The Home Appliance + Lighting Blog

KitchenAid Versus Bosch Dishwashers Round 2

2009-12-11T12:02:00.000-05:00

The two most popular dishwashers are KitchenAid and Bosch. They both have their strong suits: KitchenAid has more features and a heated dry option. Bosch is quieter, heats water hotter and is more eco friendly.

But which one is better...That all depends. Lets compare the two most popular and rebated sets.

The Bosch SHE5AL $299 vs KitchenAid KUDC03 $369 (after rebates)

Have to give this one to KitchenAid. the tub is all stainless, while Bosch's entry piece is stainless with a plastic bottom. KitchenAid also has more relevant cycles.

The Bosch SHX4 $949 vs KitchenAid KUDS04 $769(after rebates)

In a direct comparison, I like the Bosch , but at a $180 savings, KitchenAid looks like a better buy...

Post 799

2009-12-09T10:34:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe the Blog is 3 years old...Harder still to believe there is actually 799 topics as it relates to appliances, lighting and plumbing.

Then again, the blog is about the best and not so good in these industries, energy tips, design and how to buy, so somehow we have only scratched the surface.

In the future, you will see an avalanche of new products and iterations of older ones like LED, QLED, induction ranges and more efficient appliances, so there will be plenty to write...as usual, we will take requests and hopefully we will remain relevant for another 799 posts

S

LED Explained in an Another Way

2009-12-08T09:55:00.001-05:00

We are changing our fixtures to more efficient bulbs. Last month, we retrofitted incandescent to color rendering fluorescent. Now we are changing the incandescent track heads to LED.

The gist of this video is simple: We will be using 196 watts of electricity instead of 840 with zero heat emission as opposed to 300 degrees in incandescent. There is also a 20 year year lamp life as opposed to the current 7 month replacement.

This video is my fault: I like improv, Bobby does not...but look at how powerful 18 watts is.

How to Quickly Lay Out Kitchen Lighting

2009-12-07T15:01:00.001-05:00

A dishwasher, refrigerator and stove all fit basically in the same space(give or take), lighting is a different story. If you read past posts, decorative lighting is just that. Chandeliers do not effectively light a room. Its a huge misconception.

Recessed/track are the main drivers and backbone of a lighting plan. We will concentrate on the kitchen and bath in the next few posts, because those rooms really require proper illumination. These rooms also require more light. Think about it. In most other rooms like bedrooms, dens and media rooms, you shut off the light.

The best way to to lay out recessed is to place the light where you need it. But be careful...Too far from a cabinet and you will obstruct the light while working on the counter...

As a general rule, place recessed 12-18 inches from the cabinet and 3-5 feet apart...In a normal ceiling use a 5 inch can or 4 inch low voltage with this trim (industry term for decorative piece of a light):

or this trim, if you want to highlight objects on the wall...called a regressed eyeball.

We are not done...Undercabinet lights are part of the plan. These are not hard. Buy the corresponding length to the size of the upper cabinet. For the best color use halogen, low voltage or LED. If you plan to spend more than a few consider LED. It costs more, but will save much more over the long term.

Viking Designer Series

2009-12-03T10:29:00.000-05:00

The Viking Designer line...heavy on price, way heavy on design and way light on sales. Its probably a good lesson for Viking or any other company who wants to sell more products simply by leveraging their name. Invariably, customers have to buy it.

Recently, Viking actually improved this line by dialing down the style and improving the price...For $8700, you have an interesting suite of appliances, range, dishwasher (now produced by Viking, not Asko), microwave and refrigerator (actually still manufactured by Whirlpool).

Not half bad...

The Rest of The House

2009-12-02T09:06:00.000-05:00

Last week, I showed you the outside of a house. This convenient post was one day after showing you how to lay out outside lighting....As you guessed, it was unplanned, I like bouncing from different topics.

Hopefully, you will find it interesting. You can always search the blog for a relevant topic as there is now 3 years worth of posts. I am a free form type of guy, so the beguiling order of posts seems to suit me.

Anyway, lets look at the rest of the house. They actually complete a Colonial design nicely. Colonial is a good look for New England (we were a Colony), but its very specific from a design point of view. If you want a more flexible look, consider turn of the century which can be adapted to many types of interiors (a post for next week)

But enjoy a nice interior:

A 2009 Review

2009-12-01T11:02:00.000-05:00

What should you buy? It really depends on what is important to you. You could be flipping the unit, buying a dream kitchen or a simple replacement. I do not have an all encompassing favorite, but several likable brands.

I can also be convinced to like another product if the rebates warrant a conversation. These are appliances after all, not proprietary medical equipment.

My favs...

Best Brands: SubZero/Wolf

Owned by the same person, these brands are different and better than their many competitors. Refrigerator has two compressors, an air scrubber and a way better gasket to keep air out. The stove has a better simmer, two convection fans and fancy clock and timer.

Best Affordable Luxury: Bosch

For a brand that is recently incapable of a good manufacturing decision, Bosch has weathered the recession quite well. This company does not have a french door refrigerator or a stove under $1000. Bosch, however, survives on being stylishly different (different is good), eco-friendly and produces the best dishwasher on the market.

Best Value: Frigidaire

With the deep pockets of parent Electrolux, Frigidaire was the original manufacturer of stainless steel appliances. Their latest release of Gallery and Gallery Pro is intriguing and very affordable. Their french door will be out second quarter 2010, and will shake up that segment.

Honorable mention: Miele and GE Cafe

Who Dat

2009-12-01T11:00:00.001-05:00

A brief departure from appliances...

I went to Tulane from 1982-1986 and became a Saints fan. I remember eating pizza watching as the 8-7 Saints were trying to clinch their first playoff game in franchise history

On fourth and one from the their opponents 45, their coach Bum Philips(Faith, Hope and Bum was the team slogan)decided to punt. I watched as the Rams completed five short passes and kick a field goal with no time left.

Since then watching The Saints(The Aints) has been a gut wrenching experience. I was a Celts season ticket holder through M L Carr and Rick Pitino, so I know gut wrenching. I am a Pats fan absolutely, but it was nice to see The Saints last night win one for a struggling yet charming city and most of all for the most tortured fans in sports

BTW: Who Dat is short for: Who Dat Say Gonna Beat Them Saints...Who Dat? When sung in drunken, Cajun, Creole, almost English, it actually can be endearing

A Few Answers to Your Washer Questions

2009-11-30T10:54:00.000-05:00

I still like being on the floor interacting with customers. The salespeople are better than me, but occasionally when needed, our manager Tom will throw me to the wolves downstairs in the Outlet.

At the very least, it is good Blog fodder. Last Friday, I was asked this question three times (two are a coincidence, three is a trend).

Question 1: Do front loaders smell? The answer is not now. One of the original and most famous, the infamous Maytag Neptune, had a gap between the inner and outer tub. Water would be left between the two and fester, thus creating the odor, which arguably destroyed the company. This years models are gasket-ed to prevent said odor. Have a look:

Question 2: How do I prevent wrinkles?

Yes, your clothes will wrinkle with a front load. There is a simple reason. The spin speed on a front load averages 1200 RPM, which is roughly 3 times your top load. This is great for water extraction and less dry time, but will cause wrinkling.

The simple solution is fabric softener (as discovered by Dennis MacDonald) Try a capful in your next wash. We sell the Miele, but there are others.

One last comment: Consider an efficient washer. It will have up to twice the capacity and use half the electricity and a third the water. A conservative annual savings is $150...a least.

Black and Blue Friday

2009-11-27T10:35:00.000-05:00

Black Friday is named, because traditional retailers actually become profitable for the year on this day...Hence the term Black.

I never really understood promoting loss leaders in order to sell a client something else. How can people be loyal to a store one day a year?

Of course this year has granted me fresh perspective. I bought my share of "Black Friday" specials. I would buy them year round, but they were only offered last Wednesday. What I did not count on is the lack of actual delivery.

Have a look:

Bosch Dishwasher Black and White $299

125 ordered 23 Received

Bosch Stainless Dishwasher $399

250 ordered 40 Received

Frigidaire Affinity Washer $399

250 ordered 40 received

Pretty infuriating....

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T15:31:00.002-05:00

Love this holiday...I will be working at the Pine Street Inn homeless shelter. I will be slinging turkey and then waiting tables...Very fulfilling.

Then off to my sisters to spend time with the family

Take care all,

Steve Sheinkopf
CEO
Yale Appliance And Lighting

How To Buy A Range

2009-11-25T11:57:00.001-05:00

So you want to buy a basic self cleaning range, let me show you the difference between 2 basic self cleaning electric and gas units.

Electric: Difference is a larger burner, a warmer and stainless steel handles for $100.

Gas: Oddly enough, pretty much the same....Fifth burner and stainless handles for...you guessed it $100.

Next step would be convection, then a second oven......

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