Appliance Insurance Articles

Articles and Blog style posts on Appliances & Appliance Insurance

12
Mar
2016

10 of the Best Tallest Ovens on the Market

10 of the Best Tall Ovens on the Market

The tallest ovens around these days are double rather than single ovens and they tend to be known as either ‘built-under’ or ‘built-in’ ovens (the latter when the oven fits into a specially-built shell in the kitchen).

The name ‘double oven’ is actually a bit of a misnomer since the appliance usually comprises of not two ovens but rather one and half. The top oven is usually a standard oven with a grill while the bottom half is the main oven and usually has an energy-efficient fan facility. It could also be multifunctional (for instance, if baking then slow cooking with a conventional heat source works best).

You’ll find that single ovens tend to be anything up to 60cm tall while double ovens can go right up to 90cm. Width-wise though there’s usually no difference between the single and double oven – all are roughly 60cm wide and 55cm deep.

For this post we’ve concentrated on the height of the ovens and here’s our list of some of the tallest we could find:

Our pick of the tallest ovens around

  1. Hotpoint UHS53XS. Electric build-under oven. Height 88cms. Costs from £280.
  2. Hotpoint UH53WS. Electric build-under oven.  Height 80cms. Costs from £355.
  3. Belling BI70FP. Built-under Electric Double Oven. Height 703mm. Costs from £340.
  4. Stoves SEB700FPS. Electric Built Under Double Oven. Height 703mm. Costs from £430.
  5. New World NW701DO. Electric Built Under Double Oven. Height 703mm. Costs from £330.
  6. Rangemaster 85640 R7247. Multifunction Electric Built Under Double Oven. Height 720mm. Costs from £630.
  7. CDA DC740SS. Electric Built-under Fan Double Oven. Height 718mm. Costs from £480.
  8. Zanussi ZOF35501WK. Electric Built-under Double Oven. Height 715mm. Costs from £460.
  9. Bosch HBN53R550B. Exxcel Electric Built-under Double Multifunction Oven. Height  717mm. Costs from £985.
  10. Electrolux EOU5410BOX. Built-under Electric Double Oven. Height 715mm. Costs from £630.
Need Home Appliance Insurance? – Cover for all your home appliances Click Here for a quote!
Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
09
Mar
2016

Simple Tips for Safe Hob Cleaning

Simple Tips to Safely Clean your Hob

The hob is often a place you prepare food every day, so it’s an essential place in your home to keep clean. The best way to ensure that the hob & cooker area is hygienic is to wipe after each use when any food residue or stains are still fresh.

Despite doing this, it’s still possible for a layer of oil and grime to settle on your hob. Depending on which type of cooker you have, using the right cleaning agents and tools can help you remove this stubborn material with relative ease.

Hob cleaning products and tools

You will find a wide range of cleaning products in the supermarkets specifically for the kitchen. For ease of use look for products that come in spray bottles. Alternatively, instead of using cleaning liquids with strong chemicals, you can try using some of the more natural hob cleaning products that are better for your health, as well as for the environment.

In addition, before you clean the hob, it would be helpful to have the following cleaning tools on hand:

  • Rubber gloves to protect your skin
  • A blunt blade or plastic scraper available at hardware stores, to remove the softened food residue ( after using the stain remover)
  • A scrubbing brush with a medium bristle
  • A microfiber cloth to clean the hob and give it a good smear-free shine

Cleaning the hob

Hob cleaning techniques differ depending on whether you have a gas, ceramic, enamel or a combination cooker.

  • Enamel hobs are relatively easy to maintain as they can take some forceful cleaning. Use a blunt blade to remove the stains, while being careful not to scrape the curved surface of the hob.
  • Ceramic and induction hobs are more prone to scratches and therefore need to be tackled carefully. Use a plastic scrapper to remove the grunge. In case of the ceramic hob, prevention really is the best cure. Wipe off any spills as soon as they happen.
  • The majority of the gas hobs have an aluminium base. Soak the base and burner lids in soapy warm water for a while. Clean the base with a scouring pad to remove the grime. Enamel burner lids can also be cleaned the same way.
  • A stainless steel hob should be cleaned rather gently. Clean the hob using a microfibre cloth and a mild bicarbonate of soda solution. To maintain your cooker, never leave any food residue on the hob as it can easily create permanent stains on the stainless steel surface.
  • Cleaning a hob with cast iron racks can be cumbersome. Wash the racks in a warm soapy water solution in a dipping tray. Use soda crystals and a wire wool to scrub clean the racks. Avoid washing them in the dishwasher as the salty dishwater can cause them to rust.

Whenever you clean your hob, follow basic safety tips.  If you are cleaning the hobs with a chemical based cleaner, then keep kitchen windows open for ventilation. Also, wear gloves and goggles for protecting your hands and eyes.

Need Home Appliance Insurance? – Cover for all your home appliances Click Here for a quote!
Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
03
Mar
2016

Old Appliances vs. New: We Pick 10 of the Best Retro Fridges

Old Appliances vs. New Appliances: We Pick 10 of the Best Retro Fridges

If you had a typical childhood you’ll have heard at least one adult mutter, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to.” It does seem that way, especially when we look at the quality of modern appliances. How often do they have to be replaced? It feels like appliances are made to last just long enough to see out the warranty. Then they go phut and you either have to pay for repairs or a replacement. If you don’t have insurance, replacement is often more cost-effective than repair.

There is a way to enjoy high-tech with old-world looks, as retro never goes out of style.

The retro look has been trending for years and manufacturers have capitalised by producing cool appliances that hark back to the 50s. Retro appliances come in a variety of contrasting and complementary colours and metallic finishes. You’ll also see a a dash of pop art and bold curves suggestive of sexy James Dean and voluptuous Marilyn Monroe.

Back in time

The 1950s was an era of celebration. The end of WW2 meant that people could lighten up; rock ‘n roll was born and the world was on the brink of all sorts of social revolutions. It’s possible the current retro trend speaks to a need to escape our 24/7 lives, rising costs, and other stressors.

Regardless of whether to want romantic nuances or bold and funky, there’s a retro fridge for your tastes.

So, why the popularity? Well, market watchers and analysts believe that TV’s The Great British Bake Off had a large impact on the retro trend. The underlying sense of that playful and joyful era has really caught on.

Retro fridges that are just peachy keen (jelly bean)

Smeg

Smeg leads the retro refrigerator field in design and variety. You might even say that Smeg is the granddaddy of retro, with the widest range of options available, from drop dead gorgeous to sleek, funky and funny. The company captures the essence of the fifties in ways that will make your jaw drop. The fridges are colourful and clever and you can choose from a rainbow of colours.

Smeg actually dates back to the 1950s, which gives it first-hand experience designing and manufacturing retro kitchen appliances. Its line of retro fridges first hit the market in 1990 and, as they say, the rest is history.

The Smeg retro fridge line is pricey, but hugely popular, particularly in the US and the UK. There are over 122 models to choose from, and a range of colours. Your choice includes velvet black, blue denim, brown, colour stripe, cream, English rose, grey, lime green, metalised grey, orange, pastel blue, pink, red, silver, and yellow.

And the fridges include

One of the zaniest designs is the SMEG500V, a replica of Fiat’s famous Cinquecento. It’s available in three colours: Green, red and yellow. The car-shaped fridge received the ‘Good Design’ award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in 2013. Then there’s the decadent Gold with Swarovski Crystals retro fridge. The SMEG FAB28OR is yours for a £1,620.

The SMEG Fab 10 is available in 12 colours and comes in four special editions. It has a large-capacity fridge and freezer section and runs almost completely silently. This is completely unlike the original 50s fridges, which sounded as though they’d vibrate through the wall.

Not to be outdone, Servis and Bush have designed their own retro fridge ranges that are every bit as gorgeous as the market leader. Gorenje and Big Chill are competitive, with some Big Chill appliances exceeding the notoriously high price tags of Smeg.

Gorenje

Gorenje has a range of vintage, chic and romantic retro fridges, and a colour range that includes bold bright and beautiful metallic sheens, deep purple, bright orange, emerald green, signal red, glossy black, rich dark brown, cream, champagne, white, magenta and silver. The price on the Gorenje Retro Fridge RB602990W has been slashed from £700 to £569, so if you’ve had your eye on a retro fridge, but price has been a factor, now’s the time to get your Gorenje with the SuperCool chill option that chills a bottle of wine within half an hour.

Servis

Servis retro fridges are as visually appealing as Gorenje and Smeg. The colours include chilli red, classic cream and jet black. They tend to be large-capacity fridges (around 317 litres) and have an A+ energy rating, glass safety shelves, wine rack and ice box. Especially tasteful is the chili red Servis C60185NFR, with a capacity of 335 litres, it’s frost-free, with an A+ energy efficiency rating, a bottle shelf, three door shelves, two fridge drawers and three freezer draws. The Servis Retro Fridge line adds a touch of sophistication, glamour and style to every kitchen. Expect to pay between £493 and £538.

Bush

Bush is better known as a commercial supplier of really cool refrigeration systems, but the Bush BRTL60170B Retro Tall Fridge, is getting a lot of really good feedback from customers. Choice of colour is limited when compared to Smeg, for example, but the black is intense and vibrant, with metal handles and a bright internal LED light that just oozes style, and has all the benefits of a modern fridge, like the A+ energy rating. It’s spacious inside with 4 safety glass shelves, a vegetable drawer, salad crisper and a chrome wine rack with metallic designer handles. Fridge storage capacity is 281 litres and the frozen food compartment has a 30-litre capacity. On the whole it’s attractive and considered good value for money. Additional colours are cream, chilli red or lime green, and they are well-priced, ranging from around £330 to around £500.

We need to give an honourable mention to the Bush BSFF60, which has a large capacity, three salad crisper compartments and which uses frost-free technology and is energy-efficient. It also has 13 hours of power-off capacity. Expect to pay in the region of £500.

Oranier

Oranier has a retro fridge line with a colour choice between red, lime green and cream. In keeping with the retro style the colours are vibrant. There’s the single door RKS 1 and the double door RKS 2. Like Bush, Oranier has focused on function over form, and have put out fridges that hold their own in terms of value for money. Oranier’s retro line includes features like automatic defrosting, egg containers, and very impressive freezer capacity.

Big Chill

The Big Chill’s Retropolitan line comes in a selection of colours, including beach blue, buttercup yellow, cherry red, jadeite green, orange, pink lemonade, turquoise, black and white. You can choose between a handle on the left or right and other options include icemakers and door removal. The body is stamped metal with authentic chrome trim and handles. It’s frost-free and has automatic moisture control as well as a temperature management system. It’s rated Energy Star, and the big thing about the Big Chill’s Retropolitan refrigerator is the storage space. If you’re not wild about the 8 standard colours, you can choose from 200 custom colors. It has got 4 half-width glass shelves, 2 clear crisper drawers, a slide-out upper basket and one large lower freezer basket. This range is pretty pricey and will cost you around £2,400.

The Studio retro fridge line is smaller than Retropolitan line, but the colour options are the same, and it is also frost-free, with temperature management control and automatic moisture control. The Studio line has a pivotal handle as well as the left or right hand hinge choice. There’s one spill-proof glass shelf, a full-width opaque crisper, 4 door shelves, an adjustable freezer shelf, and the price tag is around £1,840.

Swan

Swan has a pretty good line of retro fridges too, and the Swan SR11010C has had £129 shaved off the price tag, down from £709 to £579. It’s 54.5 cm wide, so it’s easy to fit into most kitchens. It’s got a 168-litre fridge capacity and a 40-litre freezer with one glass freezer shelf. The energy rating is A+, three safety glass shelves, 5 door pockets and wine rack, and it has an auto-defrost fridge and manual defrost freezer.

Other honourable mentions have to go to:

  • GGA French Style Retro. A bespoke fridge with two French doors. Comes with two freezer drawers which reduce warm air intake when opened.  Electronic ice maker making express ice cubes. Retails around £1600.
  • Baumatic Retro. Available in royal blue. Self-defrosting fridge and plenty of capacity. Even temperature throughout. Comes with safety glass shelves. Retails around £650.
  • Husky Retro larder fridge. Capacity of 108 litres and very good energy rating. An under-counter fridge which doesn’t take up a lot of space. Chrome wine rack and salad crisper drawer. Reversible door. Retails around £450.
  • LEC Retro. Frost-free and a decent energy rating, this fridge is in cream and comes with unusual and shapely retro handles. Wine rack and good sized freezer compartment. Costs from £560.
  • Next RETROC. Very energy efficient with 246 litres fridge capacity. Comes in cream with five shelves and 19 hours power failure storage. Retails around £370.

If you’re into strolling down the memory lane of a bygone era, and want to venture into a space that is playful, joyful and reminds you of your gran’s 60 year old fridge with a makeover, then now is the time to remodel your kitchen and embrace your colourful side.

Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
20
Feb
2016

Cooking up a Storm with the Best High Capacity Ovens

Cooking up a Storm with the Best High Capacity Ovens Availible

Oven capacity varies depending on the type of oven you’re considering. Single ovens tend to have a 77-litre capacity or less – while certain range cookers offer a single oven with a capacity of up to 115 litres. On the whole you can expect to get around three standard baking sheets into a 77 litre capacity oven and four standard baking sheets into a single oven range cooker. Farmhouse style double ovens on the other hand usually have a capacity of 60 litres maximum. As a result, all of the high capacity ovens listed here are single ovens or range cookers.

Best high capacity range cookers

  • Baumatic BC391.3TCSS – 90cm Dual Fuel Range cooker. This sleek silver and black behemoth features triple glazing which is excellent if you have a curious toddler who likes to touch the oven door because it keeps the heat where it should be – inside. Enjoy the double convenience of a dual fuel oven that offers the sensitive and quick cooking method of gas burners combined with the even heat distribution of a fan oven. If you are serious about cooking, this oven clocks in at a 110 litre capacity. Costs around £649.
  • Flavel FL95CRX Freestanding Electric Range Cooker – Stainless Steel. With a capacity of a 104 litres, this range cooker means business and is the perfect tool for the entertainer offering a fully variable grill, a beautiful ceramic hob with five heating zones and even a storage space for cooking utensils. Costs around £550.
  • Rangemaster 96320 Professional FX 90 90cm Induction Single Oven Range Cooker. How does an energy efficient oven with 115 litre capacity and attractive cream and chrome finishes sound to you? The Energy Saving trust thinks this Rangemaster is just the ticket – in fact it is ‘A’ rated for energy efficiency. Aside from the obvious cost saving benefits, the oven is extremely versatile offering the following functions:. defrost, fan oven, fanned grilling, fan-assisted oven, conventional oven, browning element and base heat (in both full oven and divided mode). Costs around £2000
  • Britannia RC-9SG-QL-S Q Line Single Oven 90cm Dual Fuel Range Cooker – Stainless Steel. This is a good choice for a gas cooker offering six gas burners including a dual wok burner. Other key features include an ability to convert to LPG (bottled gas) if required, a flame failure safety device, and fully automatic programmer and minute minder (capacity is 103 litres). Costs around £2000.

Best high capacity ovens

  • Hotpoint Openspace OSHS89EDC. A super-large oven size from Hotpoint, this electric appliance is capable of holding up to 77 litres. It’s A rated efficiency-wise, has a removable inner glass door for cleaning, a pizza function and a cooling fan. Costs around £620.
  • AEG COMPETENCE BP3003021M. The largest single oven produced by these manufacturers, this appliance has a huge 74 litre capacity, so it’s great for big family get-together Sunday roasts. Allows you to programme the oven to switch off or on when you like.  Comes with its own floodlight to allow you to check on food without having to open the door. Costs around £470.
  • Smeg Linea SFP140. This electric oven has a 72 litre capacity, a variable grill type and a quadruple glazed oven window for energy efficiency. There’s a control panel lock in case there are kids round, a defrost feature and a cooling fan. Costs around £740.
  • Electrolux EOC5440AOX. With a capacity for 70 litres, this electric appliance comes with a quadrupled glazed window and a defrost feature. Boasts an A rating for energy efficiency. Costs around £440.
  • Zanussi ZOB31301WK. Extra shelf levels and a 70-litre capacity mean you’ll never be stuck for dishes that can fit inside this oven.  Dinner parties can be as large as you like. Also comes with a quick defrosting function. Costs around £225.
  • Belling XOU60LPG. One of the few gas single ovens we’ve featured in this list, this Belling has the capacity for 69 litres. Comes with air cooled doors, an electronic timer and a double glazed oven door. Costs around £530.

High capacity ovens honourable mentions

  • Neff Series 3 B45E52N3GB. This electric oven has a capacity of 67 litres and comes with a triple glazed oven window to keep in heat. Has a programmable timer and a pizza function. Costs around £850.
  • Whirlpool AKZM756/IX. Can hold up to 67 litres in the oven cavity. Has a double glazed window and programmable timer as well as a single variable grill. Costs around £430.
  • Samsung BF641FB. A two fan electric oven which cooks food quickly and at an even temperature. Can hold up to 65 litres at once and has an A energy rating. Cleaning afterwards is easy thanks to a ceramic enamel interior and a scratch resistant surface. Costs around £300.
  • Beko OIF22309X. A 65 litre capacity oven, this appliance also comes with a speedy fan to cut down cooking times. Is 20 per cent more energy efficient than other A-rated models. Also comes with a fully programmable timer to allow you to set meals to suit. Costs around £230.
Need Home Appliance Insurance? – Cover for all your home appliances Click Here for a quote!
Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
19
Feb
2016

Choose from the Top 10 Fastest Induction Hobs on the Market

The Top 10 Fastest Induction Hobs on the Market

From 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds. It sounds like an advert for a car doesn’t it? But it’s actually the start-up speed for some of the fastest induction hobs on the market. There are quite a few super speedy models around.

A fast induction hob actually offers you both control and precision when it comes to cooking. The speed at an induction hob heats up is critical for amateur and professional cooks. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 fastest induction hobs available.

10 Fastest induction hobs

  1. The Berner BWM3 mini counter-top induction hob heats up incredibly quickly and  gives off almost no heat. Thanks to its power and speed you can expect to reduce cooking time by about 70%. It comes in at about £1,600.
  2. The Whirlpool Acm847ba Touch Control 60cm induction hob is a Which Best Buy product and comes in at roughly £400.
  3. If space is limited and you are looking for a really efficient way to cook, then the Induction Fast Heat Up Multi Cooker or Andrew James Digital Electric Induction Hob (2000 Watt) are ideal. Retailing for about £50 and £30 respectively, they are the perfect solution for students or people living in bedsits as they take up very little space.
  4. The Stoves SEW600iRX electric hob induction is 60 cm wide and has four different sized induction zones. For peace of mind, there is also a child safety lock – which is good news as this induction hob heats up very quickly. This product costs around £520.
  5. The Indesit VIX644 CE induction hob in black costs roughly £270. Thanks to intelligent pan recognition, it only heats the base of your pan, minimising energy loss and it will heat up to your chosen cooking temperature in seconds.
  6. The Bosch PIA611B68B 600mm induction hob 4 zone touch control has 17-stage power settings for each zone, as well as the added advantage of a power boost setting for instant heat. It is also easy to clean and it will set you back about £350.
  7. The Burco Twin Counter Top induction hob guarantees faster cooking times and low energy consumption. It also has a timer and it can heat up to 220 degrees C. This product costs about £315.
  8. If you are also looking for an oven, the Rangemaster Excel 110 electric induction range cooker in stainless steel is a smart addition to any kitchen. Its induction hob with its five zones is incredibly responsive and the product also features a main and a second oven. This oven costs in the region of £2,500.
  9. A cheaper option is the Belling FSE60DOI  60cm induction cooker with double oven, which is on the market for just under £670.
  10. The Samsung CTN464NC01 induction hob has four zones and features the latest in induction technology. Retailing at just under £500, it also boasts the temperature control of a gas hob.

It’s worth noting that induction hobs require specific pans to function.

Need Home Appliance Insurance? – Cover for all your home appliances Click Here for a quote!
Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
19
Feb
2016

Discover 10 of the Best Domino Hobs on the Market

10 of the Best Domino Hobs on the Market

First off – what are domino hobs? Well, for those not currently in the know it’s an oblong-shaped hob which combines two methods of cooking at the same time (hence the name. i.e., a domino is oblong and split with two different numerical sections).

Advantages of domino hobs

The concept of the domino hob isn’t only great in terms of space-saving, but it also provides far more flexibility in the kitchen – to the extent you can now buy domino hobs with a BBQ grill, wok burner or a deep fat fryer if you so desire. So, what are the best domino hobs currently on the market? Well, the following are our favourites:

Best domino hobs on the UK market

  • De Dietrich DTi1032X. This high tech appliance has touch controls, nine power levels a boost function and auto switch-off device. An induction wok hob which is energy efficient. Costs around £1195.
  • Miele Company Fryer CS1411 F. This high quality fryer is also great for cooking the likes of pasta since it comes with a special insert specifically for that. Adjustable temperature controls. Costs around £1250.
  • Gaggenau’s Vario VR 230 electric grill plate. This electric grill plate comes with a lava stone base to absorb fat, making it a very healthy choice for barbecue cooking. Has nine different power levels. Costs around £1200.
  • AEG’s MaxiSense flexible induction hob. Half the cost of the other hobs so far mentioned here, the MaxiSense is great for cooking more than one thing at once. Then again, the two cooking zones can be combined into one large zone. Cooking can be paused – which is excellent for family homes. Costs around £650.
  • ATAG:TY3011M teppan yaki hob. Fancy a bit of healthy oriental cooking? Then check out this smart looking stainless-steel appliance. The yaki pan cooks perfect meat and shellfish thanks to its dipped hot plate to catch any excess oil. Costs around £1,425.
  • Miele CS1122E Ceramic Domino Hob. An electric hob with stainless steel frame and glass ceramic surface. This item works as two zones or one larger area. Automatically turns itself off after four hours. Costs around £800.
  • Bosch PKF375V14E Ceramic Domino Hob. Comes with nine power levels and a two stage residual heat indicator. Again the cooking zone can be extended. Costs around £400.
  • Neff N24K35 wok hob. A gas hob which is great for producing first class stir-fries thanks to its dual-control wok burner. Has a flame failure safety device. Costs around £400.
  • Siemens ER326BB70E Domino Gas Wok Hob. Has two burners (one high speed; the other standard). Combines a cast iron pan support with a flame failure safety cut out device. Costs around £430.
  • Zanussi ZEI3921IBA Induction Domino Hob. An electric induction hob with two hotplate burners, this domino appliance is stainless steel in appearance with rotating knobs. Costs around £215.

As you can see from the domino hobs in the above list, the range of domino hobs are still dominated by the expensive and quality brands such as Miele, Neff and Bosch although other, less expensive ranges are currently making an appearance as the popularity of the domino hob increases.

Need Home Appliance Insurance? – Cover for all your home appliances Click Here for a quote!
Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
18
Feb
2016

Washing Machine Making Grinding Noises!

Is your washing machine making grinding noises? Here’s what to do

There are several things that cause a washing machine to start making grinding noises, ranging from an improper installation to a failing component. Don’t allow a grinding noise to persist without investigating it. The sooner a failing component is detected, the sooner it can be replaced or repaired, which will save you money and prevent further damage to other parts.

If you’re not insured with us and are the DIY type and are able to repair or replace the part, you could save a few pounds on the cost of the repair man. However, unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing, it’s advisable to call the repair man. If you are covered by our appliance insurance policy, you can sit back and relax because we arrange for repairs on your behalf, and the cost is absorbed by your claim.

What causes the grinding noises?

A grinding noise is commonly caused by a malfunction or failing of one of the following parts of the machine.

Agitator dogs:

These allow the agitator to rotate in one direction and lock in the opposite direction. They’re located in the centre column inside a top load washing machine. They consist of four small pieces of plastic which, over time, wear out and begin slipping, which produces the grinding noise when the machine is in the agitate cycle.

Tub bearing:

It is preferable to replace the complete outer tub and bearing, rather than just the bearing in the tub. Chances are that unless the tub is replaced, it will be the next thing to go.

Tub seal and bearing kit:

If this is the cause of the grinding noise then replace both the seal and bearing kit.

Drive pulley:

Check to see if the pulley is worn out, cracked, loose or bent. Remove it and inspect it carefully. If you see signs of wear and tear you’ve probably found the source of the noise. You will have to replace the part.

Failure of the U-joint:

The u-joint is the primary drive mechanism for the agitation motion. It’s an expensive part to replace, and with the cost of a repair man it might be worth considering a new washing machine.

Clutch assembly:

The clutch assembly is the connection between the transmission and the inner tub. It allows the tub to get up to the correct spin speed. The noise could be a worn out clutch, which makes a loud noise during the spin cycle or just as the cycle completes. The clutch has to be replaced.

Drive belt:

Over time the drive belt dries out and starts cracking. Pieces of the cracked belt break off resulting in a loud noise whenever the motor is running.

It is preferable to have these parts checked by a washing machine repair man, unless you have experience of machines or these parts. Inexperienced tinkering can lead to accidental damage, which in the end will just cost more to replace or repair – it could also negate your insurance policy. So take a look at the instruction manual that came with your washer, identify and check the parts, and then call the repair man.

Need Home Appliance Insurance? – Cover for all your home appliances Click Here for a quote!
Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
14
Feb
2016

Why isn’t My Oven Fan Working? Try our Troubleshooting Guide

Why isn’t My Oven Fan Working? Try our Troubleshooting Guide

Oven ExampleAn oven that’s not heating correctly is one of the most common problems that our engineers are called to resolve. When you switch on your oven, it’s fan evenly distributes the heat generated by the element. A fault in either the fan or the element will prevent your oven from heating effectively. There could be other minor faults as well.

Let’s look at this problem in more detail.

Faulty oven fan element:

If the oven is blowing cold air (which means the fan is working), and the oven thermostat light is on, then the element surrounding the fan could be damaged.

Ask a technician to unplug the appliance and remove the back panel inside the oven. This will expose the oven fan and element. On close inspection if the element appears burnt in some places, then the  appliance technician will almost certainly need to replace that part.

Note, sometimes the damage to the element is not visible, but it could be broken inside the element casing. Your appliance technician will need to confirm this. Replacing the oven element will cost you in the region of £75 – £125.

Faulty oven fan motor:

There could be a problem with the oven fan motor if:

  • the fan appears noisy or works more slowly than usual
  • the oven light is on and the element gets hot, but the heating is ineffective

With the oven turned off and unplugged, the technician will remove the inside panel and give the oven fan a turn by hand. If it appears stiff then the fan motor is faulty and needs replacement.

The technician is also likely to:

  • Check if a fan blade has come loose, which may be causing the fan to become ineffective and make strange sounds.
  • Check if the oven fan is covered with grease and muck from cooking. Giving the oven fan a good cleaning may solve the problem.

Incorrect oven setting:

If neither the fan nor the heating is working, the oven may have been set in ‘auto’ mode. Reset the oven to ‘manual’ mode. Your oven should start working now. Refer to your user manual for more details.

Faulty oven thermostat:

Finally, if the fan is not working and there is no light in the oven, then there could be a problem with the oven thermostat.

Call an appliance engineer to handle replacement of any part in the oven.

Please remember:

Appliances should be serviced regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions – found in the product manual. If you have a problem with an appliance, call in a NICEIC or Gas-Safe registered appliance engineer to repair your appliance. Don’t forget that if your appliance is not working optimally, you should also have it serviced to prevent causing damage to the appliance.

Need Home Appliance Insurance? – Why Surewise.com – Benefits – Reviews & Feedback – Get a Quote
Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
12
Feb
2016

What’s the Cost of Installing a New Hob in Your Kitchen?

What’s the Cost of Installing a New Hob in Your Kitchen?

Having decided which type of hob you want to purchase, the next step is to buy the hob and have it installed. The cost of installing a new hob in your kitchen can be broken down into buying and installation costs, and running costs.

1. Buying costs for a new hob

Depending on the type of hob you buy, here is how much you can expect to spend on a new hob:

Base price models (£75 – £200)

  • Gas hobs start at £75
  • For about £100 you will find electric plate hobs with twist-knob controls
  • Starting price for ceramic hobs is £170

Mid-price range (£200 – £400)

  • Between £200 and £250 you will find mid-range electric plate hobs, ceramic hobs and gas hobs
  • Induction hobs start at £300
  • In the £300 and £400 value range, you will find some really stylish and modern hobs with more than four burners

Premium range (£400 – £750)

  • A gas or ceramic hob priced more than £400 will have a designer look and special functions like dual heat zones
  • Induction hob features in the £300 and £500 range remain fairly similar
  • Any hob that costs more than £500 will have designer looks and advanced features such as residual heat indicators and touch sensitive controls.

Designer range ( more than £750)

Any hob in this range will most certainly belong in a designer kitchen. Expect the entire range of features you can possibly have on a hob, including small utensil detectors, overflow indicators, and pause buttons.

Popular brands as per hob category include:

Gas hobs: Stoves, AEG Electrolux, Indesit, Smeg and Zanussi

Electric hobs: AEG, Indesit, Beko, New World, Neff and Baumatic

Ceramic hobs: Bosch, Stoves, AEG Electrolux, Indesit, Smeg and Zanussi.

Induction hobs: AEG Electrolux, Miele, Stoves, Smeg

Electric plate hobs: AEG, Indesit, Beko, New World, Neff and Baumatic

Also check out kitchen retailers like Homebase and B&Q for some low-cost options.

2. Installation costs

The cost of installationing a gas hob will be approximately £120 (this includes labour and fittings). Only a GasSafe qualified engineer should install your gas hob. Hiring someone who is not qualified to install the gas hob will put you and your family at great risk.

Hire an experienced electrician to install the electric hob. You can expect to pay £70 to £100 depending on the type of hob.

3. Running costs

There are significant differences in the running costs of gas and electric hobs. A gas cooker used for about 80 minutes per day for a year will cost £37 less per year to run, than an electric cooker used for the same amount of time. In addition, since the long-term costs of electricity will rise more quickly than gas because of green taxes being added to the former, the difference in running costs between gas and electric hobs will further increase.

Our advice would be to compare the costs of installing the new hob, before you decide on a particular hob brand and model.

Need Home Appliance Insurance? – Cover for all your home appliances Click Here for a quote!
Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles
07
Feb
2016

Why does Your Fridge Freezer Blow its Fuse?

Why does Your Fridge Freezer Blow the Fuse?

Like all electrical appliances, your fridge is vulnerable to the whims of electricity. This means that you can occasionally expect your fridge freezer to blow its fuse. Your fridge’s fuse can blow due to any the following reasons:

  • A power surge causes a temporary increase in the electricity travelling through the circuit. Some fuses are designed to withstand short bursts of high electricity, while others are not.
  • Overtime, the fuse itself may simply weaken.
  • Circuit overload caused by multiple appliances plugged into in the same power source. When the circuit draws too much power, the internal safety system in fuses breaks an internal wire to prevent overheating and possible fire.

Your fridge freezer should generally not cause the fuse to blow. If the fuse keeps going phut then the most likely explanation is a circuit overload.

Read these troubleshooting tips for blown fuses so you’re better informed when you call the technician.

1.     The circuit load

A technician will check the AMP of the fuse connected to the fridge freezer’s circuit. The AMP rating signifies the amount of load that the circuit can handle. To calculate the actual load on the fuse, technicians have to measure the power drawn by all devices/ appliances connected to the fridge freezer circuit.

If the total power drawn by these individual devices exceeds the maximum load that the circuit can handle, relocate some of devices to another circuit to free up some load.

After relocating devices, keep the fridge unplugged for some time before switching it on again.

2.     The electrical socket and power cord

If the above-mentioned process does not work, unplug the appliance and check the electrical socket and the power cord for any damage. An electrician can replace any damaged cords or wires.

Why does your fridge freezer blow bulbs?

The other part of your fridge that can blow is the bulb. The bulb can blow for several reasons, not least of which is faulty bulbs. Cheap bulbs don’t last as long as more expensive bulbs which are better quality. The elements in cheap bulbs are very thin, so any surge in power can make them blow. Even in the world of fridge freezer bulbs, you get what you pay for, so try to buy the best quality you can afford.

If the bulb wattage isn’t the type specified by fridge-freezer manufacturer for your model it could overload the electrical socket and blow the bulb. Always use the bulb specified in the owner’s manual and make note of the wattage.

Another possible cause may be found in the light socket. It may be that there’s an electrical short in the socket itself. The repair for this isn’t DIY as it requires expertise. It’s far better to contact an appliance repair specialist rather than trying to give it a go yourself. This is especially important if your fridge-freezer is still under warranty, since tampering with faulty parts could result in your warranty being voided.

If you need to replace the bulb, the first thing you need to do is switch off the power. Your owner’s manual should contain complete instructions on how to replace the bulb. Once you’ve replaced the bulb according to the instruction manual don’t forget to switch the power back on!

Please remember:

Appliances should be serviced regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions found in the product manual. If you have a problem with an appliance, call an NICEIC or Gas-Safe registered appliance engineer to repair your appliance. Don’t forget that if your appliance is not working optimally, you should also have it serviced to prevent causing damage to the appliance.

Need Home Appliance Insurance? – Why Surewise.com – Benefits – Reviews & Feedback – Get a Quote
Posted by Surewise in Appliance Insurance Articles