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Guidelines for Safe Microwave Use

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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 use cookware that is specially labeled for use in the microwave oven. Never use cookware that has metal in its composition.

Use microwave-safe plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, glass, ceramic containers and white microwave-safe paper towels.

Silicone products can handle heat, and work well. But check product labeling before using silicone bakeware.

Don’t use plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, take-out containers, and other one-time use containers because they may contain polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which becomes soft and pliable, possibly allowing chemicals to transfer to food.

Never use thin plastic storage bags, brown paper or plastic grocery bags, newspapers, or aluminum foil.

Do not let plastic wrap touch foods while cooking.

Reheating

A microwave does not always cook evenly. Minimize any cool or hot spots by occasionally stirring during the heating process.

If you don’t have a rotating plate in your microwave, stirring is even more important as microwaves cook from the center, out.

Place a plain white paper towel (not brands made with recycled or colored paper printed with dyes), a white paper plate or microwave-safe lid over the food. That helps hold in moisture and contains any bubbling over or popping, splashing food – and extra cleaning time.

Cooking

Never deep-fry food. The temperature can get too high, creating a flash point.

The microwave is perfect for baking those last-minute potatoes. Use a fork to poke holes in the potato before cooking. Bake an average-size potato about 10 minutes or until soft to the touch, turning halfway through. Finish up in the oven for a crispy skin.

Defrosting

Remove food from packaging before defrosting. Do not use foam trays and plastic wraps because they are not heat-stable. Melting or warping may cause harmful chemicals to migrate into food.

Plan on immediately cooking foods that you defrost in the microwave. Do not pre-defrost food; some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during defrosting, and may speed bacteria development.

Use these tips along with your own common sense for safe microwave cooking. Also, when in doubt, check the user’s manual that comes with every microwave.

Recall: Hamilton Beach Recalls Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

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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 toasters that remained “on” despite being in the “up” position. There are no reports of injuries or fires.

Description: The recalled Hamilton Beach® and Proctor-Silex® toasters are black, red, white, chrome or brushed chrome with 2-slice or 4-slice openings. Hamilton Beach or Proctor-Silex is printed on the side of the toasters. Only specific series codes of each model are included in this recall. The model number and series code are printed on the bottom of the toasters.

Toaster Model Numbers
22145B 22779
22145BC 22900
22450 22903
22559 22903H
22625 24450
22627C 24559
22635 24657
22657 24779
22658  

Sold at: Department stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores, home center stores, and other stores retail stores nationwide, and various online retailers from August 2007 through February 2008 for between $13 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toasters and contact Hamilton Beach for instructions to receive a free replacement toaster.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hamilton Beach at (800) 574-6800 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hamiltonbeach.com for Hamilton Beach® toasters, and www.proctorsilex.com for Proctor-Silex® toasters.

recalled toasters

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Microwave Popcorn Tips

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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 turntable.  This enhances the stirring effect of the turning movement and also makes it less likely that the same spot will be used repeatedly for cooking.

Cooking Safely in the Microwave

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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 safe microwaving tips to prevent foodborne illness.

Microwave Oven Cooking

    * Arrange food items evenly in a covered dish and add some liquid if needed. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap; loosen or vent the lid or wrap to let steam escape. The moist heat that is created will help destroy harmful bacteria and ensure uniform cooking. Cooking bags also provide safe, even cooking.
    * Do not cook large cuts of meat on high power (100%). Large cuts of meat should be cooked on medium power (50%) for longer periods. This allows heat to reach the center without overcooking outer areas.
    * Stir or rotate food midway through the microwaving time to eliminate cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive, and for more even cooking.
    * When partially cooking food in the microwave oven to finish cooking on the grill or in a conventional oven, it is important to transfer the microwaved food to the other heat source immediately. Never partially cook food and store it for later use.
    * Use a food thermometer or the oven’s temperature probe to verify the food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature. Cooking times may vary because ovens vary in power and efficiency. Always allow standing time, which completes the cooking, before checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
    * Cook foods to the following safe minimum internal temperatures:
          o Beef, veal, and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops may be cooked to 145 °F.
          o All cuts of pork to 160 °F.
          o Ground beef, veal and lamb to 160 °F.
          o Egg dishes, casseroles to 160 °F.
          o Leftovers to 165 °F.
          o Stuffed poultry is not recommended. Cook stuffing separately to 165 °F.
          o All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.
    * Cooking whole, stuffed poultry in a microwave oven is not recommended. The stuffing might not reach the temperature needed to destroy harmful bacteria.

Microwave Defrosting

    * Remove food from packaging before defrosting. Do not use foam trays and because they are not heat stable at high temperatures. Melting or warping may cause harmful chemicals to migrate into food. ( There is some controversy about this.)
    * Cook meat, poultry, egg casseroles, and fish immediately after defrosting in the microwave oven because some areas of the food may begin to cook during the defrosting time. Do not hold partially cooked food to use later.
    * Cover foods with a lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap to hold in moisture and provide safe, even heating.
    * Heat ready-to-eat foods such as hot dogs, luncheon meats, fully cooked ham, and leftovers until steaming hot.
    * After reheating foods in the microwave oven, allow standing time. Then, use a clean food thermometer to check that food has reached 165 °F.

Containers & Wraps

    * Only use cookware that is specially manufactured for use in the microwave oven. Glass, ceramic containers, and all plastics should be labeled for microwave oven use.
    * Plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, take-out containers, whipped topping bowls, and other one-time use containers should not be used in microwave ovens. These containers can warp or melt, possibly causing harmful chemicals to migrate into the food.
    * Microwave plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, and white microwave-safe paper towels should be safe to use. Do not let plastic wrap touch foods during microwaving.
    * Never use thin plastic storage bags, brown paper or plastic grocery bags, newspapers, or aluminum foil in the microwave oven.

Kenmore Brings Microban Antimicrobial Technology to Refrigeration

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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 technology is available in more than 750 products worldwide.

While the Microban antimicrobial feature is not a replacement for regular cleanings, it ensures the surface of the crisper bin doesn’t harbor stain and odor causing bacteria between cleanings. The protection lasts the lifetime of the refrigerator and does not wash or wear away over time.

Kenmore refrigerators with Microban antimicrobial technology will be available exclusively at Sears stores nationwide in April 2008. They are offered in white, stainless steel, biscuit, satina, and black. Prices range from $1,099 to $1,399, depending on color and model.

Cooking Safely in the Microwave

By

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 safe microwaving tips to prevent foodborne illness.

Microwave Oven Cooking

    * Arrange food items evenly in a covered dish and add some liquid if needed. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap; loosen or vent the lid or wrap to let steam escape. The moist heat that is created will help destroy harmful bacteria and ensure uniform cooking. Cooking bags also provide safe, even cooking.
    * Do not cook large cuts of meat on high power (100%). Large cuts of meat should be cooked on medium power (50%) for longer periods. This allows heat to reach the center without overcooking outer areas.
    * Stir or rotate food midway through the microwaving time to eliminate cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive, and for more even cooking.
    * When partially cooking food in the microwave oven to finish cooking on the grill or in a conventional oven, it is important to transfer the microwaved food to the other heat source immediately. Never partially cook food and store it for later use.
    * Use a food thermometer or the oven’s temperature probe to verify the food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature. Cooking times may vary because ovens vary in power and efficiency. Always allow standing time, which completes the cooking, before checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
    * Cook foods to the following safe minimum internal temperatures:
          o Beef, veal, and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops may be cooked to 145 °F.
          o All cuts of pork to 160 °F.
          o Ground beef, veal and lamb to 160 °F.
          o Egg dishes, casseroles to 160 °F.
          o Leftovers to 165 °F.
          o Stuffed poultry is not recommended. Cook stuffing separately to 165 °F.
          o All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.
    * Cooking whole, stuffed poultry in a microwave oven is not recommended. The stuffing might not reach the temperature needed to destroy harmful bacteria.

Microwave Defrosting

    * Remove food from packaging before defrosting. Do not use foam trays and because they are not heat stable at high temperatures. Melting or warping may cause harmful chemicals to migrate into food. ( There is some controversy about this.)
    * Cook meat, poultry, egg casseroles, and fish immediately after defrosting in the microwave oven because some areas of the food may begin to cook during the defrosting time. Do not hold partially cooked food to use later.
    * Cover foods with a lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap to hold in moisture and provide safe, even heating.
    * Heat ready-to-eat foods such as hot dogs, luncheon meats, fully cooked ham, and leftovers until steaming hot.
    * After reheating foods in the microwave oven, allow standing time. Then, use a clean food thermometer to check that food has reached 165 °F.

Containers & Wraps

    * Only use cookware that is specially manufactured for use in the microwave oven. Glass, ceramic containers, and all plastics should be labeled for microwave oven use.
    * Plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, take-out containers, whipped topping bowls, and other one-time use containers should not be used in microwave ovens. These containers can warp or melt, possibly causing harmful chemicals to migrate into the food.
    * Microwave plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags, parchment paper, and white microwave-safe paper towels should be safe to use. Do not let plastic wrap touch foods during microwaving.
    * Never use thin plastic storage bags, brown paper or plastic grocery bags, newspapers, or aluminum foil in the microwave oven.

Dacor Introduces New Wall Ovens

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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 will breathe new life into the kitchen. The result is a wall oven that true epicureans will love and novice cooks can use with ease.

The Renaissance Wall Oven operates like six individual ovens, with a combination of cooking options, including Bake, Broil, Convection Bake, Convection Broil, Convection Roast, Pure Convection, and Proof.  

The Pure Convection technology helps create uniform temperatures on every level of the oven cell and features a unique filter,which allows home chefs to cook multiple items at the same time without the worry of flavor transfer. Now, every entree and hors d’oevours, even the baked brie and stuffed mushrooms with bacon and the oven-steamed mussels with lime ginger butter, can be heated together without the fear of tastes blending.

The ovens are available this month.

Miele’s first line of North American Refrigeration is Expected to Launch April 2008

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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 MasterCool controls automatically optimize the SmartFresh storage drawers by maintaining a temperature just above freezing and varying the humidity levels. The controls are conveniently located for all users, regardless of height, and our clear food-driven descriptions (dairy, meat, fruit, etc.) make using them as simple as a touch of a button.” 

“Our research indicated that customers want to be able to see every area of their refrigerator,” continues Kueny. “Our innovative ClearView lighting design washes the entire unit in bright, clean light using a sophisticated blend of direct spots and an indirect halogen parabolic reflector that cast light throughout the cavity. These major advances are supported by other exciting new innovations such as adjustable Drop and Lock shelving and FullView completely extendable drawer.”

Modular Design System Offers Maximum Flexibility
MasterCool™ refrigerators, freezers and wine coolers are based on a modular design concept allowing for virtually limitless combinations and location flexibility when designing a kitchen environment. Further expanding the options… each appliance can be hinged left or right. These stunning handcrafted appliances are available in stainless steel finish or can be fully integrated behind custom cabinetry.

Three types of installation are available so designers may incorporate these products into any kitchen environment:
1) Framed Stainless – a standard stainless design that remains a popular, classic look right out of the box.
2) Framed – allows models to be installed  flush of the surrounding cabinetry and provides a frame for custom cabinet panels.
3) Fully Integrated – frameless, solution where the refrigerator disappears into the cabinetry surrounding it.  A bottom mounted ventilation system integrates/disappears fully as well.

Noteworthy features include:

MasterCool™ Controls Lock in Freshness
Meat, cheese, produce even seafood, all demand a unique environmental storage condition in order to keep them fresh and flavorful. Milk, for example, is stored perfectly at 40oF, while vegetables require a temperature just above freezing. When it comes to humidity control, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy and deli last longer in a drier environment than fruits do. In reality, most homeowners are unfamiliar with how to properly set these levels given the ambiguity of user controls.  When Miele’s MasterCool control system is activated, the user is greeted with a food-driven menu system that is easy to view, understand and adjust for each of its four independent cooling zones within the cabinet.

Dual Compressor System Keeps Ice and Water Fresh
Icemaker and water/ice dispensing units deliver a truly refreshing drink thanks to Miele’s dual compressor system and the MasterCool filtration system. All Miele preservation appliances (not only select models) have a dedicated cooling system responsible for each interior compartment guaranteeing the refrigerator and freezer – even if they are housed in a single product like a bottom mount appliance – do not exchange air. This technology eliminates flavor transfer so the salmon stored in the refrigerator doesn’t affect the quality of the ice cubes.

Energy Star® Efficient
MasterCool is Energy Star compliant and its dual compressor system helps make the system as energy efficient as possible.

RemoteVision™ Protects Food & Wine Investments
If a family member accidentally left the door ajar to a refrigerator, freezer or wine cooler before leaving for a weekend get-away or if a critical cooling component was to malfunction without detection, the loss and inconvenience would be extensive, especially if storing a valued wine collection or high-quality meats and seafood. With Miele’s innovative RemoteVision homeowners will enjoy complete peace of mind, eliminating this anxiety.

Using Miele’s proprietary wireless local area network (WLAN) technology and application software, RemoteVision enabled products will have a 24/7 connection to Miele’s monitoring center. This “virtual link” is established when a fault occurs allowing a secured transmission of vital temperature and performance data alerting Miele’s client service center, who can then contact the homeowner or another trusted individual, identified on their call roster, in order to gain access to the home and fix the problem immediately. By the end of 2008, this technology will be extended to other Miele appliances including dishwashers and washing machines. 

ClearView™ Sheds Light Everywhere
Miele’s exclusive ClearView lighting system illuminates every nook of the interior cabinet on each level to achieve maximum exposure of all contents. ClearView applies uniquely engineered halogen lamps that cascade light from the top and sides of the appliance, eliminating blind or dark areas. Even those items tucked in the rear of a fully stocked refrigerator, concealed by large catering platters or nestled in the storage drawers are in ClearView.

FullView™ Extends Drawers Completely
FullView storage drawers are built from top-quality materials to ensure stability as they fully extend providing an unobstructed view and easy access to contents. FullView is a built-in benefit found in all MasterCool appliances.

SmartFresh™ Preserves Foods Longer
SmartFresh drawers are customizable to store and preserve food at the perfect temperature and humidity requirements. Users select the drawer location and food type (dairy, meat, vegetables, etc.) from the MasterCool menu system and Miele’s signature electronics adjust and maintain the ideal conditions so food is fresher and nutritious longer.

SuperCool™ Gives Warmed Up Groceries a Boost to the Right Temperature
After stocking either compartment with a significant load of new groceries, including bulky items like fresh poultry or large party platters, engaging SuperCool will override the thermostat and begin cooling the cabinet to a reduced temperature… 35°F in the refrigerator and -22°F in the freezer. SuperCool will continue working to achieve these lowered temperatures for a period of 6 or 52 hours (for the refrigerator and freezer respectively) until it reaches this exact degree or it’s manually disengaged.

Drop and Lock™ Adjustable Shelves
Adjusting shelves and bins on the door and inside the appliance cabinet is a simple one-handed operation. Miele’s convenient Drop and Lock system keeps each unit firmly aligned on its slide-rail framework so an easy “tilt up and slide motion” is all it takes to move the unit higher or lower. Once the desired position is located, simply drop the shelf and watch it automatically lock safely into place.

A floating deli drawer in the refrigerator and unique divider system in the freezer compartment add to the overall flexibility. Both effortlessly glide across shelves or within bins to maximize storage efficiencies.

Stability Hinge™ Eliminates Sagging Doors
Miele products are known the world over for their robust construction. Fully-loaded, with food items on the inside and an elaborate, decorative custom panel on the outside, these hinges are capable of carrying a collective load of over 200 pounds and are tested for over 200,000 door cycles… that’s twice the industry standard! This stamina ensures the door will stay stable, secure and won’t sag over time.

TLC Installation System™ is Gentler to Fine Homes
After understanding the challenges installers undertake when securing counter-depth refrigerator or wine cooler units, Miele developed the TLC Installation System to make mounting MasterCool products a job easy enough for one technician to handle. Key to this system’s success is its unique height adjustable rear wheels for smooth steering of the appliance. These high-quality wheels limit possible floor damage and are adjustable for final mounting from the front of the appliance. Additionally, a convenient ladder bracket makes the installation of any panel, stainless steel or custom cabinetry, a snap. The TLC Installation System: an industry first to save time, labor and costs during the delivery and installation of cooling appliances.
 
Retail prices will be made public in April when the products are on retail display, but may be provided upon request for qualified news stories.
 

Bosch Dual Fuel Range Receives Top Ranking for the Fourth Time in a Row

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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 cubic feet of oven capacity – the largest on the market – the Bosch Evolution dual fuel 700 Series Range delivers performance with Genuine European Convection™ with Advanced Circulation System (ACS) for even cooking results in 30% less time. Bosch’s exclusive convection system also allows for full meal cooking at once, without the transfer of aromas or flavors. Additionally, the range features the OPTISIM™ burner, with simmering capabilities for the most delicate sauces, and the POWERSIM™ burner with 16000 BTU output for faster boiling times. Optimized burner spacing and continuous grates on the stainless steel maintop maximize the cooking surface and make for easy movement of large pots, while the oven’s full-extension telescopic rack simplifies the cooking of large holiday meals. With a pleasing design aesthetic, the Evolution 700 Series is highlighted by the CLEARTOUCH™ oven control, a touch through glass oven control that features accurate sensor technology while offering an easy-to-clean surface.

Bosch Showcases Appliances that Offer Complete ECO Solutions at Builders’ Show 2008

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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 in the country, and the leading energy-efficient laundry – including the new compact 24” Axxis® Washer, as well as the award-winning Nexxt® Series with the unique ECOACTION™ option – the brand continues deliver efficiency. Additionally, the brand is debuting a space-efficient 30” gas cooktop featuring increased cooking flexibility with a fifth burner, sleek metal knobs and the powerful capabilities of the exclusive POWERSIM™ and OPTISIM™ burners.

Laundry
Bosch introduces its new 24” compact stackable Axxis Laundry that offers the largest capacity in its class at 3.4 cubic feet, accommodating up to 14 pair of jeans. When combined with the Axxis Condensation Dryer, which does not require any ducting or venting, Bosch 24” laundry becomes the ultimate high-quality solution for any type of multi-family builder development or consumer application. In addition, the Axxis Laundry system features a unique structured drum with steep edges to ensure that the most heavy-duty jobs are handled efficiently. Paired with the new curved and asymmetric agitator paddles in the washer, clothes are treated gently as the water cascades down like rain. Ensuring the most precise and efficient results, the Logixx™ control system automatically determines revolutions per minute, number of rinses, soak time and spin speed for every fabric selection, while the new touch controls make the overall operation easy-to-use.

Bosch’s 27” depth front-loading Nexxt Washers also make it easier than ever to achieve maximum energy savings. Simply push the green-colored “e” button to take advantage of the advanced ECOACTION option, on select 500plus and 800 Series models, which decreases the temperature and amount of energy used during the wash cycle by up to 20% – without affecting cleaning results. Also, Nexxt Dryers conserve energy with its ECOSENSOR™ feature, which uses less energy to dry clothes than conventional dryers by adjusting the temperature based on the moisture level in the clothes. While all Nexxt Laundry exceeds the strict 2008 federal regulatory standards for energy, the combination of these eco-friendly programs further distinguishes Bosch as the high-efficiency champion.

Dishwashers
Bosch’s Evolution™ and Integra® dishwashers feature the quietest and most energy efficient models in the country: the Evolution SHE98 and Integra SHX98. Both models exceed the minimum federal energy standard by 147% with a yearly usage of only 190 kWh – approximately the same amount of energy as a dishwasher half their size. The Evolution and Integra lineups also offer a variety of convenience and efficiency options clearly structured into three classes – the 300, 500 and 800 Series – making it easy for consumers to choose the model best suited for their lifestyle.

Cooking
Bosch also delivers a variety of powerful cooking solutions, including bold and beautiful 30” wall ovens that offer 4.7 cubic feet of interior space – the largest capacity in the marketplace. Available in three classes, all models feature Genuine European Convection®, an ultra-fast preheat in just seven minutes and the Bosch exclusive ECOCLEAN™, a two-hour – from start to finish – self cleaning function.

Beyond manufacturing high-efficiency products, Bosch has established key partnerships with other leaders in the green building movement, such as the U.S. Green Building Council/LEED® for Homes, National Association of Home Builders, many other national and local environmental organizations, and sustainable building developments. Bosch is the proud recipient of both the prestigious 2007 Excellence in ENERGY STAR® Promotion Award and 2007 Annual Flex Your Power Award. Additionally, the brand’s award-winning online Green Resource Center, a microsite developed to help consumers and builders calculate their immediate savings by using its products, is being expanded to provide even more information and tools for its users.

“Partners like Bosch are valued leaders in energy efficiency,” said Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. “Bosch’s long-term commitment to energy efficiency is good for business, the environment, consumers, and for the country as a whole.”