8 Common Kitchen Appliance Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Are your kitchen appliances costing you more than they should? High energy bills and premature breakdowns can turn your kitchen helpers into headaches. Before you resign yourself to a life of lukewarm leftovers and smoky dinners, check out these eight common appliance blunders.

We’ll show you how to fix them, save money, and get the most out of your appliances—with expert recommendations from our team at Mountain High Appliance to help you upgrade if needed.

1. Ignoring Your Refrigerator Coils

(Dust buildup = higher bills and faster breakdowns.)

Your refrigerator runs constantly, but when its condenser coils (those metal tubes at the back or bottom) get covered in dust and debris, it has to work overtime to stay cool. This means higher energy bills, inconsistent cooling, and even early failure.

How to Fix It:

✅ Every six months, unplug your fridge and vacuum the coils with a brush attachment.
✅ If you have pets, clean them every three months (because pet hair = faster buildup).
✅ If your fridge still isn’t cooling efficiently, check the door seals—if they’re loose, cold air is escaping.

Best Refrigerator Upgrade:

Need an upgrade? The Sub-Zero Designer Series—like the Panel Ready Sub-Zero 24" Designer Column Refrigerator (Model: DEC2450RR)—has advanced air purification and powerful cooling systems, reducing strain on coils.

2. Overloading the Washing Machine With Heavy Items

(Stuffing it full won’t save time—it’ll just break your washer.)

It’s tempting to cram in that huge comforter with a week's worth of towels, but washers aren’t designed for overloaded drums. This can lead to poor cleaning, unbalanced cycles, and even broken suspension rods.

How to Fix It:

✅ Follow the weight limit in your user manual (typically 12–16 lbs for top-loaders, 18–22 lbs for front-loaders).
✅ Wash bulky items separately (comforters, rugs, and heavy towels).
✅ If your washer shakes violently, you’re overloading it—or the drum is unbalanced.

Best Washer Upgrade:

If you’re seeking an upgrade, the Electrolux Front Load Perfect Steam™ Washer (Model: ELFW7437AG) handles large loads and offers an 18 minute Fast Wash cycle to quickly deep-clean the items you need the most..

3. Not Cleaning the Dryer Vent

(A clogged vent isn’t just inefficient—it’s a fire hazard.)

A clogged dryer vent is one of the leading causes of house fires. Even if you clean the lint trap, built-up lint in the vent hose can cause overheating, longer drying times, and safety risks.

How to Fix It:

✅ Clean the lint trap after every load.
✅ Every 6–12 months, unplug the dryer and vacuum out the vent hose.
✅ If clothes are taking longer to dry, check for blockages in the outside vent.

Best Dryer Upgrade:

Looking to replace your dryer? The Speed Queen DF7 Sanitizing Gas Dryer is perfect for pet parents. This dryer is known for its commercial-grade durability and offers special pet cycles, including pet hair removal.

4. Putting the Wrong Things in the Garbage Disposal

(It’s called a disposal, but it’s not a trash can.)

Ever tossed coffee grounds, grease, or potato peels into the garbage disposal? These clog pipes, dull the blades and cause nasty backups.

What NOT to Put in Your Disposal:

❌ Eggshells, grease, and coffee grounds – They create sludge.
❌ Pasta and rice – They expand in water and clog drains.
❌ Fibrous veggies (celery, corn husks, onion skins) – These wrap around the blades.

How to Fix It:

✅ Always run cold water while using the disposal.
✅ Use a disposal-safe cleaner monthly to break down buildup.
✅ If you need a better cleanup solution, consider a dishwasher with hard food disposer technology.

Best Garbage Disposal Upgrade:

If you want to upgrade your garbage disposal, check out the KitchenAid 1-Horsepower Batch Feed Food Waste Disposer. Instead of clogging your sink, let this trash disposal grind and wash away leftover food effortlessly.

5. Letting Ice Build Up in Your Freezer

(More ice = less efficiency.)

If your freezer walls are covered in thick ice, it’s working twice as hard to keep food frozen.

How to Fix It:

✅ Manually defrost your freezer if it’s not frost-free (at least twice a year).
✅ Check door seals—warm air sneaking in causes ice buildup.
✅ Keep the freezer at least 70% full so it maintains temperature better.

Best Freezer Upgrade:

For a high-end freezer option, check out the Monogram 24" Panel-Ready Integrated Column Freezer (Model: ZIF241NBRII). It offers removable ice storage and helps maintain a precise temperature throughout the freezer compartment.

6. Skipping the Drip Pan in Your Oven

(Burnt food smells are NOT a seasoning.)

If your oven smokes every time you cook, it’s probably because grease and food drips are burning on the oven floor.

How to Fix It:

✅ Use a drip pan or foil liner on the bottom rack (not directly on the oven floor).
✅ Clean spills as soon as they happen.
✅ If your oven is already full of burnt messes, run a self-cleaning cycle (but open the windows—it gets hot).

Upgrade Option:

Want a more convenient option? Take a look at the Thermador 30'' Professional Double Wall Oven (Model: POD302LW). It offers an ergonomically designed side opening door for better access to the oven cavity and one of the largest oven capacities in its class at 4.5 cu. ft.

7. Not Using a Vent Hood When Cooking

(Your smoke alarm doesn’t need that much excitement.)

Steam, grease, and smoke build up on cabinets and walls if you don’t use proper ventilation. That’s where a range hood comes in handy.

How to Fix It:

✅ Always turn on the vent hood when cooking.
✅ Clean grease filters once a month.
✅ If your range hood is weak, upgrade to a stronger model.

Best Range Hood Upgrade:

Need a better vent hood? Check out the Maytag 30" Range Hood with FIT System (Model: UXT3030ADB). The FIT system helps reduce measuring, making it easy to install. The powerful 2-speed hood vent kitchen fan takes care of steam, grease, smoke or odors in the surrounding air.

8. Loading the Dishwasher Incorrectly

(Yes, there’s a right way.)

If you’re randomly tossing dishes into your dishwasher, chances are they’re not getting fully clean.

How to Fix It:

✅ Plates face the center, not all in one direction.
✅ Silverware should be mixed to avoid nesting.
✅ Don’t stack bowls—water won’t reach the bottom ones.

Best Dishwasher Upgrade:

The Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher (Model: SHP78CM4N) features PrecisionWash™ technology for sparkling clean dishes, no matter how you load them.

Upgrade Your Kitchen with Mountain High Appliance

Avoiding common appliance mistakes can save you money and frustration. Whether you need a high-efficiency washer, a frost-free freezer, or a powerful range hood, Mountain High Appliance has expert recommendations and top brands to keep your kitchen running smoothly.

Ready to find the best luxury appliances for your kitchen? Visit appliance showrooms in Colorado to explore our selection of cooking ranges, cooktops, outdoor grills, and more. Our team is here to help you make the perfect choice! 

Related readings from our blog:

• Tips for Buying Luxury Appliances on a Budget

• Are Sub-Zero Refrigerators Worth the Investment?

• How to Avoid Kitchen Design Disaster

FAQs About Kitchen Appliance Troubleshooting

1. How do you test for faulty appliances?
To test for faulty appliances, start by checking the power source and listening for unusual sounds or performance issues. If you’re still unsure, contact a professional and see the attached guide for more details on diagnosing appliance problems.

2. What kitchen appliance breaks down the most?
Dishwashers and refrigerators are typically the most prone to breakdowns due to frequent use and lack of maintenance. Refer to our attached guide for tips on preventing common appliance failures.

3. Should the refrigerator be near the sink or stove?
It’s generally best to keep the refrigerator closer to the sink for easy cleanup and away from heat sources.

4. How do I find a ground fault in my appliance?
If you suspect a ground fault, look for frayed wires or tripped circuits, and consult a professional if you’re uncertain. For further details, see the attached guide on appliance safety.

5. Is it OK to stack appliances?
Stacking is only recommended if the appliances are specifically designed for it. For more layout considerations and best practices, check our attached guide.