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Earlier this year, Whirlpool filed a patent infringement suit against LG Electronics.  Just last week LG announced that Whirlpool has abandoned part of its patent case against LG and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a ruling to that effect.

However, the company voluntarily withdrew suits over two of the five patents in the [...]

Let’s Eat In 30-Minute Meal Solutions Contest
Whirlpool brand and Newman’s Own, the experts in quick and easy meals at home, are looking for recipes. Submit your favorite 30-minute dish from June 2-July 31, 2008, and if it’s selected you could win a kitchen full of new Whirlpool brand appliances and a full year’s supply of [...]

It’s only June, but around here it feels like the height of summer.  Everyone is discussing their air conditioning or the lack of it.  If you are considering purcahsing a new air conditioning unit, we have some advice for you courtesy of the NY Daily News.  You need to sure the unit you purchase is [...]

By now, GE’s upcoming sale of their popular appliance division is common knowledge and many people are wondering what will become of one of the most popular brands in the US when it is sold.  GE appliances rank highly with sources such as Consumer Reports.  When news that GE was considering a sale of the [...]

The Monogram Wall Oven with Advantium Speedcook Technology has led the way in oven performance, harnessing the power of intense halogen light to deliver results in minutes with this exclusive GE technology. Today, the Advantium pushes the boundaries of culinary innovation even further with a  repertoire of cooking capabilities and enhanced design options.
Performance Capabilities

New Monogram [...]

Looking for ways to save money? Look no further than your kitchen. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) offers these simple energy savings tips to consumers looking for ways to cut energy bills this summer.
The energy consumed by home appliances has dropped sharply since 2000.
Refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers combined account for a 43% [...]

If you plan to give Dad a cordless power tool this Father’s Day, you can thank NASA for the great gift idea.
According to Howstuffworks.com, Black and Decker created the cordless idea back in 1961 with battery operated tools, but NASA helped refine the technology that led to lightweight, cordless medical instruments, hand-held vacuum cleaners and other [...]

General Electric Co Chief Executive Jeff Immelt on Wednesday named five non-U.S. appliance manufacturers, including China’s Haier, South Korea’s LG Electronics, Sweden’s Electrolux, Mexico’s Controladora Mabe and Turkey’s Arcelik, as potential bidders for the company’s century-old appliances business.
The chief of the second-largest U.S. company by market capitalization said it was “obvious” who would be interested [...]

Frigidaire has a fun extra for your outdoor entertaining kitchen or home theatre- a beverage center that dispenses cold beer and other beverages and has room to keep trays of foods cool as well.The beverage center has a 12.75 Cu. Ft. refrigeration capacity, can accommodate 1/2 barrel or 1/4 barrel keg sizes and  a fresh food [...]

Best Buy will take and recycle your unwanted appliances free of charge.  One hundred seventeen stores in the Baltimore, San Francisco, and Minnesota areas are welcoming customers to bring in no more than two units per day, per household, for recycling at no charge. Customers can bring in items such as televisions and monitors up to 32-inches, [...]

I think infomercials are unbearably annoying, but somehow I find myself pausing on the way to my show of the moment to see the latest gadget being hawked.  Sarah Aycock at Louisiana State University has discovered that she is drawn to appliance infomercials.
You flip to your favorite channel, but instead of the familiar lineup, there’s a [...]

Whether you are looking for a basic model for heating up leftovers or one with options for baking and broiling, we have tips and information to make your decision easier.
Counter top ovens are the least expensive starting at as low as $25 and ranging in size from a compact 17″wide by 13′ deep to a larger [...]

Here’s a fun gadget for the baker in the house. A .90 cubic foot brick oven that sits on your counter top. Cuisinart offers this oven with permanently built in bricks on the top and sides, two racks for multi level cooking, three settings and 1700 watts of power to reach up to 500°F . [...]

Dacor’s newest addition to its Epicure line is designed to fit neatly under any counter in an outdoor patio or kitchen layout, the unit stands at 33″ tall and 24″ wide and will easily slide into standard cabinetry openings. An innovative digital electronic control panel allows users to adjust the temperature with the simple touch [...]

I’ve always thought of Vita-Mix blenders as a health food, hippy blender, one that has been replaced by juicers. Nevertheless, in the back of my mind I can ‘t help wondering if it is the answer to my ice crushing, smoothie making needs.  Sylvia Carter seems to feel the same way, but she finally gave in and purchased [...]

We all know the old saying: “Better later than never” well, I’m a bit late, but there is still plenty of time to enter the competition for Whirlpool’s Mother of Invention grant.
Beginning on May 11, the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day, and running through July 31, moms may submit their unique business, service or product [...]

People are more comfortable buying a new appliance from an online retailer now than they were just two years ago according to a survey by PriceGrabber, a Web-based comparison-shopping service.  The study found that “unease with online merchants’ customer service and the fear of making large online purchases have all decreased” since a similar survey [...]

Buying a new appliance is expensive and everyone wants to get a good value for their money.  Sometimes getting less can be more.  According to Consumer Reports, some of the extra features offered on new washers and dishwashers are not needed and just add unnecessarily to the final cost.
Take new dishwasher cycles with names like “turbo [...]

If you’ve been thinking about whether it is time to replace your aging appliances, or if you are wondering whether you could be saving the big bucks in energy costs if you had an all new suite of kitchen appliances,  Alina Tugend at the New York Times has some thoughts to share.
One of the first [...]

Pioneer Electronics announces a new line of KURO plasma displays featuring black levels five times deeper than the previous award-winning KURO.
“The introduction of this year’s KURO televisions is another step toward our ultimate goal of pure, absolute black that will fulfill the true potential and all the promise of high-definition entertainment,” [...]

This may not fall perfectly into the realm of appliances, but it is so cool, it has to be shared. The wonderful bread baking site thefreshloaf.com has a post about a wood burning oven built buy the homeowner for about $3000. The oven heats up to 1000 degrees to bake pizza followed [...]

The newest additions to the GE Café series include two counter-depth refrigerators, and a new electric range.
Refrigerators:
The counter-depth styling allows the appliances to blend seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry, achieving a built-in look without the added expense of a built-in model.
The new counter-depth 25-cubic-foot side-by-side refrigerator is available with ClimateKeeper2™ technology, featuring a dual-evaporator [...]

Its all about gross margins. General Electric confirmed today that they are leaving the appliance business and will sell their appliance division to the highest bidder, as part of the “most active portfolio change in the history of the company.” GE, which entered the appliance business in 1907, is closing one of its [...]

If you are lucky, you rarely need to pay much attention to the appliances that run, some of them 24 hours a day, in your home. But to keep everything trouble free, it’s good to follow some basic guidelines for care and safety when using or installing appliances in your home. Handymanclub.com offers some [...]

Maytag has released a new tall tub dishwasher with a steam cleaning option to help loosen dirt and clean glassware to a shine. The tall tub has an oversize capacity and nylon coated racks to protect fragile stemware. A stainless steel interior helps hold heat so dishes dry faster. Options include sanitizing, delay settings and [...]

Samsung has a creative refrigerator idea. The Quatro Cooling Convertible Refrigerator allows the consumer to switch the refrigeration and freezing compartments as needed. If you plan to cook and freeze food in preparation for a big event just switch use to make room. The same applies to needing more room to [...]

If you are shopping for a high-def TV, you’ll need to decide which type you’d like. Will you go for LCD(liquid crystal display), plasma, or HD rear projection microdisplay? Let us offer some information and advice to make your decision a little easier.
LCD
These televisions are thin and lightweight with bright picture contrast. [...]

Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Samsung Electronics, have announced the addition of Samsung refrigerators to Sears line-up of leading appliance brands. Beginning in March 2008, Samsung side-by-side refrigerators are available at Sears stores nationwide. Samsung front-loading washers and dryers have been available at Sears since November 2007.
Sears will carry Samsung’s Twin Cooling side-by-side [...]

It’s been said before, but for many people the day just doesn’t really start until they’ve had that first cup of coffee. Not only that, but now coffee drinkers have myriad choices of beans and roasting styles. Those specially selected beans need to be brewed just right. Be sure to find a [...]

KitchenAid, is now offering induction cooktops in its Architect Series II Collection. If you are not familiar with induction cooking and the difference between cooking with induction technology rather than conventional heating methods, you can read more about them in Conduction Cooking is Hot- and Cool and How Food Cooks - Conduction, Convection [...]

Here are some rules everyone should be aware of before using outdoor power equipment. They come straight from the folks who know how to use them, The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
1 . Know how to operate the equipment.
Read the operator’s manual before using any power equipment. Know where the controls are and what they [...]

Fisher & Paykel, the New Zealand appliance manufacturer well known for it’s dishwasher drawers and washing machines is consolidating it’s manufacturing and moving to Reynosa, Mexico, just south of the U.S. border.
The range and DishDrawer factory in Dunedin, New Zealand, the refrigeration plant in Brisbane, Australia and the DCS manufacturing plant in Huntington Beach will [...]

Staber, an American manufacturer and online retailer of washers and dryers offers a new clothes drying cabinet as an addition to your laundry room equipment. Although drying cabinets have been used in Europe for years, many Americans are not familiar with them. They are in a simple form a box in which clothes [...]

The Air-Conditioning  and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of more than 90 percent of the air conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment installed in North America.  They offer their advice on how save money and energy while using your heat and air at home.
A typical home cooling system has two parts: an [...]

KitchenAid is adding to their retractable down vent line by including 30 and 36 inch widths in their Architect Series II design line. Retractable vents are installed flush to the countertop behind the cooktop, pop up for use and retract out of sight when not in use. Many homeowners look for this type of vent [...]

Jenn-Air offers a line of trash compactors that feature fully integrated doors for a sleek trash management solution in the areas where you entertain. The compactors have a Compress option that can reduce trash volume up to 80%. A comprehensive odor management system includes charcoal filters for an odor-free kitchen.
Available style options include: stainless, black and white [...]

Debuting in February 2008 were five new island and wall ventilation hoods that increase Miele’s product offering to more than 30 hoods.  The four 30” - 48” width units are available in classic stainless steel or may be custom ordered in over 200 colors for the ultimate in design customization. An impressive 70” wide, double [...]

If you’ve been longing for an extra burner, but are short on counter space, KitchenAid offers their newest cooktop- a five burner that fits in a thirty inch space. Part of the new Architect Series II appliance collection, they will also be available in a thirty-six inch size if you have a bit more [...]

Stainless steel looks beautiful in the kitchen, but shine doesn’t necessarily equal performance. Do high end appliances (many with those gleaming finishes) really rate having such high price tags? Sometimes they really do. But that doesn’t mean you should rule out mid-priced options. As mid-priced manufacturers start adapting some of the features the pricier models [...]

If you have been considering buying a new kitchen appliance, now might be the time to act. LG is offering a rebate of up to $500 on their kitchen appliances. The deal starts at $250 for two appliances and goes up to the $500 if you buy four. You can outfit [...]

Miele will debut the new G 2002 La Perla series dishwasher this fall. Engineered to be the quietest Miele dishwashers yet, they also sport a Turbo feature that speeds up wash programs by 10-15%. Sensor Dry, the most advanced drying system on the market, analyzes room temperature to calculate the optimal water heat, rinse aid [...]

U.S. factory shipments of residential cooling and heating equipment declined in February, compared with the same month a year ago, while the commercial market for these products maintained steady growth, according to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
Central Air Conditioners and Air-Source Heat Pumps

Combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat [...]

The last man I know who tried to cut his own hair, had his family laughing at his expense for weeks.  Luckily a quick visit to a stylist saved him from having to face the world with the botched look.  I’m wondering if he’d like to try this new clipper from Remington which claims it [...]

Bissell introduces a handy little deep cleaner for use around the house. It’s portable and can be used in the car as well. It has a long power cord and since it can be hand-held, you can easily clean in hard to reach areas and on stairs. It can be used on [...]

Miele will introduce an entirely new CombiSet assortment in Fall 2008. Miele CombiSets are unique units that stand alone or combine to fully customize any cooking surface, or even create multiple cooking stations.
All CombiSet™ modules are matched to one another in terms of their design and functional characteristics so consumers can mix and match to [...]

Does customer service really matter? We like to think that it does. Have you ever had a really bad experience with a store, and silently (or not so silently) wished that they would just go out of business? Well sometimes, the customer gets lucky. Our own NightOwl reported a while back on a nightmare experience [...]

Electrolux, makers of premium appliances for fine homes and restaurants in Europe for over 70 years and Europe’s leading premium appliance brand, is introducing a new line of stylish, high-performance kitchen appliances exclusively for North America. Called Electrolux, the new line of premium kitchen appliances is designed to help today’s multi-tasking moms do what they [...]

My mother always bought meat on sale to store in the garage freezer for future use. The same with bread and ice cream. She was and is a frugal shopper. But today, with energy costs so high, it makes sense to calculate how much energy is being used to keep the food in storage.
If you [...]

According to a survey conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), about 15 million televisions will be replaced by 2010 because over-the-air reception will no longer be available beginning next year.  The study also says that about 95% of those TVs will be sold, recycled or donated.  Forty-eight percent of households plan to keep their televisions and [...]

With the biggest change in over-the-air television since the 1930’s coming in February 2009, some seniors may need to take steps to continue watching their favorite programs once the digital television transition is complete. To encourage baby boomers to help their elderly parents, relatives, and neighbors get ready, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® enlisted actress [...]

If you are confused by the different claims of energy efficiency by appliance manufacturers, JamesDulley of the Detroit Free Press has some helpful advice.
Depending upon the type of product and the fuel it uses, efficiency ratings can mean different things. Also, some manufacturers and/or salespeople play fast and loose with the accuracy of efficiency claims.
A [...]

Appliance Design magazine has announced the winners of its 21st Annual Excellence in Design competition.
Entrants were evaluated by an independent panel of three experts in the field of design. The products were judged by four criteria: aesthetics, human factors, innovation, and technical merits.
Products were entered into one of several categories. The winning entries, listed by [...]

Oneida Ltd., the 128 year old tabletop company, and a leading source of flatware, dinnerware, drinkware, cookware, bakeware and kitchen gadgets for both the consumer and food service
industries worldwide, announced it has signed a licensing agreement with Greystone Brands Ltd. Under the terms of the agreement, Greystone will license the Oneida brand for use in [...]

Whirlpool Corp. has been recognized with its third consecutive ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award. Provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the award honors Whirlpool Corp.’s contribution to providing innovative efficient products that help consumers reduce utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
Whirlpool will accept the award at [...]

Americans are not backing up their digital photos, music, documents or other types of files, according to a new study released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®. Results of the study, Amassing Digital Fortunes: A Digital Storage Study, show that nearly one in three consumers don’t see the need to back up their files, [...]

Phil Davis is the Managing Member of iCubed International, the company that makes the smallest microwave ever built. “I was looking for a way to do a hot towel treatment before my shave,”
said Davis, “I figured the only way I could do that was to have a microwave in the bathroom. I [...]

From the East Valley Tribune in Phoenix, Arizona:
A Pinal County jury on Thursday handed down a huge civil award to a family whose two boys were badly burned in a fire apparently caused by a faulty stove.
The manufacturer, Electrolux Home Products, was ordered to pay the Kavu family of Stanfield $43.1 million.
“They’re just elated,” said [...]

Delivering on its promise of bringing stylish design into all of its home appliance products, LG Electronics, announced the addition of two new designer finishes -Bahama Blue and Emerald Green - bringing its front-load laundry palette to eight colors. The new models incorporate feature-rich packages at an array of price points to suit a variety [...]

The Vita-Mix Corporation has been extolling the virtues of a whole food diet for decades, quietly amassing thousands of loyal customers who have made Vita-Mix high-performance blenders an integral part of their healthy lifestyles. Today, Vita-Mix is proud to announce the first new Vita-Mix household blender in 15 years – the Vita-Mix 5200. The Vita-Mix [...]

 Called Electrolux, the new appliance line is set to debut on North American shores in spring 2008. Boasting a distinctive look with a curved front design and signature blue LED displays, the new European-designed collection from Electrolux also offers ingenious features such as advanced Wave-Touch™ controls, one touch and more than 60 controls appear and [...]

We don’t often consider how our household appliances work, we tend to take them for granted.  But when I stop to think about all they do, I wonder about the mechanics of it all.  The site howstuffworks.com is so much fun. It has a wonderful way of explaining how our everyday world works.  Below is an excerpt from the [...]

I think it’s good to be reminded regularly to look after these appliances we spent so much to acquire.  So I feel justified in offering this list from the Sun Herald that nudges you to take a minute and check up on your household appliances. It could add years to their lifespan.
Refrigerator
Average life span: 14 years
What you need [...]

Steam is hot right now.  It is showing up in a variety of appliance and is touted as the way to sanitize, freshen and even shorten cleaning times. Consumer Reports weighed in on steam use in appliances at abclocal.go.com sharing their opinion of steam’s usefulness.
One thing to be aware of before even considering a steam [...]

Here’s something that sounds good in theory, but doesn’t seem to work in practice- The people at Electrolux thought that putting a vacuum in a pair of shoes might appeal to the overworked multi-tasker. Well, it’s been over a year since this concept debuted and we’re waiting to see if our local discount store will [...]

Here’s some bad news for appliance dealers (if they haven’t already noticed the effect in their own markets)
 Twice.com reports that according to AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers), January shipments of major appliances fell 17 percent to 3.9 million units compared with the 4.7 million major appliances sold during the year-ago period.
Taking the biggest hit was the home-comfort [...]

We invest a lot of money in our clothes and want them to last and look good. Over-drying and over heating clothes wears them out faster. If your dryer is working effectively, you can dry more quickly, sometimes at lower temperatures. If preserving your clothes, possibly preventing wrinkles and saving energy [...]

If you are looking for a new washing machine, you’ve probably asked yourself these questions - Top loader or front? How can I be sure to buy an energy efficient washer? We’ll try to answer those and some others with help from the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) site on consumer protection.
To help consumers [...]

Computer keyboards are one of the dirtiest, germiest surfaces in the house. (So is the mouse.) Take a few minutes to clean your keyboard using supplies you probably already have around - just unplug it first. Next, turn it over a trash can and lightly shake out any dirt or dust that has accumulated. Clean [...]

Here’s a twist on the crockpot and fondue pot. Hamilton Beach’s Party Crock Cookset. This little pot would be great for entertaining. The 1.5 quart pot holds dips or side dishes on your buffet and can go from the refrigerator to the heating base to the table so you can prepare in advance [...]

If you are planning your new kitchen or remodel and have your heart set on a 1950s  or Victorian look, Elmira Stove Works will have you covered.  They have two product lines, Antique and Northstar which include ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators and more.
 
Antique
The Elmira Antique line adds the warmth and beauty of an antique, traditional, or country [...]

News from appliancemagazine.com a trade magazine, reports:
LG Electronics has entered into a cross licensing agreement with GE Consumer & Industrial that will allow LG and GE to use one another’s patents for refrigerators and cooking appliances without paying licensing fees.
“We believe that this licensing arrangement with GE will enhance our ability [...]

If you’re looking for a museum trip without the drive, just click here to visit the Washing Machine Museum. If you want to make the trip a real, not virtual experience, the museum is located in Eaton, Colorado with tours by appointment.
The virtual tour offers glimpses of the forgotten world of early hand, gas and [...]

Whether you are installing a new dryer, relocating an old one, or just looking to remind yourself of some basic household safety guidelines, you can clickon our link to The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers(AHAM) handbook on dryer care and safety.
You can read about:

Proper installation materials and how to use them
How to clean and maintain [...]

Newscientist.com has found a great solution to that half-filled smelly dishwasher that you feel guilty running because it will waste water- The Shape Shifting Dishwasher -
A problem with conventional dishwashers is that to save water, energy and detergent, people wait until the machine is full before switching it on.
But if the dishwasher is in a single-person [...]

I’m enjoying my stainless steel appliances and plan to add to the look by replacing my range hood with a stainless version, but I’m sensing that stainless may have some serious competition on the horizon.  I’m not alone with that thought, the Home and Garden people at nj.com, feel the same way:
“I think stainless has [...]

Laundry Pair Combines High Efficiency with Deep Clean Functionality and SteamCare Technology
Kenmore Elite’s SteamCare technology, harnesses the power of steam by saturating dry clothing with a fine mist of water while simultaneously heating the interior of the appliance. The water and heat work together to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and odors, so consumers [...]

Microwaves are so common a household appliance and have been in homes for so many years, most of us can’t remember a time when we weren’t “zapping” our food. Still, using an appliance daily, we can get careless with how we use it. These guidelines can help you “zap” safely.
Cookware, containers and wraps
Only [...]

Smoke alarms are proven life savers. There are more than 300,000 residential fires every year, so when there is a fire, smoke alarms buy families valuable escape time.
Unfortunately, about two-thirds of fire deaths take place in homes with no smoke alarms or with non-working smoke alarms. The most common reasons why [...]

For the most part, clothes drying technology hasn’t changed in over 70 years, but the people at Hydromatic Technologies have a new plan. They don’t make dryers, but at the 2008 International Builders’ Show, they debuted a new technology - Hydronics- that could make future dryers better.
Hydronics is the utilization of water or other [...]

If you have carpets in your home, it has probably occurred to you that despite regular vacuuming and scheduled cleanings, they likely harbor a great variety of unsavory bacteria.  I know that even though we all take off our shoes when we come home, I can’t require that visitors do the same and so the [...]

Having a dead battery is never fun. Having one late at night or in the freezing snow is bad. How about late at night and in the freezing snow? Okay- enough! Dead batteries happen, but being prepared can make the situation easier.
Black & Decker has a gadget called Simple Start that [...]

There are so many MP3 players out there, how do you know what to look for when you’re out shopping? One of the first things to decide is how much you want the player to hold. If you are using it for music, how many songs do you want on it? Gigabites(GB) [...]

Carbon monoxide is a silent, odorless killer. As a household dweller, you are responsible for preventing the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) from harming you or your loved ones. Many household appliances emit CO, or can if they are not functioning properly.
Carbon monoxide is produced whenever fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, [...]

Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you’re away or sleeping.  Some features are:
 more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats and improve your home’s comfort
contain no mercury
save energy and save money on utility bills — when used properly, about $150/year
are better for the environment, since using less energy [...]

Microwave ovens can play an important role at mealtime, but special care must be taken when cooking or reheating meat, poultry, fish, and eggs to make sure they are prepared safely. Microwave ovens can cook unevenly and leave “cold spots,” where harmful bacteria can survive. For this reason, it is important to use the following [...]

Kenmore unveiled the addition of crisper drawers with Microban antimicrobial product protection in new Kenmore refrigerators. Featuring Microban antimicrobial technology, the new crisper drawer will remain fresh longer between cleanings. In new Kenmore refrigeration models, the crisper drawer is infused with Microban antimicrobial protection to continuously inhibit the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria. The [...]

Microwave ovens can play an important role at mealtime, but special care must be taken when cooking or reheating meat, poultry, fish, and eggs to make sure they are prepared safely. Microwave ovens can cook unevenly and leave “cold spots,” where harmful bacteria can survive. For this reason, it is important to use the following [...]

A hot shower. Few rituals bring as much pleasure as does standing beneath a warm spray. And few things can spoil that ritual as much as finding that the person who showered before you has used up every drop of hot water.
The new line of GE® tankless gas water heaters provides a continuous supply of [...]

Dacor introduced the new Renaissance Wall Oven in 36-in, 30-in, and 27-in widths for the Epicure and Millennia Collections, expanding the brand’s premium cooking appliance offerings.
The new wall ovens exemplify Renaissance thinking with a design that celebrates the luxurious style of the classic wall oven combined with cutting-edge performance details, to create an appliance that [...]

Luxury refrigeration is here.  Miele is launching its  North American refrigeration system - MasterCool - this April. 
“Our patented MasterCool control system beautifully merges accessibility, functionality and design,” states Matthew Kueny, Senior Product Manager for Miele, Inc. “Since most users generally don’t know the proper settings to correctly preserve fruits, vegetables and other perishables, the Miele [...]

Bosch home appliances is proud to announce that its dual fuel Evolution 700 Series freestanding range has been ranked #1, for the fourth time in a row, by a leading consumer magazine. The entire Evolution™ Series of ranges offer an unmatched assortment of cooking and convenience features with clean, European styling and advanced engineering.
Offering 4.6 [...]

Planning for spring?  Looking forward to meals in the backyard? When winter is wearing thin, planning for coming days of sun can cheer you up.  Viking’s outdoor gas rangetop can be a part of your outdoor kitchen.
“Outdoor areas like gardens, decks and patios are now often considered rooms of the house. Since cooking and entertaining [...]

Bosch showcases it most advanced lineup of kitchen and laundry appliances that offer complete ECO solutions at the 2008 International Builders’ Show. Bosch remains the undisputed leader with the ENERGY STAR qualification on all its models in every major appliance category that the program rates. With the most energy-efficient dishwashers [...]

It can hard to find a paper shredder that fits your needs.  Many require a specific size trash can or are too big for household use. 
The MailMate which is available at Staples is so compact it can fit on a countertop, in a cabinet or under a table.  Also, the lightweight bin is easy to [...]

If you are feeling scientific and have begun to wonder how it is that the microwave or convection oven really cooks your food, or even what good old fashioned heat is doing to your meal, we’ve found your answers.  At drdavescience.com, a PhD candidate with a flair for explaining the scientific tells us how it [...]

If you lack the space for a built in dishwasher or need the occasional extra capacity of second dishwasher, a portable might be for you. Danby makes this Model DDW1805W.
This Free-Standing Dishwasher is great for anyone who wants the convenience of a dishwasher but has limited space. The dishwasher can freely be moved around the [...]

Back in July of 2006, I cast my vote for the immersion blender, with my article about my old Braun blender. Well, I’m not alone in my opinion. You can read Marlene Parrish’s thoughts in the Pittsburgh Post -Gazette. She’s even more enamoured of the tool than I am.
I chose model KHB300OB, [...]

Winter is a great time to enjoy chilis, stews and soups. If you want to arrive home to a comforting meal, one of the easiest ways to do so is by using a slow cooker. Slow Cookers (also known as Crock-pots) work, their name suggests, by maintaining a low, constant heat over many hours. Although [...]

We may be halfway through the winter, but it’s never to late to check your furnace for safety and efficiency. Following some basic routine maintenance is one of the easiest ways to save money and hassles with your heating, and will also help with the air quality in your home. You can schedule [...]

Freezing food is a great way to save both time and money.  Many time managers suggest cooking only one or two days a week, making double amounts, and freezing the rest for future meals.  I love to bake and my family can’t always eat all the bread or cookies that I’ve made - enter my free [...]

It seems lately that everyone is interested in convection cooking and that even though manufacturers have brought the technology to the simple toaster oven, many home cooks are still confused about how to use them.  The The Wichita Eagle fields some questions regarding convection oven use and has some simple advice.
I almost never use the [...]

Frigidaire announced that its Affinity Washer and Dryer pair received the NSF International certification for sanitization.
The internal heater of the 7000 and 8000 series washers raises water temperature during the cycle, while the stainless steel dryer heats air and clothing, both reaching temperatures high enough that 99.9% of bacteria commonly found on laundry are killed. Plus, [...]

Turn your fridge into a canvas for LED art. Any passerby can place and relocate the magnetic LEDs any way they wish to create illuminated pictures and messages.
It’s great for high traffic kitchens and It’s fun for kids and adults alike.
You can find complete, step-by-step instuction for this fun project at www.instructables.com

Personally, I see this [...]

 WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF. — J.D Power and Associates, the market research firm, said consumers are largely happy with the performance, features, styling and price of their major appliances.According to the results of its 2007 Major Home Appliances Study, only one in 10 consumers report some kind of problem with their major appliance during the first two years [...]

Moving appliances is a big job.  Before you start, be sure you are aware of the work involved and that you really want to be the one to do it.  Some of us are handy with installations and large unwieldy hulks of metal and some of us aren’t. To decide what type you are, read on and [...]

If you haven’t read our article on How Toasters and Toaster Ovens Work, you might want to do that before you start any repairs. If you feel ready to tackle a smallish job like this, then read on…
How to Repair a Toaster
In many homes, toasters malfunction more than any other small appliance. There are [...]

I like to know how things work.  Sometimes I can figure things out by observation, but other times I want someone to explain the details to me.  Toasters and toaster ovens are pretty straightforward  appliances, but for those of us who want a bit more information, howstuffworks.com offers this:
How Toasters Work
Most electric pop-up toasters all [...]

           
The Freedom Collection features counter-depth 24” and 30” fresh food columns, and 18”, 24” and 30” freezer columns, including dispenser freezers. Additionally, the industry’s first fully integrated and flush-mounted three-door 36” bottom-freezer, as well as a two-door version, are available within the collection. Unique 18” and 24” wine preservation columns have see-through glass doors and [...]

By Gary Dymski
Newsday
Two socks enter the washer. Two socks exit the dryer.
As household tasks go, what could be simpler? A pair of socks goes from drawer to feet to dirty clothes to washer and dryer and back into the drawer.
Of course, anyone associated with a social group that faintly resembles a family knows the truth. [...]

If you are like me, you prefer a toaster oven to a pop-up toaster in your kitchen. A toaster oven is more versatile. To begin with, the oven can warm pastries and muffins and toast thick sliced bread that a pop-up toaster can’t handle. A larger toaster oven can hold a small [...]

Many of us could use the space an extra refrigerator in the kitchen would provide. I have a spare freezer in the garage, but when I’m cooking for holidays or other large gatherings, my large fridge bursts to overflowing. I have even stored food for neighbors who have the same dilemma.
If you don’t need a [...]

Here’s more from the great thinkers at halfbakery.com.  I really enjoy these ideas.
Keep track of instances/hours of kitchen appliance use:
I’m using my CostCo rice cooker bought a few months ago for the 3d time right now; it cost $30, so at the moment, I’m right at a $10 surcharge for each 4-cup rice serving, which [...]

Sometimes all you need is a little extra help. Jenn-air’s convenience oven is just 22 inches high with a 1.2 cubic foot interior. It would be just the thing for a mini kitchen in a guest house or family room. It can bake, broil, toast or warm and the small interior heats up more quickly [...]

If you hate cleaning around knobs, the Bosch NES electric cooktop could be the cook top for you. It solves that fussy work with one dial, the mTwisT. This removable dial, held in place by a magnet under the ceramic glass, does it all. Select an element on the touch-through glass panel, then rotate [...]

If you need hands-free security and media access in a compact unit, Nutone’s drop-down monitor will fit neatly under your kitchen cabinets. The system comes with one camera. A second camera (either recessed or surface-mount) can be added to monitor the back door. Lower the color LCD panel to watch cable TV with the integrated cable [...]

This is an interesting idea, but I think for most of us, it remains that- an idea. Gaggenau has created a restaurant style griddle just like those used in Asian restaurants, it is recessed and has a direct-fry surface. Two heat zones adjust from 122 to 482 degrees Fahrenheit; sear meats and warm vegetables at [...]

Sharp makes the Insight Pro Cooktop+Microwave Drawer Combination Unit, combining all the advantages of the Microwave Drawer Oven with a sleek electric cooktop in only 30 inches of space. This space-saving 2-in-1 cooking center eliminates steps between appliances and creates a highly efficient traffic pattern. It is an ideal companion to wall ovens.The glass ceramic [...]

Sharp Appliances has a great idea, they have designed a microwave for below the counter.   Built-in ready for easy installation under a counter, the Microwave Drawer Oven is perfect for islands and open-plan kitchens, as well as wet bars, family rooms and home theaters.  Not only that, it allows wheelchair users access,  as well as the very [...]

Here’s an idea: A keyboard that doesn’t really exist, or that can exist on any opaque, flat surface.
At compactimpact.com, a crazy site that says about itself: Some people think “Compact Impact” stands for a small impact, others consider it as something small with a big impact. 
 I found this unusual device that projects a keyboard (measuring [...]

Every small appliance has its moment, and the deep fryer’s moment might just be now. Even Thanksgiving turkeys are getting tossed (quite carefully-hot oil, you know) into the deep fryer. The Los Angeles Times reviewed six new deep fryers, of which, the smaller models could fry about one cup of, say, mushrooms; the larger models [...]

I just came across the site www.halfbakery.com, which as the name suggests, is a site where people can share and discuss their half-baked ideas. One I particularly liked is for an appliance ferris wheel that stores small appliances under the counter and brings them up to be used at the touch of a [...]

My family,  like many enjoys pancakes or even better- waffles- on Sunday mornings.  Crispy on the outside, puffy, tender golden brown waffles.  I’ve been making them for years using my almost eighteen year old Toastmaster waffle iron and we all love them.
Just recently, the old Toastmaster started having a bit of trouble with waffles sticking [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is issuing a warning to consumers confronted with severe winter weather. When there’s a power outage, exercise caution when using portable generators.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You can’t see or smell it. A generator’s exhaust contains poisonous CO which can kill you in a [...]

Once you’ve read through our articles on choosing a kitchen appliance and have narrowed down your decision, it’s time to shop.  A good place to start is with your budget.  Knowing what you feel comfortable spending and sticking close to that number will help you to enjoy your new purchases.  One good way to stay [...]

Taking a bath is relaxing, checking in frequently to see if your bathtub is full or getting the water temperature right is not. The Ondine Ess Tub-Electronic Faucet, a bathtub and shower system with an electronic touch pad will prepare your bath for you.
You can set the water level to half-full tub, full tub and [...]

I have a friend who used chalkboard paint to create a large drawing space on her kitchen wall.  The family leaves messages and greetings there and she doesn’t have magnets and scraps of paper posted on (and falling from)  her refrigerator.
Kitchen clutter is a problem for most of us and Amana is addressing this with their [...]

If you have a dishwasher in your home, you know how convenient it is. Many don’t consider a dishwasher to be a luxury anymore, but a necessity. (Especially if you have a large family) I happen to know of some homes that now have two dishwashers - one is always full. If you are shopping [...]

Continuing now with refrigerators, we bring you part two of our series on choosing kitchen appliances.  The features that most people consider when looking for a new fridge are storage capacity, ease of use, price and hopefully energy usage.  One of the first things you can do to save energy when purchasing a new appliance of [...]

Continuing now with refrigerators, we bring you part two of our series on choosing kitchen appliances.  The features that most people consider when looking for a new fridge are storage capacity, ease of use, price and hopefully energy usage.  One of the first things you can do to save energy when purchasing a new appliance of [...]

Choosing new appliances is one of the biggest decisions homeowners make when remodeling their kitchens. You can’t make a good choice if you don’t know what’s available and what suits your needs. here’s some advice on choosing your oven or cooktop from appliance.net and HowStuffWorks.com
First, ovens:
The traditional range or stove, a single unit with [...]

The wind is blowing here, the temperature is dropping and we’re expecting rain.  On days like this we look forward to hot, comforting dinners.  A slow cooker (Crock-pot is one brand) is a convenient way to have that satisfying dinner ready when you come home at night.
Here are some helpful tips for making your slow ccoker [...]

Tis the season for too many empty boxes around the house.  Tis also the season for trying to figure out what to do with the kids home from school.  If you are feeling adventurous, here are the step-by-step instructions for using some of those boxes to create your own solar oven. 
Things You’ll Need

Aluminum Foil
Cardboard
Large And [...]

We spend so much time in the kitchen during the holiday season. Families gather for dinner and inevitably a large group gathers in the kitchen. This gets us to thinking that we need a larger, prettier, or more usable space. That’s likely why so many kitchen remodels take place after the holidays. If you are [...]

If you are shopping for eco-friendly appliances, here’s some good news from Twice.com:
Whirlpool will increase its commitment to environmentally-sound business practices by reducing total greenhouse gas emissions 6.6 percent by 2012, the company announced last week. The world’s largest majap maker will make these global, voluntary reductions while at the same time increasing production by [...]

Most of us want to save energy.  It’s good for the environment and good for our pocketbooks.  By choosing a new appliance with an Energy Star rating you are off to a good start.  How much you will save though, depends on the type and age of the appliance you are replacing.
 One thing seems certain [...]

I didn’t see this on TV- but apparently it’s everywhere- the One Touch can opener. I couldn’t escape it. Bed, Bath and Beyond has been stacking them in the aisle and the check-out lines and I finally gave in. I can’t resist the idea of an easy to use can opener; mine is finicky and [...]

Today’s Los Angeles Times reviewed some interesting devices for the health conscious. Here’s one of their reviews for the Tanita Ironman Body Composition Monitor
If you’re planning to give someone a scale for the holidays, you’ve already shown a willingness to take risks. (Certain people would see a gift-wrapped scale as an invitation for violence.) But [...]

KitchenAid produces a whole line of stand mixers with a range of sizes and power to suit your particular needs. Recently, we reviewed the KitchenAid Professional 600 series here and found it to be a powerhouse that can tackle truly large jobs with ease. Now we’ll take a look at the Artisan stand [...]

Who better to tell us all we need to know about programmable thermostats than the government’s Energy Star, part of the Department of Energy.
Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you’re away or sleeping.
They:

are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats and improve your home’s comfort
contain no [...]

If you are interested in saving energy, the government’s Energy Star program offers their seal of approval on programmable thermostats as well as a variety of household appliances. 
Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you’re away or sleeping.
They:

are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats and improve your [...]