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.)

We often hear this question from customers: "When is the best time to buy appliances?" The answer is actually pretty simple - think holidays! National appliance sales are worth waiting for, as prices are discounted anywhere from 15% to 35% (and even up to 40% on some items).

If you have the luxury of planning your next appliance purchase, you may want to consider looking at appliances during one of the industry's holiday sale periods. But sometimes, you just can't wait for a holiday. If your refrigerator is not cooling or you are moving into a new home, you may not have the pleasure of marking your next appliance purchase on your calendar and waiting for a sale. However, if you do have time on your side, consider these holiday periods for the best deals.

If you are considering a refrigerator with French doors, you are about to make a great choice!  The popularity of this style has exploded and many consumers love them! When searching for a new refrigerator, you'll probably want to consider all of your style options. In the past, you may have had the old standby refrigerator with the refrigerator on the bottom and freezer above or the once-popular side by side. We've compared French doors vs side by sides, but for most people the French door refrigerator offers the best elements of the bottom freezer and side by side refrigerator styles. (Check out our refrigerator buying guide for more info on choosing a new refrigerator!)

When searching for a new refrigerator, you'll probably want to consider all of your style options: top freezer, bottom freezer, French door, side by side, etc. In this blog, we take a close look at what makes a side by side refrigerator a great choice for your kitchen, as well as how much they cost and their typical dimensions.

Does thinking about a cluttered refrigerator cause you instant stress? Do you lose things that get pushed to the back of the shelves or have trouble fitting everything in without creating piles that you'll have to dig through all over again later on? If you're in the process of buying a new refrigerator, taking a closer look at the interior organization is a must. 

Factors like the style and configuration of the shelving and bins as well as the door storage and other features are all important considerations (check out our refrigerator buying guide for more info on choosing a new fridge). Keeping your food organized and in plain sight can help reduce spoilage and prevent the "I didn't realize we already had some, so I bought more" problem. We'll go through some of the many refrigerator organization options to consider when buying a new model to help you decide what options are a must-have. 

Researching a new refrigerator can be an easy process if you know the right questions to ask. One important question to consider is whether or not you want a refrigerator with ice and water dispenser capabilities.  If you like the added convenience of having fresh ice, often cubed or crushed as well as filtered water close at hand in your refrigerator, you'll want to consider models with an ice and water dispenser. Believe it or not, some new models even come equipped with a Keurig attachment to allow your refrigerator to brew and dispense coffee for you!

We'll go over the pros and cons of having these dispensers in your new refrigerator. For more info on choosing a new fridge, check out our refrigerator buying guide, too! 

When researching a new dishwasher, you have a lot to consider. Most people want good quality, durability, washing capability and, of course, they want their new dishwasher to be quiet (learn about dishwasher decibel levels in our article, or check out our dishwasher buying guide for more info on buying a new dishwasher).

One of the biggest contributors to how your dishwasher will perform in most of these areas is the materials used in construction, particularly of the interior. Dishwasher interiors and door liners are made of stainless steel or plastic and sometimes a mix of both materials. A stainless steel interior dishwasher is an option you should consider, although they tend to have a higher price. Because plastic is less expensive, it is usually found in lower-end dishwashers. Most manufacturers use plastic to make spray arms, silverware baskets, dishwasher racks, and other interior parts.

A self cleaning range may seem like an obvious choice for today's hectic lifestyle. For many consumers, it is! Cleaning the inside of an oven can be a frustrating and time consuming job. Owning a self cleaning range can significantly reduce the hassle of cleaning all the caked-on food that builds up inside your range from the inevitable spills and splatters that result from cooking. As you are doing research for your next range, be sure to look at self cleaning range models as part of your search (and for more info on choosing a new gas or electric range, check out our range buying guide). Let's take a closer look.

Most buyers of electric ranges in today's market are looking for smooth top ranges. However, don't overlook electric coil stoves for certain applications. An electric coil range is an "old fashioned" range with burner bowls and coil elements that plug into the range top.

What possible advantage could this type of range have over a smooth top range?  Let's take a look at a few scenarios. (And for more information to help you choose a new gas or electric kitchen range, check out our range buying guide!)