Home Improvement

Choosing the right cooking surface unit Buying a New Rangetop vs a New Cooktop What?? Aren't rangetops and cooktops really the same thing? No, they're definitely not! For sure, if you ever try to replace a rangetop with a cooktop or vice versa you're going to find out very quickly that they are substantially different. In short, think of a rangetop as the upper portion of a range, including front facing knobs in the cabinet front. Think of a cooktop as a surface unit only, with the knobs on the countertop surface.Though you could find an electric rangetop if you looked hard enough (I think Viking and Electrolux make them), rangetops are most likely to have gas burners rather than electric elements. On the other hand, both gas and electric cooktops are commonly available in nearly all brands. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Well, since rangetops have the knobs in the front, they are very accessible, and make sense in a universal design, or for anyone who might have a difficulty reaching knobs that are on the countertop, especially the knobs in the back. Similarly, you might want to have knobs on the top to keep them away from small children. Remember though, all knobs require a push-and-turn movement to operate regardless of where the knobs are located. Also, If you're trying for a Pro-Style look, the rangetop is going to have more of this professional,restaurant type look. But,

Get the right features on your new appliancesAvoid costly mistakes in selecting plumbing fixtures and appliances Customers sometimes ask for basic appliances with no bells and whistles. However, it's important to be specific. Here's an example: After purchasing a "basic" dryer from one of the big box home improvement stores, this customer wrote:...no alarm to tell you when it is finished, had nothing but wrinkled cloths from day one because of this. Why would anyone build a dryer without an alarm is beyond me, not like you can stand next to it until it is done so clothes don't wrinkle."The truth is that the difference between a $299 dishwasher and a $399 dishwasher is not just $100. There are likely to be very important features missing on the entry level model such as delay start, heavy wash, or a sani-cycle. The time to find out about the features or bells and whistles on your appliance is before you purchase. If you wait until after your gas range has been in the home and used for a couple of weeks before you discover that you do not have a low simmer setting, it's too late.Here are some basic tips on getting the right features on appliances: Avoid "loss leaders". There's nothing wrong with buying an appliance that is advertised at a good price, but when you see something that is priced way below the market price for a comparable appliance ask the sales associate for an explanation. Get a sales associate

UAKC Wins Award from Top Social Media SiteSurvey and Analysis of 16 Million Monthly Users Reveals Top-Rated Building, Remodeling and Design ProfessionalsStudio City, February 4, 2014 – Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center of Calabasas and Studio City, CA has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The 14 years old Appliance and Plumbing Fixtures Retailer was chosen by the more than 16 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community.Get the Best Brands and Best Selection at the Best Prices. “Houzz provides homeowners with the most comprehensive view of home building, remodeling and design professionals, empowering them to find and hire the right professional to execute their vision,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community for Houzz. “We’re delighted to recognize Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center among our “Best Of” professionals for customer satisfaction as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”With Houzz, homeowners can identify not only the top-rated professionals like Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, but also those whose work matches their own aspirations for their home. Homeowners can also evaluate professionals by contacting them directly on the Houzz platform, asking questions about their work and reviewing their responses to questions from others in the Houzz community.Follow Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center on HouzzUniversal Appliance and Kitchen Center, a premier dealer of brand name appliances, plumbing fixtures, bathroom vanities and accessories, carries the most popular and innovative products at its