Posts filed under 'APPLIANCES'
From Janet:
When it comes to refrigerators, Sub-Zero has ruled the kitchen for a while now; the 650 bottom-freezer model is a modern classic. Here are ten more to consider.
The Favorite:
Below L: Our top choice is the free-standing Sub-Zero Pro 48; practically sculpture for the kitchen. At 7 feet tall and 4 feet wide, it’s not for the small of kitchen, though. View and locate showroom near you at Sub-Zero. Below R: A more streamlined choice is the classic Sub-Zero 36-inch 650G with a glass front (about $7,200).
Below L: The Bosch Integra series offers a clean take on the classic. The 36-inch model with bottom freezer is available in stainless steel ($5,799) or with custom panels ($5,099) at AJ Madison. Below R: The easy-to-open 36-inch French Door Model looks great, keeps cold air in, and requires less floor space (due to the absence of the large wide-swinging door). $6,028 at AJ Madison.
Below: For a super-sleek built-in look, the Bosch Integra series includes 24-inch and 30-inch Fully Flush Built-in Refrigerators to pair with 18-inch, 24-inch, or 30-inch freezers. $3,299 and $3,799, respectively, at AJ Madison.
The Economists:
Free-standing models offer the great looks of higher-priced built-ins with a substantially smaller price tag.
Below L: The Viking 36-inch Professional Series starts at $3,109 ($6,789 for the built-in version) at US Appliance. Below R: LG offers great buys in classic shapes, with good performance ratings. The LG LBC22520ST 33-inch wide in stainless is $1099 at ABT Electronics.
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Below L: Liebherr refrigerators are highly energy efficient with great design. For information and an easy-to-use US dealer finder, go to Liebherr Appliances. The 30-inch free-standing bottom freezer dual refrigeration is $3,699 at Home Click. Below R: For the high-tech and high-efficiency kitchen, consider the 48-inch Three Climate Zone Stainless Built-in Refrigerator; $7,207 at Home Click. It features a triple refrigeration system with three separate compressors and evaporators, which means three different temperature zones for optimum food storage conditions.
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The Space Maximizer:
Below: To maximize your space without making a huge dent in your pocketbook, consider the highly rated Electrolux ICON Professional Series stainless-steel all-refrigerator paired with the all-freezer. Available for $1,799 each at ABT Electronics.
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The Design-Savvy Environmentalist:
Below: Texas-based Equator Appliances makes the Conserv Refrigerator, which sports European good looks (the designer’s portfolio includes Bang & Olufsen products) and is a model for energy conservation, costing only $2.50 per month to operate. Made in Europe, it’s constructed of easy-to-recycle materials. Its tall and narrow footprint (it’s 79 inches tall and 23.6 inches wide) wins in the space-saving category. Want more storage space? Two units can be installed side-by-side (see second photo). In brushed stainless for $1,059 at epc Market.
Below L: We are smitten with Sub-Zero’s 700 series of fully integrated refrigerators. View and locate your nearest showrooom at Sub-Zero. The 36-inch model 736 refrigerator/freezer splits the freezer into two drawers ($7,600). Below R: Pair the 27-inch 700TR all-refrigerator with the 700TF all-freezer.
The Commercialists:
Below L: TRUE T-49 reach-in cooler, 54 by 29 by 78 inches; $2,226 at Chase Refrigeration. Below R: Frigidare Food-service-grade Glass-door Refrigerator, 33 by 70 inches, $1,499 at US Appliance.
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The Retro Model:
Below: Smeg’s 9.22 cubic foot 50s Style Refrigerator with ice compartment is compact at 24 inches wide and 57.5 inches tall. Available in a great choice of colors for $1,999 at Absolute Home.
August 6th, 2008
Related posts:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Refrigerator Drawers
- Appliances: New Aga Line
- Appliances: Gaggenau First Professionals
- Steal This Look: Stainless Steel Kitchen
- Appliances: Aga Companion Range
From Julie:
The trend to professionalize the home kitchen continues: a recent entry is the TurboChef 30-inch double wall speedcook oven. This Charlie Trotter–approved workhorse uses what the company calls Airspeed Technology (normally only found in commercial restaurants) to cook up to 15 times faster than a conventional oven. Styled by ultra-hip, Silicon Valley–based Frog Design in a bid to merge “nostalgia and technology,” the unit features an appealing retro look. The $8,000 price tag is pure future shock, however. For dealers, go to TurboChef:
In addition to the polished aluminum/stainless model, the TurboChef also comes in orange (see below) and red:
August 6th, 2008
Related posts:
- Appliances: BlueStar Wall Ovens
- Appliances: Swing Door Oven
- Appliances: Gaggenau First Professionals
- Storage: Under Stair Appliances
- Kitchen: Icestone
From Julie:
New to the US market, this dishwasher from Spanish appliance company Fagor has a couple of innovations: no stooping to load and unload, and convenient storage both above and below. $1,700; go to fagoramerica.com for dealers.
August 6th, 2008
Related posts:
- Remodeling Redux: TurboChef Oven
- Appliances: Smeg Dishwasher Drawer
- Appliances: Gaggenau First Professionals
- 10 Easy Pieces: Front-Loading Dishwashers
- Tabletop: Duralex Picardie Glasses
From Janet:
Those of us lacking an English country house can still capture the manor look with Aga’s Companion Range. At a mere 24 inches wide, the Aga Duel Fuel Companion has four burners, two ovens, and is made of cast-iron swathed in three coats of glossy vitreous enamel. Available in 14 signature colors, it’s $4,725 at Home Everything. Also see 10 Easy Pieces: European-Style Ranges for additional selections.
Below: If you have more space, consider the Cast Iron Duel Fuel Six-Four Series Stove. At $9,195, it has six burners and four ovens. Available at Universal Appliance.
Below: The true Anglophile might want to investigate the Classic Radiant Heat Aga Cooker, which comes at a steep price: $17,000 at Cooking.
Below: Also consider the Aga refrigerator line, such as the drawers shown below in cream; $2,949 at A.J. Madison.
July 24th, 2008
Related posts:
- 10 Easy Pieces: European-Style Ranges
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- Bathroom: Aston Matthews Tivoli Tub
- 10 Easy Pieces: Gas Cooktops
- Kitchen: The Pink Fridge
From Janet:
I have long been an admirer of BlueStar ranges. The company originally produced only high-powered restaurant ranges, but they now manufacture exclusively for the residential market. Last year, BlueStar introduced a gas wall oven, and the color options alone are a selling point—190 choices. Other features to recommend it: the door configurations (the 24-inch size features a swing door and the 30-inch and 36-inch sizes feature French doors) for easy access and viewing and the roomy interiors (BlueStar claims they offer the largest oven capacity available in a 30- and 36-inch wall oven). Available in three sizes (24, 30, and 36 inches), the BlueStar gas wall oven can be purchased as single- or double-oven units.
Below: The 36-inch Single Oven in red is $3,711 at Universal Appliance.
Below: The 24-inch Single Oven in Stainless is $2,142 at AJ Madison:
Below: All sizes are available in a double-oven option; the 30-inch Double Oven Shown is $5,517 at Universal Appliance:
July 22nd, 2008
Related posts:
- Appliances: Swing Door Oven
- Kitchen: Microwave Garage
- Remodeling Redux: TurboChef Oven
- Appliances: Gaggenau First Professionals
- Appliances: Aga Companion Range
From Julie:
Our house in Wellfleet, on Cape Cod, roars with the whirr of table fans all summer long; alas, most of ours are yellowed plastic Lasko fans from the local hardware store. Someday I hope to switch them out for tasteful chrome retro fans; here’s a roundup of the best ones out there. (NB: Also consult Fan Guide, a blog devoted to fans from Lumens, and cnet’s roundup of 10 Less Than Ordinary Fans to Keep Cool.)
RETRO INSPIRED TABLE FANS
Below: Allaire Desk Fan; available in two sizes and three finishes (brushed nickel, silver sage, or black); $78.99 for the 8-inch model or $110 for the 12-inch model at Restoration Hardware.
Below: Hunter Century Table Fan; $70 at Lumens.
Below: The nine-inch High-Velocity Massey fan
is a reasonable $18.99 from Amazon.
Below: Retro Table Top Fan by Minka Air; made of solid steel and featuring three speeds; $50 at Lumens.
Below: The handmade Michelle Parede Wall Fan from Matthews Fan Company is a wall-mounted option; it’s available in 10 finishes; $437.50 at Lumens.
Below: The Charcoal Vornado Vintage Fan is modeled after a jet engine; according to the company, “the Vornado creates a beam of air, similar to the funnel of a tornado, to force air up to 65 feet.” The fan is available for $129.99 directly from Vornado in either charcoal or Vornado green (the same murky green used on the 1950s model).
Below: The Large Freud Table Fan, of steel and aluminum, is £235 at the Conran Shop in the UK (the small size is £110 and the medium is £185).
MOD TABLE FANS
Below: Inspired by the jet engine, the Venti Fan from Anglo Swiss partnership Black + Blum has three speeds, can be wall mounted, and is exceptionally quiet. At 31 inches high, it also moves a lot of air; $610 at Lumens.
Below: Black + Brown’s desktop Propello Fan has soft rubber blades for safety and style and is incredibly quiet; it’s available in blue or gray for $139 at Lumens.
Below: Designed by Naoto Fukasaw, The Fan has a protective cage that wraps from front to back and is made of steel and polypropylene resin; it’s available in white, light blue, or black for $219 at Generate Design.
Below: The Tykho Fan, by Marc Berthier for Lexon, is in the permanent collection at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. Unfortunately, it’s hard to source in the US; we found it at Scarlett Alley for $64.95; currently, only the white/aluminum model is available. Overseas, the Coliseum Shop carries it for 45 Euros; available with green, turquoise, pink, or red blades.
July 9th, 2008
Related posts:
- Appliances: Instant Fan
- Remodeling Redux: TurboChef Oven
- 10 Easy Pieces: Metal-Base Dining Tables
- Appliances: BlueStar Wall Ovens
- Steal This Look: Retro or Mod Kitchen
From Janet:
When it comes to the issue of washing machines, are we biased? Yes. In our opinion, front-loading washing machines:
- Offer superior cleaning and efficiency at the same cost as the best top-loading machines;
- Use less water than top-loaders;
- Accommodate larger loads for increased efficiency;
- Achieve better moisture extraction in the spin cycle, which means shorter (and less costly) drying times;
- Can be stacked with a dryer to save space.
(NB: we don’t review washer/dryer combos, which are usually more expensive. We think it’s smarter to choose a washer and dryer separately.)
Our Top Ten Picks:
Below: The LG Steamwasher (model #WM2688HNMA/WMA) is highly rated, good-looking, and loaded with features. At $1,497, it offers outstanding energy and water efficiency, two optional steam settings, a cycle to moisten clothing to make ironing easier, and another that adds steam for boosting cleaning performance. Finally, it’s stackable. Shown in midnight blue, perched on the LG Steamwasher ($207); at Home Click.
Below: LG’s 27-inch Front Load Washer (model #WMo642HW) with 4.0 cubic foot capacity, ultra-quiet operation, and a NeveRust stainless steel drum. Highly energy and water efficient; costs $897 at Home Click.
Below: For the technology-minded, the GE Profile SmartDispense frontload washer determines a load’s weight and dirt-level, then calculates and releases the needed amount of water, detergent, and fabric softener. The company estimates that the machine saves 5,800 gallons of water or more each year. $1457 at Richmond Appliance.
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Below: The stackable Frigidare Gallery (GLTF2940F) is a great buy at $594 at Absolute Home. It receives high marks for its washing performance and energy efficiency. It offers automatic temperature control and automatic detergent and bleach dispensers.
Below: Kenmore Elite HE5t 4.0 cubic foot King Size Capacity Plus front-loading washer offers a large range of cycles, including a high-heat sanitary option, quiet operation, and a great range of colors. Highly rated by consumer groups and users; $1,299 at Sears. (NB: manufactured by Whirlpool.)
Below: The Whirlpool version of Kenmore’s Elite HE5t is the WFW9400S Ultra Capacity Plus Washer. It carries the Whirlpool name and is available in gray (”Diamond Dust”). $1,099 at Rainbow Appliance.
Below: The Whirlpool Duet Steam (WFW9600T) is $1,269 at AJ Madison. It’s an especially quiet, stackable, and spacious machine with great ratings. The high price includes the steam option, which offers better cleaning performance (but also increases cycle time).
Below: If stacking isn’t important to you (controls are on the top), consider the popular Bosch Nexxt 500 Series (WFMC530). Good user reviews for washing performance and energy efficiency; includes many automatic features common at this price level. $979 at Home Click.
Below: For those tied to the Maytag brand, consider the Maytag Epic (MFW9700S). While Maytag has come under fire for repair problems, initial reports are good for this model. Stackable, highly energy efficient, and priced under the $1,000 mark ($989 for black; $889 for white) at AJ Madison.
Below: The Miele Touchtronic Superlarge Capacity W4840 receives high ratings for washing and efficiency. Very spacious interior, very quiet operation, and is stackable. $2049 at Home Click.
Below: The Asko Designer W6903 offers a fully integrated look with the option of custom panels. Stackable and compact (24″), the Asko can be concealed under a kitchen counter, stacked in your bathroom, or take part in a sleek laundry room. High efficiency performance and great looks don’t come cheap. $1999 (for custom panel option) or $2199 for stainless at AJ Madison.
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To be fair, we want to list a few “cons” with front loaders:
-Have to stoop down to access. An accessory worth considering is a laundry pedestal with a drawer (offered by most manufacturers) that raises your washer off of the floor to eliminate stooping to access your laundry on your front-load washers. Offers good storage for detergents and such.
-Some complain of mildew smell due to small amounts of water that remains in high efficiency washers. Mildew tablets are available. A simpler solution is to leave the washer door cracked open after loads, so any remaining water can evaporate.
June 25th, 2008
Related posts:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Front-Loading Dishwashers
- Laundry Room: Wash and Wear
- Weekend Update: Clothes Call
- House Gift: Seletti Glass Bottles
- House Call: Mill Valley Green Home
From Janet:
We favor stainless-steel, 36-inch cooktops with five or more sealed burners. (Most units listed are also available in lower-priced 30-inch, four-burner configurations; black or white finishes also reduce costs.) When researching the models, consider your cooking needs (how many BTUs do you really need?). Another factor to consider is whether you can easily detect burners with different heat ratings—for instance, if you want to boil water on one burner and saute on another burner, is it clear which burner to use. Finally, if you prefer freestanding ranges, take a look at 10 Easy Pieces, European-Style Ranges.
Below: The Viking 36-inch Professional Series Built-in Cooktop—VGSU163-6B is the only countertop six-burner cooktop available in a 36-inch width. It offers the professional look and commercial power without the heft. Strong ratings for high-powered burners and great features (such as child-safety knobs). Comes with six sealed burners; $2,070 at Home Click.
Below: Dacor 36 inch Preference Gas Cooktop—PGM365. Continuous grates, spill basin, and powerful burners. $1,480 at Home Click.
Below: The Viking 36-inch Pro-Style Rangetop (VGRT3624Q) with four pro-sealed burners and a 12-inch chargrill in the center. $3,321 at Home Click.
Below: GE Profile 36-inch built-in gas cooktop, JGP975. Deep recessed cooktop with sealed burners, control locks, continuous grates (dishwasher safe). $1,099 at AJ Madison in black or white (add $140 for stainless).
Below: DCS 36-inch Professional Drop-in Cooktop, CTD-365 with five sealed dual-flow burners and continuous grates. $1,199 at Home Click.
Below: My personal favorite, the powerful, rugged-looking Bluestar Drop-in 36-inch Pro-Style Cooktop with five open burners, including 22,000 BTU UltraNova burners, electronic reignition system, and heavy-duty controls. Power doesn’t come cheap: $1,999 at AJ Madison.
Below: Thermador 36-inch Extra Low Drop-in Cooktop—SGSX365C - B / S with five-star burners (two with extra-low simmer settings), 15,000 BTU power burner, continuous grates, electronic reignition, and ergonomic control panel. $1,449 at Home Click.
Below: If you prefer the more professional look, consider the Thermador 36-inch Professional Series Cooktop with 6 Star BurnersPCG366E with a 12-inch back guard. Burner power is the same as the drop-in cooktop listed above. We like the range-like apron control panel. $2,339 at Home Click (back guard extra).
Below: The Bosch 36-inch Stainless Steel 5-Burner Gas Cooktop—PGL985UC has a triple flame burner for even cooking, continuous grates for pan wrangling, and a very low profile, all at a reasonable price of $799 at Home Click.
Below: A great budget option, the Maytag 36-inch gas cooktop (MGC5536BD) with five sealed burners, one simmer burner, and continuous grates. The lower price brings a slightly lower burner power of 12,500 BTUs. $589 in stainless; $519 in white, black, or bisque, at AJ Madison.
Below: And, featured in our earlier post, we love the Binova Fires Line Cooktop, that offers a single row of burners. Contact USA dealer Haute Living at (312) 329-9000 for pricing and ordering information.
May 14th, 2008
Related posts:
- Appliances: Binova Fires Line Cooktops
- Hardware: Flush Ring Pulls
- Appliances: Smeg Showroom in NYC
- 10 Easy Pieces: European-Style Ranges
- 10 Easy Pieces: Refrigerator Drawers
From Julie:
A solution to the dreaded problem of where to put the microwave, from Gaggenau; the built-in BM 281 Gaggenau Microwave Oven with gas-pressurized springs for effortless opening and closing. Available in 24-inch and 30-inch widths. To locate a dealer, click here.
April 29th, 2008
Related posts:
- Appliances: Gaggenau First Professionals
- Appliances: Swing Door Oven
- Appliances: Instant Fan
- Applicances: Sharp Microwave Drawer
- Remodeling Redux: 10 Easy Pieces Refrigerators
From Janet:
The Italians and their kitchens. The Fires Line cooktop by Italian kitchen system designer Binova is especially appealing. Featuring a single row of burners, the cooktop is perfect for a narrow countertop. It can be centered on an island (out of reach of children’s hands) for easy access from either side. Just approved for the US market in the last six months, it costs approximately $3,500. View the entire Binova line here. Contact USA dealer Haute Living at (312) 329-9000 for pricing and ordering information.
April 14th, 2008
Related posts:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Gas Cooktops
- Appliances: Gaggenau First Professionals
- Remodeling Redux: TurboChef Oven
- Best of Kitchens: Kerf DIY Cabinets
- Kitchen: Mixed Media
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