Finish

Review of the Latest Appliance FinishesChoices of Appliance Finishes Abound at UAKCThe last half of the 20th century began with most appliances having porcelain enamel on steel cabinets. Porcelain was durable and easy to clean, but the manufacturing process was expensive, porcelain was subject to chipping, and was not environmentally friendly. Eventually, porcelain enamel disappeared in appliance cabinets to be replaced by steel with powder coat painted exteriors or stainless steel. In the last decade, we've begun to see some different choices in appliance exteriors. While painted surfaces remain a standard for base appliances, more expensive stainless steel is enormously popular. In recent years, we've seen new smudge-proof Frigidaire and fingerprint resistant stainless steel in Maytag brand and others. They're still stainless steel, but they have properties that eliminate or greatly reduce the possibility of smudges and fingerprints. European luxury brand, Miele, has introduced a fingerprint resistant steel called CleanTouch, as a replacement to stainless steel.Even more recently, Black Stainless Steel has hit the appliance market and appears to be taking off. Black Stainless Steel is essentially stainless steel base metal with black painted finish. KitchenAid was the first to Black Stainless Steel, and it seemed to take off slowly. But now, it is available in more brands and seems to be rapidly taking hold as an alternative to the shiny stainless steel we see everywhere. Here are some of the brands that are now offering Black Stainless Steel appliances:Brands offering Black Stainless SteelKitchenAidSamsungLGDacorMaytagFrigidaire

GE Sale at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterGiant Fourth of July Sale at UAKCWe know that the July 4th is still a few days away, but it's important for you to know of the great savings opportunity available during the GIANT 4th of July Sale at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. There is so much on sale and, of course, this is GE.That means you can save on select GE and GE Profile appliances, including select GE Slate models.GE Slate appliances have a dark matte finish that hides fingerprints. While it is not stainless steel, it complements stainless, and other color finishes. It will look great with various finishes and surfaces. Best of all, it's easy to clean.For details on GE's rebate click below:GE FOURTH OF JULY REBATE For more information on major appliances or decorative plumbing fixtures, call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today.  

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.

Choosing Appliance FinishesStainless steel appliances are de rigueur these days. It seems that whether you live in a tract home or a mansion, you're going to end up with stainless steel. Everyone will tell you that you need stainless steel for you home's resale value, and there may be some truth in that. In addition, in some more exclusive brands, it appears that stainless steel is all that they offer.It wasn't always this way, but stainless steel gradually took over when people started expressing an interest in restaurant or commercial style appliances in their kitchen. Here are some of the other reasons homeowners give for choosing stainless:Sanitary "hospital" cleanliness.Doesn't rust or stain (Duh - it's stainless).Appealing, shiny appearanceEasily wipes offDurable finish - can't chipenhances resale value of houseSome products are available only in stainless (eg. built-in coffee maker)While stainless steel is not going away soon, there are many alternatives. White and black are still standard finishes for entry level brands. Frigidaire has a version of stainless steel that doesn't show fingerprints -really, it works. GE has a slate finish which clearly isn't stainless, it's a dull grey finish, but works for a faux stainless look without the disadvantages of stainless. It accepts magnets and doesn't require the polishing.Most premium brands will also offer white and black appliances with stainless upgrades, though I've heard of at least one brand offering customers a choice of only black or stainless appliances. Moving up to luxury brands, color

NEW Robern Styles and Finishes This year's KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) was not just a huge success in terms of attendance, but also the products and styles displayed created a buzz throughout the exhibit hall. Here are some of the Robern Vanities and more that helped create that buzz. TWICE THE STYLE Matching, side-by-side Adorn Vanities and M Series Cabinets with Reflexion Modular Lights create a stunning styling space for two. Integrated towel bars complete the thoughtful design. THE BEAUTY OF SIMPLICITY Uncluttered and remarkably sleek, the V14 Vanity has perfectly organized storage space for all your styling essentials. Pair with any Robern cabinet and Uplift Sconces for precise lighting that's perfect for shaving or makeup. MODULAR BEAUTY Available in nine Robern decorative glass colors and six Digital Wood™ options, the V14™ vanity offers exceptional customization. Gang cabinets horizontally or stack vertically for a seamless look that’s framed by the signature element, Brite Aluminum Trim. DETAILS, DETAILS In a powder room, style can make up for space. A slim vanity provides basic storage while allowing elements like a vessel sink or handsome wall-mounted faucet to shine. A Métallique cabinet brings a touch of Art Moderne to the look. Interesting content from Robern's blog: GRAY: MUCH MORE THAN 50 SHADES When you think of gray, what comes to mind? If it’s words like "drab", "dull" or "boring", you haven’t seen gray lately. The world is going gray, and that’s far from a bad thing. From furniture to fashion to

Breaking news in finishes for plumbing fixtures. Available through Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center We've recently covered Dornbracht's stylish fixture collections in the fashion forward CYPRUM finish, but a color that has this much elegance deserves more attention. So we're showing the new CYPRUM finish below in some different looks, and adding some more detail about this elegant rose-gold sheen. You can find the best variety of Dornbracht plumbing fixtures at the lowest prices at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC).Dornbracht has recently launched this entirely new finish that lends more style to the already stylish Dornbracht line - CYPRUM. Available only in the TARA and TARA CLASSIC collections, and in the single lever mixer PIVOT, here's how Dornbracht describes the CYPRUM finish:CYPRUM is a high-gloss finish produced using 18-carat gold and copper and is now available for the first time for kitchen fixtures. The dominance of cool white and metallic tones is passé in kitchens and interiors and individual style is increasingly characterised by warm tones and earthy, natural materials. Copper in particular is defining quality aesthetics as a contemporary fine metal. Dornbracht is adding a new rose-gold sheen to its fitting icons TARA and TARA CLASSIC, as well as its single-lever 360° range-of-motion mixer PIVOT, which it introduced in 2013. The colour of the galvanized finish is synonymous with elegance and opulence - characteristics which provide kitchens and interiors with emotion and individuality. CYPRUM

Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas at UAKC We're getting in the Holiday spirit by highlighting some of our favorite products of the year. Check back to this blog daily as we feature an innovative and luxurious gift idea for 12 days running, or click on the link below to check out the many values on the Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC) December promotion. UAKC Year-End Sale BlueStar™ Kitchen Colors at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterBeyond Stainless Steel BlueStar™, the manufacturer of professional cooking equipment for the home – takes color into another dimension with a new line of 10 textured paints and finishes that add depth and fresh appeal to kitchen appliances. With the addition of the Textures line, BlueStar is now available in over 750 colors and finishes, offering a new level of customization options for its discerning customers. “A big trend we've been seeing in recent years is related to texturing – in flooring, wallpaper, furniture and textiles. People want to be able to see the texture as well as feel it,” says Eliza Sheffield, vice president, Marketing, BlueStar. BlueStar has been a leader in color customization for nearly a decade. Now, this appliance innovator offers a new alternative to the typical stainless steel or white finish to help people make a unique statement in their kitchens. The new Textures collection includes three textures – River, Silver Vein, Mini Texture – for each of the existing 190

New Viking Built-In Refrigeration Products Available to order now at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center Viking is introducing a new 2-Series line of built in side by side and bottom mount refrigeration that boasts many enhanced and consumer demanded features. QUIET COOL ™ BUILT-IN REFRIGERATION Viking Professional built-in refrigeration offers cold storage options in a range of configurations that fit perfectly to your functional and styling desires. These professional quality refrigerator/freezers provide the ultimate in cold storage, with dedicated drawers and shelves to accommodate every item on your grocery list. Have your Viking Professional refrigerator blend seamlessly into cabinetry with custom panel options or further adorn your refrigerator by choosing from one of 12 exclusive finishes. QUIET COOL ™ BUILT-IN REFRIGERATION FEATURES ProChill™ Temperature Management System § Variable Speed DC Overdrive™ Compressor quickly chills food and saves energy § Single compressor system is one of the quietest, most technologically advanced compressors available § Electronic controls maintain even temperatures within one degree to keep food fresher longer § Odor Eliminator™ Evaporator removes odors and excess humidity § Maintenance free Super Clog Resistant™ Condenser prevents dust and other airborne particles from clogging the condenser Filter-Free Freshness § EXCLUSIVE Plasmacluster* Ion Air Purifier uses advanced ion technology to eliminate airborne bacteria, mold, and odors to enhance food preservation § Functions at 100% capacity and never degrades and never needs replacing *Plasmacluster™ is a trademark of Sharp Corporation Adjustable Cold Zone™ Drawer § Adjustable temperature and humidity controls keep food fresher longer § Intuitive

Buy More Slate - Get More Cash Save on GE Slate at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterWhat's new in appliances? Check out the all new Slate appliances from GE. Now available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, here's what GE has to say about the latest appliance finish: Welcome GE’s new fashion-forward finish, Slate: a color that is just as stylish and sophisticated as stainless steel but with a strong, earthy feel. From exquisite slate flooring to tasteful cabinetry, kitchens today have become more than just a place to prep meals. They have become a place for families and friends to come together and entertain.In the GE press release, Brian McWahter, brand general manager for GE Appliances said, "During our conversations with designers and consumers, they expressed their strong desire for an alternative to stainless steel. With the launch of Slate, we're offering a new finish that has a warm, rich look and feel that tested very well in our research."Sophisticated, modern with a twist of verve, and a dose of stunning. It’s a timeless new finish that beautifully blends in, to help you truly stand out. Leading characteristics of GE’s new slate finish Whether you are looking to replace a single appliance or remodeling your entire kitchen, GE’s Slate appliances are designed to blend with other stainless steel, black or white appliances, or make a statement by themselves. The Benefits of slate include: Resist fingerprints Easily complements other appliances Attractive color

GE New Slate Appliances on Sale Recently, GE launched Slate appliances - a collection of appliances in a new finish. Not stainless, and not glossy, but....well, SLATE. It's really quite attractive - substituting a longed after subtlety and quietness to the bright sheen of stainless. The slate collection is available now at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. We've written about GE's foray into a new appliance color/finish before (click below): NEW SLATE APPLIANCES Now, GE is offering savings up to $300 on purchases of select Slate finish appliances. A great way to save money on the latest new finish which some see as a cost saving alternative to stainless steel. There is certainly a lot of buzz right now on this new finish, and we've even heard some folks say that they prefer the look of slate - stainless without the "shine". Here's the offer from GE, but hurry it is only good until January 30th. Receive a Visa® prepaid card* valued up to $300 on select Slate finish appliances. Save $300 when you buy 4 Save $200 when you buy 3 Save $100 when you buy 2 Offer valid January 10 – 30, 2013. Call or vist the professionals at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today: NOW, two locations to serve you - Calabasas and Studio City: Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center facebook twitter