Freezer

Refrigerator and freezer temperatures can be tricky. Often the first sign that your appliance is malfunctioning is that it doesn’t seem to be cool enough. With many homeowners now focused on saving energy and having a greener home, is it really necessary to set your freezer to 0º? The FDA Stance According to the FDA, refrigerators should be set at or below 40º, while freezers should remain at 0º. Even energy conservation groups and sites adhere to this, with many advocating that while a refrigerator set 10º colder than necessary could be using 25 percent more energy, the appliance should be kept at 35 to 38º. So, with so many legitimate sources promoting the 0º stance, is there still reason to consider otherwise? There have been articles in the media that suggest that it is okay to adjust the temperature of both the refrigerator and freezer while keeping your food safe. In fact, when you look back at studies conducted in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, these temperatures were brought in to maintain food safety in the appliances of those eras. The temperature of 40º was chosen for refrigerators to minimize the potential for bacterial growth. This number continues to be important in the food industry today, even with the flash freezing and newer technologies today. Freezing temperatures are a little more complicated. There is a science behind obtaining the best temperature to slow or stop enzymes while preserving nutrients. Enzymes are responsible for the ripening and eventual rotting of

Trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle can be challenging. Fortunately, it need not all be hard work, as your appliances can be a great tool in helping you to eat healthier. High-quality appliances and some meal prep can help you to get the best from your kitchen appliances and adopt that healthier lifestyle. Organize Your Refrigerator Having easier access to healthier food choices means that there is less temptation to just grab your phone and call for takeout. Ideally, your food should be in easy to use containers, so you can grab what ingredients you need when you want to make a meal or snack. Prep some fruits and vegetables into slices and store them in containers or sandwich bags as a quick snack. If you want to encourage your kids to eat healthier, ensure that all the healthy snacks are on the lower refrigerator shelves within their reach. Plan Your Freezer Your freezer can be a fantastic resource and provide you with healthy ready meals when you need them. Try batch cooking healthier recipes and divide into portions for the freezer. These can be quickly defrosted and reheated on busy days. You can also make quick breads and muffins and store them in your freezer for a quick breakfast. All you’ll need to do is microwave them or up to 30 seconds. Set Your Rice Cooker to Work A good rice cooker can be the cornerstone of a healthy kitchen. You can cook almost any type of grain in

The refrigerators of the past were big, bulky and unattractive units that provided food storage solutions at the cost of style. But today’s models expertly blend both form and function, offering designs that match the aesthetic concerns of modern homeowners. If you want an attractive refrigerator that will ensure your food is perfectly organized, consider a French door refrigerator. French door refrigerators feature a spacious fresh food compartment on top, which is split in half by two side-by-side doors, with a freezer on the bottom. This configuration is a significant divergence from the traditional top and bottom mount refrigerators of yesteryear, leaving many consumers curious if they should consider a French door unit for their home. To help you make an educated decision, we’ve compiled details on the advantages and disadvantages of a French door refrigerator. Advantages of a French Door Refrigerator There are several valuable advantages to a French Door refrigerator, the most obvious of those being its unique layout. With two doors on top, you can easily organize items in a way that will help you keep track of all your foods and beverages. This design ensures that you don’t discover moldy fruits tucked in the back of your unit, because you’ll be able to organize food more effectively. Moreover, you’ll have easier access to all your fresh items, as you won’t need to bend down to a bin at the bottom to reach anything. French door refrigerators also tend to have wider shelves and larger door bins

Before You Buy a New FreezerReview of Many Freezer Choices Available at UAKCFull-Size FreezersIf you have a hunter in your family, live on a farm where you raise and butcher farm animals, or simply buy in bulk, then you may be a candidate for a full-sized freezer. It's great to have a utility room or other inside space for your freezer. Unfortunately though, it's often necessary to put your freezer in the garage. The downside of this is temperature variations may cause the freezer to work harder, and use more energy. Most likely you'll choose between a chest freezer and an upright freezer. Obviously, a chest freezer will take more floor space, and you may have to dig a little to find what you need, but chest freezers are less expensive. With an upright freezer, you'll have multiple shelves, and it will be easier to view and access the contents. Upright freezers are more expensive, and cost a bit more to run.Inside All Freezer optionsHaving All Refrigerators and All Freezers in the kitchen has become increasingly popular. Frigidaire has offered this option for a long time. The photo above is the latest offering of a matching refrigerator/freezer pair from Frigidaire Professional. Other brands such as Miele, Thermador, and Sub Zero also make various Column configurations of separate refrigerators and freezers. Dacor has now jumped on the band wagon with their high tech columns. The all refrigerator/all freezer is definitely worth consideration for a complete food preservation solution if you have

New Built-In Refrigerator IdeaOld Concept: Surprising New BenefitsElectrolux Twins at UAKCFor many years the folks at Frigidaire/Electrolux had been known for offering an All Refrigerator and an All Freezer. Selling them as a combination was not a new idea, but the concept was slow to catch on. However, this may be an example of an idea whose time has come. The current Electrolux Twins are part of the luxury collection of appliances in the Electrolux brand, and are being presented as a good choice for a built-in refrigerator/freezer.There is a lot to offer here:1. Full-size built-in refrigerator, and full size matching freezer (72" wide)While the products are mirror images of each other, and are clearly made to match, they are indeed separate and can be purchased that way if you just want an all refrigerator or an all freezer. The features are fully updated with LED lighting, slide out glass shelves, etc.There are trim kits (faux grills) available for both the top and bottom that are 72" wide, and visually tie the two units together. The doors are configured in the photo so that the refrigerator and the freezer each open in the center, just as you would expect on a traditional side-by-side refrigerator/freezer.2. Traditional compressor in the back.Standard built-in refrigerators have the compressor on the top requiring an 84" height. The Electrolux units have the compressor and machine compartment on the back in the bottom of the appliance, are easier to access and do not require the 84" height.

Look at What's Happening at DacorNew Dacor Appliances Coming to UAKCPrivately held Dacor has long been known as a standout in the Luxury appliance segment. Dacor has had geographic strength in the Western US where they were founded and where their headquarters and manufacturing facilities have been located. With great performance and some unique features, Dacor carved out a solid niche' in the cooking segment. To have a full line, Dacor outsourced most of the non-cooking products such as dishwashers and refrigerators. Now, however, Dacor is part of the giant Samsung company and we're getting a look at their strength and innovation in these newly launched Dacor products. The new Modernist Line from Dacor has a striking design that keeps some of Dacor's classic looks and features, but plants itself squarely in the forefront of 21st century styling and innovation.Let's take note of a few of the new enhancements in Dacor's new Modernist Line:The most striking thing to note in the new line is the new finish which Dacor describes as a "dramatic graphite color that accentuates and elevates the sophistication of any kitchen."The Modernist Line includes an updated version of Dacor's Pro Dual Fuel Range with a Steam option. Complete with digital controls, brass burners on the top, a burner that accommodates a wok, and a griddle. The touch controls are wi-fi enabled for remote operation.Dacor's recently launched refrigerated columns are now part of the Modernist Line, too. Below refrigerator and freezer columns

Getting your appliance repairedWhen NOT to call for repairLast week my wife informed me that our dishwasher was broken. When I asked her what the problem was she said it just didn't work. It wouldn't even start. I asked her if she'd been under the sink that day. "Sure" she replied, "but what does that have to do with the dishwasher being broke." "It's simple. It is unplugged." I said, pointing to the dislodged dishwasher cord on the back wall underneath the sink. This would NOT have been a time to call for a repairman.Before calling for appliance repair be sure that cords, hoses, etc. are all connected. Also, open the breaker box and make sure that no circuit breakers have been tripped. Review your operating instructions. There may be a "before you call for service" section in the back of the manual. This is all designed to avoid the embarrassment and cost of paying for a service call when the only thing the repairman does is flip a switch.When TO call for appliance repairBeyond the obvious disconnections or blown fuses, call for service. The last time I needed service was just a few years ago, when the bottom of the freezer section in my refrigerator became covered with ice. I knew exactly what the problem was. There was a defrost drain tube in the back of the freezer section that was clogged and wouldn't drain, causing water to drain on to the freezer floor and freeze into a large

More Undercounter Appliances From Sub-Zero and WolfSub-Zero makes Great Refrigerators and Freezers in Small Sizes Too!We've recently written about Wolf's 24" wide ovens designed to fit in small spaces (see below). NEW WOLF 24" WALL OVEN FITS IN SMALL KITCHENSNow, it's time to introduce Sub Zero's undercounter refrigerator and freezer drawers.Depending on the unit, these accessible undercounter appliances are available in 24", 27", and 30" widths. 30" Freezer Model ID-30FI comes equipped with an icemaker, while 30" Refrigerator Model ID-30R comes equipped with an internal water dispenser. All units are designed for convenience and accessibility, equipped with smart-touch controls, and soft-close doors. With Sub-Zero's legendary panelization options you may want your new undercounter appliances to blend in with surrounding cabinets. The soft-on LED lighting prevents that blinding light you experience on opening most refrigerators and freezers, and the responsive smart-touch controls make adjustments a breeze. It's not enough for Sub-Zero to offer all this convenience, accessibility, and soft-touch operation; they go the extra distance with elegant soft-closing drawers. The 30" freezer model ID-30FI is equipped with an automatic ice maker with a "Max Ice" feature that you'll love for parties. The 30" refrigerator model ID-30R has an internal filtered water dispenser. Of course, these units are going to give you years and years of dependable service and are backed up by Sub-Zero's exceptional 24/7 support.Here's what Sub-Zero has to say about their quality engineering and reliability:RIGOROUSLY TESTED TO ENSURE DEPENDABILITYEvery component of every single Sub-Zero unit is tested in our

Great Recipe for the big game How to Make Sweet Potato Fries With Garlic + HerbsINGREDIENTS2 Pounds Orange Sweet Potatoes 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil ¼ Teaspoons Sea Salt 3 Tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese 2 Tablespoons Flat-Leaf Parsley (chopped) 1 Garlic Clove (minced) Gather your ingredients. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Rinse and dry your sweet potatoes. Cut them lengthwise and slice them 1/2 inch thick, cutting them into small pieces, 3 inches long. Place potatoes in a medium sized bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and mix to coat. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Spread the potatoes out evenly on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning them over 1/2 way through until the potatoes are browned on the edges and tender. While the fries are cooking, roughly chop 2 tablespoons of parsley. Mince 1 clove of garlic. Grate 3 tablespoons of Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese. Toss warm fries with cheese, parsley + garlic. Enjoy! Recipe inspired by: Snapguide and http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/sweet-potato-fries-garlic-herbs.htmlNew Under Counter Appliances at UAKCUnder Counter Refrigerator and Freezer OptionsThere has been a trend over the last few years to locate more appliances conveniently under a counter in a wall cabinet or even in an island. Appliance manufacturers have long offered undercounter refrigerators, icemakers, and wine coolers. Now, we're seeing expanded offerings in undercounter freezers, beverage centers, and refrigerator or freezer drawers. Here are two examples of Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center brands that have an assortment of undercounter appliance offerings:Marvel "The new handcrafted Marvel and Marvel Professional

Stock up on Groceries and Save Money Wondering where to put all those fish from your recent outing? Want to store the fresh vegetables from the latest harvest. Big sale on meat at your local market? Sounds like you could use a new freezer! NOW is a great time to invest in a new Frigidaire freezer with the savings you can achieve during the Frigidaire Freezer Event. Frigidaire Freezer Event at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center Limited Time Offer: Save up to 25% until 9/12/15 Check out this terrific Frost Free Upright Frigidaire Freezer FFFH21F6QWFrigidaire 20.5 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer34" W x 27-1/2" D x 72-3/8" H NEW FRIGIDAIRE FREEZER WITH POWER OUTAGE ASSURANCE ArcticLock™ technology keeps food frozen for over 2 days in the event of a power outage. SPACEWISE® ORGANIZATION SYSTEM Offers organizational solutions you can customize to fit your needs like our SpaceWise® Adjustable Dividers and our SpaceWise® Adjustable Baskets with color-coordinated clips. SPACEWISE® ADJUSTABLE BASKETS WITH COLOR-COORDINATED CLIPS Find items faster with our heavy-duty color-coordinated plastic baskets that can help you organize items by categories or purchase date. FROST-FREE OPERATION Never defrost your freezer again so you can spend time on more important things. ARCTICLOCK™ THICKER WALLS Keeps food frozen for over 2 days if there is a power outage. ENERGY EFFICIENT Over 24% more energy efficient than Frigidaire’s 2013 models. SPACEWISE® ADJUSTABLE SHELF Easily adjust the shelf up and down to create more space for taller items. E ZONE A bin that remains slightly warmer