Measure Twice, Buy Once!

August 8th, 2011

BBQs

Don’t you hate it when you think you have done all the right researching, all the right measuring and all the right space adjustments but once you buy the appliance it doesn’t fit in the space intended! This has happened to many customers, many times.

If you are renovating with a builder, do not purely rely on the builder. Make sure it is correct yourself. It is better to be safe, then sorry. Here’s a true story that will urge you to follow up on all measurements so you are guaranteed 100% confidence in your purchases.

A business man who was transforming his hotel, into renovated apartments

had to purchase 80 dishwashers for each studio apartment. Unfortunately

he made the BIG mistake with relying on his builder. The builder had measured

the appliance too small for the intended space. What a disaster! He was left stuck

with the appliances and had to readjust the plans to fit the dishwasher. The time

spent, not to mention price was a huge inconvenience!

This is not to say that ALL builders need to be double checked! But simply – measure twice… buy once! If purchasing from us, we usually provide around a two week return policy for metropolitan areas; for rural areas charges may apply.

Some measurements for certain types of appliances require more focus than others – for example, fridges and freezers. These require a particular amount of air space when measuring to fit the kitchen appliance. Typically, the minimum space for venting is 5mm to an average measurement of 10-15mm. Keep in mind, some brands place vents at the bottom front of the fridge.

When measuring space for a dishwasher, check to see if there is a “minimum” and “maximum” height. If your intended space is just under the minimum height – that washer is not for you! It is suggested that you don’t take the lid off the machine, because if water gets into the dishwasher, it will drop onto the wires. And everyone knows what happens between water and electricity!

Other household appliances that need thought when measuring are –

• Clothes dryers: Most dryers usually require 90 to 100mm of space outlet at the back. If you are placing this behind a door or in a cupboard a vent is definitely suggested! Therefore, those measurements will apply. Otherwise, buy a condenser clothes dryer.
• Cooktops & Range hoods: For an electric cooktop the space between it and the range hood requires 600mm- 650mm and for a gas cooktop, you should be measuring around 650mm to a maximum of 750mm from the cooktop to the range hood.
• BBQ Range hoods: When fitting the correct range hood to your BBQ it is important to remember – DO NOT BE FRUGAL. You need to forget about the price and make sure you get the correct hood that covers the BBQ burner. The hood needs to be strong and allow for flare ups. Otherwise you could be in the same situation as one of our customer support members and have a melted motor! Naughty, naughty Colin… You should know better!

So let’s all take the extra time to measure twice so we only have to buy once!