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In NYC, the cost to run a refrigerator is usually small compared with space heating and air conditioning—but it still adds up over a year. The total price depends on your refrigerator’s energy use (kWh), how long it runs, and the specific Con Edison electric rate you’re on.

Below is a practical way to estimate your fridge’s electricity cost using Con Edison pricing, along with rebate and incentive options that can reduce the effective cost of upgrading to a more efficient model.

1) Start with the key number: refrigerator kWh per year

Most refrigerators list an annual energy use figure on the EnergyGuide label (often in kWh/year). If you have that number, your estimate becomes straightforward: your fridge’s electricity use times your rate per kWh.

If you don’t have the label handy, look up the model’s annual kWh from the manufacturer or use a rule-of-thumb range: many modern, mid-size refrigerators fall rough ... Read more »

When people ask which refrigerator brands are “most reliable,” they usually mean one thing: fewer breakdowns that bring you back for repairs again and again. As a repair tech, I judge reliability less by marketing and more by patterns—how often the same model returns with the same issue, how quickly parts arrive, and whether the design makes failures harder (or easier) to fix.

What “reliability” looks like in the field

In my shop, reliability isn’t just “it never breaks.” It’s whether the refrigerator fails in ways that are uncommon, predictable, and fixable. Brands that score well tend to have simpler cooling cycles, fewer proprietary failure points, and component layouts that techs can access without removing half the unit.

They also tend to have better availability of replacement parts and more consistent quality across model years—so repairs don’t become a revolving door.

Brands ... Read more »

Oven “self-clean” and “steam clean” settings both promise easier cleanup, but they work in very different ways—and that difference matters for safety. The short answer: self-cleaning is typically safe when you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, while steam cleaning is often the more comfortable option for households sensitive to smoke, odors, or fumes.

This guide compares how each method works, what safety risks to watch for, and when steam cleaning may be the better choice.

How oven self-clean works

Self-cleaning cycles use intense heat—often around 800°F to 900°F —to break down food residue on the oven’s interior. Many ovens also lock the door during the cycle to prevent accidental exposure. Because the temperature is so high, self-cleaning can create smoke-like odors and airborne particulates, especially if there’s heavy grease buildup or spills.

Safety factors to consider ... Read more »

Thanksgiving week can be hectic—especially when the refrigerator is already full. But with a few planning steps, you can make space for your turkey, thaw it safely, and keep leftovers in the “safe zone” for the days that follow.

Make room in the fridge before Turkey Day

If your turkey needs to thaw in the refrigerator, start clearing shelf space early. Place the turkey on a tray or in a leak-proof pan so any juices don’t contaminate other foods. Keep other ready-to-eat items—like produce, desserts, and cooked leftovers—above or well away from the raw meat area.

It’s also helpful to adjust shelf organization: dedicate a single section (often a middle shelf) for thawing and storage, and avoid overcrowding. Air needs to circulate to maintain safe, consistent temperatures.

Thawing the turkey safely: the refrigerator method

The safest, most reliable option for most households is thawing in the refrigera ... Read more »