Utilizing an island for kitchen appliances is often just a case of good space planning. Designers are increasingly installing microwave ovens in the kitchen island. Microwave ovens can be problematic against a wall where upper cabinets a) may not make sense ergonomically, and b) don't fit in a standard 12″ deep cabinet. The island turns out to be a logical and convenient location for a microwave oven. The easily accessible microwave oven under the counter is a good example of universal design at work. Consumers can choose from an inexpensive countertop microwave with trim kit, or if they don't like the side swing door, several manufacturers offer built-in options with drop down doors. Some companies even have microwave ovens which have a motorized drawer.

Here are three brands that offer good options for island microwaves:

KitchenAid

KitchenAid offers a choice of built-in microwave ovens that can work nicely in an island. The oven below is a 24″ wide oven that comes with a 27″, and 30″ trim kit so that it can work in a 24″, 27″, or 30″ cabinet. KitchenAid also offers a very powerful built-in Micro-Convection oven that is available in a 240v. version.

KitchenAid Built-In Microwave

Sharp

Sharp is a leader in microwave ovens and pioneered the microwave drawer. They also source microwave drawers for a number of other leading brands. The Sharp microwave drawer is available in both a 27″ and 30″ version.

Sharp Microwave Drawer

GE Advantium

GE's Advantium Speed Cook microwave combination can be purchased in a variety of built-in configurations. The 240v. version is available only in a 30″ width. The 120v. version is available in both 27″ and 30″ width.

GE Monogram Microwave

Since many of the major appliance brands offer some built-in microwave options, you have a good chance of finding just the right features and brand to suit your needs. To explore your options further contact the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today.

Two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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Common Sense Range Vent Hood Evaluation Tools

A. Requirements

1. Ventilation objectives. Range hoods perform many functions. Sometimes hood vents are used merely to circulate air in the kitchen. Usually, they are needed to remove cooking odors, vapors, particulates, and moisture from the air over the cooktop surface. It's important to consider the type of cooking you'll be doing. For example, if you cook exotic dishes that are very aromatic, you may need a more powerful vent hood. Suppose you are considering a re-circulating hood because you don't have the ability to duct outside. You need to be aware that recirculating hoods will capture some particulates, but will do little to remove vapors or moisture from the room.
2. Ductwork. If you are installing new ducting you'll want to make sure that you take the most direct, shortest path – the fewer turns, the better. Use the largest duct size that is practical for quieter more efficent operation.
3. Makeup air. The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) requires when installing new vent hoods exceeding 400 cfm, makeup air must be provide in an amount roughly equivalent to the exhaust CFM.
4. Location. The location of the range will influence the type and size of the range hood. Is the range on on an island or peninsula? Where are the windows located? What is the ceiling height? Are there ceiling fans? How much space is available between adjacent cabinets?

B. Sizing the hood

Best hoods offer these recommendations for hood sizing.

1. Under 60,000 BTU. If the maximum burner output on the cooking surface is under 60,000 btu, calculate a range hood capacity of 10 cfm per inch of cooking surface. For example, for a standard 30″ range, a range hood of 300 cfm would be adequate.
2. Over 60,000 BTU. If the maximum cooking surface output is over 60,000 btu, calculate 100 cfm for every 1,000 btu. A 60,000btu cooking surface would take a 600 cfm hood.
3. Grill or Griddle. If there is a grill or griddle add add 200 cfm to the estimate.
4. Island Installation. For an island installation greater capacity is needed. Calculate 150 cfm per foot of cooking surface width. Add another 100 cfm for high performance cooktops.

C. Ducted vs Ductless. Most hood manufacturers recommend ducted over ductless hoods. However, there are conditions under which a ductless hood might be a better choice. For example, with the IRC requirement of makeup air for hoods exceeding 400 cfm, the additional cost for this provision may be prohibitive. Makeup air is unneccessary when using ductless ventilation. Also, the need for duct runs may make certain ducted installations impractical.

D. Microwave Hoods are often popular in mid-priced new homes. They are available from most major appliance manufacturers such as GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Electrolux, Sharp, Maytag, Bosch, and Viking. Customers like the convenience of the built-in microwave above the range. On the other hand, the ventilation capabilities of the hood are often sub-par. The ergonomics of a microwave over the range are not good, and they are thought to be unattractive by design professionals.

E. Height over cooking surfaces. Hoods should be located at least 24″ over the cooking surface. Refer to the manufacture recommendations. It's not a good idea to have them much more than 33″ over the cooktop because the hood begins to lose its effectiveness when it it too far away from the cooktop.

F. Hood designs. There are a host of different hood styles and designs from most major appliance brands as well as a variety of different specialty hood manufacturers such as AirKing, Best, Elica, Faber, and Zephyr. Visit a professional appliance retailer to view the many choices and learn more about this important topic. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center carries all the major hood brands, and a good selection of the speciality hoods as well. Call or visit them at the locations below for expert advice.

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

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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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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Harnessing the power of light, these ovens do what no other oven has done before — deliver delicious results in minutes. Featuring the new GE Profile™ Advantium® ovens.

Prepare meals up to 8 times faster than a conventional oven while locking in moisture for juicy flavor. The Advantium® 240 can Speedcook a 5-lb. roaster chicken in 33 minutes and still produce the oven-quality taste and texture you expect. The Advantium 120 can produce the same results in just 45 minutes.

Performance

Prepare home-cooked meals and grilled favorites up to 8 times faster than a conventional oven without sacrificing oven-quality tastes. And you’ll never have to preheat the oven. Now you can relax, knowing you’ll have fast, consistent results every time.

Versatility

It’s easy to turn your Advantium® oven into an everyday oven with features like multi-level cooking, the ability to handle a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish and more installation options than ever before. Plus, with 4 ovens in one (Speedcook, True European Convection, sensor microwave and warming) as well as soften and melt features, just imagine the cooking possibilities!

Convenience

With 175 preprogrammed recipes and 30 custom recipes, meal preparation is a snap. Easy-to-use controls make programming your Advantium oven quick and effortless. And the stainless steel interior looks great and lets you clean up as fast as you can cook.

GE Profile™ Advantium® Ovens – Product Highlights

With such hectic schedules, many people don't start thinking about what their family will have for dinner until the end of the day. And that usually means spending all evening in the kitchen. But by eliminating the need to preheat the oven, you can start your family's favorite meal as soon as you come through the door. Then, in just minutes, oven-quality foods are ready to serve. Now everyone can enjoy a delicious dinner, and you can get some well-deserved time to yourself.

For delicious, homecooked meals in 30 minutes-not 2 hours- without the need to preheat. Now foods will have that oven-quality taste and texture you love in less time!

GE Profile™ Advantium® Ovens – Available Models

Meet the most versatile Advantium® ovens available. Built-in ovens can be placed under a cooktop, combined with a warming drawer, installed in an island or stacked in a cooking tower. And now that a new above-the-cooktop version is available, your Advantium oven can be placed above a cooktop, free-standing range or counter. You have complete control over the look of your kitchen.

GE Profile™ Advantium® above-the-cooktop Ovens

Model PSA2201 – 240v GE Profile Advantium oven

Model PSA1201 – 120v GE Profile Advantium oven

Model CSA1201 – 120v GE Cafe Advantium oven

Model PSB2201 – GE Profile™ Advantium 240-volt 30″ wall oven

Model PSB1201 – GE Profile™ Advantium 120-volt 30″ wall oven

Model PSB1001 – GE Profile™ Advantium 120-volt 27″ wall oven

For more information on Speed Cook Ovens consult the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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*information provided by GE Applainces

GE has launched a new appliance color, Slate, that quite literally takes the shine off stainless steel. It's worth a look. The muted grey finish really goes well with a variety of cabinet as well as countertop finishes.

GE says that it not only looks good in a matched suite, but also works well in a kitchen with Stainless or other color appliances. The shiny brushed metal touch points (knobs, handles, etc.) provide a bit of contrast and also help bridge the slate color to tie together with stainless or other brushed finishes in a kitchen.

Unlike Stainless Steel, the Slate finish resists fingerprints and is easy to keep clean. The subdued slate color is both unique and sophisticated. Offsetting a flat finish with bright polished accents gives the appliance an eye-appealing, streamlined look. The Slate Collection from GE includes a Freestanding French-Door Refrigerator, a choice of Ranges in both Electric and Gas, Over the Range Microwave, and Dishwashers. See selected slate products and features below:

GE® ENERGY STAR® 28.6 Cu. Ft. French-Door Ice & Water Refrigerator

GFE29HMDES

Slate finish

Express your unique style and harmonize your kitchen space with this sophisticated, rich and amazingly versatile matte metallic finish

Dual icemaker

An icemaker in both compartments gives you more ice whenever you need it

TwinChill™ evaporators

Separate climates in the fresh food and freezer sections help maintain temperature and humidity levels to keep foods fresh

Advanced filtration system

GE’s exclusive filtration system removes trace pharmaceuticals from water and ice

Showcase LED lighting

Positioned throughout the interior and under fresh food doors to spotlight foods inside the refrigerator and in the freezer

Space-saving icemaker

Located on the door with integrated bins to create more usable storage space

GE® Built-In Dishwasher

GDWF150VES

Slate finish

5-stage filtration with Piranha™ hard food disposer

5 self-cleaning filters ensure clean dishes

Dedicated silverware jets

Highly pressurized spray jets target the silverware area for improved cleaning

Steam PreWash

Loosens tough soils before any cycle virtually eliminating the need for soaking or pre-rinsing dishes

52 dBA sound level

Nearly silent two-pump system cleans dirty dishes without disruption

ENERGY STAR® qualified and CEE Tier II rated

Meets or exceeds federal guidelines for energy efficiency for year-round energy and money savings

GE Spacemaker® 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven

JVM1750EPES

1.7 cu. ft. capacity

1000 watts (IEC-705 Test Procedure)

Sensor cooking controls

Automatically adjusts time and power

Auto & time defrost

Defrosting times and power levels are programmed automatically or manually for optimal results

Recessed turntable with On/Off

Controls turntable operation

Two-speed, 300-CFM venting system

Removes smoke, steam and odors

Removable two-position oven rack

Flexibility to cook large quantities of your family’s favorites

GE® 30″ Free-Standing Gas Range

JGB600EEDES

Gas convection oven

Circulates heat for high-quality results

Self-clean oven

Cleans the oven cavity without the need for scrubbing

Self-clean heavy-duty oven racks

Can stay in the oven during the self-clean cycle

5.0 cu. ft. oven capacity

Enough room to cook an entire meal at once

17,000 BTU PowerBoil™ burner

Delivers intense heat for faster boiling

Precise simmer burner

Delivers a low setting of 140 degrees

To find out more about GE Appliances and the New Slate finish contact the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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There’s an old kitchen design principle called the work triangle. Refrigerator, range, and dishwasher make up a triangle and need to be located within a certain proximity of each other. But rules are made to be broken and there is a new trend in kitchen design that has appliances being located in new and sometimes unusual locations.

For example, Sub Zero and other manufacturers now offer undercounter refrigerator and freezer drawers, beverage centers, ice makers, and wine cellars. Families can now use a small refrigerator in a refreshment area so the kids to get cold snacks when they come home from school. Freezers drawers in the pantry area can be used for long term food storage. The entertainment area can feature an ice-maker along with the wine cellar, and dish drawers next to the sink in the wet bar.

Microwave drawers, warming drawers, built-in coffee makers, and duct-free downdraft cooktops also open up new location opportunities. The key is that design should be about how you want to live, and not follow outdated rules.

For new ideas in appliances, visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center at 12050 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA. 91604, PH 877 696-2982

Another good idea, since this season is all about renewal, would be to hurry on down to Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center and just replace all those dusty and dirty appliances with shiny new ones. The team at Universal will have just the appliance recommendations to brighten your spring and save you money too. Visit them at 12050 Ventura Boulevard Suite B-105, Studio City, CA 91604 PH 877 696-2982.

Of course, you’d still have to clean up those existing dirty ones in your home before sending them on their way soooo we are going to publish some really great appliance cleaning recommendations right here on this blog over the course of the next several days. So subscribe to our blog now for regular updates. Or check back each day to get some great cleaning tips for your refrigerator, your dishwasher, your oven, your microwave, and your vent hood. You won’t want to miss them. Afterwards, you have our permission to go frolic among the daisies.