Category: Kitchen Appliances

5 Popular Types Of Specialty Refrigerators

The standard kitchen refrigerator is a powerful and useful appliance, but there’s no reason you should limit your food and beverage storage options to just one unit. If your home requires room for additional drinks or fresh ingredients, you can always turn to a specialty refrigerator to meet your needs.

There is no shortage of unique specialty refrigerators available today, with premium brands manufacturing a host of distinctive options that provide different settings and designs for different items. But what type of specialty refrigerator is right for your home? To help you decide, we’ve compiled useful information on five of the most popular types of specialty refrigerators.

1. Compact Refrigerators

Should you need a versatile refrigerator for a small space, you’ll want to consider a compact refrigerator. These models are small units designed to offer the power of a full-sized refrigerator in a smaller package, expanding the food storage possibilities of your home.

Thanks to a wealth of available sizes, styles and designs, there’s a compact refrigerator for almost any situation. Many homeowners choose to add a compact refrigerator to their kitchen to supplement a full-sized unit. Meanwhile, those living in small apartments or college dorms can rely on a compact refrigerator as their primary unit, to keep food and drinks organized without taking up too much space. Best of all, these units are available in both freestanding and built-in designs, allowing you to make the best choice for your living space.

2. Refrigerated Drawers

If unique style is your top concern, you’ll definitely want to consider a refrigerated drawer. Refrigerated drawers are stylish drawers installed underneath your kitchen counters that provide storage space for both fresh food and beverages.

These units are ideal if you’re looking for extra storage space in your kitchen, often offering about as much space as a compact refrigerator, but in a significantly more impressive design. From sleek stainless-steel exteriors to wood panel designs, there’s little doubt you’ll find a great refrigerated drawer that matches your kitchen aesthetic. Moreover, refrigerated drawers are built-in appliances, allowing them to be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen layout.

 3. Beverage Centers

For dedicated beverage storage, you may want to invest in a beverage center. These refrigerator units are specially designed for beverage storage, providing the optimal temperatures for water, soda, juice, beer and more.

Like compact refrigerators, beverage centers can be effortlessly integrated into your kitchen design for extra storage. That said, many homeowners opt to add one of these units to other living spaces like a rec room or outdoor patio, providing convenient access to ice cold drinks in common gathering places. While a traditional beverage center will provide suitably cold temperatures for a variety of drinks, more advanced units offer multiple temperature-controlled zones that offer different storage settings for different types of beverages.

 4. Wine Coolers

Every wine connoisseur knows that their collection requires specific conditions for proper preservation, and wine coolers are specially produced to provide those conditions.

Wine coolers offer specialized temperature and humidity settings that you won’t find in other specialty refrigerators, ensuring your bottles of wine are perfectly preserved. These coolers are available in a bevy of different sizes, from miniature units that hold four bottles to mid-sized models that fit 15 to 30 bottles, as well as massive units for over 100 bottles. No matter the size of your collection, there’s a wine cooler for you. Most importantly, nearly all of today’s wine coolers are designed with luxury in mind, offering the premium performance that you require.

5. Beer Coolers

If you love crisp-cold beer, then investing in a beer cooler is an excellent decision. These appliances, also known as beer dispensers, are designed to keep a fresh keg of beer ice cold for your enjoyment.

These appliances are two-part units that allow you to effortlessly store and serve fresh beer. The unit features a cooler that holds a standard keg of beer, which connects to a kegerator at the top of the appliance that pumps beer through a draft tower for your enjoyment. Beer coolers are a great addition to any outdoor living space, especially if you frequently host gatherings or parties. Beer coolers can be somewhat expensive, but these consumer units function just as well as many commercial brewing systems, and are available as built-in indoor units, making the cost more than worth it.

Specialty Refrigerators For Every Home

The modern homeowner has a variety of special food and beverage storage requirements, and with a host of innovative specialty refrigerators available on today’s market, you’re bound to find the ideal appliance to meet your needs.

You can explore a vast selection of units using this online collection of specialty refrigerators. For additional assistance, be sure to contact a home appliance expert.

Which Type Of Garbage Disposal Is Right For Your Kitchen?

Thanks to an array of advanced cooking appliances, today’s kitchens are capable of creating truly exceptional meals for every occasion. After each meal, it’s time to clean your cooking space, and a high-quality garbage disposal can help easily rid your home of food waste.

Many homeowners turn to garbage disposals to handle their waste problems. These units are fitted to the waste pipe of your kitchen sink, and are designed to grind up food waste tossed down your drain. Garbage disposals come in two standard models — continuous feed and batch feed. But which type of garbage disposal is right for your kitchen? To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compiled some useful information on both types of common garbage disposals.

Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals

Continuous feed garbage disposals are turned on with a switch as you run water down your sink’s drain, grinding food waste as long as the switch is flipped. These units allow you to easily tackle large amounts of waste, as you can easily turn on the disposal whenever necessary or simply leave it running while cleaning up. Moreover, these units are typically less expensive than batch feed disposals, making them particularly popular amongst today’s homeowners.

A continuous feed garbage disposal is sure to meet your needs, but these models do have a few drawbacks. The switch operation system can be a potential safety hazard, as the unit will run as long as the switch is flipped. This means that you need to be careful if you have to reach down the drain to retrieve non-waste items, as an accidentally flipped switch will cause a major accident. Continuous feed disposals can also cause a slight increase in your utility bills, as most manufacturers recommend you run cold water down the drain when using the appliance.

Batch Feed Garbage Disposals

Batch feed garbage disposals are designed to grind up individual batches of food waste, and come with a special cover that goes over your sink drain and on top of the disposal. This cover aligns with the top of the disposal to turn it on, shredding any waste within the unit.

If safety is your top concern, a batch feed garbage disposal is a great choice. These disposals only operate when the cover is properly placed on the unit, making them a safer option than continuous feed models. Moreover, the disposal cover eliminates the possibility of utensils or other items falling down the drain while the appliance is in use. However, it’s important to note that these models are ideally suited for eliminating small amounts of food waste, as you can only grind up waste in individual batches. This means that getting rid of large amounts of food can take a long time, presenting an inconvenience to some homeowners.

Find the Ideal Garbage Disposal For Your Home

There is no reason for your kitchen to suffer at the hands of food waste, and a powerful garbage disposal will ensure every last remnant of your culinary creations are properly handled. Continuous feed garbage disposals and batch feed garbage disposals are both great choices, and in the end, the best garbage disposal is whichever one meets your home’s needs. With so many options available on today’s market, there’s little doubt that you’ll find the perfect garbage disposal for your kitchen.

Ready to discover your new garbage disposal? You can use this online collection of food disposal appliances, or contact a home appliance professional for additional help.

Does Your Kitchen Need A Steam Oven?

No kitchen is complete without an oven, and while the kitchens of the past featured traditional wall ovens, today’s cooking appliance options bring a bevy of advanced capabilities to your home. If healthy and convenient cooking are your top priorities, you may want to add a steam oven to your kitchen design.

Steam ovens push steam from a heated water tank into the oven in order to cook food, forgoing the traditional hot air used in common convection ovens. This makes them ideal for cooking vegetables and fish as well as desserts like soufflés, puddings and crème brulee, allowing you to prepare such items quickly and efficiently. But does your kitchen actually need a steam oven? To help you decide, we’re providing a helpful overview of these advanced modern ovens.

Different Types Of Steam Ovens

There are three primary types of steam ovens, each bringing a set of unique features to your kitchen. First, there are steam-only ovens. These “pure” steam ovens exclusively offer steam-cooking functionality, which is great for a host of dishes though ill suited for browning meat.

The second common type of steam oven is the combination steam oven, also known as the combi-steam oven. These units offer steam cooking features as well as traditional convection oven capabilities, offering the powerful heat required for standard baking and broiling in addition to steam functions.

The third option is a convection oven with added steam moisture features. When reviewing appliance options, you may see this feature referred to as “steam assist.” The steam-cooking features in these units are minimal compared to other options, and typically include an injection of steam into the oven at regular intervals during the oven cycle to promote optimal cooking. This can help certain dishes remain moist while in the oven, though it will not be suitable to fully cook ingredients.

Benefits of a Steam Oven

There are a host of benefits to owning a steam oven. The biggest advantage to these ovens is their healthy cooking techniques. Overall, cooking with steam is a healthier alternative than baking or frying. Moreover, steam cooking brings out the natural colors, flavors and textures of a dish without reducing nutritional value. This means you won’t have to drown your dishes in expensive spices or unhealthy oil in order to make them taste great.

Best of all, steam ovens ensure that your dishes do not dry out while in the oven. This ensures that chicken stays juicy, veggies remain succulent and pastries come out flaky. You can even cook rice in a steam oven — something you would never consider in a traditional convection oven.

Find The Best Steam Oven For Your Kitchen Today

Today’s kitchens deserve modern appliances, and you certainly don’t have to limit yourself to the old convection ovens of the past. Steam ovens offer unique steam-cooking capabilities to the kitchen, allowing you to prepare a host of delicious dishes in a healthy fashion. With a variety of designs available on the market, there’s little doubt that you’ll find the perfect steam oven for your home.

You can explore a wealth of great choices using this online collection of steam ovens. For additional assistance, be sure to contact a kitchen appliance professional.

4 Types Of Cooktops For Your Kitchen

The modern kitchen is more than just a place for cooking. It’s a gathering place for friends, family and loved ones, serving as one of the home’s central locations. Your kitchen deserves nothing but the best in cooking appliances, and a powerful, stylish cooktop is the perfect centerpiece to any kitchen.

Cooktops provide the surface you need to craft a variety of classic dishes and enticing contemporary cuisines. But with so many options on today’s market, it’s tough to know which type of cooktop is right for your home. To help you make an informed decision, we’re providing an overview on the four common types of cooktops.

Gas Cooktops

For superior heat and cooking power, you should consider a gas cooktop.

Gas cooktops are the preferred design for serious home chefs, as they offer the high temperatures and easily adjustable controls required for fast and efficient cooking. These units use an open flame as a heat source and as a result are able to reach high heat fast. While gas cooktop designs vary, many units feature a power burner designed to reach maximum temperatures quickly as well as a simmer burner for more delicate, controlled heat. Moreover, many of the best premium gas cooktops feature commercial-grade components, allowing you to cook restaurant quality meals from the comfort of your own home.

A gas cooktop is a great addition to almost any kitchen, though these appliances do come with a few minor disadvantages. First, due to their knob controls, it can be difficult to achieve the same exact cooking temperature every time the appliance is used. It’s also vital to note that gas cooktops require a proper gas connection for power. If your kitchen does not have a suitable gas line, you may need to consider another model.

Electric Cooktops

If consistent temperature control is your top concern, an electric cooktop is a good choice

The burners on these units are heated with electricity, and the unit does not require a gas connection. As a result, electric cooktops are generally easier to install than their gas counterparts. Traditional electric cooktops feature coil burners, though more modern appliances offer a smoothtop design. Regardless of the style, you can expect the burners to provide precise temperatures each and every time it’s used, as electric settings ensure consistency.

Many homeowners enjoy the comforts of an electric cooktop, though these units are known to be slightly less responsive than gas models. You’ll need to wait a little as your electric cooktop heats up or cools down, which can be frustrating to some homeowners.

Induction Cooktops

For premium cooking power, exceptional heat control and added safety, you may want to select an induction cooktop.

Induction cooktops are a type of electric cooktop that utilize electromagnetic energy to cook food. An element below the appliance’s flat ceramic surface creates a magnetic field that reacts to cookware with steel, iron, or magnetic stainless steel bottoms. The reaction creates a vibration that results in the heat you need to cook. Thanks to this unique design, there are a number of benefits to owning an induction cooktop. These models heat up much faster than traditional electric cooktops, while still offering superior temperature control. Moreover, they significantly reduce the risk of burning or kitchen fires, as they only produce heat when compatible cookware touches the surface — even when the appliance is turned on.

There are a host of advantages to having an induction cooktop, though it’s important to know that these units are typically considered to be premium, luxury appliances. That means that induction cooktops often come at a high cost, and they may not be the best choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Rangetops

Most gas, electric and induction cooktops are “drop-in” units, designed for installation inside a cutout in your countertop. For an alternative to that design, consider a rangetop.

Rangetops offer the same functionality as cooktops, though they are installed by sliding into your countertop, extending from the rear of the counter to the front of the counter. While cooktops feature control knobs on the top of your counter, rangetops feature knobs on front of the appliance on the edge of the counter. This mimics the top design found in a common cooking range.

Most rangetops feature gas burners, though electric rangetops are also available. Much like induction cooktops, rangetops are premium appliances, and can come at a relatively high price.

Find The Perfect Cooktop For Your Kitchen

You can’t effectively cook in the kitchen without a cooktop, and thanks to a plethora of excellent choices, there’s little doubt that the perfect cooktop is out there waiting for you. Armed with some basic knowledge on the various types of cooktops, you’ll be perfectly prepared to find the ideal model for your kitchen.

Are you eager to begin your appliance search? You can explore this comprehensive online collection of cooktops or contact a home appliance professional for additional assistance.

Which Type Of Freezer Is Right For Your Home?

The freezer compartments in most modern refrigerators offer ample storage space and cooling systems to meet your needs. But if you need additional storage for ice, pre-prepared meals or frozen desserts, you may want to invest in a standalone freezer.

Depending on your needs, these units can serve as the sole freezer in your home or supplement your refrigerator’s freezer, but what type of freezer is right for you? To help you decide, we’ve compiled a general overview on the most common types of freezers.

Undercounter Freezer

If you want additional freezer storage in your kitchen, but space is limited, you should consider an undercounter freezer.

Undercounter freezers are standalone units designed for installation under your kitchen counters, offering easy access to frozen items whenever needed. These freezers provide great cooling capabilities in a compact design, and can be integrated into almost any kitchen layout. Best of all, these appliances come in a host of sizes and styles, allowing you to find the ideal undercounter freezer for your home.

The biggest downside of an undercounter freezer is the fact that, because it is installed under your counters, you will have to bend down in order to store and retrieve frozen items.

Chest Freezer

For the maximum amount of storage capacity, you may want to invest in a chest freezer.

Chest freezers are large units that offer significantly more space than traditional freezer units. These models are designed for long-term frozen storage, and are a great choice if you like to buy frozen items in bulk or freeze large amounts of pre-prepared food. Moreover, these appliances are more energy efficient than other freezers, as the chest design helps maintain cold temperatures within the unit.

Chest freezers are a great choice for many homes, but it’s important to note that these units are very large. Chest freezers are typically installed in locations with ample floor space like a garage or basement, as they take up too much room in the kitchen. Before investing in a chest freezer, be sure to determine if you have enough space for the appliance.

Built-In All-Freezer

Should sleek and sophisticated freezer storage be your priorities, be sure to research built-in all-freezer units.

These appliances are column units that resemble all-refrigerator appliances, but are solely dedicated to frozen storage. If you have an all-refrigerator, then an all-freezer is the ideal addition to your kitchen. Moreover, thanks to their built-in design, all-freezers bring premium style to the modern kitchen.

Many all-freezers are premium appliances, offering advanced cooling systems and state-of-the-art components that promote efficient and effective frozen item storage.

The biggest disadvantage to these units is their potential cost, as many all-freezer models come at a steep price.

Find The Perfect Freezer For Your Home

No home is complete without freezer storage, and investing in a standalone freezer is sure way to meet your needs. Undercounter freezers, chest freezers and built-in all-freezers offer great performance that meet the demands of today’s consumers, and with some basic knowledge on these appliances, you’ll be prepared to discover the perfect freezer for your home.

Explore a wealth of impressive appliances with this online collection of freezers.

5 Types Of Range Hoods For Your Kitchen

Cooking appliances like ranges and cooktops allow you to craft exciting meals for friends and family, but along the way help contribute to some of the worst messes in your kitchen. When you cook, you’re constantly creating smoke and steam, while also letting grease and other substances fill the air surrounding your cooking space. To combat these airborne pollutants, you’ll definitely want to invest in a powerful range hood.

Range hoods promote proper ventilation around your cooking space, removing steam, smoke, grease and more from the air to make your kitchen comfortable and clean. Finding the right range hood for your home can be tough, especially if you don’t know about the different types of range hoods available on today’s market. To help you get informed, we’ve compiled some useful information on the five common types of range hoods for your kitchen.

1. Under Cabinet Range Hoods

Under cabinet range hoods are found in many homes, and are probably the most common type of hood available. These hoods are installed under the kitchen cabinets above your cooktop or cooking range, offering an attractive design that’s adapted to your cabinetry.

Under cabinet hoods are manufactured in two standard varieties — ducted and ductless. A ducted under cabinet hood features a duct that transports smoke and airborne pollutants outside, while ductless hoods simply filter and recirculate dirty air. A ducted under cabinet range hood is a great choice because the duct system can typically be hidden within your cabinets, offering peak style to your home. That said, ductless hoods are often just as effective. These units come in a wide range of styles, sizes and designs, allowing you to select the perfect choice for your home.

2. Wall Mount Range Hoods

If there are no kitchen cabinets in the area above your cooking space, you may want to invest in a wall mount range hood.

Wall mount range hoods are installed directly in your wall and are aligned with your kitchen’s pre-existing duct system for ventilation. These hoods are sometimes called wall-mounted chimneys, as their design is similar in shape to a traditional chimney. Compared to under cabinet hoods, wall mount hoods are typically wider on the bottom, offering more coverage of your cooking space.

3. Island Hoods 

You can rely on an island hood to provide suitable ventilation for a cooktop or cooking range that is not installed alongside a wall.

These hoods are similar in design to wall mount hoods, but do not have to be installed alongside a wall. An island hood features a vent that connects to a duct in your ceiling, pulling dirty air up and out of your cooking space. These hoods tend to be more expensive than their counterparts, but that cost generally comes with added style. Island hoods often feature sleek, contemporary designs that make them an ideal choice for an elegant, refined kitchen.

4. Cabinet Insert Hoods

For greater customization, you may want to consider investing in a cabinet insert hood.

These units, sometimes referred to as power packs, are designed for installation within an existing cabinet or range hood. Cabinet inserts feature blowers as well as speed controls and lights, but do not feature the complete ventilation system that comes with other types of hoods. An insert hood is best used as the base for a custom designed range hood, providing the core features you need while allowing you to design a ventilation system to match your kitchen’s layout.

5. Downdraft Range Hoods

Most range hoods are designed to pull fumes up towards the ceiling, but downdraft range hoods work in the opposite direction, pulling air in a downward direction out of your cooking space.

These hoods are installed behind your cooktop and reverse the direction of rising air by pulling it down and pushing it out through ducts beneath the floor. Downdraft hoods are good additions to kitchens with drop-in cooktops, and are typically used when the cooktop is built-in to an island. If your kitchen has the proper ducting system, a downdraft range hood can be a suitable addition to the space, offering the ventilation capabilities you need in a unique, eye-catching design.

Powerful Range Hoods For Your Kitchen Ventilation Needs

Your kitchen should be a comfortable and clean location, and a powerful range hood is sure to help make that a reality. Choosing the right range hood can be a challenge, but with some basic information on the common types of range hoods, you’ll be in the perfect position to find the right unit for your home.

You can start your search for the perfect appliance with this online collection of range hoods. For extra assistance, be sure to contact a home appliance expert.

5 Types Of Microwaves For Your Home

The modern kitchen holds a variety of powerful cooking appliances, helping you produce restaurant-quality dishes from the comfort of your own home. But large appliances, like a cooktop or wall oven, are not ideal for fast and efficient cooking. When exceptional speed and heat are your requirements, you should turn to a microwave.

A kitchen microwave is a staple in every home, but with so many unique designs available, it can be challenging to find the precise unit for your cooking space. To help in your search, we’ve compiled information on the most common types of microwaves on the market today.

Countertop Microwaves

For a traditional microwave with classic features, consider a countertop microwave.

These units are probably the most common types of microwaves available, designed to sit atop your kitchen counter and plug into a nearby electrical outlet for easy use. Countertop microwaves offer the basic heating cycles your kitchen needs, and are ideal for simple cooking spaces. The freestanding design of a countertop microwave offers the versatility required for many homes, allowing you to conveniently move your unit whenever needed. Best of all, these microwaves can typically be found at affordable prices, providing convenient heating and cooking at a great value.

Countertop units are a great choice for many homes, but tend to offer fewer cooking and heating options than their more advanced counterparts. If you’re looking for basic features at an affordable price, this is the ideal option.

Built-in Microwaves

If style and luxury are your primary concerns, you may want to invest in a built-in microwave.

Unlike freestanding countertop models, built-in microwaves are fully integrated into the design of your kitchen. These units can be installed within walls or kitchen cabinets, maximizing counter space for cooking. Built-in microwaves are generally larger than countertop units, providing more room for larger dishes. These designs are often installed alongside a wall oven, designating a centralized location for two of your most frequently used kitchen appliances.

Built-in microwaves are premium appliances, offering the added space, style, and features you’d naturally expect from such a product. But added luxury comes at a higher cost, and a built-in microwave may not be the best choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Over-the-Counter Microwaves

Looking for an affordable unit that will help save space in your kitchen? You should consider an over-the-counter microwave.

These appliances are installed above your kitchen counters, built-in to your cabinets for a seamless feel. The built-in design is ideal for more stylish kitchens, reducing clutter within your cooking space. Many of these units feature more advanced features than traditional countertop models, providing added cooking capabilities to your home. Best of all, many of these units can be found at a lower price than a premium built-in microwave. For a great combination of value and features, you’ll want to look into over-the-counter units.

Over-the-Range Microwaves

Today’s kitchens require a number of powerful appliances for peak operation, but finding the space for all those kitchen products can be a challenge. An over-the-range microwave is guaranteed to help you save space by combining the features of two required appliances in one unit.

This type of microwave is installed above your cooktop or cooking range, built-in to your kitchen cabinets much like an over-the-counter model. The greatest benefit of an over-the-range microwave is its added ventilation features. The bottom of the microwave features a fan and filter system much like a range hood, removing smoke, steam, and other airborne pollutants from your kitchen while in operation.

An over-the-range microwave provides all the advantages of an over-the-counter model with the additional benefits of a range hood, making it a great choice for the contemporary kitchen.

These units can come at a relatively high price, but with so many choices available on the market, you’ll be sure to find an appliance that meets your budget requirements.

Microwave Drawers

Most built-in microwaves are installed above your kitchen counters or within a wall, and if you’re looking for something a bit different, consider a microwave drawer.

Microwave drawers are built-in units installed under the countertop. This type of microwave is easier to use than an over-the-counter or over-the-range unit, as you won’t have to reach up to your cabinets in order to access the appliance. Most microwave drawers do not feature the rotating plate seen in a traditional unit, and instead feature a smooth surface where you place dishes for heating. As a result, these appliances can be cleaned very easily.

A microwave drawer is an ideal addition to a luxury kitchen, as it provides a truly unique design that brings a “wow” factor to your home. These units offer premium style and features that are sure to meet your needs while impressing friends, family, and other guests.

Powerful Microwaves For Every Type of Kitchen

No contemporary kitchen is complete without the fast and convenient cooking that a microwave provides. There may be many different appliances available today, but with some knowledge on the most common types of microwaves, you’ll be perfectly prepared to choose a great unit for your home.

Ready to discover the microwave of your dreams? Explore a wide selection of options with this online collection of microwaves. For additional assistance in your search, be sure to contact a home appliance professional.

Which Type of Dishwasher Is Right For Your Home?

The kitchen should clean just as well as it cooks, and nothing boosts your space’s cleaning functions like a modern dishwasher. Today’s dishwashers offer an impressive selection of wash options and settings that are capable of blasting grease and grime off of dishes with ease. But choosing the right type of dishwasher for your home can be a challenge.

There are several types of dishwashers, each with their own design advantages and disadvantages. It can be difficult to navigate these choices, especially for homeowners inexperienced with the appliance purchasing process. To help you discover the ideal dishwasher for your kitchen, we’ve compiled key information on all common types of dishwashers.

Built-In Dishwasher

If you want a large unit that offers versatile washing possibilities, you should invest in a built-in dishwasher. These units are the standard for many homes, and are installed flush to your cabinets for an integrated feel throughout the kitchen. Built-in dishwashers are typically able to wash at least 12 place settings at once, and many can wash even more. Thanks to a host of modern innovations, many units offer advanced touchpad controls and specialized wash cycles that can effectively clean dishes with ease.

While these units can be found in many homes, they are significantly larger than any other type of dishwasher. As a result, a built-in dishwasher may not be an ideal choice if you’re hoping to maximize cooking or food storage space within your kitchen.

Dishwasher Drawers

For modern features in a space-saving design, consider investing in a dishwasher drawer. Like a traditional built-in dishwasher, dishwasher drawers are also installed flush to kitchen cabinets. But instead of a door you pull down to open, you actually pull out a drawer to access the interior of the appliance.

Most of these designs are smaller than a standard dishwasher, making them an ideal choice for more compact kitchens. That said, both single dishwasher drawers and double dishwasher drawers are available, allowing you to customize your kitchen’s dishwashing capabilities however you desire. The biggest benefit of a dishwasher drawer is its stylish design. Dishwasher drawers bring a unique look to any kitchen, enhancing your space’s contemporary aesthetic. These units can be pricey, but their stylish exteriors and powerful washing functions make them a great asset to any home.

Countertop Dishwasher

Are you lacking the kitchen space for a built-in dishwasher or dishwasher drawers? If so, you may want to look into a countertop dishwasher.

Countertop dishwashers are small, compact units that sit on your countertop and attach to the sink with a hose to draw water for the wash cycle. These units can typically wash between four and six place settings at once, helping you clean dishes with ease. A countertop dishwasher is ideal for small homes, apartments, or college dorms, as well as kitchens where installing a built-in unit is impossible. These units also tend to be significantly less expensive than other types of dishwashers, providing the washing capabilities your living space requires at a great value.

While countertop dishwashers are great alternatives for some kitchens, they do not offer the same advanced washing functions as a traditional built-in model. These units are best used for simple dishwashing tasks, and will not be able to provide the deep-cleaning features some homeowners require.

Portable Dishwasher

If you’re looking for a dishwashing solution somewhere between a full-sized built-in dishwasher and a countertop dishwasher, consider a portable dishwasher.

Portable dishwashers are freestanding dishwasher units that, like a countertop model, attach to your sink to collect water for the wash cycle. However, these units are significantly larger than countertop dishwashers, and are typically built on rollers for easy movement. You can store the portable unit in a closet or pantry, and simply roll it out to the kitchen for use. This portable design ultimately helps maximize space in your kitchen, providing more room for other appliances.

Portable dishwashers are often smaller than a standard built-in dishwasher, though many can still clean between eight to 12 place settings in one cycle. These units offer more cleaning power than a countertop dishwasher, and are great for homeowners that want the extra dishwashing space but are unable to install a built-in dishwasher or dishwasher drawers.

Choose From A Wide Range Of Premium Dishwasher Designs

Each type of dishwasher has its own unique advantages, and the best dishwasher is the one that will meet the requirements of your home. From traditional built-in dishwashers and contemporary dishwasher drawers to compact countertop dishwashers and versatile portable dishwashers, there is certainly no shortage of options to choose from. With basic knowledge on the various types of dishwashers, you’ll be in a good position to explore the wide variety of choices available on today’s market.

To explore a host of innovative and advanced units, consider browsing this online collection of dishwashers.

The Benefits Of A Range Hood

The kitchens of the past were simple utilitarian spaces designed solely for cooking. But the modern kitchen is a more diverse living space, intended for food storage and preparation as well as entertaining friends, family, and loved ones. While today’s homes are filled with a selection of advanced and innovative kitchen appliances, many homeowners ignore the importance of investing in a powerful range hood.

Range hoods are installed above your cooking range, and provide added ventilation for the cooking space. This may not seem necessary, but there are actually many benefits of a range hood. When combined, these benefits help provide both cleanliness and comfort to your home, bringing 21st-century amenities to your kitchen.

Promote Kitchen Cleanliness

The primary purpose of a range hood is to ventilate your kitchen, removing airborne grease, smoke, steam, and other debris from your cooking space. With the push of a button, your hood will begin to filter these pollutants from the area above your cooking range, reducing the potential for bacteria growth in your kitchen while also improving indoor air quality. Using a range hood will ultimately help make your kitchen clean, healthy living space.

Remove Excess Kitchen Heat

Range hoods are designed to provide added ventilation to your kitchen, and a benefit of a hood’s ventilation functions is the removal of excess heat.

When a range hood removes smoke and steam from your kitchen, it also removes heat from the space. The hood’s fan blower will suck up steam, smoke, and hot air from your kitchen, pushing it out of your home through a duct or recirculating it into the space with a slight cooling effect. While a range hood will not cool your kitchen as well as an air conditioner will, using a hood can help transform a steamy or hot kitchen into a more comfortable cooking space.

Extra Light In Your Kitchen

The kitchen is a hub of activity in your home, whether that be cooking, cleaning, or entertaining guests. A range hood will help you keep this space clean, but it can also provide extra light in your kitchen.

Most of today’s range hoods feature built-in lights to illuminate your cooking space, providing an added convenience feature that pleases many homeowners. These lights are a particular benefit when you’re cleaning your cooktop or other nearby cooking areas, with the extra illumination helping you find hidden gunk, grime, and grease. This added convenience helps you add the ideal amount of light to your kitchen for almost any situation, bringing additional comfort to the room.

Added Style For Luxurious Atmosphere

The range hoods of the past were bulky, loud, and unattractive appliances. But today’s range hoods are almost the exact opposite, exuding style and flair while promoting cleanliness in your kitchen.

Today’s range hoods operate quietly and efficiently, and come a wide variety of elegant designs that provide style and class to your kitchen. A unique range hood can provide the perfect “wow” effect in any kitchen, elevating your room’s style without sacrificing functionality. Appliance brands recognize the importance of marrying style and functionality, and there a host of artfully crafted range hoods on the market today. A modern range hood’s powerful ventilation features combined with its stylish design are all but guaranteed to bring luxury to your kitchen.

Superior Range Hoods From Premium Manufacturers

The kitchen buzzes with activity at all hours of the day. It should be a comfortable place where you enjoy spending your time cooking delicious meals and gathering with loved ones, and a range hood will certainly help bring that goal to life. Thanks to a host of benefits including powerful ventilation features, additional kitchen lighting, and impeccable style, an advanced, modern range hood is the perfect addition to any home kitchen.

To begin your search for the ideal appliance, consider using this online collection of range hoods.

Which Type Of Cooking Range Is Right For Your Home?

Formidable kitchen appliances help you deliver beloved home-cooked dishes and exciting new culinary creations to friends and family. A cooking range is sure to boost your cooking abilities combining a stovetop and oven into one appliance, saving space in your kitchen while offering a host of valuable cooking functions. But finding the right type of range for your home can be a challenge.

Cooking ranges come in a variety of styles, each with its own unique advantages. To assist in your range search, we’ve compiled helpful information on some of the most common types of cooking ranges.

Gas Cooking Range

Are you interested in exceptional power and heat in your range? If so, you should definitely research gas cooking ranges.

Modern gas ranges feature an electronic ignition system that produces a spark to light flames for the cooktop or oven. By using an open flame, gas ranges offer superior heating power that helps speed up the cooking process. This strong heat can also be altered quickly, which is a particular benefit in cooking more sophisticated fare. You can switch a gas cooktop from low to high temperatures fast, offering great flexibility while preparing your gastronomic creations. Most professional chefs use gas units, and this style is ideal for avid home cooks looking to boost their cooking prowess.

Gas ranges are great, though they do have a few drawbacks. You need to turn knobs to control the cooktop’s flames, making it a challenge to find the exact temperature for every dish. This use of an open flame also produces more risk of kitchen fires, though if you’re mindful while cooking you should be fine.

Electric Cooking Range

If safe and precise cooking are your top priorities, you may want to invest in an electric cooking range.

Electric ranges do not require an open flame for cooking, and as a result offer more safety than gas ranges. These appliances typically feature electric coil burners for stovetop cooking, and electric heating elements for the oven. Electric units typically offer more precise temperature selections for the cooktop and oven, allowing you to easily choose the ideal temperature for every dish. Moreover, thanks to their low heat variance, these models are ideally suited for crafting evenly baked dishes.

The top electric cooking ranges perform just as well, or better, than gas ranges. That said, low-end electric ranges might not offer the same levels of power or heat as similar gas models.

Induction Cooking Range

For a more advanced style of electric cooking range, consider an induction range.

Induction ranges feature a traditional electric oven and an induction cooktop, which uses heat from electromagnetic energy to cook food. A heating element sits underneath the unit’s flat ceramic surface, creating a magnetic field that produces heat when you use cookware with a steel, iron, or magnetic stainless steel bottom. There are many benefits to an induction cooktop, including exceptional temperature control, fast heating and cooling, and a low risk of burning. These ranges are truly luxury appliances, offering all the benefits of a traditional electric range alongside more advanced features and elegant style.

Induction cooking ranges offer great features, and are extremely safe to use. That said, these units can come in at a high price point that’s less than ideal for budget conscious homeowners.

Dual Fuel Cooking Range

Gas and electric cooking ranges both have unique advantages, and if you want to bring the best of both units to your kitchen, you’ll definitely want to consider a dual fuel range.

Dual fuel ranges feature a gas cooktop and an electric oven, bringing a great combination of cooking features to your home. The gas cooktop provides exceptional heat power for heating, sautéing, and boiling a wide range of dishes. Meanwhile, the electric oven offers the consistent and controlled heat ideal for baking. These ranges are typically more expensive than the average cooking range, but their impressive cooking capabilities and high quality designs provide great value for the cost.

The Best Cooking Ranges In A Variety Of Styles

Ultimately, the best cooking range for your home is whichever range meets your needs.

For strong heat and power, go with a gas cooking range. If more precise temperature control and consistent baking temperatures are priorities, consider an electric cooking range. If you really want to bring luxury and safety to your home, you’ll want to invest in an induction cooktop. Should you want to combine the best of these options, a dual fuel cooking range is a great solution. By considering your needs and researching a variety of options, you’ll be sure to find an exceptional cooking range for your home.

You can begin your search for a great appliance with this online collection of cooking ranges.