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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Buying Guide for BBQ Grills

Before purchasing an outdoor grill we recommend reading our buyers guide to help you make the decision on the right grill for you.

Liquid Propane
About 85% of all gas grills are fueled by propane - also known as LP or liquid propane. Propane comes in a portable tank that fits beside or underneath your grill. These propane tanks connect directly to your grill, usually with a simple "twist-on" connector similar to those found on a garden hose. Tanks can be purchased and refilled at many locations such as a local gas station or propane distributor.

Natural Gas
Natural gas grills make up about 10% of the gas grill market and tap directly in to your home's gas fuel supply, the same supply used to fuel your furnace or other natural gas appliances such as stoves or dryers. Your utility company or locally certified contractor can install the necessary connection outlet so that you can easily and conveniently use natural gas for your grill. While a natural gas connection ensures that you won't run out of fuel in the middle of cooking it does require that your grill remain in one spot near the connection; you won't be able to move you grill to another part of your deck or patio.

Charcoal
Charcoal grills include a reservoir where the griller must ignite coals, allowing them to burn down before spreading them out and beginning to grill. The use of charcoal tends to add a distinct smoky flavor which depends on your preference. Charcoal grills are also better at slow-cooking, since they burn at a lower temperature.

Drop-In Grills
Drop-In Grills offer you the option of installing them into a brick or stone fixture or cart for a customized look and feel.

Portable Grill
Portable Grills offer you the ability to become mobile to take with you anywhere.

Buying Guide for Mattresses

Use this mattress guide to help with your purchase. There are many features, sizes and types to choose from that can provide a more comfortable rest to help you sleep better at night.

Choose the Size
Most sleepers shift positions during the night, and cramped quarters can keep them from moving freely. Standard mattress dimensions are: King (76” x 80”), California King (72” x 84”), Queen (60” x 80”), Full or Double (53” x 75”), and Twin (38” x 75”).

Consider the Innerspring
A conventional innerspring mattress is the most common choice and often the least expensive. Memory foam, which was developed to protect astronauts against g-force is heat-sensitive and conforms to your body. Not all memory foam feels the same and it can take time to get used to. You will also have a selection of pillowtop variations to choose from. Our recommendation is to stop by one of our showrooms to try out each mattress and test the softness or firmness that meets your comfort needs.

Buying Guide for Dryers

Before purchasing a dryer, the most important piece of information you’ll need is whether you are shopping for an Electric or a Gas dryer. Most dryers are front-loading but many have new energy efficient features and stylish colors or designs to consider.

Electric
By far the most common types of dryers are electric. Their sticker price is usually less expensive than those of gas dryers--but in exchange they typically cost more to operate day-to-day depending on electricity rates.

Gas
Most gas dryers cost more than their electronic counterparts. But over time, they are more cost effective to operate. The only hitch is that you need a gas hookup in your laundry area to install the dryer.

Buying Guide for Washing Machines

Before purchasing a washer, please feel free to use our guide below to help you along the way. Washing Machines have become more high-tech, stylish and energy efficient than ever before.

Front-Loading Washers
This is the most popular option because of the style and attractive design. The laundry is loaded in the front of these machines. Some of the benefits of front-loading washers are that clothes tend to come out cleaner and the machines typically use less water, detergent and energy. They can also be more quiet than top-loading machines. Some models are stackable with a dryer.

Top-Loading Washers
Top-Loading Washers are the traditional style washer where you load your laundry at the top of the machine. New top load models are built without agitators so that clothes no longer get stuck on one side. New models also are energy efficient. More traditional top load washing machines can have unbalanced loads, however they are commonly priced lower.

Portable Washers
Portable washers are typically compact in size and provide easy portability for small spaces.

Washer-Dryer Combination
These washer/dryers combine the washer and dryer into one machine--once you place your clothes in they will be both washed and dried.  The cycles take longer while the loads are often smaller than a standard washer but offer you an all-in-one space saving solution.

Buying Guide for Ranges (Also known as Stoves)

Before purchasing a range you will have to choose between more than just gas or electric. Ranges come in many styles and types so make sure that you know your options before making a purchase.

There are cooktops, free standing, slide-in and drop-in range styles. Cooktops are inserted into a countertop and have a matching wall oven that is installed separately. Free-standing models--range and oven combos--that have panels on both sides and can stand alone in the kitchen. Slide-in models have no side panels or backsplash and fit between two cabinets. Drop-ins are fueled by electricity only, and are installed between cabinets on a pedestal with no bottom drawer below oven. Here's an overview of the types of ranges and combos you'll find at Airport Home Appliance:

Gas Ranges
They fire up quickly and you always know when they're on. They are powered by natural gas, which has to be available in your community, or liquid propane, which you have to buy and have delivered. They are slightly more expensive to buy than electric ranges but are slightly less expensive to operate. They can come with unique burners for very fast high-temperature heat (searing, boiling) and for gentle low-temperature heat (simmering). Look for sealed burners for easier cleanup.

Electric Ranges
With electric ranges you have less control over heat output--for example, water can take longer to boil. However, you can get better overall performance from the oven. Models are slightly less expensive than gas ranges but also cost a bit more to operate from month to month. Electric ranges come with a wide range of burner types, including Open-Coil Burner, Smooth-Top, and Halogen.

Cooktop and Wall Oven Set
This style offers more flexibility in terms of placement because the cooktop and wall oven aren't connected. However, it requires more installment/carpentry expertise in many cases than a freestanding range.

Freestanding Ranges
The range and oven are all-in-one. These typically cost less than cooktop and wall oven combos. They are easier to install in most cases, but the oven and range height are fixed.

Dual-Fuel Ranges
Offers a gas cooktop for quick response with good temperature control and includes an electric oven for more even heating.

Convection or Trivection
Convection is an oven option that uses fans to circulate heat more evenly throughout the oven, which cooks food faster while using less energy and heat. One plus is that there is no need to place cooking trays on certain levels of the oven since heat is distributed evenly. You can switch between conventional baking and roasting and/or convection baking and roasting. In addition to convection, another speedier cooking option is trivection, which uses thermal heating, convection, and microwave heating power.
Commercial-Style
With the home chef and kitchen upgrade trends, some people want the professional look and power of a commercial range. Most commercial-style ranges have at least four and sometimes up to eight burners.

Buying Guide for Dishwashers

Before purchasing your dishwasher you should be aware that there are a few different styles available. Use our guide below to help you make your decision.

Full-Sized Dishwashers
Typically, Full-Sized Dishwashers are built into your kitchen cabinets. Most Full-Sized Dishwashers are 34”H x 24”W x 24”D in size and offer the largest capacity. We also carry some portable/convertible dishwashers if your cabinets are not setup for a built-in dishwasher. Some European dishwashers can vary in size.

Built-in Dishwashers
Built-In Dishwashers are installed under the counter which only the front door visible for an attractive look. We have many models with different finishes such as stainless steel, bisque, black or white to match your other kitchen appliances. We also carry a few built-in dishwashers that allow customization such as a panel matching your cabinetry.

Portable/Convertible Dishwashers
If your kitchen is not setup for a built-in dishwasher, a Portable/Convertible Dishwasher can help suit your needs for efficient and cost-effective dishwashing. These dishwashers require a sink within close proximity where two hoses connect to the sink faucet. One hose is used for filling the dishwasher with water and the other is for disposal of wastewater from the dishwasher. Convertible Dishwashers allow you to convert the portable dishwasher into a built-in dishwasher which is great for renters.

Compact
Compact Dishwashers help conserve space but provide less capacity for smaller loads of dishes. They are typically only 18” wide and are available in both portable/convertible dishwashers and built-in dishwashers.

Dish Drawer
Latest in technology, the Dish Drawer is available in single drawer or double drawer. Each drawer can be ran independently and provides separation for dishes from each drawer.

Buying Guide for Refrigerators

Before purchasing a new refrigerator you should be aware that there are many different styles of refrigerators to choose from. Many have different design, positioning and features that need to be researched prior to determining which style is the best fit for you.

Top Freezer Refrigerators
The most traditional type of refrigerators, the Top Freezer Refrigerator offers a smaller freezer section on top and a much larger refrigeration section below. Many have the option for an icemaker or can have one added.  One thing to keep in mind when buying a Top Freezer Refrigerator is to determine which direction, right or left, you’d like the doors to open based on your kitchen space.

Side-By-Side Refrigerators
If you are in need of a larger capacity refrigerator along with the feature of dispensing ice and water, then the Side-By-Side Refrigerator could be the option for you. The narrow doors do not require much space for opening which can accommodate many kitchen layouts. Instead of the standard freezer on top, the freezer is vertical along with the refrigeration section offering you an eye level view of both freezer and refrigerator.

French Door and Bottom Freezer
The top area is the refrigeration section with French Doors offering you a large capacity along with a stylish look. Below is the single drawer for the freezer instead of a traditional door which offers lots of space for frozen goods. The French Door and Bottom Freezer have become one of the most popular choices for its attractive design and useful features.

Built-In Refrigerators
Built-In Refrigerators are the largest of the refrigerators and is built into your kitchens surrounding cabinets. They can come in a variety of finishes or in many cases can be integrated with your cabinets by adding matching panels. You will need to speak with one of our sales representatives if you are planning on purchasing a Built-In Refrigerator to help with sizing and implementation.

All-Refrigerators and All-Freezers
“All” meaning the entire column of the unit is dedicated to refrigeration or freezer.  These items would be unattached and either placed side-by-side with each other or you can even have them separated by another built-in appliance. We also carry a few stand-alone All-Refrigerators and All-Freezers if you are not looking to have them built into your cabinetry.

Counter Depth vs. Standard DepthA counter depth refrigerator offers a flush fitment with your cabinetry to provide the look of a built-in refrigerator at a more affordable price. Counter depth refrigerators are 23 5/8” deep which is shallower than standard freestanding refrigerators. Counter depth refrigerators also provide less capacity than standard depth refrigerators. A standard depth for a side by side refrigerator and French door refrigerator is 28" deep.