Home & Garden Blog » Appliances

For today’s Deal of the Day, I bring you special sales and discounts on coffee makers! The weather is cooling down and it’s time to wake up to a fresh, warm brew while the shower heats up and the kids roll out of bed. You’ll need the energy without the hassle of driving to Starbucks, so here’s some top quality picks for you to add to your own home collection of kitchenware:

Chef Pepin Digital Coffee Maker: $36.95

BonJour Manual Caffe Froth Maximus, Brushed Stainless Steel: $16.95

Chambord Chrome 8-cup French Coffee Maker Press: $26.60

Shop through a variety of affordable coffee makers.

This 3-in-1 Breakfast Center  has everything that a college student needs in one appliance. It’s got a toaster oven, coffee maker, and hot plate within arm’s reach. The coffee maker can make up to four cups and has a permanent filter. The toaster oven can fit up to four slices of toast and has an automatic power off system that makes it easier for the busy student on the go.

It’s available at JC Penny for around $40–this is an amazing deal because it’s perfect to split the cost with your roommate. With four cups of coffee and four slices of toast, it was practically designed for roommates to share.

It’s definitely only worth it for a couple of years and is definitely not a replacement for each separate appliance. That’s why this is ideal for the college student.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it’s amazing how many students bypass it and go straight to class. This handy appliance is perfect to ensure the health and well being of college students. Most dorms come with a microwave so purchasing this toaster oven, coffee maker, and hot plate will definitely complete all of your cooking needs right in your room.

Shop for more small kitchen appliances at Smarter.com.

Last week we talked a little about fans and how they can save you money as opposed to air conditioning units.  But sometimes, let’s all admit it together, the heat is so unbearable that no amount of fans (paper, electric, water-powered or otherwise) will do the trick!  When it comes to that, it’s time to start considering air conditioning units.  If your house doesn’t have central air installed, the less-invasive way of outfitting your home with air conditioning is window units.  Not the most beautiful designs, but definitely cheaper than installing central air (especially in an older home) you want to make sure window units are carefully concealed, either at the back of the house, or under awnings and curtains.  It is always good to take a look at these window units in person, or measure out the ideal depth from your window; often the unit will hang more than a foot out of your window, which could be a hazard if not properly secured (especially if you live in a stormy or windy area).  Here are some window units at affordable prices that you should consider if the heat is beating you and your family this summer:

LG Thru-Wall/Window Air Conditioner: $359.00

Marked down from $449.00, the LG 7000 Energy Star rated window air conditioner comes with remote control and has multiple fan speeds and an energy saver button that changes the compression in the fans and sets the entire system to turn off once the desired temperature is reached in the room.  The unit is good for a room 10ft x 15ft.

BEST DEAL: Sunpentown WA-1091S-Window Air Conditioner: $308.99

A little bit more simple and basic of a model from the LG, the Sunpentown window air conditioner has two fan speeds, thermostat controlled energy saver, 1-24 hour timer setting and window installation kit included.  Cooling area projected between 350-400 square feet.

THRIFTIEST: Haier 5,200 BTU Window Air Conditioner: $109.99

With only 4 settings (two cool setting and two fan settings), mechanical controls and a changeable filter, the Haier is not the most efficient or sleek model, but it certainly gets the job done.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable air conditioning units.

Gosh the weather has been so bizarre! At least here in Southern California, I can’t speak for all of you. The nights are cold, the afternoons are hot and now - it’s RAINING!

Make up your mind already weather gods. One thing that is constant is that the nights are cold, I recently received my electricity bill and that sucker was astronomical!

Which is why I did some researching for discount alternatives and I discovered the:

BTU Floor Furnace  - America’s most popular furnace because it provides total comfort for a fraction of the cost of electric heat. Here are the features:

* Total comfort for a fraction of the cost of electric heat.
* Needs no electricity to operate.
* Matchless push-button piezo ignition.
* Furnace is regulated by a millivolt wall thermostat.
* Whole-house heating capability.

Original Price: $1,354.00

On Sale: $1,056.12

You Save: $297.88 (22%)

If you are interested in shopping for the BTU Floor Furnace, click here!

I have been  considering purchasing a Washer Dryer Combo for quite some time. I am getting pretty sick and tired of hauling ALL my laundry every week to my parents or friends house!! I mean I am not in college anymore and the whole thing is getting pretty ridiculous..

My apartment actually has the features for a washer dryer but I don’t know why I still hesitate. Primarily what is holding me back is the thought of having to sell the appliances if and when I move (which is often) OR investing in such a grown up major appliance. Such a milestone in a way - officially saying goodbye to my nomad existence.

Well everyone has to grow up someday and I think today is the day for me. Check out the “Laundry Center” by Frigidaire.

The Laundry Center is ideal for those who literally need a laundry room in a closet. It contains virtually all of the features of a normal side by side washer and dryer, you won’t sacrifice performance for space savings. Here are the features:

Washer Features
- Extra-Large 3.1 cu. ft. I.E.C. Capacity Washer
- Stainless Steel Wash Drum
- Tumble Care Cleaning System
- Sound Silencer Plus
- 16 Wash Cycles
- On/Off End-of-Cycle Signal
- Heavy Wash Cycle
- Short Wash Cycle
- Extra-Rinse Auto Option
- Automatic Water Level
- Automatic Fabric Softener Dispenser
- Automatic Bleach Dispenser
- Automatic Detergent Dispenser
- Door Lock Light

Dryer Features
- 5.7 cu. ft. Super Capacity Dryer
- Stainless Steel Dryer Drum
- Balanced Dry System
- 4 Auto Dry Cycles
- Timed Dry Cycles
- 80-Minute Timed Dry
- End-of-Cycle Signal
- Press Saver Option
- Precision Dry Moisture Sensor
- Cool Down Setting
- Interior Drum Light
- Quick-Clean Lint Screen
- Drying Rack
- Turn-to-Start Knob

Price $1044.75

If you are intersted in purchasing the Frigidaire “Laundry Center” - Click here!

Bonus: Free Shipping + NO Sales Tax

Brrrr - It’s cold in here! Warm up with this great deal on a Soleus Tower Space Heater!

The Tower Space Heater offers heat in 360 degrees and allows the heat to quickly disperse from all sides. Which ultimately maximizes heating efficiency. Micathermic heating combines the attributes of radiant and convection heating. This means the heater arrives at its full power in minutes and quickly emanates warmth throughout the rooms in your home.

Unlike other heaters, the Soleus HM360R does not dry out the air. It is not fan driven, so it operates silently. It also does not stir up common allergens like dust, so allergen sufferers benefit. An energy saving mode is included as well as a digital thermostat and remote control. Simple to control where and how much heat is needed, the HM360R heater delivers fast and efficient heat. This 360 degree heater has a low temperature surface and double safety protection.

Sounds warm and wonderful right? Affordable Price -  $69.00

If you are interested in shopping for the Soleus Tower Heater - Click here!

I don’t know how the weather is in your neck of the woods, but here in California it is driving my sinuses bonkers!

Literally the weather has been HOT - COLD- WARM- COLD- HOT- COLD. And what I mean by that is the variation from day to day and within the day itself! Suffice to say my allergies are beginning to pick up and the flux of temperature is beginning to reek havoc on my nose and throat.

Whenever winter starts to dry my skin, throat and nostrils it may be time to take out the ol’ humidifier. Check out this great deal on a Whole House Humidifier from Honeywell.

Bypass Flow-Through Humidifier uses the warm air furnace blower to provide whole house humidification.

Here are the features:

• 17 gallons per day moisture output at 120°F (49°C) plenum temp
• Preassembled for quicker installation
• Small footprint, light weight and reversible components allow for easy mounting on either warm air supply or cold air return of any forced air furnace
• Interior components designed for quick maintenance and service

• Package Includes: Humidistat
• Drain connection
• Saddle valve
• Water supply tubing
• Humidifier pad
• 24V transformer & wire

Price $169.99 (you save 15%) Originally $199.95

If you are interested in purchasing the Honeywell Whole House Humidifier - Click here!

I need a muse, inspiration if you will… Mondays are so blah! Whenever I need a jolt of design inspiration I turn to Europe, they are always thinking outside of the box and creating innovative and cost effective design work.

Take for example this funky Lego Radiator I started reading about on Trendir Blog:

Italian company Scirocco presented a new decorative home radiator where technical innovation is combined with design and with the desire to have fun and continue having fun. Designed by architect Marco Baxadonne, Brick is a small colored block with a technological heart, a radiator in aluminum that internally conceals copper pipes and aluminum plates, making the product highly versatile and thermally efficient. But the novelties do not end here: each Brick has a double plumbing connection: one for the heating system and the other to connect the various bricks together. Just like connecting the Lego blocks … (Source Trendir Blog)

OR

This gold washbasin from Hidra on the other hand looks entirely too opulent for my tastebuds. Looks like something straight out of the tale of King Midas! Plus the design looks like if god forbid the sink gets clogged the water will overflow like a beautiful gold fountain right onto your bathroom floor. Ha!

If you would like to check out a variety of unique European design work, click here.

Well when my friend invited me to her fondue party I was reluctant at first. The idea of sitting around waiting for tiny pieces of meat to cook didn’t really appeal to me. Not so much with the patience am I.

Turns out the whole shindig was a blast! Great times, gives people an opportunity to get tipsy and talk. She had all the prep work ready. Chopped pieces of raw meat and chicken, assorted delicious sauces to dip them in when they were done cooking and she even had a dessert fondue set up. What I learned was that you need to add some oil to the chocolate as it melts to prevent it from sticking to the pot and so it remains fluid and not cake up and turn into a molten rock! The whole affair was very pleasant and quite delicious. Now I want one, a fondue set that is.

So here are some options I am debating on, what do you think?

Williams Sonoma - All Clad Stainless Steel Fondue Set

“Manufactured with an aluminum core for efficient, uniform heating, this gleaming 18/10 stainless steel pot comes with a ceramic insert that makes it ideal for both savory and sweet fondues. Remove the insert when cooking meat fondues in oil; leave it in place for melting chocolate and cheese without scorching. The sturdy tripod stand holds the sterno burner and provides stability. Six color-coded stainless steel forks are included. The stainless steel lid has slots that hold the forks upright so foods are spaced evenly around the pot for uniform cooking.” (Source: Williams Sonoma)

Price $149.95

Kitchen Universe - Swissmar Montblanc Red Fondue Sets - 15 piece

“Classy cast iron meat fondue set includes red square pot, spatter guard, rechaud with wood base, four black ceramic dipping dishes, six meat fondue forks, and dual function burner. ” (Source: KitchenU.com)

Price $89.95

Lausanne Copper (3 in 1) Swissmar Fondue Set - KlinQ.com

“Swissmar fondue pots are the ultimate in quality and workmanship. This beautiful copper and stainless steel multi purpose fondue set has a ceramic insert that acts as a double boiler, so you can use one fondue set for 3 different types of fondue - meat, cheese and chocolate.” (Source: KlinQ.com)

Price $99.95

Stainless Steel Meat Fondue Set - KlinQ.com

This stylish 11 pc. fondue set for 6 includes the following pieces:

1 stainless steel meat fondue pot
1 stainless steel fork guide
1 heavy duty matte black metal stand
1 black metal tray
6 stainless steel fondue forks with color coded tips

Price $24.95

(Hmm, this one makes me wonder why it’s so cheap?)

So what do you guys think? Which one should I get? What would you get?  - Michelle

Oh how quickly the tides change, seems like just yesterday I was trying to find relief from the Summer heat by sitting in a puddle of my own sweat fanning myself!

Now the crisp breeze in the wind has me closing windows and gasp! even considering purchasing a heater for the cooler seasons. By the way is it just me or do the seasons seem to be more extreme of late? The heat seems to be “unbearable” whereas the winter and fall seem to be both colder and longer than previous years? (Scary.)

Darn, I digress. Where was I? Oh yeah Heaters...

So I don’t know if I ever mentioned it but the love of my life happens to come in a hairy, slobbering snoring, farting form, namely my English bulldog Buddha! So I definitely take him into consideration before making potentially harmful purchases such as space heaters.

The QMark Hydronic Baseboard Heater from Air & Water Inc. is worry free and safe for kids and pets. A sheathed electric heating element is totally immersed in a heat-transfer liquid and sealed in a heater-length copper tube. The large diameter reservoir maximizes the volume of heat storage fluid to prolong the thermal constant of the entire heater. Gentle heat keeps radiating even after the thermostat turns off because of the hydronic elements retention qualities. The entire unit mounts flush to any wall and flat on any floor - wood, carpet or tile. The trim, three-inch thick functional design and low operating temperatures allow carpeting to be installed up to and around the baseboard. Heavy-duty welded steel louvered grilles discourage insertion of foreign objects and direct heat outward into the room. Built-in cut-off automatically shuts down the heater should any overheating occur.

List Price - $199.00

Price Break - $59.05

SALE PRICE - $139.95

If you are interested in purchasing the QMark Electric Heater, click here.

Extra 5% Off all Online Orders! Simply enter coupons code: “Cool” at checkout.