Cooktop

Like many major appliance purchases, the final choice comes down to a comparison between price, performance, and functionality. Many people use their kitchens in different ways, and there is no single right answer. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the available choices, how they differ, the main benefits, and more. Hopefully, this will help you to make an informed purchasing decision when you upgrade your kitchen appliances. Understanding the Major Differences It’s important to understand the terminology because many people use cooking appliance terms in an interchangeable manner, and this can be confusing. A kitchen range is best defined as a combination of a cooktop with an oven. A cooktop may also be known as a stove or perhaps a stovetop depending on the manufacturer or where you live. A kitchen range is an all-in-one appliance because it is possible to purchase and install an oven and a cooktop separately. 4 Benefits of a Kitchen Range A kitchen range has historically been one of the most popular appliances in a kitchen, and this trend is set to continue in the future. Let’s take a look at the four benefits of buying and installing a kitchen range in your home. A kitchen range is a more affordable option when compared to buying and installing a separate cooktop and oven.Installing a kitchen range is easier.This is a more space efficient option.Many modern kitchen ranges are aesthetically pleasing and form a focal point for the entire kitchen. The main

Whether you’re a keen cook or just use your cooktop to reheat leftovers, you’re likely to have experienced the frustration of cleaning a cooktop. Over time, your cooktop can build up grime, gunk and baked on spills. This can make cleaning an unpleasant chore, but there are some tips and tricks to make cleaning easier. Get the Right Tools Liquid surface cleaners and paper towels are often sufficient for light cleaning of an electric or gas cooktop, but if yours is particularly dirty, you may need additional tools. Cooktop cleaning brushes are inexpensive, but can be used to brush debris off or break up tougher grime spots. Burned on residue can be removed using a razor scraper, just take care not to scratch the surface. Assess Natural Cleaners While you’re likely to find lots of kitchen cleaning sprays at most grocery stores, you may not need these often pricey solutions. You’re likely to have two of the most effective cleaners already in your kitchen: Lemon and vinegar are not only cheap, but also powerful. Lemons can be used to great effect with baking soda. You just need to sprinkle baking soda lightly on the surface and rub it with lemon before you wipe with a damp cloth to clear the remnants. Vinegar can be used in a one part vinegar, two parts water solution. Put this in a spray bottle for everyday cleaning. Wipe When Warm While this is not a great tip for cleaning a mess right now, but

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center Offers Industry FirstLeader in Downdraft Venting, Jenn-Air Launches First* Downdraft Induction CooktopDowndraft cooking is not new. Jenn-Air lays claim to the first downdraft cooktop in the industry back in the 60's. And the first induction cooktop goes back even further. But, according to current Jenn-Air management*, this Jenn-Air induction downdraft cooktop is an industry first.The benefits of this combination are really impressive. Induction cooking is often referred to as having all the advantages of gas cooking but none of the disadvantages:Benefits that Induction Cooking shares with Gasinstant on/instant offprecision control, and powerful cooking capabilities.Adding the benefits of Jenn-Air pioneered center-downdraft to induction cooking is a perfect match:center downdraft effectively captures smoke and odor near the sourceeliminates the need for a cumbersome, unsightly overhead hoodimproves sight linesinstalling cooktop on an island becomes more practical without vent hoodIf outside venting is not possible, a Jenn-AIr duct-free vent kit is available as an accessory Here's what Jenn-Air has to say about this exciting new addition to their cooktop lineup:POWER AND PRECISION NEVER LOOKED SO STUNNINGJenn-Air introduces its first Induction Downdraft cooktop*. This sleek cooktop combines the power and precision of induction cooking with the design flexibility of downdraft ventilation.This groundbreaking ventilation system is perfect for homes that do not offer exterior venting. It captures smoke, steam and cooking odors while expelling them through a filter and recirculating them into clean air.The elegant Euro-Style with lighting accents creates a seamless look with easy-to-clean black glass.While this is clearly an

NEW TO MARKET, IT'S THE WOLF INDUCTION RANGETwo New Induction Ranges from WolfExclusive - Only Induction Range Available in 36" SizeInduction cooktops are very popular and many of the cooking brands have a variety of them. For example, Bosch has 8 models of induction cooktops. Though induction cooktops have been available in one form or another since the 1980's, it's been the last 10 years that induction has really caught the attention of American consumers. While induction cooktops are widespread, fewer brands have been offering induction ranges. Now that seems to be changing, too. Wolf has taken it a step further by introducing both a 30"and an exclusive 36" wide version. One might think that's just not a big deal, but I'd disagree. In the luxury category 36" ranges are very common. So, being the only manufacturer of a 36" induction range is a big deal.But let's back up a bit and discuss why induction is making its mark in the range category as a whole. It's no secret that cooking with gas is a strong preference in Southern California. Unfortunately, there are instances where gas fuel is not available or practical. Induction to the rescue! With all the speed and power of gas (and then some), precision controls, and easy cleanup, it's hard to argue against induction. All the benefits of gas with no flame! The smooth top is attractive and contributes to a sleek look across the countertop. The 30" version has 4 induction elements, and the 36"

Where did the porcelain go? Back in the day, nearly all major appliances used porcelain somewhere. Dishwashers had porcelain tubs. Washers and dryers had porcelain tops and lids, and most washers had porcelain tubs. Early ranges used porcelain everywhere, and even today ranges use porcelain oven interiors and many have porcelain tops. Refrigerators evolved from porcelain inside and out (including crispers and liners) to now having no porcelain whatsoever. Porcelain finishes were desirable and manufacturers bragged about them.Making porcelain on steel appliance parts is a complex and expensive process. In addition, environmental issues exist not only at the manufacturing level, but also in disposing of appliances at the end of life. Therefore, over time manufacturers have greatly reduced the use of porcelain in appliances.Inexpensive dishwashers now have plastic tubs, and upscale models feature stainless steel interiors. Refrigerators have plastic crispers and interiors which also allow energy-saving foam-in-place insulation. While you might find washers and dryers with porcelain tops, many now feature a high gloss, durable, painted finish. Inside, very few washers have porcelain tubs. Inexpensive washers might have plastic tubs, while the premium models have tubs made of stainless steel. However, range ovens and built-in ovens still use primarily porcelain for their oven interiors.As a consumer, you should take note of the appliances you have that have porcelain finishes or interiors. When it comes time to dispose of these products, they'll need to be properly recycled. Check local or state regulations and find a certified recycling center for your appliance.

Coming Soon from MieleNew Induction Cooktops and Matching "Smart" Vent HoodsMiele has announced new induction cooktops debuting in November 2015 along with new Con@activity Vent Hoods that wireless turn on automatically when the cooktop is engaged.The new induction cooktop line is available in 30", 36", and 48" widths and includes advanced features described by Miele below:Key Features: Flexibility - four different widths – 24in, 30in, 36in and 42in Availability of two cooktops without a frame for flush-mounting only (30in KM6365 and 36in KM6375) Enhanced controls for easier operation of the cooktop: Direct Selection (24in unit) and Direct Selection Plus (30in, 36in and 42in units) New “PowerFlex” cooking zone usable for one big pot with up to 7.7kW, two pots or for an induction-ready casserole (like the Miele HUB62-22 new induction-ready casserole). Automated wireless communication between new Induction Cooktops and certain Miele Ventilation Hoods, called Con@ctivity 2.0, which enables consumers to fully enjoy cooking.The new models will be available from Miele on Nov. 30, 2015, but can be ordered as soon as November 1st. Below is a photo and description of the new 36" flush mount frameless induction cooktop from Miele.KM6375 (Flush-Mounted Frameless 35 7/8"wide)Con@ctivity 2.0 function - Automatic controlThe new Miele hood features a communication function which enables the automatic control of the hood based on the operational status of a Miele cooktop.The cooktop transmits information about its operational status to the hood using a radio signal.– When a burner is turned on, the cooktop lighting on the hood turns

Bosch at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterAs part of BSH, one of the largest worldwide appliance manufacturers, Bosch has been on the move lately, introducing a complete new line of premium appliances in the last couple of years.We've always been on the lookout for new appliance models, but more specifically, we look for products that fill a niche' in our market. That's why it's good news when we see a 24" cooktop to fit neatly in a pre-existing 24" lower cabinet. It's especially good news when said cooktop is a gas cooktop, because gas is by far the fuel of choice in Southern California. So here's the scoop on the new Bosch cooktop: 24" Gas Cooktop500 Series - Stainless SteelNGM5455UCThe Bosch 24" Gas Cooktop offers a premium, modern look in a small package. The cooktop includes a 11,500 BTU burner, one simmer and two medium burners, allowing for the flexibility to cook from high heat to simmer. Automatic reignition ensures the burner will automatically reignite if the flame goes out. 11,500 BTU Burner for Faster Boiling Time Heavy-duty Metal Knobs for a Premium Look and Feel Low-Profile Design for an Integrated Appearance Centralized Controls for Easy Use and Intuitive Operation of the Cooktop Cooktop Design Coordinates with Bosch Ovens and Ventilation Sealed Burners Prevent Spills from Entering the Burner Box Push-to-Turn Knobs Automatic Electronic Re-Ignition --In Case Flame Goes Out, the Burner is Automatically Re-Ignited LP Conversion Kit Included for Easy Conversion from Natural Gas to Liquid PropaneCheck out other

Budget Kitchen Remodels 3 Great tips - 1 Bad idea I've been searching online for good ideas to remodel a small kitchen on a budget. Not necessarily a full redo, but just a few things that might help perk up the room. Below are three of my favorite tips, and one that I really don't like much at all. 3 Great Tips Paint can solve a lot of problems. Need some contrast or brightness in a drab kitchen?Want your backsplash to stand out? Visit a paint store. Take photos of the kitchen and bring in samples. I really prefer the freestanding paint stores over the big box stores. These guys really know paint, and can give you good advice. Of course, if your working with a design professional she or he will be your color expert. Cabinets dominate the space in your kitchen, but replacing cabinets can blow your budget. Think about painting those wood-stained cabinets. White is very popular these days, and will give your kitchen a bright, updated look. Here are some other ideas that can add some drama to your kitchen. If you can spare the storage or move it elsewhere, consider removing some or all of your upper cabinets. It's amazing how much volume your kitchen will gain. For many of us who are...ahem, vertically challenged, those upper cabinets aren't practical anyway. Consider installing some shelves in the free space or even wall brackets to hand pots on. Another idea is to just remove the cabinet

Up to $2500 in Rebates Expiring March 31stDon't lose out on up to $2500 Savings on Wolf and SubzeroWhat a shame it would be for you to wait until April 1st to purchase your Sub Zero and Wolf appliances. If you rush in to Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center before April 1, 2015 you could be getting up to $2500 in rebates on Sub Zero and Wolf Appliances.Don't leave $2500 in the Sub Zero coffers when they're ready to give you the instant savings until the 31st of March. Get to your nearest Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center now. Here's how it works:Buy a qualifying full-sized Sub Zero refrigerator and a qualifying Wolf Range or Wolf cooktop and oven, and get $1000 Rebate.Add up to 6 additional products and get $250 each for up to an additional $1500.What's not to like about Sub Zero and Wolf, America's premier High-End refrigeration and cooking brands. Made here in the USA, Sub Zero is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2015.Click here to download the rebate form:Sub Zero Wolf RebateClick below to view the available Sub Zero and Wolf models:Sub Zero Appliances at UAKCWolf Appliances at UAKCVisit the UAKC's Sub Zero Wolf Living Kitchen to experience America's favorite luxury brands. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center is Southern California's leading supplier of major appliances and plumbing fixtures. Call or visit today. 

Perimetric Ventilation A New Way of Venting Cooking creates smoke, odors, and airborne particulates. Vent hoods are needed to remove all this from the kitchen. For the most part, vent hoods do this with fans that pull the air from over the range or cooktop into the hood, through filters, and exhaust the air out. In the last few years, some hood suppliers have been using a perimeter suction system. Quite simply, rather than pull the air through large openings under the hood, the perimeter system creates suction by reducing the size of the openings to slits around the perimeter of the hood. Here are some of the appliance and vent hood companies now offering perimeter vent hoods: Whirlpool Whirlpool has recently introduced a chimney-style hood featuring perimeter venting with this claim: Perimetric venting technology concentrates kitchen hood suction to targeted zones on the cooktop while also reducing noise, an important feature considering that this hood has a powerful 400 CFM fan. The hood can provide even more noise reduction with the optional attic mounted in-line fan. Jenn-Air Jenn-Air was an early-adopter of the perimetric venting system with it's high fashion picture frame wall-mounted vent hood. It can be a nice focal point in the kitchen, and provides a powerful 600 cfm blower which is ideal as an accompaniment to one of Jenn-Air's powerful cooktops or ranges. Elica Speaking of fashion statements, Elica's Mini OM hood has perimeter ventilation which draws air through a narrow channel around the circular face