We occasionally hear from customers who have bought new appliances, particularly ovens and cooktops, from online auction sites, or privately. While the prices can’t be matched by the regular retailers, there are reasons why those online appliances are so cheap and they aren’t always good reasons.

Check the warranty on the appliance you buy. Even from reputable dealers, this can be an issue. Bear in mind that the savings on the goods need to cover at least one breakdown. So if something  goes on your oven or cooktop, you need to be saving more than $250 on the buy to cover even a relatively minor issue.

Is it a mainstream brand? It may seem attractive to buy an Italian or other overseas brand, but if it is not supported in Australia, parts and serviceability will be a constant problem. Even a new oven seal may be difficult to source.

Is it an Australian model? Occasionally we find overseas models of  even the more mainstream brands are being sold online, much more cheaply. But there are no parts available for these models as they are not supported in this country.

So before buying online, bear in mind that you want an appliance to last, especially if it is being installed  in a specific cabinet or bench space. This can also apply to dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. Sometimes the attractive online models are not the ones to buy.

Its time to consider how you are treating your refrigerator now the summer is approaching. Your fridge works by cooling the air inside the fridge using (usually) the cold air from your freezer. That in turn cools each of the items inside the fridge. Over working your fridge in the summer will put extra pressure on the compressor (your main motor in the fridge) and overworking the compressor can be caused by a number of factors. In most fridges, replacing the compressor will be too expensive, so its best if you can care for it well.

Firstly, the seals of your fridge and freezer need to be performing to their optimum capacity. Keeping them clean by wiping them down with warm soapy water occasionally, or when you notice them getting a little sticky, will extend their lives.

Make sure there are no obstructions to the door closing firmly. Its not worth the damage to your fridge to wedge just one more bottle of drink in at party time.

Lastly, be careful of how much is sitting in the door of the fridge. The hinges of your fridge are susceptible to damage if there is too much weight in the door, and if damaged, the seals will not work to capacity.

Once you have a problem, particularly if the fridge itself is not cooling, give us a call. Our experienced, and prompt technicians can help you out.

Looking at repairing an appliance? But what about the cost of a home visit?

Sometimes for smaller machines, such as dryers and some washing machines, the cost of having a repair man come out to visit your home can be uneconomic when the appliance is not expensive to replace.

However we have a workshop here at our Hamilton base, open 7.30am – 4.30 pm weekdays, where you can drop off your dryer or washer, (or even your dishwasher if you have the transport capability) where our technicians will inspect your appliance and report back to you on repair options. Although we will charge a fee to quote it is often a better option when you have a smaller sized appliance.

Call us to find out more on 07 36301611.