It's a relief to exchange snow tires for regular tires, boots for sandals, and sweaters for short sleeves, isn't it? And yet... sometimes, no matter how much we appreciate summer, there are a few downsides. If you have a large space to cool down, a 10,000 BTU window air conditioner is a great way to do it. These powerful ACs can handle 350-450 square feet, and many options are still 115/120 volt rather than requiring a 220-volt setup.

We've chosen four popular models from great brands to help you decide. Choosing an air conditioner from an established brand helps ensure that you get a solid warranty and that the unit gives you many seasons of performance.

Whirlpool is the world's largest home appliance manufacturer and owns several other household names like Maytag and KitchenAid. They started out in the laundry appliance business over 100 years ago, and today, Whirlpool washing machines are very popular. Whirlpool Load and Go technology is one example of their innovations in home laundry.

In this article, we'll explore how Whirlpool Load and Go works, including an exclusive video, and a review of a Whirlpool front load washer with the Load and Go feature!

After winter frosts and snows melt into spring slush, we welcome the heat of summer... to a point. A 6,000 BTU air conditioner is the perfect size for a bedroom, small play room, or home office, and will generally suit small rooms up to 250 square feet (read more about air conditioner sizes here). Although there are lots of cheap air conditioners out there that tend to pop up in stores around the summer months, choosing an AC unit from an established brand can ensure that you end up with a model that is quieter, energy efficient, and more reliable. 

Are you trying to decide between a ductless or ducted under cabinet range hood? Also known as recirculating hoods, this type of hood is economical and easy to install. It's a common choice for manufactured homes and apartments where installing ductwork would be prohibitively expensive. 

In this article, we'll go over what you need to know about ductless hoods and review three affordable, popular models.

Microwaves have historically come in two basic categories: standard over-the-range microwaves and countertop microwaves. Over-the-range microwaves are designed to fit nicely above your range and have standard 30" widths. Height-wise, they are typically between 16" and 18", and they generally offer a capacity in the 1.7 to 2.0 cubic foot range. Over-the-range microwaves are practically standard issue in most modern kitchens, and the cabinetry and layout in modern homes generally work well for these products. 

Hotpoint appliances are a great option if you are looking for basic, dependable, low-cost products. Hotpoint is a century-old manufacturer of appliances that has its roots in Ontario, California. As of 2019, the American rights to sell Hotpoint appliances are owned by GE Appliances, a division of Chinese manufacturer Haier.

Unlike many other brands which have introduced appliances with advanced technical features and lots of electronics at high prices, Hotpoint has stayed true to their roots, offering basic, user-friendly, no-frills models at great prices. We'll explore some of the options they offer below!

Looking to learn more about Hotpoint dryer models? You've come to the right place. If you're in the process of researching your options for a new dryer, Hotpoint is a good place to look (check out our dryer buying guide for more info). This trusted manufacturer of quality home appliances is now a subsidiary of GE Appliances, which is owned by Chinese manufacturer Haier.

Hotpoint has a long-standing reputation for low-cost quality products that remains intact under the new ownership. Whether you need a gas or electric model, a Hotpoint dryer may be the way to go.

Ah, summer: popsicles, cold drinks, sunscreen... But when hot, muggy days turn into hot, muggy nights, it can be hard to enjoy the heat! Window air conditioners are perfect for those of us who live in temperate climates since they can be stored away when the chill of winter creeps back in. 

So you're looking for a garage ready upright freezer. Options are limited, and it can get confusing when you're trying to research your options online - a freezer may get tagged as a "garage ready" model by a website or search engine simply because people have left reviews stating that they have installed it in a garage. In mild climates where the temperature never drops below 40 °F or rises above 90 °F or so, it's possible to grab any old freezer and stick it in the garage (although this tends to void the manufacturer's warranty). However, if you're contending with freezing winters, it's not so easy.

Crank out windows can be a bummer when the summer heat hits. Also referred to as "slider" windows and "casement" windows, the common window air conditioner won't work here. Typical window air conditioners are wider than they are tall, and they won't fit into a casement window. And unfortunately you can't just tip a normal AC unit on its side for use in a narrower window. 

Dealing with crank out windows can definitely be a hassle. Even if a typical window air conditioner will fit into a slider window gap, you'll need to DIY a support system to keep it in place - and there are plenty of DIY projects online of people doing this!

There are a limited number of casement air conditioners available, so you'll have to compare the cost (both the upfront cost as well as the time and energy of installing it) against using a portable air conditioner instead! (For more information on ACs, check out our air conditioner buying guide.)