New Appliances

A kitchen remodel can be a fun way to improve your home, but it can be a costly process. If you want to set your budget, you may end up asking yourself if you should replace your appliances during your remodel. Aesthetics While price is an important factor in your remodel, you do need to think about how your current appliances will impact the overall aesthetics. There is no point in going to the expense of new cabinets and countertops if the eye will be drawn to tatty, old appliances. Unless you are planning on putting your appliances behind cabinetry, you will need to take an honest look at the appearance of your appliances. Most kitchen appliances can have a tough life, and this can show in the finish. So, if your white appliances are looking a little yellow or the shine has gone from your stainless steel finish, it could be time for an upgrade. You also need to think about the new look of your kitchen. If you’re going for a more traditional look, contemporary appliances will look out of place. Functionality You also need to consider the functionality of your appliances. If your oven struggles to get to the desired temperature, your fridge tends to run hot or your dishwasher is prone to leaks, these appliances have no place in a new kitchen. You should also think about whether a new appliance with the latest features will add to the functionality of your kitchen. If your appliances

When you’re remodeling your kitchen, there are lots of things to plan and budget for. One of the most difficult decisions is should you buy new appliances for your new kitchen. While you may want the aesthetics of a shiny new appliance, what should you do if it is basically in good working order? So, here we’ll explore the argument for replacing each of your kitchen appliances. Refrigerators The refrigerator is likely to be the hardest working appliance in your home and it is vital to keep your food safe for consumption. The average lifespan of a typical refrigerator is 10 to 15 years, but the older the appliance is, the less likely it is to be energy efficient. Today’s energy efficient models use up to 60 percent less energy compared to models made in 2000. However, you can expect to pay $900 to $8,000 for a new refrigerator depending on the type, size and features. So, you need to think about the expense vs the savings. If your refrigerator is only five or so years old, you are only likely to save less than $20 a year on your energy bills by upgrading. However, if your appliance is older, there is the potential to save up to $200 a year. Ranges A range is typically one of the most durable kitchen appliances and you can expect it to last up to 20 years with maintenance and some minor repairs. A new model can cost $650 to $2,000+, so if

Buying new appliances is often the most expensive element of a kitchen renovation. Unfortunately, the aesthetics of the best cabinetry, countertops, and accessories can be immediately compromised by old appliances. A brand new kitchen is just not complete without new appliances, but from July 1st, you can continue to save on your kitchen renovation with the Dacor Jumpstart Rebate program at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center in Studio City or in Calabasas. This new rebate program features a simple two-step process to ensure that you can save thousands of dollars on your new kitchen appliances to complete the look of your sophisticated and sleek new kitchen. So, if you’re planning a new kitchen or want to give your existing kitchen a new look, there has never been a better time to explore the Dacor range and enjoy some fantastic deals and savings. The Rebate Program The Dacor Jumpstart Rebate program has been designed to help you jump start your dream kitchen. Selected Dacor models are available with exceptional rebate offers to help you to plan your new kitchen. Refrigerator models are available with up to $1,000 as a mail-in rebate, while there is a $500 rebate on selected ranges, rangetops, cooktops and wall ovens. Additionally, you can enjoy a free dishwasher and 50% off ventilation when you buy refrigeration and cooking together. You will be able to select a choice of specific dishwasher models at the time of your purchase. This adds up to best-in-class offers and rebate opportunities that

The recently announcement on a new tariff is likely to have an impact on appliance pricing throughout the industry. So, here we will explore this tariff in a little more detail to explain why it may affect your new appliance purchase. The Tariffs Whether you agree with the principle of the latest tariffs or not, the reality is that it is likely to have some impact on your new purchases. The tariff will affect any goods that are made using aluminum or steel. The 10% tariff on aluminum and 25% tariff on steel is effectively an import tax on all countries except Mexico and Canada, although very recently Mexico and Canada were also added back into the mix. While only aluminum and steel sourced from foreign countries may be likely to be affected, many industry experts believe that the whole industry will rise with the new tide. The new tariff provides Canadian, Mexican and domestic forges an opportunity to increase their own margins, as their competition will be implementing a significant price increase. Since appliances contain a substantial amount of these materials, we’re likely to see repercussions in the industry. The Market Impact In January of 2018, another tariff went into effect on large home style washing machines. This caused some foreign manufacturers including Samsung and LG to announce establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States. Unfortunately, the latest aluminum and steel tariffs may bring foreign manufacturing back into favor. In reality, the new aluminum and steel tariffs do not

While many of us may leave buying a new large appliance until the old one completely breaks, this can be a costly mistake. As Benjamin Franklin said “Necessity never made a good bargain,” and impulse buying means you’re not likely to find the best deal. Planning ahead will allow you to find the good times to make a purchase, as there are certain times during the year that will enable you to get the best deals on stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Plan Ahead While you may be concerned with the maximum use and continue using your current appliances until they die, this doesn’t allow you to plan your purchase for when you can get the best deals. A more cost-effective idea is to think about when your appliances are going to need to be replaced to help you get bang for your buck. Most manufacturers provide an estimated appliance lifespan, so you can be aware of when it is likely to start to fail. So, think about when you originally purchased your appliance, so you can monitor when you need to start shopping. Additionally, you need to consider whether your appliance has started to perform poorly. If you notice that your refrigerator is struggling to keep everything cool, it is not only going to be driving up your energy bills, but it is also on the road to failure. The Best Times of the Year to Buy Your New Appliances One of the best times to buy many

Whether you’re looking to buy a new range or a stove, shopping for the right model can be a little daunting. With so many models and styles to choose from, shopping for a stove or range can be complicated. Fortunately, there are some considerations that can help you to find the right appliance for your kitchen. Choose Your Style Most stoves and ranges can be sorted into several categories. Once you decide which style suits your cooking preferences and kitchen layout, it will help you to narrow down your search. Slide in ranges have become more popular in recent years. This type of appliance has unfinished sides to allow it to be integrated into your cabinetry. The controls are placed on the front of the appliance, so you can create a built-in look. This style is ideal for an island or to create a feature in a run of cabinetry. If you are a keen home cook and have the space, you may prefer a pro-style range. These appliances tend to be produced with more durable components and allow you to achieve a greater temperature variance for cooking. You can enjoy rapid boiling with high temperatures and extremely low temperatures for precise simmering and more delicate dishes. Larger ranges can also feature a built-in grill or griddle and convection ovens for more consistent baking. Choose Your Fuel Source Typically, your choice will be limited to gas or electric as a fuel source for your new stove. Many homeowners opt to

Trustworthy Appliance AdviceUniversal Appliance and Kitchen Center Sales AdvisorsA friend recently purchased an older home in a retirement community, and I'd offered to help him with his appliance selections. In spite of my many years in the appliance industry, my friend wanted to go his own way. He researched refrigerators on Consumer Reports®, and chose to shop at one of the big box home improvement chains (you know, their sales associates wear orange or blue aprons).My friend stuck with the exact model that CR ranked #1, and he found it On Sale at the big box store. Later, when I visited him in his new place, he proudly showed me his new kitchen appliances.It was a small galley kitchen with the door from the garage going directly into the kitchen. His new fridge was right next to the door. Since he had purchased a full-depth refrigerator instead of a counter-depth refrigerator, the refrigerator prevented the door from the garage from opening fully. You had to turn sideways to enter from the garage. Similarly, there wasn't quite enough space for the refrigerator door to open all the way,While I was viewing his new kitchen and dutifully admiring his modest remodeling, I suddenly heard a buzzing sound coming from his refrigerator. It lasted a short time and then went quiet. "What was that, I said?" He replied, "It does that every once in a while." I thought for minute and said, "It sounds like the ice maker." He said, "I don't have

New Decorative Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances in 2017January of each year brings the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) where some appliance manufacturers choose to debut their new "smart" appliances. Soon after CES, IBS (International Builder Show), and KBIS (Kitchen and Bath International Show) host a joint show for their respective industries. It's a busy month for the major appliances and decorative plumbing fixtures that are featured at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. Here are just a few of the products featured at CES, IBS, and KBIS 2017.UAKC Kitchen and Bath Faucets, Vanities, and More in 2017BrizoBrizo is a trendy, hip line of faucets that have benefitted from the skills of famed designer Jason Wu. It's a great upscale line with great prices too!GroheHere's a display of colorful faucets from GROHE. High quality combined with high design. Which of these colors will provide just the right accent for your kitchen?RobernWhen it comes to completing your bath with vanities, cabinets, mirrors, and more the Robern lineup is sure to have what you need. It's one of the most extensive lines of products for your bath that you''ll find anywhere. Visit our showrooms in Studio City or Calabasas.UAKC New Appliances in 2017VikingEvery year, you can count on a crowd at the Viking booth. This year will be no exception. Here's a new Viking Range in Matt Black with Bronze trim.True ResidentialA commercial refrigeration company, True has recently been making their mark in residential refrigeration. This year they're launching column refrigerators.AGALike the retro look? This

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center Offers Industry FirstLeader in Downdraft Venting, Jenn-Air Launches First* Downdraft Induction CooktopDowndraft cooking is not new. Jenn-Air lays claim to the first downdraft cooktop in the industry back in the 60's. And the first induction cooktop goes back even further. But, according to current Jenn-Air management*, this Jenn-Air induction downdraft cooktop is an industry first.The benefits of this combination are really impressive. Induction cooking is often referred to as having all the advantages of gas cooking but none of the disadvantages:Benefits that Induction Cooking shares with Gasinstant on/instant offprecision control, and powerful cooking capabilities.Adding the benefits of Jenn-Air pioneered center-downdraft to induction cooking is a perfect match:center downdraft effectively captures smoke and odor near the sourceeliminates the need for a cumbersome, unsightly overhead hoodimproves sight linesinstalling cooktop on an island becomes more practical without vent hoodIf outside venting is not possible, a Jenn-AIr duct-free vent kit is available as an accessory Here's what Jenn-Air has to say about this exciting new addition to their cooktop lineup:POWER AND PRECISION NEVER LOOKED SO STUNNINGJenn-Air introduces its first Induction Downdraft cooktop*. This sleek cooktop combines the power and precision of induction cooking with the design flexibility of downdraft ventilation.This groundbreaking ventilation system is perfect for homes that do not offer exterior venting. It captures smoke, steam and cooking odors while expelling them through a filter and recirculating them into clean air.The elegant Euro-Style with lighting accents creates a seamless look with easy-to-clean black glass.While this is clearly an

What's New in Appliances at CESOddly, CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) has become THE place for several appliance manufacturers to show their latest innovations. It's odd, since the rest of the appliance industry seems to have settled on the joint IBS (International Builders Show) /KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) to display their wares. The IBS/KBIS show is to be held near the end of January also in Las Vegas. This year's CES hosted appliance manufacturers showing refrigerators with touch screens, fridges that revealed their contents with a knock on the door, and a refrigerator that claims to have re-invented ways to organize your refrigerator. Not to mention an interesting update on a washing machine within a washing machine that was launched at last year's CES.Knock on the door of this refrigeratorThe "smart" refrigerator from LG is loaded with high tech features, but the most interesting feature requires a manual knock on the door which activates a lighting system that reveals the contents inside the fridge.Washer Washer DryerIn 2015, LG first launched this washer within a washer, eg. a full-sized washer with a mini washer in a bottom compartment. This year, it appears that the full-sized washer has been converted to a combo full-sized washer/dryer still with mini washer at the bottom.Easy to Organize French Door RefrigeratorFrench Door refrigerators have become so popular partly because of the ease of seeing and arranging the contents. In this new CES award winning refrigerator from Whirlpool, redesigned lighting, shelves and compartments as well