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August 12, 2014
GE Slate Appliances - An Alternative to Stainless Steel?
Don't Want Stainless Steel? Check out GE Slate Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterIn the sea of stainless steel appliances, there are still many customers looking for alternatives. Some don't like the amount of cleaning entailed with stainless steel finishes. Others feel that shiny stainless steel is glaring and they would preferred a softer look. Whatever your particular hesitance with stainless steel, you should take a look at the GE Slate Appliances available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC). Here's how GE describes the slate finish: GE's exclusive Slate finish exudes refinement and elegance for a look unlike anything on the market today. Inspired by the rich texture of stone, it provides a warm, inviting alternative to stainless steel. Slate not only offers an option that's elegant and modern, it also maintains its great appearance. The dark matte finish naturally hides fingerprints, smudges and dirt. It's also a breeze to clean using a clean cloth and a mild household detergent. Evidently, Rachel Ray has updated her TV kitchen with GE Slate Appliances. Notice the magnets - something you can't do with stainless steel.It sure looks like Slate is going to be around for a while, too. GE launched this finish in 2012, and now they've announced that they'll be doubling the number of models available in the GE Slate finish: "The popularity of Slate among consumers has exceeded our expectations," said Brian McWaters brand -
August 10, 2014
Types of Stainless Steel Appliances
Surprising Differences in Stainless Steel AppliancesSee them all at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterManufacturers began using stainless steel in appliances because of its appearance as well as its durability, and resistance to corrosion. Today, they also use stainless steel because buyers want the stainless look in their kitchens.Categories of Stainless SteelThere is stainless steel and then there is stainless steel. All stainless steels are not created equal. The metallurgists among us will point out that there are 5 different categories of stainless steel: martensitic, ferritic, austenitic, duplex (ferritic-austenitic), and precipitation-hardening stainless steels.The vast majority of major appliances are made of 304 (austenitic) type stainless steel or 430 (ferritic) stainless steel. Even within these two different categories there are different grades, gauges, and finishes. Moreover, some manufacturers will use different types of stainless steel on the same appliances. For example, a dishwasher tub might have different stainless steel than the dishwasher door. Some stainless steel has superior fabrication characteristics, while others works better in specific temperature ranges, or is more corrosion resistant.Stainless Steel Finishes and CoatingsYour stainless steel appliance also has a finish called a "grain" that goes in a certain direction. On some appliances and in some lighting, the grain is more noticeable than others. Also, there are a few appliance manufacturers that offer stainless steel appliances with a protective coating. Frigidaire promotes their Smudge-Proof™ line of appliances that does a great job of hiding fingerprints. Some KitchenAid stainless steel appliances are made with clear -
August 04, 2014
Small Major Appliances for Urban Living
Headquarters for Compact Major Appliances Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center There's a trend in major cities towards small living quarters to accommodate young urban millenials who want urban living that is also affordable. In major appliances, brands from GE to Viking have begun to address this unfulfilled need. GE Launches Small Appliance Lines As cities grapple with housing shortages, the trend toward smaller living spaces is already a reality. Shrinking living spaces necessitate products and services that simplify, optimize and economize. "As we watch what’s happening in the U.S., there’s a clear trend toward smaller, more efficient living spaces," said Lou Lenzi, director of industrial design for GE Appliances. "There will always be a need for larger appliances for existing homes; however, we can’t ignore the growing need in urban environments. At Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, you don't need to wait to address your space constraints. Compact appliances are available from a variety of manufacturers to fit a wide spectrum of needs and budgets. Here are a few examples: Refrigerators Danby 3 Cu. Ft. Dual Door Compact Refrigerator: Black With Stainless LookModel: DCRM31BSLDDThis dual door Energy Star rated compact refrigerator includes a separate fridge and freezer section. The 3.0 cu. ft. capacity provides enough room to keep small meals, snacks, leftovers, drinks and frozen fare handy. This miniature version of larger models is ideal for dorm rooms, the recreation room or the office. Features: 3.0 cu.ft. (84 litres) capacity refrigerator Energy Star compliant -
August 02, 2014
Compact Undercounter Laundry Equipment
Undercounter washers and dryers Choose from top brands at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center As part of our series on undercounter appliances, today we're covering washers and dryers designed for installation in a base cabinet. Here in the U.S., we have separate laundry rooms, designed to accommodate full-sized top loading or front loading washers and dryers. They overwhelmingly are one of the big U.S. brands such as GE, Maytag, or Whirlpool or from one of the Korean brands, LG or Samsung. However, some of the top brands in undercounter laundry equipment are European names. Asko, Bosch, and Miele don't even compete in the large capacity U.S. laundry market, but they are big names in 24" wide washers and dryers that fit underneath a counter (though GE, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire also have models at the low end of this market). Since most washers sold in Europe are designed to fit in a 60 cm (24") base cabinet in the kitchen, this appliance category falls into the wheelhouse of the European brands. They do a great job of washing in less time than their U.S. counterparts and are very energy efficient. Their compact size not only means that they can be located in tight spaces, they are accessible and perfect to use for universal design. Bosch Fit speed and style just about anywhere.With their sleek design, our matching Bosch 24" laundry units offer best in class installation. Stack them in a closet or install -
August 01, 2014
Cleaning New Ranges and Ovens
Various Range and Oven cleaning typesCheck them out at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterIf you're purchasing a new range or oven, you'll want to know how it cleans. An entry level range is likely not to have any cleaning cycle, so the cleaning is going to be do it yourself, perhaps with caustic oven cleaner.When moving up to more fully-featured ranges and ovens you'll find pyrolytic self-cleaning ovens. When the oven gets dirty, you select the self-cleaning cycle, the oven locks and for 2-4 hours gets extremely hot, and incinerates any burnt on spills.At the high end of the market, some of the luxury brand commercial looking stainless gas ranges and ovens may not have any automatic cleaning cycles.In the last few years GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, and others have begun offering other steam cleaning options for light cleaning of oven interiors. The consumer adds a cup or so of water to the bottom of the oven and selects a steam cleaning cycle. After 25 minutes the soil in the bottom of the oven has been loosened and the oven can be sponged out. For heavier cleaning, pyrolytic self-cleaning is still an optionWhirlpool and Maytag also offer a low temperature self-cleaning technology called Aqualift on some models. It also uses water, but Aqualift models are considered "self-clean" and do not have a pyrolytic self-clean option. Here's how Aqualift is described -
July 29, 2014
Getting a New Red Washing Machine
Choosing Your New Washer at UAKC Best Selection, Prices, and RED Models Available TOO If you've been washing clothes in boring white washing machines for decades, and want to dress up your laundry room with a splash of color, a new RED washer may be just what you need. No matter what your color preference, the best place in Southern California to purchase a new washer is Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC). Most appliance brands have new washers available in colors, and red is certainly a popular choice these days. Here are some of the leading washing machine brands to choose from: Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool. Since you're sure to be able to get a great new washing machine in RED, what are some other criteria that are important? 1. Top Load (HE) vs. Front Load. That beautiful new washer is going to be available in both a Front Load configuration and as an HE Top Load model. Take a look at our previous comparison of Front Load and Top Load washers. Click Below: Front Load vs Top Load Washers 2. Dimensions. Let's make sure that your new washer will fit in your laundry room. Measure the space available and take those dimensions with you when you visit UAKC to pick out your new washer 3. Features. Other than color, are there specific features you want? Truthfully, all washers are NOT created equal. For example, do you want a washer that has a steam feature? -
July 28, 2014
Visit our Showrooms
Soucals finest Appliance and Plumbing Fixture Showrooms Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center With two of the finest showrooms in Southern California, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC) is known for great brands, huge assortment, and low prices. Major appliance brands include Bosch, Dacor, Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, GE Cafe, GE Profile, GE Monogram, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Liebherr, Maytag, Miele, Sub Zero, Thermador, Viking, Whirlpool, Wolf, and more. In plumbing for the kitchen and bath UAKC's assortment includes Blanco, Brizo, DornBracht, Everpure, Franke, HansGrohe, KWC, Toto, Waterstone, and many others. Studio City The Studio City showroom is conveniently located in the Laural Promenade Shopping Center at the corner of Ventura Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Road, near both the 101 and the 170 Freeways. It's a busy intersection, but there is plenty of parking not only in the adjacent parking lot, but also in the underground garage. The showroom is well-staffed with top-notch industry veterans. You are free to browse, but help is only a few steps away. Don't hesitate to call either. They're open every day, and phone orders are welcome. Click on the photo below to view the Studio City showroom gallery: Calabasas UAKC's newest showroom is in beautiful Calabasas. Located right off the 101 Freeway, on Agoura Road, the spacious showroom is also home to a Sub Zero Wolf Living Kitchen. Customers love the convenience, and being able to see and touch the many live appliances. Click on the photo below to view the Calabasas showroom gallery: Both showrooms have ample -
July 25, 2014
Choosing an Undercounter Trash Compactor
Undercounter Appliances Part 2 - The Trash Compactors Shop Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for Trash Compactors The trash compactor is a handy appliance that will compact your trash by a factor of 4-6 times. It's a great way to reduce your trash footprint. Obviously, a trash compactor saves space and reduces trips to an outside trash bin. Today's compactors come with advanced features such as deodorizers, child lockouts, and convenient drop down doors for trash removal Trash compactors come in a standard 15" width size (Broan discontinued their 12" models a few years ago), and will fit nicely in standard depth cabinets. Even though they have powerful rams that compress your trash, the 1/3 hp models all work on a standard 120v. circuit. The 3/4 hp models require 220v. circuits. Depending on the brand or model, your trash compactor will have a compaction ratio of 4:1 - 6:1 and compaction force of 2,300 - 3,000 lbs. Below is a list of the compactor brands you can find at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. Compactor Brands Bosch Broan Electrolux GE GE Monogram Jenn-Air KitchenAid Maytag Viking Whirlpool Although this blog is about undercounter appliances some brands above do offer freestanding and convertible trash compactor models. Here's some information on the popular Broan 15" Elite Mode Trash Compactor:Broan Elite Series 15BL Fully Integrated Trash Compactor with 1.55 cu. ft. Capacity, 3/4 HP Motor, 3000 lbs. Compacting Force, 6:1 Ratio, Manual Odor Control System Child Lock -
July 19, 2014
Side by Side Refrigerators
Choosing a New Side by Side Refrigerator While French door refrigerators seem to be all the rage these days, side by side refrigerator still hold a significant share of refrigerator industry sales. Reasons for customers preferring side by side refrigerators include the better access to the freezer compartments (i.e. no digging to find the ice cream), less critical space used for ice storage, and overall better organization and visibility. Whatever your reason, if a side by side is your choice here are three fundamental choices you need to make. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center can help you choose the configuration that works best for you. Built-In A built-in side by side will fit flush inside your cabinet space, and could even be "integrated" with matching cabinet panels and hidden hinges. Depending on the brand, size, and features this refrigerator could cost $10,000 or more. Counter depth A counter depth side by side refrigerator is going to fit nearly flush with the countertops (25") not counting the door. While they're not built-in, they're attractive looking, and blend into the surrounding cabinets nicely. Full depth A full or standard depth refrigerator will protrude from the kitchen cabinets. This style refrigerator offers more capacity, but can often be 35" deep or more. Consumers often complain about having to navigate around the refrigerator. As you can see, there are tradeoffs among the 3 basic refrigerator configurations. In addition, you'll need to decide among models featuring dispensers and non-dispenser models. You may also have a -
July 17, 2014
New GE Monogram French Door Wall Oven
French Door Wall Oven Debuts From GE Monogram® BlueStar, American Range, and most recently Viking Range offer ovens with French Doors. Now, GE Monogram® has entered the space announcing a French Door oven of their own at the recent Dwell on Design trade in Los Angeles. Scheduled to ship in February, 2015 the oven boasts hi-tech features and sets GE Monogram® apart with the largest capacity in a French Door oven. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center is your Soucal. headquarters for French Door ovens with the best selection and lowest prices available. Read our previous blog posted earlier this year about French Door and side swing ovens below: FRENCH DOOR AND SIDE SWING OVENS AT UAKC GE Monogram® French door wall oven The new GE Monogram® French door wall oven boasts features fit for the pros but designed for the home. LOUISVILLE, Ky. — June 20, 2014 — Today’s consumers are bringing the professional-level appliances and techniques they see in culinary entertainment and restaurants into their kitchen to help create fine-dining-worthy creations. The influence of the professional chef on consumers has inspired GE (NYSE: GE) to introduce a new Monogram® French door wall oven with cooking features fit for the pros but designed for the home. "Today’s high-end consumers want appliances that allow them to cook like professionals, and GE’s new French door wall oven delivers; combining exceptional ease of use with GE’s advanced cooking technology." said Michael Mahan, general manager for GE Monogram. Within reach The new French door
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