Appliance Glossaries

Glossary: Refrigerators

Built-in water filter
A water filter, included with many icemakers, is intended to reduce levels of lead, chlorine, and other impurities. A filter usually adds to the fridge's cost, so have your tap water tested to see if you really need one. Change about every six months; filter cartridge replacement costs range from $30 to $40, plus shipping.

Cabinet-depth
Cabinet-depth models usually measure 27 to 28 inches deep, not quite flush with the cabinets, but at least three inches shallower than many standard 36-inch-wide models. You can get models with stainless exteriors or panel kits.

Child lock-out for dispenser
This feature, usually a button or switch, allows you to disable the ice and water dispensers. The icemaker continues to work while the dispensers are disabled.

Door style
While most fridges have a flat, textured "skin," some have a smooth, curved surface that can't accept custom panels.

Energy star
Appliances earning this designation use at least 10 percent less energy than the maximum allowed by the Department of Energy.

Exterior depth (in.)
Our measurement, rounded up to the nearest inch. We include tubing or other protrusions in the back, but exclude the handle. (We measured only tested models, but the similar models we list should have the same dimensions.)

Exterior height (in.)
Our measurement, including the top hinge, and rounded up to the nearest inch. (We measured only tested models, but the similar models we list should have the same dimensions.) Built-in models have the compressor on top, making them about a foot taller than regular refrigerators. They fit flush with cabinets and counters.

Exterior width (in.)
Our measurement, including all protrusions, and rounded up to the nearest inch. (We measured only tested models, but the similar models we list should have the same dimensions.)

Freezer light
Available on most models.

Freezer usable (cu. ft)
Our measurement of usable volume.

French-door
French door models are bottom-freezer refrigerators whose upper compartments have two narrow doors that open similarly to the doors of a side-by-side refrigerator. These narrower doors use less space in front of the refrigerator when opened, and allow access to either or both sides of the full-width fresh-food compartment. Typically more expensive, French-door models are usually 36 inches wide, though some newer models are 33 inches wide.

Fridge usable (cu. ft.)
Our measurement of usable volume.

Gallon storage on door
Door shelf can accommodate a standard one-gallon plastic milk container and makes for easier access to beverages.

Half or split shelves
Half shelves, typically found on top-freezer or bottom-freezer models, can be set at the same height to provide a full-width shelf or can be set to different heights to improve storing flexibility. Split shelves, found on some side-by-sides, allow one side either to fold under the back half, fold up and out of the way, or move right to left. This leaves extra headroom for tall items.

Ice dispenser
Side-by-side models typically have through-the-door service. This adds about $100 to the price--and according to our repair data, may also add reliability problems.

Icemaker
Typically makes 3 to 4 pounds of ice a day--but according to our repair data, an icemaker may also add reliability problems. Some higher-end models have a feature to speed ice-making, which produces as much as twice the amount in the same time. Many models offer the option for crushed ice in addition to standard cubes.

Price
An approximate retail price.

Pullout shelves/bins
These let you reach items in the back more easily. Some refrigerators have these features in both the freezer and main compartment.

Spill guard on shelves
Raised border on glass sealed shelves prevents liquids from traveling.

Stainless/SS-look option
Stainless-steel is stylish, but it shows fingerprints. Another option: a vinyl-covered metal finish that gives you a stainless-steel look but resists smudging.

Temperature controlled meat/deli bin
Keeps meat, fish, and cold cuts at around 32 degrees--several degrees colder than the rest of the fridge with a separate control. This feature generally does what it's supposed to, unless the thermostat in the main compartment is set too high.

Total usable capacity (cu. ft.)
Usable capacity is the volume, in cubic feet, of usable interior space, based on our measurements. We included ice-makers in the storage measurements for top-freezer and bottom-freezer models, but not for side-by-sides.

Touchpad controls
In some models, you can use an electronic touchpad to adjust the temperature settings. In some higher-end models, the display will show the actual temperature.

Type:

Top-freezer models: The eye-level freezer offers easy access. Fairly wide refrigerator shelves make it easy to reach the back, but you have to bend to reach the bottom shelves. Top-freezer models are generally less expensive to buy and run-and more space-efficient-than comparably sized side-by-side models.

Side-by-side models: Part of both the main compartment and the freezer are at eye level, where it's easy to reach. Side-by-sides are the most fully featured with through-the-door ice and water dispensers, temperature-controlled bins, and rapid ice-making cycles among the most requested. Narrow doors are handy in tight spaces. High, narrow compartments make finding stray items easy in front (harder in the back), but they may not hold items such as a sheet cake or a large turkey. Compared with top- and bottom-freezer models, a higher proportion of capacity goes to freezer space. They're much more expensive than similar-sized top-freezer models and are less space- and energy-efficient.

Bottom-freezer models: These put frequently used items at eye level. Fairly wide refrigerator shelves provide easy access. Though you must bend to locate items in the freezer, even with models featuring a pull-out basket, you will probably do less bending overall because the refrigeration compartment is at eye level.

Cabinet-depth models or built-in look: Cabinet-depth models usually measure 27 to 28 inches deep, not quite flush with the cabinets, but at least three inches shallower than many standard 36-inch-wide models. You can get models with stainless exteriors or panel kits. Built-in models are only slightly deeper than a standard, 24-inch kitchen cabinet. They are higher than standard refrigerators, around 7 feet tall, so you may not want cabinetry above, and they have no finished sides. While many built-ins come with stainless steel front doors, others give you the option of adding a front panel that matches cabinets. That can cost $400 or more.

Uniquely adjustable shelves
Shelves that can be moved up and down without removing food. An example is a shelf that adjusts by rotating a crank handle.

Water dispenser
On side-by-side models, the water dispenser is normally accessible from the outside as part of the ice and water dispenser. On top and bottom-freezer models with a water dispenser, it is normally located in the fresh food compartment.

Glossary: Washing machines

Auto bleach dispenser
Automatic Bleach dispenser releases the bleach at the proper point in the cycle, giving the detergent additives sufficient time to work.

Auto detergent dispenser
Automatic Detergent dispenser releases the detergent at the proper point in the cycle.

Auto fabric softener dispenser
Automatic Fabric Softener dispenser releases the fabric softener at the proper point in the cycle.

Auto soak
A feature that provides a set time for soaking, then automatically moves into the wash cycle without further action on your part.

Auto temp. control
This feature automatically mixes hot and cold water to reach the chosen wash temperature (which differs on various makes of washers). It's a good way to compensate for normal variations in tap-water temperature and prevents problems caused by water that's too cold, which keeps detergent from working properly.

Automatic lock
Prevents the lid on top-loaders from being opened during the spin cycle; may be useful in households with children. Most front-loaders lock at the beginning of a cycle but usually can be opened by interrupting the cycle.

Brand
This gives the make and model number. The bracketed letter or number is a color code.

Cycle indicator
Some washers have lights indicating the stage of the cycle, which can be helpful. Displays indicating time remaining may not always be precise, in our experience.

Dimensions (in.)
The exterior measurements of the washer with the door or lid closed, in inches. Be sure to allow a few extra inches in the rear for hoses and connections.

End of cycle signal
Sounds a bell or chime when the wash is done. Useful when the washer is in the basement or garage, or otherwise out of sight. On some models you can turn off the signal or adjust the volume.

Express or quick wash
The shortest possible cycle.

Extended spin
An extra spin, can be useful to extend the spinning time, perhaps extracting more moisture from heavy items like towels.

Extra rinse cycle
This feature can be useful for those with a sensitivity to detergent and others who find one rinse insufficient.

Internal water heater
On some washers, an internal heater brings water to higher temperature than the home's domestic water heater provides, for a sanitize cycle, for example. Generally doesn't improve performance enough to warrant any increase in the washer's cost. Some compact washers may accept only cold water and have an internal water heater to allow for a hot-water wash.

Porcelain top/lid
A porcelain top/lid resists scratching better than a painted one but generally adds to a washer's cost. Painted tops, far more common, are often quite durable in normal use.

Price
An approximate retail price.

Push button
The desired cycle and options are selected by pressing in pushbuttons. Like rotary controls, these are easy to use and understand.

Rotary dial
The desired cycle and options are selected using dials. They are generally easy to understand and use.

Spin hold
Allows you to turn off the spin cycle, useful if you're washing silk or sweaters, for example.

Stackable
Some washers with front controls can be installed with a suitable dryer stacked on top, to save space. A special kit is sometimes required to mount the dryer on top of the washer.

Stainless-steel tub
Tubs constructed of stainless steel are likely to be more durable than plastic or porcelain, and they allow for higher spin speeds. Plastic is the next most durable choice.

Touchpad
The desired cycle and options are selected using an electronic touchpad which generally includes a digital readout. A touchpad can be more versatile than rotary and push button controls enabling you to program settings into memory, for instance.

Touchscreen with display
The desired cycle and options are selected using an electronic touchscreen. A touchscreen can be more versatile than rotary, push button, and touchpad controls but it may be a bit more confusing, especially at first. Touchscreen controls can also provide step-by-step instructions, as well as feedback on cycle status. Touchscreen controls sometimes require you to page through several screens to choose options and features, which can be tedious.

Tub
Tubs constructed of stainless steel, typically found on higher-priced washers, are likely to be more durable than porcelain-coated tubs, which can chip and rust. Stainless-steel tubs allow higher spin speeds than plastic.

Type
Front-loading washers With a door located on the front of the washer, one needs to stoop in order to load it. Front-loaders get clothes clean by tumbling them into water. Clothes are lifted to the top of the tub, then dropped into the water below. This design reduces water and energy use and makes front-loaders gentler on clothing and more adept at handling unbalanced loads. Be aware that front-loading washers give best results when used with high-efficiency detergent, which produces fewer suds than regular detergent. They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide.

Conventional top-loading washers With the opening on the top of the washer, top-loaders are somewhat easier to load than a front-loading washer. Most top-loaders allow you to fill the tub with enough water to cover the clothing. Because they need room to move the laundry around the agitator to ensure thorough cleaning, these machines have a smaller load capacity than front-loaders. They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide.

High-efficiency top-loading washers These look much like conventional top-loaders on the exterior, but these machines replace the usual vertical agitator post with other wash mechanisms, such as disks or plates that lift and move clothing around the tub. They generally use less water, and thus less energy, than conventional top-loaders and often have a larger capacity. They provide best results when used with high-efficiency detergent, which produces fewer suds than regular detergent. They're typically 27 to 29 inches wide.

Wash/spin speed combinations
Settings that allow you to modify the preset wash speed and spins. Useful to reduce spin speed on woolens or agitate more vigorously for extra dirty cottons.

Water levels
In our opinion, four or five water levels are sufficient. An automatic water-level control--standard on front-loaders--generally improves water efficiency.

Glossary: Dishwashers

Adjustable tines
Most models hold cups and glasses on top, plates on the bottom, and silverware in a basket. Features that enhance flexibility include adjustable tines, which flatten areas to accept bigger dishes, pots, and pans. A 'yes' here indicates adjustable tines on at least the top or the bottom rack.

Adjustable upper rack
Most models hold cups and glasses on the top rack, plates on the lower rack, and silverware in a basket. The ability to adjust the upper rack up or down an inch or so allows for more flexibility in loading items such as tall glasses.

Ample flatware slots
Flatware baskets with lids provide individual slots for most of the utensils in our silverware load. Such lids prevent "nesting" and thus improve flatware cleaning. It is more time-consuming to load the cutlery into individual slots, though, so you can remove the lids if you prefer.

Brand
The "nameplate" of the model.

Displays remaining time
A digital display lets you know how much longer the dishwasher will take to complete the chosen cycle. Rotary dials generally give an indication of the stage the cycle is in, less precise but still helpful.

Door Lock
All dishwashers automatically shut off when the door is opened during operation, so water won't flood out. A few models have door locks that prevent children from opening the dishwasher and touching sharp objects or hot surfaces.

Hidden controls
Controls along the top edge of the door contribute to a sleeker look. Some models hide all controls; others hide only some controls.

Price
An approximate retail price.

Requires custom door panel
Some dishwashers lack a finished front door panel, so you must furnish your own at an additional cost. This enables you to match the dishwasher's panel with your kitchen cabinetry, or to choose a stainless-steel front. Many models with finished fronts also allow you to add custom panels to change the finish.

Self-cleaning filter
A filter that cleans itself is convenient, but it can contribute to noise. Note that it's often the costly foreign brands that lack self-cleaning filters and require periodic manual cleaning of the filter.

Sensor
A sensor adjusts water usage and cycle time to the amount of soil on the dishes. This should make a dishwasher use water more efficiently, but we found that wasn't always the case. Moreover, a sensor can increase a machine's running time.

Stainless-steel tub
Unlike a plastic tub, a stainless-steel one won't discolor, but it does increase the cost of a dishwasher by about $100.

Stainless/SS-look option
Stainless-steel is stylish, but it shows fingerprints. Another option: a vinyl-covered metal finish that gives you a stainless-steel look but resists smudging.

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