The Massachusetts Sales Tax Weekend Is Almost Upon Us!

First, a disclaimer:  This blog really is only of interest to Massachusetts customers!  (Sorry VT, NH, CT, RI shoppers.)

Of course, if you live in the Granite State, I'm sure you could care less about a sales tax holiday, right?

If you live in one of the great states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Vermont this blog is going to be of little help to you (unless you are willing to drive to your nearest Massachusetts Manny's.)

But -- if you reside in the Bay State, then I'm sure you're already well aware of our state's no-sales-tax weekend, this year occuring on August 12th and 13th!

Massachusetts is one of 30 states that implemented a sales tax holiday in recent years, with the intent of both helping consumers with back-to-school purchases, and to help retailers in what is normally a bit of a slowdown in traffic.

What makes the Massachusetts sales tax holiday different from other states?  The biggest, actually by far the most important difference, is the dollar cap.  In Massachusetts, you can save the entire 6.25% sales tax on any purchase up to $2500! (Do note - over $2500, and you pay the full tax.)

Keep in mind: The cap is $2500 per product, NOT on the entire purchase.  So, go ahead and add a new dryer to your washer, or upgrade your kitchen while saving a couple of hundred dollars! 

As far as our neighboring states are concerned, only Connecticut has any sort of program, and it is far more restrictive:

Connecticut:   Clothing and shoes under $100 per item are tax-exempt from the state sales tax of 6.35%.

Rhode Island  or Vermont.  Currently there is no such program, although it appears RI is considering a holiday similar to Massachusetts'.

The result (perhaps unintended originally) of the unusually high limit in Mass is that sales in certain businesses (such as the household appliance business) spike - dramatically!  Most, but not all, of our products fall neatly into the under-$2500 category.  As a result, many of our customers will time their appliance purchases to take advantage of the extra savings the tax holiday offers (plus, let's be honest... who doesn't want to find a way to pay less tax, yes?)

Have you ever shopped in a mall or big box store on a tax holiday weekend?  If you have,  you were probably frustrated by the huge crowds of shoppers, which can make getting the attention of salespeople challenging! (Personally, I haven't had the pleasure of shopping the tax holiday - I've always been on the other end, doing my best to at least try to take care of our customers.  The experience can be stressful, for employees and customers alike!)

There is a solution to beating the crowds, and a solution we strongly encourage:  Come in between now and Friday August 11.  We will be busy, but not overwhelmed.  We can work with you and help you with your purchase. Whether it's a basic washer for an apartment you're renting, a new range to replace the old coil top unit you've been nursing along, all the way up to putting together an appliance suite for a remodel or kitchen upgrade, we can help!

Here's the procedure we've developed over the years:

1. 1) You come in ahead of time and speak with one of our experienced salespeople, so we can assist you in picking out your appliances.
2. 2) We put together on paper a "quote", outlining your purchase.
3. 3) On the 12th and 13th Manny's dedicated staff gets up early and drives to work, usually a large cup of strong coffee in hand, and begins processing these payments.  

The only stipulation to this strategy, which we have used effectively in past years, is that your purchase must be paid in full on August 12 or 13. (That means no deposits or layaways.  Sorry -- state rules!) during those two days.  

Now, please keep two thoughts in mind:  

1. 1) This tidal wave of business is going to stress inventory levels that are still recovering from the Great Pandemic. 
2. 2) As hard-working as our delivery and warehouse guys are, there are only so many deliveries we can perform each day.  

So, as in past years, please be patient with us!  We will do our best to get your tax-free appliances to you as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions regarding any of the above, you can always reach out to any of our staff at our various locations.

Finally, one last thought:

Happy Shopping!!

Dave, How Long Do Appliances Last These Days??

I think I get asked that question more than any other when I'm helping customers pick out new appliances.  

Before I get into that however, let me give you an update on current promotions:  The July 4th promo period officially ended on Wednesday July 12, but some manufacturers have extended their discount allowances to us for a bit longer.  I can't promise that every single item has been extended, but this list should give you a general guideline.

• GE -- most offers are extended through 7-19.  
• Whirlpool, Maytag, Kitchenaid. -- Most deals appear to be over as of July 12.
• LG --   most deals run through 7-19.
• Frigidaire/Electrolux -- Good news here!  Deals mostly run through 7-26.
• Samsung -- most promos now run through 7-26.                                                              

So if you missed the Independence Day sales, in many cases there's still time to hurry into your local Manny's and take advantage!!

Now, back to longevity of today's appliances.

I read through a dozen or more articles last night from various sources trying to find a consensus of estimates.  Below, I'm linking two sites with recent articles that seem to fall in the middle of the curve.

First, from "This Old House":

How Long Do Appliances and Parts of Your Home Last?

Here’s a guesstimate of how long things last around your home to help you plan for routine maintenance.

By This Old House

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iStock

How long do refrigerators last? Or when those old cabinets just can’t be saved? The National Association of Home Builders’ “Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components” gives a decent guesstimate by compiling life-cycle data from scores of product manufacturers and testing labs. The following is a summary to guide you in planning your next big home improvement.

When Should You Replace Appliances?

iStock

The life expectancy of a typical appliance depends to a great extent on how much it’s being used. Still, appliances are often replaced long before they are worn out because changes in styling, technology and consumer preferences make newer products more desirable. Of the major appliances in a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about 13 years. Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers (9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years).

The full link is below.

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/21018361/how-long-things-last

Here's a second opinion (again, the full article link can be accessed below:)

How Long Do Appliances Last?

February 11, 2022 by Team HomeServe

How old’s your fridge? When did you buy your washing machine? Lots of factors go into the longevity of common household appliances, but all appliances will eventually give up the ghost.

Knowing the average lifespan for common appliances can help you estimate when you might need to replace that old refrigerator or stove.

What's the Average Lifespan of Common Household Appliances?

Most major appliances usually last between eight and 15 years. This average time frame can help you determine when to replace an appliance, but you can often repair older appliances to make them last longer. Some of your appliances might still be under warranty.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators run nonstop to keep your food properly chilled. Despite the constant operation, refrigerators have an average usable life of 13 years. Cleaning the condenser coils can help your refrigerator last longer.

Dishwashers

You can expect your dishwasher to last about nine or 10 years. Certain parts, such as the hose, might be vulnerable to damage or leaks and need to be replaced sooner.

Washing Machines

Washing machines average 10-year lifespans. The size of your household and the amount of laundry you do every week impact how long yours lasts. You might need to replace individual parts sooner, such as the hose that handles the water.

Dryers

Both electric and gas dryers have an average life expectancy of 13 years. The main maintenance task is keeping the lint cleaned off the screen and from the dryer vent.

Microwaves

Your microwave should keep heating leftovers for about nine years. You can make sure it lasts as long as possible by only running it when you have food or liquids inside. Running it empty can damage the appliance.

Ovens, Ranges and Stoves

When it comes to ovens, ranges and stoves, electric models typically last around 13 years. Gas models usually last a little longer, with an average life of about 15 years. Both types have a relatively long lifespan and require very little maintenance other than routine cleaning.

Chest Freezers

A stand-alone freezer offers an average usable life of 11 years. Keep it clean and vacuum the coils regularly — similar to a refrigerator — to make it last as long as possible.

https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/how-long-do-appliances-last/

I'd like to end with a couple of thoughts regarding the above based on my own experience selling appliances and dealing with customer service issues.  First, It surprised me that every single article I read stated that gas ranges last a few years longer than their electric counterparts on average.  I never noticed a difference.  Second, and maybe more important, I think the life expectancy on clothes washers and refrigerator should be a wider range.  On too many occasions in recent years I've had customers calling or coming into the store complaining that their washer (usually the motor or control board) or fridge (usually ice buildup, a motor issue, or electronics) needs service within a few years of purchase - after the manufacturer warranty (generally one year) has expired.  Speaking with our service techs, they confirm what I've been noticing.

Helpful hints to help your appliance last longer: 

1. Maintain the machine properly, and use the appliance as the manufacturer recommends. 
2. Perform routine maintenance cleaning as specified. 
3. Also, consider at the time of purchase adding the protection of an extended warranty to your appliance for a nominal charge.

Relax!! There's still time to save!!

 

Wow!  Where did the holiday go?  

Maybe you and your family have been away on vacation.   Maybe you've been busy visiting family, or getting your kids ready for summer camp (or summer school.)  Or maybe you've been staying home, fighting off allergies, or ash from the Maritime fires.  Or maybe, like myself and my coworkers, you've been simply busy working through the holiday period and juggling life.

But... maybe now you're kicking yourself, thinking that you might have missed out on all the great savings Manny's offered during its Independence Day promotion.

If that's the case, you needn't worry!  Nearly all the specials are good through July 12th.  That's an extra week to save significant $$ on new appliances for your home.

Just how good are these specials?  Let me share a couple amazing examples:

https://www.mannystv.com/products/GE-Appliances/ge/js760spss.html

This range is one of my favorites, even when not on a promo like this!  This a backless range (great for island installations, or simply for showing off your new tile or backsplash), with a large capacity self-cleaning oven, true "European convection," (essentially two convections speeds: one for baking, one for larger cuts of meat.) plus an air-fry feature (here's a secret:  air frying is taking advantage of the convection fan feature already in this range!), It even is wi-fi compatible!   And... all for under $1000!

Now, due to demand this range is temporarily on backorder from GE, but will be replenishing soon.  As long as you order the range by July 12, you can take advantage of this amazing deal!

Here's another unbelieveable deal, just as impressive:

https://www.mannystv.com/products/Whirlpool/whirl/wrf555sdfz.html

Here we have over 25 cubic feet of American made, American owned, energy-star refrigeration!  Adjustable shelving, a fingerprint-resistant finish, with an ice and water dispenser in the door!   And all for hundreds less than regular price, or even a "normal" sale price.  

If you're prefer a modern looking, stylish refrigerator without the water dispenser, Whirlpool has a companion piece:

https://www.mannystv.com/products/Whirlpool/whirl/wrf535swhz.html

These are just a couple examples of what we can offer you at Manny's in the coming days.   We have many others, including a LG counter-depth fridge with an insta-view window for $1300 off! Or, this  Frigidaire Gallery counter-depth four door refrigerator for $1400 (!!) off regular price,

https://www.mannystv.com/products/lg/lrfoc2606s.html

https://www.mannystv.com/products/Frigidaire/frig/grmc2273cf.html

Now, I really don't plan on using this blog to be just a glorifed commerical, but - some of these deals are nothing less than specatular, and easily the biggest discounts we've seen since the start of the Pandemic.  

So as I said earlier... there's still time to take advantage of our knowledgable sales staff, our own delivery and service people, our quick delivery turnaround time, our twelve month deferred financing, and our exlcusive rebates on two or more appliances.

One last suggestion:  

Please hurry!  These savings do end shortly!

 Fourth of July!!

                                                      

Manny's Fourth of July Sale is currently in full swing!  Price reductions, featuring promotional incentives from various appliance manufacturers, are in place. 

As our inventory levels keep recovering, we're seeing the most aggressive discounts from major manufcaturers such as Whirlpool, GE, LG, and more, since pre-Pandemic days.  The discounts in play right now will give you the best pricing until the traditional Black Friday/Black November sales. 

Think of the end of June through the beginning of July as a "Summer Black Friday" promotion!

However, as I mentioned in a blog last month, these discounts will vary from model to model, and sometimes even color-by-color.  Here's an example from one of our most popular ranges:

The price tag (and the other price tag below) is the actual price tag from Sunday June 18 on a Samsung gas range. 

Self-cleaning, five burners, griddle, convection oven - this range offers a lot of features for a great promo price!  $779 in stainless steel, or $799 for the newer black stainless color.  But-what if you want this range in white?   Well... it's available, but I would have to sell it to you for $1149, which is more in line with what this range sells for in stainless when not on a manufacturer promo.

This isn't Manny's decision.  Samsung has chosen to promote and aggressively discount the newer and more popular colors (stainless and black stainless), while also choosing to not discount the traditional older white color.

Here's another example, this one even more extreme:  a GE counter-depth French door fridge with an ice-and-water dispenser (probably the priciest category of standard refrigerators!)

This model, the GYE22GYMFS, is fully loaded! Counter-depth, ice and water dispenser, LED lighting, Energy Star qualified, and USA made!  The sale price through July 12 is an amazing $2199 -- in fingerprint resistant stainless steel.  

Note that GE also offers this model in black slate and slate colors, but without any promotional incentives ($3238 and $3418 respectively).  

If you're confused, fear not!

Manny's can help you out!

Yes, we at Manny's can assist in helping find the right fridge for you, in a variety of colors, and at the right price.  If in stock we can usually bring that fridge to your home in three days or less!  What else besides advice do we offer to you, the consumer, in the way of services?

• The backing of our own service and delivery departments.
• Financing plans up to 12 months with no interest (see a salesperson for details.)
• Thousands of products ready for delivery in three days or less.
• Aggressively priced extended service plans to give you extra peace-of-mind
• Ten convenient locations, plus the ability to order online 24-7-365.
• Exclusive rebates on select packages of two or more pieces

In closing.... if you're ready to purchase a new kitchen appliance, whether a replacement range or washer, or even a complete new kitchen suite, now's the right time!  Let us help you out!

Energy!! (Or, why does my new dishwasher take so long?)

Remember Reddy Kilowatt, this charming spokes"man" for the electricity industry?  I do - vaguely!

Energy use of kitchen appliances first became the subject of attention by consumer advocates and environmentalists after the OPEC oil embargoes of '73-74, and again in '79.  I remember fondly waiting in a gas line overnight one Thursday in August 1979  so I'd be able to get a tank of gas in my 14 mile a gallon Mercury and drive down to Misquamicut with my friends for the weekend.  

Well, things have changed, and mostly for the better! Consumers and manufacturers have become energy conscious. My Prius gets approximately triple the mileage of that old Mercury.  Kitchen appliances have also become more efficient and green.   Energy use and water usage have been drstically reduced.   Coolants in refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners are more environmentally friendly.  

The appliance categories that have changed the most in the last generation are clothes washers, refrigerators, and dishwashers.  I'd like to talk about these three groups.

Washers

Chances are you know someone who hates, or at least dislikes, their new washer.  Perhaps they don't like how little water goes into many of the cycles.  Perhaps they don't like the much longer cycle times conpared to older machines.

https://www.whirlpool.com/content/dam/business-unit/whirlpool/en-us/marketing-content/blog-posts/washing-machine-cycle-time-chart.pdf

Simply put, the Department of Energy has pushed appliance manufacturers into making washers that use 50% less water and energy (and sometimes more than that) than their predecessors.  

Today's machines also spin out water in the final rinse cycle at a higher RPM than older machines, which helps to cut down on both drying time and energy use by the dryer (not to mention less wear-and-tear on your clothes from "baking" in the dryer!) The tradeoff for the decreased energy use is that cycle times are longer, in some cases - especially in "heavy duty" and "bulky" cycles - as much as 90-120 minutes longer.

If cycle time is important to you, some models are more accommodating then others.  For example,  Speed Queen top loading washers feature a 32 minute regular wash, or a 41 minute wash with an extra rinse!  Electrolux front loading washers have quick cycles that can wash smaller loads in as little as fifteen minutes!

                      

Refrigerators

Refrigerators have become dramatically more efficient, as the article below points out:  

https://mn.gov/commerce-stat/pdfs/refrigerators-and-freezers.pdf

Fridges also tend to be:

• larger (in all three dimensions).
• brighter on the inside (due to the use of LED lighting).
• more environmentally friendly (due to newer coolants).   

Today's units employ better temperature management inside the fresh-food compartment (the "refrigerator" portion) due to more accurate thermostat systems, which allows perishables to last longer.  Also, fridges come in a greater variety of styles and sizes.

In my twenty-five plus years of selling refrigerators I have seen several mandates by the D.O.E. for increased energy efficiency.  It is not unrealistic to expect your new fridge to pay for itself over the unit's life!

Do refrigerators cost more?  Well, yes, but in terms of "real" dollars you really aren't paying more than you would have twenty-plus years ago for a similar unit.

Dishwashers

Let's talk about the one aspect of today's dishwashers about which I hear the most complaints:  cycle times are so much longer than in the past!!  

This is true.  The average cycle length of a "Normal" cycle is generally a bit over two hours.  Every residential dishwasher in production will have these longer cycle lengths.  The only way to have your dishwasher take less time is to use the "short" or "light" cycle, which usually takes 48-60 minutes.

Fortunately, today's dishwasher offers a host of improvements over older models that hopefully compensate for the cycle time.

• Water consumption and energy use is dramatically reduced.
• Dishwasher interiors have become more roomy, making it easier to fit larger platters and pans.
• Shelf space inside dishwashers has been increased, largely through the use of a third rack available on about half the current models.
• Dishwashers as a group have become quieter, in some cases approaching silence!
• Dishwashers do a better job cleaning by using better filters, strategically placed racks, and internal water heaters to help dissolve grease.

So, while you might be less than thrilled with your new dishwasher's cycle length, at least you can be reassured that your appliance is saving you labor by cleaning your dishes for you.  I find it helpful to remember that my dishwasher is cleaning for me while using gallons less water than if I was washing my hand.

Feel free to reach out via our comments section if you have any questions or thoughts on this!

 Manny's Appliance Blog #4

Refrigeration

Picture this scenario:  It's 7:15 on a Wednesday morning.  You reach into the freezer portion of your kitchen refrigerator to grab some food for your family's various lunches, and you notice the carton of ice cream is soft.  You examine further, and discover the steaks and ice cubes aren't completely frozen. 

Your freezer is failing.   You mutter an expletive or three under your breath.  Now what do you do?

Service options

If your refrigerator is less than a year old, which means your fridge is still under manufacturer's warranty (usually one year parts and labor), then the solution is simple:  You need a service tech.  You can call the manufacturer's toll free number, or go onto their website.  You can also call Manny's service department (855-862-6697), and we can schedule one of our qualified service technicians to come to your house, diagnose, and ultimately repair your appliance.

If your refrigerator is between one and five years old, your options vary.  Perhaps you had the foresight to purchase an extended warranty, either through the fridge's manufacturer or a third party.  If you bought your fridge from Manny's, you might have also purchased one of our extended service plans.  In either of these cases, once again your plan is simple:  Take advantage of the service contract, and get a technician out to your house at no charge to address the fridge's problem!

But... if your refrigerator is out of warranty, the alternatives aren't as easy.  You can call a service tech and pay their diagnostic trip charge (usually $125-$200), and hope the repair is both simple and inexpensive. If you have an older unit, you might decide replacement might be a better option.

Replacement options

If you do decide to replace, Manny's can certainly help you out!

Now, if this happened a couple of years ago, when appliance availability was crippled by both the pandemic and all the well-known supply chain issues, you might have had a more difficult problem, as the fridge you want might well have been unavailable.  I had customers waiting as long as a year, in a few isloated cases even longer, for certain hard-to-find sizes.  Fortunately, choices are much more plentiful than in 2021-22, and in most cases Manny's can get a new, functioning, energy efficient fridge in your home within 3 business days or less!

So.... what do you need to know in order to properly buy the right refrigerator for you home?  Below are the questions your Manny's sales professional will be asking you:

1)  Size - Unlike other appliances such as ranges and dishwashers, refrigerators vary in width, height, and even depth!  If you're looking for one of the more "contemporary" styles such as a French Door style fridge, most models are built for the modern kitchen opening of 69-70" high, 36" wide.  If your kitchen doesn't have that space, your choices become more limited.  Single door models, top or bottom freezer style, will max out at 32 7/8" wide, and are built to fit the older 33" space.   

Whichever style you are thinking about, you definitely want to measure before you buy - a lot of homes in New England have kitchens built for 33" fridges!

2) Style - Refrigerator styles are classified by the location of the freezer: top freezer, side-by-side, single door bottom freezer, or French door bottom freezer.  If you're on a budget, or if this is just a basic fridge for an apartment or the basement, you'll find a traditional top freezer style is the least expensive (and generally the smallest size-wise.) French door fridges, currently the most popular from a design standpoint,  tend to be the most expensive.

One more thing:  if you are considering a full-width refrigerator, there are shallower, "counter-depth" models available.  Expect to pay a small "style premium" to have your fridge not extend as far into your kitchen.

3) Ice - Almost all styles except for top-freezer models come with a pre-installed ice device. Side-by-side models have an external ice and water dispenser in all except for two models.  Single door bottom freezers will normally have an internal icemaker.  French door models are available with a choice of an internal icemaker, or an external ice-and-water dispenser.  You can expect to pay an upcharge for an external dispenser.  Top freezers for the most part do not automatically ship with icemakers, but one is normally available as an add-on.

4) Color - Stainless steel, often coated to cut down on fingerprints, is still the most popular color.   What I call the "stainless alternatives", such as black stainless, slate, black slate, etc., have become more popular the past few years, but are still not as popular as stainless.  White and black are still usually available, but these colors normally sell as single-piece replacements rather than in a new kitchen suite.  

Are you looking for off-white?   Ouch! Bisque is essentially extinct, while the older almond color went the way of the dinosaur and the passenger pigeon almost two decades ago.

A couple of notes regarding today's refrigerators:  

Every fridge on the market is dramatically more efficient than a generation ago. Units that are "energy star" qualified exceed the DOE standard by an additional 15%.  While that may only be $7-10 per year, the Energy Star designation may qualify you for a rebate through your utility company.

https://www.eversource.com/content/residential/save-money-energy/efficient-products/energy-star-appliances

Lighting on the majority of units is LED, which is both whiter and more energy efficient.  

In most cases, the fridge you buy today will be a little deeper than the unit you're replacing.   Be aware of this!  Also, check your doorways and any 90 degree turns into your kitchen.  No one, neither you or we, want to deliver a fridge that doesn't fit!

(If you have any questions, we'll be glad to help!  Contact a sales professional at your nearest Manny's, or reach out to us online.)

 Induction cooking -- What is it?

In recent months, you might have run across an article in the news such as this:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a42490007/gas-oven-ban-stove-top-health-concerns/

Now, just to put your minds at ease, we know of no pending legislation that attempts to outlaw gas ranges, so if gas is your fuel preference when it comes to cooking, with the pinpoint flame control and  instant cool-down, you can go ahead and buy that new gas stove with confidence!

But, perhaps you are concerned about the future of gas ranges.  Or, perhaps you currently own an traditional electric range, but would like to have the ability to instantly adjust the burner heat that only gas cooktops have offered in the past.

Well, there is a solution,  That solution is "Induction cooking".

No doubt by now you've at least heard about, or read an article about, induction electric ranges, You may know someone who has purchased an induction range.  Maybe you have friends or family in Europe, where induction technology has been the norm for decades

So, just what is induction cooking?   This is the best explanation I could find, from an article on Whirlpool's website:

"Induction cooking is a method of cooking that uses a copper coil underneath the cooking surface to generate electromagnetic energy. This energy transfers directly to your cookware to make it hot enough to cook food."

As I said, I think that's a great explanation of the science.  But let's get practical -- what does this do for me, in my kitchen? Just how will an induction range benefit me in my kitchen?

Again, I quote from Whirlpool's article:
https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/what-is-induction-cooking.html

                                                             ***

Speed

Induction cooking allows for fast cooking because the energy transfers directly to the cookware, so little to no hear or energy is lost between the cooking surface and your food.  This means you can boil water or sear food quickly.

Responsivness

Heat adjustments on an induction cooktop or range happen instantly, so you can heat or cool down your pot or pan quickly.

Induction vs. electric cooktops 

While electric and induction cooktops may look the same, they transfer heat differently. Electric cooktops radiate heat from coils beneath the cooking surface through to the bottom of the cookware sitting on top. Induction cooktops transfer energy to create heat directly within a pot or pan.

                                                                ***

Basically, with an induction range you get the pinpoint control of gas - but with so much more power!  Because the cooking vessel itself becomes the heat source, the energy is transferred much more efficiently. Pots of water boil several times faster than an old gas range!  The surface doesn't get hot as it does on traditional electric ranges, so cleanup is easier, as spillovers don't burn on the cooking surface.  The cooking surface is cool within seconds of turning off the stove, so the range is much more kid-friendly!

So, what are the downsides?   Well, the biggest obstacle I hear when customers ask me about this relatively new technology involves their cooking pans.  Yes... your pan has to be able to hold a magnet - either it does, or it doesn't.  Cast iron, and many modern cookware sets, work fine. If you have access to a magnet at home, stick the magnet on the side of your cooking utensil.  If the magnet stays put, you're good to go!

If your pans are not magnetic, it's easy and not that expensive to replace them. Two years ago my wife and I purchased an induction range.  It's easy to spend a lot of money on kitchen gadgets, but she was able to find a full set of useful, induction-ready pans for under $200.

What are the downsides?  First, you will pay more for an induction top range than a traditional model, (but the price will be a LOT less than converting a kitchen from electric to gas!)  Because interest in induction cooking has spiked since the potential pitfalls of gas have been in the news, you may run into a short-term availability issue. Also, the electromagnetic waves may affect people with pacemakers - check with a medical professional to determine whether you can use an induction cooktop.

However, if you cook as a hobby, or even if you cook because you "have to", I think you'll find induction cooking pretty amazing!!

Before signing off, I'd just like to post one more article that gives a balanced looks at induction cooking, including some reasons why this technology hasn't taken off in the U.S. the way it has in other parts of the world.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/why-dont-people-use-induction-cooktops/

If you have any questions on induction (or anything else appliance related for that matter!) please reach out to us, either on this website, or by contacting any of our ten locations.