Insulation

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.

Three Modern Refrigerator ImprovementsAvailable at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC)It's been several decades since the average American family relied on an "Ice Box" to keep food cold. In fact, most of us have never owned a manual defrost refrigerator. Today, we not only take for granted that we're going to have an appliance that will keep frozen food frozen, and cold food cold, but we also expect our refrigerator to dispense water and ice, all the while using about the same amount of energy as a 60 watt light bulb. Twenty-first century refrigerators are really a credit to remarkable and steady advances in technology. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center carries all the major refrigerator brands at popular prices as well as the luxury brands. They also carry several of the specialty refrigerator brands.1. Compressor technologyToday's compressor's are much smaller and run far quieter than the big piston model that would noisily pump away inside the old porcelain lined monster "fridge" of Ozzie and Harriet's day. A variable speed refrigerator compressor in 2014 might run 100% of the time changing speed based on demand for cooling from various sensors, and even factoring in usage patterns.2. Improved insulation.Fiberglass blankets have been replaced by blown in polyurethane foam-in-place insulation. Better insulation can not only reduce energy usage, but can also strengthen the refrigerator walls and increase the capacity.3. Defrost technology."Frost-free" refrigerators have been around for decades. Traditionally, a frost free refrigerator goes into a defrost cycle automatically after a certain number of