Kitchen Appliances: Save a Little Green

Why You Shouldn't Purchase the Cheapest Kitchen Appliances

When we purchase small kitchen appliances we don't often give them the same consideration as their larger counterparts, such as washing machines or refrigerators. Aspects such as energy efficiency, quality components, craftsmanship and manufacturer warranties don't seem to factor into the equation for many apathetic shoppers. "Just give us the cheapest!" the masses seem to chant. Plus, with the economy slumping for yet another year, an ever increasing number of people are searching for the cheapest kitchen appliances they can find; however, this is not as cost-effective as it initially seems. There are many factors to consider and most of them require us to look ahead some years. After all, isn't the lack of foresight what got us into this economic embarrassment in the first place?

As it happens, the many reasons to not purchase cheap kitchen appliances online (or from wholesale stores) are actually positive to you! Here are some great incentives to making those considerate steps to a greener future.  

What are Energy Efficient Kitchen Appliances?

When we speak of cheap kitchen appliances versus quality kitchen appliances, a big factor is the unit's energy efficiency ratio or EER. This is a measure of efficiency that divides the output by watts used. The higher the EER rating, the more energy efficient the appliance. A higher quality kitchen appliance will most likely have a more efficient design, intentionally developed, so the company will receive positive publicity. As a consumer, you also benefit from the savings on electricity and gas bills. These kitchen appliances are easy to identify from the ENERGY STAR stamp of approval most of us are familiar with. Purchasing a cheaper model may save you a bit of money upfront, say $10 to $100, but over time these tend to devour energy. The money you saved from the initial purchase can quickly dissipate, instead the cost will proliferate, from bloated electricity bills.Suddenly those "savings" look slimmer, don't they?

Rebates or Discounts for Kitchen Appliances

Most of us already know that for large kitchen appliances there are plenty of reasons for consumers to smile when it comes to tax returns. The IRS, for example, has a special place in its heart for biomass stoves used for heating water with a credit for up to $1,500 (or 30 percent of the total cost). Yet, when it comes to your toaster or microwave they seem to hold their noses high.

However, some electric utilities do offer occasional rebates and discounts on energy efficient products. Make sure to regularly check with your supplier for deals on certain kitchen appliances so you can start saving! By planning purchases with solid research, you'll save on the rebate but also from avoiding impulse buys.

And while a lack of a federal tax credit for your smaller kitchen appliances may not be available, there are still indirect ways of saving. Manufacturers of these kitchen appliances are actually eligible for tax breaks. The premise here is that the government gives the company the tax credit and in return they pass the savings on to you in the form of price reductions, longer warranties, and increased availability. 

Quality VS. Quantity: Kitchen Appliances

What is the difference between plastic and stainless steel construction? Well, apart from the price - a whole lot actually. The basic breakdown goes like this: if it's made with better materials or expert craftsmanship, it will last longer, perform better, and make life easier on you!

Cheap kitchen appliances are going to break, quickly. Imagine spending your hard-earned $19.95 on a coffee maker only to discover, after several months, the unit leaks from melted, cracked plastic. Sure, you could return to buy another for under $20 or you could cough up a mere twenty bucks extra for years of durability. Try to resist the miser's urge and invest your earnings!

If not from cheap housing, other ways to be cheated out of money is by unit's without automatic power cut-off, energy saver mode, or similar features. Kitchen appliances with shameful construction may even pose safety threats or fire hazards to you, your family, or your home.  Weigh the cost of a cheap toaster against the loss of your home.

Are Good Kitchen Appliances Much More Expensive?

The answer: not necessarily! Many times we purchase based on name recognition. Often this is because the name is credible, but often it is also for bragging rights. Come on, you know it's true! In fact, if you were to search for Earth-friendly kitchen appliances with the ENERGY STAR stamp of approval, you may be surprised. Many are offered by companies you'd never have expected.

If you're still a stickler for price tags, watch for kitchen appliances that have recently gone on sale or purchase from a retailer that doesn't sadistically mark-up prices. Online kitchen appliance retailers will often offer discount codes while local stores may carry overstock.  You can always purchase quality for less if you know how to do it.

Kitchen Appliances for a Better Earth Unite!

According to the State Environmental Resource Center global energy consumption rose by approximately 70 percent - and this all occurred between 1970 and 1998! Imagine how much of this went towards household kitchen appliancesand the manufacturing industry.  As Newton's third law of motion states, "to every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction," the more energy we consume, the less available these resources become. Supposing that we had enough natural gas and oil to last for generations, factors such as political climate and economic health would still come into play.

In addition, the increases in energy use means a parallel increase in emissions, greenhouse gasses, smog, climate change, and unnecessary risks to human health. Where do kitchen appliances come into the picture? By purchasing energy efficient, long-lasting kitchen appliances. Less energy plus less waste mean considerate steps forward!

Most of these reasons should move you to stop wasting money on the cheapest kitchen appliances and start investing in quality goods. Make smart financial decisions even on such a seemingly small scale. After all, the average woman will spend a total of three years, that's 19 days per year, of her life in a kitchen! The average man spends 514 days of his total life with kitchen appliances.

This, of course, varies by the individual and culture, but adds up to a lot of energy consumed and a whole lot of $19.95 coffee makers! So save a little green for the planet and your wallet the next time you look to purchase kitchen appliances .