Appliances
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February 23, 2015
Getting Your Dishes Clean
3 Myths About Dishwashers Full Dishwashers Clean Best Not true. Dishes need some separation from one another. Crowded dishwasher racks are likely to have dishes or bowls nested inside one another making it impossible for the detergent, and spray action to get inside to "scrub" the dirty dish or bowl. Fill your dishwasher, but make sure the dishes don't snug up against each other. Using Dishwashers Sparingly Extends their Lifespan. Not really. Dishwashers have seals that need to be moist. If they stay dry for long periods of time they can dry and crack. When the seal doesn't work, you may experience water leaks. The repair is expensive. In fact, if you have a winter or summer home with a dishwasher, you should pour a cup of vinegar in the dishwasher when you are going to be gone for the season in order to keep the seals moist. Dishwashers run just fine with cold water. In most parts of the country unheated tap water is about 60 degrees (varies some with climates). At this temperature, the water isn't even capable of breaking down the detergent. But your water heater will boost the temperature. A typical dishwasher might look for a minumum temperature of the incoming hot water to be about 120 degrees. Then the dishwasher will turn on its internal heater to boost the water temperature even more. A sani-cycle might boost the temperature to 160 degrees or higher. NSF requires a a combination of a certain minimum temperature for -
February 21, 2015
Unique Gas Ranges
Unusual Range Configurations Most ranges from different manufacturers seem very similar when it comes to the basics. Oven on the bottom - burners on top. Some have more than one oven, some have more burners than others, and perhaps a griddle or a grill, but beyond that, not many striking differences. Well, here are a few ranges that are dramatically different - and you can see it right away. These are specific ranges have unique features for chefs who have specific interests or requirements. Take a look. Step-up Freestanding Ranges from American RangeWonder why all the burners on your range are on the same level? Maybe you've seen restaurants where food is being cooked in what seems to be different cooking heights. American Range has created a "Step-up" range with burners on different levels. When using multiple pots and pans simultaneously, handles become obtrusive and annoying. For this reason, many chefs have requested that burners be lifted to broaden the cooking surface and prevent handles from one pan heating the handles of another. In response, American Range has created the Step-Up Range line. Griddle Broiler on Top from BlueStar The professional-style raised griddle broiler allows for broiling and grilling simultaneously. This unique feature provides a full-size 12-inch griddle with a 600 degree maximum heating capacity. Perfect for last minute crisping, searing, or melting. It is powered by a 15,000btu radiant gas fired burner, capable of producing seared, crisp steaks in minutes! Home Salamander Broiler -
February 16, 2015
50 Shades of Grey in Appliances
Grey Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterThere are many shades of grey in appliances.Even though stainless steel is the dominant color/finish in major appliances, most major appliance manufacturers offer choices in the colors and finishes that they produce, including shades of stainless, silver, and yes of course, grey.Stainless steel itself comes in different grades and types that also look different. Even within a brand or a given model there can be differences. For example, the stainless steel interior of a dishwasher can be an entirely different type of stainless steel and have a different finish than the dishwasher's exterior. Generally, manufacturers try to match the stainless finish on the outside of their appliances, but if you're mixing brands, you could easily find discernible differences in appearance from brand to brand.Frigidaire offers a stainless steel that is smudge-proof. It's real stainless steel that has been treated to prevent the feared fingerprint smudges. It does seem to work quite well. Both GE and Whirlpool have in the past offered lines of faux stainless, eg. painted silver appliances. A quick check of their websites shows a very limited offer of silver or satin appliances.However, GE introduced a line of Slate appliances a couple of years ago, that has become quite successful. It's a shade of grey that you might like very much. It's clearly NOT faux stainless steel and doesn't pretend to be, but it will provide your kitchen with -
February 14, 2015
New Wine Storage Available From Sub-Zero
Sub-Zero Integrated Wine Storage Units Sub-Zero and Wolf will soon complete the biggest new product launch in the company's history. Nearing the last, but nowhere near the least, of the new product launches is Sub-Zero's new integrated wine storage units. We put the emphasis on integrated because Sub-Zero has devoted so much time and effort throughout this new product launch to making products that are streamlined, flush, and seamlessly a part of their surrounding environment.The new integrated wine storage from Sub-Zero is available in either stainless steel, or in a version that can integrate seamlessly to adjacent panels. Models in 15", 18", 24" and 30" widths, make it easy to get just the right wine unit to fit your space and can store from 26 to 147 bottles. Ultimately, taking good care of your wine while it is in the bottle delivers a more pleasurable experience when it's time to consume the bottle. At Sub-Zero, wine units are engineered to guard against heat, humidity, light, and vibration which can degrade your wine, assuring you the best taste possible when it's time to enjoy your wine. For the best advice on wine storage consult the experts from Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today. -
February 13, 2015
President's Day Recognition
Washington's Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, and More Three Day Weekend and Great Buys on Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures Even after all these years, there is still some confusion over what President's Day really is. In 1885, Congress established the national holiday of Washington's Birthday on February 22nd. Although Lincoln's Birthday, February 12th, had never been a recognized national holiday, it was an official state holiday in several states, and became widely observed through much of the country. In the 1960s there was a movement to create more 3-day weekends by shifting some holidays to Mondays. As part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed in 1968, Congress moved Washington's Birthday Holiday from February 22nd to the third Monday in February. President Nixon made it official with an executive order in 1971. While the Uniform Monday Holiday Act had wordage that described this holiday as a day to celebrate both Lincoln's and Washington's birthday, the name of the holiday was never officially changed, and to this day the Federal Calendar calls out the holiday on the third Monday in February as Washington's Birthday. The public, however, not only counts President's Day as a celebration of both Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays, but it is often regarded as a day recognizing all of our deceased presidents. Whatever your preference, President's Day is a 3-day weekend, and an opportunity to check out some great buys on major appliances and plumbing fixtures at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. Call or visit today for the best prices -
February 10, 2015
Miele Appliances at KBIS/IBS 2015
New Miele Range a Winner in Las VegasMiele Appliances shown at KBIS/IBS 2015It's hard to come away a winner when you go to Las Vegas. But, the new Miele range was a good bet at the 2015 Design and Construction Week (*KBIS/IBS) show in January. Miele partnered up with some top kitchen brands (Haefele, Bauformat, and Cosentino) to showcase their luxury appliance brand. The new Miele Range, their first EVER, was a huge hit. (To clarify, Miele has been very successful in cooking products such as built-in cooktops and ovens over the years, but they've not ventured into the range business until now).Miele's range model line up consists of several configurations in 30", 36", and 48" ranges. The range line has been eight years in the making, and the attention to detail shows in the innovative features, and stunning Miele design, not to mention the durable construction. Miele's 30" range weighs in at 337 lbs. Compare that to the 160 lbs. of a typical Whirlpool gas range.You might also expect state of the art technology in a range of this class, and Miele does not disappoint. With a high-tech control panel that includes their exclusive MasterChef electronic controls, the new Miele features algorithms to perfectly cook many foods, and it will also store your own special recipes. Miele has taken a fresh look at every feature on a range. For example, Miele's unique range handle is designed to swivel from its vertical -
February 08, 2015
Sous Vide Cooking
Sous VideThe old and new trend in cooking - Sous VideTracing its beginning to the 17th century, Sous Vide was re-discovered in the 20th century, and has made a big comeback. Sous Vide translates literally from the French to Under Vacuum. The modern technique involves vacuum sealing food in plastic bags, and precisely cooking for a long time at low temperatures. The outcome is a flavor-intense dish with a freshly cooked taste, vividly colored vegetables, and new texture and taste sensations. Two French chefs, Bruno Goussault and Georges Pralus independently began developing the modern Sous Vide techniques in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Today Sous Vide cooking is common in the Michelen Star rated restaurant Le Meurice in Paris, Charlie Trotter's in Chicago, as well as Thomas Keller's, The French Laundry in Yountville, CA. and Per Se in New York, NY.Home cooking Sous Vide requires a vacuum sealer, an immersion circulator, and a pot. Thomas Keller has written a cookbook with Sous Vide techniques and recipes appropriately called Under Pressure. I'd also recommend the YouTube Videos produced by Top Chef winner, Michael Voltaggio (just search for Michael Voltaggio). He has a very good 3-video series on Sous Vide chicken. At the 2015 Kitchen and Bath International Show (KBIS), GE® Appliances previewed an all-in-one Sous Vide solution. It's a new induction cooktop pre-programmed for Sous Vide. It requires an optional Immersion Circulator ($150) which connects with the cooktop via Bluetooth. If you're remodeling your kitchen or considering a new cooktop, -
February 05, 2015
Viking Ranges Now Available in 3 Style Series
Viking Tuscany Ranges at UAKC NEW Viking Tuscany Ranges Famous for their cooking products, Viking Range Co. made famous the professional style range built for home use. More recently, Viking D3 appliances were added to the lineup for customers desiring a smoother, contemporary look versus the muscular commercial appearance of the Viking Professional line. Now, Viking has launched a line of ranges made in the town of Scandicci in the Tuscany region of Italy by a subsidiary of Middelby (Viking's parent corp.) It's a great combination of Viking Professional performance with a classic old world look, and a standout in your kitchen. (We like it a lot - the appearance of a historic European Cooker with the performance of a restaurant range). Viking will be offering a limited quantity of Viking Tuscany Ranges in 2015. The ranges will be available in two widths 36" and 48", and will be offered in several different configurations. In addition to the powerful Viking gas burners, options include a French Top, a built-in griddle, and a two burner induction option. Viking will also provide matching vent hoods, and dishwasher panels. The ranges, hoods and dishwasher panels will all be available in a choice of Stainless, Blue, Black, and White. Built with the same high quality standards, durability and attention to detail as all Viking appliances, the Viking Tuscany Ranges are backed by the industry’s best and most comprehensive warranty; the Viking 3-Year Signature Warranty. The Viking 3-Year Signature Warranty now includes a 90 Day -
January 30, 2015
Did Monet Cook with La Cornue?
Monet's Kitchen in Giverny, France Check out Monet's RangeIf you ever visit Paris in the summer time, be sure to take a side trip to Monet's home in the village of Giverny outside of Paris. Here you will see the spectacular gardens that were featured in some of his most famous paintings, as well as the country house where Monet lived with his large family from 1883 until he died in 1926. Although the house was there from the start, Monet was responsible for everything in the interior.The blue kitchen has many copper pots and pans that were once used daily, but they also provided a contrast with the blue tile from Roen. The kitchen leads to an adjacent yellow dining room, demonstrating that Monet employed the generous use of vivid colors to identify his various rooms. Then again, our White House has a blue room, green room, and a red room. Being an appliance geek, I had to check out the huge cooker above in the blue Monet kitchen. I made the assumption that the stove was La Cornue. If so, it must have been added by Monet after he'd been in the house at least 25 years, since La Cornue was founded in 1908, and Monet moved into the house in 1883. Also worth noting, this stove is a wood and coal cooker with a chimney, and I believe that even the early -
January 28, 2015
Luxury Appliance Brands Show Colors at KBIS/IBS 2015
New Appliance Color Shown at KBIS/IBS 2015 Marsala Displayed on High End Appliance Brands Pantone Color Institute® annually designates a color of the year. Last year's color was Blue Orchid. For 2015, the color is Marsala. Appliance brands that feature color in an array of colors to supplement the traditional stainless steel finish have announced that they will be offering appliances in Marsala, and in fact have shown some Marsala appliances at KBIS/IBS 2015 in Las Vegas this past week.BlueStar ranges are often made to order at their factory in Reading, PA. BlueStar claims to offer the largest selection of colors of any appliance manufacturer, 750...now we can say at least 751 different combinations of colors and finishes. Viking ranges, made in Greenwood, Miss. has long offered a wide-selection of colors, and has recently pared it down to about 12 colors. Nevertheless, Viking, also showed a Marsala range as one of its colors in their exhibit at KBIS 2015. Bertazonni, an Italian made cooking brand, has made a big splash with some of their bright colors, and they'll also be adding Marsala to their color selections. Finally, Dacor, a Southern California based appliance company known for its innovation, had a Marsala range on display in their booth at KBIS 2015. See the Marsala Dacor oven pictured below. It certainly looks like the color of this year, Marsala, might be an appliance hit in 2015. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comment section.
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