Nobody likes to throw away food. If your refrigerator seems to be the culprit, discover some tips that might help.

<p> 	<img alt="Why is Your Refrigerator Freezing Your Food (Large)" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-15724" height="683" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2020/02/Why-is-Your-Refrigerator-Freezing-Your-Food-Large-1024x683.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	When your fridge gets too cold, it&rsquo;s not just an inconvenience. Iceberg lettuce with icicles, milk slushies, and carrots that are way too crispy, extreme temperatures and temperature swings can wreak havoc with your food increasing your spoilage and costing you money.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	So what should you do if your refrigerator is over-cooling and ruining your meal plan?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Well, I&rsquo;m glad you asked&hellip;</p> <h2> 	1) Check Your Fridge Temperature</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	The first thing you need to do is check the temperature of your fridge. <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/general-food-safety-tips/safe-food-storage.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Health Canada</a> recommends that you set your refrigerator temperature below 4 degrees Celsius (40 Fahrenheit), while most manufacturers agree that the ideal temperature is anywhere between 3 - 5 degrees Celsius (37 - 41 degrees Fahrenheit). If your refrigerator does not display a numeric temperature, then it&rsquo;s probably a good idea to invest in a small appliance thermometer so you can manually check and correct the cooling levels as necessary.</p> <h2> 	2) Review Where Your Store Your Food</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	This may come as a surprise, but some parts of your refrigerator are colder than others. As a general rule, when the middle shelf is at 5 degrees Celsius, the bottom shelf is closer to 2 degrees. Most refrigerators take advantage of the temperature range by creating storage areas for more sensitive foods in the colder areas i.e. produce drawers.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	That said, if you&rsquo;re placing food randomly in your fridge, then you may be setting yourself up for trouble. Try to store your produce in the best storage areas for them; meat and fish should be stored on the lower shelves, dairy and deli products in the middle, while precooked and ready to eat items can go up top.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Keep in mind, the rear of the fridge is closest to the cooling element, so it&rsquo;ll be cooler towards the back of the shelves than the front. And just as a general rule don&rsquo;t store sensitive items on the door. Refrigerator doors are subject to more temperature fluctuation than the interior, and food can spoil quickly in the wrong circumstances.</p> <p> 	<img alt="Why is Your Refrigerator Freezing Your Food (2)" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-15726" height="683" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2020/02/Why-is-Your-Refrigerator-Freezing-Your-Food-2-1024x683.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <h2> 	3) Make Sure Your Refrigerator Is Filled Up</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Your fridge is designed to operate best under ideal conditions. That means keeping it well stocked so that air flows properly within the refrigerator cavity. Understocked and you&rsquo;ll waste energy maintaining temperatures and risk more extreme temperature swings when you add product. Overstocked and you can block airflow, creating warm and cold pockets that can damage your food. Keep it organize and relatively full and you&rsquo;ll be good.</p> <h2> 	4) Ask for Help</h2> <p> 	If you can&rsquo;t keep your refrigerator from freezing your food no matter what you do then it&rsquo;s probably not a usage problem, it&rsquo;s a service problem. Contact a reputable appliance repair person to inspect your machine and ensure it is operating correctly. Sometimes a simple fix can solve the issue.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	If the problem recurs, then it&rsquo;s probably time to <a href="/en/searchitemresults?searchterm=Refrigerators|cat~41" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">buy a new fridge</a>. Browse <a href="/en/searchitemresults?searchterm=Refrigerators|cat~41" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our selection of refrigerators</a> online or visit our store where one of our appliance experts will be happy to help you pick the best refrigerator for you.</p> <p> 	<em>Amanda, Your Appliance Expert</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">When your fridge gets too cold, it’s not just an inconvenience. Iceberg lettuce with icicles, milk slushies, and carrots that are way too crispy, extreme temperatures and temperature swings can wreak havoc with your fo

Why is Your Refrigerator Freezing Your Food?

With a handful of simple tricks, you can fix some of the most common dishwasher problems and bring that sparkle back into your dishwasher and back into your life.

<p> 	<img alt="7 Common Dishwasher Problems (and How to Fix Them)" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-15769" height="683" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2020/03/7-Common-Dishwasher-Problems-and-How-to-Fix-Them-1-1024x683.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Dirty, smelly, possibly covered in cheese. Is there anything more frustrating than opening the dishwasher only to find the dirty dishes are still there?! I mean, the main reason you buy a dishwasher is so you don&rsquo;t have to deal with dirty dishes. C&rsquo;mon dishwasher, you had one job.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/34060-How-to-Keep-Your-Appliances-in-Perfect-Condition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A little maintenance</a> goes a long way when it comes to appliances, but the truth is nothing lasts forever (sadly). That doesn&rsquo;t mean it&rsquo;s hopeless, though. With a handful of simple tricks, you can fix some of the most common dishwasher problems and bring that sparkle back into your dishwasher and back into your life.</p> <h2> 	1. My Dishes Are Still Dirty</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	This is at the top of a list for a reason. Dirty dishes are common and frustrating. Easy fixes first; check if your dishwasher has a manual filter and make sure that it&rsquo;s clean and clear of debris. Then, as you load your dishwasher, make sure that the spray arms can rotate freely, spraying water throughout the drum. If they&rsquo;re blocked or obstructed, you won&rsquo;t be getting optimal cleaning performance. If the problem continues, check if your spray arms are clean and moving freely as grease and food particles can prevent them from spinning.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Also, stop pre-rinsing your dishes! Modern dishwashers use sensors to determine the soil level of the dishes. If you rinse them off too much, your dishwasher may select a shorter cycle than is necessary. Modern detergents also use enzymes that activate when they come in contact with food particles. If you remove the particles, your detergent will be less effective too.</p> <h2> 	2. My Dishes Aren&rsquo;t Drying</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	The easiest fixes here are to add Rinse Aid to your dishwasher when you start the load to assist drying, and to make sure you don&rsquo;t stack plastic against plastic or other hard to dry materials. It&rsquo;s also a good idea to open the dishwasher door when the cycle is complete to release steam and prevent condensation from settling on your dishes (some higher-end machines even open automatically). If your dishwasher has a heating element, you may have to check if it is working properly. Check also the fan if your dishwasher has a stainless steel tub that uses blown radiant heat to dry.</p> <h2> 	3. My Dishwasher Smells Bad</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	If your dishwasher smells bad, make sure your filter and screens are cleaned of any grime and food residue. Check the spray arms and gasket on the door to make sure there&rsquo;s no grease or food waste there as well. If you&rsquo;ve done that, then it may just be time to sanitize the drum. Place a small bowl with vinegar in the upper basket of your empty dishwasher and run the sanitize cycle (or the hottest cycle you&rsquo;ve got) to blast away bad odours.</p> <p> 	<img alt="Leaking Dishwasher" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-15771" height="683" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2020/03/Leaking-Dishwasher-1024x683.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <h2> 	4. My Dishwasher Is Leaking</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	The number one cause of a leaky dishwasher is a worn gasket around the door. Thoroughly inspect the gasket and check carefully for any cracks or wear that would suggest an imperfect seal. If the gasket isn&rsquo;t the problem, then double-check that your hoses haven&rsquo;t disconnected somewhere along the line.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<em>Unfortunately, the next few common problems may require a service call if the hints fail to solve the problem.</em></p> <h2> 	5. My Dishwasher Won&rsquo;t Start</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	If your dishwasher won&rsquo;t start there&rsquo;s often an electrical problem, and if you&rsquo;re lucky that means there&rsquo;s a very easy fix. Ask yourself, have I tried turning it off and on? If not, then do that. If it&rsquo;s still not working, try unplugging and re-plugging in the machine and double-check your breaker to make sure power is feeding the unit. If it&rsquo;s a mechanical problem, then it may be that your door isn&rsquo;t latching properly and a simple realignment will get things sorted out.</p> <p> 	<img alt="Professional fixing a broken dishwasher" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-15773" height="610" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2020/03/Professional-fixing-a-broken-dishwasher-1024x610.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <h2> 	6. My Dishwasher Won&rsquo;t Fill</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	If possible, check your intake valves and make sure that the screen is clear and that there&rsquo;s no blockage obstructing water flow. If that&rsquo;s not it, then the float and/or float switch located at the bottom of the drum could be the problem. Make sure that the electrical connections are intact and that the mechanism hasn&rsquo;t been damaged or blocked in any way.</p> <h2> 	7. My Dishwasher Won&rsquo;t Drain</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	There could be a few culprits here. To start, check that the air gap connection to your dishwasher hose beneath your sink hasn&rsquo;t become clogged with debris. While you&rsquo;re under the sink, make sure that your drain lines are straight and not kinked, and examine the hose for any clogs. If that doesn&rsquo;t clear up the problem then there may be an issue with your pump or sensor, in which case it&rsquo;s time to call in the professionals.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Hopefully, some of these helpful tips have gotten your dishwasher back in tip-top shape, but if your DIY has died and service can&rsquo;t save it, then <a href="/en/contactus" target="_blank">head on over to our store</a> where one of our appliance experts will show you all the best in dishwashers.</p> <p> 	<a href="/en/searchitemresults?searchterm=dishwasher|cat~40" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop our dishwashers online now!</a></p> <p> 	<em>Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Dirty, smelly, possibly covered in cheese. Is there anything more frustrating than opening the dishwasher only to find the dirty dishes are still there?! I mean, the main reason you buy a dishwasher is so you don’t 

7 Common Dishwasher Problems (and How to Fix Them)

When it comes to buying a new dishwasher, there are 5 important things you should consider. Discover them in this article.

<p> 	<img alt="5 Questions to Ask When Buying a New Dishwasher" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-14563" height="1024" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/09/5-Questions-to-Ask-When-Buying-a-New-Dishwasher-983x1024.jpg" width="983" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	If you&rsquo;re reading this, it probably means you&rsquo;re looking for a new dishwasher. It&rsquo;s hard to imagine life without a dishwasher. I mean, you could. It&rsquo;s possible to wash all your dishes by hand&hellip; but really? Come on.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	You&rsquo;ve probably noticed that there are a ton of features on the market. Laser beams that shoot out of the dishwasher and onto your floor are super cool, but if you&rsquo;re serious about buying a dishwasher then you need to ask yourself a few questions.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Seriously, this is Dishwasher 101.</p> <h2> 	Is It Quiet?</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Everyone looking for a dishwasher wants it to be quiet. It&rsquo;s the number one most requested feature, right up there with actually cleaning the dishes. With every manufacturer promising quieter and quieter machines, how can you know which one is the quietest?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Honestly, you can&rsquo;t. Not really.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	There&rsquo;s no standard when it comes to measuring a dishwasher&rsquo;s decibel rating, but there are certain rules of thumb you can count on when you&rsquo;re buying a dishwasher.</p> <ul> 	<li> 		Stainless steel tubs are quieter than plastic or hybrid tubs.</li> 	<li> 		Lower advertised decibel (db) ratings will generally be quieter, but since most people can&rsquo;t differentiate between 3 db anyway, don&rsquo;t stress this too much.</li> 	<li> 		Some of the best dishwashers on the market are also some of the quietest, so leaning into this feature is a good shortcut when you&rsquo;re shopping for a dishwasher.</li> </ul> <h2> 	What Is The Tub Made Of?</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Dishwashers have 3 types of tubs: plastic, stainless steel, and a mix of both (hybrid).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	When looking at dishwashers just remember that plastic tubs will be the most cost effective, and resist stains best. Stainless steel is the most durable, the quietest, the most energy-efficient and the most odour resistant. Hybrid tubs, combine both materials offering the benefits of both, but also some of the downsides too.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	For more information on dishwasher tubs, check out our previous article <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/31174-Which-is-Better-Plastic,-Stainless-Steel-or-Hybrid-Dishwasher-Tub" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Which is Better? Plastic, Stainless Steel or Hybrid Dishwasher Tub?</a></p> <h2> 	Does it Have Load Flexibility?</h2> <p> 	<img alt="Dishwasher with cutlery trays" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-14559" height="1024" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/09/Dishwasher-with-cutlery-trays-983x1024.jpg" width="983" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	In the olden days, you crammed your oversized dishes between the fixed prongs and if they didn&rsquo;t snap off, you prayed the plates would clear the racks. Then when it inevitably failed, you took those dishes back out of the dishwasher and cleaned them by hand. Luckily, we don&rsquo;t live in the dark ages anymore.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Today&rsquo;s dishwashers have many load flexible options to make washing every type of dish easier than it&rsquo;s ever been. How you load the dishwasher is going to affect how well it cleans too. And more flexibility helps there as well.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Look for options like cutlery trays, collapsing tines, and adjustable racks. Dedicated wash zones, more powerful jets and specialized nozzles help tackle stubborn soil loads and all combine to make every dish sparkle.</p> <h2> 	Is It Energy-Efficient?</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	You may not have heard, but <a href="https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-much-water-do-dishwashers-use/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cleaning a load of dishes in a full dishwasher uses less water than washing your dishes by hand</a>. Not only are energy-efficient dishwashers better than hand washing, they&rsquo;re also better than they&rsquo;ve ever been. Today&rsquo;s dishwashers use less energy and less water than last generation&rsquo;s comparable models.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Features such as heat transfer technology reduce the need for high output warming coils. Soil and load sensors waste less water. Couple that with better filtration and more efficient detergent and you really minimize your ecological impact. And of course, saving energy helps you save money too.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	If environment-friendly tops your must-have features then head over to <a href="https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-residential-dishwashers/results?SetLanguage=English&amp;NRCAN=on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Energy Star&rsquo;s Certified Dishwasher list</a> to find the most eco-friendly models.</p> <h2> 	How Does a Dishwasher Deal With Food Waste?</h2> <p> 	<img alt="Dishwasher Filter" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-14561" height="1024" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/09/Dishwasher-Filter-983x1024.jpeg" width="983" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Dishwashers deal with food one of two ways; they filter it, or they grind and flush it.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Most European dishwashers feature a manual filter at the bottom of the tub, just beneath the spray arm. Heat is used to dissolve most food waste, and any leftover is trapped by the filtration system. A manual filter is easy to clean, quieter and the most energy-efficient option.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Many North American dishwashers still use some kind of hard food disposal system like a grinder to break up excess food particles and flush them down the drain. Automatic disposals are definitely neater and tidier than having to clean a dirty filter although they can also lead to more service issues.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	With those five questions answered you&rsquo;re off to a great start! Our <a href="/en/cp-Buying-Guides" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dishwasher Buying Guide</a> has everything you need to find the perfect dishwasher. You can also check out a <a href="/en/blog?searchterm=dishwasher&amp;search=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">couple of our helpful blogs</a> for even more information.</p> <p> 	<em>Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">If you’re reading this, it probably means you’re looking for a new dishwasher. It’s hard to imagine life without a dishwasher. I mean, you could. It’s possible to wash all your dishes by hand… but really? Come on. You

5 Questions to Ask When Buying a New Dishwasher

When you are looking for a new fridge, you should consider size, capacity, energy efficiency, and available finishes.

<p> 	<img alt="4 Things to Consider When Buying a New Refrigerator" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-14351" height="683" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/08/4-Things-to-Consider-When-Buying-a-New-Refrigerator-1024x683.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	So, you&rsquo;re looking for a new refrigerator. Something simple; something that will hold your groceries, keep your food fresh, not kill your energy bill, and maybe even look good. Shouldn&rsquo;t be too hard to find one, right?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	With so many choices and so many features out there, it&rsquo;s easy to feel overwhelmed. Do you need a 3-door or 5-door refrigerator, a smart fridge with a water dispenser, one with a camera? Yes, fridges have cameras now!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	But let&rsquo;s forget about the bells and whistles. What you really need is something reliable. Something that works for you. Something you can trust. After all, you&rsquo;re buying something for your kitchen, not a mission to Mars.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	We&rsquo;ve got you covered. Keep these 4 things in mind, and I promise you, you&rsquo;ll <a href="/en/searchitemresults?searchterm=refrigerator|dept~34" target="_blank">get the fridge you need</a>.</p> <h2> 	SIZE</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Size is number one on this list for a reason. If your new fridge won&rsquo;t fit in your kitchen, you can&rsquo;t use it. So grab your measuring tape and get your available dimensions before you buy.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	As you measure your opening keep in mind that refrigerator heights vary, but widths come standard at 24, 30, 33 and 36 inches. Some manufacturers will offer a few different dimensions, but for 98% of the people out there, these are your go-tos.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	In freestanding fridges, you&rsquo;ve got two depth options in Standard or Counter-Depth. A standard depth refrigerator will be approximately 30&quot; deep and stand proud of your counter about 6&quot;. Like its name, a counter-depth fridge will be more flush to your cabinets as only the door stands proud making them perfect for tighter spaces.</p> <p> 	These instructions from Whirlpool will help you measure everything that you need to <a href="https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/guide-to-refrigerator-sizes-dimensions.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Refrigerator sizes: the guide to measuring for fit.</a></p> <h2> 	CAPACITY</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	With your dimensions sorted, you&rsquo;ll want to maximize the amount of food you can store. In refrigerators, that storage space is measured by capacity. Simply put, a smaller capacity fridge will hold less food than a larger capacity one.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Different refrigerator styles have different capacities too, so keep that in mind when you&rsquo;re considering the look you want.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	As a general rule though, budget 4 - 6 cubic feet for each adult in your home.</p> <p> 	<img alt="Refrigerator capacity versus family size" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-14349" height="658" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/08/Refrigerator-capacity-versus-family-size-1024x658.png" width="1024" /></p> <h2> 	ENERGY EFFICIENCY</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Energy savings are important. Energy Star Certified refrigerators (as well as many other certified appliances) help mother earth, and they help your wallet too. Current fridges are at least 9% more energy efficient than previous generations and simple things like properly setting the internal temperature and making sure there&rsquo;s room to vent around the fridge will get you the most energy savings for your buck.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Style matters and larger fridges will typically consume more energy than smaller ones, in terms of pure efficiency though you&rsquo;ll get the best balance of energy-saving and performance in the 16 - 20 cubic foot range.</p> <h2> 	FINISHES</h2> <p> 	<img alt="Example of Refrigerator finishes" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-14353" height="580" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/08/Example-of-Refrigerator-finishes-1024x580.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	For a high-end commercial look, stainless steel remains the most popular refrigerator finish you can buy. Smudges and fingerprints are still a drawback, but with more brands introducing fingerprint-resistant finishes, stainless steel is easier to clean than ever before.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Bouncing off that popularity, manufacturers have brought a number of stainless steel colours to market from black to bronze, and traditional whites and blacks still have an incredible appeal in the right kitchen.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Whatever your kitchen just remember, when it comes to <strong>refrigerators Size, Capacity, Energy, and Colour</strong> are all you need to get started.&nbsp;Come on down to our store to find your perfect family fridge today.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Want to know more on How to Buy a Refrigerator? <a href="/en/cp-Buying-Guides" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read our Refrigerator Buying Guide</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<em>Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">So, you’re looking for a new refrigerator. Something simple; something that will hold your groceries, keep your food fresh, not kill your energy bill, and maybe even look good. Shouldn’t be too hard to find one, right?

4 Things to Consider When Buying a New Refrigerator

Blowing Smoke or Why Kitchen Ventilation Matters

<p> 	<img alt="Blowing Smoke or Why Kitchen Ventilation Matters" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-13027" height="768" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/02/Blowing-Smoke-or-Why-Kitchen-Ventilation-Matters-1024x768.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	&ldquo;I want a gas range.&rdquo;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	&ldquo;Great. What kind of ventilation do you want?&rdquo;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	&ldquo;What? Do I really need ventilation?&rdquo;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Um. Yeah. You do.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	We sell appliances, and ventilation is what our clients most overlook and undervalue in their kitchens. But for the health and safety of your appliances, your home, and your family; you need to get it right.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	A ventilation appliance is the most important part of your kitchen. Shocked? Don&rsquo;t be. Your range ventilation is responsible for removing heat, odours, particulates, and harmful fumes from your home. Get it wrong and you could end up damaging your appliances, harming your air quality, or even worse starting a fire.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	If you&rsquo;re thinking about remodelling your kitchen or even just upgrading your cooking appliance then you need to be considering your ventilation solution. Like right now.</p> <h2> 	Moving the Air</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	The first thing you have to do is calculate how much ventilation you actually need. Ventilation strength is measured in CFM or cubic feet of air moved per minute, and blowers range anywhere from 200 CFM to 2000 CFM.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Start by measuring your cooktop. It&rsquo;s recommended that you have 100 CFM for every 12 inches of cooking space so a 30-inch cooktop would require 250 CFM. For an electric cooktop, that&rsquo;s probably plenty - but gas is a whole other story.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Gas generates more heat and more emissions than electric cooktops and needs more CFM per inch. To calculate the minimum CFM you need above a gas cooktop, add 100 CFM for every 10,000 possible BTUs and at a minimum, many building codes require 400 CFM above a gas cooking appliance.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	The length of your ductwork, as well as the type of food you cook, can also affect your CFM requirements. Be sure to speak with a professional installer if you have any concerns before you buy.</p> <h2> 	Choosing Your Ventilation</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Once you&rsquo;ve determined your CFM, <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/23305-Updraft-vs,-Downdraft,-Kitchen-Ventilation-Explained" rel="noopener" target="_blank">it&rsquo;s time to choose your new hood</a>, and your kitchen design will go a long way to determining what type of hood you end up with.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/catalog/9081-Kitchen/135-Ventilation/sp1-1-Chimney" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chimney style</a> or pyramid hoods are amongst the most popular. Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. These units mount to the wall above the cooking surface and duct through a chimney vertically to the roof, or horizontally to an exterior wall.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> 	<img alt="Chimney Style hoods" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-13029" height="1024" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/02/Chimney-Style-hoods-983x1024.jpeg" width="983" /> <em>Chimney Style Range Hood</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/catalog/9081-Kitchen/135-Ventilation/sp39-4-Under-Cabinet" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Under cabinet hoods</a>, vent similarly but they&rsquo;re mounted under cabinetry (duh) and typically aren&rsquo;t as deep as a chimney design. Similarly, inserts and liners are installed inside an existing cabinet or fascia and are hidden from sight.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> 	<img alt="Under cabinet range hoods" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-13037 aligncenter" height="1024" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/02/Under-cabinet-hoods-1-1020x1024.jpg" width="1020" /><em>Under Cabinet Range Hood</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	If you&rsquo;ve got an island design, or your cooktop is installed away from the wall then you&rsquo;ll need to consider an <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/catalog/9081-Kitchen/135-Ventilation/sp1-4-Island" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Island Range Hood</a>. Similar in appearance to a Wall Mounted unit, Island hoods have in comparison a 3360-degree finish. Expect to pay a bit more for island hoods as they typically vent vertically through a chimney duct to an external cap on the roof.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> 	<img alt="Island Range Hoods" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-13035 aligncenter" height="1024" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/02/Island-Range-Hoods-983x1024.jpg" width="983" /><em>Island Range Hood</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Finally, <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/catalog/9081-Kitchen/135-Ventilation/sc1470-Downdraft" rel="noopener" target="_blank">downdraft ventilation</a> is installed in the countertop next to the cooking appliance. It draws air down from the cooking surface and vents it downwards where it is either recirculated or vented outside. Most models lower into your countertop when not in use.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> 	<img alt="Downdraft ventilation for the kitchen" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-13031 aligncenter" height="682" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/02/Downdraft-ventilation-for-the-kitchen-1024x682.jpeg" width="1024" /><em>Downdraft Range Hood</em></p> <h2> 	Blowing Hot Air</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	The last thing to consider when choosing a ventilation appliance is the position of the blower. You&rsquo;ll have three options; interior blower, inline blower, and an external blower. An internal blower is mounted in the hood, an inline blower is mounted along the ductwork inside the house, and an external blower is mounted in an enclosed unit on your home&rsquo;s exterior.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Choosing the right ventilation for your home will depend on your budget, your tolerance for noise and your CFM requirements. So feel free to speak with a sales professional before heading off to your local Brandsource retailer to buy.</p> <p> 	<em>Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">We sell appliances, and ventilation is what our clients most overlook and undervalue in their kitchens. But for the health and safety of your appliances, your home, and your family; you need to get it right. A 

A clean appliance performs closer to its manufacturer’s specifications is under less strain, and is less likely to suffer undue wear-and-tear.

<p> 	<img alt="How to Keep Your Appliances in Perfect Condition" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-13003" height="683" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/02/How-to-Keep-Your-Appliances-in-Perfect-Condition-1024x683.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Aside from a house, or a car, major appliances are one of the largest purchases a family will make. And like any big purchase, it&rsquo;s important to look after your investment.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	With appliance repairs more common than they used to be, you want to ensure that you&rsquo;re doing your best to take care of your machines. You&rsquo;d be amazed by how much a little maintenance keeps things humming along.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	At the end of the day, maintenance comes down to keeping your appliances clean. It really is that simple. A clean appliance performs closer to its manufacturer&rsquo;s specifications is under less strain, and is less likely to suffer undue wear-and-tear.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	I&rsquo;ve created these helpful tips, to keep your appliances in tip-top shape.</p> <h2> 	Ovens and Cooktops</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Cleaning your oven is easier than you think. Commercially available cleansers do a great job, but if you&rsquo;d prefer a more natural solution then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/how-to-clean-oven-157067" rel="noopener" target="_blank">baking soda, vinegar, and even lemon will make the messiest oven sparkling clean</a>. Self-cleaning programs are a big help here. Just make sure you remove the racks and bulbs before you start, and let the oven cool for a few hours afterwards before you wipe down ash.</p> <p> 	<img alt="How to clean oven and cooktops" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-13001" height="683" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/02/How-to-clean-oven-and-cooktops-1024x683.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	A clean oven will improve performance and reduce the risk of fire. And that&rsquo;s true of your cooktop as well. <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/25282-5-Simple-Tips-to-Keep-Your-GE-Cooktop-Clean" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Glass cooktops should be regularly wiped down</a> with soap and water to prevent stains and remove baked on food. While gas cooktops and electric coils should be carefully dissembled and cleaned piece by piece to remove food, grease and other particulates.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Don&rsquo;t use aluminum foil on your cooktop or in your oven. No matter what you&rsquo;ve heard, aluminum foil can short out your circuitry, block your vents or damage the coating of your oven. Don&rsquo;t do it.</p> <h2> 	Refrigerator</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Cleaning your fridge is a big deal. Not really. <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/29968-7-Steps-to-a-Cleaner-Whirlpool-Fridge-on-National-Clean-Out-Your-Refrigerator-Day" rel="noopener" target="_blank">There&rsquo;s a whole day dedicated to it</a>. It&rsquo;s that important.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/1274-How-To-Clean-A-Refrigerator" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pull out the food, pull out the shelves, the drawers, all of it</a>. Maintaining your fridge is a top to bottom job. Removing spoiled food will keep your fridge stain and odour free. And wiping down any sticky residue inside and out will make sure the gaskets and drawers aren&rsquo;t working harder than they need to be.</p> <p> 	<img alt="How to clean your refrigerator" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-13005" height="704" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/02/How-to-clean-your-refrigerator-1024x704.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Once you&rsquo;ve wiped everything down, unplug the fridge and pop the kick plate off to expose the coil. A dusty, clogged coil is more likely to burn out so grab your vacuum and give them a good clean.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Manually defrosting your freezer and/or fridge will ensure that proper performance and optimum cooling temperatures are maintained. Aim to do it twice a year, or whenever the ice build up reaches two inches deep.</p> <h2> 	Microwave</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Burnt and baked on food isn&rsquo;t just unsightly. That excess waste can catch fire or burn the interior plastic of the microwave. A small dish of water cut with vinegar or lemon microwaved on high to produce steam for a few minutes will do wonders. On the outside, be sure to wipe down any gaskets to prevent sticking, and carefully wipe down the control panels with a damp cloth or sponge.</p> <h2> 	Dishwasher</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<a href="https://www.colemansbrandsource.ca/en/blog/28733-How-to-keep-your-Dishwasher-Thanksgiving-Clean-this-Holiday-Season" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Keeping your dishwasher maintained is as easy as keeping the drum and filter clean</a>. To sanitize the drum, run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the upper rack. Afterwards, flush the drum on a hot water cycle with a few tablespoons of baking soda to scour build up, and eliminate stains.</p> <p> 	<img alt="How to clean your dishwasher - filter" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-12999" height="683" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/2019/02/How-to-clean-your-dishwasher-filter-1024x683.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Most dishwashers now have a manual filter located next to the bottom spray arm. Manually unscrew the filter and remove any captured food or residue. Remove the screen and give it a scrub under the hot water tap to remove any grease or odour causing bacteria.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Finally, scrub the spray arms, top and bottom using a toothpick if necessary, to unclog them.</p> <h2> 	Laundry</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Keeping your filter&rsquo;s clean is key for keeping both your washer and your dryer in good condition. <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/25280-4-Steps-to-Clean-a-Whirlpool-Washing-Machine-Filter" rel="noopener" target="_blank">On the washer, refer to your user&rsquo;s manual to locate the filter.</a> Unscrew and remove the filter from the machine, being careful to capture any water that drains, and scrub it with soap and warm water. Be sure to wipe down the cavity before replacing it. Once the filter&rsquo;s clean, you can prevent odours by <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/20874-How-to-Deep-Clean-Your-Top-Load-Washer" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cleaning the drum</a> with vinegar in a hot water cycle.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	With your dryer, make sure you clean the lint filter before each use. It&rsquo;s also very important to have the machine cleaned by a service technician once a year. Lint will escape the trap and settle inside the body of your appliance. And that&rsquo;s a huge fire hazard. A service technician will be able to open and vacuum your machine for a small fee.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	So grab your gloves, your bucket and your sponge. With a little TLC your appliances will perform trouble-free for years to come.</p> <p> 	<em>Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Aside from a house, or a car, major appliances are one of the largest purchases a family will make. And like any big purchase, it’s important to look after your investment. With appliance repairs more common than they 

How to Keep Your Appliances in Perfect Condition

Just like a good detox for your body, there is a simple and effective way for your kitchen to get back into shape for a bunch of healthy cooking in the New Year.

<p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<img alt="Five Ways to Get Your Kitchen Back In Shape After the Holidays" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/public/Five-Ways-to-Get-Your-Kitchen-Back-In-Shape-After-the-Holidays.jpg" style="width: 1000px; height: 667px;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Just like the never ending series of holiday parties can have an effect on the &lsquo;cleanliness&rsquo; of our bodies, the same effect is felt by our kitchens. They have what seems like an extra layer of clutter, there are more grime and dirt, and generally just more mess.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Thankfully though a solution is at hand! Just like a good detox for your body, there is a simple and effective way for your kitchen to get back into shape for a bunch of healthy cooking in the New Year, clear from all the holiday party extra weight.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	Here are out top five ways to get your kitchen clean and back in shape after the holidays:</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<strong>1) Give your fridge a good cleaning (inside!).</strong> Clear out or freeze leftovers, cook up foods you don&rsquo;t want to waste, make a list of all the items you need to eat ASAP, and while you are at it clean as you organize. A clean and organized fridge makes for happy meal times. Check out our tips for how to clean out your refrigerator:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/29968-7-Steps-to-a-Cleaner-Whirlpool-Fridge-on-National-Clean-Out-Your-Refrigerator-Day" rel="noopener" target="_blank">7 Steps to a Cleaner Fridge.</a></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<strong>2) Clean all your appliances.</strong> I&rsquo;m sure it must feel like you&rsquo;ve wiped your counters down a million times, but your appliances need some love too. Check out our tips for cleaning:</p> <ul> 	<li> 		Your dishwasher:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/25289-5-Ways-to-Clean-Your-KitchenAid-Dishwasher" target="_blank">5 Ways to Clean Your Dishwasher</a></li> 	<li> 		Your cooktop: <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/25282-5-Simple-Tips-to-Keep-Your-GE-Cooktop-Clean" target="_blank">5 Simple Tips to Keep Your Cooktop Clean&nbsp;</a></li> 	<li> 		Your stainless steel appliances: <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/22385-How-to-Keep-Your-Samsung-Stainless-Steel-Appliances-Clean" target="_blank">How to Keep Your Stainless Steel Appliances Clean</a></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<strong>3) Give the entire kitchen a good natural clean.</strong> You&rsquo;ll want to be sure you get counters, floors, windows, blinds, even the inside of your microwave. A clean kitchen is safe and a happy place to make great food and gather. Just because the holidays are over doesn&rsquo;t mean the gathering stops&hellip;. It just means more carrot sticks! Check out our tips for <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/29911-The-Best-Natural-Cleaning-Solutions-for-Your-Home" target="_blank">The Best Natural Cleaning Solutions for Your Home.</a></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/29911-The-Best-Natural-Cleaning-Solutions-for-Your-Home" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/magento-media/blog/canada/public/Rearranging-your-kitchen-cupboards.jpg" style="width: 1000px; height: 667px;" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<strong>4) Wipe down cupboards &amp; rearrange dishes.</strong> Put away your holiday dishes and gravy boats and while you are at it, give the inside of your cupboards a good wipe down. This mid-season cleaning helps keep your dishes spick and span, and also helps you organized. This is also a great time to donate any unused holiday dishes or d&eacute;cor items to your local reuse centre.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	<strong>5) Declutter and set your kitchen up for success.</strong> The New Year is a great time to set your kitchen up for successful eating and enjoyment of life. Get rid of unhealthy foods or small appliances that help you indulge (deep fryer anyone!?). Instead focus on healthy habits and the things you kitchen needs to help you along (new juicer?!).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> 	And now that you&rsquo;ve got your kitchen back into tip top shape, use these tips to help keep your kitchen clean moving forward: <a href="https://www.wardells.ca/en/blog/22372-Spring-Cleaning-3-Easy-Ways-to-Keep-Your-Kitchen-Clean" target="_blank">3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Clean.</a><br /> 	<br /> 	<em>Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert</em></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Just like the never ending series of holiday parties can have an effect on the ‘cleanliness’ of our bodies, the same effect is felt by our kitchens. They have what seems like an extra layer of clutter, there are more 

5 Ways to Get Your Kitchen Back in Shape After the Holidays

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