Wine Storage

Whether you simply take pride in creating meals to wow your friends and family or have some serious culinary chops, there are some tips to consider when designing and renovating a kitchen. While a basic kitchen may be all that’s needed if you could burn a boiled egg, if you want a chef worthy kitchen, there are some elements you’ll need to include to impress any guests at your dinner parties. The Work Triangle When you plan your kitchen layout, you’re likely to be aware of the work triangle. This involves having your sink, refrigerator and cooking surface at the three points of a triangle. While it may be challenging to create this geometric shape in some kitchens, to maximize functionality and aid movement, you should try to incorporate the work triangle into your new kitchen. Double Sinks Even if you have a fantastic dishwasher, two sinks can be extremely beneficial in a chef worthy kitchen. Sinks are a crucial element of any kitchen and having a separate sink to stack used pots, leaving one free to clean fruit and vegetables or drain pasta can make preparing any meal easier. Keeping a dedicated sink for meal prep and one for clean up will aid the flow in your kitchen. Your sink should have high faucets and a deep bowl, so you can avoid water splashing as you’re doing your meal prep. Lots of Counter Space As a keen home chef, you’re likely to be doing a variety of food preparation

Most of us enjoy a glass of wine to relax after a tough day, but if you start to become a real wine lover, you’ll need to ensure that you store your bottles properly. Improperly stored wine can suffer from oxidation and lose some of that bouquet and body. So, here we have some top tips to help you store your wine like a PRO. Understand the Proper Storage Temperatures If you have a bottle of cheap white, it is easy to pop it in the refrigerator, but serious wine lovers need to understand the proper storage temperatures. The temperature can dramatically affect the smell and taste of your wine, and if you want to keep those spicy, fruity aromas, when you pour a glass, you need to understand the correct storage temperatures. Generally, sweet wines should be stored at 42ºf for whites, and Rose’ at 50ºf while Reds at 54ºf. These are a good guideline for most wines, but some others require a little more care. For example, Champagne should be stored at 46ºf, while Port should be kept at 60ºf. For the optimal serving temperatures, you should not allow your wine to hit temperatures above 55ºf for whites and 68ºf for reds. Consider Humidity While the proper temperature is critical, you also need to consider the humidity levels. The correct humidity is tied directly to the wine corks, particularly in long-term storage. If the humidity is too low, your wine corks can dry out; compromising the seal and

Rose' for the seasonRosé is our choice when warm weather loomsWhat is rosé? Quite simply, rosé is a wine that has the some of the color of the grape skin, but not enough to be a red wine. The grape skins are left in the “juice” until the rosé blush is obtained. Though it does happen, it's considered cheating to mix white and red wine to produce rosé. In fact, by law, French Rosé wine cannot be made by merely mixing white and red. There is a surprising variety in rosé wines ranging from a very pale pink, to bordering on red, and even an orange color.Even if you both like red, or both like white, Memorial Day is a great opportunity to step out and try something different. As an FYI, in the U.S. we drink a bit more red than white wine. In France, they not only drink considerably more red wine than white, but white wine is not even in second place. The French drink more rosé wine than white wine, and of course, they drink a lot of champagneMy favorite among the rosés is sparkling rosé, especially on special occasions. Here's a reasonably priced sparkling rose' from Total Wine:St Reine RoseOFF-DRY . STRAWBERRY . RED FRUIT . MEDIUM-BODIEDFrance - This pink rose has fine and delicate bubbles. Pale rose in color with a medium-body. The creamy texture has a palate full of red fruit flavors. Perfect with most foods or used to toast.Need a wine storage

Buying an Appliance for Valentines Day?The question of the day is should I get my love a new appliance for Valentine's Day? Let's review.Is an appliance romantic? Not necessarily. A washing machine could make your loved one think of drudgery. On the other hand, a built-in coffee maker/espresso machine like this Jenn-Air might make your loved one's heart flutter. We can help you with that at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.Should I add a Valentine's card or a ribbon to the gift? If you're surprising your spouse with a dishwasher, we'd suggest you start with a dozen roses and a box of chocolates to accompany the dishwasher. We've got just the dishwasher for you, too! Not just a dishwasher, but this Miele Dishwasher. It's an unbelievable price for one of the world's highest quality appliance brands.Wine is always appreciated. Get a bottle of his or her favorite wine, and accompany it with a new wine reserve like the Sub Zero below: Finally, a really top-notch countertop appliance, such as the Wolf Gourmet Countertop Oven might be just the thing to put a smile on the face of your significant other.If you're in a relationship, take it from me. Whatever you do, Don't forget Valentine's Day.Call or visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today for relief from impending Valentine's Day distress.  

Sub-Zero Integrated Refrigerators and FreezersLet's begin by setting the record straight on built-in refrigerators with cabinet panels, versus fully integrated refrigerators with cabinet panels that are flush with adjacent cabinets. The Sub-Zero brand pioneered built-in refrigerators decades ago, and continues to be a leader in this appliance category. They have long had cabinet panel options for their refrigerators, but not what we now call "fully-integrated". In fact, Sub-Zero typically exposed their trademark grills on top of the refrigerator where the compressor compartment was located. They still make these refrigerators, and they are very popular. However, today's fully-integrated refrigerators with custom flush-fitting matching cabinet panels, are indistinguishable from the adjacent cabinets. They're often referred to as invisible or disappearing refrigerators.A few years ago, Sub-Zero Wolf embarked on a major re-design of their entire appliance offering. This update included a complete launch of integrated refrigerators, freezers, and wine storage units, accompanied by undercounter refrigerator and freezer drawers, as well as undercounter beverage and wine storage units. Here are some of Sub Zero's latest products in their own words: How often have you wished for a larger refrigerator? Weekly? Daily? We invite you to think modular and solve your food storage problems once and for all. The Sub-Zero Integrated 24” All Refrigerator Column delivers an impressive 12.9 cu. ft. of well-organized refrigerator storage – likely at least 50% more than you have now. Pair it

New Thermador Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterUAKC has the best selection of undercounter appliances including undercounter refrigerators, beverage centers, wine units, and refrigerator and freezer drawers. In 2016, Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Thermador is introducing new drawer refrigeration units and wine reserves. These products are available now!UNDERCOUNTER DRAWER REFRIGERATION• Customizable cooling modes - Fridge, Pantry and Bar• SoftClose® drawers for ultra-smooth closing• Customizable drawer dividers and shelving• Removable Drawer Mats• Full Extension Drawers• Drawer Open Alarm• Quick Chill• LED Lighting• Drawer mats keep items from sliding and remove for easy cleaning• Touch electronic controls for precise temperature managementUNDERCOUNTER WINE RESERVE UNITS• Dual zone wine storage with adjustable temperature zones (upper: - 40°F - 52°F, lower: 52°F - 64°F)• Full-extension wine racks• UV resistant tempered glass door• SoftClose® door hinges for ultra-smooth closing of the door• Removable Drawer Mats• Full Extension Drawers• Drawer Open Alarm• LED theater lighting• Touch electronic controls for precise temperature managementThermador OffersThermador 1-2-FREE EventMore Savings in 2016: Purchase an eligible cooking package & select your FREE Dishwasher option. Add Refrigeration & customize your kitchen with a special gift! Offer valid January 1, 2016 – December 15, 2016Freedom Collection Refrigeration & Freezer Rebate$800 Installation Rebate Stainless Steel Freedom® Series Refrigeration & Freezer Packages. Offer valid January 1, 2016 – December 15, 2016For more information on Thermador, or other major appliances, and decorative plumbing fixtures contact the professionals at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today.

Colorful Salute to the New YearCranberry Champagne CocktailHeres a great adaption of the traditional glass of champagne to bring in the New Year. Not only tasty, it's a colorful departure from tradition. Tyler Florence - Food Network 1 -ounce cranberry juice (sweetened)1 wedge limeChampagne or sparkling wineCranberries (frozen)In a chilled Champagne flute add cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime. Top off the glass with Champagne. Garnish with 3 or 4 cranberries. This is one of my favorite ways to convert Champagne into a delightful holiday drink. It adds just a tad of sweetness and color. Feel free to adapt this. Substitute a cube of sugar instead of the cranberries. No lime wedge? Use an orange slice. It's your party. You make the rules!If you need something to store a few bottles of wine or maybe Champagne, check with the professionals at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. Here's an example of a 6 bottle wine cooler from Vinotemp.Vinotemp EPCV006Vinotemp Cavanova 6-Bottle Thermoelectric Wall-Mounted Wine CoolerConveniently store and display 6 of your favorite wines in this sleek wall-mounted wine cooler by Cavanova. Utilizing eco-friendly thermoelectric technology, this all black cooler operates quietly with little vibration. A user friendly digital touch screen control panel located on the left side of the door allows you to adjust the temperature of the cooler for reds and whites. Organizing bottles inside this cooler is simple; each bottle has its own compartment making it easy to choose which wine to serve your guests.For all your needs with

Highlights from LA Dwell on Design Show The show is winding down on Day 3, but we couldn't wait to begin showing some of the products that were highlighted at Dwell on Design 2015. Look for even more in upcoming blogs. Miele Ranges, Dishwashers, Wine storage, and More Miele has been showing their all new range lineup for a few months now. It's their first range EVER. Important to get this right, the new Miele range has been eight years in the design process. Of course, Miele is hugely successful and famous with their dishwasher, which includes 25 different models for any customer's needs. Miele's wine storage units are capable of storing up to 178 bottles of wine in 3 different temperature zones. We could go on, but take a look for yourself at Miele by clicking on the link below to see the UAKC Miele selections for yourself. Miele at UAKC New Design from Duravit The L-Cube system by Christian Werner for Duravit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center is proud of their selection of fine plumbing fixtures. Here's a beautiful matched system from designer Christian Werner that was featured at the 2015 Dwell on Design. The link below will take you to the UAKC Duravit page: Duravit at UAKC Monogram Modern Home at Dwell The Monogram Modern Home is touring the country. Part of a 6 city tour, Monogram and Dwell are on the road with a tour that plays host to events at each venue including CEU credits,

Sub-Zero Integrated Wine Storage Units Sub-Zero and Wolf will soon complete the biggest new product launch in the company's history. Nearing the last, but nowhere near the least, of the new product launches is Sub-Zero's new integrated wine storage units. We put the emphasis on integrated because Sub-Zero has devoted so much time and effort throughout this new product launch to making products that are streamlined, flush, and seamlessly a part of their surrounding environment.The new integrated wine storage from Sub-Zero is available in either stainless steel, or in a version that can integrate seamlessly to adjacent panels. Models in 15", 18", 24" and 30" widths, make it easy to get just the right wine unit to fit your space and can store from 26 to 147 bottles. Ultimately, taking good care of your wine while it is in the bottle delivers a more pleasurable experience when it's time to consume the bottle. At Sub-Zero, wine units are engineered to guard against heat, humidity, light, and vibration which can degrade your wine, assuring you the best taste possible when it's time to enjoy your wine. For the best advice on wine storage consult the experts from Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today.

White or Red? What do most people choose? Wine consumption seems to be at an all time high, but are we drinking more white or more red? U.S. wine consumption is more red than white (unless you live in Nebraska, Kansas, or Iowa). In France, they drink much more red than white. In fact, in France white wine is not even in second place. They drink more rosé in France than they do white wine, and of course more Champagne. Curiously, France was recently surpassed by China for red wine consumption. Bear in mind, that China has 1.3 billion population and France has about 66 million. Per capita, the Chinese average about a bottle and a half of wine per person per year. The French hold up their reputation with over 44 liters annually per person. In the U.S., we're doing out best to catch up and we managed over 10 liters of wine per capita in 2013. We're headed in the right direction and are expected to increase consumption to 386 million cases by 2017. GOOD JOB USA! Regardless of your preference, you can help the U.S. continue on its goal to exceed France in wine consumption! It's the patriotic thing to do. Clearly, you're going to need a new wine storage unit so take a look at our previous blog on the excellent choices for wine storage at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center by clicking on the link below: Wine Storage for the Holidays Call Universal Appliance and