Benefits of Replacing vs Repairing Small Appliances
When a small kitchen appliance like a coffee maker, blender, or toaster oven stops working properly, you have two options - repair it or replace it. There are pros and cons to each approach. Here we'll look at the key factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your faulty small appliance.
Cost
The most obvious factor is cost. How much will the repair cost compared to the price of buying a new appliance? Repairs can run from $50 to over $100 for more complex fixes. Replacement costs vary greatly by appliance type and features.
| Appliance | Repair Cost Range | Replacement Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Maker | $50 - $70 | $25 - $200 |
| Blender | $60 - $90 | $30 - $700 |
| Toaster Oven | $70 - $110 | $80 - $250 |
As you can see, the cost difference depends greatly on the appliance itself. High-end blenders and specialty coffee makers can get very expensive. Simple toaster ovens and basic coffee makers are relatively cheap to replace.
Appliance Age
How old is the appliance? Older small appliances, especially if they have already had previous repairs, are more likely to continue having problems. At a certain point, no matter how well-built the original appliance, the cost of multiple repairs may outweigh the cost of a new item. If the appliance is less than 2-3 years old, repair may be the better option.
Availability of Parts
Some small appliance repairs are straightforward - replacing a heating element or motor, for example. But if specific internal parts are no longer available for an older model, repair may not be possible. In that case, replacement is your only option.
New Features
If you decide to replace rather than repair your small appliance, you'll have the opportunity to get new features that may not have existed or been affordable when you purchased the original. For example - blenders with preset programs, toaster ovens with convection settings, coffee makers with thermal carafes to keep coffee hotter longer. Upgrading gives you a chance to get the latest innovations.
Warranty
One advantage of a new appliance is that it will come with a manufacturer's warranty, typically 1 year on small appliances. That protects you in case the new item is defective or fails early. Repaired appliances won't come with any warranty other than perhaps a short guarantee on the specific repair work performed.
Environmental Impact
Replacing small appliances creates more waste and uses more resources for manufacturing than repairing. If being eco-friendly is important to you, opting for repair may be the greener choice. However, check that any required replacement parts are still available rather than needing to scrap the whole appliance.
Ultimately the right decision depends on your specific situation - the appliance itself, repair costs and options, your budget, and how important new features or warranty may be to you. Consider both the financial and environmental pros and cons when deciding whether to repair or replace your malfunctioning small kitchen appliances.
Top Tips for Cleaning Small Appliance Parts
Regular cleaning of internal and external parts is key for keeping your small kitchen appliances running efficiently and extending their lifespan. Here are some expert tips for properly cleaning various small appliance components.
Coffee Maker
- Clean the carafe - Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth soaked in a vinegar solution to remove coffee stains and buildup.
- Descale the water reservoir - Fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water. Run multiple brew cycles to dissolve mineral deposits. Rinse thoroughly.
- Clean the filter basket - Remove built up coffee grounds and oils using a small brush. Soak in vinegar solution if needed.
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Blender
- Wash removable blade assembly - Avoid cutting yourself on the sharp blades! Hand wash with warm soapy water using a bottle brush.
- Sanitize blender jar - Fill halfway with warm water and add 1-2 tbsp of bleach. Blend on low for 30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly.
- Wipe motor base - Unplug and use a damp cloth to remove any splatters or spills from the base.
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Toaster Oven
- Degrease the interior - Mix baking soda and water into a spreadable paste. Spread over interior walls. Let sit for 10 minutes before wiping away grease.
- Clean door glass - Use glass cleaner or mix equal parts vinegar and water. Wipe with a soft cloth.
- Remove crumbs - Unplug toaster oven. Use a small vacuum crevice attachment to suck up crumbs.
General Tips
- Unplug appliance before cleaning.
- Read instruction manual for any special cleaning precautions.
- Allow all parts to dry fully before reassembling and using appliance.
- For stubborn mineral buildup use diluted white vinegar.
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads/cleaners which can damage surfaces.
- Clean exterior surfaces with a mild soap and damp cloth.
- Replace any worn or corroded parts.
Regular, careful cleaning according to manufacturer guidelines will keep your small appliances looking and working like new. Refer to your instruction manuals for detailed cleaning recommendations for your specific models.
Guide to Finding Replacement Parts for Your Small Appliances
Eventually many small kitchen appliances will need a replacement part due to normal wear and tear. Finding the right replacement part can be frustrating when dealing with older or obscure model appliances. Here are some tips to help locate the parts you need.
Check Manufacturer Website
Most appliance manufacturers have replacement parts available on their official website. Search for the specific model number to find compatible replacement parts like heating elements, blade assemblies, knobs, etc. Examples:
- Cuisinart - https://www.cuisinart.com/service-support/product-assistance/
- KitchenAid - https://kitchenaid.custhelp.com/app/parts
- Hamilton Beach - https://www.hamiltonbeach.com/parts-accessories
Look for Generic Replacement Parts
Many small appliance parts like timers, motors, and heating coils can be replaced with generic, universal components. Search appliance parts websites using the part name or number rather than your specific model number.
Try Appliance Repair Stores
Physical appliance parts stores may have a wider selection than their online inventory. Bring your make and model information to see if they have compatible components for your repair. Established stores like Pacific Appliance Supply have decades of part sourcing expertise.
Search eBay and Other Online Marketplaces
People often sell used small appliance parts through eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc. Search using your model number plus keywords like "spare parts", "replacement parts", or the specific defective part name.
Find a Reconditioned/Refurbished Appliance
Sometimes entire used/reconditioned appliances are available for less than a single new replacement part. Check eBay, Craigslist, or stores like Habitat for Humanity ReStore for affordable used small appliances you can scavenge repair parts from.
The key is using all the available information - brand, model number, part names/numbers, serial number, etc. With patience you can likely find even hard-to-locate small appliance components. Consider keeping spare common replacement parts like heating elements and motor switches on hand for future quick repairs.
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DIY Small Appliance Repairs - What You Can Do Yourself
Don't be intimidated by fixing your own small kitchen appliances. Many basic repairs can easily be done at home without professional help. Here are some examples of common small appliance fixes you can likely tackle yourself.
Coffee Maker
- Descaling - Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Run multiple cycles through the coffee maker to clear mineral buildup.
- Adjust/replace the water filter - Turn off water supply, unscrew filter housing, remove old filter, replace with new one.
- Unclog the shower head - Use a straightened paperclip to clear any blockages in the tiny spray holes.
Blender
- Replace rubber gasket/seal on blender jar - Pop off the old gasket, clean surface thoroughly, apply new gasket.
- Replace drive belt - Locate motor pulley and belt. Carefully loop new belt around pulley and reinstall any protective covers.
- Sharpen blades - Remove blades and use a whetstone to carefully sharpen dull edges.
Toaster Oven
- Replace interior light bulb - Unplug unit, locate bulb cover screw, swap in new bulb, reassemble.
- Repair/replace hinges - Remove hinge pin, grease hinge joints, replace any obviously worn parts.
- Replace heating element - Unplug oven, remove racks, detach wiring from element, swap in new piece, rewire.
Useful DIY Repair Tips
- Carefully read manufacturer provided repair/service manuals when available.
- Take pictures/label wires before dismantling anything complex.
- Test appliances briefly after completing a repair to verify success.
- Unplug unit before doing any disassembly or electrical work.
- Wear gloves when handling heating elements or blades.
- Have basic tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers available.
With some research into your specific appliance issue, basic mechanical skills, and proper safety precautions, many minor small appliance repairs can become DIY projects. Consult manufacturer guidelines and repair videos online for step-by-step tutorials on your particular appliance model.
How to get an Amazon Prime subscription for a profit in "Small Appliance Parts & Accessories"
Amazon Prime provides fast, free shipping on millions of products, which can be very useful when ordering small appliance parts and accessories. Here are some tips to get an Amazon Prime membership without paying full price:
Use an Amazon Household
Amazon Household allows two adults and up to four teens/children to share Prime benefits. Split the $139 annual fee with someone you trust. Each person gets their own login, but you share the free shipping and other Prime perks.
Take Advantage of Free Trials
New Amazon customers can get a 30 day free Prime trial. Sign up with a new email or household member's account to access Prime shipping perks for small appliance parts orders. Just be sure to cancel before the month ends if you don't want to pay.
Use an Amazon Gift Card
Amazon frequently offers Prime discounts for redeeming gift card points or signing up with a gift card. A $100 gift card might get you a year of Prime for just $39. Buy discounted Amazon gift cards from retailers to lower the effective Prime cost.
Qualify for a Discount
Students, EBT card holders, and other groups may qualify for discounted Prime rates like $7.99 per month. See if you can take advantage of one of these reduced Prime plans to save money.
Split the Cost
Go in with friends or family on a Prime membership. Split the cost so each person pays just $10-15 per year. Create separate logins under Amazon Household to manage your own orders and shipping.
With a bit of creativity, you can gain all the Prime benefits at a significant discount or even free trial period. The fast, reliable shipping can save time and expense when ordering those needed small appliance repair parts.
How To Troubleshoot Common Issues With Small Appliance Parts And Accessories??
Here are some basic troubleshooting tips for small appliance parts and accessories:
What Are Some Common Issues With Small Appliance Parts And Accessories??
Common issues with small appliance parts and accessories can vary depending on the type of appliance, but here are some general problems that may occur:
