Save time and energy with Frigidaire Induction.
Induction allows you to control heat with precision while providing a much safer and quicker heat power than other cooktops.
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What’s New at TA: Samsung FlexWash
Introducing the
Samsung FlexWash™
FlexWash™ provides ultimate washing flexibility with two separately controlled washers in the same unit, so you can choose what to wash together and wear together. Lights with darks? Go ahead. Delicates with bulky items? No problem.
Monitor your laundry using your smartphone
FlexSystem™ features Wi-Fi connectivity and is IoT-enabled. Smart features allows you to control the FlexWash™ + FlexDry™ machines from your smartphone* through the Samsung Smart Home app. You can also receive alerts, start, stop and monitor every cycle remotely for both machines.
Learn more at TA Appliances
Discover GE WiFi Connect Appliances
Real Life. Real Connection.
Everyday is different. WiFi Connect appliances deliver real, everyday convenience for real, everyday moments. Stay informed about what your appliances are doing wherever you are.
- Get notifications when your filter needs changing
- Schedule hot water for your morning cup of coffee from your fridge
- Use Amazon Dash Replenishment to automatically order fabric softener
- Use your voice to preheat the oven
- GE WiFi partnerships can help you simplify your life even more.
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Marvel Buying Guide: Undercounter Refrigerator Appliances
5 Important Attributes to Consider Before Buying an Undercounter Appliance
Undercounter refrigeration is not merely a box to keep things cold nor is it a commodity item decided on a simple matter of price. Today’s options provide varying degrees of cooling performance, storage configurations, styles and finishes. And, undercounter options have expanded to beverage centers, wine cellars, freezers, ice machines and beer dispensers to offer even more diverse preservation capabilities for your home. To make sure you’re getting the right mix of quality, function and value in your next undercounter purchase, start with this buyers guide for an educated shopping experience.
1. Temperature Stability
We all know the measure of a good refrigerator is how well it cools, but are you aware that several undercounter brands’ cabinet temperature can fluctuate by as much as 10 to 15 degrees?
As discussed in the Outdoor Refrigerator Buying Guide, there is a distinct difference in cooling technologies across the industry. Low-grade static cold plate cooling creates disparities in air distribution, creating an uneven temperature stratification effect. In other words, the top compartment might be 15 degrees warmer than the bottom and other areas might cause items to frost. Dynamic forced air actively recirculates cold air throughout the cabinet from top to bottom and is an upgrade worth investing in, especially if you plan to store wine and delicate foods.
Additionally, some models are designed with extended off-cycles before cycling back on to cool again. This is essentially an engineering workaround for poor thermal cabinet design as an effort to improve energy efficiency, but ultimately it translates to erratic temperature swings.
Minimizing temperature variance is critical to the shelf life of the contents you’re storing. A stable preservation environment contributes to improved food quality (including flavor and nutrition), longer-lasting freshness and ultimately less food waste.
BUYER TIP: Choose an undercounter refrigerator with forced air circulation, like Dynamic Cooling Technology from Marvel.
2. Cooldown Time
Surprisingly, few homeowners consider this aspect when shopping for an undercounter refrigerator and it’s an attribute that can impact your lifestyle the most. Rapid cooldown is a necessary convenience for today’s fast-paced lifestyles, and particularly important when stocking your undercounter refrigerator full of room-temperature cases of beverages for a party later than night. Nothing takes the refreshing zest out of a carbonated beverage like serving it lukewarm.
Additionally, rapid temperature pull-down prevents bacteria growth in your perishables for safer food consumption.
The better the cold air circulation (i.e. forced air cooling), the faster contents will be cooled to your desired set temperature.
BUYER TIP: Select a model with a proven cooldown rate. For example, Marvel’s rapid cooldown is tested to be up to three times faster than other models
3. Energy-Saving Features, Efficiency and Operating Costs
Energy consumption remains a hot-button topic, as consumers seek ways to reduce annual household expenses and their overall carbon footprint, without taking shortcuts on features and performance.
Fortunately for homeowners, the Department of Energy enforced more stringent energy regulations on the appliance industry in 2014. Michigan-based manufacturer AGA Marvel welcomed the changing regulations as an opportunity to retool its entire undercounter line, and now offers the largest collection of ENERGY STAR® rated undercounter appliances. In fact, many of its models exceed the EPA ENERGY STAR® requirements – in some cases by 30%!
Look for additional energy-saving options, such as integrated controls with Eco mode, Vacation mode and Delay Start. And, there are features that prevent energy loss, too, like Close Door Assist to automatically bring the door to a gentle close and alarms to alert you of energy-compromising issues.
Another measure of thermal efficiency is the model’s cabinet and door insulation, as it’s the most effective protection from external heat transfer and cold air loss and affects overall efficiency. Marvel discovered a way to design its models with well-placed dense insulation that does not compromise internal storage volume.
BUYER TIP Be sure to read the product’s Energy Guide for projected annual energy costs, and look for the ENERGY STAR® mark.
4. Capacity and Storage Flexibility
Review storage options and interior capacity of models at the footprint size you need. Ask yourself, will this model suit my storage needs now and in the future? Can it fit extra-large platters and pizza boxes? Can it accommodate tall items? Does it offer optional wine storage? Is there a clear rollout bin to store loose items or produce?
Pick a model able to store the items you use most often. For example, Marvel offers models with convertible shelving that allows you to store any configuration of food, beverages and even wine bottles.
BUYER TIP Insist on versatile storage solutions like cantilevered shelving and convertible shelving that can adapt to fit your lifestyle as it changes.
5. Fit and Finish
Manufacturers offer undercounter models in a variety of aesthetics, including solid and glass-framed doors in stainless steel, black, custom panel-ready and other finishes. If you prefer a truly built-in look, you’ll want a panel-ready model with a soft-close integrated hinge to seamlessly blend with your cabinetry.
BUYER TIP: Explore finish options with timeless appeal, and consider the fully integrated look of overlay panels.
Shop Marvel at TA Appliances
BLUESTAR: NEW DOUBLE ELECTRIC WALL OVEN: RESTAURANT-QUALITY RESULTS, UNMATCHED CAPACITY
The latest addition to the BlueStar® line is our Double Electric Wall Oven which offers unmatched performance and capacity for the home chef. The ovens were designed for to deliver restaurant-quality results at home thanks to a powerful 2,500 watt bake element and the intense 5,000 watt infrared broiler. The 1800 watt heat assist element in the back of the cavity means faster preheating and less time waiting. Twelve different cooking modes including Bake, Convection Bake, Roast, Convection Roast, Broil, StoneBake™, Proof, Dehydrate and Sabbath, provide numerous cooking options for the versatility home chefs need.
The oven features True European Convection for optimal heat circulation and faster, more even results. The even heat is critical for baking delicate desserts like chocolate soufflés – chefs depend on it so the soufflés evenly rise and are not lopsided.
Our extra-large cooking cavity is perfect for roasting, baking and broiling for a crowd and can accommodate a full-size 18″ x 26″ commercial-size baking sheet. Especially around the holidays this is so important, since you can cook a full meal in one oven at once – turkey, sides, casseroles and desserts! Or tackle holiday cookie baking in less time than ever before with the ability to simultaneously bake 12 dozen cookies.
Our precision temperature probe offers the ideal way to obtain the perfect temperature for any protein – just set your desired internal temperature and the oven will signal when it has reached it.
The professional-quality, temperature controlled baking stone in the top oven can used to create perfectly crisp breads and pizza. The stone mimics the conditions in brick ovens by absorbing heat from the oven to bake bread – and practically anything else – directly on top of the heat source. Gourmet pizzas are ready to serve in just 5 minutes. The baking stone is independently temperature controlled to insure perfect results every time.
The exclusive, eco-friendly Continu Clean™ helps keep the oven cleaner without extreme temperatures or harsh cleaning chemicals. Continu Clean™ works every time the oven is on, saving the hassle of a dedicated cleaning cycle. Or, if preferred, the available Self Clean mode can be used so that the oven is cleaned automatically by a special high-temperature setting.
Like all our products, the Double Electric Wall oven can be tailored to suit any individual style or cooking preference. To maximize the cooking experience, the oven is available in single or double drop down doors, and chef-preferred French doors: pull the left door open and the right one swings open automatically, adding functionality and style. A new feature, an intuitive, single controller, makes it easy to operate both the top and bottom oven. Customize any Electric Wall Oven with over 750 colors and finishes. Even the knobs are available in 190 colors, and both knobs and trims are offered in 10+ designer metals.
If you are looking to complete your kitchen, pair our Double Electric Wall Oven with any of our gas rangetops or gas or electric cooktops. Our gas rangetops come with searing 25,000 BTU burners and our induction cooktop has a powerful 5,500 Watt burner. All of our rangetops and cooktops are fully customizable to match the look of your Electric Wall Ovens.
What’s in Store at TA? Save now on BOSCH Appliances
From cookers to washing machines,dishwashers and fridges to automatic coffee machines: Bosch makes your life easier with its innovative home appliances.
Instant rebates of up to $3300* on select Bosch appliance packages including laundry packages. Plus, up to $500 on select Dishwashers featuring MyWay™ rack*
Shop BOSCH at TA Appliances
Thermador: 7 KITCHEN TRENDS TO WATCH
In the world of interior design, trends come and go—but in the kitchen, they stick around a bit longer. There are some great new kitchen trends that look like they’re here to stay, and I’ve highlighted 7 of my favorites below:
1. Manufactured Quartz, Glass, and Porcelain Counters
These new surfaces, like the Dekton Halo counter in my new kitchen below, hold up to just about anything you can throw at them, which is so important in a hardworking kitchen. They are resistant to scratches and stains, you can set hot pans right on them, and many of the selections are also antimicrobial. You can use these materials for outdoor surfaces, too.
2. Painted Cabinets
As you can also see in my new kitchen above, painted cabinets are making a comeback. The color is either included on all cabinetry, or makes a dual statement with white. Either way, color is edging out all-white in the kitchen.
3. High-Tech Innovations
Technology is nothing new in the kitchen, but appliances are definitely getting smarter. For example, the new Thermador Liberty® Induction Cooktop has 11 oval inductors, divided into 3 cooking zones, with each zone able to accommodate pots and pans from 3 to 11 inches. Amazingly, if you move the pot from one space to another, the power level will automatically transfer to the new location. There are also pre-set temperatures and a stopwatch function for even more cooking flexibility.
The Thermador Freedom® Collection fresh food columns also have a newly designed electronic TFT control that allows for precise temperature management, as well as a new ThermaFresh System that extends the freshness of meat and produce for longer periods of time. Now that’s smart!
4. Refrigeration Walls
Speaking of refrigeration, it’s stepping out of its usual same-sized box in the kitchen, particularly with customized refrigeration walls. Thanks to the Thermador Freedom® Collection, these units can be mixed and matched to fit any homeowner’s cooking style. If you have a large family and love to cook, you could choose a larger freezer column like the new 36-inch style. If you like to entertain more than you like to cook, you may want a smaller freezer column and a larger refrigeration unit. The new wall in my kitchen also includes a Thermador Wine Preservation Column with independent wine zones that keep my vino at the perfect temperature.
5. Built-In Coffee Machines
Coffee has become an important part of American households, and this new kitchen trend takes that brew to a whole new level. Adding a built-in coffee machine gives homeowners their own coffee shop experience, and the Thermador Built-In Fully Automatic Coffee Machine will prepare up to 10 beverages from latte macchiatos to espressos. A simple touch on the new TFT display prepares a perfectly brewed beverage, including warm milk or froth for those who enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, or hot cocoa. You can also determine which size cup will be used and the strength of the brew, and the machine includes dual spouts to create two beverages at once.
6. Customized Cabinetry
Personalization is key in kitchens of the future, and that includes cabinetry that fits any need you may have. Even pre-manufactured cabinets now offer specialized drawers and storage for lids and small appliances. And if you’re lucky enough to have a custom cabinet maker, like I did in my kitchen, you can create anything you need. For example, I wanted a pull-out shelf under my Thermador Steam Oven, below, and I also have special bins for cooking supplies, and more.
7. Clutter-Free Counters
Kitchens are getting cleaner, and I mean aesthetically! Clutter is out, so look for small appliances to be hidden away in special cabinets, or as built-ins. Thermador has a microdrawer that I love – it keeps the microwave off the counter and gives me more space for cooking and baking. And when it’s time for cleaning up, I can get that no-muss look that’s key to a modern kitchen.
This blog originally appeared at http://www.thermador.com/blog/7-kitchen-trends-to-watch/ and was written by Tobi Fairley. To see more of her culinary creations, follow her with @tobifairley on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, or on my blog at tobifairley.com!
