If you're buying new appliances for the first time in the last ten years or more, there is much you need to know about today's appliances that may be different from your old appliances.

1. Appliances are more energy efficient than ever before. Energy standards continue to ratchet down. Energy Star ratings require appliances to exceed federal energy guidelines by at least 20%.
2. Appliances that use water, i.e. dishwashers and washing machines operate on much less water than before.
3. Standards continue to evolve. Kitchens must have GFCI outlets, ranges require anti-tip devices, and phosphates have been removed from dishwasher detergents.

Not only have new laws and standards influenced the design of appliances, consumer expectations have ramped up, and savvy buyers want more for their hard earned dollars. In addition, advanced technology gives manufacturers new capabilities. As a result of new constraints and requirements, buyers need to be aware of what appliance manufacturers have done to address these challenges.

Refrigerators

Most of today's refrigerators use about the same electricity as a lightbulb. One way this is done is to use smaller compressors that run on far less electricity. They keep temperatures steady by running most or all of the time, even though they draw very little electricity. So if you think that your new refrigerator is running too frequently, it may well be that it is operating the way it was designed.

Ranges

Grandma's stove had massive cast iron burners and weighed hundreds of pounds. Today's ranges have burners made from lightweight alloys and might be as light as 130 pounds. An unintended consequence of making ranges better, less expensive, and lighter is the fact that when the oven door is opened, the range can easily be tipped over. As you might imagine this is a great danger. As a result, federal law now requires that an anti-tip device be installed on new ranges attaching them to the floor or wall.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers once used 10-12 gallons of water or more per load. A complete cycle might last an hour or so. When the dishwasher was running you couldn't carry on a phone conversation or hear the TV. Today's dishwashers use only half the water of the old ones, but cycle time might be three hours. In addition, some dishwashers today have sound levels about the same as a quiet library. Since phosphates have been removed from dishwashing detergent in the last few years, some consumers have noticed that dishes aren't getting as clean as before. Dishwasher additives are sometimes necessary to correct the problem, and some premium dishwashers from manufacturers such as Miele and KitchenAid come with their own water softeners.

In summary, there are many great new capabilities of appliances today and they are far more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. However, it is important to understand that though modern appliances are better than ever, they also operate differently from the old ones.

To get the best advice on purchasing new appliances it's important to deal with knowledgeable professionals. Call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center:

Two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Join the BlueStar experts as they showcase the amazing cooking power of the BlueStar line of products at the Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center location in Studio City:

Studio City, 818 755-1111, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Studio City

View Universal Applainces, 12050 Ventura Blvd. Studio CIty in a larger map

BLUESTAR FEATURES

BlueStar ranges come in a number of configurations, including grill and griddle options, to accommodate all your cooking needs. With their gas ranges you will have the broiling, baking, surface cooking capacities and overall performance that professional chefs desire, which is why home chefs turn to BlueStar gas ranges.

22,000 BTU BURNER

BlueStar's UltraNova® power burner delivers an intense 22,000 BTU flame, perfect for achieving a rapid boil, high-heat sear, or the perfect saute.

With an almost infinite combination of burner configurations, colors, and sizes, BlueStar ranges can be built to suit your personal style and unique cooking preferences.

SUPERIOR OVEN CAPACITY

The home baker's restaurant dream – BlueStar's 30″, 36″, 48″ & 60″ ranges each feature a full-extension oven rack and extra-large oven capacity to accommodate an 18″x26″ commercial baking sheet.

MADE IN THE USA

BlueStar products are proudly handcrafted in the USA in their Reading, Pennsylvania, factory, where they have produced premium cooking products since 1880.

750 COLORS/TEXTURES

BlueStar™ takes color into another dimension with a new line of 10 textured paints and finishes that add depth and fresh appeal to kitchen appliances. With the addition of the Textures line, BlueStar is now available in over 750 colors and finishes, offering a new level of customization options for its discerning customers.

To make the right decision for new appliances, it's best to consult professionals. An excellent choice would be to call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.

Two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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Beyond Stainless Steel

BlueStar™, the manufacturer of professional cooking equipment for the home – takes color into another dimension with a new line of 10 textured paints and finishes that add depth and fresh appeal to kitchen appliances. With the addition of the Textures line, BlueStar is now available in over 750 colors and finishes, offering a new level of customization options for its discerning customers.

“A big trend we've been seeing in recent years is related to texturing – in flooring, wallpaper, furniture and textiles. People want to be able to see the texture as well as feel it,” says Eliza Sheffield, vice president, Marketing, BlueStar.

BlueStar has been a leader in color customization for nearly a decade. Now, this appliance innovator offers a new alternative to the typical stainless steel or white finish to help people make a unique statement in their kitchens. The new Textures collection includes three textures – River, Silver Vein, Mini Texture – for each of the existing 190 colors, plus seven unique metal textures, from grey to copper and even gold to expose the sparkle and underlying metallic tones of colored paints.

“Texture is a design element which may be overlooked when decorating the kitchen, but it has the ability to add a novel dimension to the room's interior,” says Sheffield. “Consumers are looking for new ideas to help make their kitchens more personalized, so having a unique option like Textures is truly exciting.”

About BlueStar

BlueStar boasts a 130-year-heritage of marrying form and function. Handcrafted in Reading, Pennsylvania, BlueStar cooking equipment is manufactured to provide the home chef with a cooking experience that only can be matched by a restaurant kitchen environment. Their high-performance gas ranges, include 24”, 30”, 36”, 48”, and 60” ranges, featuring a unique open burner system produces 22,000 BTU of cooking power, resulting in shorter cooking times and an even simmer. For lighter cooking, the ranges feature a 130˚ simmer burner – preparing delicate sauces and soups has never been easier. Since each BlueStar range is hand-crafted, the burners can be custom configured at the time of order. All BlueStar models are available in more than 750 colors and finishes for virtually unlimited personalization options.

For more information about BlueStar or help configuring your BlueStar range, call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.

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

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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In 1987, Fred Carl, a Greenwood, Miss. homebuilder founded the Viking Range Corporation and introduced professional style ranges to the home. Today Viking Appliances is one of the leading manufacturers in the U.S. of luxury home appliances. Recently purchased by the Middleby Corporation, a publicly held company based in Elgin, Illinois, Viking remains based in Greenwood, Mississippi where it builds many of the products that bear the Viking name.

At Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC), you will find the complete collection of Viking Appliances available for purchase. The highly-trained salespeople at UAKC can help you create the perfect Viking kitchen for your home.

Right now you can get INSTANT SAVINGS from Viking on both the VIking Professional series of appliances and the D3 Distinctive series.

INSTANT SAVINGS!

Save $500 on any Range

Save $500 on any Built-In Refrigeration

Save $300 on any Built-In Oven

Save $200 on any Rangetop or Cooktop

Save $200 on any Dishwasher

Click Here For Details Valid from 01/01/13 to 06/30/13

INSTANT SAVINGS!

Save $100 on any Range

Save $100 on any Freestanding Refrigeration

- – - – - – - – - – - OR – - – - – - – - – - -

Save $400 on any 4 Piece Kitchen Packages

(Range, Ventilation Hood, Dishwasher & Refrigerator)

Click Here For Details Valid from 01/01/13 to 06/30/13

Introducing the Viking 3-Year Signature Warranty.

Viking proudly builds Viking appliances in Greenwood, Mississippi. So proudly, in fact, that they offer the industry's best and most comprehensive three-year warranty on Professional and D3 Series products. As passionate about building Viking products as chefs are about cooking with them, Viking innovates, they over-engineer. And then they use high-grade, heavy-duty materials to create the most powerful products available. At Viking, it's more than just steel on the line. It's their pride.

The complete terms and conditions of the Viking warranty is set forth in the Use and Care Manual for the product.

Call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today.

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

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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This promotional offer from Viking Range Corporation is a manufacturer's price reduction on qualifying appliances sold to end users. This promotion is not a rebate and requires no action on the part of the consumer. Price reduction will be taken at time of purchase on qualifying appliances and no post-sale check or refund will be issued to the consumer. Retail sales only. Offer open to residents of USA and Canada only. Not valid with other offers or promotions. Promotion begins on January 1, 2013 and expires on June 30, 2013. Purchases and orders cancelled and reissued after that date will not qualify. Viking Range Corporation reserves the right to withdraw, modify or terminate this promotion at any time without notice. $200, $300 or $500 Canadian if purchased in Canada. Ask a sales associate for complete details before you purchase. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

BlueStar Ranges hosts a product demonstration on Saturday, February 19th at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC).

Join the BlueStar experts as they showcase the amazing cooking power of the BlueStar line of products.

The demonstration will be held at the Studio City location from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

12050 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, 91604
818 755-1111

BLUESTAR FEATURES

BlueStar ranges come in a number of configurations, including grill and griddle options, to accommodate all your cooking needs. With their gas ranges you will have the broiling, baking, surface cooking capacities and overall performance that professional chefs desire, which is why home chefs turn to BlueStar gas ranges.

22,000 BTU BURNER

BlueStar's UltraNova® power burner delivers an intense 22,000 BTU flame, perfect for achieving a rapid boil, high-heat sear, or the perfect saute.

With an almost infinite combination of burner configurations, colors, and sizes, BlueStar ranges can be built to suit your personal style and unique cooking preferences.

SUPERIOR OVEN CAPACITY

The home baker's restaurant dream – BlueStar's 30″, 36″, 48″ & 60″ ranges each feature a full-extension oven rack and extra-large oven capacity to accommodate an 18″x26″ commercial baking sheet.

MADE IN THE USA

BlueStar products are proudly handcrafted in the USA in their Reading, Pennsylvania, factory, where they have produced premium cooking products since 1880.

190 COLORS

BlueStar lets you unleash your inner designer with ranges, wall ovens, and hoods available in a painter's dream of color shades that complement any kitchen decor.

To make the right decision for new appliances, it's best to consult professionals. An excellent choice would be to call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.

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

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC) is known for its great selection of luxury appliances and plumbing fixtures. But, did you know that that UAKC is one of Southern California's leading suppliers of mainstream appliances?

They feature great brands for all budgets such as Frigidaire, Amana, Whirlpool, and of course GE. The GE range below has traditional coil elements, but is updated with a huge self-cleaning oven, big window, and a PowerBoil™ coil element.

While radiant smooth top ranges and gas burners have many advantages, coil elements have been proven to boil water faster than any current cooking method except induction. Also, coil elements are a favorite of home canning aficionados. And some traditionalists just prefer using the electric coil elements with which they are comfortable.

GE® 30″ Free-Standing Electric Range

*Self-Clean Ovens
Baking is often a messy process, with spills, spatters, boil-overs, drips and drops. When the baking is done the cleaning begins. Luckily, GE Appliances invented and patented the first self-clean oven in 1963. The self-cleaning process cleans the oven interior conveniently and automatically, eliminating the need for messy hand-cleaning.

While Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC) is proud to be LA's headquarters for luxury appliances and plumbing fixtures, it's important to remember that they're also a leading supplier of America's favorite brands of appliances at affordable prices. Call or stop by today to find out just how affordable a new kitchen full of appliances can be:

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

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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