The internet-connected smart home has become a new target for innovation in the appliance industry. There's the Samsung Family Hub refrigerator, LG's Smart Thinq and Smart Grid, Whirlpool connected appliances, and now GE is stepping into the game with the GE Kitchen Hub, slated to launch in May 2019. GE reinvented the over-the-range area once before with the over-the-range microwave, and now they're at it again with the GE Kitchen Hub.

What is the GE Kitchen Hub, and how does it compare to other smart home "hub" technologies? Is it a good option for your home? We'll explore GE's innovation and tell you everything you need to know about this new feature!

What is an inverter microwave? Who makes them? Should you get one? We've got answers!

First, we'll answer a question with a question: Do you know how the typical microwave's defrost or low power settings work? Maybe you have a 1,000 watt microwave and can set it to 50% power to defrost something. However, a typical microwave with a magnetron can't actually operate at less than 100% power. So it will cycle on and off, intermittently cooking at 100% power then 0% power. This is not ideal for items that need to be cooked on low power in a moist environment and is part of the reason why defrosting takes so long and often results in cooked edges.

If you are looking to replace an older gas range with open burners, you may want to consider a new model with sealed burners. Sealed burners have become more and more common for household ranges, but there are still a few reasons why people prefer open burners. If you're wondering about the difference between an open burner vs a sealed burner, we'll explore this in-depth below to help you decide on the right option for your needs.

(And if you're looking for more information on buying a new gas range, check out our range buying guide!)

In 2017, Weber introduced a revolutionary upgrade to their Genesis II series of grills known as the Weber GS4 Grilling System. The GS4 System was rolled out as part of a larger line overhaul that radically redesigned both the Spirit and Genesis series of gas grills. Open cart models were introduced in both lines, dramatically changing the aesthetics of many models. However, the Weber GS4 Grilling System offers a lot more than just a change in design aesthetic. 

Weber is an industry leader in gas grills and they offer a complete lineup of grills to meet every budget. Weber's GS4 system is just one of many outstanding features offered in Weber grills. In 2019, they've focused on updating their Genesis II line, but the GS4 grilling system is here to stay and is still ahead of the pack if you're looking for a reliable, durable grill. To learn more about Weber's model lineup, read our full article, Weber Gas Grills - Everything You Need To Know.

Weber Flavorizer Bars are one of the most important features of a Weber grill. Flavorizer bars are tent-shaped pieces of metal (stainless steel or porcelain enamel, depending on the grill model) that sit below the grilling grates and above the burners on your Weber grill. They serve several important functions including protecting and extending the life of your grill's burners and enhancing the flavor of your grilled foods!

When you are looking for your next Weber grill, there are lots of features and options to consider with the different Weber models available. One of the most visually obvious choices is whether you want stainless steel cooking or cast iron grill grates on your main grilling surface. There are pros and cons for both options and it might come down to a matter of personal preference. 

When remodeling your kitchen or designing a new home, you will have many choices to make pertaining to the type and style of appliances that you will buy. A lot will depend on how you or your kitchen designer lays out the cabinet design and where each appliance is located in the plan. Your main cooking appliance is also the centerpiece of your kitchen: the range.

If you're not swimming in oceans of counter space, you may not find the latest and greatest microwaves with their massive capacities all that appealing. It can seem like manufacturers all think that you're looking for a second oven for your countertop! However, smaller microwaves are still available - and you don't have to sacrifice features and power for a compact model. We'll review the three best compact microwave models that customers have reached for time and time again to help you win the battle for more space in your kitchen.

These models are listed in no particular order but are numbered for your convenience. Let's dig in!

Older electric dryers are just one of the many household products in your home that may be serious energy hogs. As they age, dryers lose sufficient fresh air intake as well as heat and moisture discharge capabilities due to a number of factors, such as worn or broken blower wheels, worn or dry-rotted drum seals, stretched belts, or slow motor rotation and aging thermostats. And, of course, keep in mind that all dryers accumulate lint within their components throughout their lifetime.

If you’re finding your current dryer either gobbles electricity or needs multiple runs to properly dry your laundry, then wait no longer … it's time to replace it. New dryers have more efficient motors and blowers, fresh drum seals and better thermostats and moisture sensors, allowing them to finish the job quicker, which means less run time and thus lower operating costs.

When you begin your dryer research, consider the brands GE and Frigidaire. Both GE and Frigidaire have been in the laundry business for as long as we can remember for good reason: quality products! We've put together these electric clothes dryer reviews of two of their top budget-priced models to help you make an informed decision.

Every consumer shopping for a new gas dryer is searching for the best dryer for the money. Gas dryers are available in all brands and styles and with new features and sizes, and they have become more expensive than their matching washers. If you are looking for a good basic gas dryer, there are two companies that you can turn to that can fill the need for great products at the right price: Amana and Hotpoint.

Amana, a Whirlpool brand, and Hotpoint, a General Electric brand, both offer gas dryers that are well-featured for their price range and can handle the workload for most families. They make quality products with the basic features that are just what many consumers need, saving sometimes hundreds of dollars in the family budget. Check out these two companies when you go shopping. In this article we'll compare two of their best low cost offerings. For more information on buying a new dryer, check out our dryer buying guide!