Major APPLIANCE BUYING TIPS

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A major appliance is a major purchase. Be smart before you shop with these often-overlooked tips.

Think of it this way: Unlike a rug, lamp, or hat, you can’t take it back—or at least not easily. That’s why it’s called a major appliance. Here are 13 ways to avoid major buyer’s remorse.

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REPAIRING MAJOR HOME APPLIANCES

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  • Always make sure the electric power and/or the gas supply to the appliance is disconnected before you test the appliance to diagnose the problem or make any repairs. If you turn the power on to check your work after making a repair, do not touch the appliance; just turn the power on and observe. If adjustments are needed, turn the power off before you make them.
  • If the parts of an appliance are held together with screws, bolts, plugs, and other take-apart fasteners, you can probably make any necessary repairs. If the parts are held together with rivets or welds, don’t try to repair the appliance yourself. Call a professional service person.
  • In most cases, broken or malfunctioning appliance parts can be replaced more quickly and inexpensively than they can be repaired by you or a professional. Replace any broken or malfunctioning parts with new parts made especially for that appliance. If you cannot find an exact replacement for the broken part, it’s okay to substitute a similar part as long as it fits into the old space. In this case, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
  • Check to make sure that the appliance is properly and firmly plugged in and that the cord, the plug, and the outlet are working properly. To determine whether an outlet is working, test it with a voltage tester.
  • Check to make sure the fuses and/or circuit breakers that control the circuit have not blown or tripped. There may be more than one electrical entrance panel for your home, especially for 220-240-volt appliances such as ranges and air conditioners. Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers at both the main panel and the separate panel.
  • Check to make sure fuses and/or breakers in the appliance itself are not blown or tripped. Push the reset buttons to restore power to appliances such as washers, dryers, and ranges. Some ranges have separate plug-type fuses for oven operation; make sure these fuses have not blown.
  • If the appliance uses gas or water, check to make sure it is receiving an adequate supply.
  • Check the owner’s manual for the appliance. Many manufacturers include helpful problem/solution troubleshooting charts. If you don’t have a manual for an appliance, you can probably get one — even for an old or obsolete appliance — from the manufacturer’s customer service department.

Call Absolute Appliance Repair NOW if you have any problems with your appliance!

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(415) 831-1259 San Francisco
(415) 388-0690 Marin County
(650) 525-0512 South SF / Daly City / Pacifica

 

 

 

MONEY SAVING TIPS FOR BUYING APPLIANCES

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5 Tips for Buying Appliances:

1. Set your budget:

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What you thought this wouldn’t be first? Know your top dollar budget number for this purchase. That way if you can save on your purchase you may choose to spend a bit more on a model with more features, or bank the rest for another future purchase.

2. Know your Market

It may seem counter-intuitive to ‘keep up with the Joneses,’ but knowing your housing market is key. Even if you don’t plan to sell soon, it’s a good idea to keep in mind what homebuyers are looking for in your area. For instance, if you live in a modest suburban neighborhood adding a Viking range to the tune of $10,000 would be overkill. When possible consider stainless steel appliances (especially ones with a no-smudge finish) since they are popular and great for resale.

3. Do your homework:

It should go without saying, but do not go into the appliance store without a little research under your belt.

Key items to research are:

  • brand reliability
  • features/colors
  • warranties
  • prices
  • sales or upcoming promotion

Tip: Consumer Reports offers monthly signups and can be a great resource for detailed product info.

4. Take a test run:

Before you buy head to several stores and talk to the sale associates in the appliance department. Yes they are trying to make a sale (they typically work on commission after all), but they may share information you hadn’t considered like the case with our backwards laundry room setup. This will also give you the chance to get a ‘vibe’ for the salespeople in the store. In some cases that may determine where you spend your money (especially if the pricepoints are identical).

Tip: Leave the kids at home if you can. Bring a pad and paper, tape measure, and a camera or your smartphone to take photos, notes, and even measurements.

5. Go back to the drawing board:

Now that you have your choices narrowed down based on price range, features, your market, and other factors– go back to the drawing board. Take a final look at the options that are available to you, and double-check all your ‘homework’ before you go to make your purchase.

Now that you’re ready to purchase consider these tips to help you stretch your dollar even further.

5 Tips to Stretch your Appliance Dollar

Translucent CBA MasterCard Debit

1. Store credit cards: I know they seem like a bad idea, but for responsible credit users they can be a boon.  Many offer 10% off and other perks that make it worth using a store card.

2. Buy on credit: Again it may seem irresponsible, but using your credit card can afford you an extended warranty without having to pay for one. Call your credit card company for details on how the protect your purchases.

3. Warranties: Speaking of extended warranties, just don’t do it. For the most part extended warranties cover very little for the cost, and often aren’t worth the cost.

4. Know the return policy: If you have an issue with your purchase you want to be sure you can return it. If you buy a floor sample, or scratch and dent appliance be prepared that it’s likely a ‘final sale,’ meaning no returns.

5. Register: Finally, make sure you register your new purchases with the brand. Yes it’s a means of tracking what you buy, but it’s helpful if you ever have an issue down the road.

 

Read more at http://www.thecentsiblelife.com/2012/02/money-saving-tips-for-buying-appliances/

COOKTOPS HELP YOU CREATE BEAUTIFUL MEALS

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Without your cooktop, you couldn’t create your beautiful stocks and sauces that you use in so many recipes every week. One sauce alone can be the basis to several amazing meals. But when your cooktop is broken, you might have to settle for a less than stellar meal. Your family has comes to expect great meals from you and your cooktop. The good news is you don’t have to let them down another day.

Just call Absolute Appliance Repair during regular business hours and we will send one of our professional repair technicians to your house on the same day you call.

Our technicians receive ongoing training and are up-to-date on all of the latest industry trends and cooktop repairs that you may need. They also carry all of the most common replacement parts for all domestic brands of cooktops and even many foreign models, not to mention all of the specialty tools they could possibly need.

At Absolute Appliance Repair, our technicians use only factory replacement parts. Those parts come with a full warranty and we guarantee our work. This means you have no worries if, for any reason, something should go wrong. You are fully covered for parts and labor for the extent of the warranty. So don’t go another day without your cooktop. When you enjoy cooking, it is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen. Call Absolute Appliance Repair today and we will have you back to creating amazing dishes with your own homemade stocks and sauces again quicker than you can boil water.

APPLIANCE REPAIR DISCOUNTS

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We provide affordable San Francsico Bay Area appliance repair service for all major home appliances. Absolute Appliances Repair repairs all major home appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers.

Absolute Appliances Repair in San Francisco is an appliance repair service company that is passionate about meeting the need for an efficient and functional home. If your appliances aren’t working their best, it can hinder your ability to cook, clean, and take care of yourself and your family. That’s why Absolute Appliances Repair of Bay Area specializes in appliance repair services, as well as all types of general appliance repairs. We believe in helping you help your home run smoothly.

At Absolute Appliances Repair, we also know that when you do need your appliances serviced, you need it NOW! We won’t make you wait. We’re ready when you’re ready. Absolute Appliances Repair serves all households in the San Francisco & Surrounding Areas, Marin County, Daly City, South San Francisco or Pacifica.

When it comes to inviting an appliance repair company into your San Francisco, Marin, Daly City, South San Francisco or Pacifica home, do you prefer people that you are confident will work with your budget, arrive on time, do good work, and be courteous to you?

If so, you should call your San Francisco Absolute Appliance Repair NOW!

 

SMOOTHTOP ELECTRIC COOKTOP CARE

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Smoothtop Electric Cooktop Care – What Not to Do on a Ceramic or Glass Cooktop

While no one can argue that a smoothtop electric cooktop is more stylish than the traditional coil element type, it does need more care to prevent discoloring and scratching. Regular cleaning is also different than how you would clean an older style coil cooktop. And the homemaker needs to be proactive with cooktop cleaning and care to keep this style of cooktop looking good.

Here’s a list of things to avoid if you have a smoothtop electric cooktop range or built-in counter cooktop. While there’s no guarantee that these tips will totally protect your cooktop, they do help considerably. And cleaning the cooktop regularly will also help to preserve the smooth, clean look you fell in love with when you bought your range or cooktop.

  • Do not use cast iron cookware on a smoothtop cooktop or range. The bottoms of cast iron cookware are usually very rough and any movement of the pot on the cooktop, can leave scratching.
  • Other cookware that can cause scratching are ceramic and stoneware that may have unfinished, rough bases. Keep these instead for oven bakeware.
  • Skillets or pans with rounded edge bottoms are not recommended. Pans that sit flat on the cooktop will perform better when it comes to even heat distribution. They will also be more stable on the smoothtop. The same is true of rounded edge stovetop griddles.
  • Never use abrasive cleaners or pads which can scratch; use instead a soft sponge or cloth and cream cleaning solutions designed for ceramic or glass cooktops.
  • Avoid dragging heavy pots on the cooktop; rather lift and transfer to another area of the cooktop to reduce the risk of scratching.
  • Keep the bottoms of skillets and pots very clean. A build-up of grease on pan bottoms can leave aluminum-looking rings or cause marks on the cooktop. These sometimes can be removed with cooktop cleaner, but they are often very difficult to clean off.
  • When boiling or cooking with sugary substances, take care not to spill these on a smoothtop cooktop. A sugar substance can discolor the cooktop, leaving yellowish areas that are impossible to remove. This is more noticeable on white or light grey cooktops. Clean up such spills quickly.
  • Never stand on top of (to reach ceiling height) or place anything overly heavy on a smoothtop cooktop. The glass may appear to sustain the weight for the time being, until the cooktop is heated, at which time it could break or shatter when the glass expands.
  • Avoid placing stirring utensils on a warm cooktop while you cook. Food on these utensils can mark or burn on the cooktop, leaving a mess that needs more time to clean.
  • Do not place a hot glass bakeware (from the oven) to cool on a smoothtop cooktop. Glass bakeware must be placed on a dry towel on a counter to cool.

Though you may have to clean it more often and be careful of what you to do on a smoothtop electric cooktop, you will enjoy your new cooktop and the extra care is worth it.

Smart Kitchen Appliances

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Why Buy Smart Kitchen Appliances?

A smart kitchen device typically refers to any appliance that can access the Web or interface with a mobile device to make its operation more convenient. These types of appliances can also be referred to as connected devices. The Samsung 4-Door Refrigerator with 8-inch Wi-Fi enabled LCD has a tablet-like device embedded in its door and includes the options to make phone calls from the device. Other devices, like the Escali SmartConnect Kitchen Scale with Bluetooth and the Crock-Pot 6 Wi-Fi Enabled WeMo 6-Quart Slow Cooker offer the ability to control the device from a smartphone.

How much of an investment you want to make and how much convenience you are looking to achieve in the kitchen determines just how many smart kitchen devices to acquire. The range is as vast as appliances themselves, and what you shop for should be guided by what you are looking to improve.

Smart Kitchen: What to Look For

If you are looking to invest in a new major appliance, or if you just want kitchen gadgets that offer some fun interconnectivity features, below are some guidelines to keep in mind when making your decision.

Major Appliances

If you are looking to replace a major appliance, such as your stove, dishwasher or refrigerator, now is an interesting time to consider the types of smart features that would make your life easier. If you use a lot of online recipes, perhaps a refrigerator with a built-in Wi-Fi-enabled device is a must-have. This may be more convenient than dragging your laptop, tablet or mobile phone into the kitchen every time you try out a new recipe. Bluetooth connectivity can allow you to monitor cooking temperatures from another room in the house. You can also use a stove’s proprietary app to send a recipe directly to the oven itself.

Android or iOS

Interconnectivity with these devices usually requires an app download. If you are an iPhone user and the device lists an Android interface, you want ensure there is an iOS version of the app. If the app isn’t compatible with your phone or mobile device, you may not be able to take advantage operating it remotely or use any of its smart features.

Convenience

Think about the tasks that are more difficult for you in the kitchen. If you are one to overcook food, a kitchen thermometer, for instance, can wirelessly monitor the temperature of your food and send you an alarm via Bluetooth when it hits a preset temperature. If you want coffee before you’re out of bed, you can use your phone to send a message to your coffeemaker to start percolating. Bluetooth-connected scales automatically input food data into a food journal you access from your mobile device, making calorie counting a breeze.

The latest range of smart kitchen gadgets is nothing short of astounding. With a connected device, you can control cooking times and temperatures and keep abreast of cooking status via your phone. You could also watch any TV app from your refrigerator door. Consider the options that are the most vital to you and have fun experimenting with these appliances and gadgets that, like the rest of your life in the 21st century, are constantly connected.

– See more here

How to Buy a Range

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When deciding on a new range, here’s what you’ll need to know about features, style, price, and performance.

Today’s ranges cook more efficiently than their avocado ancestors thanks to fresh features and newfangled technologies. We separate the wheat from the chaff so you can pick the best range for your home.

First Things First: Gas or Electric?

If you don’t have a gas supply to your house, the answer is easy. But if you can go with either gas or electric, budget and cooking preferences play a significant role in deciding. Also, some people prefer electric ranges because of safety issues — there’s no chance of a gas leak. Here’s food for thought:

  • Popularity: Electric smooth-top ranges are the best sellers because of price and performance. They account for more than 60% of all ranges sold.
  • Budget: Electric ranges are typically less expensive than their gas counterparts. However, gas ranges are usually cheaper to operate, depending on whether your natural gas rates are lower than your electricity costs.
  • Cooking preferences: Listen to your inner chef. Many cooks prefer gas ranges because the burner flame works as a visual temperature gauge and can heat things up quickly. Most bakers prefer electric ovens because of the consistent and even heat they generate.

Here’s a surprising fact: There are no federal energy regulations for consumer ranges, so you won’t find a model that’s Energy Star certified.

Types of Ranges and Costs

There are three standard freestanding range types: electric, gas, and dual-fuel (a gas stovetop with an electric-powered oven). Each type includes:

  • A stovetop (with a minimum of four burners — many premium models have five)
  • An oven (usually two racks and one oven — many premium ranges will have a larger oven with three racks or two ovens)

If you want your range to look like it’s built into your cabinetry, there are two additional options. Both are somewhat rare and may require special ordering through an appliance dealer:

  • Slide-in ranges. The range fits between two cabinets and the edges of the cooktop rest on top of the counters, eliminating gaps. They’re available in gas, electric, and dual-fuel range styles.
  • Drop-in ranges. They‘re fitted into a pre-built cabinet opening with a cabinet panel across the bottom. The panel eliminates the bottom storage drawer typical of most ranges. They’re available in electric power only.

1. Electric ranges

Electric ranges feature three options for cooktop heating elements.

Coil-top models have exposed heating elements. Cookware goes directly on the elements. They’re the least expensive ranges you can buy ($389 to $650) and typically are available in only two colors: black or white. Features include:

  • Porcelain-enamel cooktop finish
  • Indicator lights that let you know when the burner’s coil heating element is on
  • Dials and knobs for oven and burner control

Coil-top ranges at the top end of the price range usually include:

  • Digital displays for heating temperatures and cooking times
  • Single storage drawers for cookware
  • Large oven windows

Drawbacks:

  • Coil heating elements are slow to heat up and cool.
  • Heating elements must be removed for thorough cleaning.
  • Indicator lights only go on when the cooktop’s coils are switched on, but not when the coils are off but still hot (and cooling down).
  • Coil cooktops tend to distribute heat unevenly.

Smooth-top models have solid disk or radiant heating elements beneath a one-piece ceramic glass cooktop that makes cleanup easy. Smooth tops are the best-selling ranges because of their performance, price, and good looks.

Mid-range models start at $550. Standard features typically include:

  • Standard electric ovens
  • Electronic oven controls with preset cooking options and digital displays
  • Indicator lights that let you know when the heating elements are on and when the surface area is hot and cooling down
  • Self-cleaning functions

Premium smooth-top ranges include fast-cooking convection ovens that use fans to circulate heat so foods bake or roast more quickly and evenly; they can slash cooking times by up to 30%. Premium models start at around $900 and typically include:

  • Hidden heating elements (rather than an exposed wire element sitting on the bottom of the oven’s interior) for easier oven cleaning
  • Warming centers that keep prepared foods warm
  • A fifth stovetop heating element

Smooth-top models with two ovens start at around $1,300.

Drawbacks:

  • Glass ceramic surfaces are a cinch to clean but prone to scratching.
  • You can’t use cast-iron, stoneware, or glass cookware on the cooktop because they can scratch. Also, glass and stoneware are poor heat conductors, which increases cooking time. The intense heat that cast iron creates can actually shut down the range. Stainless steel and copper are best.
  • Overheated metal cookware may bond with the cooktop’s glass ceramic surface.

Induction-top models are known for speedy stovetop cooking. Their burners don’t generate heat like other stovetops. Instead, they use magnetic technologies to turn compatible cookware into a heat source. If you can stick a magnet to your cookware, you can use it. As a result, the induction top’s glass ceramic surface remains cool to the touch.

Induction stovetops can boil water about 50% faster than other stoves. They’re also energy-efficient; 90% of the energy they generate is used to cook food (a standard electric stovetop uses about 65% and a gas stovetop uses 50%).

They’re typically equipped with convection ovens which speed cooking time by using fans to circulate and boost heat transfer. Prices range from $1,200 to $3,200. Induction ranges include:

  • Control lockouts that prevent the range from being accidentally turned on
  • Touch screens instead of knobs and dials
  • Hidden baking elements for easier cleaning
  • Warming drawers

Drawbacks:

  • Not all your pots and pans will be compatible with the induction stovetop. Aluminum, copper, glass, and some types of stainless cookware won’t work.
  • They’re expensive.

2. Gas ranges

Besides the visual control of the flame and quick, uniform heating, benefits include:

  • Compatibility with all cooktop and oven cookware
  • Surface burners and ovens that still work when the power goes out (but not a fan-driven convection feature)
  • Lower operating costs than electric ranges — depending on your local utility rates

Heat output for gas range burners is described in Btu (British thermal units). Burners range from 5,000 to 20,000 Btu. Ranges with high-heat burners usually cost more.

General retail price range: $399 to $5,300.

Standard models are the least expensive gas ranges you can buy and typically are available in two basic colors: black or white. Prices start at $399 and usually include the following features:

  • Porcelain-enamel cooktops
  • Burners that don’t burn as hot as more expensive ranges (average 9,500 Btu)
  • Storage drawers
  • Cast-iron grates over the burners
  • Dials and knobs for oven and burner control
  • Oven windows that are typically much smaller than those on more expensive models

Mid-range models start around $650. Features typically include:

  • High-performance burners (up to 12,500 Btu)
  • Digital settings for cooking times and temperatures
  • Storage drawers for pots and pans
  • Oven control lockouts that stop unintended changes to oven settings
  • A self-cleaning oven
  • Easy-to-clean steel grates over the burners
  • White, black, and stainless steel color options

Premium models start at around $1,000; double-oven-type gas ranges start at around $1,600. Features typically include:

  • High-performance burners (up to 17,000 Btu)
  • A bonus fifth burner
  • A removable stovetop griddle
  • Electronic control panels for programmed cooking times
  • Convection ovens
  • Hidden baking elements for easier cleaning

Pro-style models start at around $1,700. They’re wider than standard ranges and have large oven capacities of 5.8 cubic feet and more. Additional features typically include:

  • A bonus fifth burner, with one being a super-hot burner of up to 20,000 Btu
  • Two convection ovens
  • Heavy-duty rollout cooking racks
  • Multiple color and metal options

Drawbacks:

  • Gas ranges tend to be more expensive then their electric range counterparts.
  • You need a natural gas line hooked up to your kitchen.

3. Dual-fuel ranges

These ranges combine the best of both worlds: a gas stovetop that chefs love with an electric-powered oven that provides even heat for baking. They come with a premium price tag of $2,000 to $7,500.

Features include:

  • Gas stovetops with five burners
  • One or two electric convection ovens
  • Glass touch screens for burner and oven controls
  • Wi-Fi-enabled programming so you can control oven features with your personal device

Size Does Matter

Freestanding ranges typically fall into two conventional widths: Standard ranges are approximately 30 inches wide; dual-fuel and pro-style gas ranges are 36 to 48 inches wide.

You’ll need to make sure your range’s oven cavity size is large enough to accommodate your cooking needs:

  • 2 to 3 cubic feet will accommodate households with one or two people.
  • 3 to 4 cubic feet will accommodate households with three or four people.
  • 4 cubic feet and up will accommodate households of four or more.

Want to Color Your World?

Unlike refrigerators and clothes washers that are available in fashion-forward shades like ruby red or apple green, mid-range and premium ranges are typically available in shades of black, white, and stainless steel. You’ll have to look at pro-style ranges to get custom colors such as red, blue, and green.

Features and Functions You Should Have

We think the features that pack the most value for homeowners are the ones that boost convenience. Here’s a list of best bets:

Lots of rack positions so you can create room in your oven for additional or tall items when needed. Most ranges have five (yea!) but some lower-price ranges will not (boo!).

Hot surface lights on electric stovetops will let you know if the burner area is too hot to touch. You won’t find this feature on most coil-top electric ranges.

Double ovens will allow you to cook multiple items at different temperatures. Keep in mind you’ll sacrifice the convenient storage drawer for the extra oven.

A high heat burner is desirable for quickly heating up large quantities and for searing foods.

Warming drawers keep cooked foods warm prior to serving.

A self-cleaning cycle makes cleaning your oven less of a chore.

Sabbath mode settings allow observant Jews to preprogram oven settings so cooked foods remain warm during the Sabbath when cooking is forbidden.

Features You Shouldn’t Pay More For

You shouldn’t buy a range just because it has some of the following features. (Some features are standard on ranges with electronic screens.)

The delayed-start feature allows you to program your oven when to turn on, and Wi-Fi-enabled features allow you to control your oven when you’re not home.  The National Fire Protection Association says you should never operate your oven when you’re not home to check on it regularly.

Low-powered burners with extra-low settings aren’t necessary because burner output can be easily adjusted.

Refrigerator Maintenance

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1. Check the door seals of your refrigerator.

A loose seal allows cool air to seep out, wasting energy and causing your refrigerator to work harder than it needs to. First make sure the seals are free of food residue. (Clean them about twice a year, using a toothbrush and a solution of baking soda and water.) Then try the dollar-bill test: Close the bill in the door so that half is in and half is out. If it slips out easily, you may need to have the door seals checked by a pro.

2. Keep the coils clean.

When the condenser coils (see following page for more on parts) are covered with dust, the refrigerator can’t run efficiently. Twice a year, pull the machine from the wall to reveal the coils in back (or snap off the grille, if the coils are on the bottom front), unplug the refrigerator, and vacuum with the brush attachment.

3. Set the right temperature.

Keep the refrigerator between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at 0 degrees.

4. Fill it up (even if you never cook and only have takeout).

Refrigerators need “thermal mass” (a.k.a. lots of stuff) to maintain low temperatures. Cool foods and drinks help absorb warm air that streams in when you open the door. If you’re the eat-out type or your fridge is too big for your needs, store a few jugs of water in there.

5. Be prepared.

If the power goes out, keep the doors closed and use foods from the pantry. An unopened refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours; a freezer will maintain its temperature for 48 hours if full and 24 hours if half-full.

ORGANIZING YOUR REFRIGERATOR

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By establishing order in your refrigerator and freezer — spaces you access at least three times a day — you’ll enjoy a stress-free meal preparation experience. Plus, you won’t forget (or overlook) ingredients you already have on-hand — a major money-saver. Read on to learn the recipe for successful organization in your most often used kitchen appliance — the refrigerator!

Here are some refrigerator organizing tips  for you:

  • MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE
  • INTELLIGENT DESIGN
  • STOCK UP
  • CUSTOMIZE YOUR STORAGE

Find more tips here.