape, the list goes on!) can make it a bit overwhelming, so we’re looking at what’s trending to help you focus on the table of choice for your home.

Trend #1: Mix It Up

Just like mixing up your dining room chairs, we’re seeing lots of great choices for mixing materials in dining room tables. Imagine a beautiful harvest wood table top with sleek metal legs, or marble table top on a polished wood pedestal …all great ways to add personality, functionality, and style to your unique dining room.

Source: BrandSource Canada

Trend #2: Think Outside the ‘Box’

There is a reason most vintage tablecloths are the same size…tables have been rectangular for generations. It makes sense, most of the time that is. Today, however, we use our dining rooms differently, so it makes sense to change up the shape and think outside the box.

We’re seeing oval and round tables more and more, including some wonderful options with inserts and extension leaves to accommodate more than 4-6 on those rare occasions.

Source: Leanne Ford

Source: Canadel

Trend #3: Making It Your Own

No two homes or families are the same, so having a cookie cutter dining room is no longer the ‘normal’ choice. We’re seeing people redefine what the dining room is and how they use it. We’re seeing more people getting a table top that works for homework and crafting, or going glam and using their best china for every meal – bold choices in both directions and everything in between.

The dining room table should encourage gathering, it should make you want to sit and write on your computer, or eat with friends, or make memories with your kids, or do whatever needs doing.

Source: Houzz

The perfect dining room table meets your needs and fits your space, but does so much more. With the amount of choice and opportunities to customize (like Canadel and Amisco offers) in today’s marketplace, there really has never been a better time to choose your perfect dining room table.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

August 27, 2018

10 Elements That Create the Modern Farmhouse Style in a Home

From the covers of House & Home to the small screen sensation “Fixer Upper,” people just can’t get enough of the modern farmhouse design for homes. But why is the modern farmhouse style so wildly popular?

It’s because of the feeling the look creates.
It’s more than just the design.
It’s casual and easy.
It’s not excessive or overdone.
It’s the combination of old-fashioned looks with modern touches.

While there is no distinct guide as to what makes a house farm style, we have put together our ten elements that can help you give any home that farmhouse-style feel.

Shiplap Walls

Source: Lisa Furey Interiors

If you have ever seen an episode of Fixer Upper you know this element comes without saying. It’s Joanna Gaines’ favourite way to make an otherwise boring space go from ordinary to extraordinary. Its distinct look can make any wall look upscale yet old-fashioned. The best part about it is that it is pretty cheap to recreate in your own home. There are several DIY guides to walk you through step-by-step to ensure you can easily complete that farmhouse-style look.

Wide Plank Floors

The flooring you choose in your home is an important decision, especially when you’re going for the modern farmhouse look. Wide plank flooring, in particular rustic wood floors, is a perfect choice to round-out the farmhouse look you’re trying to achieve. Since most modern farmhouse-style homes boast open, expansive floor plans the larger planks will fit the scale of the room much better than if you were to go with narrow planks of oak or marble tiles.

Interior Barn Doors

Source: Hooked on Houses

Sliding barn doors are no longer just for keeping animals inside the barn. They are a popular accent that can make an interior space really stand out. Within the modern farmhouse design, sliding barn doors can be used in place of any interior door to separate and define spaces and can be used as closet doors, cover up bookshelves, storage spaces and media/technology units when not in use.

Shaker-Style Kitchen Cabinets

Source: Lisa Furey Interiors

Shaker-style cabinets are perfect for the farmhouse-style kitchen because of their uniquely simple yet attractive features. Painted white, light blue or sage green, and paired with basic hardware, shaker-style kitchen cabinets are the perfect finish to bring your whole farmhouse-style kitchen together.

Farmhouse Sink

The farmhouse sink goes back to the time when sinks were used for cooking, canning, and washing babies. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to go back to those times? I know I do. Farmhouse sinks are big and open, and oftentimes they have an “apron”. They’re simple, they’re beautiful and their quality is often unmatched.

Metal Elements

Source: Houzz

Adding accents to your farmhouse home is where personality and personal style can really shine through into a farmhouse living space. Adding metal accents such as iron, galvanized steel and wire elements in a way that reflect today’s trends and vintage styling can be fun. Bed frames, baskets, stools, wall art and even bookshelves are easy ways to reflect this metallic style in your own way.

Mix and Match of Rustic and Industrial Furniture

Source: HGTV

One of the great things about designing a home with a modern farmhouse design is the flexibility to infuse each room with a variety of accents and furniture from two main styles, rustic and industrial. You can have a sleek leather sofa paired with soft knitted pillows or a light fabric sectional with some dark metallic pillows. Almost anything goes with this laid-back modern farmhouse style, no matter what room you’re trying to style. Just remember less is more in most cases.

Natural Textiles

A modern farmhouse room embraces cozy sofas, plump pillows and natural textiles. Worn wood with gorgeous deep grains and grooves, wall art with eye-catching vintage florals, imperfect clear glass and vases, jute and burlap weaved baskets and soft cotton throw blankets are all good opportunities to capture the modern farmhouse look.

Neutral Palette With Dark Accents

Source: Houzz

Traditional farmhouses were built quickly and efficiently. Farmers wanted to focus on their work so they avoided spending a lot of time and money on their homes. Instead of splurging for coloured paints and wallpapers, natural or whitewashed wood was used for cost purposed and the speed it took to apply it.

In order to keep with this tradition, modern farmhouse-style homes tend to be light with white or off-white colour that nicely complements the hardwood floors. Feel free to use colours that you personally enjoy, however, try to keep them close to the overall farmhouse colour scheme of neutral or light colours.

Animal Accents

Source: BrandSource Canada

Accents and accessories are absolutely essential to complete this look, but under no circumstances should you try to fit in too many. A well placed oversized print of a farm animal, in pastel or black and white, small wooden animal statues placed next to some greenery on a shelf are all popular and acceptable choices for farmhouse decor. A variety of textures including light-coloured furs and wool mixed with metals and woods will surely give your farmhouse design some depth.

Now it’s your turn! Take these ten essential elements of a modern farmhouse and run with them! Let your creativity get the best of you while incorporating new and old touches to every room in your house. Each room is unique and we suggest you start with the room you and your family spend the most time in, so that you may enjoy the longest.

Most people choose to do their living rooms or kitchens first. Living Rooms are simple because you can generally do most of the work yourself. Throw in some light-coloured paint, replace factory light fixtures with industrial ones and while you’re at it, shiplap that wall your fireplace sits upon. When you start to feel overwhelmed and need a little inspiration just browse through our website and let our sofa and sectional collection inspire your imagination for your farmhouse living area. We’re here to help bring your ideas to life, let us help you choose your next piece of farmhouse furniture.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

August 24, 2018

Designing the Dining Room of Your Dreams the Canadian Way

Always dreamed of the perfect dining room? The secret formula for the dining room of your dreams may reside behind the concept of the three Cs; Custom, Canadian, and Craftsmanship. Let’s see why.

Custom

No two families or homes are the same, so why should our dining rooms be? We each want our own colours, decorations, and unique furniture pieces to suit our lives.

Gone is the old formula of matching hutch, table, chairs, and in is custom. The ability to pick and choose what pieces you need and customize your furniture choices is what’s trending. And customizing goes beyond just furniture styles and pieces, it means picking out your own legs, your own tabletop finishes, fabrics and so much more.

Canadel’s UDesign Online Customization Tool

Canadian

Oh Canada! You make some wonderful people, places, and things! As long as there has been wonderful wood in Canada, there have been wonderful wood makers and craftsmen creating chairs, benches, tables, and more to last for generations. Choosing products manufactured in Canada means supporting fellow Canadians and our continued heritage of creating beautiful things. It also means supporting our economy and so many other great reasons.

Craftsmanship

Quality comes from craftsmanship, through care and creating each piece one by one. This artisanal approach to creating furniture is ensuring your dining room will not only last through an epic family turkey disaster, but be there to celebrate milestones well into the future.

Custom Canadian craftsmanship is what BrandSource’s extensive collection of Canadel offers when you are designing the dining room of your dreams. With literally millions of options waiting at your fingertips you can customize your Canadian-made and crafted custom dining room.

Want to be inspired by all the options Canadel provides? Check out their latest Inspired Magazine or visit your local BrandSource store to discuss all the options of custom, Canadian, and crafted furniture we can offer your dining room.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

August 24, 2018

Sleep Your Way to the Top: How Getting Your Zzzs Can Help Your Career

You’ve studied hard, you’re ambitious and you want it all. How do you balance your career aspirations while keeping your health in check, including adequate sleep?

Ambition always comes with a price and that usually involves bad eating practices because we are always rushing, lack of exercise because we can’t find the time, and less than adequate sleep because, well, there is no time for that. In our pursuit of success and prosperity, we overextend our body, mind, and in many cases, our spirit.

How can you have it all? How do you balance your ambitions and health so that you can fully enjoy the fruit of your labour? Let’s examine some of the great tips I learned along the way that helped me re-focus and find balance to avoid the burnout I was headed for.

Create a Consistent Daily Exercise Routine

Whether you have joined a gym, yoga studio, or prefer to do your exercise at home, you must do something every single day. As little as 15 minutes can positively set your mind and body to face your day or help you wind down in the evening. When you are consistent with your routines either morning or evening, you are better able to deal with stress which ultimately affects your sleep.

Stand as Much as You Can

Having a desk job can seriously affect your hip and knee joints as well as your shoulders and neck. I used an alarm that would tell me it was time to move around after I discovered my hip joints were always sore from sitting too long. When you stand you burn more calories and you engage every part of your body.

Advancements in office furniture have not only considered the best back support in chairs but now the industry is taking the advice of health experts by creating standing desks. Ask your employer for one!

Schedule a Walking Meeting

To get some extra steps in the day, I would arrange a meeting outdoors. It added to my fitness goals, I got to enjoy some time outdoors away from stale air, and it helped others be more relaxed. Getting those extra exercise minutes will ultimately help you sleep as you not only burned a few calories but reduced some stress along the way.

Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

When we’re stressed we tend to crave processed foods that may momentarily uplift our mood but will negatively affect our bodies and how they function. Fresh fruits and vegetables packed in your lunch bag will help you stay focused and properly nourished during the day. When your body’s systems are all functioning well, your quality of sleep is improved.

Drink Lots of Water

I learned something very important and that is, if I am very thirsty, my body has already become dehydrated. To avoid that, it is important to always have water nearby. Adding a slice of lemon or a few berries into your glass or bottle will really help you get plenty of water into your body. Water and lots of it will also keep all systems running at optimum efficiency and positively affect your down time.

Get the Right Amount of Zzzs

If you want to perform at work, getting the right amount of sleep is crucial. According to the chart prepared by the National Sleep Foundation, our sleep needs change as we age. Notwithstanding any other reason for more or less sleep needs, the average adult aged 26 to 64 should get anywhere between 7 and 9 hours. Considering lifestyle, and state of health, these numbers should be considered for a restorative sleep to function at your best.

Additionally, ensuring that your mattress and pillows are still supportive and comfortable is part of the equation leading to a good night’s sleep.

Source: HelpGuide

Caring for your body, mind and spirit with exercise, proper nutrition, and quality sleep while in the pursuit of your ambitions, is essential to a fulfilling life.

For more tips on creating great sleep habits and theme-related issues, read our blogs like How Does Your Sleep Awareness Size-up?, Do You Suffer from Sleep Debt? and The Science Behind Sleep.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

August 24, 2018

How to Find the Perfect Family Freezer

Families eat. A lot. Keeping everyone happy, healthy and well fed is almost a full time job. You’re buying in bulk, you’re cooking big meals, you’re trying to find any edge you can to make the most of your time. And that means you’re looking for the ultimate meal planning hack.

Say hello to your family freezer.

If you’re serious about making the most of your menu, you need to start storing food. Made a nutritious stew? Freeze it. Organic produce on special? Freeze it. When you plan to cook and buy in bulk, your freezer will pay for itself a hundred times over. You’ll have ready-made dinners, you’ll go grocery shopping less often; not only will it save you money, most importantly it will save you time.

So what do you need to know?

Chest Freezer vs. Upright Freezer

Once you move beyond your refrigerator’s freezer capacity, you basically have two options. A chest freezer, or an upright freezer.

Chest Freezer by Danby

You can store more food in a chest freezer. They run quietly, and they don’t dry out food as quickly as their upright counterparts. They’re more energy efficient, and in the event of a power outage they maintain temperature and can keep food frozen for up to 24 hours.

The downside here is access. With a deep compartment, it’s easy to lose sight of food at the bottom. A chest freezer also won’t offer you an auto defrost option, so be prepared to defrost the unit about twice a year.

Upright Freezer by Whirlpool

An upright freezer has a smaller footprint than a chest freezer, so they’re a more comfortable fit in the home. With shelves and bins, your food is better organized with easier access. Many upright freezers offer an auto defrost function, which is a definite plus. And with a wide selection of finishes, they’re easy to integrate with an existing kitchen.

That said upright freezers don’t always hold a consistent temperature, especially on the door. In the event of a power outage, you have a lot less time before you suffer spoilage. And finally, for what you gain in organization you lose in storage space. Compared to a chest freezer, the shelves and bins can account for up to 30% of the interior space.

Whatever style you decide, it’s a good idea to buy the smallest freezer that will fit your needs. You’ll save energy, you’ll save money and you’ll reduce frost build up.

Stone Cold Features

Door Lock: Great if your freezer is in the garage and you’d like some added security. But it’s best for keeping little ones safe and out of the cold.

GE Freezer with door lock

Alarm: If the temperature in the room is too hot or too cold, the freezer will not operate correctly. With a heads up, you’ll be able to plan accordingly.

Storage Solutions: Some chest freezers come with optional storage bins and shelves to increase organization.

Auto Defrost: About twice a year, or when the ice builds up about half an inch, you’ll need to defrost manual freezers. It’s a time consuming chore, but with the auto defrost feature the unit uses a heating element to prevent ice from forming.

Upright or chest, now you know what to expect from a freezer. And if you’re anything like me, that means you’re ready to see what’s out there.

Don’t get left out in the cold. Head over to our Brandsource store for a great deal on your family’s new freezer today.

Isabelle, Your Appliances Expert

August 23, 2018

Finding the Perfect Fridge From Top to Bottom

Finding the perfect fridge isn’t easy. With so many styles out there it can feel overwhelming trying to make sense of it all. Do you need a Top Mount, a Side by Side, or maybe a French Door fridge? How do you know which fridge is right for you?

Whether you’re looking for a top of the line statement piece, something large and reliable to hold lots of groceries, or even something smaller to put snacks for the kids there’s a fridge to fit every need, at every budget.

With this guide to help, finding your new fridge couldn’t be easier.

Top Mount Refrigerator

With a full-width freezer on the top and a larger full-width refrigerator on the bottom, Top Mounts refrigerators offer exceptional value in a more traditional style. With the freezer at eye level, it’s great for families that store a lot of frozen foods but keep in mind that the top freezer design makes it less energy efficient compared to similar bottom freezers.

Available in a wide range of finishes from 24 – 33 inches wide, Top Mount refrigerators are perfect for singles and small families. At 15 – 21 cubic feet they offer fantastic storage capacity at an affordable price.

Bottom Mount Refrigerator

No surprises here, the Bottom Mount refrigerator has a full-width freezer on the bottom and a larger full-width fridge on the top. Many people prefer the convenience of an eye level fridge since they use it more often. And with both door and drawer freezers available, you’ll still have an easy time getting to your frozen foods.

Because the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the freezer cold, Bottom Mount fridges are more energy efficient than Top Mounts, and comparable models will cost less to run. Expect to find them in all finishes ranging anywhere from 30 – 36 inches wide with 19 – 24 cubic feet of storage space.

French Door Refrigerator

What started out as a tweak on Bottom Mount design, has grown into one of the most popular refrigerator styles in the world, the French Door refrigerator. The split doors offer an attractive, easy access to the fridge compartment, without demanding a lot of space.

French Door Refrigerator, 4-Door

French Door refrigerators come in a number of configurations from 3, 4, or 5 doors, produce and chilling drawers, and some models even offer flexible temperature controls to expand your available refrigeration or freezer capacity. With so much versatility in their design, it’s no wonder they’re the go to style for many families.

Available in all finishes, French Door refrigerators offer the most features on the market and measure anywhere from 30 – 36 inches wide, with 18 – 32 cubic feet of storage.

Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Side by Side Refrigerator

The Side-by-Side refrigerator offers a full-length freezer and refrigerator in one unit. Their column styled design makes them an attractive addition to any kitchen, and the full-sized compartments offer tons of storage options. Measuring anywhere from 32 – 48 inches they boast 20 – 30 cubic feet of space making them a good choice for any family.

Built-In/Counter Depth Refrigerator

Built-In Panel Ready Refrigerator

At the higher end, Built-In models are the refrigerator of choice. Built-In Panel Ready units can be outfitted with whichever panelled finish you choose, including the same cabinet exterior as your kitchen for a seamless look.

Built-In models are available in most styles, and from narrow columns to extra wide models, they offer the most size options of any design. Up to 84 inches high, with widths of up to 48 inches, they are designed to impress. And no question, they’re impressive.

Built-in Refrigerator

Counter depth refrigerators offer a similar built-in look with a cabinet that extends just past your countertop. More wallet-friendly than a built-in model, some manufacturers even offer panel ready options.

Compact Refrigerator

Compact Fridges

If you’re looking to expand your existing refrigeration, or you’re in the market for something smaller, a Compact Refrigerator or Mini Fridge are great options. Perfect for dorm rooms, bars, and offices these small units are more popular than ever.

From 1 – 6 cubic feet, compacts come in either All Fridge or Fridge/Freezer combinations, in a variety of styles and colours.

Undercounter and Built-In Drawer Refrigerators

Undercounter Refrigerator

Undercounter refrigerators are built-in beneath a standard countertop. With their compact design, they’re perfect for entertaining or extra storage. In addition to fully functional refrigerators and freezers, beverage centres and wine coolers are popular options. Usually measuring anywhere from 15 – 24 inches wide, undercounter models are available in a variety of styles including single and double drawer options.

Double Refrigerator Drawer

Now you know what’s out there; top to bottom mount. It’s time to hit the stores, hit the sites, and whatever you do don’t give up. Your perfect fridge is waiting for you.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

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