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Electrolux, known mostly for vacuums in the US is known in Europe for its premium appliances. This spring they are trying to make a splash here in the US with Kelly Ripa.

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 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 [...]

Name of Product: Electric Toasters
Units: About 12,000
Distributor: Salton Inc., of Lake Forest, Ill.
Hazard: The toaster can turn on without bread in the slots and ignite items placed on top of it, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: None.
Description: This recall involves the chrome two-slice electric toasters sold under the following brands: Farberware (model # [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Name of Product: Cooks Deep Fryers
Units: About 27,000
Importer: JCPenney, of Plano, Texas
Hazard: The deep fryer has a faulty heating element which can cause it to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: JCPenney is aware of five incidents involving the deep fryers, including one report of a minor burn and three reports of [...]

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 [...]

Name of Product: Hamilton Beach® and Proctor-Silex® Toasters
Units: About 482,000
Importer: Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., of Glen Allen, Va.
Hazard: The toasters can remain “on” (energized) after popping up, and can ignite flammable items covering or in contact with the toaster, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Hamilton Beach has received at least 63 reports of [...]

Next time you pop one of those convenient bags of microwave popcorn, put the bag on a plate first.  The bottom of the bag can become so hot that it can crack the glass tray inside the oven.  Another good suggestion for popcorn and other foods is to place the food off center on 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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

We’ve all wondered, what really happens when we close the fridge door.   Thanks to modern technology, this old puzzle is finally solved.  Check out the video evidence.

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 [...]

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 [...]

Join the forum discussion on this post

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 [...]

Whirlpool Corporation announced that it has filed a patent infringement action against LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea, and its U.S. and Mexican affiliates.The action, filed with the ITC in Washington, DC, states that several LG- manufactured refrigerator products imported into the U.S. infringe on five Whirlpool patents. Whirlpool is asking the ITC to issue an [...]

 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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Bosch home appliances, a leader in high quality and energy-efficient appliances, announced today that its dishwashers have been ranked highest in customer satisfaction for the second consecutive year by J.D. Power and Associates in its 2007 Major Home Appliance Study. Bosch dishwashers earned the highest ranking based on overall customer satisfaction with operational performance, including [...]

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 [...]

If you’d like to see how the KitchenAid Artisan mixer looks in action before you buy, check this out and then check out our reviews of the Artisan Mixer and the Professional 600 Series.

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 your kitchen needs that special 50’s retro refrigerator, SMEG, an Italian manufacturer, has just what you need.
50’S Style Refrigerator with ice compartment,
Pastel Green, Right hand hinge
Capacity 9.22 Cu. Ft.
REFRIGERATOR:
Antibacterial interior
Interior light
3 adjustable glass shelves
1 bottle storage shelf
1 fixed glass shelf
1 fruit and vegetable container
1 dairy box

DOOR:
2 adjustable covered bins
2 bottle storage bins
4 adjustable bins
2 [...]

The San Mateo County Fire Department has some important safety tips for cooking during this busy holiday season.
How often has the doorbell rung or a child interrupted you while you were cooking, causing you to forget about the chicken you left sizzling on the stove - until smoke filled the house?  If this scenario or a [...]

Name of Product: Pressure Cookers
Units: About 38,250
Importer: Manttra Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.
Manufacturer: TTK Presitge Ltd., of India
Hazard: If the pressure cookers are not closed properly, the lid can separate and allow hot contents to spill out. This poses a risk of burns to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Manttra has received two reports of hot contents spilling out [...]

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 [...]

AmericanChronicle offers this review of the toastmaster bread machine which is an option if you are looking for a less expensive bread machine than the Cuisinart that we reviewed here.
A Toastmaster bread machine is cheap to buy. This combined with their standard features makes these appliances attractive to buyers. But there are other cheap bread [...]

The BreadMachineDigest, which is a very complete resource for bread machines, offers this review of a Cuisinart bread machine:
The Cuisinart CBK-200 bread machine is an interesting machine. It offers several features that are not available on any other machine. Features like convection baking for a more evenly browned and crispier crust. A beep signal when [...]

A while ago we asked readers to let us know which small appliances they think are most important in their kitchens. Little-known-food-facts.com has compiled a list of their choices:
When it comes to small appliances, there are 6 must haves to every kitchen. Yes an automatic Can Opener is nice as is the plug in cutting [...]

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 [...]

Stainless appliances are popular right now, but they are difficult to keep clean.  Fingerprints and smudges are a constant challenge. Consumer Reports tested six stainless steel cleaners, trying both wipes and sprays.
When it comes to smudgy fingerprints, the tests showed all the cleaners do a good job removing them. But beware of claims [...]

One of the best things about my Bosch dishwasher is its sound- or lack of it. My previous dishwasher could be heard throughout our house so we really appreciate the quiet.
Newer houses have open floor plans and consumers are looking for quieter appliances that allow families to work, talk and play without the noise older [...]

This may sound too good to be true, but its not. The future may be bringing us appliances that can sense when the national power grid is over-taxed and switch off or down to reduce energy use.
 Scientists from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., found that providing homeowners with smart appliances and information on how to [...]

Name of Product: Black & Decker® brand Infrawave™ Toasters
Units: About 70,000
Distributor: Applica Consumer Products Inc., of Miramar, Fla.
Hazard: An electrical component in the toaster can overheat and ignite the circuit board, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Applica has received two reports of the toasters igniting, including one report of fire that damaged a kitchen countertop and [...]

Name of Product: Built-in Combination Wall and Microwave Ovens
Units: About 92,000
Manufacturer: GE Consumer & Industrial, of Louisville, Ky.
Hazard: The door switch in the microwave oven can overheat and ignite plastic components in the control area, posing a fire hazard to consumers. The lower thermal oven does not pose a hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: GE is aware of 35 [...]

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 [...]

We use them almost daily and yet many people have no idea how a microwave oven works.  Here are the basics courtesy of the folks at HowStuffWorks.com:
A microwave oven uses microwaves to heat food. Microwaves are radio waves. In the case of microwave ovens, the commonly used radio wave frequency is roughly 2,500 megahertz (2.5 gigahertz). [...]

If you want know how to do something right, ask an expert.  The experts at Krups, the manufacturers of both commercial and home coffeemakers, offer these tips for great brewing:
1. The Coffee Beans
 It is best to buy as soon after roasting as possible. Ideally, you should purchase your coffee fresh every 1 - 2 [...]

The basic appliances in our homes are becoming less basic each year. Refrigerators are getting larger with separate temperature zones, dishwashers sanitize dishes and washers clean with less water than you would think possible.
Let’s start with washers. At the Columbus Dispatch , Kevin Kidder writes:
About 30 percent of washers sold are front [...]

Here’s a very good tip from Appliance411:
as, garberator, microwave, oven, range, stove, refrigerator, automatic and clothes washers or washing machines

Oven Cleaning
It is not usually a good idea to try self-cleaning an oven *immediately* prior to a big dinner. Cleaning a week or more in advance would allow service to be scheduled should a [...]

With the joy of the holidays comes the joy of delicious food- and someone has to cook it.  If that someone is you, you might want to take a look at the Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers (AHAM)safety page.  There, you can order brochures, read safety tips and learn facts like these:

The range-top was involved in [...]

If you are in the market for a new, large refrigerator and you would like to get a custom, built-in look with standard cabinets, this just might be the fridge for you.

Sharp launched a new line of heavy-duty compact microwave ovens designed to accommodate the limited space designs of busy commercial kitchens. The new line, which includes the 1200-watt R-CD1200M, 1800-watt R-CD1800M, and 2200-watt R-CD2200M, is redesigned to have a small footprint and a 0.7-cubic-foot cooking cavity. New TwinTouch dual controls make the microwaves ideal for [...]

Induction cooking has been around for a while, but it seems that in North America it is just beginning to assert itself.  I’ve recently learned more about how the technology works from some helpful sites. 

At choice.com.au they offer a clear explanation about the magnetic fields:
Each ‘element’ (an induction coil) generates a magnetic field that induces heat in steel cookware [...]

I have some appliances that are my go-to tools for making life easier- my immersion blender, bread machine and toaster oven are a few.  At appliancepulse.com  they’ve come up with a list of what they consider the eight counter-top appliances people can’t do without.
They are:

coffee machine
microwave
toaster oven/toaster
blender
food processor
stand mixer
rice cooker
juicer

I’ll stand by numbers 2-5, but my coffeemaker [...]

As the population ages, many people choose to move to smaller homes or condos for ease of maintenance.  Some Baby-Boomers are purchasing smaller, second homes that can become retirement homes in the future. 
Marriette Mifflin at about.com advises:
Take a serious look at your appliances, large and small, and consider their age, general condition, capacity, performance, and [...]

From November 1 - December 31, 2007, Whirlpool brand and Dream Dinners invite consumers to register to win a Whirlpool Gold(R) suite of kitchen appliances or one of four Whirlpool Gold(R) Velos(R) SpeedCook ovens. The Velos oven can cook up to 47 percent faster than a traditional oven, getting the holiday turkey and all the [...]

Straight from PR Newswire: J.D. Power and Associates Reports: High Reliability of Major Home Appliances May Reduce Need for Extended Warranties
According to J.D. Powers and Associates 2007 Major Home Appliance Study, most major appliances these days are quite reliable, yet many consumers continue to purchase extended warranties.
The study measures customer satisfaction in nine segments of [...]

Last September I wrote here about my mother’s horrible experience with a brand new Maytag refrigerator.  She spent endless hours on the phone and weeks waiting for service for a fridge that was clearly a lemon.  We have had feedback that shows she is not alone.  I thought readers might be interested to know the end of [...]

Homeowners who add high end appliances to their kitchens have for years acknowledged stainless steel as the premium finish for appliances according to appliance magazine.  But now “more consumers are daring to commit to vibrant color on kitchen fixtures, and colorful alternatives to stainless ranges are becoming common.”
Dacor launched a colored-glass front on its wall ovens three [...]

This week we’ve been testing the KitchenAid Professional Series 600 Lift Stand Mixer (in onyx black).   I may not be a professional baker, but I’m no stranger to flour.   Most months I bake at least 16 loaves of bread, 4-6 quick breads and unreasonable amounts of cookies and brownies. Crazy yes,  but with four kids and [...]

The Detroit Free Press offers an answer to the often asked question of whether food that has been in a refrigerator that has been off for a number of hours is safe to eat.
Chances are most of the perishable foods reached an unsafe temperature if the refrigerator was off for 24 hours or more. Items [...]

If you want to have fun with your fridge and don’t want to spend close to $2000 for a digital photo frame, you can have fun for a whole lot less with Frigits. Check this out:

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Cook’s Essentials Convection Ovens with Pull-Out Rotisserie and Deni Convection Ovens with Rotisserie
Units: About 32,000
Retailer: QVC of West Chester, Pa.
Distributor: Keystone Manufacturing Co. Inc., of Buffalo, N.Y.
Hazard: [...]

Gas or electric? Smooth top or coils?  We’ll help you sort out your options.
Features and Frills:

Popular finishes: stainless steel and black; followed by white and bisque.  An oiled bronze finish is also newly available as is a ”clean” steel which doesn’t show fingerprints.
Some models offer more than one type of burner- induction plus electric or gas, plus [...]

Are you trying to decide whether a conventional range or cooktop would work better for you?  If you have the space for either option and are unsure which would best suit your needs, here are some thoughts to consider:
Cooktop:
Pros:

Flexibility- can be built into any countertop.
Optional burner configurations and add- on such as griddles and grills

Cons:

Can be [...]

Sharp launched a new line of heavy-duty compact microwave ovens designed to accommodate the limited space designs of busy commercial kitchens. The new line, which includes the 1200-watt R-CD1200M, 1800-watt R-CD1800M, and 2200-watt R-CD2200M, is redesigned to have a small footprint and a 0.7-cubic-foot cooking cavity. New TwinTouch dual controls make the microwaves ideal for [...]

This is possibly another way to view appliance recycling and is definitely a way to save money.
Reverse logistics- this is the business of taking merchandise that has been returned by customers or overstocked by retailers or has been cosmetically damaged and finding a market for it.  Reverse logistics can keep appliances out of landfills.  What [...]

Whirlpool has entered a new contender in the race for kitchen bells and whistles.  It is called the Central Park Connection and its gimmick is a digital photo frame that is built into the door.  The theory behind this new gizmo is that it will cut back on kitchen clutter by reducing the number of [...]

Some posts just have to brought to the front page.  This is one of them.  The writer is responding to our post relating a similar refrigerator problem. 
This whole story about the fridge is nothing compared to what I am STILL going through. We bought a Maytag Model MZD2666KEB side-by-side fridge/freezer, with water and ice on the [...]

They say technological advancements have dramatically improved the efficiency of appliances, meaning replacing a 10-year-old refrigerator can translate into major savings in energy bills. It also significantly reduces the home’s “carbon footprint,” a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced.
“We know … that [...]

Do you find that you are drawn to a certain brand of appliance again and again?  Did your mother always rely on one brand of washer and dryer?  Whirlpool is aware of consumers conscious and unconscious preferences for specific appliances.
For every Whirlpool Corporation brand - including Whirlpool®, Maytag®, KitchenAid®, Jenn-Air®, Amana® and Gladiator® GarageWorks - [...]

Turn off the Lights! Turn off the water! Reuse and recycle!
I know I try to follow those simple guidelines and have installed low flush toilets, energy efficient appliances and compact fluorescent lights in my home.  Sears is trying to help a bit by “rolling out the Kenmore Elite® dishwasher with Ultra WashHE technology, and the [...]

 ”Viking doesn’t make commercial ranges?”  That has been the response to my very informal survey when people learn that Viking Corporation has recently announced their plan to release a line of commercial appliances.
Viking Range Corporation who originated ultra-premium commercial-type appliances for the indoor and outdoor kitchen has announced their intention to enter the commercial market.
The Viking [...]

Samsung has announced the release of its H-series refrigerator line featuring its “exclusive Twin Cooling System™.” This system allows “the different freezer and refrigerator compartments to be controlled and cooled independently, as well as preventing the mixing of odors between the two compartments.” This style also defines itself as the first “truly [...]

Back to Basics Products Recalls Iced Tea Makers Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: IT400 Iced Tea Makers
Units: About 10,000
Importer: Back to Basics [...]

I know some people have those toasters with the slots on top that pop the toast up, and I remember having a toy one for my play kitchen as a child, but as an adult with a family to feed, I always choose a toaster oven over the pop-up.  My mother had a toaster oven [...]

If you have recently spent some time feeling baffled by the many options on a new appliance, you are not alone. Some folks have even sought help with their entire kitchen. Maybe not a bad idea. The Los Angeles Times writes:
With sophisticated, professional-quality appliances and high-design gizmos going into residential kitchens, many would-be home [...]

Are folks really willing to pay for what they say they want in an appliance?  Apparently not.  The OC Register has some thoughts on cool but pricy features that are appearing on kitchen  appliances.
In 2002, for example, Whirlpool Corp. introduced Polara, which combined refrigeration with a convection oven. Polara would keep a casserole cool until a [...]

One of the easiest ways I have found to get calcium and vitamins into my kids is to offer them smoothies as an after school snack.I just throw a variety of frozen fruit, yogurt and some milk into the blender and produce a treat they love. This is a great time of year to pull [...]

Signature GourmetTM and Kitchen Gourmet® 12-Cup Coffeemakers
Units: About 392,000
Importer/Distributor: Atico International USA Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Hazard: The coffeemaker can ignite due to an electrical failure, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Atico International USA, Inc. has received 14 reports of electrical failures, including six reports in which the unit ignited causing minor property damage. No injuries [...]

In a conventional oven, baking three racks of cookies is an invitation for trouble. The bottom row burns and the top is undercooked. In a convection oven, the circulating air makes baking cookies easier, because it eliminates hot and cool spots and differences in cooking times.
Do they work only for baking? Not so.
Convection ovens [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Thermador® Brand Built-In Ovens
Units: About 42,000
Manufacturer: BSH Home Appliances Corp., of Huntington Beach, Calif.
Hazard: The oven [...]

One of my fondest childhood memories is of eating homemade chocolate ice cream on the Fourth of July. I can still hear in my mind the sound of my parents’ ice cream maker churning for hours in the bathtub. (Where it was placed to catch the water from all the condensation that would [...]

I was visiting a friend a few weeks ago who has recently finished a home remodel in West Los Angeles. He and his wife turned their 1500 square foot bungalow into a 4000 square foot family home. I stood in their kitchen looking at their double wide refrigerator (literally, double wide.) [...]

Superman said it best “Truth Justice and the American Way”. The American Way - the secret to our strength? well you can follow it back to the days of barn raising, and follow it forward to the deep response of American’s nationwide to the victims of Katrina. American’s look out for [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Products: Asko DW95 Model Series Dishwashers
Units: About 130,000
Manufacturer: Asko Cylinda AB, of Vara, Sweden
Importer/Distributor: AM Appliance Group [...]

No its not your NANA’s silver its NANO silver from Samsung. Samsung, the monster Korean manufacturing conglomerate is taking advantage of silver’s ability to inhibit bacterial growth. By using Nano technology to drop create a mist of silver ions 1/75,000th the width of a human hair Samsung has created a [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Product: Thermador® Brand Ceramic Cooktops
Units: About 2,000
Manufacturer: BSH Home Appliances Corp. of Huntington Beach, Calif.
Hazard: The cooktop can come [...]

One of the hardest parts of doing a minimal remodel on an old kitchen is figuring out how to fit new gear into old spaces. We had a 40 year old cooktop just begging to be scrapped, and needed to find a sleek new stainless steel cooktop to drop into the now hard [...]

He has to be one of the most easily recognized pitchmen on TV. He does nothing. He’s the most bored, lonely guy we know and he’s been missing in action for months. But not any more. He’s back. They found him.
Could it be this guy? I’d pick him [...]

I feel sorry for our parents.  They never knew the whether old urban legends were true or false.  We have Snopes - the original, ultimate rumor checker.   The next time somebody sends you an email insisting that you have to “pass it on to everybody you know”  go to snopes first and check it out.
 Here are [...]

Those of us in earthquake and seismic-savvy Southern California realize that this is a serious concern, of which, I believe, most people are completely unaware. Of greater concern is the risk to  families with children young enough to use simple leverage.   A climbing toddler could easily become a crushed toddler.  My advice would be to [...]

Name of product: GE Dishwashers
Units: About 2.5 million

Manufacturer: GE Consumer & Industrial, of Louisville, Ky.
Hazard: Liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser onto the dishwasher’s internal wiring which can cause an electrical short and overheating, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: GE has received 191 reports of overheated wiring including 56 reports of property damage. [...]

From Forbes magazine:
Fifteen years ago, you needn’t look further than the ice cube-maker on the door of your Whirlpool refrigerator to find innovation. But these days, we expect a bit more than crushed ice when it comes to high-end, high-tech gadgets.
And we’re not afraid to spend on these domestic devices. Consumers worldwide forked over $301 [...]

Does it have to be electric to qualify as an appliance?
I don’t know and I don’t care. I tell my daughters to bake my brownies for 2 weeks because I can’t get enough crunch.
BoingBoing points to the Baker\’s Edge - Edge Brownie Pan.
Here’s the description from Cooking for Engineers that BB cribbed:
Each of the [...]

Ah those were the days. Mom in the kitchen cooking dinner (chops, potatos, peas) while we all played tag outside for hours until she finally called as the sun came down “Dinner” and we slowly worked our way back home for a family dinner. But what happens if the boys [...]

No matter how high tech our ovens, ranges and other appliances get, we’re sometimes still driven to try old fashioned fixes. I’m sure that you hate when your food overflows and spills on the bottom of the oven. You know its just gonna burn off and smoke up the joint before its [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of product: Maytag® and Jenn-Air® brand dishwashers
Units: About 2.3 million
Manufacturer: Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa
Hazard: Liquid rinse-aid can [...]

Well, the skeptics are coming out to challenge the news we reported earlier that microwave ovens may kill germs.
According to the kitchen technology and appliances director of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute Karen Franke:
“We don’t recommend that people do it,” she told The Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. “They take the risk that their sponge [...]

Not sure if I ever saw this in a Hints from Heloise column but it’s the kind of news that shows us again that some obvious solutions are easy, inexpensive and right under our noses.
Who knew that microwave ovens can sterilize sponges?
Microwave ovens are famous for cooking or heating the food but the appliance that [...]

Name of Product: Farberware Classic Series Fruit Slicers and Corers
Units: About 207,000
Manufacturer: Lifetime Brands Inc., of Westbury, N.Y.
Hazard: The metal blade can separate from the plastic handle during use, resulting in cuts to consumer’s hands and fingers.
Incidents/Injuries: Lifetime Brands has received 34 reports of the blade separating from the handle, including [...]

Atico International USA, Inc. Recalls Espresso Makers for Burn and Impact Injury Hazards
Name of Product: Espresso Express(tm) Espresso Makers
Units: About 54,000
Distributor: Atico International USA, Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Hazard: The espresso maker’s heating element can forcefully separate from its base during the brewing cycle. This poses burn and impact injury hazards to nearby consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Atico [...]

Starbucks Announces Recall of 8-Cup Coffee Brewers Due to Possible Fire
Hazard - October 17, 2006
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 453-1047
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Starbucks Media Contact: (206) 318-7100
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, today announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. [...]

Many people will find this hard to believe, but my last washing machine lasted almost twenty years. When it finally needed a new transmission, (who knew washers had transmissions?) I shopped around for the quietest washing machine I could get.
The two features that mattered most to me were capacity and quietness. The Kenmore [...]

From a UK website called NewsShopper. I’ve substituted American English for British English:
It’s often said the kitchen is the room most likely to persuade you to buy a property - or put you off. If you’re thinking of selling, it pays to ensure your kitchen is up to scratch.
Kitchens matter, and even if you’re [...]

When there were three major TV networks, appliances were fewer and simpler. WJAC-TV has an article Kitchen Appliance Features You Need and Don’t Need which helps you to decide which features should you pay for, and which ones should you forget?
For ranges:
For electric ranges, smooth glass surfaces are better because the coils on older [...]

One of the handiest tools in my kitchen is my immersion blender, also known as a hand blender. Immersion blenders have been around for about ten years, and do almost everything that a regular blender does. I have one of the older models made by Braun. Braun makes [...]

It’s July and maybe you haven’t yet emptied the Independence Day charcoal ash from the bottom of your Weber kettle grill. You’d like to figure out a way to heat up your house by boiling corn on the cob or macaroni or potatos to make salads to go along with the remaining summer barbeques you’re [...]

Hey, I didn’t put those words together in the first sentence of this Orlando Sentinel article entitled
See hot new ideas found in the fridge
Some of today’s models go high tech and high style, making food storage and cleanup a little cooler
Refrigerators may lack the sex appeal of other swanky kitchen appliances, but that image [...]