Kitchen

Repairing a Toaster or Toaster Oven

February 4, 2008 By NightOwl

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 two reasons for this. First, toasters are typically built economically to be a throw-away appliance. Replacement models start at $10.

Second, malfunctions are frequently not the fault of the toaster itself but of food particles that interfere with its operation. Excess pieces of bread broken off by carriage movement fall into the base of the toaster and accumulate, obstructing carriage movement, shorting out heating elements, plugging the latch release, and interfering with solenoid operation.

That’s why most pop-up toasters have a large crumb tray and door at the bottom of the toaster. By sliding or unlatching this crumb door you can release food particles trapped in the bottom of the toaster.

For a toaster that is used daily, this should be done once a week. Simply unplug the toaster, hold it over a trash container, and unlatch the door. Once the primary food particles have fallen out, move the toaster around to release other particles that may be trapped at the edges. Periodically clean out the toaster using a can of compressed air, making sure you don’t damage sensitive heating elements or switches.

How to Repair a Toaster Oven

Toaster ovens operate much like toasters. However, a toaster oven is more complex and is typically more expensive to purchase. The higher cost means that repairs are easier to justify. You will probably think twice before tossing a $75 toaster oven into the recycle bin. And because toaster ovens are less compact, they are often easier to work on than pop-up toasters.

Some toaster ovens simply toast bread and related food products horizontally rather than vertically as with pop-up toasters. Other toaster ovens are actually miniature ovens. The differences are identified by the wattage used — broilers require more watts of electrical power to operate — and by the controls. Some toaster ovens allow you to bake and broil foods, offering precise temperature and function control.

Typical toaster oven repairs include servicing the main switch, the thermal fuse, the heating element, and the solenoid.Servicing the Main Switch: The toaster oven’s main switch is an important operating part, one that gets extensive use and is a frequent culprit when things go wrong. In many cases, all that’s required is cleaning the switch. In others, the switch must be replaced. To access and replace the main switch:

Step 1: Remove the side panel and, if necessary, the power cord.

Step 2:Check the contact points for pitting or discoloration. If they are not making good contact, carefully rub them with very fine sandpaper, then clean them with an electrical contact cleaner spray or isopropyl alcohol on the end of a cotton swab. Be careful not to bend the contact leaves out of alignment.

Step 3: If the contacts are fused or the leaves broken, remove and replace the main switch. Main switches are fastened to the chassis with clips, screws, or rivets.Servicing the Thermal Fuse: A thermal fuse protects the toaster oven’s main switch from damage caused by an electrical overload. If the main switch doesn’t work, check the thermal fuse using a continuity tester or multitester. The thermal fuse should show continuity rather than an open circuit. If defective, remove and replace the thermal fuse with one of identical rating. In most models, this means cutting the fuse leads or wires and replacing the fuse unit.Some toaster ovens use a bimetallic thermostat or thermal cutout to protect the adjacent main switch from damage. Inspect the thermal cutout for debris, distortion, or discoloration. Clean debris away with a can of compressed air. As needed, clean the contact points with emery paper.Servicing Heating Elements: A heating element is vital to your toaster oven. It may only be on for a few minutes to toast bread, or, in the case of a baking/broiling unit, it may be on for an hour or more at a time. A heating element is simply a high resistance wire that glows as electricity flows through it. Heating elements, then, are easy to test. Here’s how:Step 1:Determine whether or not there is a clear path for electric current by touching a continuity tester or multitester probe to each end of the element.Step 2: If there is no clear path, remove the heating element. Removing an element may be as easy as unscrewing both ends and any support brackets; however, it may also require that rivets be removed and replaced. Your decision to replace a defective element will then depend on how easy it is to remove as well as the value of the toaster oven.

The two dark rods along the base of this toaster are the heating elements.

Step 3: Once the heating element has been removed, replace it with one of identical rating and structure. Be very careful not to distort the shape of the new element as it is installed. Element wires are fragile and can be damaged easily. Higher-wattage elements are of thicker wire, much like the element in your conventional oven.

Servicing a Solenoid: The solenoid turns the electric current to the heating elements on and off. If the heating elements stay on longer than they should and burn your food, or if opening the appliance door turns them off, the solenoid may be defective. To test and replace a solenoid:Step 1: Look at the unit for visible damage and smell the area around the solenoid for obvious damage to components.Step 2: Use a continuity tester or multitester to verify your findings.Step 3: Replace the solenoid. In some units, this is easy. Simply unscrew the brackets and remove the unit. If replacing the unit requires cutting or desoldering, take the unit to an appliance-repair shop for service.So, now you are prepared next time your toaster goes on the fritz and you want to impress your schoolager with your knowledge of small appliances. If you would like to learn more, you can visit howstuffworks.com

How Toasters and Toaster Ovens Work

February 2, 2008 By NightOwl

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 operate in the same manner. A slice of bread, a frozen waffle, a toaster strudel, or some similar food item is placed through a slot in the top of the toaster and into the carriage. The carriage is lowered into the chassis using the lever at the side of the toaster.

When it reaches the bottom, the carriage latches in position and an internal switch is activated to start the heating process. A thermostat determines how long electric current will be sent from the power cord to the heating elements.

The person who is operating the toaster sets the thermostat using a control knob or lever calibrated between light and dark. When the desired temperature is reached and the heating process is completed, the solenoid turns the current off, then unlocks the latch and allows the carriage to spring up to its original position. At this time, the toasted food is easily reachable and can be removed by the operator of the appliance.

©2006 Publications International, Ltd.
This cross section of a toaster indicates the various elements that make a toaster work.

How Toaster Ovens Work

To operate a toaster oven, controls are set, the door is opened, food is placed on a tray, and the door is closed. If set for toasting, a toaster thermostat operates the upper and lower heating elements as selected by the color controller. If set for baking or broiling, the baking thermostat operates the heating elements as selected by the temperature controller and possibly by a timing mechanism.

So there it is, simple, yet indispensable in our kitchens.

Thermador’s Freedom Collection Refrigerators and Freezers

February 1, 2008 By NightOwl

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 an interior that can hold up to 98 bottles of both red and white wine in two separate temperature zones.

As a result of its ingenious design and flexibility, the Freedom Collection recently was awarded with a 2007 Platinum Award for Design Excellence (ADEX) from Design Journal and Gold Award from Appliance Design Magazine’s Excellence in Design Awards. Other notable distinctions include a prestigious 2006 American Kitchen and Bath Award from Home Magazine, and a 2006 Merit Award from Kitchen and Bath Business’ Product Innovator Awards. The Collection was also awarded with honorable mention in the 2007 Woman’s Day Specials Best New Product (KB) Awards.

Each Freedom column has its own compressor and evaporator to eliminate odor transfer and air exchange between the refrigerator and freezer – sometimes a concern with traditional models – and perfectly regulates the interior temperature with a variance of only 1.5 degrees. When combined, this system preserves “market fresh” foods longer. The collection is available in stainless steel or can be matched to existing kitchen cabinetry for a seamless, fully integrated look.

“You have the total freedom to design your kitchen any way you want with Thermador’s new column refrigeration. For example, you can place different sized fresh food and freezer columns side-by-side, or put the fresh food column adjacent to the sink for convenient access to your fruits and vegetables. The freezer can then go on the opposite side of the kitchen, right next to your oven, for easy thawing and cooking,” said Chuck Bryant, senior refrigeration product manager. “To preview all the different types of configurations you can have, we developed a special interactive software program that’s currently available online at Thermador.com for consumers and designers to plan their layouts featuring the Freedom Collection.”

In addition to the infinite design possibilities, Thermador’s Freedom Collection offers an unrivalled assortment of exclusive features, including:

The unique Freedom® Hinge allows all the columns to be fully flush mounted to cabinetry – without sacrificing accessibility to the interior and the full extension drawers. In fact, the hinge opens the column doors up to an amazing 115 degrees. It can also accommodate a variety of custom panels up to 220 pounds in total door weight.
No longer will you have to unload a shelf to gain extra interior space. The fresh food column’s motorized Liberty ShelfT™ conveniently moves a fully loaded shelf of up to 22 pounds with the simple touch of a button. Thermador liberty shelf Also available on bottom-freezer models.
The FreeFlowTM Air System (fresh food column) results in superior temperature regulation and air distribution that helps keep “market fresh” foods longer. Cool air continually travels the length of the column door, ensuring that these items are just as cold as those on the interior shelves. A carbon air filter also absorbs any unwanted odors for fresher and more hygienic food storage.
The freezer’s FreeFlow™ Ice System regularly rotates the filtered ice in the icemaker to avoid clumping, while the UltraClarity™ Water Filter dispenses crystal fresh ice and water. The external dispenser also features an exclusive pull-down flip tray that accommodates pitcher-size containers to facilitate bulk amounts of ice or water. The Luminous Light System™ features bright halogen light towers and spotlights that fully illuminate foods, so everything can be clearly seen while creating a beautiful interior look.

Rounding out these industry exclusives are a number of additional performance features, including a convenient digital display that allows for precise temperature adjustments; multiple specially-insulated compartments that keep delicate and perishable foods fresher, longer; and an adjustable toe-kick that can range in height between 4-7 inches.

The entire Freedom Collection is ENERGY STAR® qualified and is among the quietest refrigeration units in the built-in category. Models are available with an MSRP of $2,899-$6,999; wine columns have an MSRP of $3,899-4,399.

Purchasing a Toaster Oven

January 29, 2008 By NightOwl

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 casserole or cake, can roast a small chicken or even broil a steak. They can heat up frozen meals- french fries or a serving of pizza. They add less heat to a kitchen than a full size oven, which is nice in the summer. Although you might do some of these tasks in the microwave, the toaster oven browns foods, crisping them, which the microwave can’t do.

Now that you’re convinced of the necessity of owning a toaster oven, you need to choose one. Here are some things to look for when you’re shopping:

Capacity:

Smaller ovens (12″wide x 10″tall x 12″ deep)hold four slices of bread; larger ones (20″ x 10″ x 15″) can handle six.

Settings:

The most basic models have a “toast” setting, but most have more, including light, medium and dark settings. For other settings, most have the capacity to bake and broil and some can heat up to 450 degrees.

Also look for features such as preset functions for pizza or bagels which are kid friendly, electric touch pads for setting the temperature or timer, digital displays for setting precise heating and non-stick or porcelain interiors which are easier to clean.

Be sure to measure your counter space, some of the premium toaster ovens can be large and all require an extra four inches behind them (They can’t be flush against the wall) to allow for heat dissipation.

Another feature appearing on taoster ovens is convection cooking. Convection cooking uses air to circulate the heat, cooking food faster and more evenly. It is used for roasting and baking.

The really is a toaster oven for every budget. Some samples (We have not reviewed these particular models.) are:

Black & Decker Model TRO962 Toast-R-Oven with Convection Cooking, about $30 black and decker toaster oven

Tefal OT806000 Avante Elite 1600 Watts Toaster Oven with Convection Cooking , about $80

Oster Model 6292 , about $100

Krups Model FBC5 Toaster Oven with Convection Cooking about $200

Refrigerator Drawers Handy and Expensive

January 28, 2008 By NightOwl

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 lot of storage space and can spare a cupboard or two, a refrigerator drawer might be right for you. A refrigerator drawer is just what it sounds like- a fridge that fits under the counter and pulls out like a drawer. They can be installed near a prep sink, making them just right for fresh produce.

At consumerreports.org , they offer a complete look at some brands, pointing out both pros and cons.

Refrigerator drawers provide not only additional storage space but also some conveniences. If you have young children, for example, you can stow snacks in an easy-to-access spot. Or, when you’re prepping for that big dinner party, you can keep your fresh ingredients at hand. And on the KitchenAid Superba ($2,500), you can place one drawer at a standard refrigerator temperature and the other at a “pantry” setting of up to 60° F. This would allow you, for example, to chill beer, white wine, and other beverages for your gathering in the bottom drawer and store root vegetables in the top. (All five tested models have two drawers.)

Other upsides are on the design front. Refrigerator drawers don’t eat up much floor space: On average, the units we tested are 35 inches high (they’ll fit below a standard-height counter) and 24 inches deep (matching the standard depth of base cabinets). Three models are 24 inches wide (same as a typical dishwasher), the other two, 27. And, as with many other fridges, they can fit in with the kitchen décor. All five models are available with a stainless-steel look, and the Sub-Zero 700BR ($3,200) can be fitted with a panel to match the finish of cabinets.

But you’ll pay dearly for those limited benefits. The tested models cost an average of $2,500 (prices range from $1,800 to $3,200) for what we measured as only about 4 cubic feet of usable fridge capacity (none of the models has a freezer). What’s more, while fridge drawers cost little to run (about $32 to $42 a year), they’re far less energy-efficient than any type of full-sized refrigerator in our Ratings, scoring poor in our calculations. Some other drawbacks: The Marvel 60RD ($2,500) has no bins, dividers, or shelves, and its controls are inside the top of the front frame, requiring you to open the top drawer much of the way to access them. And the U-Line Echelon ($2,500) is not equipped with an on/off switch. To unplug the unit, you need to pull the fridge out from the wall. So far, we lack repair data for refrigerator drawers.

A different solution to the problem, though possibly not as attractive, is to purchase a small freestanding refrigerator, or even a portable one that can be plugged in on an as-needed basis.
Or, there’s always the neighbors…

Appliance Odometer

January 26, 2008 By NightOwl

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 is pretty expensive. However, in the medium term, I think it will end up saving me money on food, by helping me meet my resolution to spend less money on restaurant meals, and I’d therefore like to keep track of how often I use the cooker. However, I only know how often I’ve used it because that number is so low; I don’t have regular “rice days” either, so I can’t just multiply Mondays to arrive at a usage figure. So: I propose an electronic odometer which clicks forward a notch for every complete cycle (for a rice cooker or other 1-task appliances) or which simply keeps track of “active cycle” times for other items which are used more as-needed (blenders, washing machines, microwaves). Knowing how often particular things are used would be good in increasing household efficiency, and would be more aesthetically pleasing (though less visceral) than carving notches each time …

I have an air popcorn popper that would be a good candidate for this gadget. I also think it would be fun to see how often the power tools that are so important really get used.

What do you think?

Jenn-Air’s Convenience Oven

January 24, 2008 By NightOwl

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 than a larger oven. Because it is built in, it saves counter space too. Once again though, convenience comes at a price- about $1200 – $1500.

Features:

Controls

* Cook & Hold, Favorite Setting And Keep Warm™ Oven Options.
* Customization Options Include Control Lockout And 72-Hour Sabbath Mode.
* Delay-Start Cooking And Cleaning.
* Electronic Controls With Keypad Entry Include Clock With Timer.
*
Oven
* Bake/Broil/Toast Capabilities With Hi/Lo Temperature Broiling.
* CustomClean™ Self-Cleaning Oven With Auto Lock.
* Extra-Large Panaview™ Oven Window.
* Four-Pass Broil Element.
* Halogen Lighting Of The Oven Interior.

Bosch NES Electric Cooktop = Easy Cleaning

January 22, 2008 By NightOwl

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 the dial to set the power level via magnetic flux. Move the knob, turn again and set the power for the next element. To clean, lift the dial, wipe the smooth expanse of glass, and return the dial to its magnetic home — or, store the dial to lock the cooktop.

Specifications:

• mTwisT™ magnetic touch-and-turn control
• Three dual-zone elements provide ultimate flexibility for cookware
• Ceramic glass cooking surface is stylish, durable and easy to clean
• UltraSpeed™ ribbon elements respond 65% faster than conventional types
• Keep warm feature on all elements for keeping cooked food warm
• Hot surface indicators show when an element is hot to the touch
• Can be installed over a Bosch built-in oven
• 5 heating zones

We found this for as low as $960.00, but it usually retails for about $1000.00.

This sounds great as far as easy cleaning, as long as you want an electric cooktop. It also is a simple way to childproof the kitchen. Just be sure not to misplace the knob.

Gaggenau’s Teppan Yaki

January 18, 2008 By NightOwl

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 the same time. Cook directly on the wipe-clean stainless steel griddle — instead of in a skillet or saute pan.

I just don’t see this in the average house and I personally am not too sure about cleaning this, since the griddle is installed in the counter. But Gaggenau says it is impervious to splashes, food residues and fingerprints, and that the Vario 400 Series offers electric, gas and induction power – providing high powered intensity with a gentle touch and flexible functionality. This retails for about $2080.

Cooktop + Microwave

January 16, 2008 By NightOwl

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 electric cooktop features four heating elements plus a warming zone. Knobs control the cooktop while a backlit active touchscreen guides you through the microwave cooking process.

It offers innovation and cooking convenience at your fingertips with such features as microwave sensor technology to eliminate guesswork when cooking or reheating and a microwave keep warm setting that holds food up to 30 minutes – it’s a warming drawer inside the microwave!

Sharp’s stainless steel Insight Pro Cooktop+Microwave Drawer Combination Unit is ideal for open-plan kitchens and islands and is a great addition to a wet bar, family room, or home theater. It is built-in ready for easy installation with no additional trim kit or ventilation required.