Appliances do require regular maintenance which may include cleaning and service work. If you keep up with the recommended maintenance often the larger issues never arise. Most repairs are caused by equipment not properly cared for.

The internet provides many wonderful troubleshooting guides for basic types of appliances. These guides can be helpful either before you call a repair person or to verify what the repair person is indicating is the problem.

For many small appliances such as microwaves, counter top ovens or items such as toasters and slow cookers it is more expensive to repair the item than it may be to buy a newer model on sale. Always compare the cost of repair to replacement to determine which is the most cost effective option.