Refrigerator Options

Refrigerators are usually the first appliance to choose when purchasing new appliances for several reasons.  Because of unique refrigerator sizes, it is difficult to choose other appliances before your refrigerator because you want to make sure that the biggest appliance will fit and match all other appliances that you get. Many times the brand will be determined by the size restrictions of your kitchen or any home restrictions.  Sometimes, even your front door or access to your kitchen can be the deciding factor on the size of your fridge. The majority of full size refrigerators have a height of about 70 inches to the top of the hinge and about 68.5 inches to the top of the case behind the fridge where the cabinet above the fridge will be located. There are also options for counter depth units.  The width of most full size refrigerators is about 36 inches and the depth is usually around 32 inches without handles.

Because of refrigerators large size in comparison to other appliances, it takes up a lot of visual space. Think carefully about how much room you’ll actually need for storing food before you start shopping. Unique sizes like 33 inch wide, counter-depth, 72 inch high, and built-in refrigerator models are all available. The finish options that are available are top mount, bottom mount, side-by-side, French door, and event 4 and 5 door French Door options. Many of these choices will be determined by the type of food you typically put in your refrigerator and if you have a secondary freezer that may make your freezer space less important.  Other factors to consider are water and ice dispensers that are available on the door, inside, or you can choose units without any dispenser.

Most if not all, French door units have an ice maker in the freezer, if it doesn’t have one on the door.  Most side-by-side units will have a dispenser on the door only a very small amount of those do not.  Counter depth units will decrease capacity by about 20% with a maximum of about 24 Cu. Ft.  Some full depth models of French door and four or five door units can get up to about 33 Cu. Ft. inside.  One thing to be very aware of is what you would determine as usable space for what you would put in your refrigerator which may be different from someone else. For instance, a 27 Cu. Ft. side-by-side might not be able to handle platters of food for someone who likes to entertain often. If you do like to entertain often you may want to look more into a bottom mount fridge, French door, or four or five door.  Also to consider is that most people use their refrigerator 85% versus their freezer 15% of the time.

In the end, there are many options to choose from, probably too many, but it is likely that you will find the perfect one that will accommodate for your kitchen and home needs. Give us a call if you have questions and stop by one of our stores to see them in person.

Why You Should Consider White or Black Colored Appliances

White and black appliances have been popular for many years; almost everybody has had them at some point in their lives and are some of the first colored appliances ever in kitchens. In recent years, many people have moved to the industrial stainless steel look. But don’t decide so quickly about getting stainless steel, you should still consider white or black appliances. Here are a couple of reasons why you should think about buying white or black colored appliances instead of stainless steel.

Cost

The materials used in white and black appliances are more affordable than stainless steel finishes in most cases. Because stainless steel is newer and more popular, the appliance cost can be a little more. If you are trying to save $100-$500 on appliances, consider buying white or black.

Durability and Cleanness

It is also more durable and can be easier to clean. Most stainless steel appliances show fingerprints, with having white or black more matte finishes; you won’t have to worry about that at all with these colors.

Lighting in the Room

White appliances give a warmer look to any kitchen. They literally feel warm, compared to other colors like black or stainless steel. Also with white appliances, light will bounce off of the appliance and make the room lighter in appearance.

On the other hand, picking black appliances can make the kitchen have a very dark color. Make sure that you have great lights if you choose to have darker colors in your kitchen. Black colors will absorb in the light and not reflect or bounce off of the room. If you like the idea of black appliances, make sure to have lighter colors in your countertops, cabinets, and/ or floors so you have lights bounce around the room.

Different Hues and Colors

One consideration to take into account is that all appliances should be paired with cabinets that compliment them. Placing these white appliances with white cabinets may give your kitchen a modern look or it may give a washed out look to your kitchen if there are no accents. White or black appliances also look fabulous when paired with a countertop that works with your color scheme.

Another thing to consider is that there is not one specific color that all brands use; there are different tones and hues of white and black available that also have different levels of gloss. Because of this, it is important to try and stay within the same brand so that the hue is the same and matches.

Summary

White appliances are perfect for someone who isn’t interested in the extra cleaning or cost that stainless steel appliances require, but are looking to brighten up the room. Black appliances are perfect for someone who does want to darken or balance out their room colors while also saving time on cleaning and who wants to save money. Only you can decide which appliances are going to be best in your kitchen. Let us know if you have any questions about picking the right finish for your appliances.

6 Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

One of the most popular appliance finishes is stainless steel. It can be a very classy look, but sometimes it can seem daunting to clean all of the fingerprints, especially if you have little kids. When you need to clean your stainless steel appliances there are a couple things to consider.

1. Use a cleaner made specifically for stainless steel and a soft microfiber cleaning cloth. DO NOT just use regular water and a paper towel. There can be minerals in your water that can harm the stainless steel and the paper towel fibers can get trapped in the grain.

2. NEVER use steel wool, steel brushes or other metal cleaning pads. Metal against metal will scratch your appliances leaving you with a not so pretty finish. This will also leave small carbon remnants that can be left in the steel which will leave a rusty looking finish which is not what you want.

3. Always wipe with the direction of the “grain” of the stainless steel.  If you look at the material you will be able to see if the striations in the stainless goes horizontal or vertical, whichever way they go that is the direction you want to wipe. This helps clean deep into the microscopic grooves where oxidation happens.

4. Be careful about the cleaner that you use.  Some cleaners leave a “greasy” film on the product and can be harmful to the environment. While some cleaners, such as Ecosential by Smart Choice, are formulated to clean while still being eco-friendly.

5. Pay attention to stainless steel handles. Sometimes the grime can stick to these areas the most. It might be best to take off the handles to get the sparkly shine. You should also wipe the area around where the knobs are as dirt and grime get trapped in these areas.

6. Don’t forget about the hood. If not careful, the hoods can buildup grease and dust very fast in those hard to reach areas. Make sure to get a ladder and wipe down these areas to get the perfect stainless steel look.

Stainless steel does require more cleaning, but with a little elbow grease it can stay beautiful just like it was brand new. Once you have these tips in your head and clean every few weeks, you will be so happy that you picked stainless steel appliances in your kitchen.

Why is Bosch 500 Series Dishwashers Rated so Highly???

Superb value is the simplest reason for the 500 series’ Bosch Dishwashers have high ratings. Here are 8 features that make these such a great value:

1. Low 44 decibel sound rating, one of the lowest in the industry.
2. “InfoLight”, a handy feature that projects a small red beam onto the floor beneath the dishwasher when a cycle is in operation. Since these are so quiet, this lets you know that it is on.
3. Convenience features like the optional split-apart cutlery basket, customized tines, and a 3^rd rack.
4. Three different handle designs and 3 different finishes make it very likely you will find one to fit your kitchen.
5. Each of these 500 series can be flushed-mounted with cabinetry to achieve a built-in aesthetic.
6. The 500 series dishwashers are made in the US, New Bern, North Carolina.
7. “AquaStop” leak protection, this will detect if the machine is leaking and automatically stop the cycle.
8. “Speed Perfect” cycle cuts average times in half. This cycle runs in about an hour, instead of the typical 2 hours. This cycle uses more water though. 

The 500 series comes in a variety of exterior colors. Check out this 24" Recessed Handle Dishwasher 500 Series in Black.

Need a New Freezer? Here’s What you Should Consider…

    So, it’s that time of year again….the garden needs to be harvested, you’re planning your fall hunting trip, you need to stock up at the grocery store….and you need a new freezer! 

  There are a few things to consider when purchasing your new freezer:

• What types of foods are we putting in this freezer?
• How long will the food be in the freezer?
• Where are you going to put this freezer?
• Should I get an upright, or a chest freezer?
• Frost-free, or manual-defrost?
• What size should we get?

    If you are looking for a freezer to use for your regular day-to-day grocery needs, then a frost-free upright unit might be good for you.  These units do not build-up with ice and are best served for the foods that your family will go thru on a regular basis. If you are looking for more long-term storage, then a manual-defrost chest type freezer would be best.  These units keep your food deep-frozen, while the unit may build up with ice, your food will not get freezer burned.  When you open a chest freezer, the cold air stays down in the freezer.  When you open an upright freezer, the cold air tends to escape.  Chest freezers can hold a lot of food; however, some may find that keeping an upright freezer organized is easier.

    If you are going to put your freezer in the garage, make sure that where you put it doesn’t reach below -5 or above 110.  Put it along a joining wall with your home.

A freezer will hold approx 35 lbs of food per cubic feet, so a 15 cubic feet chest freezer should store approximately 525 lbs of food.

Chest freezers come in a variety of sizes from 5 cubic feet all the way up to 25 cubic feet, and range anywhere from $145-$799

Upright Freezers are usually in the 14-21 cubic feet size and range between $399 & $899.

What’s the deal with all the choices?

     Walk into your friendly neighborhood appliance store and the first thing you’ll notice is a collage of color and material choices your appliances can come in.  Black, White, Stainless Steel, Slate, Black Glass, White Ice, Uber Glass Finish, Colored Stainless, Retro Colors, Modern Colors, Precious Metals, etc.  What happened to the good ol’ days when all you had to decide was whether you wanted a frost or frostless freezer?

     The truth of the matter is appliance manufacturers recognize consumers want more choices.  Everyone wants to make their home unique and “their own.”  Today’s appliance market offers more choices than ever to help accomplish this.  From a Big Chill Buttercup Yellow Retro Fridge to a BlueStar Infused Copper Gas Range; you can pretty much find whatever custom look you are going for in your home.  So get out there, look at what’s available and bring home something that will make your kitchen different than any other on the block.

Like one of these Samsung French Door Refrigerators? Find your perfect color here.

Omelet Muffin Recipe

These nutritious and protein-packed muffins are a great way to give your kids a healthy start to their day AND get them out the door in time for school!

Ingredients:

8 eggs

8 oz. cooked ham, crumbled

1 cup diced red bell pepper

1 cup diced onion

¼ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease muffin tin or line with paper baking cups.

Beat eggs together in large bowl. Mix ham, bell pepper, onion, salt, black pepper and water into the beaten eggs. Pour egg mixture evenly into prepared muffin cups.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until muffins are set in the middle.

Prep time- 15 minutes/Cook time- 20 minutes/Makes 8 muffins

Bust the Dust!

Does it seem like you are always dusting? No matter how often I dust, it seems like a fine layer has settled back on every surface of the room before I’ve even finished! Although there is no way to ever completely get rid of dust, here are some tips and tricks for keeping it under control so your home can have a clean, dust-free appearance.

Throw out the feather duster. Sure, you may feel like a cute French maid while using it, but that doesn’t change the fact that you are essentially just moving the dust from one surface to another, not getting rid of it. When we dust off the top of a table or the entertainment center with a feather duster, we are just sending that dust airborne so that it can be redistributed on another surface of the room. Dusters like the Swiffer 360 are designed to trap and hold dust, which is better than the feather duster (and still looks very cute, actually!) but if you really want to banish dust long-term, consider using your vacuum with the crevice tool attachment to dust things like blinds, lampshades and hard-to-reach places like the ceiling fan.

Change those air filters. We live in an area with a high pollen count in the spring and summer months, and we have two dogs who shed like it’s their job to do so. Needless to say, it can become pretty obvious that it’s time to change the filters in our furnace and A/C unit when we let it go for too long. Try to change your filters once every three months, and you will see the difference in the amount of dust and dander you have to keep up with in your cleaning routine.

Close your windows. Yes, it’s tempting to keep the windows open during the spring and summer to reduce air-conditioning costs, but it’s also a great way to let in every speck of dust from the great outdoors. Dust particles move around naturally in the wind, so a delightful spring breeze is bringing a lot more than you think into your home. Keeping your windows closed, especially during high-pollen times of the year, will cut back on dust particles in your house and hopefully keep hay fever symptoms at bay.

How to Extend the Life of Your Appliances

When it comes to household appliances, a little preventive maintenance can go a long way. In order to get the most mileage out of your appliances, here are some cleaning and repair tips to help keep everything running smoothly.

Refrigerator- A refrigerator is one of those appliances we never really think about until they stop working. While the average lifespan of a refrigerator is 13 years, they can break down long before that without proper care.

What Should I Do? Once every 3 months, set a recurring reminder on your smartphone or computer to clean the fridge coils. Use a long-handled refrigerator coil brush ($8.98, Amazon.com) to clean around the condenser coils located underneath the fridge. You can also use the crevice tool of your vacuum cleaner if you prefer. This will remove the buildup of dust, crumbs and pet hair that accumulates. Make sure to wipe down the door seals and gaskets that keep the fridge door securely shut at this time; even small amounts of gunk can cut down on the fridge’s effectiveness to keep the cold air inside.

If your fridge model produces filtered water from a dispenser, it is recommended that you replace the filter once every 12 months. This will keep water tasting fresh.

Range- While a range typically has a 13-year lifespan, taking good care of it can boost its performance and cut down on costly repairs, giving it a longer life.

What Should I Do? For gas ranges or electric ranges with burner plates, soak the burner caps and rings in soapy water to remove residue, and use a thin sewing needle or paper clip to poke through the little holes where the gas comes through the burner to clear them of any debris.

If you have a smoothtop range, make sure to wipe down the glass cooktop regularly, using a damp rag or, in the case of dried-on food, a non-abrasive cleanser specially formulated for glass cooktops. Smoothtop ranges generally require less maintenance than their gas counterparts, but leaving spills behind can cause pitting or damage to the surface if not cleaned regularly.

Dishwasher- A dishwasher has an average lifespan of 9 years, but many dishwashers find themselves in need of repair or replacement long before that if they are not cared for properly.

What Should I Do? A thorough wipe-down of the dishwasher door gaskets, doorframe and hinge will keep the seal nice and tight, avoiding common problems like water leaks during wash cycles. Also, if your model has a removable filter, it is a good idea to rinse it out regularly to avoid nasty buildup which can affect performance, not to mention make your dishwasher stink.

Microwave Oven- With an average 9-year lifespan, the microwave is an appliance that doesn’t seem to need much maintenance at first glance, but can definitely benefit from a few performance-boosting, life-extending tips.

What Should I Do? Cleaning the interior of the microwave regularly with a damp cloth can help prevent buildup of food particles, keeping the microwave in good working order. If you have an over-the-range type microwave, make sure to clean the grease filters from the vent hood once a month by removing them, soaking them in soapy water, rinsing and drying before replacing. Some vent hoods have charcoal filters, which need to be replaced every 6-12 months.

Garbage Disposal- Though we typically don’t think of our garbage disposals when we think of our household appliances, they are definitely a very important part of our kitchen, and can be quite costly to repair. The average lifespan of a garbage disposal is 12 years.

What Should I Do? To keep the blades sharp and free of buildup, grind up a couple of ice cubes periodically. To reduce odors, throw lemon or orange peels in there and grind them up at least once a month. Never put large quantities of rice, noodles or grease down your disposal, and always use cold water when running the disposal, and for a couple minutes afterward, so fat and grease deposits get washed away.

Washing Machine- With an average lifespan of 10 years, your washing machine can last you a long time if you pay attention to it and take good care of it.

What Should I Do? Make sure your washing machine is hooked up to stainless steel mesh drain hoses, which last much longer than rubber ones. Also, wipe out the detergent dispenser drawer regularly to ensure that the detergent flows out as intended without any clogging or buildup. If your machine is a front-loader, wipe the door gasket seal dry after each use, which will prevent odor-causing mold and mildew from forming.

Dryer- Your clothes dryer is made to last 13 years on average, and the importance of keeping it clean is essential for not only extending the life of the appliance, but for basic safety as well.

What Should I Do? Clean out the dryer lint filter before or after every single load without exception. Once a year, use the same long-handled brush you use to clean your refrigerator coils to clean out your dryer vent, or use the crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner. If you are unable or unwilling to clean out the dryer vent yourself, you can hire a pro to take care of it, but beware- prices generally start around $200. Not only does lint buildup reduce the efficiency of your dryer, but it can also cause the dryer to overheat and catch on fire.

Vacuum Cleaner- On a personal note, this is the appliance that breaks down most often for me. The average lifespan of a vacuum varies based on the model, but I find myself having to buy a new vacuum once every 1-2 years. That can’t be right!

What Should I Do? Not many models have vacuum bags anymore, but if you are in possession of a bag model, the bag should be changed once a month, more frequently if you have a pet. You should clean or replace your filters once every 6 months (many models can be rinsed clean), and every 8 weeks the HEPA filter should be cleaned out as well. This will improve the airflow for maximum performance. Once a year, or sooner if the brush roll is making a vibrating noise, belts should be replaced. If your belts are too loose, they can make the brush roll turn too slowly, causing less dirt to be captured. Too-tight belts can cause excessive wear on the motor, though, so make sure they fit just right!

Repair or Replace? What Should You Do?

Household appliances get so much daily use, sooner or later they’re bound to give out. But when do you know when it’s time to replace those appliances, and when should you opt for a good repair service to come and fix it instead? In this informative article from Douglas Trattner at Houselogic.com, you can learn when it is more beneficial to try to get your non-working appliance repaired, and when it’s time to call it a day and go shopping for a replacement. Here is a brief overview of the good advice in the article- hopefully it can help you decide whether to repair or replace.

It’s turned on, right? Determining whether an appliance is really broken, as opposed to not turning on due to a faulty circuit breaker, clogged filter or, perhaps most obviously, not being plugged in. Make sure you check to see that your appliance is properly hooked up and switched on before you run out and buy a new one.

Is it still under warranty? If your appliance is still covered even in part by a manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll want to call and see if they can offer assistance with repair (or maybe even see if they will send you a replacement) before running to the store.

Is it at the end of its life? Nothing lasts forever, and that even includes the best-made appliances. If your washer suddenly stops working after 12 years of use, take comfort in knowing that it actually surpassed its typical 10-year lifespan, and make plans to purchase a new model.

Follow the 50% rule- This rule basically states that if an appliance is more than 50% through its lifespan (see handy chart in the body of the Homelogic article to determine the lifespans of various appliances), and if the cost of repair is more than 50% of the cost of buying new, then you should replace the appliance rather than try to get it repaired. For example, if your refrigerator suddenly goes out at the age of 5 (less than half of its 13-year average lifespan), and the repairman wants to charge you $400 for the part it needs, you should go ahead and get that repair done because it is less than 50% of the typical cost for a new refrigerator.

DIY- Don’t be afraid to have a go at repairing appliances yourself…but do know your limits. My father-in-law was a great tinkerer, and could fix just about anything he encountered with the aid of his handy toolbox, decades of experience as a mechanical engineer and tons of patience. Me-not so much, but even though I (probably wisely) shy away from any repairs that involve opening up an appliance and messing around with its insides, I can still pull out the manual and troubleshoot minor issues, such as oven calibration, frost accumulation in a freezer or a lopsided dryer due to a missing foot. As long as you are careful and don’t bite off more than you can chew, repairing appliances on your own could not only potentially save money in repairs or replacements, but you will feel like a super-genius!

Beware hidden replacement costs- Uh-oh! Your shiny new stainless steel refrigerator won’t fit in the tiny space previously occupied by your old fridge. Oh no! Your fancy new range has so many cool new features that you need to add extra electrical wiring to make it work! Be sure to research the total cost of upgrading your appliances, and try to choose replacements that are similar to the old ones in size and ability unless you wish to make all the necessary modifications for something new.

Which appliance do you think you’ll have to replace next? Tell your story in the comments section.