Useful features left off otherwise great appliances

[sparky!]

I can come up with features missing from three appliances I otherwise love:

1.) My stove is the type with the knobs on the back (raised backboard). As a kid, our stoves always had a flat top surface to that backboard, allowing my Mother to keep useful items up there, like common spices, toothpicks, etc... (one being big enough for a vase with all her cooking spoons and spatulas).

My current stove has the backboard, but it's shaped and rounded. Sure, it looks really nice, but I really miss keeping those useful items up there. Now I have to use counter space for it.

2.) George Foreman grill. I don't know how I ever got along without one. And at something like $20, I really can't complain, yet still the fact that the hot plates aren't removable really, really annoys me. I'm frankly starting to hate using it because of the paper towel wasted to clean it afterward, and the subsequent mess it makes on my counter while wiping the grease off the cooking surface. It'd be so nice to remove the plates and scrape them over the trash, then rinse in the sink.

I'm thinking of replacing it soon with one from a maker that incorporates this.

3.) My Vizio flatscreen tv. The base it pretty large and doesn't rotate. So if I want to turn the tv a bit depending on lighting, I have to lift and turn the whole thing (instead I just grab and turn, probably weakening the base in time). And since the base is so big, I risk knocking stuff off the stand.

Couldn't a cost-effective swivel be incorporated? But I guess to make it withstand use, the bearing would have to be beefy and have a friction surface to keep it from being too easy to turn.

Anyone else have any?

[Joey P]

You have to bump up a model or two on the George Foreman to get the removable plates. Mine has them. Every 15 or 20 uses I toss them in the dish washer.

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

I have a Cuisinart pressure cooker I really like. One feature of pressure cooking is that often you let the cooker release the pressure naturally for a certain amount of time, to continue cooking, and then release the remaining pressure. My cooker automatically goes to a warm function when the time under pressure is complete, allowing for natural pressure release.

I wish the cooker would start a count up timer as soon as the cooking under pressure timer was complete. That way I could start timing the natural release time without using another timer. It would also help when I miss the cooking timer going to zero, I would know immediately how long it's been naturally releasing.

[Not a Platypus]

I wouldn't say it's a great appliance, but my otherwise serviceable toaster oven doesn't have any sort of indicator light so you know when it's at the set temperature.

[Digital is the new Analog]

Originally Posted by Not a Platypus

I wouldn't say it's a great appliance, but my otherwise serviceable toaster oven doesn't have any sort of indicator light so you know when it's at the set temperature.

Does that mean you can't tell when bread becomes toast?

After a power outage, I have to set both the time AND date on my microwave before I can use it. That's not really a missing feature - more of an added annoyance someone had to go out of the way to do. It's not like I have a program mode that says "start at 2:30 on Monday".

[ZipperJJ]

Originally Posted by sparky!

1.) My stove is the type with the knobs on the back (raised backboard). As a kid, our stoves always had a flat top surface to that backboard, allowing my Mother to keep useful items up there, like common spices, toothpicks, etc... (one being big enough for a vase with all her cooking spoons and spatulas).

My current stove has the backboard, but it's shaped and rounded. Sure, it looks really nice, but I really miss keeping those useful items up there. Now I have to use counter space for it.

I wouldn't be surprised if this is a safety feature of sorts. A few toothpicks dropped into the sautee pan or plastic spoons knocked on to a hot burner might make litigious people think their clumsiness is the fault of the stove manufacturer.

And, your spices should be stored in a cool, dry place

[OttoDaFe]

My bronze-age dishwasher went to join the Choir Invisible about six months ago. After I replaced it I found that the dishes are significantly cleaner, not to mention the fact that one can now hold a conversation in a normal voice when the thing is running.

HOWEVER, I still have no [expletive deleted] idea how long the thing is going to run. Digital controls are nice, granted; but would it have broken the bank to provide a digital display (or even a row of LEDs) to indicate where the contraption is in the cycle and/or time remaining?

[Larry Mudd]

Back in prehistoric times, my "best" VCR had all the bells and whistles. However, the counter (on both the LED and onscreen displays) was only visible when it was in play (or record) mode. If you were fast-forwarding or rewinding, it helpfully changed to either "FFW," or "RWD," because, hey, who cares how far along you actually are when you're fast-forwarding?

Now, in the GLORIOUS FUTURE, my little WDHDTV Media player (which is the very best thing ever) lacks a time search feature. Sure, it will offer to pick up where you left off last time, (if that's what you want to do) but it seems a bit ridiculous that you can't open a movie up and immediately seek to 3:20:00 without fast-forwarding through the first three hours. It sometimes makes me feel like I have a tiny, sleek, futuristic video player that uses some sort of linear media... like... say... tape.

I think there may be a conspiracy at work, here.

[FairyChatMom]

My oven light is either on or off and the only way to set it one way or the other is with a button on the stove. Other ovens I've had would light up when I opened the door. Not this one. Not a huge thing, but a royal pain in the patoot!

[Zsofia]

Originally Posted by Digital is the new Analog

Does that mean you can't tell when bread becomes toast?

After a power outage, I have to set both the time AND date on my microwave before I can use it. That's not really a missing feature - more of an added annoyance someone had to go out of the way to do. It's not like I have a program mode that says "start at 2:30 on Monday".

That's so amazingly stupid I don't even have words for it. Is there any reason EVER that your microwave would need to know what day it is?

[Al Bundy]

First, all microwaves should have the program to schedule later cooking. Some do and some don't. Fortunately, I have one of each.

Secondly, and tongue in cheek, I would like to see a "reverse microwave." This would be a box that slowed all the molecules down so something could be frozen or slushed in seconds or minutes.

[needscoffee]

Why can't I turn the sound off on my microwave oven? I don't need to hear the beeping of the buttons I press. If I'm trying to not wake up the household when I use it, I should be able to mute it.

[The Devil's Grandmother]

I'd like to be able to mute all my beepy appliances.
I'd really like it if my food processor had a "run for 30 seconds" button.

[Finagle]

I was looking at cars this past week. And while looking at the cars, I noticed that they didn't bother putting key holes in either the passenger door or trunk. Yeah, I get it that every car has automatic key fob thingies now. So for the first 5 years of car ownership, this won't be a problem. Then the key fob thingie will stop working or the batteries will die and you'll want to get something out from the passenger side and this will BUG THE SHIT out of you.

[Zany Zeolite Zipper]

Originally Posted by Finagle

I was looking at cars this past week. And while looking at the cars, I noticed that they didn't bother putting key holes in either the passenger door or trunk. Yeah, I get it that every car has automatic key fob thingies now. So for the first 5 years of car ownership, this won't be a problem. Then the key fob thingie will stop working or the batteries will die and you'll want to get something out from the passenger side and this will BUG THE SHIT out of you.

There is usually a hidden keyhole somewhere on the car; this video shows where it is on a VW: VW Keyhole

[sparky!]

Originally Posted by Zany Zeolite Zipper

There is usually a hidden keyhole somewhere on the car; this video shows where it is on a VW: VW Keyhole

Well that's just silly. What looks worse, a key hole, or a key hole showing because the little keyhole-cover fell off somewhere in Reno?

With my Subaru, I have a key hole in the driver door and trunk only. The other 3 doors have none.

I wonder what VW charges for the cover? Probably something outrageous.

[BobArrgh]

I hate TVs that require you to use the remote control to access the menu system. The "Universal" remotes typically don't run the menu system very well. As a fall-back position, there ought to be a way to use the channel up/down buttons on the front of the TV as a menu access mechanism.

[kaylasdad99]

Originally Posted by Joey P

You have to bump up a model or two on the George Foreman to get the removable plates. Mine has them. Every 15 or 20 uses I toss them in the dish washer.

Mine has them too. Also digital temp and time controllers, and an audible alarm that announces when desired temp has been reached, when it's been warming up for five minutes (a little redundancy there), and when the countdown cooking timer has reached "zero minutes," which is useful because it doesn't turn off at the end of the requested time.

[aceplace57]

I recently bought a cuisinart electric grill. The plates are easily removable, and that's an improvement over the Foreman Grill. The back side of the plates make a great griddle for pancakes and eggs. Front side is for grilling.

I wish it had a basic timer. These new grills cook both sides at once. Even 20 seconds can mean the difference between medium (almost pink) and well done steaks. I set the microwave timer. Dash across the room and put the meat on the grill. Dash across the room again and hit start on the microwave. Then wait for the timer to go "beep beep". Yes, it's a PITA.

A timer on the grill doesn't need to know the exact time. All it needs to do is beep after 7 minutes

[Zsofia]

Originally Posted by Al Bundy

First, all microwaves should have the program to schedule later cooking. Some do and some don't. Fortunately, I have one of each.

What? Why on earth?

[Joey P]

Originally Posted by Zsofia

What? Why on earth?

If if they have that ability they really ought to come with a little button cell battery that can hold the time during a power outage.

[Al Bundy]

Originally Posted by Zsofia

That's so amazingly stupid I don't even have words for it. Is there any reason EVER that your microwave would need to know what day it is?

All my cooking is by microwave so I need two. I have two working right now. There even was a time when I had three, keeping one for backup. You can cook anything in a microwave from a turkey to baking bread and achieve almost the exact same result as with a regular stove and oven. I am far from along. Many people do this. I even saw a sitcom the other night and could see they had two MWs stacked.

PS. I never said anything about a MW showing the day. You read that into my post. Many MWs have a feature allowing "delayed start." I should have used that term so you were not confused. Hope that helps.

[WhyNot]

Originally Posted by FairyChatMom

Other ovens I've had would light up when I opened the door.

I've never seen an oven like this, but now I want one.

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

Originally Posted by WhyNot

I've never seen an oven like this, but now I want one.

Every oven I've ever used did this.

[amanset]

Originally Posted by Larry Mudd

Back in prehistoric times, my "best" VCR had all the bells and whistles. However, the counter (on both the LED and onscreen displays) was only visible when it was in play (or record) mode. If you were fast-forwarding or rewinding, it helpfully changed to either "FFW," or "RWD," because, hey, who cares how far along you actually are when you're fast-forwarding?

Now, in the GLORIOUS FUTURE, my little WDHDTV Media player (which is the very best thing ever) lacks a time search feature. Sure, it will offer to pick up where you left off last time, (if that's what you want to do) but it seems a bit ridiculous that you can't open a movie up and immediately seek to 3:20:00 without fast-forwarding through the first three hours. It sometimes makes me feel like I have a tiny, sleek, futuristic video player that uses some sort of linear media... like... say... tape.

I think there may be a conspiracy at work, here.

Bloody good point.

[Digital is the new Analog]

Originally Posted by Al Bundy

PS. I never said anything about a MW showing the day. You read that into my post. Many MWs have a feature allowing "delayed start." I should have used that term so you were not confused. Hope that helps.

I think the Zsofia's comment about the microwave not needing to show the day was in reference to my post, where I specifically call out my microwave for asking me the day, but never using it.

Originally Posted by Digital is the new Analog

After a power outage, I have to set both the time AND date on my microwave before I can use it. That's not really a missing feature - more of an added annoyance someone had to go out of the way to do. It's not like I have a program mode that says "start at 2:30 on Monday".

There was a follow up asking why you would want an advance program mode. I admit I've never felt the need for that option, but I can imagine other people would use it. I'm curious, though - most of the things I put in my microwave are not shelf stable - what do you put in there and use delayed start for? (Serious question..)


-D/a

[Quimby]

Originally Posted by needscoffee

Why can't I turn the sound off on my microwave oven? I don't need to hear the beeping of the buttons I press. If I'm trying to not wake up the household when I use it, I should be able to mute it.

This never occurred to me but now I want it because there are tons of times it would be useful.

[elfkin477]

Originally Posted by needscoffee

Why can't I turn the sound off on my microwave oven? I don't need to hear the beeping of the buttons I press. If I'm trying to not wake up the household when I use it, I should be able to mute it.

I'd settle for a microwave that would stop beeping once you open the damn door. If the door is open, I obviously know the food is done, so why insist on finishing the beep sequence?

I'd also like to be able to mute the beep that happens when I lock my car doors with the keyfob - which happens to be the only way to get the dome light to go off. Why make me be that pretentious asshole who just has to draw attention with their car?

[needscoffee]

Originally Posted by elfkin477

I'd also like to be able to mute the beep that happens when I lock my car doors with the keyfob - which happens to be the only way to get the dome light to go off. Why make me be that pretentious asshole who just has to draw attention with their car?

My Subaru key fob does have the ability to either turn off the sound, beep, or honk. (I'd like to run over the people who use the honk.) The instructions are hidden in the owner's manual, though. Check yours just in case.

[cruel butterfly]

A "page" button on the TV (or the satellite receiver etc) that, when pushed, would cause the remote I can't seem to locate to beep repetitively until I can find it.

[needscoffee]

Originally Posted by cruel butterfly

A "page" button on the TV (or the satellite receiver etc) that, when pushed, would cause the remote I can't seem to locate to beep repetitively until I can find it.

Good lord, YES!

[sparky!]

Originally Posted by needscoffee

My Subaru key fob does have the ability to either turn off the sound, beep, or honk. (I'd like to run over the people who use the honk.) The instructions are hidden in the owner's manual, though. Check yours just in case.

I just checked my manual. It said to do something like this:

Press and hold unlock button on the remote, then insert and remove key from ignition 6 times while holding the button, then open and close door within 10 seconds of removing key from ignition.

You just know the guy who developed the procedure had a big shit-eating grin on his face.

[Balthisar]

For those wondering why appliances might want to know the day of the week, I suggest you check your instructions and see if they also have Sabbath mode.

[GusNSpot]

Like all the really cheap digital stuff. A long straight through set up sequence and woe to he who makes a mistake and needs to change something at the 27th step......

A place to mount a second battery in these all electric controlled cars as a standard item. I'll gladly buy my own battery.

[king_gorilla]

Originally Posted by cruel butterfly

A "page" button on the TV (or the satellite receiver etc) that, when pushed, would cause the remote I can't seem to locate to beep repetitively until I can find it.

Yes! I immediately thought of this when I clicked on this thread.

[elfkin477]

Originally Posted by needscoffee

My Subaru key fob does have the ability to either turn off the sound, beep, or honk. (I'd like to run over the people who use the honk.) The instructions are hidden in the owner's manual, though. Check yours just in case.

Awesome, thanks. And when I said "beep" I did mean the horn. I didn't get a manual with the car (used) but in the pdf version online it does show how to make it stop beeping the horn.

[Maggie the Ocelot]

My Wii doesn't play DVDs.

[needscoffee]

Originally Posted by elfkin477

Awesome, thanks. And when I said "beep" I did mean the horn. I didn't get a manual with the car (used) but in the pdf version online it does show how to make it stop beeping the horn.

OMG, I have helped make the world a little bit better place tonight! I will now go to bed happy.

[Red Barchetta]

Originally Posted by cruel butterfly

A "page" button on the TV (or the satellite receiver etc) that, when pushed, would cause the remote I can't seem to locate to beep repetitively until I can find it.

That would be awesome, but it would also require changing how most remote controls work. Since they use infrared, the remote would not only have to be aimed somewhat facing the TV (so, useless if it's stuck in the couch), but would also require it to be on all the time looking for IR signals, making the batteries die much, much quicker.

[Joey P]

Originally Posted by Red Barchetta

That would be awesome, but it would also require changing how most remote controls work. Since they use infrared, the remote would not only have to be aimed somewhat facing the TV (so, useless if it's stuck in the couch), but would also require it to be on all the time looking for IR signals, making the batteries die much, much quicker.

If could have an RF receiver just for that purpose.

[UncleRojelio]

I used to have a Sony cordless phone/answering machine. The base had a handy compartment which held a spare battery for the cordless handset and kept it charged. The base set, like all of the answering machines I have ever owned, had a rather onerous procedure for setting the time and date. You would have thought that since the base set had this nifty spare battery sitting inside it doing nothing but being charged, it could have done double-duty as backup power of the time/date programming as well. Alas, no.

[ecco477]

When are stoves going to come with appropriate sensors, and a loud voice that says "Hey! I know you're very busy but your food is about to burn!"

I'd say a buzzer that lets you know this, but I already despise all the dingy, buzzy, annoying sounds of the current appliances.

[MsWhatsit]

I had never even thought of the possibility of a mute button for the microwave before, but now that I have, I want one desperately. Why is this not a feature?!

[pullin]

I want a car sun visor that is mounted on a moveable, flexible arm. They all seem to have only two positions (front and side). The sun however, is much more clever and manages to spend a lot of time in positions I cannot easily block with the visor (especially in the winter).

I just sent a nasty-gram to Toyota over this. As clever as they are, this shouldn't be hard to implement.

[cruel butterfly]

Originally Posted by Red Barchetta

That would be awesome, but it would also require changing how most remote controls work. Since they use infrared, the remote would not only have to be aimed somewhat facing the TV (so, useless if it's stuck in the couch), but would also require it to be on all the time looking for IR signals, making the batteries die much, much quicker.

How do they do it for cordless phones?

[jacobsta811]

Cordless Phones are already RF receivers, and the shortened battery life isn't as much of an issue because you usually leave them in a charger/they are rechargeable. So I would think that if anyone would ever do something like this for a remote it would be the expensive logitech harmonies - rechargeable + a charging base gives you a place to put the page button and the ability to look for RF signals without killing non-rechargeable batteries

[Philster]

Various devices: I dream for battery compartment doors that don't fall off. Surely we can have better battery compartment doors that stay closed or retain the darn door if it's popped open.

[Agent Foxtrot]

Originally Posted by Al Bundy

Secondly, and tongue in cheek, I would like to see a "reverse microwave." This would be a box that slowed all the molecules down so something could be frozen or slushed in seconds or minutes.

I imagine this will be a standard appliance in kitchens once the technology becomes affordable.

[Tastes of Chocolate]

I bought a Roku a few months ago. Mostly, I love it, but it has no off switch. Nope, none. No physical button and no on-screen clicky button. All you can do is let it sit long enough to go to sleep on it's own.

Wireless Routers - Give me a physical switch on the back that will turn off the wireless capability. I have one that usually is used as a wired router, but occasionally we use the wireless capability. But for the 90% of the time when I'm not using wireless, I'm still blasting a signal through the ether. Just give me the darn switch already.

[Digital is the new Analog]

Originally Posted by sparky!

I just checked my manual. It said to do something like this:

Press and hold unlock button on the remote, then insert and remove key from ignition 6 times while holding the button, then open and close door within 10 seconds of removing key from ignition.

You just know the guy who developed the procedure had a big shit-eating grin on his face.

I wonder if this will work on our microwaves..

-D/a