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Getting Your Appliance FixedHow do you know when to call?Here's when you don't need appliance service: Your refrigerator water filter needs replacement. You should be able to do this yourself. If for some reason you can't, a handyman can do this for you. Your washing machine has an inlet hose that is leaking. Replace the leaking hose (I'd replace both hoses). No need for a service call. The dishwasher is not getting your dishes clean. There could be many reasons for this other than a malfunctioning dishwasher. Maybe the incoming water is not hot enough. Hard water can be a problem. There's not enough or too much detergent. You might need to use a rinse agent, or additive.Here's when you do need to call for service: Your refrigerator is not cooling. You've plugged and unplugged, and tested the electric outlet so that you know your fridge is getting power. Nevertheless, your food is spoiling. Call for service. Your washing machine suddenly made a loud grating sound, and ground to a halt. Now you can't get it to do anything. You need a qualified service agent. The dishwasher will start, fills with water, etc. but it just doesn't do anything. No noise, no water movement, no nothing. Your neighbor says, it's probaly the pump and/or motor.You get the idea. Some simple things like changing filters are not reasons to call for service. When appliances have critical failures, that can't be fixed by turning the power back on, etc. it's time to

Replace or Repair Your Old ApplianceFix the Old or Go to UAKC to buy a New One How bad is the old one? Is your old refrigerator making grinding noises, and keeping you up at night? Really, if you're worrying about having a refrigerator full of spoiled food, you've got a very good reason to consider a new refrigerator. You should be heading down to Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center right now. How old is the old one? If your old refrigerator looks like this: ...then what are you waiting for. Seriously, these days if you get more than 15 years out of your fridge you are ahead of the game. Also, it's not unusual at all for people to hand down a 8-10 year old refrigerator when buying a new home or doing a kitchen remodel. We all have different ways of justifying a new purchase in our mind, and it's certainly reasonable to consider the age and likely failure of an old appliance to justify a replacement. How much is it going to cost to repair the old refrigerator? Well, just the trip charge is likely to cost you in the $50 range, and then there's finding the problem, getting the part which often needs to be ordered, and you know the rest. So, how much are you willing to spend to get your old fridge back in working order? My top price for repairing a refrigerator that is 8 to 10 years old is $250. If it's

Choose your brand. Buy something. Get free appliances.Free Appliances with Purchase at UAKCIs it too good to be true? The copycat effect is here in the form of free dishwashers and other great appliances. For years, Thermador has been promoting a free dishwasher with the purchase of other select Thermador appliances. Why? Brands are often famous for a single product category. Thermador, is famous for its cooking products. Now a part of BSH, one of Thermador's sister companies is Bosch, a brand that is known for its dishwashers. So, it only makes sense that Thermador dishwashers are manufactured by Bosch. Yet Thermador customers would consistently purchase a Thermador oven, and a Thermador cooktop, and then choose a different brand dishwasher, perhaps a Miele, an Asko, or yes even a dishwasher from their sister company, Bosch. But Thermador wants their customers to buy a kitchen full of Thermador appliances. Voilà, give customers a free dishwasher when they buy other Thermador appliances, too. This package might include not just cooking products, but also Thermador refrigerators, vent hoods, etc.Well, it turned out to be such a good idea that other brands now offer free dishwashers or other appliances, when you select their brands. Right now, if you make a qualifying purchase at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, you can get a free dishwasher or more from the following brands:GE Free Dishwasher RebatePurchase 3 or more qualifying GE Cafe Appliances and recieve a GE Cafe dishwasher valued up to $1000Thermador 1-2-FREE PromotionIgnite your imagination.

Jenn-Air Wall Ovens take voice orders from AlexaSmart Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterJenn-Air® Connected Wall Ovens Respond To Alexa Voice CommandsEasy Upgradability Helps Ensure Ovens are "Future Proof"Jenn-Air® has been a true leader in using technology in their appliances, particularly in cooking products. A few years ago they launched a revolutionary oven with a 7" touch full color screen that serves as a culinary center automatically cooking food to the user's desired doneness. They've continued as an early adopter in "smart" appliances with connected wall ovens, that can be operated with apps for iPhones and Androids, and are tied in with Nest home controls. Now, they can be connected to Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. Here's how it works:Simple voice commands have been created for everything from preheating and setting timers to changing temperatures and cooking modes. For example, while hands are busy prepping and mixing ingredients, preheating the oven to a desired temperature can be initiated simply by saying "Alexa, tell Jenn-Air to preheat the oven to 400 degrees." Owners of Jenn-Air® Connected Wall Ovens can now use their voices, along with the brand’s existing IOS and Android wall oven apps, to control many essential functions of this luxury, high tech appliance. The new voice command feature, enabled by Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, is easily activated using the brand’s free wall oven “Skill,” one of thousands available at the Alexa Skills Store.Jenn-Air® Connected Wall Ovens are already largely controllable using the IOS and Android mobile apps, whether for

Why Buy a Counter-Depth Refrigerator?Most appliances have common widths, such as 24" for a dishwasher, and 30" for a standard range. They also have fairly common depths of 24" - 26" inch so they fit fairly snug in 24" - 25" deep cabinets. Refrigerators have a tendency to stick out several inches more, and that's OK since they have storage in the doors, and need room for the doors to open wide and clear the adjacent countertops.However, over the years we've seen a tendency for refrigerators to get even deeper to handle the bigger capacity consumers have requested. For example, it's not uncommon for refrigerator brands to top out at a whopping 27 cu.ft. for a 36" wide freestanding refrigerator. Here's a giant 27.8 cu.ft. refrigerator from GE that is not only 35 1/2 inches wide, it also has a 34 3/4 inch depth (not including handles). That refrigerator will stick out about 10" beyond most cabinets. In many kitchens this is not a problem. Indeed, this 27.8 cu.ft. GE refrigerator is a popular model. But, if you have a galley kitchen, with cabinets on both side of a narrow aisle, you may not even be able to open the refrigerator and freezer doors all the way! Counter-depth refrigerators to the rescue. Unlike the full-depth refrigerators, counter-depth refrigerators are typically only 27"-28" deep. Of course, since they are slimmer than their bigger full-depth models they have less capacity. If kitchen space is an issue, it's definitely worth the trade-off. (I

Quiet Dishwashers at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterHow much will a good quiet dishwasher cost?Well, you knew this was coming. It depends! There are a lot of variables, depending on what is important to you. The average retail price for a dishwasher in the U.S. is around $500. However, to get the dishwashers with the best cleaning features, longest warranties, and the quietest ratings, you'll need to pay a premium. For example, the very quietest dishwashers available are 40 db or even less, and you can expect to pay near $1,000 and even more for a dishwasher in this category.All dishwashers are not created equal. It is true that better dishwashers cost more money, but there are also diminishing returns for most of us. At some point, the difference of the next $100 spent on added dependability, quietness, and cleaner dishes is not discernible. So, what we've done here is to leave off the entry level products that are advertised by the big box stores. Here are a few great dishwasher brands that have received terrific ratings from several sources and authorities. They'll not only get your dishes clean, they're built to last, and they're the quietest dishwashers in the industry.BOSCHBosch has made a lot of noise over the years, by touting how little noise their dishwasher makes. It's probably fair to say that they invented quiet as an important feature in dishwashers. They're part of BSH, and one of the largest appliance manufacturers in the world. Though they manufacture

Choosing the Best WasherGetting ready to buy a new washing machine? Here is the first decision you'll need to make. There are three basic types of washers to choose from. We describe each washer type below and provide an example from each of the three major brands.1. GE Traditional Agitator Type Top Loader WasherAgitator type washers were the primary type of washing machine used in the U.S. since the post WWII era up to the 2000's. They're still a popular choice for those who want a washing machine like Mom used to have and prefer the high-post agitator in the middle. Here's an example from GE.GE® 4.2 DOE cu. ft. stainless steel capacity washerGTW485ASJWS ENERGY STAR® qualified Stain PreTreat Speed Wash Rotary electronic controls with cycle status lights2. Whirlpool HE Top Load WasherHigh Efficiency top load washers have been around for about twenty years. They're absent the high post agitator of traditional washers. Instead, they have an impeller in the bottom of the tub that turns and moves the clothes in much less water than traditional agitator top loaders, but they still do an amazing job of cleaning clothes. Below is a Whirlpool HE Top Load Washer:4.3 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Top Load Washer with a Low-Profile Impeller Model #: WTW5000DWPresoak Option Deep Water Wash Cycle Clean Washer Cycle with affresh® Washer Cleaner Smooth Wave Stainless Steel Wash Basket Quick Wash Cycle 3. Electrolux Front Load WasherFront load washers have become very popular over the last 20 years. Originally popularized in

Independence Day ThoughtsCooking, Washing, and Cooling Appliances in 1776When we think of our Founding Fathers, our thoughts go to the grand portraits of Washington and Jefferson and their mansions in Virginia. Of course, life for most people in the 18th century was as the philosopher Hobbes described, "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short".CookingCooking was still mostly done over a fire, but in the second half of the 18th century Ben Franklin invented a cast iron stove. An improved version of his invention that vented upwards became popular for decades. Nevertheless, cooking was very rudimentary when compared with the appliances we have today.Cleaning Consider the poor housewife or servant. Washing in the last half of the 1700s, was a planned event, even a community event, which took place sporadically near a stream or river where water in large vats was heated to boil the clothes. Lye and ash were the chemicals of choice, soaps didn't come along until the 1800's, along with wash tubs and washboards.CoolingRefrigerators didn't exist. There weren't even ice boxes. So food preservation consisted of various dried foods, as well as cured meats and fish. A common breakfast and supper might be little more than bread and milk. For diinner (a mid-afternoon meal), fresh chicken, pork, and some beef were staples and wild game and fish were also plentiful in the New World. Corn was common at most meals, potatoes less frequently, as well as seasonal vegetables.Well, "We've come a long way baby." It's interesting to think that

Fourth of July Bargains on the Products You WantSave Money at UAKC Without SacrificingThe Fourth of July Holiday is a great time to buy new appliances. Why? Manufacturers allocate extra promotional funds to attract buyers during traditional holiday sales periods. These offers are typically additive to other ongoing promotions. So, you save with the ongoing promotions, and you save again with the holiday sale promotion.Click on the banner below for a list of current manufacturer rebates at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center: It's possible that some of the short term promotions are not on the rebate list, so we recommend calling or visiting the UAKC showroom nearest you for an update.In addition to having the best prices possible, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center has a complete selection of popular brands as well as the premium and luxury brands. Equally important, UAKC has experienced and well-trained sales associates who can help you with your purchase. This is a HUGE advantage. You get expert help, best selection, AND the lowest price. Compare this to the nice folks at the Big Box Home Improvement stores. The last time I visited there, a very nice fellow took me to the product aisle for the product I needed. The cheap version was $209. and the next better item was $229. So I asked him, "What's the difference?" He replied....wait for it..."Twenty dollars." I'm not kidding. So I said, "There must be some reason this one costs $20 more." And again, I'm not kidding, he started

Follow-Up to Espresso-Rubbed Pork Chop RecipeGreat Vegetable July 4th Side DishWe recently shared a recipe for Expresso-Rubbed Pork Chops from True Residential. Now, here is their recipe for Grilled Summer Vegetables with Couscous - a great companion to the pork chops. But first, a word from the people who shared these recipes - True Refrigeration:True Mise en PlaceFrench for "put in place", the term means so much more. As True describes it:"To practice mise en place is to gather and arrange necessary ingredients and tools—and not just to gather but to “work clean,” keep the cooking space uncluttered and balanced, a harmony of chef, tools, ingredients, and space."The True 42 is not just a full-size built-in side-by-side refrigerator, it incorporates the True Professional technology and quality that you'd expect to find in a professional kitchen. More than that, it's designed in accordance with mise en place principals. Now, the best residential kitchens can have a refrigerator inspired by the best chefs in the world. To find out more about using True in your home chef's kitchen schedule an appointment with the experts at Universal Appliance and KItchen Center.   PEARL COUSCOUS WITH GRILLED SUMMER VEGETABLESSERVING SIZE: 4INGREDIENTS1 package of plain pearl couscous4 Roma tomatoes sliced crosswise1 small eggplant sliced lengthwise½ cup of olive oil1 zucchini sliced lengthwise 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic1 yellow squash sliced lengthwiseSea salt and fresh ground pepper1 red onion sliced crosswise1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemaryPREPARATIONCook the couscous according to package instructions. Keep warm.Mix olive oil with garlic