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April 30, 2017
Electrolux Twins
New Built-In Refrigerator IdeaOld Concept: Surprising New BenefitsElectrolux Twins at UAKCFor many years the folks at Frigidaire/Electrolux had been known for offering an All Refrigerator and an All Freezer. Selling them as a combination was not a new idea, but the concept was slow to catch on. However, this may be an example of an idea whose time has come. The current Electrolux Twins are part of the luxury collection of appliances in the Electrolux brand, and are being presented as a good choice for a built-in refrigerator/freezer.There is a lot to offer here:1. Full-size built-in refrigerator, and full size matching freezer (72" wide)While the products are mirror images of each other, and are clearly made to match, they are indeed separate and can be purchased that way if you just want an all refrigerator or an all freezer. The features are fully updated with LED lighting, slide out glass shelves, etc.There are trim kits (faux grills) available for both the top and bottom that are 72" wide, and visually tie the two units together. The doors are configured in the photo so that the refrigerator and the freezer each open in the center, just as you would expect on a traditional side-by-side refrigerator/freezer.2. Traditional compressor in the back.Standard built-in refrigerators have the compressor on the top requiring an 84" height. The Electrolux units have the compressor and machine compartment on the back in the bottom of the appliance, are easier to access and do not require the 84" height. -
April 23, 2017
Built-In Coffee Makers
Top Choices in Built-In Coffee MakersBest Selection and Prices on Built-In Coffee Makers at UAKCBuilt-In coffee makers were quite uncommon 10-15 years ago. There were only two brands that dominated the category. Today, Several of the luxury brands, and the top premium brands offer built-in coffee makers. (They're probable best described as combination espresso and brewed coffee makers). Here's a list of some of the top appliance brands offering built-in coffee makers:BoschDacorGaggenauJenn-AirThermadorWolfThey're expensive, but for those who love a cappuccino or latte' in the morning, there's nothing like having a gourmet coffee drink ready when you wake up. Here are descriptions of three popular brands. MieleProbably, the Grand-Daddy of the home espresso machine category, Miele is a well-known luxury appliance brand. The Miele coffee maker can be installed either plumbed or not. That is, you can run water to the machine to eliminate the need for filling the tank or you can forget the plumbing and just fill the water tank as needed. Miele has several exclusive features including a "cup sensor" that recognizes the cup rim and lowers the coffee maker spout accordingly to the proper height for a perfect pour.Jenn-Air We'd describe Jenn-Air as a Super Premium brand rather than a luxury brand. Look for luxury features at a bit more affordable price. The Jenn-Air built-in coffee maker has lots of the desirable features that you'd expect from a luxury brand, so it's definitely worthy of consideration. It's not a plumbed model so you'll have to refill the -
April 17, 2017
New Appliance Finishes
Review of the Latest Appliance FinishesChoices of Appliance Finishes Abound at UAKCThe last half of the 20th century began with most appliances having porcelain enamel on steel cabinets. Porcelain was durable and easy to clean, but the manufacturing process was expensive, porcelain was subject to chipping, and was not environmentally friendly. Eventually, porcelain enamel disappeared in appliance cabinets to be replaced by steel with powder coat painted exteriors or stainless steel. In the last decade, we've begun to see some different choices in appliance exteriors. While painted surfaces remain a standard for base appliances, more expensive stainless steel is enormously popular. In recent years, we've seen new smudge-proof Frigidaire and fingerprint resistant stainless steel in Maytag brand and others. They're still stainless steel, but they have properties that eliminate or greatly reduce the possibility of smudges and fingerprints. European luxury brand, Miele, has introduced a fingerprint resistant steel called CleanTouch, as a replacement to stainless steel.Even more recently, Black Stainless Steel has hit the appliance market and appears to be taking off. Black Stainless Steel is essentially stainless steel base metal with black painted finish. KitchenAid was the first to Black Stainless Steel, and it seemed to take off slowly. But now, it is available in more brands and seems to be rapidly taking hold as an alternative to the shiny stainless steel we see everywhere. Here are some of the brands that are now offering Black Stainless Steel appliances:Brands offering Black Stainless SteelKitchenAidSamsungLGDacorMaytagFrigidaire -
April 04, 2017
Using Consumer Reports® for Appliance Purchases
Trustworthy Appliance AdviceUniversal Appliance and Kitchen Center Sales AdvisorsA friend recently purchased an older home in a retirement community, and I'd offered to help him with his appliance selections. In spite of my many years in the appliance industry, my friend wanted to go his own way. He researched refrigerators on Consumer Reports®, and chose to shop at one of the big box home improvement chains (you know, their sales associates wear orange or blue aprons).My friend stuck with the exact model that CR ranked #1, and he found it On Sale at the big box store. Later, when I visited him in his new place, he proudly showed me his new kitchen appliances.It was a small galley kitchen with the door from the garage going directly into the kitchen. His new fridge was right next to the door. Since he had purchased a full-depth refrigerator instead of a counter-depth refrigerator, the refrigerator prevented the door from the garage from opening fully. You had to turn sideways to enter from the garage. Similarly, there wasn't quite enough space for the refrigerator door to open all the way,While I was viewing his new kitchen and dutifully admiring his modest remodeling, I suddenly heard a buzzing sound coming from his refrigerator. It lasted a short time and then went quiet. "What was that, I said?" He replied, "It does that every once in a while." I thought for minute and said, "It sounds like the ice maker." He said, "I don't have -
March 31, 2017
Are Cooking Modules the "New" Thing?
New Cooking Modules From Jenn-AirBest Selection on Jenn-Air at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterCooking Modules are individual cooking units that can be mixed and matched to provide a unique combination of cooking options specific to the user. There are several advantages to using modular cooking units. Converting a RoomSuppose you convert a room into a separate living room for a grown child or an elderly family member. A cooking module or two would be a great choice for this situation. Spot CookingYou could add a cooking module to a wetbar for added convenience. Extending your existing range or cooktop.You have an awesome gas range, but you've often got too much going on at the same time. You could really use a separate griddle unit for those big family breakfasts. Add a griddle module. Viola! Expanding your overall cooking capabilities.You love what you've got, but often a superfast induction module would be really nice or an separate wok module would help you show off your Asian cooking skill. Adding a second cooking station.Your spacious house is wonderful, but you know realize that a second cooking station would really work well for your family's lifestyle. Avoid the cost of adding a second kitchen by configuring a new cooking area with modular cooking.When it comes time to get specific, you've now got one more great choice with Jenn-Air modules.Jenn-Air has long had cooktops with a base model which accepts an array of "plug-in" modules, AND has now entered the category of separate cooking -
March 25, 2017
Dacor Appliance Launches Modernist Line
Look at What's Happening at DacorNew Dacor Appliances Coming to UAKCPrivately held Dacor has long been known as a standout in the Luxury appliance segment. Dacor has had geographic strength in the Western US where they were founded and where their headquarters and manufacturing facilities have been located. With great performance and some unique features, Dacor carved out a solid niche' in the cooking segment. To have a full line, Dacor outsourced most of the non-cooking products such as dishwashers and refrigerators. Now, however, Dacor is part of the giant Samsung company and we're getting a look at their strength and innovation in these newly launched Dacor products. The new Modernist Line from Dacor has a striking design that keeps some of Dacor's classic looks and features, but plants itself squarely in the forefront of 21st century styling and innovation.Let's take note of a few of the new enhancements in Dacor's new Modernist Line:The most striking thing to note in the new line is the new finish which Dacor describes as a "dramatic graphite color that accentuates and elevates the sophistication of any kitchen."The Modernist Line includes an updated version of Dacor's Pro Dual Fuel Range with a Steam option. Complete with digital controls, brass burners on the top, a burner that accommodates a wok, and a griddle. The touch controls are wi-fi enabled for remote operation.Dacor's recently launched refrigerated columns are now part of the Modernist Line, too. Below refrigerator and freezer columns -
March 20, 2017
Smart Appliances at UAKC
What to look for in Smart AppliancesSmart Choices at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterWhat's a smart appliance?There's more than one definition, but for our purposes here we're going to say that a smart appliance has some degree of connectivity. It might be as simple as an app that notifies you if your refrigerator door has been left open for some period of time. Or it might be remotely pre-heating and cooking a roast from your smartphone. All of this may sound wonderful, but there are pros and cons.Is it safe?Some manufacturers, as well as UL (Underwriters Laboratory) have expressed views on limiting remote capabilities for certain products. For example, should a remote app for ovens allow consumers to put their ovens through a self-clean cycle while nobody is home? Even remotely operating a cooking appliance of any sort has some consumers wary. One manufacturer has a remote app that can be set to operate only by Bluetooth which gives the homeowner complete use of remotely operating the appliance only within the house.How much is the premium for Smart Appliances?The first refrigerator with a TV built into the door launched over a decade ago and retailed close to $10,000. It really had little functionality, and failed miserably. Today, Samsung has a Family Hub refrigerator with a 21" tall wi-fi enabled full-featured communications center in the door and cameras inside that can be viewed remotely eg. from the grocery store with the Samsung app. The Samsung Family Hub refrigerator retails for $5800. -
March 13, 2017
Guideline for New Kitchen Appliances
Preferences, Necessities, and BudgetThere is lots of online advice on choosing new kitchen appliances. But honestly, this can be a difficult process. Some will say, "Start with your budget." Makes sense, doesn"t it? But if you haven't purchased appliances in years, and don't know for sure what you're going to need or what things cost, it's like trying to hit a bullseye wearing a blindfold!On the other hand, just going out blindly looking for appliances seems rather foolish also. You don't know what you don't know, so where do you start? Here is how you might proceed. What is your current status? Building new, remodeling, or just a straightforward appliance update. Make a tentative timeline from now to completion. Eventually, you're going to need a hard schedule. Get started now. Think of the end state. How do you picture your new kitchen in your mind? It's totally OK to to dream a bit. Close your eyes and think of what you hope your new kitchen will look like. Check your favorite home magazines, and clip photos of what you like! My favorite online site for new kitchen ideas is Houzz. Think about a budget. Whether it's $10,000 for a built-in refrigerator, or for all your kitchen appliances, you're going to need to start with a number. Here are the basic product categories you're likely to consider. The categories are necessities. Make sure you get the features that are important to you, eg. refer icemaker and dispenser, self-cleaning oven, quiet dishwasher -
March 03, 2017
Connected Smart Appliances at UAKC
New French Door Refrigerator From Jenn-AirUAKC has great selection of Jenn-Air AppliancesJenn-Air has been a leader in French Door Refrigerators since they introduced the industry's first counter-depth refrigerator decades ago. Now, they've launched this exclusive smart French Door Refrigerator with state-of-the-art technology including wi-fi connectivity. Add to this, Jenn-Air's famous cooking products, Jenn-Air's other U.S. made refrigerators, wine cellars, and ice-makers and you've got the very best in super-premium and luxury appliances for the kitchen.Here are the features and specifications of this amazing new state-of-the-art refrigerator:72” Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator with Obsidian InteriorEuro-Style Stainless HandleModel: JFFCC72EFS(also available with Pro-Style handle)This freestanding refrigerator is a premium expression of design and performance. It features our industry-exclusive Obsidian interior and WiFi connectivity through an app for iOS and Android devices. And the Twin Fresh™ Climate Control System delivers premium temperature management with additional features like a Pure Freeze™ mode which can maintain a -6°F freezer temperature.Features: Obsidian Interior WiFi Connectivity Twin Fresh™ Climate Control System Pure Freeze™ Mode Interior LED Theater Lighting 72-Inch Height Adjustable Door Bins with Metal Accents Adjustable, Clear Glass Shelves Automatic Ice Maker Counter Depth Design Electronic Temperature-Controlled Pantry Drawer Energy Saver Favorite Fill Fold-Away Glass Shelf FreshFlow™ Air Filter Gallon Door Storage Bins Glide-Out Freezer Drawer with Premium Glide System Herb Tender™ Container Humidiseal™ Crisper Drawers In-Door-Ice Storage Bin Integrated Electronic Controls with LED Display Integrated Cubed/Crushed Ice and Water Dispenser Max Cool Max Ice Measured Fill Pull-Out Platter Removable EveryDrop™ Filter by Whirlpool Water Sabbath Mode Soft, -
February 21, 2017
Missed the President's Day Sale at UAKC?
There is Still Time. Hurry-In!6 brands have extended President's Day offersLots going on during President's Day? So, you missed the fantastic President's Day Sale at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. There were some really big savings available on top brands. You could have saved up to $2000. What a shame.Hold on! 6 of our top brands below have figured out that it doesn't make much sense to have a sale for only 1 day. They give customers a window to take advantage of the sale prices. Here are their offers:Bosch has a 10% rebate on eligible kitchen packages. The offer is valid on purchases made before March 31st. It's a good deal, but don't let the time slip away from you. Click on the link below to find out more:BOSCH KITCHEN PACKAGE SAVINGSElectrolux get $1000 rebate expires February 28th. Click below for details:ELECTROLUX REBATEGeneral Electric says you can save up to $1200 on select GE Appliance packages if you act by March 1, 2017.Click below for details:GENERAL ELECTRICMaytag offers savings up to $600 on two or more Maytag appliances if you purchase by March 8, 2017Click below for details:MAYTAGSamsung will send you a visa reward card worth up to $550 on appliances if you purchase by March 1, 2017Click below for details:SAMSUNGWhirlpool will send you up to $600 by mail when you purchase 2 or more Whirlpool Appliances by March 8, 2017Click below for details:WHIRLPOOLAs you can tell, these are definitely limited time offers. Don't
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