Archives for November 2007

Sharp Introduces New Line of Microwaves

November 18, 2007 By NightOwl

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 crowded kitchens, allowing users to easily operate the oven no matter where it is located.

The new models feature dual control panels, one along the top of the unit and another on the bottom edge along the door. In many kitchens, the microwave is placed on a high shelf, which makes accessing the standard control panel challenging. In those situations, users can opt to use the more readily accessible bottom-mounted controls, which eliminates reaching up to the top of the microwave.

Models R-CD1200M, R-CD1800M, and R-CD2200M will be available in early 2008.

Induction Cooking is Hot- and Cool

November 16, 2007 By NightOwl

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 placed on top of it. In essence, the pot becomes the element that cooks the food, so the cooktop surface doesn’t get as hot as other cooktops. Induction cooktops have the same instant control as gas and are the fastest of all cooktop types to heat and cook food — for example, they take about half the time of conventional electric cooktops to boil water.

They go on to explain that induction cooktops are smooth surfaces that are extremely easy to keep clean.

Because the heat is contained by the vessel, the cooking surface doesn’t get hot. This picture shows that induction cooking is hot and cool.

Another site, theinductionsite.com, has very thorough explanations of induction cooking and even includes some simple drawings like this one below with clearly labeled descriptions.

diagram of induction process

How Induction Cooking Works:

The element’s electronics power a coil that produces a high-frequency electromagnetic field.
The field penetrates the metal of the ferrous (magnetic-material) cooking vessel and sets up a circulating electric current, which generates heat.
The heat generated in the cooking vessel is transferred to the vessel’s contents.
Nothing outside the vessel is affected by the field–as soon as the vessel is removed from the element, or the element turned off, heat generation stops.

(Image courtesy of Induction Cooking World)
As mentioned in point two in the diagram, pots and pans must be made of a ferrous, or magnetic metal. One way to check if your current pans are ferrous is to see if a magnet will stick to them. If your pans do not have a ferrous metal base, you will need to consider the cost of some new cookware along with the generally steep cost of these cooktops. (I found them online for $1,800-$5,000.) There are some induction ranges in the works that can use other metals, but they’re not available yet.

I had concerns about the magnetic fields generated by the coil, and discovered that they are not completely unfounded. People with pacemakers should take precautions near the range and might want to check with their doctors before getting one. Theinductionsite has a whole page dedicated to the controversy surrounding radiation from electromagnetic waves.

There seem to be plenty of both pros and cons to induction cooking- lower energy use saves money, but the cooktop is expensive and may require new cookware. Food cooks more quickly, but new techniques must be learned. The safety of the burner going off automatically if there is no pot on it, but the pots slide easily and could get unintentionally bumped so the food won’t cook. If you are shopping for a new range there is a lot to consider about induction cooking and the choice will be a personal one.

How a Vacuum Works

November 15, 2007 By NightOwl

If you take a minute now to visit www.howstuffworks.com, you will be prepared the next time a small child asks you how the vacuum works. This site gives a clear, and very detailed description of a vacuum’s mechanics.

When you plug the vacuum cleaner in and turn it on, this is what happens:

The electric current operates the airplane propeller).
As the fan blades turn, they force air forward, toward the exhaust port (check out How Airplanes Work to find out what causes this).
When air particles are driven forward, the density of particles (and therefore the air pressure) increases in front of the fan and decreases behind the fan.

This pressure drop behind the fan is just like the pressure drop in the straw when you sip from your drink. The pressure level in the area behind the fan drops below the pressure level outside the vacuum cleaner (the ambient air pressure). This creates suction, a partial vacuum, inside the vacuum cleaner. The ambient air pushes itself into the vacuum cleaner through the intake port because the air pressure inside the vacuum cleaner is lower than the pressure outside.

As long as the fan is running and the passageway through the vacuum cleaner remains open, there is a constant stream of air moving through the intake port and out the exhaust port. But how does a flowing stream of air collect the dirt and debris from your carpet? The key principle is friction.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

November 14, 2007 By NightOwl

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 can stand idle for weeks at a time, I haven’t used my juicer in about 8 years (Don’t ask me, I don’t know why I keep it.) and I don’t own and see no need to own a rice steamer.

Everyone’s cooking style is different and families’ needs change. Things we can’t seem to do without -the juicer- become clutter in the closet and some appliances that seemed impossible forty or fifty years ago are standard in the most basic kitchens today – the microwave.

What are you using daily at your house? We’d love to hear from you.

Downsizing? Some Choice Advice for Baby-Boomers

November 13, 2007 By NightOwl

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 how likely you are to use them in the future. Consider the impact of moving certain appliances. Older refrigerators or freezers may not survive a physical relocation and would be best replaced for the new home.

Replacing older appliances for more efficient ones will save you energy dollars and the outlay to purchase now, will hopefully provide you with many years of trouble-free use. Replacing later on a limited budget may be more difficult.

We all have our favorite appliances and housewares, but most of us have items that we actually like, but seldom use for whatever reason. And, we often store appliances that aren’t working quite right, for disposal at some undetermined time – well now is the time. When you’re faced with moving, re-evaluating and de-cluttering is a must.

A second or retirement home may be smaller than the family home you’ve spent many years in new appliances should be evaluated accordingly.

Do you really need a high capacity washer and dryer, or would a compact set be sufficient? What size of refrigerator is adequate? Maximize counter space by choosing space-saving appliances and limiting counter presence by importance, and storing the rest.
Consider handling and ease of operation. Choose a vacuum that you can easily lift and maneuver, or consider an upright that may be easier to handle. When buying a new laundry set, the optional pedestal drawers do add to the cost, but may greatly increase the ease of transferring clothes and reducing back strain. An upright freezer may be more accessible for you than a chest model.

It is worth the investment of some careful planning now– it could pay off with some serious savings financially and emotionally, in the future.

Whirlpool Dream Kitchen Sweepstakes

November 12, 2007 By NightOwl

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 fixins’ on the table in nearly half the time.

Consumers can visit www.whirlpool.com or www.dreamdinners.com for information on how to enter for a chance to win their dream kitchen.

Recall: Yamaha Recalls AC Power Adaptors Due to Electric Shock Hazard

November 11, 2007 By Appliance

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: Yamaha AC Power Adaptors

Units: About 49,000

Distributor: Yamaha Corporation of America, of Buena Park, Calif.

Hazard: The housing of the power adaptor can separate, posing an electric shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Yamaha has received five reports of units separating. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Yamaha PA-3C power adaptor with a date code of 0624. The adaptor is used with Yamaha keyboards and digital drum sets. The model number is written in white print on the front of the plug of the adaptor and the date code is etched into the plastic at the bottom of the plug panel. The adaptor can be purchased as part of a set or separately.

Sold at: Musical instrument retailers nationwide from July 2006 through September 2007 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled power adaptor immediately and contact Yamaha to return the power adaptor and obtain a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Yamaha Corporation of America toll-free at (866) 509-0320 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.yamaha.com/warranty_safety.asp

Picture of Recalled AC Power Adaptor
Yamaha PA-3C power adaptor

Recall: American Honda Motor Corp. Recalls Lawn Mowers Due to Fire Hazard

November 11, 2007 By Appliance

Name of Product: Honda HRX217KHXA and HRX217KHMA Lawn Mowers

Units: About 22,000

Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: Due to a manufacturing defect, a crack can occur in the fuel tank causing a fuel leak. If gasoline leaking from the fuel tank is ignited, a fire or explosion can occur.

Incidents/Injuries: American Honda Motor Corp. has received six reports of fuel leakage. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves HRX walk-behind lawn mowers with model numbers HRX217KHXA and HRX217KHMA. Only serial numbers from 1400001 through 1453714 are included in the recall. The model and serial number are printed on a label located on the upper rear of the deck. The lawn mower is dark gray with a red engine cover.

Sold at: Honda Lawn and Garden dealers nationwide, including The Home Depot stores, from January 2007 through September 2007 for between $800 and $900.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these recalled lawn mowers immediately and contact any Honda Lawn and Garden dealer to have the fuel tank replaced. Registered owners of the recalled lawn mowers will be mailed a notice.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hondapowerequipment.com

Picture of Recalled Lawn Mower

Recall: Coby Electronics Recalls DVD/CD/MP3 Players Due to Fire Hazard

November 10, 2007 By Appliance

Name of Product: Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Players

Units: About 12,000

Importer: Coby Electronics Corp., of Maspeth, N.Y.

Hazard: The portable DVD/CD/MP3 players can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Coby Electronics Corp. has received three reports of the units overheating, one of which involved minor property damage from a fire. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves two different portable DVD/CD/MP3 players:

Product	Model Number	Description
5” TFT Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player with TV Tuner and Digital AM/FM Tuner	TF-DVD170	Product is spherical in shape with a 5” TV screen in front. The name “COBY” is written above the screen. The model number can be found on the bottom of the unit.
5.6” TFT Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player and NTSC TV Tuner	TF-DVD176	Product is spherical in shape with a 5.6” TV screen in front. The name “COBY” is written above the screen. The model number can be found on the bottom of the unit.

Sold at: Discount, electronics, music, toy, and office supply stores, as well as distributors of electronics products, nationwide from May 2006 through October 2007 for between $140 and $170.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the portable DVD/CD/MP3 players and contact the firm for information on returning the units and receiving a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Coby Electronics Corp. toll-free at (877) 231-9240 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.cobyusa.com

Picture of Recalled Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player

You Probably Don’t Need That Extended Warranty

November 9, 2007 By NightOwl

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 major home appliances: dishwashers; free-standing ranges; built-in cook-tops and wall ovens; freezer-on-top style refrigerators; side-by-side and French door-style refrigerators; clothes washers; clothes dryers; over-the-range microwave ovens; and counter-top microwave ovens. The study, now in its third year, examines customer satisfaction with microwave ovens for the first time. Customer satisfaction is measured based on performance in six factors: operational performance (including how well the appliance functions, noise level and energy efficiency); operational features (such as the number of settings available and appliance capacity); ease of use; styling and feel; price; and warranty.

The study finds that during the first two years of ownership, approximately one in 10 consumers report some kind of problem with their major appliance. However, many of these problems can be resolved by following instructions in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s Web site. Relatively few problems actually require a service visit.

Despite this high degree of reliability, many consumers purchase an extended warranty for their appliances. Among owners of refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers and laundry appliances, approximately 25 percent report purchasing an extended warranty, while approximately 15 percent of microwave oven owners do so.

“Extended warranties certainly provide a degree of peace of mind,” said Dale Haines, senior director of the real estate and construction industries practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “With some appliances — particularly those with complex electronics and potentially high repair costs — purchasing an extended warranty may make sense. However, major appliances tend to be very reliable, and consumers should consider very carefully — depending upon their circumstances — whether an extended warranty is worth the additional cost.”

In satisfying customers with major kitchen and laundry appliances, Bosch, GE Appliances, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool and Whirlpool Gold rank highest in various segments.

“Particularly strong performers include Bosch, LG and Samsung, which have achieved consistently high satisfaction levels in consecutive years,” said Dale Haines, senior director of the real estate and construction industries practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “For two consecutive years, Bosch has ranked highest in the dishwashers segment and LG has ranked highest among clothes washers, while Samsung has earned an award in a refrigerator segment for three consecutive years. This is especially impressive considering the high levels of quality and reliability that many appliance manufacturers attain.”

The 2007 Major Home Appliance Study is based on 22,637 responses from consumers who purchased one or more new major home appliances through a retail store, their new-home builder, or received one through other means (such as a gift) during the previous 24 months.