Home Appliances

Home appliances make life easier, but what's really going on inside them? HowStuffWorks Home Appliances articles take a look inside common household appliances.

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Electricity may seem like the cheap, green way to go, but natural gas is also a popular choice for energizing many common indoor and outdoor appliances. This fossil fuel is efficient, reliable, economical and environmentally friendly.

By Marie Willsey

You want your new kitchen to look nice, but you also want it to do everything you need a kitchen to do quickly and easily. Would getting all of your appliances from the same manufacturer solve both problems?

By Ed Grabianowski

Long a staple of any modern kitchen, stainless steel has been cast off as old news by a vocal band of outliers. Is the ubiquitous appliance material a thing of the past?

By Chris Opfer

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Getting your oven dirty is easy. Getting it clean again is another matter entirely. Self-cleaning ovens sound good, but do they really work as well as their makers promise?

By John Kelly

Despite the conveniences of modern kitchen appliances, some homeowners are opting for a more minimalist, retro style. Is mid-century back in fashion?

By Jane McGrath

A toaster oven is just a toaster oven, right? When it comes to kitchen appliances, chances are you aren't using them to their full potential.

By Laurie L. Dove

A lion in the kitchen, an all-in-one food processor does the job of several hands and utensils in a lot less time. Here's a quick guide to this powerful appliance.

By Chris Opfer

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Ovens have come a long way and can now do chores to make your life easier. But what to look for really depends on how you cook.

By Sara Elliott

Your oven is probably one of the most used appliances in your kitchen, and now, it can do so much more for you. So, if you're in the market, check out these features.

By Sara Elliott

A buffer can bring a beautiful shine to your floor. But using the wrong pad can do serious damage. What polishing tools are the right fit for your needs?

By Allison Wachtel

Lots of people like the relaxing massage they get from the water jets in a hot tub. But some people prefer a gentler touch. How are air tubs different from whirlpools?

By Dan Fontaine

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Here are a few ideas to help you give your old wooden furniture a facelift. Learn more about these 5 ways to give your old wooden furniture a new life.

By Craftster.org ,Contributor

5 Electric razor maintenance tips. Learn 5 tips on electric razor maintenance.

By Josh Peterson, Planet Green

Throwing away a broken vacuum cleaner is bad for the environment. Learn more about what to do with a broken vacuum cleaner.

By Josh Peterson, Planet Green

We all have the same bodily functions, but the way we handle them differs depending on the facilities you encounter around the world. What types of toilets might you see on your worldly travels?

By Susan Batten

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Who knew that choosing a washer and dryer set could be such a difficult and involved decision? Keep reading to learn why the front-loading variety might be perfect for your family's laundering needs.

By Alia Hoyt

Most of us don't like washing dishes. Even if you're just rinsing them in preparation for the dishwasher, it can still be an annoying chore. But are there some machines that will do all the work for you?

By Jill Jaracz

Measuring for a refrigerator takes a little bit of skill and foresight. Lucky for you, we have all you need to know right here.

By Sarah Alban

You've seen them on the TV cooking shows or in your chic friend's house, but the benefits of French Door Refrigerators go beyond just looks.

By Caitlin Uttley

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Stainless steel is one of the most popular appliance materials on the market thanks to its ease of care. But what happens if you accidentally scratch your appliance? Read on to learn what to do.

By Stefani Newman

So your fridge keeps your food cold. Big deal. Add these five accessories to make it really work for you.

By Danielle Fisher

Need extra space to store all your farmer's market produce and endless cupcakes? Perhaps you should consider a freezerless fridge.

By Debra Ronca

Dishwashers are great, but they take up a lot of space. Those with ultra-cramped kitchens shouldn't give up hope, however. Portable dishwashers can save room and clean your dishes, too!

By Amy Feinstein

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Does your dishwasher stick out like a sore thumb? Well, it doesn't have to. Use one of these creative solutions to hide your kitchen's workhorse.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Mixers are time- and labor-saving tools for mixing batter, dough and whipped cream. But with attachments, they become powerful, multipurpose kitchen engines. See what accessories we've found to be indispensable.

By Heather Kolich