When we moved into our home five years ago the Kitchen Aid dishwasher was already over a decade old. Initially, it worked just great and was relatively quiet. Then, over the course of a couple years it began to get noisier and noisier. In fact, it became so loud that we had to avoid running it in the evenings.

A few months ago, I started to notice that our glasses were unusually spotty – despite the fact that we used a rinse aid on a regular basis. Then, I had to start washing – not just rinsing – all of my dishes by hand before loading them into the dishwasher. Was it time to look for a new appliance?

If you’re like me, one of the first things you probably do in the morning is brew a pot of coffee.  Aside from the caffeine, there’s something about the ritual that I really love.  Perhaps it’s the smell of the coffee as it is brewing or the warmth of the mug in my hands as I take the first sip.  Coffee is more than just a beverage, it’s the perfect way to start the day.  So, how do you brew that perfect cup?

Do you fill your dishwasher to the brim and stuff every last dish, cup and fork into that machine before you run the load?  Did you know that there is a proper way to load your dishwasher?  It’s not something that ever used to occur to me. 

I always figured that a dishwasher was fool proof – that it would clean everything I could possibly jam into it.  In actuality, overloading your dishwasher can be harmful to your machine and your dish wear.

I’ve never enjoyed meal preparation, but I love to eat and I love good food (as long as someone else is fixing it).  When it comes time for lunch, I usually make the simplest and easiest sandwich: peanut butter and jelly.  I think part of the problem is that I am busy and don’t always want to take the time to make a traditional lunch. 

Even if you watch what you eat, you likely enjoy fried chicken, French fries, or onion rings from time to time. And, those foods are best deep fried.

Fried foods are not the healthiest option, but crispy deep fried treats certainly are tasty. And, if cooked correctly, deep fried food isn’t particularly greasy either. Try your hand at deep frying and master the art of beatifically browned foods.

I remember the day I moved into my first apartment.  It was such an exciting and scary time.  Here I was, a small town girl moving to a big city and into a 600 square foot apartment.  Obviously, space was an issue.  I needed to furnish my new home efficiently and maximize my use of the space.  Aside from organizational items, there were a few other essential items that I could not have lived without.    

Are you buying your first microwave or replacing an old one that has gone belly up? You’ll find many sizes, colors, and features on the newest microwaves, so have fun picking the perfect microwave for your home or for a friend.

Microwave ovens or simply “microwaves” are they are often called these days are one of the most popular of kitchen appliances with an estimated 90% of all U.S. households sporting a microwave.

An average person spends almost twenty dollars a week buying coffee to go. While convenience is usually to blame for the willingness to drop so much cash on java, many people fear that if they make coffee at home, taste and satisfaction just won’t be the same.

Saving a few dollars on coffee doesn’t mean compromising your favorite morning pick- me up. With some of the right accessories, coffee makers, and suggestions, your homemade Joe won’t blow.

We’re trying to go greener, but this generation has acclimated to air conditioning. We do not like to be hot, but we hate to waste energy and spend big bucks to keep things cool.

So, room fans are a great way to keep the temperature manageable while saving energy.

What is a kitchen without a can opener? Just ask a college kid or newlywed with a new apartment and no can opener. Bummer. It is next to impossible to get into a can without a can opener. I have learned this from experience as I am sure have many others.

Whether you are just setting up a household or looking for a replacement can opener, you will find that there are many choices when it comes to can openers.

The first decision when buying a can opener is whether to buy an electric model or a manual model.