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IS IT WORTH FIXING?:
The items below (small appliances) are NOT usually worth fixing, mainly because the cost of replacing it will be equal to, or less than, the “time and effort” factor, phone/fuel etc, getting spares, even if you are lucky enough to get them. That said, some very expensive TOASTERS and KETTLES might be if they are a well-known established brand. Check with your local domestic appliance shop, or go to the manufacturers site (see USEFUL LINKS). HOWEVER, as with any appliance, if it stops completely, check the wires in the plug (loose screws), and the fuse. NOTE: never replace a blown fuse with one of a higher value to attempt to fix a problem. See:
isitworthit hints and appliance hints
If it is none of the above, the cable may have a break in it. Again see appliance hints
Large appliances, such as Washing Machines, Dryers, and Dishwashers obviously are worth fixing, if economical to do so, and the required spares are available. Using the information on this site, may make an otherwise costly repair (labour, callout fee and vat on top) a more economical proposition, if you diagnose the problem, and fit the parts yourself.
Q: Is it worth fixing hair curling brushes?:
A:Hot hair curling brushes, and Steam Brushes are not worth fixing.The only spare I know is the replacement blue water tank for the PHILIPS Satin Curl HP4640 - Olympic Shaver Centre usually stocks this. Some makes come with spare “comb-strips” that are replacable, but that is about it. If yours stops heating up, check the wires in the plug are not loose. If the fuse has gone, its gone for a reason, just bin it.
Q: Is it worth fixing toasters,irons, or kettles?
A: TOASTERS: Usually these are not worth fixing, unless it is one of the larger, more expensive models, like a DUALIT, DeLonghi, or Breville. Even then, if you need to replace a broken element, they are often not easy to strip down to do this. As with IRONS, be prepared to have a set of security bits or star bits available to get inside them. If removing a piece of muffin or bread stuck on the element, take care not to break the wire.
A: IRONS: the part that gets the most wear and tear is the cable. If the sole-plate gets damaged (easy to do if dropped on a hard floor), then usually you cannot get that part, or it would cost more than 50% of the cost of a replacement Iron. So before throwing it away, if the cable is in good condition, remove that, and any other bits, like the spray jet, or thermostat and knob. Leave the plastic “end” (cable strain relief) on as well, as this is often common between different models of the same make (like TEFAL).
A: KETTLES: if it is an old kettle, then probably not worth it. If it is in good condition, and fairly new, then maybe, if it is just the cable. Kettle elements are hard to get these days, as replacement kettles are so cheap, it is not worth the time and effort. In any event, the newer design “concealed elements” in kettle bases are specially made, so usually it’s a bin and replace job. See isitworthit hints anyway for additional info. See below for pictures of a typical stainless steel concealed element kettle, showing the main items of interest, with the base removed.
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