How to...Integrate Appliances

Have to admit, I really like the look of a hidden appliance....Have a look.



An integrated appliance is quite simply an appliance, which does not protrude beyond the edge of the cabinet. In other words, the appliance is hidden within the actual cabinet. There are now more options than ever...A couple of considerations:

1. Integrated appliances tend to be more costly
2. Because they fit within 24 inches, there is less capacity
3. Stick to the European or European inspired brands, most of the American companies still protrude

French Door Barbie...

Lets look at that beacon of American culture...The Barbie Doll.





As you can see, the Barbie is now packed with a french door refrigerator instead of a side by side. The fine folk at Hasbro have astutely packed the more popular refrigerator.



Here's why French doors are more popular than side by sides:

1. French doors allow for better lateral storage
2. More refrigeration space/less freezer space
3. Refrigerator at waist level...no bending
4. Newer and "cooler"(perception is everything)look

Cooking...The Definitive Work

I must have been way more creative when I was young(er). Found this pamphlet a short time ago, and thought it would be a good post.

It is our definitive work on cooking from pans to pan searing....

Let me know if you like.

Two Minute Training - Induction Cooking

I am beginning to like these 2 minute drills...Less thought provoking for myself.
Induction is the fastest to boil, features the best simmer and is virtually child safe.

Because induction is 90% efficient versus 60% for gas and 55% for regular electric, ventilation can be downsized due to less heat exfiltration (love that word).

Now for the visual:

Sign of the Times...Part 2

I am a chronic rebate watcher, only because there could be 3-4 different rebates at different times on the same unit. You see all the ads on television promising 15% off. In reality, rebates could be 30% or higher.

Appliance manufacturers have traditionally rebated the upper middle to upscale products. In theory, there is more profit per unit at the higher end...

Of course, with the recession still ongoing, the more economical units now have very aggressive rebates.

Have a look:





When was the last time there was a decent kitchen package at $1699 for 4 pieces?

Me and a Stove

Went to Salem for Halloween. This holiday is particularly interesting in this town. As a FYI, Salem was where they burned witches back in the 1700s. For some reason this translates into a more robust Halloween Holiday season.

So much for history - Now for the best costume....A guy dressed as a stove, complete with fake burners and oven light...





As Thanksgiving approaches, we will next week focus more on cooking. For now, you may want to go to Youtube and look up Yale Appliance. Kurt has some turkey tips for the holidays.

Two Minute Training...Crystal Chandeliers

Your Grandparents probably had one. Years ago, crystal was strictly formal and strictly for a formal living space. Now crystal has become much more versatile and can be placed in hallways, kitchens and even bathrooms (we used crystal in the ladies room at Yale).

Now there is all different types of crystal and much of it is informal, espcially colored crystal.

Give Bob 2 minutes to explain more fully...