Sleek

Is it time for a new dishwasher?Houzz has published its 2017 Kitchen Trends Survey. For homeowners planning kitchen renovations, dishwashers are the most likely to be first on the list for replacement. It really isn't a big surprise considering all the changes in dishwashers over the years. Here are the top trends in dishwashers in our view.Sani-CycleHomeowners are increasingly concerned with sanitation, particularly in the kitchen. Some new dishwashers have sani-cycles that are certified by the NSF which requires that the water is heated to 155 degrees fahrenheit and kept there for a certain amount of time. This feature can be particularly important when someone in the home is sick, or if there is a baby to care for.Energy and Water SavingsWhile dishwasher manufacturers are all keen on having the EnergyStar label, some dishwashers are more energy efficient than others. They work with smaller highly efficient motors that run quieter (and longer) to get dishes clean while running at whisper quiet sound levels.In addition, though dishwashers may have long run times, they actually use far less water. That's one reason why they are more energy efficient because a big part of a dishwashers energy usage is the cost of heating the water.QuietToday's open kitchens make it critical that dishwashers run quietly, and appliance manufacturers tout their "whisper-quiet" dishwashers. In my opinion, to be considered quiet, a dishwasher would have to operate at a decibel rating in the 40's. The really quiet dishwashers are often in the low 40's with a

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

Pro-Style® Cooking Appliances are Changing The Pro-Look Gets a Sleek Update As professional looking appliances have gained popularity in luxury kitchens, they have often been mixed with sleek flush European style appliances. A Bosch or Asko dishwasher featuring a flush matching cabinet panel disappears into the cabinetry while nearby there is a Sub-Zero integrated built-in refrigerator with hidden hinges and door panels that match the adjacent cabinets. They're invisible as appliances and fit right in to the wall. Though it's not possible to do this with cooking appliances, manufacturers have made their cooktops and ranges much more sleek and contemporary-looking. This has become particularly noticeable recently, as even Professional Style appliances have become more flush, but still keep their Pro heritage. Check out the three entries below from Jenn-Air, Wolf, and Miele. Jenn-Air Jenn-Air's new 30" and 36" Pro-Style® cooktops have undergone a complete redesign. Not only have they added more power and new brass burners, but the surface of the cooktop itself is as near to flush as you can get without being inset into the counter. The heavy duty knobs still have a Pro look and feel, but they are somewhat less obtrusive. By the way, the term Pro-Style® is a registered Jenn-Air trademark. Wolf Wolf's new "M" Series Professional Oven still sports their signature red knobs, but also has touch electronic controls that work in conjunction with the knobs. Wolf has worked their magic by producing a jumbo oven with twin convection fans, yet it all fits