Kitchen Design Guide

Why your parents’ appliances cost more to run than yours do

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:37:30 +0000

Why your parents’ appliances cost more to run than yours do

If you’re shopping for new appliances, you might hear the argument that energy-efficient models don’t perform as well as their power-hungry counterparts. Or that you’ll have to spend more for maximum efficiency. A report out today from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and the Appliance Standards Awareness Project refutes both claims, and it does so with a deep analysis of real data, including more than 20 years’ worth of findings from Consumer Reports’ test labs.

The report, titled [...]

Westbo Classic cast iron stoves from Sweden

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:46:17 +0000

With the stylish and elegant appearance, the Westbo Classic cast iron stoves have their roots in the 19th century. The first casting of its predecessors was manufactured on Bornholm around 1890. The stove became known and popular due to its efficiency and form, so that it could be found all over Sweden. The traditional Swedish stoves offers highest enjoyment and comfort, thanks to their efficient thermal output and environmentally friendly combustion.

A massive cast iron core saves the heat of the 240 kg stove. And with 7.0 [...]

Get an edge on summer lawn care with these five mowing tips

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:05:36 +0000

Get an edge on summer lawn care with these five mowing tips

Even a top-performing walk-behind mower, lawn tractor, or rider won’t make your lawn the belle of the block if your mowing is too random. Here are some tips for smarter use of your mower or riding machine, along with some finishing touches to help your yard look its best before you fire up the grill this Memorial Day weekend.

Mind the mower. Keep your blade sharp, getting it sharpened monthly or at least twice a year. (Alternating between two [...]

Baraldi Planet and Nima wall hoods

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:14:38 +0000

The Planet is the latest wall range hood from Baraldi Design Line. The unique 90cm wide wall hood has 3-speed plus Intensive blower, capable of reaching 850 cubic meter per hour extraction rate, bright LED lighting and conveniently located side control panel.

The elegant Nima looks quite stunning with its innovative circular LED lighting. 850 cubic meter per hour top extraction rate, advanced extraction system, reduced noise. Baraldi.

Previously,
Baraldi EcoAir hoods
Baraldi range hoods from Concept Line

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Q&A: Should I buy an extended warranty for my water heater?

Sun, 19 May 2013 21:34:45 +0000

Q&A: Should I buy an extended warranty for my water heater?

Q: My electric water heater had a six-year warranty and is now nine years old. A plumber told me to replace it before I have a problem such as a leak because it may be a major one that floods my finished basement. Do you agree? —Michael Lah Portland, CT

A: Our experts say yes, given your basement and the fact that your water heater unit is three years past the warranty. For many, though, it’s a tough call.

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Jewel glass water jet mosaic

Sun, 19 May 2013 20:43:13 +0000

The green color has been considered a harbinger of spring and renewal by many for centuries, and in 2013 you have quite a few choices. The new Margot, a jewel glass water jet mosaic in Emerald represents a quite different shade of green, much more subtle and light than rich and heavy Malachite. As Sara Baldwin of New Ravenna Mosaics puts it – there are so many varying shades of green, they are completely adaptable to their environment just like a chameleon.

Appliancist

Double View Bench with pivoting backrest from Outdoorz Gallery

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:49:48 +0000

The Double View Bench from Outdoorz Gallery is a small but sweet two-seater that is big on style and sustainability. French design firm Chloe De La Chaise put a literal twist on the traditional Victorian love seat in her contemporary bench concept, which features a double backrest that pivots back and forth, allowing a pair to sit side by side or face to face. The bowed base allows you to rock gently. Crafted by a French cabinetmaker with work recognized by the Ateliers d’Art de [...]

Mowers with premium engines run quieter and last longer

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:03:27 +0000

Mowers with premium engines run quieter and last longer

At Consumer Reports, we strongly recommend that any walk-behind mower you buy have a premium engine. These engines, with their more efficient overhead-valve designs, run cleaner and quieter, and are easier to maintain. And the engines have better odds of lasting through the years. Of course, even with a good engine you need a mower that matches the size of your lawn and the type of grass you grow.

Engines common to some mowers we recently tested are the Briggs & Stratton [...]

G3Ferrari coffee machines

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:12:35 +0000

The compact Nessy coffee machine from G3Ferrari has advanced boiler equiped with automatic electronic system, so steam and coffee can be timely matched together for the highest quality cappuccino or latte. Quantity and temperature of the coffee are adjustable. The Italian made 15 bar pump ensures excellent results.

Nessy also comes with swivel steam nozzle to froth milk, removable 1.5 liter clear water tank with water level sensor, hot water / steam, filter holder for ground coffee and espresso pods, Add Water indicator and sliding out drip tray.

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CPSC recalls Optimus space heater we judged a safety risk

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:33:05 +0000

CPSC recalls Optimus space heater we judged a safety risk

The Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced the recall of two models of Optimus portable electric space heaters, including one model that Consumer Reports judged a Don’t Buy: Safety Risk last year and asked the safety agency to recall.

We tested the Optimus H-5210, $ 25, along with 19 other models. In our space heater tests, we put terry cloth over each heater to see whether the unit’s sensor shuts it off before it overheats. The Optimus was the only [...]