Appliance troubleshooting and buying guides

Step-by-step troubleshooting for the faults owners search for most, plus buying advice for when an appliance really has reached the end of its life. Every guide sticks to safe checks you can make yourself and flags the jobs that belong to a qualified technician.

• Samsung refrigerator ice maker not working: causes and fixes
  Why a Samsung refrigerator ice maker stops making ice or freezes up, the checks to try first, and when the fault needs a technician.
• LG washer error codes explained: OE, IE, UE, dE, LE, tE and more
  What every common LG washing machine error code means, what to check first, how to reset the washer and when a code means a repair.
• The most reliable appliance brands in 2026 and what really makes an appliance last
  How Bosch, Whirlpool, GE, LG, Samsung, Speed Queen and luxury brands compare on reliability, parts availability and repairability.
• Whirlpool dryer not heating: common causes and how to fix them
  Why a Whirlpool, Maytag or Kenmore dryer runs but does not heat: breaker, thermal fuse, heating element, thermostats, igniter and gas valve coils.
• Sub-Zero vs Thermador vs Viking built-in refrigerators: what ownership really costs
  How Sub-Zero, Thermador and Viking built-in refrigerators differ in cooling design, layout options, lifespan, warranty and service.
• Why your washing machine smells bad and how to fix it
  Where musty washing machine smells come from, a step-by-step cleaning routine for front and top loaders, and habits that stop the smell returning.
• GE oven not heating: common causes, error codes and fixes
  Why a GE electric or gas oven will not heat: bake and broil elements, weak igniters, temperature sensors, F-codes and when to call a technician.
• Speed Queen vs Maytag washers: which one lasts longer?
  How Speed Queen and Maytag washers compare on build quality, warranty, price, features and parts availability, and which suits your household.
• Are smart appliances worth it? Benefits, hidden costs and risks
  Which smart appliance features are genuinely useful, which are not, and the hidden costs of electronics, software support and privacy.
• Gas vs induction cooktops: cooking, running costs and installation compared
  How gas and induction cooktops compare on speed, control, efficiency, indoor air, cookware, installation and repairs.
• Appliance extended warranties: are they worth it?
  What an appliance protection plan really covers, the questions to ask before buying, when it can make sense and how to spot warranty scams.
• Samsung dryer making a loud noise: what each sound means
  Squealing, thumping, grinding or rattling from a Samsung dryer: how to match the sound to drum rollers, idler pulley, belt, glides or blower.
• Whirlpool washer not draining: step-by-step fixes
  Water left in a Whirlpool washer: check the drain hose, standpipe height, pump filter and lid lock, and learn what long-drain error codes mean.
• KitchenAid dishwasher not cleaning dishes well: what to check
  Gritty dishes or film from a KitchenAid dishwasher: clean the filters and spray arms, check water temperature, detergent and loading, then the parts.
• Bosch dishwasher error codes explained: E15, E24, E25 and more
  What common Bosch dishwasher error codes mean, from E15 water in the base to E24 and E25 drain faults, and the safe first steps for each one.
• Refrigerator not cooling but the freezer works: causes and fixes
  When the freezer stays frozen but the fridge is warm: blocked vents, a failed evaporator fan, defrost faults or a stuck damper, and how to tell them apart.
• Viking range burner won't light or keeps clicking: what to check
  Fix a Viking gas range burner that won't ignite or clicks constantly: wet igniters, misaligned caps, clogged ports and failing spark modules or switches.
• How to level a washing machine and stop it shaking
  Stop a washer from walking and banging: how to check level, adjust the front legs, set self-leveling rear legs, lock the nuts and fix floor problems.
• Dishwasher decibel ratings: how quiet is quiet enough?
  What dishwasher dBA ratings mean in real life, which noise levels suit an open-plan kitchen, and what affects how loud a dishwasher really sounds.
• Front-load vs. top-load washers: which should you buy?
  Front-load and top-load washers compared on cleaning, water and energy use, capacity, cycle time, odor, ergonomics and long-term repairs.
• Frigidaire freezer not freezing: six things to check
  Soft ice cream and thawing food in a Frigidaire freezer: settings, door seal, coils, evaporator fan, defrost faults and the start relay, plus food-safety tips.

Looking for a specific model? See our Bosch model guides.