Check out our appliances forums

With nearly 400 user-initiated topics, refrigerators remain our most active appliance-related forum. A good place to join in is the "Anyone happy with their purchase?" thread, where people are reveling in—or just plain regretting—their recent refrigerator buys. Other notable fridge topics include:
• When you should repair or replace a refrigerator.
• The pros and cons—and costs—of French-door refrigerators (shown).
• Buying advice for narrow refrigerators.

Dishwashers enjoy the second-highest number of member-created topics in our appliances forums. Check out these:
• Bosch, Electrolux, and Kenmore models have received rave reviews in the "I love my dishwasher" forum set up by forums moderator Angelo Mannino.
• Dual-drawer dishwashers are drawing detractors and defenders.
• One member noted a downside to some high-tech models: The circuit boards could prove difficult to replace.

For washing machines, you'll find a number of interesting reads. These include:
• Picks for a dependable front-loader.
• Talk about which store offers the best return policy.
• A thread on curing washers of mold and mildew, a topic that prompted this recent blog post. It's an example of how we can work your specific needs and concerns into our coverage.—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Read about how some appliances have become more energy efficient in recent years, and learn how the federal Energy Star program has lost some of its luster.

Comments

[jimbo]

Like many New Englanders struggling with cost of heating oil, I'd like to hear from those who may have purchased one of the "new" space heaters being widely advertised (eg: "Amish" craftsman's "Heat Surge Miracle Heater"). Had hoped CU would do a report this past year but perhaps we'll have to rely on readers' input.

[kitchen appliances]

some good forums available, really handy to be able to get tips and advice before paying for call-out charges to get your appliance fixed when it could be something you could do yourself

[Julie]

I am trying to find the Danby DDR606 dehumidifier but it's no longer available. this is the CR Best Buy suggestion. does anyone have a suggestion of a comparable dehumidifier for 850sqft for a basement?

[Jack]

Like Julie....Would like to hear from anyone who has purchased a "Heat Surge Miracle Heater".Have already checked with BBB and they were not very encouraging.How do they perform? How is customer service....how about their return policy? any info would be appreciated

[barbara callahan]

I am thinking about purchasing a Heat Surge insert for my fireplace...I see such mixed reviews I can't make up my mind...any help out there?

[barbara callahan]

I am thinking about purchasing a Heat Surge insert for my fireplace...I see such mixed reviews I can't make up my mind...any help out there?

[mike steinmetz]

I just purchased the Amish Heat Surge electric heater. I hope it is what it claims to be. I hope I can return it if I am not satisfied. Do you have any more info as to the cost efficiency of this?

[Kelly DeMassimo]

Read with interest Mike's purchase of the Amish Mantle and Miracle Heater (correct assumption?). My Mom (on fixed income) is interested but that is a big purchase for her. Please, please post your experience and Consumer Reports - any validation on this would be wonderful!

[Denise]

I have read about the Amish "Heat Surge" flameless heater. Does anyone have experience with it? With high cost of heating our house we were thinking of something portable to move with us but that does not increase our electric bill so much. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks Denise

[vanessa]

we purchased a heater from the amish last winter & i would recommend this to anyone as a great purchase.Though our ceilings are 14 ft high we find that our reg heat(oil) we keep that on 63-64 and agin with the high celing the amish electric fireplace keeps room temp 68-73.the cost is NO noticable differnce in our electric bill. Also,it looks really nice as a piece of furniture as well.Good luck

[Randy]

I found some info on those Amish heaters at the following website:

http://www.alternativeconsumer.com/2007/12/09/heat-surge-fireplace-whats-up-with-that/

[Deborah Mann]

Are you going to check out these new Amish Heat surge heaters to see if they really work. I get a subscription at home and have not seen anything on it yet.

[Carol]

My Aunt owns 2 of the Amish heaters, purchased them last winter 2007/2008. She claims that there was no significant difference in her electric bill and she heated solely with her 2 Amish heaters. We live in Northern Bay County in Michigan...pretty frigid winters.
I just ordered 2 last night. I'm hoping they're everything that she says they are. We heat our home with an "All masonry" furnace. We have a fuel oil furnace for back-up.
Since our home (old farm house) isn't insulated well and there isn't always someone home to build fires in the middle of the day the furnace kicks on alot....I know this because we go through more fuel oil than we should.
My Aunt believes I will not use ANY fuel oil this winter if i use the Amish heaters. That will be wonderful since fuel oil is $4.00 a gallon and we typically go through 300 gallons or more in a season.
I will give an update in a month when I can speak from my own experience.

[tully]

I am interested in buying an electric fire place. What is the difference between the Amish heater a space heater and the Amish heaters? Can anyone help.
Thanks

[Sandra]

I am looking at purchasing a used Washer and dryer set. I am looking at a Maytag Atlantis set, about 4 years old. Has anyone owned or used this set and how would you rate it. Thanks Sing Sing

[Ken Moore]

Heat Surge space heaters are running a number of TV adds. Is the product worth the price or can you do as well with a department store over the counter purchase of like product?

Heat Surge is a LLC.

Thanks

[Brian]

As long as we're on the subject of Amish heaters, how about electric fireplaces as well. Many can be found at websites like Lowe's.