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Cash for Appliances
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010Convection Curiosities – Learning about Convection Ovens
Friday, March 19th, 2010Consumers who purchase newer models of single or double ovens are often intrigued by the many features available on these units. It is easy to be impressed by the bells and whistles and it’s even easier to get lost in the fine intricacies of these advanced machines. One feature that is becoming more commonplace among new ovens is the “convection cooking mode.”
Convection cooking, by definition, is the circulation of heated air in the cooking cavity. Most convection ovens accomplish this by using a fan that is mounted at the rear of the oven. This fan, when enabled, rapidly cycles the air in the oven allowing foods to cook quicker and more evenly than using a traditional “bake” mode. A good rule to keep in mind is that foods on convection mode usually cook faster than those cooked using a traditional bake mode. A recipe that calls for the dish to bake for 20 minutes might be done in 15 minutes if cooked with convection.
What about the ovens from manufacturers that boast “true convection” settings versus “traditional convection” settings? True convection occurs when heated air is blown into the oven cavity. This is accomplished by using a third heating element that is often located near or around the fan at the rear of the oven. This provides the best and most efficient method of convection as items won’t prematurely brown by their exposure to the top or bottom heating elements.
Traditional convection ovens rely on the top and bottom heating elements to heat the air while the fan circulates that heated air. Not having a third heating element cuts down on the available efficiency.
Most manufacturers offer convection ovens in some form or another, with most offering oven models that have the third heating element in the rear of the unit. These brands include Miele, Viking, Dacor, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Gaggenau, and Thermador. There are plenty of others as well. Each of these brands has additional functions and options that allow you to control when you use convection and how.
Here are a few helpful tips when using convection:
- Be prepared for foods to be done in less time, up to 25% less in some instances.
- If using a recipe for a conventional oven, try lowering the temperature by 25 degrees when using convection. E.g. dishes that call for a temperature setting of 400 degrees should be set to 375 degrees.
- Use baking pans that have little or no sides to them. Some of our manufacturers have trays that are completely flat, thus maximizing the effectiveness of the convected air. This is especially helpful when baking cookies.
- Many of the newer ovens offer advanced filtering systems where odors are trapped and replaced with fresh air. Dacor encourages its customers to “go ahead and cook salmon and pies at the same time.” They have a “unique multi-ply filtration system that filters the circulating air to prevent the flavors of one rack transferring to another.”
Convection capabilities in the newer ovens often intimidate the users. To experience the benefits of convection, one must not be afraid of experimenting with the convection modes. Our experienced sales associates would be more than happy to demonstrate how the convection feature works and can answer any questions you have about the ovens that possess this technology.
Building the perfect outdoor kitchen
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010In some parts of the country, while it may not feel like it, spring is just around the corner and with it warmer weather. For the past several months, most of us, unless you’re living in the southwest, have been bundled up inside our homes only escaping to go to work, church, or to family gatherings. Sure, there are bound to be some brave souls who will endure the frigid temperatures to “play in the snow.” Skiers? Snowboarders? Hockey players? Ice skaters? Our hat is tipped to you and to your frosty outdoor experiences.
But what about the rest of us – those who do prefer the outdoors but find our solace in warmer weather? With the spring season comes an opportunity to start anew, to escape our homes, and enjoy the great outdoors.
The winter brings us the opportunity to gather the family around the hearth and to break bread at a meal prepared in a gorgeous kitchen featuring the latest in high-end appliances and plumbing fixtures. But the spring and summer months afford us the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and to break the same bread, over a delicious meal that is prepared in an outdoor kitchen.
What is an “outdoor kitchen” you say? Many homeowners having enjoyed an upgraded indoor kitchen have also long desired to be able to cook culinary delights outdoors. With recent advances in technology, and companies such as Wolf, Viking, Dacor, KitchenAid, Lynx, and others embracing the evolution of the traditional kitchen, many fine outdoor kitchen components are available to help you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
What does an outdoor kitchen need? The most important component of any outdoor kitchen is the grill since the purpose of an outdoor kitchen is to cook. Grills come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and have a wide array of features. Most grills have the ability to be plumbed directly to a gas line. Others require a standard, widely available, propane tank. Some have built in traditional burners while others may have a rotisserie. How about a grill that has a “sear zone” where it gets so hot any meat placed on this special section instantly seals in the delicious juices. Some grills also have built-in smokers so even the most novice of barbecue users can try their hand at creating delicious smoked delicacies.
It’s always good to have a warming drawer and an outdoor refrigerator. No sense running inside to grab the materials necessary for the meal – keep them nearby. When foods are done cooking, they can easily be added to warming drawer until the rest of the meal is complete.
You can also add outdoor storage cabinets that are resistant to the elements. How about having a bar complete with an icemaker? Yes, you can have that too. Moreover, should you want to use the outdoor kitchen when it’s colder, you can even buy outdoor heaters. And don’t forget the utility drawers and garbage bins.
There are many accessories and options available for your perfect outdoor kitchen. Many of our showrooms have outdoor vignettes that will allow you to visualize what your outdoor kitchen might look like. The weather will start to get warm soon and if you haven’t thought about building your very own outdoor kitchen, now is the time to start planning. Visit any one of our showrooms and one of our expert associates will help guide you through choosing the perfect outdoor appliances for your dream outdoor kitchen.
