Tag: kitchen appliance

Things to Consider When Buying Kitchen Appliance in Los Angeles

The options and possibilities for purchasing kitchen appliances in Los Angeles are as numerous as the city itself. The heart of any home, the kitchen is a space where functionality meets aesthetics, and choosing the right appliances can significantly improve your culinary experience while also enhancing the aesthetics of your home. Whether you are a seasoned chef or simply appreciate cooking for your loved ones, it is essential to make informed decisions about kitchen appliances. With its diverse culinary culture and lifestyle preferences, Los Angeles provides a distinctive backdrop for navigating this domain. The city offers a multitude of options, from cutting-edge refrigerators that keep your produce fresher for longer to energy-efficient ovens that reduce your carbon footprint.

Space and Kitchen Layout

Before making any appliance purchases, it’s crucial to assess the available space in your kitchen and understand its layout. Take precise measurements of the area where each appliance will be placed. Consider the flow of the kitchen and how appliances will fit into your daily routines. For instance, if you have a small kitchen, compact appliances or those with multi-functionality can help maximize space. In larger kitchens, you might have more flexibility in terms of appliance size and arrangement. Ensure that appliances won’t obstruct walkways or create logistical challenges in your kitchen.

Appliance Size and Capacity

The size and capacity of kitchen appliances can vary significantly, so it’s essential to choose ones that align with your household’s needs. For refrigerators, consider the number of family members and the amount of fresh and frozen food you typically store. Dishwashers come in various sizes and capacities, so pick one that suits your daily load of dishes. When selecting an oven or cooktop, think about the size of your cookware and how often you host gatherings. Choosing appropriately sized appliances ensures that they not only fit your space but also function efficiently for your cooking demands.

Energy Efficiency

In a city like Los Angeles, where environmental consciousness is a prevalent concern, energy-efficient appliances are not only environmentally responsible but also cost-effective. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which signifies that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Energy-efficient appliances can help reduce your electricity and water bills while contributing to the city’s sustainability efforts. Additionally, some utility companies offer rebates or incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, so it’s worth checking if you can take advantage of such programs.

Style and Aesthetics

Los Angeles is known for its diverse and trend-setting culture, and this extends to home design and aesthetics. When choosing kitchen appliances, consider the overall style and design of your kitchen. Modern kitchens often feature sleek, stainless steel appliances, while traditional kitchens may incorporate more classic and ornate designs. Appliance finishes, such as black stainless steel, matte black, or custom paneling, can also impact the visual appeal of your kitchen. Select appliances that complement your kitchen’s décor and reflect your personal style to create a cohesive and visually pleasing environment.

Budget and Long-Term Costs

Setting a budget for your kitchen appliances is essential, but it’s equally important to consider long-term costs. While some appliances may have a higher initial price tag, they could be more energy-efficient and have lower operating costs over time. Evaluate the total cost of ownership, factoring in energy consumption, maintenance, and potential repairs. Additionally, look for warranties and service plans that can provide peace of mind and protect your investment. By considering both your initial budget and long-term costs, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.

Reviews and Recommendations

With the wealth of information available online, it’s wise to research kitchen appliances thoroughly before making a purchase. Read customer reviews and ratings on websites, forums, and social media platforms to get insights into real-world experiences with specific brands and models. Seek recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors who have recently purchased kitchen appliances. Additionally, consult professional reviews from experts in the field who can provide in-depth assessments of appliance performance, features, and reliability. Gathering a variety of opinions and experiences can help you make a well-informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls.

Reasons Why You Need the Best Kitchen Appliance Company in Los Angeles

Here are compelling reasons why you should prioritize finding the best company for your kitchen appliance needs:

High-Quality Products

The best kitchen appliance companies in Los Angeles typically offer a wide range of high-quality products from reputable brands. These appliances are often built with superior materials and advanced technology, ensuring their durability and long-term performance. Investing in top-quality appliances means they are less likely to break down or require frequent repairs, saving you money and hassle in the long run.

Expert Advice and Guidance

When you choose the best kitchen appliance company, you gain access to a team of knowledgeable and experienced experts who can provide valuable advice and guidance. These professionals can help you select the right appliances that suit your specific needs, kitchen layout, and budget. They can offer insights into the latest trends, technologies, and features, ensuring that you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Installation and Maintenance Services

Reputable kitchen appliance companies in Los Angeles often provide installation and maintenance services. Proper installation is crucial for the efficient and safe operation of your appliances. When you purchase from a reliable company, you can trust that their trained technicians will install your appliances correctly, minimizing the risk of issues down the line. Additionally, these companies typically offer maintenance plans and repair services, ensuring that your appliances remain in excellent condition and extending their lifespan.

Customer Support and Warranty

The best kitchen appliance companies prioritize customer satisfaction and provide excellent customer support. They offer comprehensive warranties on their products, giving you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected. If you encounter any issues with your appliances, a reputable company will have a responsive customer support team that can address your concerns and provide timely solutions. This level of support ensures a smooth and worry-free experience throughout the lifespan of your appliances.

Conclusion

Choosing the finest Los Angeles retail store for kitchen appliances is a prudent decision with lasting benefits. Their commitment to quality, expertise, and customer service guarantees that you will receive high-quality appliances, expert advice, dependable installation, and ongoing maintenance. By making this investment, you will not only improve the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen, but you will also have peace of mind knowing that your appliances are covered by warranties and a dedicated support team. Choosing the finest company ultimately improves your kitchen experience and increases the value of your home.

A Deep Dive into Steam Ovens

When you’re shopping for new kitchen appliances, it can be a little overwhelming when you start to look at the various types of model available. A great example of this is ovens; there are conventional ovens, convection ovens, speed ovens and steam ovens. Steam ovens are a fairly new entry into the consumer kitchen, but can be a great addition to your kitchen. So, here we’ll take a deep dive into steam ovens, their features and benefits.

The Steam Oven Basics:

Steam ovens operate in a similar way to a conventional oven. The radiant heat circulates the hot air throughout the oven interior. When you select steam mode, moisture is injected to create a more humid cooking environment. This water vapor may be added from a water line which is directly connected to your kitchen plumbing or through a water canister that requires manual filling.

While you may be tempted to attempt to recreate this by adding water to a regular oven, this could be potentially dangerous. If you pour water in the bottom of your oven, there is a risk that you will damage the baking element. Additionally, this method will not evenly distribute moisture as a steam oven does so that the food stays hydrated during the entire cooking process.

The Benefits of a Steam Oven:

There are a number of benefits of using a steam oven. These include:

  • Healthier, Better Tasting Food: Steaming is one of the healthiest methods of cooking. A steam oven provides a moist environment which prevents the food from drying out. This eliminates the need for adding fat or oil to your food. The flavor is locked in and nutrients that would be lost with convection cooking are retained.
  • Efficient Cooking: While convection ovens are considered efficient compared to standard models, steam ovens can cook meals even faster to save even more energy. For example, you can cook a chicken in approximately 20 minutes and then use the browning function to add a roasted finish.
  • Prepare Delicate Dishes: A steam oven can provide the perfect environment to bake or cook more delicate items. For example, breads, croissants and pastries can benefit from the environment which will not allow them to dry out.
  • Reheat Foods: One of the drawbacks of eating leftovers is that they can become dry and unpalatable. However, the moist conditions in a steam oven means that you can easily reheat foods without compromising on their quality.

Steam Oven vs Microwave:

If you already have a microwave in your kitchen, you may wonder if a steam oven is necessary and whether it is better than your microwave.

While microwaves are the champion of speed cooking, the texture and flavor of dishes prepared in a steam oven are far superior.

Microwaves have a reputation for producing rubbery food if it is even slightly overcooked. Since moisture is included with a steam oven, it guards the food against overcooking, so the texture remains soft and delicious.

Cleaning a Steam Oven:

Steam ovens tend to be easier to clean, due to the moist environment, as you can avoid those hard baked on food remnants. But, because of the condensation, it will need to be more frequently cleaned compared to a regular oven.

You can clean the oven by running a steam cycle for approximately 15 minutes and then wipe down the surfaces using a soft cloth. If there are any tough stains, you can use an appropriate cleaner as per your owners manual. After cleaning, run a final short steam cycle to remove any remaining residue.

If you’re considering a steam oven, you can explore the available options with our online oven and store collection. You can also speak to one of our home appliance specialists who would be happy to guide you through all the available options.

4 Often Overlooked Microwave Oven Advantages

Microwave ovens have been a standard feature in many kitchens for decades. And yet, many people still don’t use them to their full potential and some features are misunderstood entirely. This is unfortunate, a microwave oven can be a real time saver when you’re cooking a meal for your family. The latest microwaves have new features that make them even more useful for any busy homemaker. In this article, we will take a closer look at four microwave advantages that are often overlooked.

1.  Convection Setting Options

If you’re unfamiliar with your new microwave or you have an older model, you may be unaware of the convection settings. This is a baking mode that is typically found on some mid-range or high-end ovens, ranges, and wall ovens. A convection setting heats the foods from the inside to the outside much like a standard microwave oven. But, the flavors are sealed in to make the food more delicious and less prone to drying out. This convection action is achieved with a rear mounted fan that circulates the heated air throughout the oven. The result is a more consistent temperature that’s ideal for even baking. Certain microwave ovens now have a convection setting to cook food and heat leftovers evenly. That means that you can reheat last night’s pizza without the soggy crust and getting the perfect mac and cheese results are only a couple of button clicks away.

2.  The Defrosting Features

Many people have used the defrosting feature on their microwave ovens. In fact, some people may only use this feature and some basic reheating on a regular basis. But, defrosting with the microwave is incredibly efficient because you can thaw a pound of meat, poultry, or fish in just a few minutes. There is no need for any pre-cooking and select models even have a “Quick Defrost” or “Auto Defrost” setting to make this process even faster. This can be a real help if you’re preparing a larger meal or cooking in bulk for the week ahead.

3.  Improved Energy Efficiency

There are times when you need to reheat leftovers or a smaller casserole before you bring it to the table. Placing these foods in a full sized oven with a lot of wasted space unnecessarily consumes a lot of energy. This will drive up your energy bills and this can be avoided if you use the microwave oven. A microwave is smaller than a full-size oven and a countertop model tends to range from 0.5 up to 2.2 cubic feet. But, due to their design, they can still have a larger interior capacity than your oven starting at around 2 cubic feet. When you pair these characteristics with the faster heating times, it’s easy to see how a microwave oven could significantly lower your energy costs.

4.  Alternative Configuration Options

When most people think of a microwave oven they imagine a countertop or wall mounted unit with a door front loading door and simple controls. But, there are microwave ovens that don’t have a door, they slide out like a drawer! These appliances give a designer plenty of options when they want to create their perfect kitchen. A microwave drawer can be installed in a wall space, a kitchen island, or other locations. This can save valuable countertop space for food prep and the cooking progress can be monitored without removing the dish from the microwave. Another efficient option is a wall oven/microwave combo unit that gives you two great cooking options in one appliance.

If you need a microwave or other kitchen appliances for your home check out our online selection or ask one of our advisors for expert advice.

3 Kitchen Appliance Trends You Can Get Excited About

Many sources make the claim that the kitchen is the true heart of any home. This is a broadly true statement if the kitchen is used for cooking, baking and socializing. But, sadly, many people don’t spend much time in their kitchens, and they may be packed with out of date appliances. If the kitchen isn’t an efficient and pleasant place to hang out, can it be the heart of your home? In this article, we will look at three exciting kitchen appliance trends that may inspire you and help you to get more excited about making the most of your kitchen.

  1. Improved Efficiency

If you want to enjoy cooking in your kitchen, it’s a great idea to have efficient appliances. A good kitchen layout, a place to stash your cookware and utensils when they are not in use, and handy central island are all beneficial. But, if you don’t have the right appliances, cooking can be a real chore and a time suck. Investing in smarter and more efficient appliances simply makes good sense if you want to enjoy your kitchen more. Every appliance from a modern range to your refrigerator can be controlled via a handy app on your favorite mobile device these days. Energy efficient appliances are also easier on your bank balance, and you will see a significant drop in your energy bills.

  1. Changing Appliances to Meet New Needs

One of the best things about a modern kitchen is that it’s relatively easy to change your kitchen appliances when you decide on a change. Perhaps you want appliances to match your kitchen remodel decor, or you’re looking for a new style. There are plenty of options to consider, and some outlets offer great deals on premium grade appliances. But, there may be practical reasons why you need to change the appliances in your kitchen. As an example: if you want an area for kids to heat food themselves without adult input, but you lack space for a countertop microwave oven, you could install and over range microwave instead. Another great option is a “French style” oven door that opens from the side rather than the front like a typical oven. These oven doors offer easier access, which is fantastic for people with smaller kitchens or problems bending over to reach into an oven.

  1. Upgraded Cooking

Many top chefs now espouse the benefits of an induction range for precise and efficient cooking. An induction range uses an electromagnetic field to heat a cast iron or special pan to cook your food faster. The actual induction cooktop produces no heat at all, and you can even place your hand there when cooking! Induction cooktops offer a great deal of control over the heat that you can only find with a gas cooktop. Another cool option is counter depth refrigerator that’s easier to access without diving deep into the appliance. Many modern refrigerators now have a full complement of clever storage solutions to efficiently store a wide variety of food safely. This helps the user to stay organized, and if the refrigerator is smart, it can even update you on the contents and suggest grocery items to put on your shopping list.

In the past, many of these features were beyond the reach of most people. But in recent years they have become more affordable, and they offer a great deal of functionality. If you want to get excited about your kitchen again, any or all of these options would be a great place to start.

If you would like to explore the latest trends in kitchen appliances, you can check your options with our online collection. You can also speak to one of our home appliance experts for additional help and guidance.

Common Wine Refrigerator Questions Answered

Many people are now drinking more wine at home rather than visiting their local bar or restaurant. The way we consume wine is very different from only a few years ago, and daily wine drinking is now more popular than ever. If you’re thinking of getting more into wine or you’re already a convert, it may be time to get a wine refrigerator. This will help you to enjoy your wine with a little more panache, and it’s sure to impress your non-wine drinking friends. Let’s take a look at some of the key features that you need to look for when buying a new wine refrigerator.

Where Can I Place a Wine Refrigerator?

Are you planning on storing your wine fridge in the living room or kitchen or dining room? The best small wine refrigerators use a thermoelectric cooling system instead of a compressor that you would find on a standard domestic refrigerator. A thermoelectric cooling system is preferable because it is dependable, quiet in operation, and an energy efficient option for your wine. A wine refrigerator doesn’t tend to vibrate, so you can place it pretty much anywhere without worrying about background noise.

Are There Any Special Placement Requirements?

The only real drawback to placement is that you need to locate your refrigerator where it will have access to fresh air. This is how your wine refrigerator will prevent temperature and humidity fluctuations that could affect your wine. There is no need to hide your wine refrigerator behind a door, so airflow shouldn’t be a problem. After all, a wine fridge is a stylish appliance, so why would you want to cover it up?

Why Are Wine Refrigerators More Expensive Now?

Wine coolers were relatively cheap up until 2016 when new EPA regulations came into force. The cost rose when new testing became mandatory to improve energy efficiency. But, a wine refrigerator is still an affordable appliance, and there is a wide range of prices depending on your chosen make and model.

How Do Humidity and Racks Work?

In a standard refrigerator, the appliance is designed to keep the moisture out. A wine refrigerator is very different; it’s designed to keep the humidity inside to protect your wine. The humidity will be kept at a consistent level; this keeps the corks, bottles, and wine wet to slow down the aging process and preserve your wine for longer. The racks in a wine cooler are specifically designed for wine bottles, unlike the racks found in standard domestic refrigerators.

Is the Door Design Important?

Yes, the door design is extremely important, and the best wine refrigerators have a solid door finished in steel, a wood finish, or tempered glass. A solid door prevents ultraviolet (UV) rays from affecting your wine as it’s stored. This is an important aspect of wine storage that many people forget. Many people like to look at their wine through the door, and this narrows down the choice to a tempered glass door. This will still prevent the UV rays, and you can admire your wine at the same time.

Are There Any Other Design Features?

Yes, when you start to look at wine refrigerators, you will notice that they are available in a wide range of colors and styles. If you look carefully, you’re sure to find one that suits the style and decor of your home. As a luxury appliance, your new wine refrigerator should make a bold design statement.

If you’re considering a wine refrigerator, you can explore your options with our online collection. Alternatively, speak to one of our team members, who would be happy to answer any queries or questions.

4 Appliance Features that will Wow Your Visitors

Many homeowners want a kitchen with that wow factor that will make their space the talk of the neighborhood. Aesthetic appeal aside, the best modern kitchens are efficient spaces where cooking is a joy, and you can even entertain at the same time. If you’ve not looked at kitchens for a few years, you may be amazed at some of the available options. But, once you’ve used these features for a while, you may wonder how you ever managed without them. Let’s take a look at four appliance features that will make your kitchen a special place to work, eat, and entertain.

  1. Adjustable Refrigerator Shelves

Many of us struggle to use our refrigerator storage effectively because we try to live with the spacing limitations. But, many modern refrigerators now have easily adjustable shelves that allow you to make the space work best for you. This may not be the most exciting appliance feature on our list, but it can be a lifesaver when you’re entertaining. Let’s face it, most of us creatures of habit, and when we cook at home, we fall into a routine. But, if you want to entertain more, you cannot serve the same meals every time, and you need variety. Having adjustable refrigerator storage will allow you to store foods that you wouldn’t normally buy easily.

  1. A Commercial Range

Many people shop for a commercial range at a restaurant supply store, but this is not necessary. Many homeowners now have access to these ranges at their favorite appliance stores due to the popularity of certain cooking shows. A commercial range is a powerhouse when you’re cooking, and as an added bonus, they look fantastic. The only real drawback to this type of range is that it can take up more space than you might imagine. If you have a smaller kitchen or limited space, make sure to check the dimensions carefully before you make a final commitment to buy.

  1. An All-in One Coffee Machine

We have come a long way from the standard drip coffee machines that we used on our countertops. We’re not talking about pod or espresso machines, the current in-vogue trend is the all-in-one coffee maker. These coffee machines can meet several needs, and they are a fantastic time saver in a busy kitchen. When you choose your all-in-one coffee maker, look for a machine that can filter water and manual controls. The best machines can even grind coffee beans, and they look fantastic on a countertop. If you love to serve coffee to visitors, an all-in-one coffee machine is a great investment.

  1. An Immersion Blender

A standard blender is a bulky item that can take up a lot of kitchen storage space. A better and more up to date alternative is an immersion blender. Many people that have made the switch will never go back to a standard blender. Immersion blenders are easier to use and clean than a series of standard blender attachments. The only thing that you need to remember is to unplug the appliance before you take it apart for cleaning. The immersion blender attachments are usually dishwasher safe making cleanup a breeze.

If you add one or more of these appliance features to your kitchen, you will notice an immediate difference. These appliances do add a great deal to the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen, but they are very practical too. They will certainly make your kitchen more efficient and fun to use when cooking or entertaining.

If you would like to learn more about the latest appliance trends, be sure to speak to one of our home appliance experts, who would be delighted to help.

Is That Food Safe? Your Guide to Shelf Life

Most of us have experienced the scenario where we open up the refrigerator to find something moldy looking back at us. These items are often lingering at the back of the refrigerator. Still, even when it is full view, it can be difficult to determine the optimum food shelf life inside your refrigerator. Here we’ll explore a few basic food storage standards to save you from upset stomachs and wasting money on spoiled foods.

Basic Food Safety Tips

Before we delve into the optimum shelf lifespans for all the items inside your refrigerator, there are some basic safety tips to help preserve your foods.

  • Avoid Crowding: To keep your foods properly chilled and at the correct temperature, cold air must be able to circulate around the items. While keeping your refrigerator full is more energy efficient, you should avoid crowding or overpacking.
  • Immediately Wipe Up Spills: Wiping spills quickly will not only help to avoid bacterial growth, but it will also help to prevent cross contamination. Many spills are often drips from thawing meats or other raw foods that can easily contaminate cooked dishes that will only be reheated.
  • Keep Everything Covered: All foods inside your refrigerator should be in sealed storage bags or in covered containers. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can forget about everything, so be sure to check leftovers each day for signs of spoilage.
  • Monitor Food Expiration Dates: If any item has passed its “use by” or “best before” date, it is a good idea to discard it. If food looks questionable, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
  • Put Groceries Away Within the Hour: When you return from the grocery store, you should act quickly to ensure all your refrigerated items are properly stored. If the temperature is above 90ºf, there is a one hour limit before foods can spoil.
  • Refrigerate Leftovers Within Two Hours: There is a common misconception that you shouldn’t put hot food in the refrigerator. Unfortunately, allowing food to sit on the countertop for hours can encourage bacteria. If you have any leftovers, they should be refrigerated or possibly frozen within two hours. If you’re concerned about hot food, divide leftovers into smaller portions, so they can cool more quickly.

Shelf Life Guidelines

Most foods can be divided into groups, which can help you to determine the optimum shelf life.

Miscellaneous:

  • Opened condiments: Up to 6 months
  • Tuna: 2 to 4 days

Dairy:

You’ll need to use your sense of smell. Dairy items tend to develop a bad smell when they go bad, so anything that has a bad smell should go straight into the garbage.

  • Milk: Up to 7 days
  • Soft Cheese: Up to 7 days
  • Eggs: 3 weeks
  • Yoghurt: 7 to 14 days

Fruits:

Fruits can go soft and mushy when they start to go bad, but you may notice some items start to go black.

  • Bananas: 2 days
  • Melons: 1 week
  • Avocados: Up to 10 days

Vegetables:

Like fruits, vegetables can start to go mushy or change color.

  • Fresh lettuce: Up to 5 days
  • Tomatoes: Up to 1 week
  • Cucumber: 1 week
  • Onions: 2 months

Leftovers:

Leftovers tend to be pushed to the back of your refrigerator, so you need to ensure you keep a good eye on what is lingering there.

  • Meat Leftovers: Up to 4 days
  • Pizza: 3 to 4 days
  • Gravy: 1 to 2 days

Meats:

In addition to developing a bad odor, the most obvious sign of bad meat is changing color.

  • Chicken: Up to 2 days
  • Steak: Up to 5 days
  • Fresh Hamburger: Up to 2 days
  • Pork Chops: 3 to 5 days
  • Fresh Fish: Up to 2 days
  • Bacon: Up to 7 days
  • Fresh Sausage: Up to 2 days
  • Lunchmeats: Open- 3 to 5 days, unopened up to 2 weeks

If your refrigerator is struggling to keep your produce fresh, it may be time for an upgrade. You can explore your options with our online collection or speak to a home appliance expert for further help and guidance.

How to Organize Your Refrigerator

Food waste is a serious issue, and most instances can be avoided with proper fridge management. Unfortunately, many people struggle to organize their refrigerators. So, here we’ll explore some tips and tricks to not only help you to keep track of your foods, but also keep your foods fresher for longer.

Keep the Right Foods in the Door

The first place to start organizing is the door. While many people use the door for quick reach items such as milk and juice, this can be a mistake. The door of your refrigerator is usually the warmest place inside your fridge, particularly if the door is opened and closed a lot in your home. This means that you should avoid putting temperature sensitive items such as milk or dairy it the door as they are more likely to spoil.

Instead, reserve the spots in the door for condiments, soft drinks, and other items that can cope with the temperature fluctuations.

Read Your Appliance Manual

Many people throw the appliance manual in a drawer and never look at it again after it has been installed. This is a massive mistake, as every appliance model is different. Your manual will detail the manufacturer’s recommendations and the features that can help you make the best use of your new refrigerator. This could include egg containers, dairy enclosures, crisper drawers, and other things that will make a noticeable improvement in the performance of your appliance and the lifespan of your foods.

Manufacturers design the best storage options for specific foods, with the optimal temperatures for the compartments, so you need to check the manual to take full advantage of these features.

Know Your Cold Spots

The temperature can vary in different areas of your refrigerator. If you have an older model, the area around the lights tends to be warmer than the rest of the shelf. So, it is important to know where the coldest areas of your refrigerator are. This will allow you to put the most temperature sensitive foods, such as milk, dairy, and meat in the coldest area.

Block Your Shelves

Many of us struggle to find items in a full refrigerator, but it doesn’t mean that you’re a bad housekeeper, you just have the wrong organizational system. Try implementing the block system, which is used by retailers around the world. This will not only help your refrigerator to look highly appealing, but it will help you to keep on top of your ingredients, so nothing gets forgotten and expires. Blocking your shelves involves putting smaller foods and containers at the front and keep a space at the back for your taller items.

Rotate

Many of us want to get our groceries put away as quickly as possible when we return from the store. Unfortunately, this often leads to putting all of the newer items at the front, and older items are pushed to the back. Although you may have good intentions to hunt around for the older items when you’re making dinner or looking for a snack, it is almost inevitable that some items will be left to expire.

So, it is essential to rotate all of your items. This involves pulling older items to the front and placing your newly bought items towards the back.

Fill Your Freezer and Conserve Energy

Finally, you can boost the efficiency of your refrigerator by ensuring the freezer compartment is full. If you have leftovers, you may not eat in the next few days, put them in a freezer safe container and stick it in the freezer. This will not only save energy, but also reduce your food waste.

If your refrigerator is still struggling to maintain the optimum temperature for your items, even after you’ve reorganized, it may be time to look for a new appliance. You can explore the options with our online collection or consult one of our appliance experts for further help and guidance.

6 Exciting Kitchen Appliance Trends for 2020 and Beyond

The kitchen is the beating heart of any home, and it’s a prime location for regular updates and remodeling projects. Upgrading a kitchen is a great way to add value to your home, but it’s also an excellent way to improve the efficiency of the kitchen. If you want to enjoy cooking, eating, and socializing in your kitchen, here are six appliance trends that you may want to look out for.

  1. Steam Ovens

Many manufacturers are now making steam ovens, and this is a trend that will become more popular in the years to come. A steam oven cooks the food in a sealed steam environment to retain the flavors and reduce the cooking times. This is a very healthy way to cook because there is no need to add oils or fats required to make the food moist. A browning function can add a little color at the end for a roasted finish for your food.

  1. Refrigerators Get Upgraded

Every kitchen needs a good refrigerator, but in 2020 and the near future, we will see significant upgrades. Expect to see an exciting range of new finishes in metallic or matte finishes that you may want to show off. Hiding a refrigerator behind a cabinet front may become less popular. Another interesting development is flexible compartments that can be tailored to specific foods and ingredients. Smart features will develop even further, and new auto assist functions will allow users to streamline their kitchen.

  1. Wireless Bluetooth Synchronization

We have seen some amazing advances in wireless sync using Bluetooth devices. This trend is set to continue, and the next logical step is in your kitchen. There will be no need for extended preheating times or antiquated oven timers. An advanced range can sync to your other appliances such as the microwave for coordinated cooking times. Appliances may even perform other useful functions, such as turning on lights when the appliances are in use.

  1. Touch Screen Surfaces

We’ve seen an increasing number of touch screen surfaces replace a traditional knob and other controls. This is set to continue as we move forward with more finger touch and swiping controls on other appliances. One exciting development is a touch sensitive cooktop that uses electromagnetic heat, and the user can “draw” a cooking surface around the base of their pan. Then the heat can be adjusted by swiping the cooktop surface itself and all without risking a burn on your finger. GE is already working on this technology, and they have a prototype, so we may see this in production in the next few years.

  1. WiFi Connectivity

The smartphone has revolutionized the world of instant communication, and the rise of apps to control virtually anything has opened up an entire field of innovation. Manufacturers are now making appliances that can be controlled remotely from your smartphone. So, the user can adjust the temperature in their oven, the intensity of their kitchen lighting, and the timer on their microwave from a handy app.

  1. Multi-Cooker Evolution

One of the most popular kitchen appliances in the last few years is the versatile multi-cooker. Essentially, this is a pressure cooker with computerized controls that allows the user to make tasty and healthy meals in a fraction of the time. We will see similar WiFi connectivity allowing the user to control their multi-cooker remotely. So, you could load the ingredients into the multi-cooker before you leave, and they turn it on and control the temperature ready for your return home.

If you’re considering updating your kitchen appliances, you can explore your options with this online collection. If you need further help and guidance, speak to one of our home appliance experts today.

 

Do You Need a Steam Oven in Your Kitchen?

Many people believe that the only oven choices available to them are: standard, convection, and microwave. But, now many of the best know oven manufacturers are making steam ovens, and these products are becoming a popular alternative. In this article, we will explain what a steam oven is and some of the advantages of using one in your kitchen.

How is a Steam Oven Different?

If you’re unfamiliar with a steam oven, it may seem like a term that would be used purely for marketing purposes. But, a steam oven is actually quite different from a standard or convection oven. Essentially, these types of oven heat up water inside the oven to create a hot steam space where the food is cooked. A cheaper steam oven may achieve this by the manual filling of a water tray or trough that is then placed inside the oven. A premium steam oven will be connected to its own water line, much like an ice maker in your refrigerator. The steam tray is connected to a water valve that fills the oven when you want to use it for cooking. Much like a regular oven, a steam oven can have a number of extra options to make your life even easier, such as broiling, browning, and traditional convention functionality. This allows the user to customize their steam oven to meet their own needs.

Making Better Tasting and Healthier Food

Many people are more health conscious these days, and they are searching for a healthier way to cook their food. Health experts are constantly feeding us a variety of information on the best ways to cook our food. But, in many cases, these cooking processes can make our food bland and tasteless. One of the best things about a steam oven is that it cooks the food and maintains the nutrients without compromising on taste.

Steaming food is regarded as one of the healthiest cooking methods, but it can be hard to achieve without a great deal of hassle and specialized pans or appliances. When many people cook, they add a lot of fat to their meals, such as butter, oils, and dressings. In most cases, this is done to make the food moist and to improve the overall taste. This is because traditional cooking methods often dry out the food as it cooks, and this can degrade the natural flavors.

When you cook with a steam oven, the food is cooked entirely withing a moist environment so it cannot dry out. This reduces the reliance on those added fats, and this naturally lowers the intake of bad cholesterol and calories. So, the food is healthier, you feel better, and the food is far tastier.

Improving Cooking Efficiency

For years we have heard about the efficiency of convection ovens compared to standard models. A convection oven can cook a dish in a fraction of the time, and this saves money on energy bills. But, a steam oven cooks meals even faster. As an example: a chicken can be cooked in around 20 minutes, and then a browning function can be used to get that roasted finish.

Cooking Delicate Foods

If you enjoy baking or cooking more delicate foods, a steam oven may be just what you’re looking for. These types of ovens can cook a more delicate dish to absolute perfection without the associated drying that can ruin breads, pastries, and croissants.

If you’re interested in a steam oven for your kitchen, you can explore your options with our online collection. If you need further help or guidance, speak to our home appliance experts.