European Style

Get trending appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterBuilt-In Coffee MakersThe booming business in built-in coffee makers has caught many industry experts by surprise. Built-in coffee makers have been around for quite a while, but there has been limited demand until recently. European luxury appliance brands such as Miele, Gaggenau, and Thermador have had built-in coffee makers for many years. But now, U.S. competitors in the luxury space such as Wolf have added coffee makers, and other super premium brands such as Jenn-Air and Bosch have also entered the space.While built-in coffee makers are hardly a necessity, customers are stretching their appliance budgets to acquire automatic coffee makers in many kitchen remodels, and new semi-custom and custom homes. There are a host of feature differences from one device to the next. Some models can be connected to plumbing while others have water tanks that require filling by hand. One built-in coffee maker even stores your whole coffee beans and grinds them on demand. Other options may include automatic cleaning features, one or two cups simultaneously, frothing features, cappuccino option, and more.It's a good idea to do your research, or consult the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.  

French Kitchens vs. Open Kitchens Appliance manufacturers grind out tons of PR information about their products trying to capture our attention. It can be difficult to sift through the all the bombast and hype to find meaningful content. In a recent press release by a big appliance company describing kitchen design trends, the author conflates "European Minimalistic Design" with "open kitchen design". The pinnacle of interior design, open-concept, European-style minimalism is very trend-forward. They're two very different concepts. Open kitchen designs which have become so popular are not European at all, but an American trend. In fact, the French term "cuisines américaines" refers to a kitchen without a door. French kitchens have doors that can be closed to the rest of the residence.If a Parisian invites you to their home for dinner, you will be served in a dining area separate from the kitchen. You certainly won't get an opportunity to "help with the dishes" and your offer might be considered odd or even an insult. Typically, you'll find Parisian kitchens small and crowded with perhaps a microwave, but no room for the many countertop appliances we consider standard. The refrigerator is quite small since fresh food is purchased daily, but a washing machine is quite common in the kitchen. You'll be amazed at the incredible food that comes from a kitchen that seems to have almost no counter space at all. Of course, things are changing as American trends are spreading to Europe. Even

Pro-Style® Cooking Appliances are Changing The Pro-Look Gets a Sleek Update As professional looking appliances have gained popularity in luxury kitchens, they have often been mixed with sleek flush European style appliances. A Bosch or Asko dishwasher featuring a flush matching cabinet panel disappears into the cabinetry while nearby there is a Sub-Zero integrated built-in refrigerator with hidden hinges and door panels that match the adjacent cabinets. They're invisible as appliances and fit right in to the wall. Though it's not possible to do this with cooking appliances, manufacturers have made their cooktops and ranges much more sleek and contemporary-looking. This has become particularly noticeable recently, as even Professional Style appliances have become more flush, but still keep their Pro heritage. Check out the three entries below from Jenn-Air, Wolf, and Miele. Jenn-Air Jenn-Air's new 30" and 36" Pro-Style® cooktops have undergone a complete redesign. Not only have they added more power and new brass burners, but the surface of the cooktop itself is as near to flush as you can get without being inset into the counter. The heavy duty knobs still have a Pro look and feel, but they are somewhat less obtrusive. By the way, the term Pro-Style® is a registered Jenn-Air trademark. Wolf Wolf's new "M" Series Professional Oven still sports their signature red knobs, but also has touch electronic controls that work in conjunction with the knobs. Wolf has worked their magic by producing a jumbo oven with twin convection fans, yet it all fits