Your kitchen appliances are about to face their own style of Super Bowl. Let’s make sure they’re game-ready. As a home inspector, I evaluate appliances for safety and function, but you can perform many of these checks yourself.
Oven and Range Inspection:
Start with a visual inspection of your oven. Open the door and check the seal—it should be intact with no tears or gaps. A compromised seal means heat loss, longer cooking times, and higher energy bills. Inspect the oven racks for stability and smooth operation. Remove the bottom panel (if accessible) and vacuum out any debris that could cause smoking or fire.
The Heating Element Test:
Turn on each oven element and burner individually. They should glow evenly and reach temperature within a few minutes. Uneven heating or elements that don’t fully illuminate indicate problems. For gas ranges, flames should be blue with minimal yellow tips. Excessive yellow means incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide production.
Refrigerator Performance Check:
Your refrigerator is about to store 30+ pounds of raw turkey, multiple side dishes, and pies. Use a refrigerator thermometer to verify it’s maintaining 37-40°F. Check the door seals by closing the door on a piece of paper—you should feel resistance when pulling it out. Clean the condenser coils (usually behind or beneath the unit) to improve efficiency.
Dishwasher Inspection Points:
Run an empty cycle and watch for leaks around the door seal and under the unit. Check the spray arms for clogs—remove them and clear any blocked holes. Inspect the drain filter and clean it if needed. A clogged filter means poor cleaning performance right when you need it most.
Garbage Disposal Function Test:
With the disposal off, shine a flashlight inside and look for stuck objects or damage to the grinding components. Turn it on and listen for unusual grinding or rattling noises. If it’s struggling, doesn’t drain quickly, or makes concerning sounds, address it now—not when you’re trying to clean up after 12 people.
Tomorrow we’ll tackle plumbing systems. Your kitchen is ready; let’s make sure the rest of your home is too.
