Home Appliances

Whether you think the "clap-on, clap-off" advertisement was hilarious or annoying, the Clapper is one of the 20th century's most iconic inventions. How do a couple of sharp noises turn on your television?

By Tristin Hopper

Instead of throwing away trash, many people use automatic composters to recycle garbage into garden-friendly fertilizer. But are the high cost and potential odors worth the benefit?

By Sarah Grace McCandless

Kegerators store and pour beer differently than standard kegs do, but at a higher price. How do these systems work to produce a perfect glass of beer?

By Thorin Klosowski

Tankless toilets, which conserve water and take up less space than standard models, are common in public restrooms and some urban homes. Are the benefits worth having one in your home?

By Colleen Cancio

The average American family does 300 loads of laundry a year, and most use more than just water to get their clothes and linens clean. How do detergents help lift dirt, sweat and stains out of laundry?

By Emily Frydendall

Cleaning out your gutters can be a tricky, dangerous project. Climbing up ladders and heaving large piles of leaves only increases your risk of injury. What if you had a robot that could clean your gutters for you?

By Meghan E. Smith

If you crave a warm, home-cooked meal, but don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen, a slow cooker may be just what you need. But how do slow cookers work?

By Jill Jaracz

Static cling can be a common nuisance after you've just removed your freshly cleaned laundry from the dryer. How do dryer sheets help your clothes come out soft and static-free?

By Chris Morrisson

If you open up the cupboards of most kitchens in America, you'll probably find bleach. This useful chemical has many benefits -- it can bring out unsightly stains in your clothes or disinfect countertops. But it can also be a dangerous substance.

By Melissa Sandoval

If you have different remotes for your TV, DVR, stereo system and DVD player that are cluttering your coffee table, a universal remote that controls all your electronics may be just what you need.

By Rachel Oswald

When you climb into your car, you click your seat belt into place and know that you're protected in the event of an accident. But when it comes to protecting your infant or young child, you need an all-in-one car seat. These complex appliances are a must-have.

By Bambi Turner

A flashlight's a flashlight, right? Not so fast. Nowadays, manufacturers are making flashlights with laser pointers, tools, stun guns and all kinds of other gizmos to make your life easier. Now you just have to choose which one to buy.

By Nathan Chandler

Layering is the best way to dress for unpredictable outdoor weather. 3-in-1 jackets combine waterproofing and insulation to provide the best protection against wetness and cold.

By Linda C. Brinson

You could fork over the cash for a regular monthly gym membership to get in shape, but would you really use it? You could tone up with your own all-in-one system at home.

By Josh Briggs

If you unplug any appliance in your house, there's a 98 percent chance than the two flat prongs have holes in them. Find out the reasons for these holes.

Low-flow toilets have improved since the 1990s. Not only do they save tons of water, they can flush your waste with as little as a gallon of water.

By Barbara Boughton

In today's economy, with rising fuel prices and dwindling resources, homeowners are looking for ways to save money wherever they can. And some are taking a lesson from the 1970s and turning to solar power to heat their homes.

By Heather Kolich

Humidity is bad enough when it's outdoors. When it seeps into your home, that moisture-filled air can make you uncomfortable or even ill, as well as cause damage to your home. How can a dehumidifier prevent this?

By Nina Holmberg

A three-way bulb has two filaments, which allows the light to be turned on at different light levels. Learn about a three-way bulb.

Solar panels sit atop buildings, homes and tents, and power any number of gadgets and appliances -- including refrigerators. But can the sun still power a fridge without the panels?

By Julia Layton

Your refrigerator keeps your milk cold, your veggies crisp and your leftovers ready to see a new day. Why would someone want to unplug that boxy center of the kitchen?

By Julia Layton

About 17 percent of a home's energy usage stems from its water heater. Hybrid water heaters could save the average family hundreds — possibly even thousands — each year.

By Sarah Siddons

If your basement feels damp or smells musty, you may need a sump pump. How does a sump pump get the moisture that's inside your basement out?

By Murray Anderson

For a time, toilets were called necessaries, one in a long line of euphemisms used to describe the business end of handling a simple biological process. And now it's necessary to do what we can to conserve water. Enter the dual flush toilet.

By Sara Elliott

In a pinch, you could probably do without most of the appliances in your home -- but would you want to? Life would certainly be different without these 10.

By Sara Elliott