Dishwasher Not Heating Water? Causes, Tests and Fixes

A dishwasher not heating water is either getting cool water from your home’s supply, or a part inside it has stopped heating: the heating element, the thermostat or temperature sensor, the wiring, or the control board. Start with the hot water supply. It costs nothing to check, and it’s the first cause Whirlpool lists. Then […]
Kenmore Freezer Not Freezing? Common Causes and Fixes

A Kenmore freezer not freezing usually has one of five causes: a worn door seal, dirty condenser coils, a fan that stopped, frost blocking the evaporator, or a fault in the compressor or its controls. You can check most of these yourself. Sealed-system and compressor faults need a certified technician. Key Takeaways Set the freezer […]
Countertop vs Over the Range Microwave: Which Fits Your Kitchen?

Choosing between a countertop vs over the range microwave depends on your counter space, the hood you already have, and how much you’re willing to spend on installation. A countertop microwave plugs in and works anywhere with a sturdy surface and an outlet. An over-the-range (OTR) microwave hangs above the cooktop, frees the counter and […]
How to Get Rid of Garbage Disposal Smell: The Full Deep Clean

How to get rid of garbage disposal smell for good: cut the power, take out or scrub the rubber splash guard, scour the grinding chamber with ice and salt, flush it with baking soda, then grind citrus peels. The whole job takes about half an hour. If the odors come back within days, check the […]
Refrigerator Overheating: When Hot Sides, Back or Compressor Are Normal

Refrigerator overheating is usually less serious than it feels. A fridge cools its inside by pushing heat out, so warm sides, a warm strip between the doors and a hot compressor at the back are normal while it runs. Trouble starts when that heat can’t get away, usually because of dusty condenser coils, no gap […]
Cracked Glass Stove Top: Is It Safe and What to Do Next

If you have a cracked glass stove top, stop cooking on it. GE Appliances tells owners not to use a cracked glass cooktop until it has been repaired, because liquid can seep through the crack and create a risk of electric shock. The fix is new glass fitted by a professional technician, or a new […]
Range Hood Not Pulling Air? 7 Causes and How to Fix Them

A range hood not pulling air is usually a restriction problem. GE Appliances puts it plainly: exhaust performance depends on many factors, “the most important being anything that restricts airflow.” That restriction can be a greasy filter, a worn-out charcoal filter, a damper that won’t open, a long or crushed duct, or a house so […]
KitchenAid Oven Temperature Problem: Causes, Checks and Fixes

A KitchenAid oven temperature problem usually shows up as a long preheat, food that comes out underdone or burnt, or no heat at all. Check the settings, the door and the power supply first. If those are fine, calibrate the oven. If it still runs hot or cold, a part such as the temperature sensor […]
Common Garbage Disposal Problems and What Each One Means

Six common garbage disposal problems are a unit that hums without spinning, one that won’t turn on, leaks under the sink, a slow or clogged drain, loud noise and a bad smell. Many of these issues start with a jam, a tripped reset button, a loose connection or food buildup, and you can fix several […]
What to Look for When Buying a Refrigerator: Size, Style and Energy

What to look for when buying a refrigerator comes down to fit, door style, capacity and running cost. Get those right and the extras, like an ice maker or a smart screen, are easy to decide on. This guide walks through what to look for when buying a refrigerator, using figures from manufacturers and Natural […]