Beginner's Guide to Small Appliances

How do I choose a wok?

2006-02-10T18:13:37Z

Decide if you want a round bottom or flat bottom wok. Once you have that decided and a budget in mind, you should have little trouble finding a wok that suits you. (Remember: carbon steel is considered the best, though spun steel and cast iron also work very well.)

Make certain you measure your oven's burners so you get a wok that fits! (Measure both the diameter and the depth of your burners.)

What should I know about wok rings?

2006-02-10T18:14:09Z

Wok rings have two designs: one for gas burners and one for electric burners. With both types, the narrower end should be placed downwards. This balances the wok better; it also brings the wok closer to the heat source. (Note: it still does not touch the coil on an electric burner.)

The gas burner type has open sides and is made of thick wire. Flames can burn up the side of the wok for heat, with good air circulation.

The electric burner type of wok ring is comprised of enclosed metal with small holes to vent. This concentrates heat and conducts it upwards.

Measure your burners so you can get a wok ring that fits. (Measure both the diameter and depth.)

With many gas stoves, you may not even need a wok ring, being instead able to balance the wok on the given grate. The wok's center of gravity will make it hard to tip over—unless someone is clumsy or careless. Holding the handles while you cook helps balance the wok.

Remove the burner grate before you put the wok ring on your stove; if you do not, your wok will not get close enough to the heat source.

Vacuum Cleaner Bags Overview

2006-02-17T17:25:56Z

Vacuum cleaners are an essential appliance found in almost every American household. Most people use a vacuum cleaner at least one hour per week. Between young children’s spills and teenage boys’ dirt, the vacuum cleaner has saved many a family much time, effort, and money.

There are hundreds of vacuum cleaners to choose from. One of the most recent ways to sort out vacuum cleaners is to choose between bagged and bagless. A bagged vacuum cleaner uses a vacuum cleaner bag whereas a bagless vacuum does not. If you own a bagged vacuum cleaner it is important to know what a vacuum cleaner bag is, how to install and change it, and the best way to choose and purchase a vacuum cleaner bag.

What is a vacuum cleaner bag?

2006-02-17T17:26:38Z

A vacuum cleaner bag is a replaceable bag that functions as a filter, similar to the air filter in your car. It allows air to pass through it while keeping the dirt inside. As dirt is suctioned into the vacuum cleaner, the dirt-filled air travels through the vacuum cleaner bag, leaving the dirt behind in the bag as the air moves on through.

The way this works is that the bag itself is made of a porous woven material, typically paper or cloth. The bag functions as an air filter: the holes in the bag are small enough to let air pass through, however, large enough that dirt particles are trapped inside. So when the air streams into the bag, all of it moves through the material, but the dirt and dust collect in the vacuum bag. Once a vacuum-cleaner bag is full of dirt, it needs to be replaced with a new one.

How do I change my vacuum cleaner bag?

2006-02-17T17:27:11Z

It is relatively simple to change a vacuum cleaner bag. To remove, simply take out the old bag and throw it away. It is generally a clean endeavor, as most of the dirt and debris remains trapped inside the bag. In addition, it does not require a lot of money to replace bags, as most bags remain fairly inexpensive. It may, however, be a bit of a hassle to have to remember to change the bag. Some newer models of vacuum cleaners have an indicator light on the vacuum to remind you to change the vacuum cleaner bag because the bag is full.

It is recommended that you change your bag when it is only half full as the suction capacity can be reduced if it is too full. When the bag is full, it decreases the amount of air flow which ultimately limits suction capacity. In addition, changing the bag when it is not completely full prevents the motor from overheating. There are some vacuums, such as the Eureka Oxygen vacuum, which have a device that automatically seals the bag completely when the vacuum cleaner bag needs to be changed.

Where do I place the vacuum cleaner bag in the vacuum?

2006-02-17T17:27:41Z

The most important thing to remember when placing the bag in the vacuum is to place it so that the air current can pass through it. Typically, the bag is installed along the path between the intake tube and the exhaust port. The type of vacuum you have will determine where you place the bag along that path. If you own an upright vacuum, the bag is usually the final stop on the path: after the air is filtered, it immediately flows back to the outside. Sometimes the bag is located before the fan, as in canister vacuums, so that the air is filtered as soon as it comes into the vacuum.

Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner Bag

2006-02-17T17:28:12Z

Choosing a bag may seem a bit overwhelming as there are many different bags to choose from. First, there are genuine versus generic vacuum bags. If a product is listed as “genuine” it is made by the manufacturer of the vacuum, however, it is typically more expensive. Some people will purchase “genuine” bags in order to satisfy warranty requirements. Products listed as “generic” vacuum bags are made by third-party manufacturers to fit those makes and models.

In addition, there are anti-bacterial genuine & generic vacuum cleaner bags. These bags are designed to prevent the growth of bacteria, germs, and mold. Micro-Lined bags are manufactured with an electrostatic inner lining that catches dust particles such as fleas, dust mites, pollens, and pet dander. These bags are helpful for those people who have sensitive respiratory systems and/or are allergy sufferers. These bags capture as much as 99.7% of particles and allergens.

What you must keep in mind when purchasing a vacuum-cleaner bag is that the quality of the bag does make a difference. The difference in the quality of varying vacuum cleaner bags rests upon what type of material the vacuum bag is made of and how big the holes are in that material. A normal paper vacuum bag is 3 ply or it has three paper layers that constitute the walls of the bag. The general principle is that thicker walls or smaller holes do a better job at keeping the dust particles inside without escaping into the atmosphere.

Purchasing a Vacuum Cleaner Bag

2006-02-17T17:28:46Z

To purchase a vacuum cleaner bag, begin by deciding what brand you will need. Next, determine the style of the bag. This can be found on your old vacuum cleaner bag. A reorder number or bag type should be written on the outside of the vacuum cleaner bag. It is important to keep in mind that if you buy bags in larger quantities you may be able to save on shipping costs when purchasing them online. It might be a good idea to check with your friends to see if they need to order bags, too.

Bagless versus Bagged

2006-02-17T17:29:19Z

A typical question asked in regards to vacuum cleaner bags is: Are bagless models a better investment than vacuums that require vacuum cleaner bags? The answer is dependent upon you and your family needs. Bagless vacuum cleaners require the same amount of upkeep as bagged vacuum cleaners, with the exception of changing the bag. However, bagless vacuum cleaners can be messy in the emptying process as dust will sometimes swirl out of the back of the cup. Bagless vacuums can be more allergy unfriendly than vacuums with vacuum cleaner bags. In addition, bagless vacuums often have filters that need brushed or replaced. The nice thing, however, about bagless vacuums is that if you accidentally vacuum something up that you did not intend to, you can retrieve it easily through the dirt cup. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, your best bet is to buy a bagged vacuum cleaner.

Final Thoughts

2006-02-17T17:29:48Z

It is better to own a bagged vacuum cleaner if you have allergies or sensitive respiratory systems. Vacuum cleaner bags do a better job of keeping dust particles inside the vacuum. Although it is sometimes an inconvenience to remember to change the vacuum cleaner bag, it is typically less messy than emptying a bagless vacuum. Simply, remove the old bag and throw it away. There are even vacuums now that have indicator lights to inform you that the bag is full and needs to be emptied.

When purchasing a vacuum cleaner bag, you need to begin by deciding what brand you will need. Next, determine the style of the bag by looking for a reorder number or bag type printed on the outside of your old vacuum cleaner bag. Keep in mind that you may be able to save on shipping costs if you order larger quantities of bags when purchasing them online.

Remember, when choosing a bag, the difference in the quality of varying vacuum bags rests upon what type of material the vacuum bag is made of and how big the holes are in that material. Thicker walls or smaller holes do a better job at keeping the dust particles inside without swirling into the atmosphere. If you have allergy or asthma sensitivities there are certain bags you can choose that will be more allergy friendly. Anti-Bacterial cleaner bags are designed to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and germs. Micro-Lined bags are manufactured with an electrostatic inner lining that captures dirt particles such as dust mites, fleas, pollens, and pet dander.

All in all, vacuum cleaner bags are not hard to maintain or purchase. Plus certain bags are designed to be friendly to those who require limited dust and bacteria intake. A little bit of research on vacuum cleaner bags can go a long way.

Resources:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/vacuum-cleaner2.htm

http://housekeeping.about.com/od/vacuumcleaners/f/vac_bagorless.htm

http://www.allergyconsumerreview.com

http://www.vacuumbags.com/

http://www.onlinevacshop.com/advance.html

http://www.vacuumbagsplus.com/vacuum_cleaner_bag.asp

Blenders

2006-08-07T19:32:05Z

Blenders Overview and Purchasing Tips

Use and Maintenance Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Coffee Makers

2006-08-07T19:33:42Z

coffee-makers/coffee-makers-overview.php > Coffee Makers Overview

coffee-makers/how-much-coffee-do-you-brew-daily.php > How much coffee do you brew daily?

coffee-makers/finding-the-right-model-for-you.php > Finding the Right Model For You

coffee-makers/other-things-to-consider.php > Other things to consider

Food Processors

2006-08-07T19:35:42Z

Food Processors Overview

Food Processor Features

Food Processor Purchasing Tips

Food Processor Safety Tips

Tea Pots

2006-08-07T19:38:31Z

Introduction to Teapots

History of Teapots

Misconceptions of Teapots

Types of Teapots

Ultrex Contact Grills

2007-05-21T13:05:40Z

The Ultrex Contact Grill is a great little contact grill with a pull out drip tray to rid your grill of extra grease. This grill has 1,700 watts of power. It has a floating hinge to make room for larger items. The non-stick surface make it easy to clean. Not bad for around eighty bucks.