July Review #4: KitchenAid Dishwasher

We purchased a KitchenAid dishwasher with ALL the bells and whistles (on clearance from Best Buy) in the Fall of 2012 and it has been a huge disappointment.  We picked it over a Bosch because it had a built in disposal and a third tier flatware rack.  It was also energy star approved and well rated by Consumer Reports.

However, almost exactly a year after we bought it, the (3rd tier) silverware rack that we thought was so neat, broke and fell out.  Then at Christmas time 2013, the latch on the soap dispenser broke and it would no longer stay closed, which meant the soap did not dissolve at the right time for the dishes to get clean.  In January 2014, a pan got against the rinse agent stopper during the wash cycle and melted the stopper enough that it no longer holds rinse agent.  Then in February 2014 the front started separating and no matter how we put it back together the screws strip out and it separates! 

When I contacted Kitchen Aid the customer service representative said this was not typical, but it only had a year warranty.  His only advice was to let the parent company which turns out to be Whirlpool know about the problem.  He also suggested than an extra extended warranty may have been a good option at purchase.  Of course, I am on the phone thinking, "I shouldn't NEED an extended warranty!"  We do not plan to buy a KitchenAid when we replace this "new" KitchenAid dishwasher...and I am very leery of Whirlpool now too.

 



The broken third tier flatware track.

The separating front panel with stripped screw.

The broken soap dispenser and melted rinse agent stopper
that now leaks.

July Review #3: Riccar Vacuum

This product is made in the USA!  That is rare these days and this vacuum is even made right here in Missouri.

Our vacuum cleaner is a Riccar that we got used.  It has been very durable and is affordable to get repaired.  In 7 years, the only repairs have been to replace a filter and the power cord.  With my wheelchair, I am tough on power cords because they catch under my wheels and before I realize it, I yanked on the cord until it pulls loose while I am vacuuming.

Previously we have had a Singer, a Kenmore, and a Hoover.  Each of these lasted less than 5 years and eventually had poor suction. 

The Riccar picks up dirt on carpet exceptionally well.  However, it does not do well on solid surfaces like hardwood.  There are lots of attachments and the only design problem is that the hose to connect the attachments is 2" off the ground so it requires being able to reach the ground to use the attachments.  However, it you need exercise, this vacuum keeps you caught up on toe touches!  It is not a lightweight design and it is not fun to use on stairs, but it can be done.

Once again my reviews are not paid reviews.  They are just based on our family's use of the product.

July Review #2: Cuisinart Waffle Iron vs Snoopy

Many years ago while in college, I bought a "fun" Salton Snoopy waffle iron for less than $10.  I used it until 2007, when I was given an expensive Cuisinart Waffle Iron. 

The Cuisinart worked as expected for the first 5 years, but during year 6, some plastic trim came off.  Then this year, the handle
came off.  I had to open it with a butter knife and close it with an oven mitt.  Recently, the back hinge has broken, but it still works so now I use oven mitts to open and close the waffle maker...yes, I am still using it in this condition.  The plates are still wonderfully non-stick and look like new.  The outside looks terrible, but it cooks.  I think Cuisinart has done okay for our family, but I did not pay over $70 for it.  Remember it was a gift and a truly great gift is one that you would never splurge on for yourself!  So this was a great gift!  I have appreciated the convenience of making waffles faster, but I had hoped that with a name and price like Cuisinart that it would last forever, like Snoopy who is still with us in the farm kitchen to make our visits special! (But as you can imagine, it takes a long time to make enough Snoopy waffles for my crew!)

July Review #1: Skillets

In the past 25 years, I have probably had 8 to 10 skillets come, get worn out and go.  Some were cheap sets and some were expensive brands.  However, I have one skillet that has lasted for over 20 years and if you read my blog, you can already guess what brand it is...Lodge Cast Iron.

The crack:  After 20 years of heavy use, and Lodge
replaced this griddle free of charge.

To be fair, I must explain that my Lodge Cast Iron flat skillet 90G recently developed a crack after 20 years, but the outcome has me even more impressed with Lodge.  I contacted the company and they explained that they do not have a written warranty, but they stand behind all their products.  A week later a new 90G griddle arrived at my house!  (I am pretty sure that Lodge paid more to ship it to me than I paid for the skillet over 20 years ago.)

Some of you may be saying, I hate cast iron because it sticks and when cooking eggs, I agree!  (I have never gotten eggs done to my satisfaction without using a lot of oil.)  However, with the exception of eggs, I have found that keeping my skillet seasoned is the secret to great non-stick cooking in cast iron skillets. I oil the skillet after each wash and complete a full heated seasoning about once a month. Here is a link to how I keep my cast iron seasoned.

By the way, for the best pizza crust ever, make a pizza in a cast iron griddle or skillet, but you may never use your pizza pan again!!!  There are even cast iron pizza pans. 

July Reviews

During the month of July, I am going to do a series of reviews of household appliances and products that we use and abuse as only a large family can.  These are not sponsored endorsements nor are they meant to be vendictive rants. Instead they are to be informational about our experiences.  Often people ask me about what products we use and how we make life easier in such a big family. 

Personally, I almost always consult Consumer Reports before buying, but as I have discovered, their testers may not be as tough on things as 10 kids!