Porcelain

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

A Legendary Brand ResurfacesCommercial Quality Washers and Dryers at UAKCSpeed Queen traces its origins to 1908 when Joe Barlow and John Seeling began tearing down hand operated washing machines with the idea of creating an automatic version. By 1911 they had added an electric motor to power the machine, and began selling automatic washers. By 1939 Speed Queen introduced a Stainless Steel tub, a feature that identified the brand, and is still used today.Speed Queen continued to grow both as a home brand and in commercial and coin-operated laundries. The company became part of McGraw-Edison, Raytheon, and eventually Alliance Laundry Systems. The largest commercial laundry company in the U.S., Alliance re-launced Speed Queen as a residential brand for home several years ago. It's built with their commercial quality, and includes many of Speed Queen's signature features including an industry-leading warranty. Here's what they have to say about their warranty and a run-down on a featured Speed Queen laundry pair.THE LONGEST LASTING WASHERS WITH A WARRANTY TO MATCHThe best top load washer on the market also comes with the best warranty. Our industry-best 5-year warranty covers all parts and in-home labor on electronic control models. That’s right. We stand behind both our product and your purchase. 15-year limited warranty Transmission Lifetime warranty Outer drain tub and the stainless steel wash basketSpeed Queen Washer AWNE92SP113TW01 Galvanized Steel Cabinet Porcelain Steel Outer Drain Tub Stainless Steel Wash Tub Top Load Tuff Guard Coated Top White Color FinisWashing System 1/2 HP Motor 2 Speed

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.

What's Inside Your Refrigerator?Materials used inside today's refrigeratorsThe interior of a new refrigerator is most likely to have a sturdy plastic liner made of material called ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Between the ABS liner and the metal exterior of the refrigerator is foamed polyurethane. Some refrigerators may be made with metal interiors such as stainless steel. Once standard for refrigerator interiors, porcelain is no longer used to line the inside of refrigerators. The latest trend for the inside of your fridge appears to be new colors. Visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center to review all the new refrigerator interiors and options. Below are two of the latest innovative colors in refrigerators from KitchenAid and Jenn-Air.New Colors Inside RefrigeratorsRecently, KitchenAid has launched a refrigerator with a Platinum interior, and Jenn-Air will be launching an Obsidian color in some of its built-in models.KitchenAidKitchenAid® 29 Cu. Ft. Platinum Interior, Standard-Depth French Door Refrigerator, Architect® Series II MODEL KFIV29PCMSExperience a fresh design that complements the freshness of your sensitive ingredients. This French door refrigerator features the Preserva® Food Care System. Three distinctive features include an ethylene-absorption cartridge that helps extend the freshness of produce by up to 25%. The Platinum interior design features an industry exclusive - silver, glossy walls. Exceeds minimum Federal Energy Standards by 25%.Jenn-AirJenn-Air has launched three new refrigerators with a unique interior finish they call Obsidian."Black lends a very flattering and sophisticated look to this collection and gives everything within the refrigerator more prominence and visual pop," says manager of