Bosch

If you’re debating between fridges, check out our breakdown of picking between an interior and exterior water dispenser.

<p>When looking for a refrigerator with a water dispenser, we all envision that ice-cold water coming from the tap whenever we feel the need to quench our thirsts. And when it comes to fridge water dispensers, there are two different options you can choose from: interior and exterior.</p>
<p>An interior water dispenser is located inside the refrigerator (typically at the very top), and can only be accessed by opening the door, whereas an external water dispenser provides water and/or ice through the refrigerator door. The main difference between the two is essentially the appearance and location; however, they both offer unique features that make them individually stand out.</p>
<p><img alt="Water &amp; ice buttons on a refrigerator." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Fridge-dispenser-header.jpg" title="SweetBabeeJay" width="700" /></p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re deciding on a new fridge but can&rsquo;t land on which type of water dispenser is best for you, check out our breakdown of what to look for when choosing between an interior and exterior water dispenser.</p>
<h2><strong></strong><strong>Interior Water Dispenser</strong></h2>
<p>If you know you&rsquo;re getting a new fridge but are debating where you want the water dispenser to be located, let us plead our case for the interior. Rather than being installed into the door, interior dispensers fit discreetly on the refrigerator wall with the ice-maker located inside the freezer.</p>
<p><img alt="Filling the water tank inside of fridge." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Fridge-dispenser-interior.jpg" title="gerenme" /></p>
<p>And while having to open the fridge door for access every time isn&rsquo;t the most convenient, placing the dispenser within the fridge prevents water spills on the refrigerator surface &ndash; meaning those hard-to-clean water stains are virtually non-existent! Along with helping keep the outside of your fridge clean, some other key features for interior water dispensers include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Ice-maker frees up more space in the fridge compartment.</li>
<li>Provides a clean aesthetic of a solid refrigerator front.</li>
<li>Ability to fill large containers with water or ice due to less space restrictions.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong></strong><strong>Exterior Water Dispenser</strong></h2>
<p>On the other hand, if you live in a busier household where the fridge is frequented often and water is in even greater demand, you may enjoy the easy access of an external water dispenser. Located directly on the fridge door, exterior water dispensers are hands-down the most convenient way to get water (or ice) in your home.</p>
<p><img alt="Exterior refrigerator ice and water dispenser."  src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Fridge-dispenser-exterior.jpg" title="JaysonPhotography" width="700" /></p>
<p>On top of convenience, many refrigerators with external water dispensers have been designed to maximize user experience by including modern features like a second ice maker. And while exterior dispensers may not provide the most seamless look, many brands will relocate the ice-maker from the refrigerator compartment, to inside the door, in order to maximize fridge capacity. Along with these features, other key characteristics of external water dispensers are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Outside access helps retain cold temperatures inside the refrigerator and freezer.</li>
<li>Simple functionality and easy access.</li>
<li>More energy efficient than an interior dispenser.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Which One is Best for You?</strong></h2>
<div>
<p>Buying a new fridge is a huge investment and something you&rsquo;ll rely on for many years to come. Choosing which type of water dispenser that comes equipped with it can also be a crucial task, but at the end of the day, interior and external dispensers are completely based on your personal preference.</p>
<p><img alt="Couple choosing new refrigerator in appliance store."  src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Fridge-dispenser-outro.jpg" title="JackF" width="700" /></p>
</div>
<p>Having knowledge of both styles can be very helpful when making a decision on your next refrigerator purchase, but all in all, both options will efficiently serve up refreshing water (and potentially ice) for you day after day. If you have any questions about these dispensers and think&nbsp;it&rsquo;s the perfect time to purchase a new fridge, <avb-link data-href="https://www.carlsappliance.net/contacts" target="_blank">contact us today</avb-link> or <avb-link data-href="https://www.carlsappliance.net/catalog/refrigeration/" target="_blank">shop our catalog of high-quality refrigerators from top appliance brands.</avb-link></p>

Interior vs. Exterior Fridge Water Dispensers: Which is Better?

Agitators and impellers, both found in top-loading washing machines, move and clean clothes in two distinctive ways. Which is right for you?

<p>When deciding on a new top-loading washing machine, you will need to choose between two different styles: agitator and impeller washers. Agitators and impellers are both found in top-loading washing machines, however, they move and clean clothes in two unique and distinctive ways. Both types of washers will help you conquer that mountain of laundry, it&rsquo;s just a matter of how that makes all the difference.</p>
<p>So, which style will help you get through laundry day the best? Check out our head-to-head breakdown and key factors of choosing between an agitator or impeller washer.</p>
<h2><strong>How Do They Both Clean?</strong></h2>
<p>To start things off, let&rsquo;s break down how these two types of washer cleaning styles differ from each other. You are probably more familiar with a washing machine with an agitator because they have been around for a longer amount of time (and that&rsquo;s okay!)</p>
<p>Over the years, advances in washer technology have ensured that agitators can take on your toughest loads, without being too tough on your clothes. Traditional agitators are tall spindles located in the center of the wash basket that twist (or agitate) back and forth, rubbing against the clothes to help break down dirt and other particles.</p>
<p>On the flip side, a washing machine with an impeller does things slightly different than an agitator. Impellers are low-profile cones or discs that spin and rotate to rub clothes against each other to get them clean. They also use less motion and water than a washer with an agitator. Impeller washers are designed so that the laundry has more room to move in order to enhance the friction between clothes, which helps in delivering a gentle, yet thorough clean.</p>
<p><strong><img alt="Top-loaded washer filled with an assortment of clothes." height="466" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Washer-Comparison-Laundry.jpg" title="iStock: Mitshu" width="700" />&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2><strong>How Do They Compare?</strong></h2>
<p>Before making your final decision, you will have several options and features to compare when it comes to the wash action and cleaning power of these two washers. Now that you&rsquo;re aware of the two potential washing mechanisms for handling your dirty laundry, let&rsquo;s break down how the two stack up against each other.</p>
<p>Agitator washer key features:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rubs against clothes to break down tough stains and clean.</li>
<li>Familiar functionality.</li>
<li>Wash basket rotates for a hard-hitting clean.</li>
<li>Shorter overall wash times.</li>
<li>Soaks clothes with water recirculated from the wash/rinse cycle.</li>
</ul>
<p><img alt="Top view of agitator washer empty with a shiny metal wash basket." height="432" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Washer-Comparison-Agitator.jpg" title="iStock Credit: SweetBabeeJay" width="700" />&nbsp;</p>
<p>Impeller washer key features:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rubs clothes against each other for thorough and gentle clean.</li>
<li>More room in the wash basket for bulky articles and easier loading/unloading.</li>
<li>Wash basket rotates for a deeper clean.</li>
<li>Shorter dry times.</li>
<li>Soaks clothes with water recirculated from the wash/rinse cycle.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;<img alt="Top view of empty impeller washer with a shiny metal wash basket. " height="524" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Washer-Comparison-Impeller.jpg" title="iStock Credit: pkanchana" width="700" /></p>
<h2><strong></strong><strong>Which One is Best for You?</strong></h2>
<p>Okay, now that we&rsquo;ve compared the two, it&rsquo;s clear that agitator and impeller washers are both decked out with modernized features to help get you through laundry day. But the question still remains: Which washer is just right for you and your lifestyle?</p>
<p>Whether you are sanitizing gym clothes, cleaning coffee stains out of your favorite jeans, or making sure you have clean sheets for the week, both agitator and impeller models can help you get the dirtiest of jobs done with ease. With both agitator and impeller washer&rsquo;s impressive cleaning performances, energy efficiency, capacity, and convenience being extremely similar, your decision really lands on your personal preference &ndash; and that&rsquo;s it! Both washers will get the job done efficiently, it&rsquo;s just a matter of which style or brand you want to commit to!</p>
<p>If you have any questions about these comparisons and think&nbsp;it might be time to purchase a new washer, <a href="https://www.carlsappliance.net/contacts/" target="_blank">contact us today</a> or shop our <a href="https://www.carlsappliance.net/catalog/washers/" target="_blank">catalog of high-quality washing machines</a> from America&rsquo;s top appliance brands.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Impeller vs. Agitator Washer: Which is Best for You?

In the battle between hard food disposer versus filtration system, which team are you on? Let us help you decide in this blog! 

<p>Shopping for a dishwasher comes with its own list of important questions. Do you want a third rack? Is quiet operation more important for you? Which brands have the best performance? These are the obvious questions that most buyers focus on, but as anyone who&rsquo;s done any appliance shopping can attest, there&rsquo;s an equally substantial list of features that go largely unnoticed.</p>
<p>To that point, do you know the difference between a hard food disposer vs. a filtration system? At first glance, many assume the two are distinct functions on standard dishwashers when, in fact, the two serve largely the same purpose: ridding your dishwasher of food particles.</p>
<p>Still, the two use different methods to clean your dishwasher, and unless you&rsquo;re aware, you could be operating your dishwasher incorrectly. Follow along to see how.</p>
<p><img alt="dishwasher door ajar with full top rack slightly extended "src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/dishwasher-door-ajar.jpg" title="Credit: Di_Studio" /></p>
<h2>How a Dishwasher Food Disposer Works</h2>
<p>Much like your sink&rsquo;s garbage disposal, dishwashers with a hard food disposer pulverize food particles and then clear them from the water before it&rsquo;s recirculated into the wash. On top of eliminating the need to manually clean the filter (i.e., it&rsquo;s maintenance-free), hard food disposers also ensure spray arms and water pipes remain free of debris. As a result, dishwashers with built-in disposers boast spotless performance and keep your drains and pipes from getting clogged.<p><img alt="product image of hard food dishwasher disposal " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/hard-food-dishwasher-disposal.jpg" title="Credit: SweetBabeeJay" /></p></p>
<h2>How a Dishwasher Filtration System Works</h2>
<p>The alternative to hard food disposers is a dishwasher filtration system that collects food particles in a basin at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. On more advanced dishwasher models, the filtration system is comprised of an ultra-mesh filter that essentially emulsifies foods down to miniscule particles. From there, they are rinsed through a kitchen&rsquo;s pipes, leaving the remaining wash water clean.</p><p>&nbsp;<img alt="fine mesh dishwasher filter shown removed from tub"  src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/removed-dishwasher-filter.jpg" title="Credit: pashapixel"  /></p>
<p>Still, even basic, dishwasher filtration systems produce effective results at the small expense of manual cleaning. Depending on how often a dishwasher is used, that could be once every couple of weeks up to a month. While not maintenance-free, when it comes to the cost difference between built-in disposer dishwashers and disposer-less dishwashers, many buyers consider the latter a more-than-considerable trade-off.</p>
<h2>Dishwasher Filtration System vs. Dishwasher Disposer</h2>
<p><img alt="man and woman crouch to inspect new dishwasher" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/man-woman-inspecting-dishwasher.jpg" title="Credit: Extreme Media"  /></p>
<p>All in all, no matter which dishwasher you use, achieving the best performance comes down to understanding how to operate your dishwasher. On top of following the manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations, most dishwasher experts suggest using rinse aid during every cycle and resisting the urge to rinse off dinnerware (this helps guard dishes from powerful detergent enzymes).</p>
<p>Still, there are some considerations when it comes to a dishwasher with a filtration system versus one with a built-in disposer.</p>
<p>For one, many manufacturers are making the switch to manual filters because of how much quieter they are compared to dishwasher disposers. While factors such as a stainless-steel tub or inline drive motor can help reduce a dishwasher&rsquo;s noise level, a hard food disposer may still be too noisy for some.</p>
<p>However, because they are maintenance-free, users enjoy being able to operate disposer dishwashers without the residual odors or clogging that often happens with filter dishwashers. Additionally, a blocked dishwasher filter can also decrease water pressure and flow, leaving washes ineffective. When this occurs, users are forced to first troubleshoot the issue, fix it, then run a wash cycle again, costing extra time and money.</p>
<h3>Final Takeaway</h3>
<p>While buyers can anticipate there being fewer built-in disposer dishwashers on the market, many domestic brands continue to manufacture models with the feature, providing shoppers with more options. Ultimately, it all comes down to whether or not you mind using a little elbow grease, or if you expect your dishwasher to do it all for you.</p>
<h2>Shop Where Reliability Comes Standard</h2>
<p>Thankfully, we&rsquo;re here to help you find a dependable, new dishwasher that meets your needs and taste in style. Start your search with us &mdash; we&rsquo;re stocked with a <a href="https://www.carlsappliance.net/catalog/dishwashers/" target="_blank">wide category of dishwashers</a> from brands you know and trust! Shop, browse, and compare online or in-store today!&nbsp;</p>
<p><img alt="father and child unload clean dishes out of dishwasher " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/father-child-unload-dishwasher.jpg" title="father-child-unload-dishwasher" /></p>

Dishwasher Showdown: Hard Food Disposer vs. Filtration

Once you begin to understand your dryer cycles, you can begin to dry loads of laundry with confidence. Here are six common dryer cycles explained. 

<p>Laundry day might not be everyone&rsquo;s favorite time of the week, and when you add in confusing cycle names, doing a simple load can feel like learning a foreign language. We understand: You want to be able to wear your clothes as long as possible, but you&rsquo;re unsure which dryer cycles can help you to do so.</p>
<p>Luckily, with just a little know-how, you can confidently select the right dryer cycle to give your garments the proper drying they deserve. Here are six dryer cycles you should know before you <a href="https://www.carlsappliance.net/catalog/dryers/" target="_blank">dry your next load</a>.</p>
<p><img alt="shot from inside dryer of man in red shirt with onesie" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/dryer-internal-onesie.jpg" title="iStock Credit: monkeybusinessimages" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Regular/Timed Cycle</h2>
<p>Since this is the hottest dryer setting, it should be reserved for only the toughest fabrics, like sheets and bedding, towels, jeans, and sweatpants. During a Timed cycle, you can choose how long to dry your clothes, making it particularly convenient for busy households.</p>
<p>You should also be aware that the high-heat conditions from the Regular cycle can cause fabrics to fade. While this is bad for colors, it is effective at getting whites exceptionally clean.</p>
<p><img alt="woman selecting dryer cycle using dryer rotary knob" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/dryer-rotary-knob.jpg" title="iStock Credit: Kateryna Kukota" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Automatic Cycle</h2>
<p>Some of the latest dryers are now equipped with special moisture sensors that automatically monitor the dryness of your clothes rather than running on a timer (regardless of how dry or damp your load is). Once the sensors determine your clothes are dry, the cycle will either stop or continue to air dry for a few minutes after, depending on the brand and model.</p>
<p>The extra tumbling after the dry is particularly convenient in helping prevent wrinkles from forming, since clothes that are cooler tend to resist wrinkling better than clothes that are hot. Keep in mind, much like the Regular cycle, the Automatic cycle is probably the hottest setting on your dryer, and should only be used on select fabrics.</p>
<h2>Permanent Press Cycle</h2>
<p>Back in the &rsquo;50s, the permanent press method for treating clothes to resist wrinkles had been largely improved. As a result, more clothes were permanently pressed, and in order to properly care for them, manufacturers developed the Permanent Press cycle on both washers and dryers.</p>
<p>Generally, synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, rayon, nylon, and spandex should only be dried on the Permanent Press cycle. With gentle tub rotation and medium heat, the Permanent Press dryer cycle is easy on clothes and does not set wrinkles.</p>
<p><img alt="wrinkled men&rsquo;s shirts in an assortment of colors " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/wrinkled-mens-shirts.jpg" title="iStock Credit: bonetta" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Air Fluff Cycle</h2>
<p>As its name suggests, the Air Fluff cycle pulls in air from the room to give your items a little refresher. Keep in mind, the Air Fluff cycle does not use heat, and therefore fabrics that may be wet will not completely dry. This is especially convenient for items like comforters, down-filled pillows, or puffy coats that don&rsquo;t necessarily need a cleaning, just a touch-up.</p>
<h2>Delicate/Gentle Cycle</h2>
<p>First, let&rsquo;s clarify: Even though the Delicate cycle suggests it can be used for garments that require special care, particularly delicate items (like women&rsquo;s undergarments) should never be dried in a dryer.</p>
<p>However, other specialty fabrics, including rayon and silk, <em>should</em> be dried on the Delicate cycle. Surprisingly, the Delicate cycle is best for high-performance fabrics, including sportswear and upholstery that could damage or fray under high-heat conditions.</p>
<p>Additionally, the Gentle cycle also helps preserve delicate detailing on garments, from beading, sequins, and embroidery, to iron-on transfers and decals.</p>
<p><img alt="mother sitting cross-legged holding folded sweatshirts smiles at daughter holding laundry basket" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/mother-daughter-happy-laundry.jpg" title="iStock Credit: Choreograph" width="700" /></p>
<h2>Steam Cycle</h2>
<p>One of the latest dryer features is the ability to create steam to quickly freshen up garments. Think of it as dry cleaner right in your dryer. While steam won&rsquo;t leave your clothes as dry as other cycles, the steam is effective in removing odors from clothes and can even help get rid of wrinkles. And don&rsquo;t worry, despite the myths, the steam dryer cycle will not shrink your clothes (that happens in the washer with really hot water).</p>
<h2>All Savings, No Fluff</h2>
<p>All in all, the biggest risk to your laundry is an outdated or ineffective dryer that will ultimately end up costing you more time and money. With a wide selection of dryers at <a href="https://www.carlsappliance.net/contacts/" target="_blank">affordable prices in your area</a>, finding a <a href="https://www.carlsappliance.net/catalog/dryers/" target="_blank">new dryer</a> to keep up with your laundry days is as easy as browsing our catalog. <a href="https://www.carlsappliance.net/catalog/laundry/" target="_blank">Shop and compare online or in-store</a> today!</p>

Decoded: Common Dryer Cycles, Explained

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Interior vs. Exterior Fridge Water Dispensers: Which is Better?

Impeller vs. Agitator Washer: Which is Best for You?

Dishwasher Showdown: Hard Food Disposer vs. Filtration

Decoded: Common Dryer Cycles, Explained

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