Tag: kitchen appliances

Exploring the Options for Your Ventilation Hood

Ventilation is crucial in a kitchen. A good ventilation hood will not only carry away steam, but also odors and grease that could compromise your kitchen comfort. Most kitchen ventilation hoods can be divided into one of five types. Here we’ll explore these in more detail, to help you make an informed decision for your new kitchen.

Under Cabinet Hoods 

This is the most common form of ventilation hood on the market. This popularity is due to the compact size and affordability. Under cabinet hoods are mounted beneath any cabinets set above the stove with a simplistic and versatile design that can be easily incorporated into different kitchen styles. This type of hood requires ducting through the cabinet above, or through a nearby exterior wall to prevent grease and oils circulating around your kitchen.

Wall Mounted Hoods

Wall mounted hoods are a great option to create a statement in your kitchen space. This type of hood is often installed above the stove in place of any cabinetry, to create a distinct design element. The main advantage of wall mounted hoods is that the fan circulates air to reduce bacterial build up and mold on cooking areas including countertops, quickly eliminating fumes and odors.

Island Hoods

Island hoods are best used with larger, pro style ranges located on a kitchen island. This type of hood can withstand the extra demands created with additional burners, and the venting system can add a sophisticated touch to your cooking space aesthetic. Island hoods are available in different styles and colors to allow you to add personality to your kitchen design. Island hoods are also very effective at dispersing grease and steam away from the kitchen to prevent condensation and acids causing cabinet damage.

Downdraft Hoods

A downdraft hood is also a common feature for kitchen islands. The hood is hidden inside the cooktop, popping up along the back of the range on a horizontal angle to reduce steam. Downdraft hoods pill fumes down to beneath the floor taking them out of the home. This type of ventilation system is ideal for those who don’t want to install a larger overhead unit that takes up space in the kitchen, but it can still decrease discoloration, peeling and mildew on floors, walls and cabinets due to moisture.

Custom Hoods

A custom hood is a great option if you don’t want to be restricted to certain design options. Custom hoods can work ventilation into your kitchen landscape more organically. The power source and hood inserts are concealed in the cabinetry to create a custom approach.

Choosing the Right Hood for Your Kitchen

There are a number of factors that need to be considered before you make your final purchase decision. These include:

  • The Exhaust System: You will need to assess whether you want a vented system that channels air out of the home or a non vented system where the air is cleaned and filtered before being returned to the kitchen. Your kitchen location will determine which is the most appropriate choice. If your kitchen does not have an exterior wall, you may struggle with a vented system, as the ducts will need to channel the air out of your home. It becomes more complicated and expensive, the further you are from an exterior wall.
  • Your Layout: Your layout will need to be assessed to determine what space you have and which type of hood will work best. Generally, hoods are mounted 24 to 30 inches above a cooktop, but some hoods do have different requirements.
  • Noise: Another consideration is noise. More powerful hoods are likely to produce more noise when in use. This can be problematic if you have an open plan layout, where you’re likely to disturb your family members every time you use the hood.

If you’re considering a new kitchen hood, you can explore your options with this online collection or speak to a home appliance professional for expert help and guidance.

Top Tips to Save Energy When Cooking and Preparing Meals

Most homeowners are keen to save energy, but one way you may not have considered is saving energy in your kitchen, particularly when you’re cooking and preparing meals. Understanding your cooking habits will help you to make the best use of your energy efficient appliances to help you save on your energy bills and enjoy a greener home.

Use the Right Size Pans

When you’re cooking on your stove, it is crucial to use the right size pan or pot. Estimates suggest that a six inch pan being used on an eight inch burner can waste 40% of the heat produced by the burner. You should also keep lids on your pans or pots to trap the heat inside and allow you to use less energy. Although these may seem like small choices, it can add up to significant energy savings.

Regularly Clean Your Stovetop

Your burner efficiency can be dramatically reduced if your burner pans have been blackened from heavy use. You can avoid wasting energy by keeping your stovetop sparkling clean and shiny. Regular cleaning will prevent a build up, and you may find it more enjoyable to use.

Reduce Your Overall Cooking Time

The less time spent cooking, the less energy typically used, so try to choose energy efficient cooking methods and plan ahead to reduce your cooking time. Defrost dinner in the refrigerator overnight rather than using your microwave. Try to wait until the last few minutes to preheat your oven and try to stagger multiple pans to improve the airflow and reduce your cook time. You should also avoid opening your oven door frequently to check your food, it is not only poor general cooking practice, but it wastes a great deal of energy.

You can also reduce your cooking time and make your life easier by making additional portions. Cooking a double batch will use similar amounts of energy, but they can be used another day or frozen for later use. Frozen home-cooked meals also provide a great alternative to take out, as they are less expensive and tend to be healthier.

Upgrade Your Cookware

Research shows that a warped pan can waste 50% of stovetop heat, whereas a flat pan can use almost all the energy produced. Additionally, high-quality cookware made using highly conductive materials can allow you to use 25% less heat. An excellent choice for oven cookware is ceramic or glass, while copper bottom pans are highly efficient for stovetop cooking.

Love Your Leftovers

Leftovers need not be tired food from the day before. When you cook in bulk, you can freeze single serving portions such as pasta sauce that can be reheated in your microwave or toaster oven. While this may use more energy, the shorter cook time will make it more energy efficient. Just remember to coat your pasta in olive oil before you save it in your refrigerator to avoid needing to boil a fresh pot of water.

Choose the Right Appliances

There is a balance between choosing a microwave, toaster oven and oven. Smaller appliances can allow you to use less energy to prepare a smaller meal. If you do use your full-size oven, you can bake a cake at the same time as cooking dinner.

Depending on the dish you’re preparing, you may find a countertop appliance offers greater energy efficiency and convenience. For example, a pressure cooker or rice cooker could make it easier to prepare your food and avoid using a larger, energy-sucking appliance.

If you have concerns about the energy efficiency of your kitchen appliances and are considering upgrading, you can explore your options with this online collection or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

New Sub-Zero Wolf Steam Oven – New and Improved!

Wolf has always been known for its high-end luxury kitchen appliances, and its new steam oven seems to be no exception. Steam ovens are great additions to your kitchen, utilizing steam from a heated water tank to cook food, rather than the typical hot air that’s in conventional ovens. This helps prepare food quickly and efficiently — especially in the more delicate recipes featuring fish and veggies!

With this new steam oven, Wolf has created an appliance that might just be your best tool in the kitchen. With its design, convenience, and helpful controls, it offers true improvements over the previous generation model that make it an essential addition to your home.

Excellence Made Simpler 

Boasting a seamless, stainless steel finish with an all-touch, no-knobs control panel, it offers the perfect addition of style to any kitchen. Since they’ve removed the pop-out knobs that were found in previous models, it gives a sleeker design that’s a visible difference at first glance (especially if you have a flush inset look going on already).

Unfortunately, the main menu does need to be navigated by a side touch panel, rather than being directly activated by touch on the screen itself. While this can make accessing the menu tedious at times, what it lacks in that innovation it makes up for in the convenience and versatility of the menu itself.

The display menu offers many helpful features that create a fantastic addition to this oven that weren’t there in previous models. It has a quick start menu off the bat for fast convenience — complete with all the common options you’d expect from a steam oven, such as convection, convection steam, convection humid, and reheat.

Beyond that quick start menu, Wolf has also installed tools to help assist with things like the best rack position for your food, depending on if you’re using one rack or two. It also allows you to set specific parameters for your cooking, including how long you want the oven to heat your meal and when you want it to both start and shut itself off. Being both sleek and handy, it’s a simplified, but also personalized experience. Forget about worrying if the stove was left on at home from now on.

Even more than those convenient additions, this new steam oven even helps you if you’re in the middle of a recipe and need assistance with the cook times of a specific item, a setting they’ve called Wolf Gourmet. Making a pizza? No problem, your oven knows the time to make it delicious and crisp. Vegetables? Even desserts and yogurt are covered in this, so you’ll never have to guess cook times again. The gourmet feature is a particularly helpful tool for anyone that’s new to the kitchen, eliminating the anxiety entirely. Beyond that, even if you’re an experienced veteran, it’ll be just as great for convenient and predictable results with recipes.

Without a doubt, the best part about Wolf’s steam oven is its personalized experience. Whether you’re a newbie in the kitchen or a cooking savant just looking for a more simplified solution for your meals, this steam oven is the perfect companion for you.

With the new design comes new creativity from the luxury giant, and they’ve clearly taken that creativity and run with it. Sleeker in appearance, sporting an easy startup menu, including a convenient, concise setting control panel, you’ll have the peace of mind that you’re getting one of the most sophisticated, yet easiest to use tools on the market today.

Kitchen Minimalism: Space Saving Appliances For Your Home

Shoebox apartments, tiny houses, or a love of the modern and minimalist. There are all sorts of reasons why you might be looking for simple solutions to save space in your home. Whether you live in a small dwelling, or you’re just looking for an easy way to create a roomier kitchen, appliances exist to satisfy your needs in an easy, tightly packed way.

Quintessential Kitchen Solutions 

The oven might just be one of the most important parts of the kitchen, but there are easy ways around having a large one. For example, there are certain newer models of microwaves that can also have convection cooking functions. They can even be reprogrammed for settings to cook pasta, potatoes, and many of your other needs. If you’re keen on this idea, installing a drawer style microwave is the best bet for creating the elbow room you crave, with the added bonus of less chances for spills, thanks to no high stovetop.

If not compromising a full range is a must, companies like GE have freestanding electric ranges that offer a compact, but still modern look. Conversely, many overhauled vintage ranges can offer that charming retro look while still freeing up space.

And if you’re someone that thrives living off of leftovers or frequently has a lot of company, a warming drawer is another awesome, unobtrusive appliance for your home. Whether for heating up old meals, prepping items for baking, or actually setting things to warm, its versatility and capabilities are especially perfect for busy and constantly bustling families.

We Turned Up the Heat, How Do We Cool It Down? 

Now that you’ve got tools for cooking your food, you’re going to want to store it all. Refrigerators are must haves when building your kitchen, and while today they frequently are offered in large sizes, there are also smaller version for tighter spaces.

You might think a mini fridge is your only solution in a small kitchen, but there are multiple compact refrigerators for you to utilize — many of which are made by Italian manufacturer SMEG. And — if you’re looking for a retro style — you’re in luck with this brand, which has carved out a niche as stylish nostalgia design choice. With a compact fridge, you also have the added benefit of creating more of what we can call sweet countertop action.

If you also have a wine collection, don’t feel confined to storing your wine chiller in the kitchen. Recently, it’s become common to use those appliances in your other living areas, creating yet another entirely new space to use for extra storage or display.

Cleanup and Other Tips 

The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for the sake of a minimalist kitchen, even in the cleanup aspect. There are entire lines of dishwashers available that are as small as eighteen inches from trusted companies like Miele, GE, and Whirlpool.

If you’re going to shop around for your appliances, make sure you know the space you have at your disposal. Remember to utilize the pull-out drawer method for storage and appliances, and you’ll be able to have your small kitchen and use it too.

From dishwashers, to ovens, to ranges, to extra countertop spaces, there’s ways to create your perfect kitchen even if your space might be limited. Solutions are there more than you realize.

Eager to start planning your new kitchen? Don’t forget to check out this large collection of compact appliances, so you can enjoy the extra room and freedom in your kitchen.

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.

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.

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.

Simple Solutions to Clean Your Small Appliances

No kitchen is complete without a range of small appliances. These small devices improve the convenience of our kitchens and improve quality of life. Unfortunately, many of these small appliances can be a little tricky to clean, compromising their use. So, here we have some simple solutions to clean your small appliances.

Clogged Coffee Maker

Even the best coffee maker can become clogged with hard water deposits and coffee residue. This can mean that it not only takes longer to brew your cup of Joe, but also leaves it tasting less than fresh. If you want a bright start to your morning with the awaking aroma of a fresh pot of coffee, you need to ensure that this small appliance is crystal clean.

The best way to get rid of any unsightly stains inside your coffee pot is to use a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts of water. Pour this mixture into the reservoir and switch your coffee maker on. The solution will run through the coffee maker, and you’ll need to allow it to cool for approximately 15 minutes. Repeat this process before rinsing by running through fresh water. You should also wash the pot and filter with soapy, warm water. This will not only remove any stubborn coffee stains, but also eliminate hard water mineral accumulation.

Grubby Blender

Whether you need a morning smoothie to get you started or like to make soups and sauces, blenders can easily become stained with leftover particles stuck on the blades and glass. It is a good idea to give your blender a really good clean at least once a month. This will help to remove any stains or particles and freshen up any lingering odors. Fill your blender to the halfway point with warm water, a slice of lemon and a little dishwashing liquid. Set the blender running on a low setting for approximately 30 seconds. Drain the liquid and rinse the blender thoroughly.

Messy Microwaves

Frozen dinners and warming up leftovers can often result in splatters of food stuck to the interior of your microwave. Unless these particles are cleaned immediately, they can easily turn into tough stains that are difficult to remove. This can not only look unappealing, but can also make you reluctant to put food or drinks in your microwave. Fortunately, there are some simple steps to remove all these messy marks and stains. Every six to eight weeks, place a half cup of water, a tablespoon of vanilla extract and two tablespoons of white vinegar into a microwave safe dish or bowl. Microwave this for 30 seconds on high power. Carefully remove the container, being cautious as any remaining liquid will be very hot. You can then wipe down the interior surfaces of the microwave with a damp cloth. You should find that any leftover splatters of food or stains can be easily wiped away and you’ll even be left with a fresh-baked and clean cookie odor.

Although dirty small appliances can be frustrating, it is important to ensure that they are safely cleaned. You should never submerge any small appliance in water and avoid allowing any liquid to come into contact with the motor or power cord. It is always best to err on the side of caution and use these simple steps to ensure that your small appliances are clean and safe.

No kitchen is complete without fully functioning small appliances. If you’re struggling to get your small appliances clean and need to upgrade, there are plenty of models available.

If you’re in the market for a new small appliance, explore the options with this online collection or speak to a home appliance expert for a specialized service.

Appliances That’ll Make Your New Kitchen the Envy of Your Friends

Upgrading your kitchen is the ideal time to consider new appliances. While there are some great basic items available, there are some appliances that will make your new kitchen the envy of all your friends. Some of today’s appliances can exceed expectations and improve the functionality of your kitchen immeasurably. So, here are just some of the must-have appliances you need for the ultimate balance of form and function.

The Pro Look

You don’t need to purchase a commercial appliance to get that impressive pro look. There are many appliances that are inspired by professional kitchens to offer superb functionality and sleek aesthetics. Commercial style ranges are powerful and complement any type of kitchen decor. There are also professionally inspired dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances that can deliver that pro look and make it even easier to prepare a gourmet treat.

All in One Coffee Makers

The humble coffee maker has come a long way in recent years. You no longer need to have just a coffee pot sitting on your countertop; you can get that authentic coffee house feeling with an all-in-one appliance. There are coffee makers that can not only filters your water, but grinds your beans and makes the perfect espresso or cappuccino. These types of devices not only save you time in your kitchen, but also makes coffee after a dinner party something really special.

Blender with an Immersion Attachment

There is no need to clutter your countertop with a bulky blender. Nowadays, you can buy an immersion blender with attachments. Handheld blenders are easy to use and far simpler to clean. They also take up far less space in your cabinets. You can now purchase handheld blenders that have a myriad of attachments including ones for grinding and whipping which allow you to save space and time.

Flexible Shelving

In today’s marketplace, there is no need to put up with a refrigerator that has fixed shelving positions and minimal drawers. There are many models that offer great flexibility. These models offer adjustable shelves, multiple door compartments, and practical crisper drawers. This means that you can keep all your chilled items and produce fresh and organized. A well-organized refrigerator will make preparing a meal easier and reduce waste. You’ll be able to cook like a professional chef when you can have easy access to all your ingredients.

High-Quality Dishwashers

Presenting your guests with spotted dishes and dull silverware can be a little embarrassing, but you don’t need to spend hours hand-washing. There are lots of dishwasher models that offer superb cleaning. From powerful wash cycles to efficient drying features, you can ensure that all your dishes are sparkling clean when you serve your guests.

Today our kitchens need to fulfill many needs, but by carefully choosing new appliances, you can save money and time. There are lots of appealing appliances and features that can make your kitchen more efficient and easier to use. With the right appliances, you’re sure to have your kitchen be the envy of all your friends.

Every kitchen can benefit from standout appliances that can complete an overall aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for an attractive coffee maker or a sleek new dishwasher, the right appliance can create a fantastic new look for your kitchen. The right appliances can not only improve the aesthetics of your kitchen, but also enhance functionality to ensure that your kitchen is completely amazing.

If you would like to explore the range of attractive appliances, you can use this online collection or contact a home appliance expert for further help.

Tips for Positioning Your Oven Shelves for Perfect Baking

Baking is part science and part art form. Even if you’re following a recipe completely, you can still get unexpected results from your oven. If you want to perfect your baking skills, you may need to rearrange your oven racks or shelves. Most types of electric oven have a heating coil in the bottom to generate heat. This means that placing your racks too close can cause uneven baking and you could end up with sunken cakes and burned pastries. So, here are some tips to help you get your oven shelving placement correct for perfect baking results.

Consider What You’re Baking

Generally, the middle of your oven is the best place for baking. This provides the ideal position for air circulation and more even results. Remember that heat rises, so top and low rack positions can be very hot, as a result, your baked goods may get burned. Try to position your shelf in the middle rack position for the best results, unless you need a browned bottom on your dish. For example, while you may want an even bake on a cake, a fruit pie can be prone to a soggy bottom. So, while a cake is better in the middle of the oven, a lower shelf position is better for a pie. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid it becoming overbaked.

Plan for Multiple Bakes

If you need to bake several items simultaneously, you will need to plan in advance. Don’t just place your pans and cookie sheets where they will fit. You’ll need to reorganize the shelves for the best results before you start to preheat the oven. If you are baking two cakes, ideally, both pans should be on the middle shelf. If you want to bake trays of cookies, bake one at the top and one at the bottom, but keep a close watch on them to avoid burning. Items such as meringues can benefit from being placed at the top of your oven, as the hot position allows the meringue to color quickly without the filling heating up.

Check for Hotspots

All ovens are different, and some may be prone to hotspots. This can create uneven baking results if you are unaware where the hotspots are. You can easily check for hotspots using a cookie sheet and some slices of bread. Lay the bread on the sheet and bake until the slices start to brown. The browning pattern will indicate the hotter and cooler areas of your oven.

Watch and Rotate

Even if you have the ideal oven shelf placement, you can’t simply put your baking in the oven and forget about it. For perfect results, you’ll need to watch it and be prepared to rotate your cake pans, pie dishes or cookie sheets. If you’re baking an item for 30 minutes, set your timer for 10 or 15 minutes so you can rotate midway through baking. This will allow a more even browned finish and delicious results.

Repositioning your oven racks can improve the quality of your baking, for more even browning and avoiding scorching. With the correct rack placement, you can ensure that the recipe you follow creates picture-perfect results.

If you want to enhance your baking, you need to ensure that you have the right oven. By choosing an appliance that offers great flexibility, you can adjust your oven racks correctly for the best results

If you’re looking for a new oven, you can explore the options with this online collection of ovens, stoves, and cooktops or speak to a home appliance experts for a specialized service.