Appliance Resources
We all need a little help sometimes, especially when researching an area we’re not familiar with. Unless you work with consumer appliances on a daily basis you probably don’t keep up with the latest appliance trends – like the latest features (and whether they’re worth the upcharge), which appliance lasts the longest, is the quietest, most energy efficient, etc… With our Gleen appliance guides in hand, you can go forth and conquer the appliance world! (Or at least feel more comfortable making decisions.) Here are our favourite websites for the most reliable information on appliances. If you have a suggestion of a site we’re missing, please let us know by contacting us at info@gleen.com
New Appliances
A subscription-based site that has unbiased information on almost all major appliances. They independently test models and rate them on such things as reliability.
Reviews appliances and rates them on several different features. They have some handy buying tips too
Excellent information on appliances that tests and reviews appliances. Their reports are well-researched and thoughtful.
Many states, provinces and cities offer incentives for homeowners to buy EnergyStar certified energy efficient appliances.
This Boston, MA, store has one of the best appliance blogs in North America. Grab their ebooks on which appliances to buy and read their posts on which are the most reliable and unreliable
Refurbished and Used Appliances
More consumers selling their used appliances than refurbishing companies, but you can usually get a good deal if you are patient
Canadian website where refurbishers and consumers go to sell their used and refurbished appliances
Sears Outlets carry scratch and dent models, floor models and refurbished appliances of all kinds. (US only)
Repair Resources
Information on repairing your machine to help diagnose the problem. Identify how old your machine is by inputting the model and serial number into their search engine.
Sears PartsDirect has spare parts for virtually every appliance model manufactured by the Whirlpool family (includes KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana...), GE, and Electrolux (including Frigidaire).
This site has a handy feature that allows you to find out how old your appliance is if you can locate the model and serial numbers. Great response time to your repair questions.
Service Companies
HomeStars.com is a Canadian company which publishes reviews written by homeowners about home improvement professionals such as repairman, contractors, renovators, and retailers.
HomeAdvisor is a digital marketplace that connects homeowners with prescreened, local service professionals to complete home improvement, maintenance and remodeling projects.
Angie's List is an American home services website. Founded in 1995, it is an online directory that allows users to read and publish crowd-sourced reviews of local businesses and contractors.
Disposal
Municipalities often offer a white goods (appliances) pick up service. Check with yours to see if you have one. Your responsibility is getting it to the curb.
Electric utility companies may offer an old refrigerator collection program where they will credit your next electric bill and haul away your old (usually 15+ years old) refrigerator. Check to see if your electric company offers this service. It can, however, take a few months from when you call for pick-up.
Junk haulers: Services such as 1-800 Got Junk, which specifically notes responsible refrigerant management on their website (with franchises across North America) will take away your old appliances for you for a fee (no heavy lifting on your part required).
Scrap metal dealers: if you are able to drive a defunct appliance to a scrap metal yard, you can make some money on its scrap value. However, if you’re disposing of a refrigerator, it’s important that the scrapyard is an accredited refrigerants handler.