Category Archives: Home Appliances

Guide to Creating a DIY Cold Plunge at Home Using a Chest Freezer

A simple step by step guide to converting a 500ltr chest freezer to an ice bath tub for cold plunge.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to create or modify a chest freezer into an ice bath for your home. While we understand the appeal of a purpose-built ice bath tub equipped with advanced features like a temperature-controlled chiller unit, UV sanitation, and ozone filtration, we acknowledge that not everyone has the financial means for such luxuries.

Fortunately, with just a few straightforward procedures, you can effortlessly convert a regular household chest freezer into a fully operational cold plunge tub. This DIY project allows you to have complete control over the temperature, set timers, waterproof the freezer, and ensure maximum safety during your ice bathing sessions.

If you have been contemplating the idea of constructing your own ice bath due to the numerous benefits associated with cold water exposure, you have two options. You can either dip your toes into the water by starting with a more affordable inflatable ice bath, or you can dive right into the steps for converting your chest freezer.

When purchasing the appropriate chest freezer for an ice bath, it is essential to ensure that you select the right size to avoid discomfort. The Westinghouse 500L and the Haier 319L chest freezers are two excellent options for ice bath conversions that I have identified.

Key factors to consider when selecting a chest freezer for an ice bath conversion include:

  1. Capacity in Litres
  2. Functionality of the Chest Freezer Lid
  3. Price

Selecting the correct capacity for the chest freezer is crucial, as I have learned from personal experience of purchasing one that was too small. A chest freezer with a capacity of 300L or more is recommended for creating an ice bath, but it is important not to choose one that is too large, making it difficult to find a comfortable position for the cold plunge.

A chest freezer with a capacity between 320L and 500L is ideal. Keep in mind that even a 320L chest freezer may be too small if you are over 180cm tall, so opt for a slightly larger size if you are taller or prefer more space to stretch out. If unsure, refer to the product specifications for the overall dimensions of the chest freezer.

When selecting a chest freezer with the appropriate lid configuration, it is essential to ensure that the lid can stay open without needing to be held. While most chest freezers have lids that remain open, it is crucial to verify this feature. This is important because if the lid accidentally closes while you are in the ice bath, you must be able to open it from the inside. Therefore, opt for a chest freezer that does not have a self-locking mechanism on the lid.

In addition to lid configuration, budget is a key factor to consider when searching for the ideal chest freezer for an ice bath conversion. There are high-priced chest freezers available, with the size, brand, and chiller unit power influencing the cost. However, it is possible to find a suitable chest freezer for cold plunges priced under $1200 for members. The recommended chest freezer typically ranges from $600 to $1500, depending on the brand and size.

Step By Step Guide on How to Build a Chest Freezer Ice Bath.

The process of converting a chest freezer into an ice bath involves mainly connecting the purchased equipment and ensuring they are safe from water. It is important to note that modifying the chest freezer will void any associated warranty and may pose risks due to not using the product for its intended purpose. Please be cautious as mixing electricity with water can be dangerous and may result in health risks for which we are not liable.

  1. The first step involves sealing the edge seams.

As previously stated, a significant portion of the process of converting a chest freezer into an ice bath involves connecting the different components to the adapter and filling the ice bath. The most time-consuming aspect of transforming a chest freezer into an ice bath is ensuring that the edges or seams are properly sealed with a waterproof sealant.

Contrary to popular belief, a freezer is not entirely waterproof, and filling it with water without sealing the edges is a surefire way to ruin your chest freezer. By sealing the internal edges of the freezer, you are effectively preventing any water leakage that could potentially harm the electrical components, while also enhancing the safety of the conversion. The more effectively you can contain the water within the tub, the safer the ice bath will be.

Our recommended product for this task is JB Water Weld, although you can also achieve similar results using bathroom silicone. It is worth noting that if you opt for the JB Water Weld product, you may need approximately 30 tubes to seal the perimeter of the chest freezer, whereas you would only require about 2 tubes of silicone from Bunnings to achieve a similar outcome.

To seal the edges, mix the JB Water Weld and apply a strip along the internal joints of the chest freezer, ensuring to seal the drainage hole if the ice bath is equipped with one. If you are using silicone, we suggest applying a thick line of silicone along one edge, spraying it with soapy water, and then smoothing it out with a rubber silicone edging tool. For a detailed demonstration, we recommend consulting Youtube for the most effective technique, as this process can become messy quickly. Once you have successfully sealed one edge, proceed to the next until all edges of the chest freezer are properly sealed.

2. Install Digital Temperature Control.

It is likely that you will prefer to regulate the temperature of your ice bath, especially if you are new to cold plunges. It is not ideal to have a solid block of ice on the surface that you need to break in order to enter the bath. Many individuals wonder, “What should be the ideal temperature for an ice bath?”. It is recommended to gradually acclimate yourself to cold water exposure, starting at a temperature that is uncomfortable yet safe for you.

By installing a digital temperature control, you can easily set your desired temperature on the device. The sensor placed in the water will automatically turn off the ice bath once it reaches your chosen cold plunge temperature.

To set this up correctly, simply plug the power cord of the chest freezer directly into the digital temperature control unit and place the sensor in the water. This will function as a thermostat, regulating the ice bath chiller unit to maintain a suitable temperature for your needs.

1. Step 3 involves the establishment of water filtration systems.

One of the key methods to maintain the efficiency of your chest freezer ice bath is through effective water filtration. Installing a water filtration system in your chest freezer is a straightforward process that guarantees a consistently clean ice bath, always prepared for a cold plunge.

Even though it is recommended to clean your feet and rinse your body before entering the chest freezer ice bath, you will be surprised by the accumulation of debris, skin, and hair in the water. To address this issue, we utilize a water filter. The water filter not only helps in removing impurities but also ensures proper circulation of water in the ice bath, which aids in breaking the thermal layer of the skin and maximizing the benefits of exposure to cold water.

To incorporate a water filtration unit similar to the one we suggest, position the water filter in an area prone to debris accumulation, and extend the cable to a suitable location, connecting it to a digital temperature gauge for organization – zip ties can be useful for this purpose.

IMPORTANT: For utmost safety, remember to either switch off the filter or remove it from the ice bath while in use to prevent any risk of electrocution.

Step 4 – Ozone Sanitisation Device

In order to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of your ice bath, it is essential to use some form of water sanitation. Failure to do so can lead to the formation of a slimy film on the surfaces of the ice bath, which will eventually progress into unwanted algae. One effective method of sanitation is using an ozone generator, which introduces a small amount of gas into the water, providing a strong sanitizing effect. However, it is important to note that using chemical or salts for sanitation can impact the performance of your water filter and alter the desired crispness of the ice bath. There are various ozone generators available, each designed to service different volumes of water. The recommended ozone generator should be sufficient to keep your chest freezer ice bath water clean and pure. If you notice the water becoming dirty, it is advisable to empty and refill it. Similar to the ice bath and water filter, the ozone generator can also be connected to a timer switch. We suggest running the ozone filter for a few hours each day, in addition to the 24-hour operation of the water filter (except when using the ice bath). To incorporate the ozone generator into your ice bath, simply set up the unit outside the chest freezer and run the tube into the water alongside the water filter cable, ensuring that the ozone is removed when you take out the filter.

Step 5 involves ensuring the Chest Freezer is properly leveled.

The first step involves positioning your chest freezer ice bath in a manner that maximizes the structural integrity of the base, as most chest freezers are not designed to support the weight of a human. Many chest freezers are equipped with wheels or adjustable corners. If your chest freezer has wheels, it is advisable to remove them in order to minimize the gap between the bottom of the freezer and the surface on which the ice bath is placed. Ideally, the base of the chest freezer should be in direct contact with the floor to prevent pressure marks from forming when entering or exiting the ice bath. If removing the wheels is not an option, an alternative approach is to place old tiles or timber blocks under the base of the chest freezer to ensure even support across the entire surface.


Kitchen Appliances: A Necessity of Every Modern Home

The most important aspects to modern living are luxury, peace and comfort and the ability to combine all three under one roof.

Smart kitchen appliances provide a home with comfort and ease in the areas such as air conditioning, laundry and cooking delicious, healthy foods much faster. This allows homeowners to complete their daily tasks in record times and enjoy more of the things they like to do! The ability to buy kitchen appliances online takes away the mundane task of having to shop around in many stores.

There are a variety of innovative kitchen appliances in the market today with interactive functionality. These cutting-edge kitchen appliances are custom designed to provide one of the busiest rooms in the entire house with brighter and sharper decor, functionality, ease and comfort.

Every house built and lived in since early 20th century has been prone to technological advancements in home appliances. Home appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, ovens and dishwashers have replaced hefty fatigued hours of work endured by housewives, husbands and children with luxury of time for other chores or even some leisure time. There are large varieties of top-notch and excellent brands available online and in the market, there are also appliances for a variety of functionalities as well as one product which may well be suitable for many tasks. They are durable; make things faster, tastier and are repairable in most electronic stores. Smart home appliances are electrical devices that can assist with laundry, cooking, humidifying, and cleaning the houses without much ado.

No house is complete without a large amount of appliances these days. They are essential to all households and although they do not necessarily add to the beauty of a home, they have become a necessity and are needed by most families to have a hassle-free life. With so many different types of appliance and brands available on the market, choosing one can become quite difficult especially when you wish to purchase home appliances online at unbelievable prices.

Home appliances have become one of the most important aspects of a comfortable life that allow people of all age, gender and class to meet their deadlines, complete daily chores, fulfill responsibilities and eat healthy. In every home, an all round refrigerator, electric freezer, microwave, dishwasher, thermostat and washing machine are some of the necessary aids to leading a balanced and healthy life. Today, we have a series of interactive kitchen appliances that aid in creating delicious foods in a matter of minutes – examples being air fryers and slow cookers. There are many cost effective and multi-functional appliances that serve to reduce the daily grind and exhaustion of an average person. There is a surplus of kitchen appliances and smart household appliances available online which are designed, to cook, clean and wash at a house without little or less labour. These can be any appliance from robotic vacuum cleaners to dishwashers, and washing machines to refrigerators with built-in ice and water. Whatever you are looking for, there is generally some kind of appliance to help make your life easier!

If you’re looking to purchase big-ticket items, there are a few tips, which you can use.

First and foremost, know what you’re requirements are and what you’re looking for. Once you know the specifics, the search can be narrowed down and you can readily find the products available. Always keep the measurements you need in mind as that can limit the models available to you also. For example, if looking for washing machines, you should have a clear idea if you are looking for semi automatic or fully automatic as well as the measurements and the capacity it holds. Energy and water consumption play a huge part in today’s society so always look for appliances with excellent ratings. This will save you money whilst thinking of the environment.

Another tip would be to consider the retailer whom you are purchasing appliances from. The retailer of the popular kitchen appliances should not only be in the list of top sellers but also be the retailer who provides you appliances of a mid-range value. This gives customers the satisfaction that the product is being purchased from a reputable source. The other factors that should be considered are the installation, warranty, delivery date and the customer service they provide. Before making the purchase the product reviews should be read carefully as this helps you to understand the quality of the product. Purchasing online appliances is as reputable as buying it from physical retailers as they make sure they provide you the same service at the best price.

The purchase of home appliances online can be a lot more convenient than dedicating a whole day to looking around various stores. You can have the appliances delivered to your doorstep without any hassle at all.

17 Genius Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Organised

A perfectly organised kitchen can make cooking and baking easier and maybe even fun. Getting kitchen appliances organised takes a little effort but it will make your life in the kitchen more comfortable and easier. Here, we will share with you 17 genius ways in which you can keep your kitchen clean and organised, and make the time flow smoothly when it comes to preparing and fixing meals in the kitchen.

1. Organise Kitchen Items to Avoid Unnecessary Movements
One way you can make your work in the kitchen easier and comfortable is, to organise the kitchen items in a way that put the important items at your arm’s length, so that you will require minimum movement when performing activities in the kitchen. For instance, you should consider keeping cutlery on a dish stand near the dishwasher instead of in a cabinet.

Moreover, you should keep spices and cooking appliances near the stove, and put chopping boards and knives near the countertop or sink.

2. Save Time by Using Over-the-Sink Cutting Board
Another great way you can make your life easier in the kitchen is to use counter space with an over-the-sink cutting board. This will not only save cabinet space but also prevent food items from spilling on the kitchen countertop or the floor.

3. Keep Kitchen Appliances You Need Handy
You should keep kitchen appliances you need such as juicers, blenders, and food processors within easy reach preferably on your kitchen countertop. This will save time when preparing dishes and drinks as you do not have to search the entire kitchen when you need the appliance.

4. Keep Rarely Used Items Out of Reach
Consider putting kitchen items that are rarely used such as the cookie sheet or a turkey platter higher up or lower down in the cupboard. The less frequently used items must be kept on places that are hard-to-reach that you have to access using a ladder or bending your knees a little. This will declutter your kitchen and keep it perfectly organised and clean.

5. Use of Magazine Holders as a Shelf
You can make use of magazine holders for holding kitchen items. Just place the magazine holder on the kitchen countertop and turn it on the sides to hold plates and other flattish items.

6. Make Use of Magnets
You can make use of magnets placed on cabinet doors to store knives and other metallic cutlery. This will give you additional storage space for holding kitchen items. Just make sure that the magnet is strong enough to hold the cutlery in place.

7. Organise Your Kitchen by Labelling Items
Labelling items is a great way to get kitchen appliances organised. You can label areas like baking section, juice preparation section, and similar sections in your kitchen. You can even label jars so that you know what type of spices are contained in the jars.

8. Hang Cooking Utensils from the Ceiling
You can create more space in the cabinet by hanging pans, pots, and other cooking utensils on an overhead rack. This will not only create additional space but also serve as a decoration item that looks stylish in your kitchen.

9. Consider Doubling Up on Spices
Spices are used in the preparing of many dishes. You can save time in preparing meals by doubling up on spices. By doubling up, we do not mean you should buy separate packs of spices. You can split the spices and keep them in separate jars that are placed in different places in the kitchen such as one near the baking area and the other near the stove.

10. Organise Pot Lids by Hanging on a Towel Rod
A great tip to keep your pot lids organised is by hanging them on a towel rod. This will ensure that you do not waste time in searching for pot lids around the kitchen.

11. Make Use of Rotating Trays
Rotating trays, also known as Lazy Susans, are great for holding items such as vinegars, oils, and other ingredients. You can place the rotating trays on the counter top and inside the refrigerator as well. This will not only make it easy to access the cooking ingredients but also allow you to ensure that they do not spoil or rot due to being out of sight.

12. Place Hooks under the Cabinets
You can hold mugs and cups on hooks placed underneath the cabinets above the countertops. This will save considerable space inside the cabinet and on the kitchen countertop. You should also consider hanging hooks on pantry and cabinet doors to hold kitchen appliances such as oven gloves, measuring cups, and other kitchen gadgets.

13. Group Similar Items Together
You must sort and organise similar items when placing on the counter top or cabinets. Pile up your baking items, group the dishes, sort cooking items, glassware, pans, and other cooking items. Organising and sorting the items will make it easier to find them when required.

14.  Reduce the Paper Clutter
You must reduce the paper clutter in the kitchen by organising and throwing away useless documents and papers. Consider digitizing important papers like recipes or notices and store the originals in a separate file folder elsewhere.

Top 6 Kitchen Appliances To Make Student Life Comfortable

In the lead up to starting a new chapter in life at college or university, students begin to gather their belongings together. During this time many realise they do not have all of the essentials they require.
Some dorms are fully furnished, yet many students realise they require various appliances to make live in life easier and more convenient. Here we have listed the top six kitchen appliances in Australia to make student life more comfortable and convenient.

1. Coffee Maker
The students need to fuel themselves up to complete the urgent assignments or prepare notes for the next test. Sometimes, it is just bad time management by the students, and sometimes they need to be wide awake at odd times so that they can study. In all circumstances, coffee is your best friend, especially if you are not a morning person or find it difficult to keep from dosing off while preparing for an exam. Coffee makers are one of the top demanded kitchen appliances in Perth.

A coffee maker will help you satisfy the sudden craving for a hot, steaming cuppa, and will help save money at the same time. Visiting the coffee shop frequently not only takes its toll on your wallet but also distracts you. A single serving pod brewer with an insulated mug is the best thing a student can have for the dorm.

Tip – When buying kitchen appliances like the coffee maker, make sure that it requires minimal cleanup. Avoid white colour or other lighter shades.

2. Small Blender
Students are always running short of time. At home, the mothers take care of their meals but at the college dorm, they need a quick-mom-alternative for preparing meals without wasting time. A small blender is an amazing equipment to make a smoothie or a milkshake before catching the first class at college. Blenders are also good to make instant jelly or pudding to satisfy your hunger whenever the need arises.

TipBuy a small plastic blender to avoid breakage and check the sharpness of the blades. A small blender with 1 litre jug, 1 serving glass, and detachable blades for cleaning will be a good choice for a busy dorm life.

3. Electric Cooker
A small electric cooker is all a student wants to enjoy home-like meals prepared in the shortest possible time. There are many good brands of kitchen appliances on the market which come with quick recipes and built-in auto-cook functions to help the students cook food in less time. You may also pick quick recipes from the internet. Different types of cookers can also be selected from kitchen appliances online.

TipPurchase an electric cooker with adjustable heating system. Instead of selecting the touch mode, select a cooker with a switch to choose the heating or cooking number. Electric cookers with switches tend to expire later than the touch button cookers. Also, choose a darker shade of the cooker for convenient cleaning.

4. Portable Cooktop Burner
Induction cooktop burners are portable burners which allow the students to cook food the traditional way. Apart from exhibiting their specialty or traditional foods in the college events, the students may also want to cook home-like food on the weekends or cook something special for a party at a friend’s place. Induction cooktop burners are also safer to cook all types of foods as they don’t use gas flames or electricity.

Tip – Choose an induction cooktop burner with alternative cooking system as well so that it keeps working even if the induction system fails in any sudden case.

5. Microwave Oven
Many students prefer cooking food in the microwave oven. Apart from the cooking microwave ovens, simpler and smaller microwave ovens may also be purchased to heat the stored food for midnight cravings or serve food to the friends. Microwave ovens also come with microwave cookware including bacon rack, food steamer, and waffle mould. Choose a compact microwave with cooking options and purchase the microwave cookware according to your choice.

Tip – Microwaves come in a variety of colours. Silver gray and brown microwaves tend to get less dirty as compared to white and black microwave ovens. Make sure that you pick the right colours if you choose pattern designs when buying kitchen appliances.

6. Dorm Size Refrigerator
As students, we know that we always need something to munch even if we are unable to finish the platter. A dorm size refrigerator is required to keep not only the leftover food but also to store fresh food items. The kitchen appliances in Perth offer great variety in refrigerator sizes, style, quality and customization.

Tip – For purchasing the dorm size refrigerator, buy the one with more number of shelves and a small built-in freezer. Choose a colour that requires less cleaning like metal gray and silver blue.

It is ideal to start preparing for your move weeks before the big day. For purchasing the electric and dorm supplies, search kitchen appliances online, note down the model numbers and prices and visit the local stores to buy the products only after checking them at the store.

10 Easy Low Budget Tips To Upgrade Your Kitchen Appliances

You might have skipped the idea of upgrading your kitchen due to restricted budget or a common myth that upgraded kitchens are expensive. You don’t need a designer or a lot of bank balance for upgrading kitchen appliances. These easy, low-budget hacks will help you upgrade your home kitchen appliances and live the most modern life the economic way.

1. Make a List of All the Important Things Including Those You Don’t Need
Upgrading your kitchen also includes buying the right combination of home kitchen appliances and giving a theme to your kitchen. It is important to make a list of every items included in the kitchen appliances including those items which you don’t need right at the moment. For example, if someone wants to upgrade the kitchen for saving energy, the person needs to upgrade everything from stove to microwave, coffee  machines, and dishwasher.

It will also help you make an estimate of your expenses and save more money by upgrading kitchen appliances together. If you don’t want to miss any item from upgrading, search ‘buy kitchen appliances online’.

2. Make a List of the Most Important Items
At any time of upgrading your kitchen, you may go over-budget. For playing it safe, make a list of the most important items so that you may deduct the less needed items for the list if needed. Another option is to save money by buying cheap kitchen appliances that are not much needed.

3. Know Your Stay Time
Are you planning to buy a new home? Then think again about your plan to upgrade the kitchen. Most often, the kitchen appliances are also sold out with the home; therefore, investing in your kitchen is wise only if you want to live in your current house for at least the next five years.

4. Replace Items
If you are on a tight budget, the best way is to look thoroughly into your kitchen and select items which you really need the most. If you are a professional chef, you will need to replace a wide range of household kitchen appliances but if you are not a professional cook, and only want to cook special recipes on weekends, then buy cheap kitchen appliances/ used appliances to replace the least needed ones.

5. Research
Upgrading kitchen appliances is the dream of every cooking enthusiast. Look around the kitchens of friends and relatives, and ask about latest appliances, market rates, and places to shop from them. Do some online research as well and checking the online retail stores. You can also check the websites of popular kitchen appliance manufacturers.

6. Look Into the Markets
The more time you spend doing your research about upgrading kitchen appliances, the better deals you will get. Apart from the online research, also visit the markets to check the latest technology in the market and compare the rates offered by different brands for similar products.

7. Look for Manufacturer Rebates
The market is always full of deals by different manufacturers of household kitchen appliances. You may wait for an upcoming event or special day or simply ask the retailer about the brands offering rebates. It can help you to instantly add up to your budget by taking advantage of the rebate time allotted by the manufacturers.

8. Buy Bundles
The manufacturer will offer you huge discounts if you purchase all or many appliances from one manufacturer. Bundle-buying also helps you to build relations with retailers and manufacturers and retailers for future buying. Don’t forget to ask the retailer about their deals for used items. If there is a deal available at the moment, take all your operating home kitchen appliances for resale within warranty.

9.  Take Measurements According to Your Needs
The requirement of every family is different for household kitchen appliances. The price of a kitchen appliance of different model and size will be cheaper or higher than the one which is bigger in size or different in model. Sometimes, similar models of an appliance may or may not have extra kitchenware which increases or decreases the price. Know your measurements and gather the details about model number and other accessories by searching ‘buy kitchen appliances online’.

10. Take Advantage of Tax-Time Sales
During the federal tax return time, the manufacturers introduce new models and put old models on sale. This is the peak time of buying and selling the home kitchen appliances and this is why the prices are set the lowest in the year. Take advantage of the tax-time sale and pick your ideal items by completing your research before the tax-time.

When upgrading your kitchen, maintain a balance between budget and quality of the products. Make sure that the appliances you purchase are usable for years to come. A well-upgraded kitchen also increases the price of your home.