Slate

A kitchen remodel or appliance upgrade is a great way to breathe new life into any home. A well designed kitchen can add a lot of value to the home and it’s a more pleasant place to cook and entertain. But, when it comes to kitchen decor and appliance finish choices, there is a dizzying array of choices to consider. The functional and aesthetic needs can be met, but how can you make a final decision? In this article, we will examine how you can choose the right finish to match your kitchen design vision. Kitchen Appliance Finish Basics In the past, the choice of kitchen appliance finishes was extremely limited. Most kitchens were restricted to white appliances, and cheaper models can discolor over time. The premium-grade models may have been available in stainless-steel, but these were only available at very high prices. Now, we have a huge range of appliance finishes that may not be available on every model and they are more common than ever before. Let’s take a look at four popular appliance finish options in more detail: 1.  Stainless-Steel Although stainless-steel finishes have been around for a while, they still work very well in a contemporary kitchen. This is still one of the most popular appliance finishes, and it will match most kitchen designs and decor choices. It’s easy to create a minimalist feel when stainless-steel finishes are matched with pure white cabinetry. An alternative is to add these contemporary finishes with a rustic kitchen to

More thoughts on Black Stainless SteelChoices about at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterIt looks like almost everyone has jumped on the Black Stainless bandwagon when it comes to appliance finishes. KitchenAid introduced a Black Stainless Steel refrigerator only a couple of years ago. Since then, Samsung has launched an entire line of Black Stainless Steel, along with LG. However, Dacor, a Samsung owned company, appears to be the only luxury brand to enter the Black Stainless fray with their new Modernist collection.Frigidaire appears to be jumping into the Black Stainless appliance pool with a full-line offering. Parent company, Electrolux, has yet to announce its intentions with their premium Electrolux offering. Similarly, Bosch has introduced a dishwasher in Black Stainless, presumably to be followed with a full line. However, Bosch's high end brands, such as Thermador, and Gaggenau have not made a move in this direction.It seems clear that this finish has a definite appeal for Millennials, and will find a home not in the entry level, but in the upgrade offerings of the popular brands GE, Frigidaire, and Whirlpool; as well as the Korean brands Samsung, and LG who have carved out a strong offering for Millennials.Notably, Whirlpool's super premium brand, Jenn-Air does not have Black Stainless, nor does GE's luxury brand, Monogram.Here's the good news. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center is your headquarters for major appliances regardless of brand or finish. They carry all the major brands as well as most of the specialty brands, and an interesting selection

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

Latest Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterBlack Stainless SteelA quick look around the major appliance displays at the January 2017 *IBS/KBIS confirmed that the new color/finish Black Stainless is THE big trend in appliance colors. Of course, stainless steel is not going anywhere. In a recent survey, 72% of respondents opted for stainless steel. Truth is, there are tons of appliance colors out there. The custom high end range company BlueStar offers several hundred colors, many of them quite stunning. Luxury appliance brands such as Viking, Bertazzoni, La Cornue, and others also offer their appliances in a variety of colors. But for many of us these brands might not be realistic options, and the bright colors aren't for everyone.Voilà! Black Stainless is here to save they day. It's new and it's different. It really looks classy, but I wouldn't call it bold or risky. After all, it's a combination of the two most popular appliance colors. As near as I can determine KitchenAid was the first major appliance brand to offer Black Stainless steel. Recently, Samsung jumped on the Black Stainless bandwagon, followed now by Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, Electrolux, and LG. I do know that some supplementary brands are on board with this new finish such as Sharp (microwaves) and at least one of the vent hood manufacturers, Zephyr.I think Black Stainless looks good in the photos, but even better when you see it and touch it. Believe it

4 Piece GE Package Only $1999Black Friday Appliances Prices NOW at UAKCThis is great news. An entire kitchen full of GE's popular Slate appliances are on sale. You can get Black Friday prices NOW at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. What makes this offer so special is that the line of Slate appliances from GE already gives buyers a chance to get a similar look without the premium price of Stainless Steel.Here's what GE has to say about their innovative Slate finish:GE SLATE APPLIANCES - The style that works with your style. Its matte look completely hides fingerprints. It holds magnets. It's available on over 50 products. But the biggest reason people keep coming back to Slate—even as similar finishes make their way onto showroom floors—is because its versatility extends beyond the kitchen.Rich and elegant, the stone-inspired Slate finish blends impeccably with today's materials and colors. The dark matte appearance also naturally hides fingerprints, smudges and dirt, so it's delightfully easy to maintain.Another benefit of the GE Slate line of appliances is the wide selection of popular GE models. Let's take a look at a GE Slate gas range: GE® 30" FREE-STANDING GAS RANGEPGB960EEJESFEATURESGas convection oven (lower oven)Circulates heat for high-quality resultsTwo extra-large 18K Power Boil burnersGet twice the high-heat cooking power with two up-front extra-large burnersDouble oven 6.8 cu. ft. total capacityLarge capacity is ideal for big mealsSelf-clean with Steam Clean optionClean your oven the way you wantClick below to look up

Save up to $2000 on GE appliancesSave $850 on GE during "Nows The Time" Labor Day EventTake a closer look at GE Slate AppliancesGE SLATE APPLIANCES - The style that works with your styleIts matte look completely hides fingerprints. It holds magnets. It's available on over 50 products. But the biggest reason people keep coming back to Slate—even as similar finishes make their way onto showroom floors—is because its versatility extends beyond the kitchen.Rich and elegant, the stone-inspired Slate finish blends impeccably with today's materials and colors. The dark matte appearance also naturally hides fingerprints, smudges and dirt, so it's delightfully easy to maintain.Add a truly unique look to your kitchen with a GE Slate refrigerator. Unlike stainless steel, the easy to clean, matte finish of slate naturally hides fingerprints, smudges and dirt.Slate finishes can also work well with Stainless Steel. In fact, GE has even shown a GE Slate Oven along with a Stainless Cooktop. The handles and knobs on the Slate appliances have the shiny stainless look to help tie the two finishes together.GE Save Up To $2000 Click Below:GE "Nows the Time" Labor Day Savings Click Below:Call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for more information on Labor Day Specials on GE and other major appliances or decorative plumbing fixtures 

GE Appliances at UAKCHurry! Save on GE - Offer Expires April 26, 2016 There's always something big going on with GE Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. It's one of our top appliance suppliers with GE, GE Profile, GE Cafe', and Monogram brands. The GE name is almost synonymous with innovation, and GE has recently introduced refrigerators capable of delivering brewed coffee with Keurig coffee cartridges. Even more recently, GE has developed an Autofill Pitcher feature with will fill a pitcher to the top with filtered water giving you a steady supply of cold filter water whenever you need it.GE is also a leader in appliance finishes. Right now you can save up to $1500 on GE appliances and get a FREE upgade to Stainless Steel models as well as GE's innovative Slate appliances.GREAT AMERICAN KITCHEN EVENT Great American Kitchen Event going on now at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. Shop GE Appliance collection and SAVE up to $1,500 with qualified purchase. Hurry in today! UP TO $1,500 REBATE* - Receive a rebate up to $1,500 with the purchase of eligible GE Profile™ Series and GE® appliance sets.FREE UPGRADE TO SLATE OR STAINLESS STEEL - Get one of our premium finishes for the same price as a standard color. Instant savings on select GE Café™ Series, GE Profile™ Series, and GE appliances.EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT OR REBATE - Choose 1 year of additional warranty coverage, or a $25 rebate* for each eligible

Choosing Appliance FinishesStainless steel appliances are de rigueur these days. It seems that whether you live in a tract home or a mansion, you're going to end up with stainless steel. Everyone will tell you that you need stainless steel for you home's resale value, and there may be some truth in that. In addition, in some more exclusive brands, it appears that stainless steel is all that they offer.It wasn't always this way, but stainless steel gradually took over when people started expressing an interest in restaurant or commercial style appliances in their kitchen. Here are some of the other reasons homeowners give for choosing stainless:Sanitary "hospital" cleanliness.Doesn't rust or stain (Duh - it's stainless).Appealing, shiny appearanceEasily wipes offDurable finish - can't chipenhances resale value of houseSome products are available only in stainless (eg. built-in coffee maker)While stainless steel is not going away soon, there are many alternatives. White and black are still standard finishes for entry level brands. Frigidaire has a version of stainless steel that doesn't show fingerprints -really, it works. GE has a slate finish which clearly isn't stainless, it's a dull grey finish, but works for a faux stainless look without the disadvantages of stainless. It accepts magnets and doesn't require the polishing.Most premium brands will also offer white and black appliances with stainless upgrades, though I've heard of at least one brand offering customers a choice of only black or stainless appliances. Moving up to luxury brands, color

Grey Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterThere are many shades of grey in appliances.Even though stainless steel is the dominant color/finish in major appliances, most major appliance manufacturers offer choices in the colors and finishes that they produce, including shades of stainless, silver, and yes of course, grey.Stainless steel itself comes in different grades and types that also look different. Even within a brand or a given model there can be differences. For example, the stainless steel interior of a dishwasher can be an entirely different type of stainless steel and have a different finish than the dishwasher's exterior. Generally, manufacturers try to match the stainless finish on the outside of their appliances, but if you're mixing brands, you could easily find discernible differences in appearance from brand to brand.Frigidaire offers a stainless steel that is smudge-proof. It's real stainless steel that has been treated to prevent the feared fingerprint smudges. It does seem to work quite well. Both GE and Whirlpool have in the past offered lines of faux stainless, eg. painted silver appliances. A quick check of their websites shows a very limited offer of silver or satin appliances.However, GE introduced a line of Slate appliances a couple of years ago, that has become quite successful. It's a shade of grey that you might like very much. It's clearly NOT faux stainless steel and doesn't pretend to be, but it will provide your kitchen with

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center has HOT GE RangeGet the Pillsbury Bake-Off Range at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterFor over 40 years the annual Pillsbury Bake-Off has been using GE Ranges. This year contestants are cooking up a storm with a Free-Standing Electric Convection GE Range described below in the stunning new Slate Finish. Read all about this GE Range and the benefits of Slate below.Of course, you'll find the best price and selection of GE Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC).GE® 30" Free-Standing Electric Convection RangeJB750EFESFinalists of the Bake-Off® Contest will cook on a GE® 30" Free-Standing Electric Convection Range (JB750SF) This range has lots of great features for passionate cooks:True European Convection with Precise Air Get evenly browned cookies without rotating pans! A rear convection fan directs air both clockwise and counter clockwise around the bake ware for more even cooking.Bridge Zone Make pancakes for the whole family! This larger cooking surface allows you to heat a griddle from the convenience of your range top.Fifth Element Warming Zone Keep your chocolate sauce at the perfect temperature. This warming zone give you consistent low heat that won't scorch.GE’s Newest Premium Appliance Finish – SlateGE's exclusive Slate finish exudes refinement and elegance for a look unlike anything on the market today. Inspired by the rich texture of stone, it provides a warm, inviting alternative to stainless steel.Slate not only offers an option that's elegant and modern, it also maintains its great appearance. The dark matte finish naturally hides