Friday, 21 February 2025

Product Recommendation - [Air Conditioner]

In this post, we are providing at glance the products we consider to be some of the best offerings in the market in their respective categories. The products mentioned below have been put to rigorous tests, compared against the competing products from multiple brands, and have been analysed on various aspects pertaining to their intended use. For a comprehensive post on Air Conditioners, you may read our detailed guide - https://shoppinaire.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-detailed-guide-to-buying-air.html

Window Air Conditioners
Best Choice 1, My Preferred Choice, Best Choice 2, Best Choice 3Best Choice 4Best Choice 5Best Choice 6Best Choice 7Best Choice 8Best Choice 9Best Choice 10Best Choice 11Best Choice 12Best Choice 13Best Choice 14Best Choice 15 and Best Choice 16

Split Air Conditioners
Best Choice 1, Best Choice 2My Preferred ChoiceBest Choice 3Best Choice 4Best Choice 5Best Choice 6, Best Choice 7, Best Choice 8Best Choice 9Best Choice 10Best Choice 11, Best Choice 12Best Choice 13, Best Choice 14, Best Choice 15Best Choice 16, Best Choice 17, Best Choice 18 and Best Choice 19

Note: In our constant endeavour to assist you in making an informed buying decision, we test the new launches of the products on multiple parameters, and if they stand tall in our analysis we periodically add them to the below mentioned list of our recommended products. So, if you plan to make the purchase at a later time, you may visit the links once again at the very time of buying to ensure that the purchase turns out to be a very fruitful one.

Recapitulating on the most crucial aspects of buying an air conditioner -

  • COOLING CAPACITY

    • For a room having area between of 120 to 160 square feet, a 1 ton air conditioner will sufficiently cool the room.
    • When a room having area in the range of 160 to 200 square feet is in consideration, one should decide on a 1.5 ton air conditioner to ensure adequate cooling.
    • For a room having area between 200 to 260 square feet, a 2 ton air conditioner would meet all one’s cooling needs. If one’s room size demands to have a 2 ton air conditioner, split air conditioner should be one’s preferred choice as window air conditioners are inefficient in cooling a room of such a large size.
  • INVERTER TECHNOLOGY IN AIR CONDITIONERS 
Nowadays, most manufacturers of split air conditioners make use of inverter technology (DC) in their high end products. In traditional air conditioners, the compressor runs for as long as the user's desired temperature is not reached and once that temperature is reached, the compressor completely stops until the temperature of the room rises by a few degrees. Once the temperature of the room rises, the compressor once again comes into action.

However, in an inverter air conditioner, the compressor does not run at full blast as soon as the air conditioner is turned on, rather it runs at varied speeds to bring down the temperature of the room. The speed of the compressor depends upon the existing temperature of the room and the desired temperature set by the user. Since the compressor runs at varied speeds and runs for the entire time the air conditioner is turned on, it does not use a lot of power at once. Hence, the inverter technology helps to reduce the electricity bills.

On the down side, the air conditioners that come with inverter technology tend to have a higher initial cost than the regular ones. Therefore, if the air conditioner running time is greater than three to four hours per day, then it would be wise to invest in an inverter air conditioner. For lesser running times, the regular air conditioners do the job just fine.  
 
  • COST CUTTING TECHNIQUES
It is imperative to be aware of the ways in which some manufacturers resort to cutting production costs in order to maximize profits and in turn deliver a sub-standard product to the customers, the components of which have a very short shelf life and may require frequent repairs/replacements.
    • Installing a poor quality condenser. The condenser unit of the air conditioner covers 60% cost of the entire unit and hence is the favorite area where the manufacturers cut costs. Installing a low quality condenser does not adequately cool the pressurized gas and hence the effectiveness of the air conditioner in cooling the room is impacted. The air conditioner needs to run for longer duration to sufficiently cool the room and hence consumes more electricity.
    • Installing inefficient filters. Air filters play a pivotal role in maintaining sanitation of the air being circulated by the air conditioner in the room. The sizes of contaminants that exists in our air ranges from 0.01 microns to 100 microns. Therefore, a well fabricated air-filter should be made of several layers so as to trap the various contaminants of varying size and texture. However, to reduce the production costs and to maximize profits, some brands resort to making use of sub-standard and inefficient air filters that are very incompetent in removing dust, pollen grains, animal fur from the air, thereby exposing humans to these allergens which can lead to breathing and health disorders. The issue is further accentuated in homes where members have a history of allergies and/or asthma.
For an extensive buying guide on Air Conditioners, head over to our detailed post - https://shoppinaire.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-detailed-guide-to-buying-air.html

A detailed guide to buying an Air Conditioner

Summer is a season most people find themselves in love-hate relationship with. While some absolutely love the fact that they no longer need to wear layers of clothes to keep themselves warm and they can wear their favorite T-Shirt and shorts to almost every place except their workplace. Others, on the other hand, hate summer with all their being. They can’t stand being constantly drenched in sweat and/or get skin rashes due to it.

No matter on which side of the spectrum a person belongs to, when the temperature rises above 40 degree Celsius, even the most cool headed person finds himself in distress and looks out for ways to keep himself and his home cool and that is when an Air Conditioner comes to the rescue.


Now, if you are a frequent visitor to the posts on this blog, you might be probably aware that we take each topic from the grass root level and we will do the same with this post as well. We will begin with the basics first, understand how the Air Conditioner works, after that we will discuss about the various types of air conditioners available in the market with their pros and cons, then we will move on to discuss how some brands cut costs and manufacture below par products that are very inefficient in keeping the temperatures down and hence you always find yourself soaked in sweat even when the air conditioner is running and then we will proceed onto deciding which type of air conditioner would be the best for you, according to your needs.

You might be glad to know that my father works at a company that manufactures home appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, kitchen chimneys, washing machines etc. So at home, we frequently have a conversation about commercial appliances, what goes into making them, how brands try to do cost cutting etc.

Today, I'll try my best to pass on the knowledge that I have acquired from my father over the years, to you so as to help you make a good buying decision.

So without further a do, let’s begin…

The Basics
An Air conditioner works on a law of physics, which states that when a liquid converts into a gas, it absorbs heat. This process is also known by the term Phase Conversion. The air conditioner uses chemicals known as refrigerant that converts from liquid state to gaseous state quickly. The refrigerant is responsible for transferring the inside heat of the house to outside.
The air conditioner unit comprises of three parts, namely,
  1. The Compressor
  2. The Condenser
  3. The Evaporator
While the evaporator of the air conditioner unit is inside your room, the compressor and the condenser lie in the outer part of the unit and hence outside the room.
The evaporator contains the refrigerant that absorbs the heat from the surroundings and turn into vapor state. The vaporized refrigerant then passes from the evaporator to the compressor which compresses the vapor to a state of higher temperature and pressure. From the compressor, the pressurized gas flows into the condenser which rapidly cools off the pressurized gas back into liquid state that flows back into the evaporator. A blower pushes air past the cold evaporator to chill the air and blow it back into the room.

This process is repeated over and over until the desired set temperature is reached after which the thermostat turns off the process of air conditioning until the room temperature rises beyond the desired temperature and the thermostat starts the air conditioning process once again.


(Image of Working of an Air Conditioner)

Having learnt how an air conditioner unit works, let’s proceed to learn the different types of air conditioners that are available in the market along with the Pros and Cons of each type.
  1. Window Air Conditioner
  2. Split Air Conditioner
  3. Central Air Conditioner
Out of these three, the Window and the Split air conditioners are the most widely used air conditioners for home and small offices.

Window Air Conditioner

These are the most common and popular air conditioners for cooling single rooms. In this type of air conditioners, all the three components i.e the evaporator, the compressor and the condenser are enclosed in a single box and the entire unit is installed in a window.

PROS:-
  • Lesser cost. As compared to the split and central air conditioning units, the window air conditioning unit costs less and thus is the preferred choice for majority of buyers who require to cool single rooms.
  • Lesser energy consumption. Since these air conditioners are designed to cool single rooms, only the room that needs to be cooled needs to have the air conditioner turned on, thus saving electricity and hence lesser electricity bills.
  • Ease of installation and portability. These air conditioners are manufactured as a single unit and hence are easy to install and remove. When changing homes, all the window air conditioners of the home can be transported to the new place just in a mini-loading vehicle.
CONS:-
  • Uneven cooling. Window air conditioners don’t circulate the air inside the room with as much efficiency as the split or central air conditioners do. What this results in is, some areas of the room get freezing cold, some remain warm and some are just appropriately cool.
  • Gap between the air conditioner and the window. There are always some minute gaps that remain uncovered after installation of the unit in the window which lead to the inlet of the outside heat thus impacting the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner.
  • Operating noise. The compressor and the condenser unit generates noise when in operation. Since the entire air conditioning unit comes in a single box, the noise generated is imparted to the room in which the unit is installed.


(Image of Window Air Conditioner)

Split Air Conditioner

Unlike the window air conditioners that are manufactured as a single unit, the split air conditioners comprise of two units, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.
The outdoor unit, fitted outside the home comprises of the compressor and the condenser while the indoor unit comprises of the evaporator.

PROS:-
  • No restriction on place of installation. This is probably the biggest selling point of split air conditioners. Unlike the window air conditioners, split air conditioners do not require a window or a hole in the wall to be installed. The outdoor unit can be placed a long way from the indoor unit and require just a small hole in the wall to connect the outdoor and the indoor unit through a tube.
  • Low operating noise. Since the compressor and the condenser unit that generate noise while operating are installed away from the indoor unit, the noise levels inside the room are extremely low and hence one can have a sound sleep.
  • Energy efficient. Split air conditioners are more energy efficient than window air conditioners as there are no gaps or crevices that occur during the installation through which the outside hot air can seep inside the room and hence they cool the room faster and the coolness is maintained for longer.
CONS:-
  • Higher initial cost. The upfront cost of split air conditioners is higher than that of window air conditioners, though the running cost and cost over the long run of split air conditioners is lesser than window air conditioners as they are more energy efficient than the window air conditioners.
  • Requires professionals for installation. Unlike the window air conditioners, split air conditioners need to be installed by the HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) professionals for validation of warranty and ensuring safe installation.
(Image of Split Air Conditioner)

Inverter technology in Air Conditioners

Nowadays, most manufacturers of split air conditioners make use of inverter technology (DC) in their high end products. In traditional air conditioners, the compressor runs for as long as the user's desired temperature is not reached and once that temperature is reached, the compressor completely stops until the temperature of the room rises by a few degrees. Once the temperature of the room rises, the compressor once again comes into action.

However, in an inverter air conditioner, the compressor does not run at full blast as soon as the air conditioner is turned on, rather it runs at varied speeds to bring down the temperature of the room. The speed of the compressor depends upon the existing temperature of the room and the desired temperature set by the user. Since the compressor runs at varied speeds and runs for the entire time the air conditioner is turned on, it does not use a lot of power at once. Hence, the inverter technology helps to reduce the electricity bills.

On the down side, the air conditioners that come with inverter technology tend to have a higher initial cost than the regular ones. Therefore, if the air conditioner running time is greater than three to four hours per day, then it would be wise to invest in an inverter air conditioner. For lesser running times, the regular air conditioners do the job just fine.

Central Air Conditioner

These type of air conditioners find their use in cooling large places, to name them :- movie halls, large office buildings, hotels etc.
Central air conditioners are the preferred choice in these places as installing individual units in each room would be extremely expensive and even the cooling would be uneven. Central air conditioners comprise of a high capacity compressor that has the capacity to cool several rooms at once.

PROS:-
  • Temperature is maintained all year long. This is the biggest positive aspect of centralized cooling. These air conditioners can be used both in summer for cooling and in winter for heating the space.
  • Purified air. Central air conditioning also ensures that the air that is circulated inside the building is filtered and free of any allergens and harmful gases, though for purification to efficiently take place, filters need to be changes regularly and the ducts need to be cleaned at least twice a year.
CONS:-
  • Very high installation and maintenance cost . Central air conditioners are costly to own and use. Also, they require frequent maintenance and cleaning to ensure that mold and fungus do not form inside the ducts and lead to health issues and allergies.
  • Higher electricity bills. Central air conditioners are heavy on electricity consumption and thus their running cost is higher than the window and split air conditioners.



(Image of the outdoor unit of Central Air Conditioner)

In general, if one is looking for cooling homes and individual rooms, window and split air conditioners offer the most value for money. Central air conditioners, on the other hand are best for large spaces.

Having analyzed the various types of air conditioners, let’s proceed to decide what cooling capacity should you look for in an air conditioner depending upon the room size in which the air conditioner needs to be installed.
  • For a room having area between of 120 to 160 square feet, a 1 ton air conditioner will sufficiently cool the room.
  • When a room having area in the range of 160 to 200 square feet is in consideration, one should decide on a 1.5 ton air conditioner to ensure adequate cooling.
  • For a room having area between 200 to 260 square feet, a 2 ton air conditioner would meet all one’s cooling needs. If one’s room size demands to have a 2 ton air conditioner, split air conditioner should be one’s preferred choice as window air conditioners are inefficient in cooling a room of such a large size.

    In the above context, it is imperative to note that if the air conditioner is set in an environment where direct sunlight falls on it or in the room in which the air conditioner is to be installed, its cooling efficiency reduces. In such scenarios, we have determined that it is best to decide on an air conditioner with slightly higher capacity. For instance, if a room which would have been cooled well by a 1 ton air conditioner, a slightly higher 1.2 ton air conditioner would impart the best service if the air conditioner and room faces direct sunlight.

    Now let’s proceed to discuss the ways by which some manufacturers cut manufacturing costs to maximize their profits and in turn deliver a sub-standard product to the customers which are inefficient in cooling and have a short shelf life.
    • Installing a poor quality condenser. The condenser unit of the air conditioner covers 60% cost of the entire unit and hence is the favorite area where the manufacturers cut costs. Installing a low quality condenser does not adequately cool the pressurized gas and hence the effectiveness of the air conditioner in cooling the room is impacted. The air conditioner needs to run for longer duration to sufficiently cool the room and hence consumes more electricity.
    • Installing inefficient filters. Air filters play a pivotal role in maintaining sanitation of the air being circulated by the air conditioner in the room. The sizes of contaminants that exists in our air ranges from 0.01 microns to 100 microns. Therefore, a well fabricated air-filter should be made of several layers so as to trap the various contaminants of varying size and texture. However, to reduce the production costs and to maximize profits, some brands resort to making use of sub-standard and inefficient air filters that are very incompetent in removing dust, pollen grains, animal fur from the air, thereby exposing humans to these allergens which can lead to breathing and health disorders. The issue is further accentuated in homes where members have a history of allergies and/or asthma.


    Now, having learnt how some air conditioner manufacturers cut costs, let’s proceed to zero down on some of the best built air conditioners available in the market that are not only the best in cooling but are also energy efficient in their working and offer the most value for money.

    Note: In our constant endeavour to assist you in making an informed buying decision, we test the new launches of the products on multiple parameters, and if they stand tall in our analysis we periodically add them to the below mentioned list of our recommended products. So, if you plan to make the purchase at a later time, you may visit the links once again at the very time of buying to ensure that the purchase turns out to be a very fruitful one.

    Window Air Conditioners
    Best Choice 1, My Preferred Choice, Best Choice 2, Best Choice 3Best Choice 4Best Choice 5Best Choice 6Best Choice 7Best Choice 8Best Choice 9Best Choice 10Best Choice 11Best Choice 12Best Choice 13Best Choice 14Best Choice 15 and Best Choice 16

    Split Air Conditioners
    Best Choice 1, Best Choice 2My Preferred ChoiceBest Choice 3Best Choice 4Best Choice 5Best Choice 6, Best Choice 7, Best Choice 8Best Choice 9Best Choice 10Best Choice 11, Best Choice 12Best Choice 13, Best Choice 14, Best Choice 15Best Choice 16, Best Choice 17, Best Choice 18 and Best Choice 19

    Monday, 16 December 2024

    The complete guide to buying a Dishwasher

    Author- Vibhor Shergill 

    After a long and tiring day at work, one wants to come home, have freshly prepared meal and after spending some time with family, one wishes to retire in bed for a peaceful and sound sleep. However, this serene idea of a perfect post-work scenario can easily turn into a nightmare when one finds uncleaned utensils of the previous day lying in the kitchen sink to be cleaned before any of those serene thoughts can be transformed into reality. This is when a dishwasher comes to the rescue.
    Dishwashers are often considered as one of the five pillars that make a complete kitchen. On the foundation of these five pillars, an ideal kitchen is made. Those five pillars are:-
    • A gas stove
    • A refrigerator
    • A dishwasher
    • A kitchen chimney
    • A microwave oven
    Though, one might tend to believe that house maids reduce the need of having a dishwasher, I would like to state two profound reasons as to why dishwashers still do not have a replacement:-
    • Flexibility. Most house maids tend to come for work once in the morning and once in the evening. However, the work timings of most of us do not allow us to accommodate such a provision, rendering the need of finding alternatives, absolutely necessary. One can load all the dirty utensils of the previous day in the dishwasher once in the morning before leaving for work and can peacefully enjoy the dinner after returning, without having to worry about manually cleaning the utensils.
    • Reduced cost. The money that one pays to a house maid for cleaning the utensils per year in one of the urban cities roughly translates to one-third of the price of a typical dishwasher. Doing the math further, in just three years one would be able to even out the entire cost of the dishwasher. Following which, one only needs to spend on the maintenance of the dishwasher which roughly translates to Rs 200 per month.
    (Image of utensils being loaded in the dishwasher)

    So, keeping the improved quality of life a dishwasher imparts into consideration, in this post, we will talk about everything related to dishwashers.

    Now, if you are a frequent visitor to the posts on this blog, you might be probably aware that we take each topic from the grass root level and we will do the same with this post as well. We will begin with the basics first, understand how a dishwasher works, after that we will discuss about the different types of dishwashers that are available in the market, then we will move on to discuss how some brands cut costs and manufacture below par products that are very inefficient in cleaning the utensils and put you at risk of the diseases that are caused by bacteria that feed on dirty utensils and then we will proceed onto deciding which type of dishwasher would be the best for you, according to your needs.

    You might be glad to know that my father works at a company that manufactures home appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, kitchen chimneys, washing machines etc. So at home, we frequently have a conversation about commercial appliances, what goes into making them, how brands try to do cost cutting etc.

    Today, I'll try my best to pass on the knowledge that I have acquired from my father over the years, to you so as to help you make a good buying decision.

    So without further a do, let’s begin…

    THE BASICS
    A dishwasher begins the wash cycle by taking in water from the hose connected to the machine. Once an appropriate level of water is collected at the bottom of the dishwasher, the heating element present inside the dishwasher begins to warm the water. The need to warm the water arises as warm water is more effective than cold water in removing grease and grime from the utensils.

    At the same time, appropriate amount of detergent is poured into the warm water from the detergent dispenser. An electric pump takes the solution of detergent and water and forces it through the pipes present at the top and the bottom of the dishwasher. The solution of detergent and water surges through the pipes and emerges in the form of a jet stream from the tiny holes present on the other end of the pipes.

    (Image of dishes being washed inside the dishwasher)

    The solution of detergent and water gets sprayed on the dirty utensils and it removes the food remains, grease, grime and stains from the utensils. A sieve is present at the bottom of the dishwasher which catches large bits of debris to prevent the dishwasher from jamming, while smaller bits and food remains simply flush down the drain. The solution of detergent and water eventually drips back into the pool below, where it is reheated, filtered and is then sent back to the pipes to emerge again from the tiny holes. At the end of the wash cycle, all of the water is drained out.

    The quantity of water collected at the bottom of the dishwasher from the hose, the amount of detergent mixed with the water and the number of times the solution of detergent and water moves through the pipes and gets sprayed on the utensils depends upon the load of utensils present in the dishwasher and the corresponding wash program selected.

    Now, having learnt about the basics, let us proceed to discuss which capacity/number of place settings of dishwasher should you go for depending upon your family requirements.

    YOUR NEED
    • For a family consisting one-two individuals, deciding on a dishwasher with 8 place settings would make for a decent choice.
    • On the other hand, If there are three-four individuals in one's family and the food is cooked at home on majority of the days, a 12-13 place settings dishwasher would be sufficient to cater to the utensil wash requirements.
    • For a family having more than six individuals, a 14-16 place settings dishwasher would make for an ideal choice to cater to the utensil wash requirements.
    Now having understood about the different capacities of dishwashers and which capacity of the dishwasher should find a place in your kitchen, let us proceed to discuss the ways in which some manufacturers try to cut manufacturing costs and maximize their own profits and in turn deliver a sub-standard product to the customers which are inefficient in cleaning the utensils and have a short shelf life.

    COST CUTTING TECHNIQUES
    • Installing an inefficient electric pump. The electric pump is one of the most essential components of a dishwasher as it is responsible for spraying the jet of detergent solution along with water over the unclean utensils stacked in numerous compartments of the dishwasher. For its significance, the electric pump assembly accounts for almost 30% of the cost of the entire appliance. Hence it is one of the favourite areas of some brands to cut production costs and maximize profits. Those brands resort to installing a low-grade, inferior electric pump in the dishwasher that is very inefficient in gushing soapy water over the utensils with the necessary force and in adequate quantity. As a result, the utensils remain largely unclean with most of the grime remaining intact on their surface. This grime becomes a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria which may cause multiple food borne diseases.
    • Inner body of the Dishwasher. Inner body of the dishwasher is where all the cleansing processes take place. Thus, it should be made of high tensile strength stainless steel or galvanized iron to take up the beating of detergent solution and water. A sturdy inner body adds immensely to the production costs of the dishwasher. Therefore, in order to reduce costs and lure customers, some brands resort to making the outer body of the dishwasher attractive in appearance and constructing it using high-grade materials. However, the inner body, where the consumer does not pay much attention to becomes their area of cutting costs. Such brands tend to use low-grade, inferior quality materials in the fabrication of the interiors of a dishwasher. Hence, only in a few years time, the inner body begins to rust and corrode, thereby making it necessary for the consumer to get the dishwasher repaired or buy a new one.

    Having learnt about how some dishwasher manufacturers cut costs, let us proceed to zero down on some of the best built dishwashers available in the market that are not only the best in cleaning the utensils but are also energy efficient in their working and offer the most value for money.


    Eight place settings Dishwasher
    Best Choice 1, My Preferred Choice, Best Choice 2 and Best Choice 3

    Twelve-Thirteen place settings Dishwasher
    Best Choice 1, Best Choice 2, My Preferred ChoiceBest Choice 3Best Choice 4Best Choice 5 and Best Choice 6

    Fourteen-Sixteen place settings Dishwasher
    Best Choice 1, My Preferred ChoiceBest Choice 3Best Choice 4
    Best Choice 5Best Choice 6Best Choice 7Best Choice 8Best Choice 9 and Best Choice 10

    Product Recommendation - [Dishwasher]

    In this post, we are providing at glance the products we consider to be some of the best offerings in the market in their respective categories. The products mentioned below have been put to rigorous tests, compared against the competing products from multiple brands, and have been analysed on various aspects pertaining to their intended use. For a comprehensive post on Dishwashers, you may read our detailed guide - https://shoppinaire.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-complete-guide-to-buying-dishwasher_16.html

    Eight place settings Dishwasher
    Best Choice 1, My Preferred Choice, Best Choice 2 and Best Choice 3

    Twelve-Thirteen place settings Dishwasher
    Best Choice 1, Best Choice 2, My Preferred ChoiceBest Choice 3Best Choice 4Best Choice 5 and Best Choice 6

    Fourteen-Sixteen place settings Dishwasher
    Best Choice 1, My Preferred ChoiceBest Choice 3Best Choice 4
    Best Choice 5Best Choice 6Best Choice 7Best Choice 8Best Choice 9 and Best Choice 10

    Note: In our constant endeavour to assist you in making an informed buying decision, we test the new launches of the products on multiple parameters, and if they stand tall in our analysis we periodically add them to the below mentioned list of our recommended products. So, if you plan to make the purchase at a later time, you may visit the links once again at the very time of buying to ensure that the purchase turns out to be a very fruitful one.


      Recapitulating on the most crucial aspects of buying a dishwasher -

      • YOUR NEED
        • For a family consisting one-two individuals, deciding on a dishwasher with 8 place settings would make for a decent choice.
        • On the other hand, If there are three-four individuals in one's family and the food is cooked at home on majority of the days, a 12-13 place settings dishwasher would be sufficient to cater to the utensil wash requirements.
        • For a family having more than six individuals, a 14-16 place settings dishwasher would make for an ideal choice to cater to the utensil wash requirements.

      • COST CUTTING TECHNIQUES
        • Installing an inefficient electric pump. The electric pump is one of the most essential components of a dishwasher as it is responsible for spraying the jet of detergent solution along with water over the unclean utensils stacked in numerous compartments of the dishwasher. For its significance, the electric pump assembly accounts for almost 30% of the cost of the entire appliance. Hence it is one of the favourite areas of some brands to cut production costs and maximize profits. Those brands resort to installing a low-grade, inferior electric pump in the dishwasher that is very inefficient in gushing soapy water over the utensils with the necessary force and in adequate quantity. As a result, the utensils remain largely unclean with most of the grime remaining intact on their surface. This grime becomes a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria which may cause multiple food borne diseases.
        • Inner body of the Dishwasher. Inner body of the dishwasher is where all the cleansing processes take place. Thus, it should be made of high tensile strength stainless steel or galvanized iron to take up the beating of detergent solution and water. A sturdy inner body adds immensely to the production costs of the dishwasher. Therefore, in order to reduce costs and lure customers, some brands resort to making the outer body of the dishwasher attractive in appearance and constructing it using high-grade materials. However, the inner body, where the consumer does not pay much attention to becomes their area of cutting costs. Such brands tend to use low-grade, inferior quality materials in the fabrication of the interiors of a dishwasher. Hence, only in a few years time, the inner body begins to rust and corrode, thereby making it necessary for the consumer to get the dishwasher repaired or buy a new one.


      For an extensive buying guide on Dishwashers, head over to our detailed post - 
      https://shoppinaire.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-complete-guide-to-buying-dishwasher_16.html

      Friday, 6 December 2024

      Product Recommendation - [Fitness Equipment]

      In this post, we are providing at glance the products we consider to be some of the best offerings in the market in their respective categories. The products mentioned below have been put to rigorous tests, compared against the competing products from multiple brands, and have been analysed on various aspects pertaining to their intended use. For a comprehensive post on Fitness Equipment, you may read our detailed guide - https://shoppinaire.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-complete-guide-to-buying-fitness.html

      Treadmill



      Outdoor Bicycle
      For Indian residents:- Best Choice 1Best Choice 2My Preferred Choice, Best Choice 3Best Choice 4Best Choice 5Best Choice 6, Best Choice 7 and Best Choice 8

      Note: In our constant endeavour to assist you in making an informed buying decision, we test the new launches of the products on multiple parameters, and if they stand tall in our analysis we periodically add them to the below mentioned list of our recommended products. So, if you plan to make the purchase at a later time, you may visit the links once again at the very time of buying to ensure that the purchase turns out to be a very fruitful one.

      Recapitulating on the most crucial aspects of buying a Fitness Equipment -

      TREADMILL
      Treadmill is one of the most popular exercise machines of all time, perhaps for the fact that unlike other gym equipment that require one to have a thorough knowledge of their method of use and need to be guided by a certified trainer, with treadmill, one does not need to invest in highly prized gym memberships and then devote time to attend the gym sessions. One can purchase a treadmill and place it at any convenient location in one’s home and it can be used by all family members of every age group alike. Using a treadmill is akin to walking or running, therefore most people find themselves at home when using it.
      A treadmill is primarily a composition of five different components - electric motor, console, frame, conveyor belt and deck. These five components work in perfect harmony with each other to facilitate workout environment right at one’s home.

      • Electric Motor

      An electric motor is the heart of the treadmill. It powers the conveyor belt which continuously moves on the deck at a constant speed fixed by the user. There are two different ratings of the treadmill motor that ascertain the kind of performance one can derive from the treadmill. Those are:

        • Peak horsepower
        • Continuous horsepower

      As the name suggests, peak horsepower of a treadmill motor pertains to the maximum output it can produce. Mostly, the peak horsepower is achieved by the motor during the initial second or two and is not retained throughout the course of the workout. On the other hand, continuous horsepower is the sustained output the motor is capable of churning out at all times as long as the treadmill is in use. Continuous horsepower rating is what holds paramount importance when performance of a treadmill is in context.

      As a rule of thumb, someone considering to use a treadmill merely for taking a brisk walk on the conveyor belt would find his/her requirements fulfilled by a treadmill that makes use of a 1.5 horsepower continuous duty motor. Whereas, someone looking forward to workout at a pace that is equivalent to taking a jog or a light run would require a treadmill, the electric motor of which churns out 1.75 continuous horsepower. For dedicated runners, it is advisable to settle on a treadmill that makes use of a 2 to 2.5 horsepower continuous duty motor to power the conveyor belt.

      As integral component of a treadmill as the electric motor is, there is a category of treadmills that does not come equipped with one. In those treadmills, the pace of movement of one’s feet on the deck moves the conveyor belt at corresponding speeds. Such treadmills are popularly known as ‘Manual Treadmills’.

      BICYCLE
      Commonly known by the name ‘cycle’, a bicycle is one of the oldest and most effective machines that can assist one in maintaining good health, developing endurance and losing weight. Bicycles have been around since the late 19th century and have never lost popularity ever since. A well liked iteration of a bicycle is the stationary bicycle also known as ‘exercise bicycle’. As the name suggests, a stationary bicycle is an indoor exercise equipment resembling an outdoor bicycle without wheels.
      A bicycle is an excellent means to achieving one’s fitness goals without requiring one to allocate time from one’s busy schedule to take gym sessions. By the virtue of its design, an outdoor bicycle is compact enough to be tucked away in any part of one’s home/veranda from where it can be taken outdoors.
      Just like a treadmill, a bicycle too is a machine that is a composition of multiple constituents - frame, tyres, seat and brakes.

      • Tyres

      Tyres are the most crucial component of a bicycle for the fact that they transfer the combined load of the rider and the bicycle through the axle to the ground and provide necessary traction on the surface travelled over. In addition to providing grip on the surface, tyres are an important source of providing shock absorption and imparting assistance in balancing and turning the bicycle.

      Diameter of the tyres is an important consideration one needs to cater to before deciding on a bicycle. The only prerequisite needed to determine the tyre dimension that would suit one’s needs is the rider’s height.

        • For kids and riders of a relatively shorter stature(~ 5 feet 2 inches), a bicycle that comes fitted with 24 inch tyres would prove to be a decent choice.
        • For someone over 5.5 feet in height, deciding on a bicycle that comes equipped with 26 inch tyres would make for a reasonable purchase.
        • For taller riders(~ 6 feet and taller), it would be wise to opt for a bicycle, the diameter of whose tyres is between 27 and 29 inches.

      When multiple riders of different stature are to use the same bicycle, it is imperative to opt for a bicycle that comes fitted with 26 inch tyres and adjust the seat height to befit one’s individual needs.

      STATIONARY BICYCLE
      A slight moderation to the traditional bicycle by removing the wheels and installing a single flywheel. Flywheel is a spinning, weighted metal disc, in the place where the front wheel would be in a traditional bicycle results in a marvelous exercise equipment called stationary bicycle. This fitness equipment comes as a boon to those who reside in areas where weather is not always pleasant to favour cycling on road/tracks or taking gym sessions.
      A rotary dial/lever to adjust the tension on the flywheel is attached to the frame by the means of which one can increase or decrease the resistance on the flywheel to make the workout challenging or easy as per one’s fitness goals.

      Stationary bicycles are manufactured in three configurations on the basis of the purpose they solve. Those are:

      • Upright. Upright stationary bicycles are the most common type among the three and highly resemble the traditional outdoor bicycle. The greatest advantage of upright stationary bicycles sharing a footprint with outdoor bicycles comes from the fact that in addition to being seated during the workout, the rider can make the workout more challenging by increasing the pedalling speed if he chooses to pedal while attaining a standing position. This configuration of bicycles provides an opportunity to the rider for great cardiovascular and lower body workout just like outdoor bicycles. Additionally, due to the upright posture of the rider, the other areas that are greatly stimulated by a workout on these bicycles are abdomen and arms. Besides proving as a great equipment for achieving one’s fitness goals, these bicycles tend to have the smallest footprint among the three and are easier to transport.
      • Recumbent. Recumbent stationary bicycles are designed with keeping rider’s comfort in consideration. The seat is wide, the back support is adequately cushioned, the pedals are all the way ahead near the front flywheel. The entire seating setup allows one to achieve one’s fitness goals and burn calories with utmost ease. Such form factor facilitates maintaining healthy spinal posture during the workout. The workout performed on recumbent bicycles also tends to be gentle on one’s knees and other joints. The lower seating position ensures that even the elderly family members and kids would find themselves at ease using this configuration of stationary bicycles.
      COST CUTTING TECHNIQUES
      • Unstable, wobbly frame of the treadmill. As discussed earlier, the frame of the treadmill is the chassis that holds all the other components together, therefore, it must be sturdy and be built to withstand even the healthiest of users. However, building high-quality frame requires use of metal in plentiful quantity, which increases the overall cost of the product. In order to reduce manufacturing costs and to lure the customer citing low prices of the product, some manufacturers resort to using frame fabricated out of light, non-durable and rust prone materials. As a result of this, when a user sets the conveyor speed to a higher value, typically in the range that corresponds to the speed of running, the frame due to its light construction tends to shake and wobble. An unstable frame can cause the user to lose balance and trip on the conveyor belt which could lead to injury. In worst cases, the entire frame could collapse under the stress and might cause disaster. Moreover, the shaky structure inhibits confidence in the user to go faster and hinders one in achieving one’s fitness goals.
      • Substandard rims of the wheels of the bicycle. Quality of rims deployed in the bicycle has a large impact on the safety of the rider. Rims are the weight bearers of the rider and the bicycle, therefore, it is imperative to decide on a bicycle, the rims of which are made of tough and resilient materials. Unfortunately, most buyers do not pay much attention to the rims of the bicycle when purchasing one. This fact serves as a perfect opportunity for some manufacturers to reduce production costs and increase their profits. When encountered with an undulation on the road or when one rides over a pothole at higher speeds, weak rims tend to lose their shape and deform at microscopic levels. Over a period of months of use, the structural strength of the rim continuously deteriorates. In such scenario, one hard blow to the weak rim could cause it to completely collapse, exposing the rider to unfortunate consequences.

      For an extensive buying guide on Fitness Equipment, head over to our detailed post - https://shoppinaire.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-complete-guide-to-buying-fitness.html

      The complete guide to buying a Fitness Equipment

      “The human body is the only machine for which there are no spare parts."

      -Hermann Baggs

      It’s the 21st century, and humans are more career driven than any time in the past. A cent percentile in the engineering entrance exams, an MBA degree from a prestigious B-school, a high paying job at one of the technology giants, a promotion to one of the higher ranks in the organization are what all strive for. It is unquestionably healthy and downright necessary for the mind to spare no efforts in attaining career growth, however, in the pursuit to attaining mental progress, one aspect that takes a major hit is the physical fitness of the body that houses that genius mind.

      Most of us find ourselves being able to devote little to no time on our physical fitness, thanks to the ever increasing work responsibilities, family duties and physical and mental exhaustion after fulfilling the first two. In such scenarios, the very thought of taking a gym session, or pursuing a strenuous sport seems to be a task too daunting.

      So, are we left with no choices to keep ourselves in good shape and physically healthy?
      It seems that we do. In fact, not one, rather two - a treadmill and a bicycle.

      And today, we will make purchasing these two fitness equipment a breezy process for all.

      Now, if you are a frequent visitor to the posts on this blog, you might be probably aware that we take each topic from the grass root level and we will do the same with this post as well. We will begin with the treadmill first, discuss the various components among electric motor, running belt, console etc. that make up a treadmill and analyse the particular specifications of these components one should opt for in a treadmill as per one’s fitness goals. Following which, we would proceed onto learning about the outdoor bicycle and explore how each constituent of it - tyres, seat, frame and brakes have a pivotal role in facilitating right environment for the workout and ensuring safety of the rider. We would also examine how to go about deciding upon the right tyre size as per one’s height.


      Next, we will proceed onto exploring the stationary bicycle. In this, we would learn about the three types of form-factors among Upright, Recumbent and Spin which one can consider buying a stationary bicycle in, and which form factor among these should one buy based on the consideration of the fitness goals of the users and their age. Following the stationary bicycle, we would discuss about the ways in which some manufacturers cut production costs to enhance profits and manufacture below-par products, the structural built of which is heavily compromised and learn how to safeguard oneself from falling trap to such manufacturers. Then, we will move onto deciding which are some of the best fitness equipment available in the market which are not only constructed from durable and structurally strong components that facilitate safe workout environment for the user, but are also designed keeping ergonomics in consideration to enable one to lose calories in utmost comfort, thereby offering the most value for one’s money.

      You might be glad to know that I am a fitness enthusiast and have been an active gym member since the past 7 years. This post has been curated keeping into account my in-hand experience of the various equipment over the years and detailed discussion with some of the learned personnel of the fitness industry.

      So without further a do, let’s begin…

      TREADMILL
      Treadmill is one of the most popular exercise machines of all time, perhaps for the fact that unlike other gym equipment that require one to have a thorough knowledge of their method of use and need to be guided by a certified trainer, with treadmill, one does not need to invest in highly prized gym memberships and then devote time to attend the gym sessions. One can purchase a treadmill and place it at any convenient location in one’s home and it can be used by all family members of every age group alike. Using a treadmill is akin to walking or running, therefore most people find themselves at home when using it.
      A treadmill is primarily a composition of five different components - electric motor, console, frame, conveyor belt and deck. These five components work in perfect harmony with each other to facilitate workout environment right at one’s home.

      Electric Motor
      An electric motor is the heart of the treadmill. It powers the conveyor belt which continuously moves on the deck at a constant speed fixed by the user. There are two different ratings of the treadmill motor that ascertain the kind of performance one can derive from the treadmill. Those are:

      • Peak horsepower
      • Continuous horsepower

      As the name suggests, peak horsepower of a treadmill motor pertains to the maximum output it can produce. Mostly, the peak horsepower is achieved by the motor during the initial second or two and is not retained throughout the course of the workout. On the other hand, continuous horsepower is the sustained output the motor is capable of churning out at all times as long as the treadmill is in use. Continuous horsepower rating is what holds paramount importance when performance of a treadmill is in context.

      As a rule of thumb, someone considering to use a treadmill merely for taking a brisk walk on the conveyor belt would find his/her requirements fulfilled by a treadmill that makes use of a 1.5 horsepower continuous duty motor. Whereas, someone looking forward to workout at a pace that is equivalent to taking a jog or a light run would require a treadmill, the electric motor of which churns out 1.75 continuous horsepower. For dedicated runners, it is advisable to settle on a treadmill that makes use of a 2 to 2.5 horsepower continuous duty motor to power the conveyor belt.

      As integral component of a treadmill as the electric motor is, there is a category of treadmills that does not come equipped with one. In those treadmills, the pace of movement of one’s feet on the deck moves the conveyor belt at corresponding speeds. Such treadmills are popularly known as ‘Manual Treadmills’.

      Conveyor Belt and Deck
      A large rectangular board known as deck of the treadmill supports two rollers at its two ends which are responsible to reverse the direction of the conveyor belt each time it passes over them. The conveyor belt is that section of a treadmill one actually jogs/runs on and it runs across the length and breadth of the deck. The electric motor drives the belt as per its continuous horsepower and the speed selected by the user. One may increase or decrease the speed of the belt as per one’s fitness goals by the press of relevant buttons on the console of the treadmill. The material out of which the belt is designed is primarily polyester with the top coating made out of Poly-Vinyl-Chloride(PVC).
      Modern treadmills make use of conveyor belts and decks that provide little cushion to the feet when they land on it in order to reduce the intensity of impact so as to safeguard the knees and ankles from suffering any undue injuries. As a matter of fact, in comparison to jogging/running on hard surfaces such as that of paved roads, performing the same exercise on a treadmill, the conveyor belt and deck of which are thoughtfully designed diminishes the force of the impact by 15 - 35 per cent.

      Most treadmills provide their users with the facility to set the deck at an incline so as to make the workout a little more strenuous and assist the user in burning calories at a faster rate. Depending upon one’s fitness goals, one can choose from the various incline angles by pressing relevant buttons on the console of the treadmill.

      The physical dimensions of the treadmill are largely governed by one’s fitness goals. For someone considering to purchase a treadmill primarily for running, a larger conveyor belt, typically, 45 inches in length and 16 inches in width would solve the purpose. When consideration is walking and jogging, a conveyor belt 40 inches in length and 14 inches in width would suffice.

      (Image depicting conveyor belt of the treadmill and the deck underneath it)

      Console
      The console of the treadmill is the user-interface(UI) one interacts with in order to set parameters to suit one’s workout requirements. Those parameters include: setting appropriate speed, choosing between one of the preset workout programs, raising/lowering the inclination of the deck, setting the console to determine the calories burnt by the user during workout, monitoring heart rate, etc.
      More advanced treadmill consoles pack in high-quality speakers so as to facilitate the user with an option to listen to his/her preferred playlist by docking a mobile phone to the console by the means of an AUX cable. In recent times, manufacturers have come up with installing small screens in the centre of the console in some of their high-end treadmill models. The screen serves dual purpose - display all the vital statistics related to the workout and at the same time provide the user a facility to browse the internet, stream videos and check important e-mails.

      Frame
      As the name suggests, the frame of the treadmill is the chassis that holds together all the other components - deck, console, belt and electric motor. One of the essential functions of the treadmill frame is to keep the deck sturdy when the user is running on the belt at high speeds. A poorly built frame tends to wobble and shake as one approaches higher speeds which could result in user tripping off the conveyor belt and getting injured.

      Now, having learnt about the utility of a treadmill and its various components that work in perfect harmony with each other to impart the user an effective workout environment, let us proceed to understand the various aspects of the second fitness equipment: a bicycle.

      BICYCLE
      Commonly known by the name ‘cycle’, a bicycle is one of the oldest and most effective machines that can assist one in maintaining good health, developing endurance and losing weight. Bicycles have been around since the late 19th century and have never lost popularity ever since. A well liked iteration of a bicycle is the stationary bicycle also known as ‘exercise bicycle’. As the name suggests, a stationary bicycle is an indoor exercise equipment resembling an outdoor bicycle without wheels.
      A bicycle is an excellent means to achieving one’s fitness goals without requiring one to allocate time from one’s busy schedule to take gym sessions. By the virtue of its design, an outdoor bicycle is compact enough to be tucked away in any part of one’s home/veranda from where it can be taken outdoors.
      Just like a treadmill, a bicycle too is a machine that is a composition of multiple constituents - frame, tyres, seat and brakes.

      Frame
      The building block of any bicycle, the chassis that encompasses all the other pivotal components is called as the frame of the bicycle. In majority of bicycles, the materials used to fabricate the frame are steel or aluminium, both of which are known for their tensile strength, as a result of which, the bicycle stays well planted on the ground even at higher speeds.
      One characteristic property of aluminium fabricated bicycle frames is that they are relatively lighter than their steel counterparts. Due to relatively less weight of the aluminium frame, the bicycle rides with slightly more agility.

      Tyres
      Tyres are the most crucial component of a bicycle for the fact that they transfer the combined load of the rider and the bicycle through the axle to the ground and provide necessary traction on the surface travelled over. In addition to providing grip on the surface, tyres are an important source of providing shock absorption and imparting assistance in balancing and turning the bicycle.
      Diameter of the tyres is an important consideration one needs to cater to before deciding on a bicycle. The only prerequisite needed to determine the tyre dimension that would suit one’s needs is the rider’s height.

      • For kids and riders of a relatively shorter stature(~ 5 feet 2 inches), a bicycle that comes fitted with 24 inch tyres would prove to be a decent choice.
      • For someone over 5.5 feet in height, deciding on a bicycle that comes equipped with 26 inch tyres would make for a reasonable purchase.
      • For taller riders(~ 6 feet and taller), it would be wise to opt for a bicycle, the diameter of whose tyres is between 27 and 29 inches.

      When multiple riders of different stature are to use the same bicycle, it is imperative to opt for a bicycle that comes fitted with 26 inch tyres and adjust the seat height to befit one’s individual needs.

      Seat
      Cycling is an exercise that makes one burn calories and move steadily towards one’s fitness goals while providing utmost comfort. The key element in facilitating comfort and support is an ergonomically designed seat, the proper name of which is ‘saddle’. The more supportive the seat is, the longer and faster one would be able to ride.
      In majority of bicycles, a lever to adjust seat height and orientation is provided by the means of which one can either raise or lower the seat as per one’s riding requirements and lock the lever in place. It is highly recommended that while setting the seat in position, one ensures that it is aligned with its nose pointing in the centre and its seating surface parallel to the ground.

      Brakes
      The very reason one can ride/drive a vehicle faster and without a fret is one’s sure-footed faith in its brakes. The very belief that in case of any emergency, one has the facility to engage the brake pedal and abate any mishap is what lets one move on the road without second thoughts.
      In bicycles, brakes are available in two configurations depending upon mechanism of braking involved. They are:

      • Rim brakes
      • Disc brakes

      Rim brakes also known as ‘wire brakes’ are a very popular choice with manufacturers for their relatively simpler architecture and less complex braking mechanism involved. Rim brakes are essentially a set of rubber brake pads attached to either side of the rim. When the rider pulls the brake lever, a wire connecting the lever to the two brake pads contracts, as a result of which, the brake pads are drawn closer to the rim of the moving wheel and eventually make full contact with the rim. Due to contact, friction between the brake pads and the rim increases which leads to reduction in speed of the bicycle and ultimately it comes to a complete halt.

      Disc brakes have been doing their duty in engine driven vehicles since a fairly long time. However, seeing their potential utility in the sphere of bicycles and realizing their slightly better braking prowess as compared to rim brakes, they have been introduced in bicycles as well, though after making some design changes. Disc brakes consist of a metal disc mounted to the centre hub of the wheel from which all the spokes originate. Brake caliper, which is a part of the disc brake assembly surmounts the metal disc. When the brake lever is pulled, brake pads drag against the disc, as a consequence of which, friction between the metal disc and the brake pads increases that leads to slowing down of the bicycle.

      (Image of metal disc and brake caliper mounted to the centre hub of the wheel)

      STATIONARY BICYCLE
      A slight moderation to the traditional bicycle by removing the wheels and installing a single flywheel. Flywheel is a spinning, weighted metal disc, in the place where the front wheel would be in a traditional bicycle results in a marvelous exercise equipment called stationary bicycle. This fitness equipment comes as a boon to those who reside in areas where weather is not always pleasant to favour cycling on road/tracks or taking gym sessions.
      A rotary dial/lever to adjust the tension on the flywheel is attached to the frame by the means of which one can increase or decrease the resistance on the flywheel to make the workout challenging or easy as per one’s fitness goals.

      Stationary bicycles are manufactured in three configurations on the basis of the purpose they solve. Those are:

      • Upright. Upright stationary bicycles are the most common type among the three and highly resemble the traditional outdoor bicycle. The greatest advantage of upright stationary bicycles sharing a footprint with outdoor bicycles comes from the fact that in addition to being seated during the workout, the rider can make the workout more challenging by increasing the pedalling speed if he chooses to pedal while attaining a standing position. This configuration of bicycles provides an opportunity to the rider for great cardiovascular and lower body workout just like outdoor bicycles. Additionally, due to the upright posture of the rider, the other areas that are greatly stimulated by a workout on these bicycles are abdomen and arms. Besides proving as a great equipment for achieving one’s fitness goals, these bicycles tend to have the smallest footprint among the three and are easier to transport.
      • Recumbent. Recumbent stationary bicycles are designed with keeping rider’s comfort in consideration. The seat is wide, the back support is adequately cushioned, the pedals are all the way ahead near the front flywheel. The entire seating setup allows one to achieve one’s fitness goals and burn calories with utmost ease. Such form factor facilitates maintaining healthy spinal posture during the workout. The workout performed on recumbent bicycles also tends to be gentle on one’s knees and other joints. The lower seating position ensures that even the elderly family members and kids would find themselves at ease using this configuration of stationary bicycles.
      • Spin. Spin stationary bicycles have a higher seating position as compared to the other two configurations with the seat almost at the same level as that of the handlebars. This results in the rider maintaining a very aerodynamic shape which is quite similar to the posture maintained by professional riders in competitive biking. This trait of the spin bicycles instills a sense of accomplishment in the user. Just like upright bicycles, this configuration too provides the rider with an option to pedal while attaining a standing position, which results in higher number of calories burned as compared to pedaling while seated. The design of these bicycles inherently requires one to pedal faster and apply more force on the pedals to keep the flywheel rotating. Thus, in the same time spent on the workout on the other two configurations, one would lose more number of calories when using a spin bicycle.

      (Image of a Spin Stationary Bicycle)

      Having discussed the two types of fitness equipment - treadmill and bicycle along with their various components and configurations, let us proceed to learn the ways in which some manufacturers (names not taken) cut production costs and manufacture products that are poorly built and are very ineffective in helping one achieve one’s fitness goals.

      • Unstable, wobbly frame of the treadmill. As discussed earlier, the frame of the treadmill is the chassis that holds all the other components together, therefore, it must be sturdy and be built to withstand even the healthiest of users. However, building high-quality frame requires use of metal in plentiful quantity, which increases the overall cost of the product. In order to reduce manufacturing costs and to lure the customer citing low prices of the product, some manufacturers resort to using frame fabricated out of light, non-durable and rust prone materials. As a result of this, when a user sets the conveyor speed to a higher value, typically in the range that corresponds to the speed of running, the frame due to its light construction tends to shake and wobble. An unstable frame can cause the user to lose balance and trip on the conveyor belt which could lead to injury. In worst cases, the entire frame could collapse under the stress and might cause disaster. Moreover, the shaky structure inhibits confidence in the user to go faster and hinders one in achieving one’s fitness goals.
      • Substandard rims of the wheels of the bicycle. Quality of rims deployed in the bicycle has a large impact on the safety of the rider. Rims are the weight bearers of the rider and the bicycle, therefore, it is imperative to decide on a bicycle, the rims of which are made of tough and resilient materials. Unfortunately, most buyers do not pay much attention to the rims of the bicycle when purchasing one. This fact serves as a perfect opportunity for some manufacturers to reduce production costs and increase their profits. When encountered with an undulation on the road or when one rides over a pothole at higher speeds, weak rims tend to lose their shape and deform at microscopic levels. Over a period of months of use, the structural strength of the rim continuously deteriorates. In such scenario, one hard blow to the weak rim could cause it to completely collapse, exposing the rider to unfortunate consequences.

      Now, having analysed how some manufacturers resort to cutting production costs in order to increase their profit margin, let us proceed to zero down on some of the best built fitness equipment that are not only made of durable, resilient materials which can easily stand the test of time but are also designed keeping ergonomics and comfort in consideration which makes one’s journey towards fitness a rather pleasing one, thus offering the most value for one’s money.

      Note: In our constant endeavour to assist you in making an informed buying decision, we test the new launches of the products on multiple parameters, and if they stand tall in our analysis we periodically add them to the below mentioned list of our recommended products. So, if you plan to make the purchase at a later time, you may visit the links once again at the very time of buying to ensure that the purchase turns out to be a very fruitful one.



      Outdoor Bicycle
      For Indian residents:- Best Choice 1, Best Choice 2, My Preferred Choice, Best Choice 3, Best Choice 4, Best Choice 5, Best Choice 6, Best Choice 7 and Best Choice 8

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