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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Lindsey loves Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

Lindsey S.

Los Angeles, CA

I have been a customer of Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for several years now. I do live in the neighborhood, so convenience is a plus. But besides, Universal being close to my house I must say, that they have a great selection of products of various brands and a very wide range of prices. I did some shop around before I made my final purchases at Universal. Last time I shopped there they competed with two other quotes that I brought from other stores. Among the appliances that I have purchased from them over the period of a couple of years are a washer and dryer, refrigerator, hood, dishwasher, induction cooktop and an amazing Miele vacuum cleaner that I absolutely love and that I got for FREE as a part of a deal! All of my purchased appliances work excellent and I am thankful for the help of the sales people at Universal that helped me make my right choices. I enjoy shopping at this store.

Call or visit today. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center is your headquarters for new appliances and plumbing fixtures.

Two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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*Highlighting added

Nicholas likes Maida's “very professional help”

I was in the market for three appliances (stackable washer/dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher) and kind of stumbled onto Universal Appliance at Laurel Canyon/Ventura. I was eating at one of the nearby restaurants in the 'mini-mall', saw the store and ventured in. It was very impressive…the showroom space is a lot larger than it first appears. They have a large selection of current model appliances from all of the major manufacturers…mostly medium and high-end brands. I ended up buying a Bosch dishwasher, Jenn Air refrigerator and Maytag stackable washer/dryer.

What initially 'sold' me was the very professional help that I received from Maida, one of the sales associates. I had a few logistic/space problems that she helped me overcome. She would scour the computer for inventory and print up sheets on what I was considering. She would then take me to the exact model (or one similar) on the floor to discuss advantages/drawbacks of each appliance. The prices were totally competitive with what I had seen at the two other major appliance stores I had already shopped.

There was no major wait (maybe a week?) to get the items. The delivery guys showed up on time and installed everything properly. I did have one issue with the dryer not heating and within two days of my call, they sent someone out who was able to troubleshoot the problem and fix it quickly (at no charge).

What I liked about Maida is that she stayed in touch with me all along the way. She'd e-mail me a few days before a delivery just to remind me something was coming. She also took care of the paperwork required to get one of my manufacturers rebate. I made four or five phone calls to her during this process (what type of vent? what's the height? can the delivery guys bring…? etc.) and all calls were promptly returned the same day (except one when she was off and then she called me on her first day back).

I was very happy with the selection, service and consultative help that I received from my sales associate, Maida. Everyone may not have the same great experience that I had, but you should certainly include Universal when looking for appliances.

Nicholas C.

West Hollywood, CA

Call or visit today. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center is your headquarters for new appliances and plumbing fixtures.

Two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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*Highlighting added

NEW Free-Standing State of the Art Refrigerator

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center features the full line of luxury appliances from Jenn-air including this new stylish twenty-five cubic foot refrigerator from Jenn-Air with a separate external refrigerator drawer that allows you better access from the outside. The glide-out drawer has an independent adjustable temperature control.

This refrigerator features new Quad Sensor™ technology, a climate control system with four independent sensors to extend freshness and prevent food spoilage by monitoring and regulating temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer.

Importantly, this new luxury product is 25% more efficient that Minimum Federal Energy Standards making it a qualifying Energy Star® model.

Another advanced technology feature from Jenn-Air is the Automatic Adaptive Defrost which detects frost buildup and switches to defrost, protecting frozen foods and saving energy.

The dispenser has attractive LED lighting and Touch Screen Electronic Controls.

The current Jenn-Air promotional Fire and Ice offer is available through March 30, 2013 and includes a $300 rebate on the JFC2597 refrigerator featured above.

In addition, the Jenn-Air Your Purchase Your Rewards Promotions offers FREE APPLIANCES valued up to $3848 , and Installation on Us of up to $1100 with select purchases through June 30, 2013.

For all the details on this and other savings 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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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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BREAKING NEWS!! New appliances being launched by the below brands. See what they have to say about their new products and then go to Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for more information and the best prices.

New Miele Dishwasher

New Miele Dishwasher

Dinner parties won’t daunt you with Miele's new Futura ProfiLine dishwasher, designed to offer speed, flexibility and convenience for busy households. or those who like to entertain. Featuring a 23-minute ProSpeed wash cycle, the unit can power through dishes quickly and quietly. The dishwesher’s FlexiCare deluxe basket system can adjust to accommodate wine glasses, serving platters, chargers, terrines or other large items, while the 3D cutlery tray adds additional adjustability for silverware and serving utensils. To dry surfaces properly, Miele’s AutoOpen system will release the door as the chosen cycle concludes, allowing air to escape and circulate. Available as a fully integrated model, the ProfiLine can stay concealed behind kitchen cabinetry or be specified with a Clean Touch Steel panel. The unit retails for $3,999.

New Fagor Refrigerator

Fagor America has expanded its refrigerator line with a new larger-capacity side-by-side model. Offering almost 46 in. of additional space, the Energy Star-rated unit has the same features and benefits as the company’s slim line models, but with additional storage space. Measuring 36 in. wide, the unit maintains a constant control of humidity in order to keep the cabin in a “No Frost” environment, along with multi-fresh drawers that keep the ideal temperature to preserve meats and fish. The refrigerator also includes an internal water filter system, which reduces the presence of unhealthy particles found in drinking and ice water. Available in a stainless steel finish.

True 15 Refrigerator

Whether indoors or outdoors, the True Professional Series® Undercounter Refrigerator gives you complete cooling flexibility wherever you need it. A testament to the quality of this line, the glass door version of the True Undercounter Refrigerator is the only glass door model in the industry that is also UL rated for outdoor use. The perfect combination of powerful performance with universal styling, the True Undercounter Refrigerator is an elegant addition to any gathering space in your home.

True 15 Wine Cabinet

Crafted with extraordinary detail for those who are passionate about wine. You’ll keep your favorite vintage in pristine condition with True’s refrigerated wine cabinet. The True Wine Cabinet provides wine storage that carefully guards your wine from the elements most likely to damage them — light, fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and vibration. No other wine refrigerator matches the sophisticated and elegant look with the commercial performance of the True Wine Cabinet

Learn more about these and other new products from the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. Call or visit today:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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It's a great celebration. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center has opened a second location to serve the northern reaches of the greater Los Angeles area. Their new showroom is conveniently located in Calabasas right off the 101 Freeway between Agoura Hills and Woodland Hills.

showroom locations

Here are some of the great buys that are available now at both locations:

• KitchenAid Stainless Steel Dishwasher KUDL15FXSS Regular $999 Save $350 Your Price $649.
• Whirlpool Duet Washer/Gas Dryer Pair WFW94HEXDW/WGW94HEXDW Reg. $2699 Save $800 Your Price $1899.
• Frigidaire 30″ Freestanding Gas Range 5 burners, convect. FPGF3081KF Reg $1449 Save $350 Your Price $1099.

And here's a quick review of some of the additional factory authorized offers available this weekend:

• Bosch $50 Consumer Rebate on Gas and Electric Cooktops. $300 on Induction Cooktops.
• Thermador 1-2-FREE event. Savings up to $5000.
• Thermador $499 Emerald Dishwasher with the purchase of any Thermador Pro Range.
• Wolf SubZero save up to $2500 Dream Kitchen offer.
• Jenn-Air save up to $4040 with the purchase of select appliances.

Take a video tour of the new Calabasas showroom below:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center hours are:
Monday – Saturday 9:00AM to 7:00PM.
Sunday 11:00AM to 6:00PM

Don't forget to change your clocks. Sunday, Nov 4th, 2:00 AM. Remember “Fall Back”

Hurry in this weekend for great rebates, clearance center closeouts, grand opening specials, and the best selection and service on major appliances or plumbing fixtures. Call or visit the experts at UAKC.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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1. Yellow Pages. Seriously? Do they still have these?
2. Newspaper. Ditto. Well, OK they're still around, but don't hold your breath.
3. Here's an idea! Go to Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC). There's a Grand Opening going on at their new Calabasas Location and they're also celebrating at the Studio City location.

UAKC Showroom Locations

Now with two stores, they've got you covered. The same great selection, service, and low prices. So if you're coming from Moorpark or Thousand Oaks, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC) is just a short drive away. Even from Oxnard or Camarillo, UAKC in Calabasas is the place for you to shop for new appliances. And if you're in Agoura Hills, Northridge, or Woodland Hills…Calabasas says…howdy neighbor!

For all of our friends in Beverly Hills, Burbank, or the Hollywood area we still have the same great location in Studio City at the corner of Ventura and Laurel Canyon Boulevards.

Here's a sneak peak at the beautiful display in their new Calabasas showroom.

For prices, UAKC not only has all the factory rebates (see below), we have a terrific clearance center*. Here are a few examples.

Frigidaire Professional 27″ Double Wall Oven, Stainless Steel
FPET2785KF reg. $3,049.00 you save $1400, now $1649

Electrolux 36″ French Door Refrigerator 27 cu. ft., Stainless Steel
E127BS26JS reg. $2999.00 you save $800, now $2199

Bosch 24″ Dishwasher with recessed handle, Stainless Steel
SHE7ER55UC reg. $1479 you save $280, now $1199

*clearance center prices limited to stock on hand and subject to previous sale.

Factory Rebates

Electrolux It All Adds Up
Get up to $500 back With the purchase of an Electrolux refrigerator and select Electrolux Appliances.
Valid from 10/01/12 to 12/29/12

Electrolux ICON
Get up to $1000 back on select kitchen appliances
For a limited time, purchase 4 appliances and receive a $1000 American Express Reward Card, purchase 3 appliances and receive an $800 American Express Reward Card.
Valid from 10/01/12 to 12/29/12

GE Monogram Luxury Has Its Rewards Promotion
$2000 sell-through allowance for purchaser instant rebate!
Valid from 10/01/12 to 03/31/13

Sub-Zero Your Dream Kitchen Rebate!
Get up to $2,500 cash back when you purchase a Sub-Zero kitchen package.
Valid from 04/01/10 to 03/31/13

These are just a few of the many rebates available. For a complete list please click on the link below:

REBATES

Hurry in this weekend for great rebates, clearance center closeouts, grand opening specials, and the best selection and service on major appliances or plumbing fixtures. Call or visit the experts at UAKC.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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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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520 years ago Columbus landed on the shores of America. Today we celebrate Columbus Day as a Federal holiday on the second Monday of each October. The earliest recorded remembrance of Columbus' “discovery” of the New World was in 1792 on the 300th anniversary of his journey. However, the first celebration of Columbus Day was organized in 1866 by Italian residents of New York City. It wasn't until 1937 that President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared all October 12th's as Columbus Day, but in 1971 it was declared by Congress that the second Monday in October be recognized as a national holiday.

So Monday October 8th, 2012 is Columbus Day, and it is only fitting that Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center UAKC would have some special offers to help celebrate the Holiday. Join the celebration and save now on these great deals.

This price on a deluxe Stainless Steel KitchenAid dishwasher can't be beat. It's a $350 savings off the regular price! And the Giant 28 cu. ft. Electrolux French Door Refrigerator has a price so low, we can't advertise it here.

Now that there are two great locations to visit, you'll find it twice as easy to save money at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. Here are a few more examples of some of the savings during their Columbus Day Sale.

While lots of guys might be particularly fond of this great deal, nearly half off, on a Viking Gas Grill, it is very hard to beat an $800 savings on a deluxe front loading washer and gas dryer pair. Something for everyone!!

If closeouts are your thing, UAKC has what is probably the largest appliance clearance center around. Here are some really special closeouts buys on Jenn-Air. You won't find Jenn-Air deals like this anywhere but Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.

Jenn-Air Clearance

If you could use a new oven, you'll find it hard to resist the combination of a quality luxury brand, at these unbeatable prices. Quantities are limited so be sure and take advantage of these offers during the Columbus Day Sale.

To top it all off, UAKC is throwing in some special terms during this sale event.

For all your appliance needs Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center is the place to be. There are now two convenient locations, Studio City and Calabasas. Call or visit today:

Visit the UAKC website by clicking below:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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