Finishes

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