KitchenAid Double Oven

While some cooks will have a preference for one or the other oven types, it is important to research the features and comparisons between electric and gas ovens. If you are in the enviable position of remodeling your kitchen or building a new home, the time you spend now in planning for the long term will be rewarded with day after day with years of cooking and meals successfully cooked.

1. Initial purchase price

The initial purchase price must come in to play when deciding between gas or electric. It is save to assume that electric ovens will always be the cheaper option but that will depend on the brand and type of oven you are buying. Gas may be more expensive but the daily running costs can be considerably less than electric.

2. Ongoing energy costs

Electricity is said to be a cleaner fuel than gas but the costs of operating an electric oven have proven to be higher. Electric ovens take longer to heat and most recipes will call for a preheat to begin with. Careful planning of meals can help with energy savings though. Make use of the residual heat after baking or roasting by keeping foods warm in an oven that has been turned off.

3. Consider installation

Electric ovens are easy to install as long as there is a qualified electrician in the area. Gas ovens need a plumber and gas and electric lines so the installation will be more involved and may cost more. Cylinder gas may need to be ordered in areas where the gas is not connected. Using two bottles will prevent the unfortunate occurrence of running out halfway through a dinner party. If the house has gas lines for heating or water, gas cooking may be the sensible option.

4. Ease of use

Speak to someone who uses a gas oven and they will tell you how easy it is to use. The latest models come with an instant ignition switch making the lighting of an oven as easy as electric. Cooks familiar with cooking food in an electric oven will swear by the ease of use and perfect results for baked goods such as sponge cakes.

Viking Designer Series Range

5. Reliability

The even cooking temperature throughout the cavity of an electric oven makes it more reliable than the gas. But the newer gas ovens on the market these days use a fan. This forces the heat to circulate around every item inside taking this feature a step further. Some chefs say fan forced gas ovens will give perfect results for most baked products.

6. Versatility

The invention of the double cavity oven has still to catch on in any but the latest kitchens but gas and electric models are available making this a great option for cooking foods requiring different temperature and cooking times.

Whether you choose gas or electric be sure to do as much research as possible making the final decision a sensible one that will last for at least the life time of the oven.

By Paul P McLeod

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Inspire. Create. Win.  It is a combination you will not regret.

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The National Kitchen & Bath Association has released their design trends for 2010!

… do you like? … agree?  …would you consider these trends TOO trendy?

Traditional is the New Contemporary
Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige, and bone hues will also be popular.
Cherry on Top
Cherry will remain the most popular wood for kitchen cabinetry, followed closely by maple, while alder increases in use. As for the finishes placed on those cabinets, medium natural, dark natural, glazed, and white painted will all be common. Other colors of painted cabinetry and light natural finishes are in decline, however, as are distressed finishes.

Floored by Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as natural stone tile, remain popular kitchen flooring options, but hardwood will dominate the kitchen landscape more than ever in 2010. For countertops, granite continues to be the most popular option, but quartz will nearly catch up in popularity. For backsplashes, ceramic or porcelain tile and glass will serve as the primary materials.

Backsplashes: Porcelain, ceramic and glass tiles will be the materials of choice for many when choosing their backsplash.

Flexible Faucets
Standard kitchen faucets will become less standard in 2010 in favor of more convenient models. Pull-out faucets continue to increase their market dominance, while pot filler faucets will also become more prevalent. Kitchen faucets will most often be finished in brushed nickel, followed by stainless steel, satin nickel, and—surprisingly—polished chrome.

Undercounter Refrigeration
French door and freezer-bottom are the two most popular styles of refrigerators, and side-by-side refrigerators remain a popular option. A surprising trend is the extent to which undercounter refrigerator drawers are being used in the latest kitchen designs. Perhaps even more surprising is that undercounter wine refrigerators have been recently specified by half of kitchen designers.

A Range of Cooking Options
The tried-and-true range continues to serve as the workhorse for cooking, although the combination of a cooktop and wall oven is beginning to overtake it. Gas will maintain its position as the most popular type of cooktop over electric, although induction cooking continues to gain in popularity due to its energy efficiency.

Dishwasher-in-a-Drawer
Standard dishwashers, with the traditional door that pulls from the top down, will once again be easily the most common type in 2010. However, an increasing number of dishwasher drawers will be installed in kitchens this year for their convenience and their ability to wash small loads of dishes in each drawer, thereby saving water and electricity.

You should always keep in mind the definition of a trend!  Some are keepers, some may pass within a year or two!   When designing your own space be sure to incorporate what matters most to YOU!   Check back in the coming days for the Bath Design Trends!

www.nkba.org

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The deals just keep getting sweeter!  How does FREE Cookware sound?  Microwave? Warming Drawer?  Even a Ventilation System!

It is quite simple, the more you buy, the more you get FREE!  Dacor appliances delivers quality appliances with innovative technologies, visit a dealer near you to see for yourself!

Click on the link below to explore all the details.   Offer ends 12.31.10   Locate a dealer near you!

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This Sub-Zero, Inc. and Wolf Appliance, Inc. Instant Savings offer is valid beginning March 1, 2010, and expires after September 30, 2010, at participating Sub-Zero and Wolf dealers in the United States and Canada. This instant savings will be applied at point of sale only for qualifying purchases. All appliances must be purchased and invoiced at the same time, appear on the same invoice, and be delivered by December 31, 2010. Products must be delivered and installed in the country of purchase. The Instant Savings offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Check with your local dealer for details or visit subzerosavings.com

*Sub-Zero built-in 600 Series excluded.  **Applicable to all products excluding Sub-Zero built-in 600 Series, Wolf microwave ovens, and all accessories. See eligible products.

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Designers agree there will be a continued focus on green design, open floor plans with contemporary styling and the overall evolution of the kitchen from merely a space for eating and cooking to an area for entertaining and living.

Employing environmentally friendly methods in construction and remodeling, in addition to exploring more energy efficient alternatives, has increased greatly over the recent years and designers believe that the trend towards “going green” will continue.

“We have already seen an increase in awareness and interest in how the average home can be part of going green without a major expense or change in lifestyle,” said Michelle Drenckhahan, Principal Interior Designer of Spacial Adaptation.  “We will continue to see a lot of people interested in energy efficiency as well as useful and more cost-friendly ways to incorporate it into design.”

Cost has often been a deterrent for many homeowners when considering using environmentally friendly materials in remodeling.  The recent economic recession has made it even more difficult.  Not only are homeowners reconsidering what types of materials to use, but the recession has also widened the gap between people who can legitimately afford to remodel their kitchen or bath with a realistic budget in mind and the tire-kickers looking for freebies, according to Gerry Snapke of CAD Kitchen Plans.

Snapke predicts in 2010, designers will see a continuation of the move towards contemporary styles with clean lines, sleek designs and more open wall space, rather than crowding as many cabinets as possible into the kitchen.

Reducing the number of cabinets will change how cabinetry is designed and force homeowners to adapt.  Susan Serra, CKD, author of The Kitchen Designer, predicts many homeowners will seriously re-evaluate what they really need to store in their kitchens for the very first time.

Design trends will go beyond merely reconfiguring one’s space, and the role the kitchen plays in the home will continue to evolve.

The kitchen is no longer solely the room for cooking and eating but transformed into a space for entertaining and living.  Both appliance and cabinetry design have changed to reflect the evolving trend.

“Although we’ve talked about it for quite some time, we have seen a new serious appreciation and gratitude for the pleasures of cooking and socializing with friends and loved ones as a result of recent difficult times.  Simply put, more cooking and more living are being done in the kitchen and more living room-like features are being built into kitchens,” continued Serra.

Families are going out to eat less often, so appliances now provide a more robust cooking experience at home with functions that allow chefs to explore their creativity.  Pro-style ranges and cooktops, such as the Epicure® Dual-Fuel Range and the Epicure and Preference® Gas Cooktops have high-heat SimmerSear™ Burner output for cooking over a wide range of temperatures.

Installing cabinetry that resembles furniture pieces makes it easier to integrate the kitchen into other living spaces of the home, especially with the continued trend toward open floor plans.

“Integrated components and cabinets with glass door and wood veneer fronts help to incorporate living, dining and kitchen areas together,” said Peter Vidal, Senior Designer of Porcelanosa USA.

“We are seeing more and more great rooms that function as entertaining and cooking areas combined.  So, the trend for 2010 and perhaps onward in kitchen design is cabinetry that reflects your complete lifestyle,” continued Vidal.

Full article CLICK HERE.  Or for more information on the elegant line of Dacor Appliances visit:  www.dacor.com

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The trip was a total of 14 designers from different areas of the Southeast, each with a diverse business model and experience – so the networking was an added bonus for all.   Numerous segments included in the 4 day trip included: training in the classroom, cooking in the demonstration kitchen, touring the cooking & refrigerator plants, cooking at the Viking Cooking School, touring the administration & design offices and a little fun history adventurous in the quaint town of Greenwood!

From the start it was apparent that we were going to be spoiled    Our day started and ended at The Alluvian – a beautiful boutique hotel built by the Founder/Owner of Viking.    The speakers, instructors  and most importantly the story behind it all were enlightening and entertaining!   What surprised me the most was learning that Viking is only a 18 year old company!   The founder, Fred Carl Jr., had a vision to bring commercial appliances into the average home ..per his wife’s desire!     It is clear that Fred is a man of great vision and honor.  Being a native of the small Mississippi Delta town, Greenwood, he chose his hometown Viking manufacturing.   Many said it would be impossible, but Fred would have it no other way.  He wished to give back to the community in which was home… his life.

Now 18 years later Viking is one of the most recognized brands in the nation.  They distribute to 80 different countries and employ over 1,400 people right in Greenwood, Mississippi!   Click HERE for the full Viking Story – you too will be amazed at the history!

So what did I learn besides Viking is one of the most admirable companies that manufacturers right here in the U.S. ?    I honestly was intrigued beyond my expectations during the product training.   Here are a just few various highlights that left a lasting impression on my views of Viking.

• Viking refrigeration has 2 year FULL warranty that is extended to 3 years if installed by a certified installer!  Thereafter it has 6 years coverage on any sealed component AND the ice maker!  It does not stop there – the sealed components are extended to 12 years.
• The outdoor grills are equipped with a TruSear™ burner that has 30,000 BTUs of searing infrared power!  You  can caramelize the outside of food and lock in natural flavors and juices like a professional!
• Induction cooking has more benefits than just the infinite speed control and speed, the clean up is the easiest of all cooking equipment!  Since the heating process is only created via magnetic methods, the heat only occurs between the pan and the surface/element.   So spill overs or splashes do not get baked on, eliminating the need for tedious cleaning methods.
• The Steam Oven requires no rough-in plumbing, making the possibilities of design/location and installation simple.    This unit is one of the most unique cooking equipment I have ever seen.  Whether you are looking to bake bread or steam your vegetables, you can be assured you are choosing the healthiest form of cooking!
• The new dishwashers have an Exclusive five stage filtration & food waste removal system.  What this means that food particles are non-existent!  Additionally it has a 1/2 horsepower motor!
• The convection ovens has the largest fan blade with Vari-Speed Dual Flow™ convection system.  The 2 speed system capable of turning the fan in both directions, giving even heat throughout the oven no matter how much food or which racks you use.  Also take the time to compare the oven size to their competition.  The 27″ oven is as large as a typical 30″!
• The High Speed Convection Oven combines high-powered convection cooking with microwaves, cooking up to 80 % faster than conventional ovens!   The fan runs air through at 44 MPH !
• The 48″ and 60″ Pro Ranges have 2 ovens, but did you know the smaller second oven has all the same technology?  It has the same great convection technology and has a proof mode!
• The in-line ventilator system has an accessory called a Duct Silencer.  It is unbelievable how quiet a venthood becomes, even at the highest speed!  FYI: Most people think by using a remote blower makes a Vent Hood quieter, this is false.  The actual noise created is from the movement of air, not the motor of the unit.  The duct silencer is the first time this can truly be minimized!

Viking has more to offer than what meets the eye.  True quality and innovative technology.   Check out their full line of products including counter top appliances at:  www.vikingrange.com And my sincerist thanks to the Viking and HADCO team, along with the 13 other designers, for an incredble fun and educational trip!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!   You may also contact HADCO in Suwanee, GA, for more information on where to buy – or to visit their showroom of Viking!  770-932-7282

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