Category: Kitchen Appliances

How Quiet Should Your Dishwasher Be?

Most of us take our dishwashers for granted. They are an essential appliance in many kitchens, but this doesn’t mean that they can’t be unobtrusive. Some dishwasher models can be so noisy that it is difficult to watch television if the cycle is running in an open plan kitchen. So, how quiet should your dishwasher be?

Measuring the Noise of Your Dishwasher

Dishwasher manufacturers often advertise how quiet their dishwashers are and label them with a dBA rating. A dBA number is an expression of the weighted decibel level in human context for how quiet or loud the sound is to our ears, since humans perceive differences in sounds less sensitively at extreme volumes. Dishwashers in the marketplace have a noise output that ranges between 37 and 64 dBA, but what does this actually reflect in terms of how quiet it operates, and how much of this is simply hype?

Human speech is approximately 60 dBA, while light rainfall is approximately 50 dBA. A night in a quiet suburb is 40 dBA and whispers is 30 dBA. So, when a dishwasher manufacturer says their appliance is whisper quiet, it must be in the low 30s range when operating.

Modern Dishwashers 

In the past, you could expect a dishwasher to produce noise of 65 dBA on average. These days, many dishwasher models are far quieter, operating between 40 and 55 dBA. This means that they produce noise that is somewhere between scattered showers and dinner table chatter. This is a vast improvement and means that using a modern dishwasher doesn’t mean that you need to leave the room.

The quietest models tend to operate within a dBA or two. This difference is barely noticeable with some models operating at 37 dBA when using an Extra Quiet program, but there are other dishwashers that operate between 38 and 42 dBA in normal programs.

The choice of program is not the only factor that can influence the noise output of your dishwasher. Some experts argue that the soil level of your dishes can lead to louder operation. If you have dirtier dishes, the dishwasher needs to work harder to complete the cycle. This can lead to an increase in appliance noise output, but it is rarely more than 3 dBA, which is barely perceptible to human ears.

Determining Your Choice of Dishwasher

In the real world, a difference of a noise output up to 10 dBA is rarely noticeable. At the 10 dBA range, this is the point where audible sound doubles, you’re likely to start noticing the difference.

So, with typical dishwasher models operating between 40 and 55 dBA, there is very little difference in the noise output for the average household. If you’re deciding on a new dishwasher model, you need to assess whether you need a dishwasher to be whisper quiet or if you don’t mind a rainfall noise level. You need to think about your home layout and the types of activities in your everyday life. If you like to homeschool your children while sitting at your kitchen counter or have an open plan kitchen where the family likes to watch television, you may need to consider a dishwasher that has a quiet program. If you don’t tend to carry out important tasks in the kitchen, you should take the noise ratings into consideration with the performance and price to determine the best option for your home.

If you’re having difficulties with your dishwasher and are considering an upgrade, you can explore the options with this online collection of dishwashers or speak to a home appliance expert for a specialist service.

Dacor Modernist Range

Samsung set a goal to become a global leader in the home appliance sector and proved that it was serious with the purchase of Dacor in 2016. Samsung acquired the southern California-based Dacor for a reported $150 million, to try to elbow its way into the luxury appliance arena. Everyone thought that the purchase made sense for Samsung at the time, because the premium appliance sector lacks a technology-focused competitor. Samsung brings the technology to the table in a big way and it shows with the 2017 release of Dacor’s Modernist line.

You may have seen Dacor’s new upscale lineup during the big marketing push that coincided with the 2017 Emmy Awards. The Dacor 48” Modernist Range is definitely a show-stopper, but does it live up to the hype? Here is a closer look at this luxury range and what its entrance into the premium appliance marketplace could mean.

Sleek, Stylish Look

This range looks like it was built using the design of Dacor’s Discovery range series as its baseline. The black stainless graphite finish and handles will blend seamlessly with any kitchen design. The Dual-Fuel range stands out from the pack of pro-style and “celebrity chef” ranges, and there is nothing else quite like it on the market.

The side-by-side ovens feature full-length black glass viewing windows. The interior of the ovens utilizes Dacor’s Brightvue™ halogen lighting. Combined with its shining stainless-steel oven racks, the range practically begs the owner to create colorful meals, just to watch them bake (or steam).

The Dacor Modernist Range has other features that also invite users to keep their eyes on it. Ambient lighting over the burner knobs make them stand out. Speaking of the metal knobs, they illuminate when in use. The LED touch control pad lights up and pivots out toward the user when you tap it.

The cooktop is also striking. It has six burners, cast-iron grates, a wok grate and an integrated 1,400-watt griddle. The brass burner caps are removable for easy cleaning. The cooktop itself is sealed.

Everything about the Dacor Modernist Range is designed to visually impress. It’s a luxurious, spacious double oven with a playful, and seductive, list of features. It has so many options available that it will inspire the imagination of any home cook.

Pro-Style Performance

The 7” full-color LCD touchscreen panel on the range was clearly designed with mobile users in mind. The controls and settings are simple to navigate, and the operation will be familiar to anyone who has used a tablet or smartphone. Dacor began integrating its appliances with the Android platform a few years ago, so the new marriage with Samsung has worked out nicely on the technology front.

Dacor’s iQ Kitchen Connect app allows users to program, control and monitor timers on the range, or turn the ovens on or off. The lighting inside the oven can also be adjusted for those who want to watch the food as it cooks. The touchscreen provides pre-programmed settings for common dishes and allows you to pull up new step-by-step recipes. Did we mention timers? A busy chef can have up to ten separate timers running (for ten separate dishes) at once on Dacor’s touchscreen.

The ventilation hood provides another glimpse into the Dacor/Samsung technology leap. This is the only hood on the market (so far) that automatically connects via Bluetooth to the range. The hood automatically adjusts the ventilation speed based on what the rest of the range is doing.

Aside from the design, it is the steam cooking feature of the Modernist range that really stands out. The oven has a 51 oz. removeable reservoir that can be filled with water for true steam baking and roasting. This allows the chef to steam vegetables, meats and more, in both ovens. Steaming allows most foods to retain their color, flavor and nutrients that are lost in conventional cooking. The steam feature turns out professional restaurant-quality roasted meats, baked breads and brightly-colored, steamed vegetables every time. The dual ovens provide both steam and electric convection cooking.

The cooktop has six sealed brass burners, including two 22,000 BTU high-heat burners. A simmer burner at a professional-grade 77 BTUs is also available. The other features of the cooktop are fairly standard for modern ranges, including the cast-iron wok ring and a 1,400-watt detachable griddle.

The Verdict

Dacor’s Modernist dual range is a solid entry for the upscale appliance market. Samsung clearly believed that it could capture a segment of the luxury market, which is currently led by Sub-Zero/Wolf, Miele and Thermador. Samsung was the first appliance manufacturer to start implementing aesthetics into their designs and that truly shows with the Dacor Modernist range. It is a technological leap forward compared to everything else on the market.

This range is designed to cater to the home entertainer. Everything about the range screams, “Watch me in action!” From the illuminating knobs to the studio lighting inside the ovens and the pop-out display, the Modernist range is meant to be an appliance that is not only functional, but also visually appealing to watch. Samsung has done their market research and is clearly looking for coastal customers who live in open-style condos or lofts, where the guests can see into the kitchen.

The Modernist line will also be a good thing for the luxury appliance market. The industry leaders in this sector have not had an aggressive, technology-focused competitor to worry about – until now. Samsung’s creative design strategies are exactly what the upscale kitchen appliance market has been missing. You can expect Sub-Zero/Wolf and other manufacturers to begin mimicking the innovations that the Dacor Modernist range has implemented.

This new competition in the luxury sector from Dacor/Samsung will be great for consumers and frankly, for all the competitors. If Dacor shakes up the market, the other manufacturers will have to respond with new innovations. As for consumers, if you’re looking for a technology-focused range that will make your dinner guests jealous, you can’t go wrong with this one.

What Is the Optimum Refrigerator Temperature Setting?

Storing foods at the correct temperatures is one of the most effective ways to impede the growth of potentially dangerous bacteria. This makes it vital to ensure that your refrigerator is set at the proper temperature. Most of us are aware that keeping our food chilled in the refrigerator keeps it fresh longer, but it also provides us with vital protection against food borne illness. At room temperatures, the numbers of food borne sickness bacteria will double every 20 minutes. So, just what is the optimum temperature setting for your refrigerator?

The Optimum Temperature

To slow the growth of any bacteria, it is important that your refrigerator is operating at a temperature of 40º F or lower. Your freezer should be set at 0º F. Unfortunately, very few refrigerator models feature a control panel showing the actual temperature, so it can be difficult to determine whether your refrigerator is set at the optimum temperature.

Fortunately, you can make a relatively inexpensive purchase to verify that your refrigerator settings are correct; a freestanding appliance thermometer. This type of device can be used to monitor your refrigerator temperature and make any adjustments to the settings as needed. It is important to understand that the internal temperature of your refrigerator can vary according to how much is being chilled, the exterior temperature and other factors. This means that you can’t simply record the temperature and assume that setting 3 will always offer a 40º F temperature. You may need to adjust the settings according to the time of year, whether you’ve just been grocery shopping or even if the kids have been leaving the door open while they spend 5 minutes deciding on a snack a few times a day.

Other Food Safety Strategies

While the refrigerator temperature is important, there are additional steps you can take to ensure that your chilled items remain as safe as possible. The first thing is to ensure that you don’t over pack your refrigerator. Although it can be tempting to cram in your produce and perishables, particularly after a large grocery expedition, cold air needs to circulate to keep your items properly chilled. You should also immediately wipe up any spills as this will not only help reduce Listeria bacteria growth, it will also prevent “cross contamination,” particularly if the spills are drips from thawing or raw meat. You should also try to store any leftovers or refrigerated foods in sealed bags or covered containers. Of course, you should check any leftovers frequently for signs of spoilage and ensure that no expired food lingers in the back of your refrigerator. It is a good idea to develop good refrigerator management habits and make cleaning out your refrigerator part of your usual kitchen cleaning routines.

The Two Hour Rule

Finally, whether you are dealing with just purchased foods or leftovers, you need to think about the two-hour rule. It’s important that foods that need to be chilled are into your refrigerator quickly and allowing these perishable items to remain at room temperature for more than two hours allows any bacteria to rapidly multiply, putting you and your family at serious risk from food borne illness.

When you return from the grocery store, ensure that refrigerated or perishable items are put away as quickly as possible. If the air temperature outdoors is over 90º F, there is a limit of an hour for your produce being put in the refrigerator.

The two-hour rule also applies to leftovers and doggie bags of take-out food. If you want to help your hot food cool before putting it in the refrigerator, divide the leftovers into smaller containers, but putting warm food into your refrigerator won’t actually harm your appliance.

If you have concerns that your refrigerator is no longer up to the task of keeping your food properly chilled, you can explore the options with this online collection of refrigerators or contact a home appliance expert for a more specialist service.

How to Clean Your Refrigerator Gaskets

Most of us take our refrigerator for granted. We assume that it will always be there, keeping our groceries and perishables cool and fresh. Unfortunately, without a little care and attention, our refrigerators can lose efficiency and performance is compromised. One of the important maintenance tasks that is often overlooked is cleaning your refrigerator gaskets. The gaskets are needed to create a vacuum or air-tight seal to form a barrier to ensure that the cooled air is kept inside your appliance. The gasket is located on the edge of your refrigerator doors and needs to be in good condition, or you could end up losing cold air. This will not only compromise performance, but waste energy. The good news is, cleaning your refrigerator gasket is easier than it may seem.

Create a Cleaning Solution

Your first step in cleaning is to create a cleaning solution. Most appliance experts recommend using a baking soda solution of one tablespoon of baking soda dissolved into a quart of warm water. You could also use a water and mild soap solution.

Wipe the Gasket Gently

Use a toothbrush and microfiber cloth dipped in your cleaning solution to gently wipe the gaskets. Gaskets can be vulnerable to mold and mildew, collecting dust and particles of food debris. Try not to be too vigorous with your cleaning, as you don’t want to tear the gasket. Additionally, you should avoid using excessive amounts of water. Once the gasket is clean, wipe down the gasket with a clean cloth or paper towels to remove any excess moisture. A clean gasket makes it easier to stay sealed, helping your refrigerator to more efficiently cool.

Check the Seals

Cleaning the seals provides the ideal opportunity to check for any holes or tears. Even a small tear can compromise the integrity of the seal and compromise the energy efficiency of your refrigerator. To test your seal integrity, shut a dollar bill or piece of paper in the refrigerator door. If there is resistance when you try to pull it out, your seal integrity is good. If you can easily pull out the paper, you should replace the gasket. You should also inspect the top, bottom, sides, and corners of your gasket for any damage.

Checking you have an air-tight seal on your gasket will not only help to reduce energy loss, but also help to keep your food fresh for longer. Maintaining a cool temperature will keep your produce and perishable items better protected, saving you money on your grocery bills.

Refrigerator gaskets are not considered repairable. The low cost of gaskets means that it is more economical to simply replace a damaged gasket rather than attempt any repairs. If you do attempt any DIY repairs, it is unlikely to be effective, so it is best to err on the side of caution and install a new gasket.

While regular cleaning is important, if you notice that your refrigerator is not cooling properly, it is worth considering replacing your gasket. Installing a new gasket is a relatively simple repair and can be included in a regular appliance maintenance check-up. A professional appliance repair technician can replace your gasket and ensure that your refrigerator is running at optimum efficiency. Prompt gasket replacement can not only improve your refrigerator efficiency, but could also extend the lifespan of your appliance.

Every kitchen needs a great refrigerator that can keep all your produce properly chilled. If your appliance is no longer up to the task and you’re considering an upgrade, you can explore your options with this online collection of refrigerators or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

The Best Ways to Use Your Garage Refrigerator

Garage refrigerators are an excellent way to make use of the space and can be a great convenience. They can also be an excellent resource when space is limited in your kitchen fridge, that might be packed with drinks and snacks, particularly in the summer. So, here are some of the best ways to use your garage refrigerator.

Keeping Meat Cool 

If you’ve been to the grocery store for your weekly supplies, you may end up with more meat than you can fit in your kitchen refrigerator. Meat can be particularly temperature sensitive, so it needs to be kept in a consistently cool environment. Fortunately, you can keep your indoor refrigerator clutter free and keep your meat cool in your garage refrigerator.

Bulk Items

If you tend to buy lots of fruits and vegetables, you may struggle to find space in your indoor refrigerator. You can store these bulk items in your garage fridge and keep your indoor appliance free for only what you’ll need in the next day. This can also apply to other perishable items such as milk and juice.

Party Platters

If your family does a great deal of entertaining, or your home is filled with children, party platters can provide an attractive and delicious snack for everyone to munch on. Large platters can be stored in your garage refrigerator and just brought out at lunchtime or whenever they are needed.

Extra Drinks

Extra sodas and beverages can be easily stored in your garage refrigerator where they can be quickly grabbed as needed. This can be particularly useful if you’re entertaining in the yard. If you’re having a barbecue or pool party and don’t want everyone in and out of your kitchen, you can restock your coolers from the garage instead. A garage refrigerator can also be useful for keeping adult beverages separate from the kid-friendly drinks. If all the adults know their drinks are in the garage, it can save potentially dangerous situations of children getting their hands on alcohol when everyone is busy.

Don’t Forget Your Garage Freezer

Whether your garage refrigerator has a small icebox or a larger freezer compartment, it can still be a vital resource for your household. Your garage freezer can be used to store larger amounts of meat. So, if you are a keen hunter, you may find it useful to keep your meat organized in a garage freezer, so smaller amounts are only brought into the kitchen as and when needed.

Your garage freezer can also be used for bulk meal prep. When you’re having one of those weeks when you don’t have the time to cook, you can pull out a prepared meal from your garage freezer. Bulk cooking tends to be just as easy as making a single meal, so if you’re preparing a casserole, pasta sauce or another dish, double your recipe and keep a family portion in your garage freezer. This means that when you’re busy, you can simply toss a meal in the oven and still enjoy a home cooked dinner.

You can also use your garage freezer to store extra ice. In the warmer months, having plenty of ice on hand is important for entertaining. You won’t need to run to the store if you find you’ve run out, as you just need to pop into the garage.

If you want to ensure that you maximize space in your garage refrigerator, leave plenty of space between the shelves for unusually shaped items. Before summer kicks off, ensure that you clean out the refrigerator and consider calling in an appliance specialist to give it a tune-up and ensure that you can keep everything cool.

If you’re considering purchasing a new refrigerator, you can use this online collection to explore your options or contact a home appliance expert for a specialized service.

Spotlight on the New Wolf Convection Steam Oven

Whether you fancy yourself a gourmet chef on the weekend or simply enjoy making delicious meals for your family throughout the week, you’re likely to appreciate the importance of the right tools. Even a world class chef will struggle to prepare great meals if they don’t have a good stove. With this in mind, here we will explore the new Wolf Convection Steam oven, so you can appreciate what this fantastic appliance has to offer.

The Design

The Wolf convection steam oven is perhaps the most versatile oven on the market. It can be installed flush to your cabinetry for a seamless integration into your kitchen. The oven features an easy access, large water tank that can provide up to 90 minutes of steam cooking without a need for a water line. The tank can even be refilled without a need to open your oven door and interrupt the cooking process. As with any Wolf appliance, the CSO is built using superior quality materials and is designed to last at least 20 years. The Wolf engineers have rigorously tested this oven to heavier stress than it would be subjected to by any home cook.

Sous Vide Cooking

Like many other culinary techniques and innovations, Sous Vide cooking originated in France. The literal translation of the technique is “under pressure,” and it involves placing the food in a bag, removing the air and cooking it slowly. The key to perfect Sous Vide cooking is the exact cooking temperature, so the food will reach the perfect internal temperature. Cooking a tenderloin in this way and you can expect a perfect medium rare throughout rather than being overdone at the bottom and top.
This technique can be perfectly executed in the new Wolf convection steam oven. This oven allows you use the Steam Mode to cook sous vide, as you can adjust the temperature in precise 1º increments. The Steam Mode can also be used for creating impressive bakery quality bread and the crispiest of chicken.

Gourmet Mode

The Wolf convection steam oven also features a gourmet mode to enhance your culinary experience. You simply need to tell the oven what type of food you are cooking from a few sweet potatoes to a crown roast or soufflé. The sensors will detect the shape, volume, and food consistency to adjust the temperature, humidity and time for perfect results each and every time.

Other Exciting Features

The Wolf convection steam oven also offers additional exciting features that can enhance your cooking experience and provide useful help for your home. There is an Auto Reheat program that uses built-in sensors to ensure that your leftovers get the perfect combination of steam and heat. There is also a Keep Warm function that uses steam and heat to keep your meal warm until you’re ready to serve.

The Wolf convection steam oven allows you to make yogurt, sanitize baby bottles and jars and even heat towels or wraps for a spa experience. There are ten cooking modes in total so that you can prepare any dish to perfection.

The convection steam oven has an impressive interior capacity that can accommodate a 15 pound turkey and any other large items or multiple dishes simultaneously. You can even program in the time you would like your meal to be ready. The oven will turn on and adjust the cooking process at the right moments, so you can be serving your food precisely when you’d like.

If you want to know more about the Wolf convection steam oven or are considering purchasing a new oven, you can explore the available options with this collection of stoves, ranges, and ovens or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

How to Properly Load Your Dishwasher

If you’ve ever emptied your dishwasher to find that items are still dirty or are damaged, the chances are that it was loaded incorrectly. Most of us have our own preferences on how to load a dishwasher, but this doesn’t mean that every way is the right way. Each dishwasher model has its own correct loading method to deliver optimum performance, but there are some basic principles that remain the same in every model.

Don’t Rinse, Scrape

Any leftover food or harder items need to be removed from your dishes, but it is not necessary to rinse them before they’re loaded into your dishwasher. If you’re planning on running your dishwasher immediately, there is no need to rinse. If you are concerned about your dishes being perfectly cleaned, use a rinse cycle, so any residue doesn’t dry onto the dishes. This will use far less water compared to using your faucet and is far less time-consuming.

Don’t Compromise the Rotation

All your dishes need to be loaded, so they are not overlapping or stacked. This allows maximum water coverage for optimum cleaning. Therefore, you need to ensure that any taller items such as cookie sheets or pan handles will not stop the spray arm from moving. If the spray arm is impeded, it can cause problems with the motor as it works harder to try and get the arm moving again and this can create a breakdown issue. If you’re unsure about whether an item will impede the spray arm, gently spin the arm before you set the cycle running and check it can move freely. Remember that water also needs to properly drain for the best drying results, so you won’t want the spray arm to concentrate on one specific area and leave a puddle.

Keep Delicates on Top 

Plastic items, cups, glasses and other delicate items should only be placed on the top rack to avoid damage. Most dishwasher models have tines to keep your glasses and cups in rows. This will not only help to prevent against breakages and reduce water spots.

You can use the top rack for small bowls, utensils, pans and other smaller items. Bowls should be loaded in the center of the rack for stability and ensure that stemware is not touching any other item to avoid breakages.

Optimum Loading of the Bottom Rack

Soup bowls, plates, platters and other items are best washed on the bottom rack. The plate edges can be overlapped if you have a large load, but don’t allow bowls to nest as the spray will not be able to reach all the surfaces. Cookie sheets, cake pans, and other large items should be kept along the sides and back of the rack to avoid impeding the spray arm. If you have a dirty casserole dish or pan, place it face down on the bottom rack for maximum coverage.

Use the Basket Properly

The silverware basket is an excellent resource for washing all of your cutlery and smaller utensils, but it needs to be properly loaded. Some items will need to be placed pointing down while others need to be pointing up. This will help to avoid nesting and protect you from being hurt when you’re unloading. Sharp knives should always be pointing down to avoid mishaps when unloading. If you have particularly sticky items such as peanut butter covered cutlery, try pointing it up. Smaller items such as jar lids, corn cob holders, and baby bottle caps should only be placed in a section of the basket with a hinged cover, or you may find they will bounce all around the inside of your dishwasher.

A dishwasher is considered an essential appliance in many homes, and if your model is not delivering proper cleaning, it may be time for an upgrade. You can explore the options with this online collection of dishwashers or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialist service.

Sub-Zero Cove Dishwasher Line Coming to Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center in 2018

Sub-Zero Wolf is widely acknowledged as a manufacturer of some of the finest kitchen appliances in the luxury market. While the brand offers a wide selection of appliances, one area where the line was lacking was dishwashers. Fortunately, this is about to all change with the launch of the Cove dishwasher line that will be available later this year.

The Impact of Cove

The new Cove dishwasher line is one category that Sub-Zero has never touched. Considering that many Americans prefer to buy their kitchen appliances from the same brand in a matching set, the lack of a Sub-Zero dishwasher was immediately apparent. Sub-Zero is set to expand their Wisconsin factory to start producing the Cove line, giving the company a full line of its own branded luxury kitchen appliances built entirely in-house. This is a smart move for Sub-Zero and follows the path taken by Viking and Miele, both completing their kitchen line by adding dishwashers and ranges respectively.

Resolving the Loading Argument

Loading the dishwasher is a frequent argument in many households. This chore is perhaps the most contentious with everyone insisting that their way is the right way to properly load a dishwasher. According to Sub-Zero and Cove product marketing manager, Jeff Sweet, this was an inspiration in the development of the new Cove dishwasher line.

The Cove dishwasher line has been created with adjustable racks, so it can be loaded correctly by everyone. There are bright green coatings to mark areas of each rack that can be adjusted to accommodate dishes better. This means that a Cove dishwasher can easily accommodate those oversized platters or other oddly shaped items.

A Hard Working Appliance

Mr. Sweet also highlighted that consumers typically choose their refrigerator or stove first and base the rest of their kitchen design around this one appliance. This means that despite the dishwasher being one of the hardest working appliances, it is simply tagging along. Sub-Zero wants to ensure that the Cove dishwasher line offers the same high-standard of design and attractive aesthetics of their other products, without compromising on performance.The Cove dishwasher offers over 200 wash cycles with three spray arms and 41 jets. Despite this, the Cove, which was named to convey a “tranquil bay of water” operates at an extremely quiet level. The company appreciates that quiet operation is an important feature for buyers and so the Cove will feature an “Extra Quiet” program that runs at slower speeds.

The Cove development team also understood that wine drinkers often struggle to choose a dishwasher. The Cove line was designed to put as many wine glasses as possible, as such,  the dishwasher will feature fold down shelves to hold fine stemware on both the top and bottom racks.

The developers also discovered that drying ability, or inability, was a major user gripe. So, the Cove line has been designed with a focus on angled tines and baskets to ensure that water will run off glassware and bowls.

The Cove Launch

Sub-Zero began the project almost 10 years ago, but the project was put on hold due to the recession. When the project resumed in 2012, the Cove design team discovered that features such as flexible racking and sound levels had become important features to consumers during the hiatus, so the design was changed.

So, while it may have taken a while to arrive, the Cove line is the only dishwasher with Sub-Zero in its DNA. Cove appliances are designed and engineered to adapt to your dishes, providing modes to ensure near silent operation and spotless results.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your dishwasher, you can explore your options with this online collection or speak to a home appliance expert for a specialized service.

A Brief Guide to Buying the Right Dishwasher

These days no kitchen is considered complete without a dishwasher. Fortunately, there are sizes and styles of dishwashers to suit any kitchen layout. Here we will explore how to find the right dishwasher for your kitchen.

Styles and Sizes

The standard size for dishwashers is 24 inches wide, but there are narrower units if you have limited space. If you have less than 34 inches in height, due to new flooring being laid over old flooring or if you have lowered countertops for greater handicap accessibility, you will need to look for a “short tub” style dishwasher.

You can also choose a more streamlined style with a model with hidden controls. Many dishwashers now have the controls integrated into the top of the door rather than on the front of the appliance for a sleek aesthetic. If you want a fully integrated look, you will need to opt for a model with an unfinished door that can accept a custom panel.

Cleaning Power

Basic dishwasher models tend to be equipped with one or two spray arms, but there are many models that offer three or more arms, so the top, bottom, and middle of the tub are covered. The spray arms tend to have a direct water feed, but some appliances have specialized cleaning systems that offer alternate arm action and more concentrated cleaning.

Layout

Traditionally, the silverware basket is located at the front, center of the lower rack, but some manufacturers have increased flexibility and load capacity by offering a longer basket that can be split, removed or relocated. The conventional place setting capacity for a standard 24” dishwasher is 12, but some models can accommodate 15 or 16 place settings due to adjustable racks and additional shelves. This provides more space for cups, longer items, and larger crockery. If you tend to use larger platters or trays frequently, it is a good idea to look for a dishwasher that provides a more flexible load capacity.

Additional Features

Many dishwasher models offer additional features to improve the performance and effectiveness of the appliance. This includes measures such as anti-leak protection to prevent damage to hardwood floors in the event of an internal leak. A sensor in the pan shuts down operation and water is contained in the pan to prevent any external damage.

If you live in a hard water area, you may want to consider a model with an integrated water softener. Hard water causes glassware etching or fogging and can reduce detergent cleaning power. The hard water minerals can also accumulate reducing energy efficiency and leading to break down issues.

Features such as a hard food disposer can be particularly beneficial in a busy kitchen. These models grind up any food particles and flush them from the appliance to avoid the clogs and mess that result from failing to rinse dishes before they are loaded.

If you are concerned about stains or odors, you may prefer a stainless steel interior. Stainless steel is less prone to absorb stains or odors compared to plastic and offers a quicker drying time.

Finally, if you like to keep track of what your appliance is doing, you may like to have an LED electronic control panel. These models tend to show cycle remaining time and other settings, so you can tailor your wash cycle to suit your preferences.

No modern kitchen is complete if you don’t have the right dishwasher, and today, there are a wide variety of appliances to satisfy your unique needs.

If you’re looking for a new dishwasher, you can explore your options with this online collection of dishwasher models or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

UMRP Price Increase on Sub-Zero and Wolf Appliances

Sub-Zero Wolf is the largest family owned manufacturer of appliances in the United States. It is also second globally to Miele. Sub Zero is perhaps one of the most iconic appliance brands in the United States, and the company was the first to produce a refrigerator with twin compressors, to keep foods fresher for longer. Sub Zero was also the first brand to use digital temperature controls, electronic air scrubbers, and a vacuum seal to help prevent foods from spoiling. All Sub Zero/ Wolf prices are dictated by UMRP, and this looks set to increase on 1st March 2018.

What is UMRP Pricing?

Approximately 10 years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that manufacturers could set the prices for their products in the marketplace. This was the birth of uniform prices, and you’ll see this when shopping for watches, bedding, and appliances.

Most consumers are unfamiliar with the acronym UMRP and are unaware that it has an influence on their appliance purchases. UMRP stands for Unilateral Minimum Resale Price, and in essence, it allows manufacturers to have stringent pricing guidelines for retailers. This means that Sub-Zero Wolf dictates the minimum pricing for retailers offering their product line. If retailers break these guidelines and offer appliances below the set minimums, they will be dropped from the Sub-Zero Wolf distribution network.

The UMRP policy means that consumers can shop for a Sub-Zero Wolf appliance in LA, Chicago or backwater USA and the price is likely to be almost identical at any of the retailers.

Since retailers can’t compete simply on price, most offer non cash incentives. This means that you’re likely to find retailers offering free delivery, installation, extended warranties or other adds-ons. You may even be offered a discount on other Non-Sub-Zero Wolf appliances if purchased with your new Sub-Zero or Wolf. This means that when you’re appliance shopping, it’s more about what a store can offer in services such as installation, delivery, and aftercare rather than just the lowest prices.

The Sub-Zero Wolf UMRP Increase

On March 1st, 2018, there will be an increase in the UMRP for all Sub-Zero Wolf appliances. Since this price increase comes directly from the manufacturer, all retailers will be forced to also increase prices. This means that you can expect to see the prices of Sub-Zero appliances increasing in the coming days as stores and appliance centers bring their pricing into line with the new UMRP rate.

Fortunately, Universal Appliance Kitchen Center can help to negate this price increase. Although we will comply with the stringent manufacturer pricing guidelines, we don’t simply offer great prices. Our aim is to provide our customers with an immersive purchase experience. We appreciate that buying a new appliance can be daunting, so we aim to make it easier for you. With our knowledgeable staff, superb delivery and installation options, attractive finance deals and unrivaled aftercare, we aim to help you throughout the life cycle of your new Sub-Zero Wolf appliance.

We appreciate that price is an important factor when making a major purchase, but when every retailer is offering similar pricing, you need to look further at the services offered. While you may have a choice of retailers offering Sub-Zero appliances, Universal Appliance Kitchen Center is more than just a store offering premium brands; we offer a complete service to help you to find the right appliance to suit the needs of your family and kitchen. So, allow our experienced team members to guide you through the purchase process and negate any UMRP price increases.

If you’re thinking of upgrading to a brand new Sub-Zero Wolf appliance, you can explore your options with this online collection of appliances or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.