Integrity Appliance

Use your microwave to defrost foods fast. With food costs rising, you can save money by buying food on sale and freezing it. If you've had spotty success defrosting foods in the microwave in the past, use a microwave safe (and reusable) plastic bag to defrost dense items like meat. Just add frozen food to the bag, vent the air, and defrost according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Convection ovens use hot, recirculating air to cook foods faster and more evenly. The technology can be incorporated into a standard oven, used in a countertop appliance, or blended with a microwave or even an outdoor grill.

What single maintenance chore can help keep your new refrigerator working better longer? If you guessed that cleaning the condenser coils on the back or possibly the bottom of the unit is the best way to protect your refrigerator and save energy, you're right.