Self-Cleaning Ovens VS Steam Cleaning Ovens

These two types of cleaning options are the most popular methods for cleaning ovens today.

According to most reports, less than half of the consumers who own a self-cleaning oven actually utilize the self-cleaning feature.

Self-Cleaning Ovens:

This type of oven utilized extreme heat to clean the oven; temperatures can reach up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme heat allows the residue in the oven to be carbonized and literally turn to ash. The ovens smooth enamel coating makes it very easy to wipe away the left over ash created from the self cleaning cycle. While in the self-cleaning mode the range will become very hot to the touch and you need to make sure to keep kids away. The amount of energy required for this type of cleaning is extremely high and time consuming because the cleaning cycle will last around 4 hours where the oven is unusable until the oven temperature drops to a safe temperature. This cleaning method also gives off a very strong smell that many consumers dislike.

Pros:

• This is a very effective cleaning process that leaves the oven very clean.

Cons:

• Utilizes high energy to clean
• Extreme heat required for the job
• Long processing times
• Undesirable odors / smell from the process

Example:

• GE 27" Built-in Double Convection Wall Oven

 Steam Cleaning Ovens:

Like self-cleaning ovens a steam cleaning oven also utilizes heat to clean but only requires around 250 degrees Fahrenheit to do the job. This type of oven adds water to create steam that helps release the residue from the oven surface. This oven also uses a smooth enamel coating that makes removal of the leftover residue easy to wipe away. The cleaning cycle for this type of oven is usually around 1 hour making it easy to clean with more frequency. 

Pros:

• Very short time required for the cleaning (usually less than 30 minutes)
• No odor / smell
  
• More energy efficient due to utilizing lower temperature to clean
• This is a very effective cleaning process that leaves the oven very clean

Cons:

• Effectively cleans the bottom of the oven but struggles with the walls and back of the oven.
• My preference is the steam option but depending on your desires both have their pros and cons because who really wants to get on their hands and knees and scrub the inside of an oven with toxic chemicals?  

Example:

• Whirlpool 5.0 Cu. Ft. Single Wall Oven

Here is a detailed checklist about the proper way to use the Steam Clean feature:

• Do not use oven cleaners with Steam Clean.

• Use the Steam Clean feature as soon as possible after spills occur. The longer you wait the more difficult it may be to remove.

• Always allow the oven to cool before using the Steam Clean feature

• Do not open the oven door during the cleaning cycle because the water in the bottom is hot.

• Once the Steam cycle is complete, remove all remaining water and debris in the bottom of the oven.

• Wipe any remaining moisture from the oven door interior, oven cavity interior sides.

• For harder stains use a soft brush or nylon scrubber to wipe the oven interior.

Get in Shape for the New Year!

It’s the start of a brand new year, and if you’re like many people, one of your resolutions is to finally lose those ten pounds. But after the initial motivation of the new year has worn off, it can be tough to stick to your diet and fitness regimen and avoid temptations that can set you back from reaching your goals. Here are a few tips to keep you on track for the year so you can finally achieve the healthy lifestyle you want.

Set Your Goals and Stick to Them

Whether you seek to lose weight, build muscle, or simply improve your health by ramping up the level of fitness and good nutrition in your lifestyle, it is important to outline measurable objectives and milestones. This will not only help move you along on the road to wellness, but it can be very motivational to have mini-achievements on the path to the attainment of your overall fitness goals.

Do What You Love

Studies show that people are more likely to stick with a fitness routine if the activities that get them moving are something they actually enjoy. Don’t feel as though you have to be stuck on a treadmill in order to get in shape, unless of course that is something you legitimately like to do. While some people prefer high-intensity workouts such as boot camps and kickboxing, others may enjoy more low-impact cardio or dance-based aerobics like Zumba, or quiet, meditative practices like yoga. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, perhaps brisk walking or jogging in your neighborhood or hiking mountain trails is where you will find your fitness “happy place.” Whatever you do, if you make it something enjoyable that you look forward to doing, you’re less likely to find excuses to avoid exercise on a regular basis.

Make it a Habit

It has been said that in order for someone to form a habit of something, they need to do it for 21 days in a row. With this in mind, it is essential that you stick to your new fitness and diet plan every day when you’re first starting out. The rush of endorphins you feel from exercise combined with the feeling of accomplishment you receive from meeting your daily goal will become addictive in the very best way, and soon you’ll become one of those people who gets sad when they miss a daily workout. Making something a part of your daily routine and lifestyle is the easiest way to ensure that your healthy habits stick around for the new year and beyond.

Happy New Year! Share your resolutions with us in the comments section.

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.

Benefits to Convection Ovens over Conventional Ovens

Most people are familiar with the conventional oven.  They use radiant heat, usually dispersed through elements in the upper and lower oven. The problem with radiant heat is your cooking will be uneven due to the heat remaining fairly motionless. Because the elements are at the top and bottom of the oven best results are when the food is placed in the middle of the oven to help eliminate burning due to uneven heat within the oven. This limits your ability to utilize the entire oven for baking.

Convention baking uses forced air that is circulated throughout the entire oven through the use of a fan placed at the back of the oven. This eliminated hot and cold spots within the oven and the end result gives the food more visual appeal, texture, and flavor. This has proven to clearly be the choice of the future for baking.

Due to convection baking using forced air throughout the oven, this also cuts down on the overall cooking time and helps roasted foods stay moist and flavorful. It’s been said that forced air convection baking can reduce your time and energy up to 25% due to cutting the backing time down. You’ll also be able to utilize the entire oven space on any rack because of the even & consistent temperature caused by forced air heating.   Check out the Built-in Single Convection Wall Oven from GE.

    

Which Oven to Buy?

For those readers that are interested in converting over to a convection backing product, please start by checking out our website. Call our toll free number to speak to one of our specialists who will find you the right product for your personal needs. 

Time-Saving Holiday Cleaning Tips

The holidays are a time for family and friends coming together to celebrate the season and enjoy each other’s company. Unfortunately, this also means the holidays can be an often-hectic parade of parties, family dinners, and events that leave you with absolutely no spare time. How do you check all the items off your holiday to-do list and still keep your home presentable for all the guests (both expected and unexpected!) that may be popping by to share a cup of cheer? Follow these quick and easy housecleaning tips to keep your home in tip-top shape no matter what the holiday season throws your way.

Clean in Advance- This may seem like a no-brainier, but it’s worth mentioning that a little advance planning can save you a world of stress on the actual day of a party or dinner in your home. About a week prior to your holiday event, tackle the chores that can be done ahead of time, such as spot-cleaning any stains on your upholstery or walls, steam-cleaning the rugs or dusting the blinds. This leaves you free to do only a few last-minute housekeeping duties on the day of your party, and keeps the house looking tidy in the event of unexpected guests in the meantime.

Follow the 5-Minute Rule- If time has gotten away from you, see how much you can do in 5 minutes. Look at your house through the eyes of your visitors- chances are they aren’t taking in the minor details or running over every surface of your home with a white glove. (If they are, it’s time to find new friends!) Use your 5-minute window to go over surfaces with glass cleaner or furniture polish and a soft cloth, run the vacuum in the major traffic areas such as the living room rug, and wipe down your kitchen countertops. Also take a moment to make sure your bathrooms are clean and presentable with Clorox Wipes and a quick swish of the toilet brush. Boom! Instant clean house!

Grab a Laundry Basket- If it’s getting down to crunch time and you haven’t had any time to pre-clean and organize, don’t worry- just grab a laundry basket and make a general sweep of the areas of the house where guests are likely to congregate. Throw everything that is cluttering up your surfaces into the laundry basket, then stash it in a closet to deal with later. Sure, it’s cheating, but it will maximize your time, cut down on stress, and give you more time to spend with family and friends. Sounds like a win!

At the end of the day, remember that your loved ones are there to see you, not your sparkling clean house. Wishing you a stress-free holiday season!