GE® 30″ Free-Standing Electric Range

Thirty years ago a side-by-side refrigerator with ice and water through the door sold for around $1500. Today, you can get a name brand for side-by-side ice and water through the door for under $1000.

Thirty years ago a Pontiac Le Mans cost $6230. Today an equivalent car would be over $25,000.

Thirty years ago an Amana Radarange Microwave oven cost $599. Today, a very nice countertop microwave with many advanced features can be purchased for about $200.

Thirty years ago a Chevrolet Camero cost $7571. Today, depending on the model it could be well over $30,000.

So, appliances today are an outstanding bargain when compared to automobiles and other durable goods.

Having said all this, it is true that appliance brands have had regular price increases over the past decade. The raw materials of appliances, steel and plastic, have increased in cost far beyond normal inflation rates, and other basic costs such as transportation (petroleum) have also increased greatly in the past decade. Appliance manufacturers are very good at taking advantage of cost savings opportunities and using technology to improve productivity, but they have already picked most of the low hanging fruit on the money saving trees. Therefore, prices are likely to continue to rise.

Even though competition is fierce, it is likely that appliance prices will continue to rise in the foreseeable future. There are two lessons to be learned from this.

1. If you need a major appliance, the time to buy one is sooner rather than later.
2. Pick a reliable appliance retailer with knowledgeable, professional sales associates. They'll be able to get you the best deal for your money.

The experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center would make a great choice. Why not call or visit them today?

NOW, two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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Can't find what you are looking for in appliances. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center has the best selection covering the entire spectrum of brands from A to Z – Literally. Check a few of their “A”s below and finish off with the “Z”. Of course, to look at all the letters in between just go to their website by clicking below and Shop by Brand.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

AGA

AGA Range

Aga is an 80 year old company that had its beginnings in Sweden. They started with their first cooker in 1922 and have continued to develop innovative technology and a fine range of cooking appliances and refrigeration products. Aga cookware's secret is in its material and design. The entire appliance is made out of cast iron, which is efficient and effective at storing heat. These appliances are unique as there are no switches or dials on them; they maintain a constant temperature and look after themselves. The cast iron structure means an appliance that is with you for a lifetime, and they get better with age. They come with a choice of natural or propane gas, oil or electricity.

Alfi

Alfi Showerhead

ALFI brand fireclay and ceramic sinks are imported from Israel and Italy. ALFI brand Kitchen and Bath faucets and sinks are manufactured in state of the art facilities that maintain high environmental standards. Each fireclay sink is crafted from 100% white clay and glazed with a thick coat to insure durability and long lasting shine. All faucets are made of 100% SOLID Stainless Steel. ALFI brand is your number one source for high end quality sinks and faucets at affordable prices

Amana

Amana Chest Freezer

Amana is credited with producing the world's first upright freezer for the home. The company has a proven track record in the appliance industry and has been operating since 1947. In 1954 they expanded into ventilation systems for the home with air conditioning systems to regulate the temperature in your home. The company currently falls under the Whirlpool Corporation's umbrella of appliance brands. Amana now offers a broad range of efficient and quality appliances for household use. They manufacture a line of products that are very much at home in any kitchen: dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, air conditioners and ovens.

Asko

Asko Washer

Asko provides a range of high quality Scandinavian appliances for domestic use that look as good as they work. Asko products are renowned for their quality and durability. Their products have a strong focus on energy efficiency and their dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators lead the way with products that use lower amounts of electricity and water to operate effectively. The company has been leading the way for appliance design and durability for over 23 years. It is reputed for the rigorous testing processes that its products undergo before making them available on the market. Most of their high quality products come with an impressive two-year warranty.

Zephyr

Zephyr Vent Hood

Zephyr offers a modern line of chic kitchen ventilation solutions. The company believes that the hood in a kitchen is the most distinctive appliance and should be dressed up as the central feature. They have designed their ranges and hoods around this concept. Zephyr has put lots of research and effort into efficiency and performance when it comes to filtering and purifying air and offer both cutting edge technology and design as the characteristics of their products. Their hoods come in a number of innovative styles, shapes and colors and you're guaranteed to find something that suits your look in their extensive ranges of artistic ventilation solutions.

For all your appliance needs from A to Z call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center
12025 Ventura Blvd. Ste B-105
Studio City, CA 91604
PH 877 696-2987
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What is a French Door Refrigerator?

There are four basic refrigerator/freezer categories. They are:

1. Top-mount. This unit has the freezer on the top and a refrigerator below the freezer compartment. Doors are hinged to side swing from either the right or left.
2. Bottom-mount. Bottom-mounts or bottom freezer configurations have the refrigerator on the top and a freezer below. The refrigerator door is hinged like the top mount, but the freezer may be either a side swing or a slide-out drawer.
3. Side-by-Side. Side-by-Side refrigerators are a very popular configuration that have the freezer compartment on the left and the refrigerator compartment on the right. The doors are hinged on either side.
4. French Door. These are bottom freezer refrigerators with a split-door in the refrigerator compartment that allows the refrigerator to be opened from the center. They have become increasingly popular in recent years.

History of French Door refrigerators

Some industry veterans may recall the short-lived appearance of a French Door model refrigerator from Whirlpool back in the '80s. It did not take with consumers, and was soon dropped.

The Amana brand is well-known for its refrigeration and has been a leader in bottom freezer refrigerators for many years. In the late '90s Amana launched the first successful French Door refrigerators. Amana was acquired by Maytag in 2000, and shortly thereafter Maytag's premier Jenn-Air brand introduced a counter-depth French Door model which was a big hit. Soon all the major U.S. manufacturers had French Door refrigerator models. Not surprisingly, the Korean brands were quick to chime in with their own copies.

Today, French Door refrigerators are available in nearly every conceivable configuration including dispenser and non-dispenser versions, built-in models, and others with a variety of doors and drawers, and with capacities over 30 cu.ft.

GE has opened a new facility in Louisville for French Door refrigerators and launched a new series of models with new features coming from this factory. There are now 3 factories in the U.S. manufacturing French Door models: The GE plant, Whirlpool's factory in Amana, Iowa and a new line of refrigerators from SubZero built in Arizona.

Dual Evaporator models. Several manufacturers have added dual evaporator systems to their line. Essentially, this provides consumers with separate airflow to the refrigerator and freezer, enhancing food preservation. Sub Zero has dual compressors as well.

Extra drawers. Maytag has added an extra refrigerator pantry drawer which provides a convenient pull out drawer for quick access. KitchenAid also has a French Door model with a pull out refrigerator drawer.

42″ Built-In. Jenn-Air has a 42″ built-in French Door refrigerator that can accomodate cabinet panels for a fully flush and fully integrated appearance. The unit can literally disapper as it looks just like the surrounding cabinets. This is the largest built-in French Door model in the industry.

For the best selection and lowest prices contact the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center
12025 Ventura Blvd. Ste B-105
Studio City, CA 91604
PH 877 696-2987
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Admittedly, these are extreme examples. If the budget allows, consider “taking it up a notch” on your appliances. Let your kitchen sell your house by being the best available when compared to other homes in the same price range, but do not let your kitchen far exceed the kitchens in comparable homes or you will not get a return on your investment.

Worse yet, is the luxury home with cheap looking appliances and brands that don’t fit with high end buyer expectations. Real estate experts say installing bargain basement appliances in a luxury home, can greatly reduce the value of the home and make it hard to sell.

Fortunately, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center carries most major brands from economy mass brands to the most esoteric luxury appliances.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center
12025 Ventura Blvd. Ste B-105
Studio City, CA 91604
PH 877 696-2987

How would you like to be able to clean your oven with very little bother as often as you’d like so that it always looked nice? Whirlpool has a new oven cleaning system that allows you to clean your oven using only water and some heat to steam clean the oven. There are no harsh chemicals and very little energy is required. The trick is to clean the oven frequently – ie. whenever it gets dirty from usage.

Using only a cup and a quarter of water in the bottom of the oven during a cleaning cycle, the oven creates some steam softens any lightly baked on material or soil which then is easy to wipe up. It’s a clever idea, very effective, environmentally friendly and energy saving.

To find out what ovens and ranges have this nifty feature visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center at 12050 Ventura Blvd. Suite B-105, Studio City, CA 91604 PH 877 696-2982.