You and Portable Appliances

Get the highest value from your appliances

Take time to look through the instruction book. A good book generally goes with a quality appliance. After buying, read the book carefully and follow the instructions diligently. It pays.

Some people call them small. Some say they are portable. To others they are electric house-wares. What you call them is not important. What does matter is getting the highest value from these time and work savers. There are appliances to do almost every conceivable job. The most popular ones are categorized in two groupings: Food Preparation and Garment and Personal Care. Mixers, blenders, coffeemakers, electric skillets, waffle bakers, electric knives, toasters and electric can openers are all food preparation appliances. Irons, electric toothbrushes and hair dryers are personal care appliances.

Buy a recognized brand

There are many good appliances. All else being equal, let the following factors weigh heavily in your selection. Buy a recognized brand that can be serviced in your area. Some manufacturers maintain service centers in large cities; look for the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. Seal of Approval. This is the assurance of safety.

Register Your Appliance

Most appliances carry a one-year warranty covering faulty parts or operation. Register your appliance with the manufacturer by sending in the warranty card within a week to ten days. Should problems arise you can be notified when the manufacturer knows you own a faulty appliance.

For more information on portable appliances, contact your local county Extension office.