The Home Appliance + Lighting Blog

I Dont Get It

2009-11-24T12:05:00.000-05:00

An appropriate title for a confusing situation....So here we have a Viking all induction 36 inch cooktop.

Versus the GE induction range with a convection oven and second oven underneath.

The Viking cooktop is over $4500 and the GE range is just over $2400 seems a little high for half a unit....

Congratulations Mr. Shannon

2009-11-23T14:41:00.000-05:00

I think he was happy winning a $5,000 grill....

What do you think? Plenty of people entered to win. Of course being a Facebook friend, a Twitter follower or an Email Recipient increases your chances three fold.

The Best Ranges (For Now)

2009-11-23T11:44:00.001-05:00

Its almost Thanksgiving, which means cooking.....and thus means ranges. Beats thinking about the Lions being beaten down yet again.

But which to choose? Following are my favs for value...

The Frigidaire FGF368(Gas)/FEF368(Electric)

Just a great basic self cleaning range...Stainless steel is only $589

The Bosch HGS5053/HES3053

I like this range. It has a power and simmer burner, convection and a griddle burner for good measure. Its manufacturered bt Frigidaire, but looks better under the Bosch name and is $120 cheaper....

The GE PHB925

You can buy a 30 inch induction cooktop for $2000 or buy this range with convection and double ovens for $2499....Best performing cooking product in the store.

How to Plan Outside Lighting Part 2

2009-11-20T08:20:00.002-05:00

Good Karma day....Blogged indiscriminately about outside lighting yesterday and today have a very good practical application of a completed renovation .

Great pics...

How to Light The Outside

2009-11-19T10:16:00.000-05:00

As far as I am concerned Daylight Savings time means winter...and darkness.

You have plenty of choices for lighting the exterior of your house...

But, like all decorative (search decorative on this blog) lighting, there is no rule for sizing the actual fixture. Lets look at each iteration:

Wall: Typically, there are three sizes of outside lights. The smaller type is for garages and smaller spaces, the medium will accommodate most other applications. The largest size...you guessed it is for larger applications and homes.

Post: Post lights are electrified by a...post, and can fit on fences as well. Typically there are two sizes, which you choose based on the expanse of the yard.

Hanging/Flush: This is not the most popular style, but can be great on farmers porches and other covered outside spaces (small note here any fixture on the outside should be rated for damp or wet location).

Your Delivery person is a Criminal?

2009-11-17T14:00:00.004-05:00

Kind of a different yet important post today

Fox News had an expose last night about delivery and tradespeople having criminal records. I can actually(it is Fox) believe this. About 15 years ago, a Yale technician once stole a ring from a customers house. I recovered the ring and learned a very valuable lesson.

Here is how you can deter criminals from entering your home:

1 Ask if the store is CORI certified. CORI is the state computer for criminal offenders. Certification allows for access

2. Credit checks: Look for bankruptcies and other credit problems. If they are short of cash, you could be at risk

3. Random drug screens: If you are a company, this is a given. Once again, as a consumer it is a question worth asking

Ask these questions before accepting delivery

Rebates...More Rebates

2009-11-16T10:58:00.000-05:00

I am a completely mercenary in reviews. I can see myself buying different items merely based on price comparison, I am a realist. Bosch, GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool and Electrolux all have very good laundry...

If you are converting from a top load, you will save money through greater water and electrical efficiency, larger capacity and high spin speed (less drying)

So yes, a $300 rebate would sway me from a favorite to a mere consideration. But who would do something that extreme?

Bosch: Once $889 now $589....

And The Winner is.....

2009-11-13T14:27:00.004-05:00

Scott Shannon is the proud owner of a 36 inch Lynx grill...The question is: Is he worthy?

Thanks to everyone (2700 of you) for playing. It was a fun little contest and we will definitely do more. You can sign up for future contests by simply being a Facebook Fan, a Twitter follower or join our email club (we wont abuse the privilege).

Next contest is for our Home Show in February...

The Yale Chef Series Rolls On

2009-11-13T14:21:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is one of my favs. Andy Husbands of
Tremont647/Sister Sorel will be demonstrating from 12-3. Andy is the author of The Fearless Chef and is one of the movers behind Share Our Strength. SOS helps feed hungry kids (currently 1 out of 6 in Boston) and provides nutritional information to needy families.

Great Guy, Great Chef

Viking Wakes Up

2009-11-12T09:45:00.000-05:00

Viking really pioneered the professional range. Interesting side note: The Viking range was actually prototyped by Whirlpool in the late 80s. When Whirlpool decided not to proceed, the executives moved to Greenwood, Mississippi and created the Viking brand.

At one point, Viking manufactured 50% of the professional ranges sold. Then they stopped innovating. They were late to the party on dual fuel, sealed burners and low simmer. Now Wolf is perhaps equal in prestige...

Recently, Viking launched a new range with updated styling and an 18,500 BTU burner(versus a 15,000). Its a step in the right direction.

Win a $5,000 Lynx Grill

2009-11-11T09:16:00.000-05:00

We have had this image on our site for about 1 week. Tomorrow we will randomly pick the winner. (Last chance to enter!)

The Grill

How to buy a grill (a little off season, I know):

1. Construction. Ideally you want stainless especially if you expose it to the elements. You also want decent burners, cast iron or brass preferably.

2. BTU Output: The Lynx pictured is 75,000 BTU, but anything over 35-40,000 should be fine.

3. Pro Sear: Fast element to sear meats quickly.

4. Rotisserie: Baste meats in their own natural juices.

5. Side burners: Great convenience feature and some of these burners are pro.

New Induction...Electrolux

2009-11-10T10:59:00.000-05:00

Induction is the best way to cook. Yes, its better than even the most powerful professional gas unit. Speed, ability to simmer, less heat exhausted into the kitchen, less venting needed and child safety are the hallmarks of induction cooking.

Although we display GE, Thermador, Diva, Bosch, Wolf and Viking, Electrolux is the most price competitive....and they have improved their design.

Have a look...

They eliminated that second stainless border, so it is easier to clean.

How to...Integrate Appliances

2009-11-09T10:43:00.001-05:00

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...

2009-11-06T09:47:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-05T11:49:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-04T14:22:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-03T09:50:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-03T09:48:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-03T08:23:00.006-05:00

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...

How To Choose a Decorative Light

2009-10-30T10:35:00.000-04:00

When I was a young lad (how often I say this these days), the proper way to size a light was 24 inches off the table and 12 inches less in diameter. It makes sense in a static way. You don't want the light in your face nor do you want to konk your head when leaving the table.

However, styles have changed. Kitchen and formal dining have changed into one great area. This has certainly impacted how we view decorative lighting. Now you are more likely to light an island and peninsula than a table. Pendants (smaller fixtures) of all types become more appropriate.

I only have one suggestion. Buy what you like. Decorative lighting is only a part of the lighting plan with ambient, task and accent being the other elements. Now perhaps, you can consider some really different pieces.

Chef Classes October 31/November 1

2009-10-29T17:07:00.003-04:00

Two worthwhile demonstrations this weekend:

Steve Brand of Upstairs on the Square will be October 31. I love this place. It is three stories of interesting decor and eclectic food.

Website address: www.upstairsonthesquare.com

Chef German Lam demonstrates on November 1. He specializes in healthy cooking. Perhaps he can do something with the 100 cookies we bake every day.

Website address: www.glamfoodsllc.com

Two Minute Training: Undercabinet Lighting

2009-10-29T08:33:00.000-04:00

I have this new idea. Rather than reading my stream of consciousness with a few pics, we will explain each topic using Youtube videos.

In the meantime, meet Robert Joyce, Lighting Manager.

How To Buy an Over The Range Microwave

2009-10-26T10:36:00.000-04:00

I remember when microwaves were the rage in the 80s. It was new technology invented by Amana and Litton, and everyone had to own one. 20 years later and it is no longer buzz worthy. With one exception, the over the range (OTR) microwave.

This product actually makes sense...It is space saving, places the all the cooking in one general area and combines the ventilation feature.

Now here is how you buy one:

First, buy the match to the stove, microwaves are pretty similar in terms of features and style...The looks are different

In a basic upgrade (within the manufacturer), you will have more capacity (unit is a bit taller) and more automatic programs.

Better models:

Convection: Can cook as an oven, microwave or both using the combination settings. Using both will save you half the time without losing flavor or texture.

Advantium: Cooks up to 8 times faster using high powered halogen light bulbs.

Borrowed Butler

2009-10-23T14:37:00.003-04:00

As the cooking season approaches, we will be hosting cooking demos with chefs. This sunday is Carol Macinnis from The Borrowed Butler...Excellent food, BTW

Time is noon, and she is sponsored by Wolf. On the menu is lasagna and a rustica

Maybe this is not a good space to ask what exactly a rustica is, but I guess we will

find out tomorrow

The Return of The Table Lamp

2009-10-23T11:07:00.000-04:00

Have a look at Daren Lechner's (our designer) new display.

His displays have always been eclectic and different whereas this is modern and coolly professional. I like eclectic or a blend of many different types of styles.

Moving on, kitchen and bath are the only places which need really well planned illumination. You may need it in the hallways, so you don't clang your head at night. For the most part, in other areas, you turn it off to sleep, watch television or conserve energy (had to toss that in).

For this reason table lamps are efficient. They are portable and an effective reading or task light. A lamp can add to the style of the room, but most importantly, does not have to be considered in a fixture plan and can be added later.

Lets look at a few...