If you are looking to compare two awesome washing machine options that won't break the bank, you're in luck. We've singled out two great top loading agitator models from two niche brands that may be just what you are looking for when shopping for a new machine. Unfortunately, Fisher & Paykel has discontinued their popular agitator washer as of late 2019, so this article is now "in memoriam." Don't worry - we'll give you other agitator washer brands to consider!

Speed Queen and Fisher & Paykel are not quite as well known as some of the other juggernaut appliance brands like Whirlpool, Frigidaire and GE, but that doesn't mean they don't deliver great products. Speed Queen is a specialty laundry manufacturer headquartered in Wisconsin that has been making great laundry products for both the commercial and domestic markets in the US for over 100 years. Fisher & Paykel is based in New Zealand and has been in operation since 1934. They have gained wide exposure in the US in the past 20 years and introduced many innovative products to the market, including a one-of-a-kind dish drawer dishwasher that made them famous with US consumers. Their agitator washer was a surprising hit when it came out a few years ago.

As you research your next washing machine, consider the brands Speed Queen and Whirlpool. Both are well known names in the US laundry industry. Both companies are known for making quality products in both the commercial and domestic markets, and their laundry products are manufactured in the United States: Speed Queen in Wisconsin and Whirlpool in Ohio.

Everyone has different considerations when buying a dishwasher. If you love wine, one of the most important things you will want to consider is whether or not your new dishwasher has stemware holders that will accommodate your beloved wine glasses. If you have an older model, you may not even realize these are available! (Learn more about purchasing a new dishwasher in our dishwasher buying guide!)

Dishwasher stemware holders are fold-down pieces of plastic on the top rack made to keep wine glasses in place so that they won’t fall over during the wash cycle. Stemware holders can also be used to create extra space for cups and small dessert dishes. Racks with stemware holders will separate and secure your wine glasses to keep them from getting broken.  

Most of us rely on microwave ovens to quickly reheat and cook foods and beverages throughout our busy day. Whether we're cooking full meals or simply reheating our coffee, we depend on their quick response! If you're looking for a new over the range microwave, Frigidaire and Whirlpool offer nicely featured basic models at reasonable prices. 

Let's take a look at microwave reviews for two top sellers from these famous manufacturers retailing at under $400! (For more info on choosing a new microwave, check out our microwave buying guide!)

Before you head out shopping for a new dishwasher, you probably want to give some consideration to the racks. Dishwasher racks are not something people think about very often but they are something you interact with almost every day! A little education and thought before buying can make your day-to-day experience with your dishwasher much more convenient and enjoyable.

You'll want to consider the materials, configuration, number and style of racks and take into account what you really need. For more info on choosing a new dishwasher, check out our dishwasher buying guide!

People often ask our sales staff - "How quiet is this model?" We try to give the most precise answer that we can by using the decibel (dB) rating. The quietness of a dishwasher wasn't an issue when dishwashers became a staple household appliance in the 1970s, but today consumers are willing to pay more for appliances that operate quietly. Bosch was the first to offer quieter models in the early 2000s, and other brands were quick to follow as demand rose.

Grilling has become more popular these days as families and friends find comfort in cooking outdoors for one another and some find it a relaxing change in routine from the daily grind. But a grill that's seen better days can stress you out even more - Won't ignite? Burner knobs broken? Cooking grates rusted? Lid falls off? 

Even though you don’t want to part with your trusty old friend, there are new grills out there that will provide much more enjoyment for you and your family and friends. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a grill of your dreams - one that won’t need to be bandaged up before you can make dinner.

In this blog we will talk about the features and differences of two industry-leading grills from Napoleon and Weber. These are top-of-the-line models with a ton of great features and grilling power!

Shopping for a clothes washer these days can be somewhat confusing as the manufacturers incorporate new technologies to conserve water and save energy. It's hard to argue against saving energy, whether it be fuel for our homes and cars, or simply saving electricity by changing our lighting to more efficient fixtures. New technology in laundry equipment has enabled us to save on water, electricity, gas, and even soaps (thanks to concentrated HE laundry detergent), while taking better care of our clothes. There's just a bit of a learning curve you have to deal with!

Amana, now owned by Whirlpool, is a value brand offering budget appliances with simple features and solid reliability. If you're looking for an inexpensive over the range or countertop microwave, Amana has some great options. 

Amana offers several "universal microwaves" with no handle, eliminating the need to match handles with other appliances such as your refrigerator or range. If you bought an entire suite of appliances a few years back and now have a dead microwave on your hands, this Amana microwave could be a lifesaver as a replacement model that still matches with your kitchen. Handle styles change. The handle style of your beautifully matching four-piece Frigidaire or Whirlpool appliance package from three years ago may no longer be available. So a microwave with no handle is an easy solution to achieving a seamless matched look in your kitchen!

Amana used to offer an over the range model with a handle to match other Amana appliances, model AMV6507RGS, but it has been discontinued. We'll focus on the no handle models.

There are many options and features to consider while researching a new dryer. If you are looking for drying accuracy, LG Sensor Dry may be worth considering when you purchase your next dryer. We'll go over sensor drying and review a top-seller from LG with this technology!