Benefits to Duel Fuel Cooking In the Kitchen

Cooking to many is a chore and to others just part of the daily processes but for lots it’s an art of creating something for others to enjoy! Today we will focus on duel fuel ranges and how it’s the best of both electric cooking and gas cooking. Duel Fuel combines a gas cooktop with an electric oven. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of these great duel fuel ranges.

GAS COOKTOP

Cook top Control
Gas burners allow instant changes in heat while cooking because a flame doesn't need any time to warm up or cool down like electric burners.

DurabilityMetal grates on gas stove tops are sturdier and more durable than the electric range smooth tops. Smooth top surfaces are made of glass or ceramic, which entails more care in order to avoid scratching or cracking the surface. Metal grates will be able withstand heavy or rough-textured cookware and are dishwasher safe.

Cost EffectiveGas is generally cheaper form of cooking over using electric. Although the cost of your gas range is initially more expensive, paying less in utilities will save you money in the long run. These savings can especially add up if you cook substantially.

Cookware CompatibleIf you cook with a wok or other cookware with rounded bottoms, gas burners are a must. The flame from a gas burner will heat your pots more evenly, making them perfect for everyday cookware and unusually shaped cookware alike.

ELECTRIC OVENS

Gas ovens create heat in its cooking chamber from the use of gas burners, which ignite natural gas; electric ovens create heat by applying a current to specialized coils, known as heating elements. While chefs tend to favor gas ovens, as they produce visible flames that allow for more precise temperature control, electric ovens still offer several advantages.

Energy StarAccording to Energy Guide, ovens are the least energy-efficient cooking appliances, as oven walls end up absorbing the majority of the heat that ovens produce. In contrast, a typical electric oven can convert between 12 and 13 percent of the energy it consumes into heat for cooking.

More Even Cooking TemperaturesElectric ovens are better at creating even and more uniform internal cooking temperatures. Even cooking temperatures help eliminate the development of cold spots or hot spots in foods and also help to prevent burning. Unlike with the flames of a gas burner, which can be somewhat unpredictable, electric heating coils always release consistent amounts of heat. The use of convection cooking will help circulate heat and further help electric ovens cook foods evenly.

DryingSince gas ovens tend to produce a more moist heat within the unit, which keeps foods moist, electric ovens produce a dry heat. Although this dry heat may not be ideal for cooking cakes and other baked goods the use of convection cooking comes in to play, it can be beneficial for other culinary applications, such as drying fruits and dehydrating meats.

 If you are ready to learn more about duel fuel ranges please give us a call. One of our specialists can help you find the perfect duel fuel range for your home.

Front-load vs. Top-load Laundry

Nearly every day I’m asked to help someone choose between top-load and front-load laundry pairs.  While there are a great many differences between the two styles they serve the same purpose: wash and dry clothing.  In the US the most common unit sold is the top-load style with an auger-like agitator in the tub; this style uses more water and is the least energy efficient.  They are a lower cost option in the short term but the end cost of water and energy over time can easily outstrip the initial savings.

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of each style.

Traditional Top-load:

Pros.

• They have a lower initial purchase price.
• They require less bending over to load and unload.
• They are not sealed and generally don’t smell musty.

Cons.

• High water consumption, as much as 27 gallons per load.
• Slow spin speed (500-800 rpm) requiring longer wash/dry times.
• Agitators in the wash tub can damage clothing, especially when clothing wraps itself around the agitator. There are models that do not have the auger-type agitation system, but your clothing in the middle may be surrounded and take longer to dry; agitator-less models are easier on the clothing but do not clean as well.
• Smaller capacities; 2.1-3.5 cubic feet means running more loads per day.
• May not fit comforters, especially king-size.
• Vertical design can make it difficult to reach items at the bottom of the tub.
• Louder spin cycles.
• Higher cost per use.

Front-load:

Pros.

• Uses only 7-10 gallons per load.
• High speed spin cycle (1000-1400 rpm) for shortened wash/dry times. They use gravity to help them operate, and these faster spin speeds result in lower energy costs each year.
• They have no agitator and are gentler on clothes.
• They have ever increasing numbers of load cycle options, even downloadable custom cycles.
• Very large load capacities, as large as 5+ cubic feet.
• Direct drive systems are quieter to operate.
• Load sensing technology accurately evaluates material type and the amount of water required.
• Versatile: laundry pairs can be stacked to accommodate smaller spaces, and can also be placed on top of pedestals to raise the height of the machines while providing extra space inside the pedestal for products.

Cons.

• Higher initial purchase price.
• Without proper care they can have a musty smell, but this can be easily managed with cleaning tablets.
• Bending and/or kneeling required, unless you have the option for pedestals.

Considering the pros and cons and the experience I have built up over time with customer feedback, front-loaders win the match-up every time.

Cheap and Easy Ways to Save on Winter Heating

Brace yourselves, homeowners: winter is coming. Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather to tackle some home-winterization projects that can not only save you money but also help you avoid expensive repairs in the long term.

1. Dodge the Draft- That is, make sure the cold air stays outside where it belongs by plugging up any drafty areas in your living area. This can be as simple as purchasing a draft snake, a filled fabric tube that you lay down in front of the cracks underneath your door. Draft snakes come in a wide variety of designs and patterns in order to best match your home décor and personality. If you’re feeling crafty and wish to save even more money, you can make your own draft snakes by rolling up towels or blankets to place in front of drafty doors, or sewing long fabric pouches and filling with kitty litter or sand.

2.  It’s Caulkin’ Time!- Eliminate the money-sucking problem of warm air escaping from cracks and gaps in windows, walls and doors by sealing them with caulk. Business Insider suggests having a friend stand outside the door or window with the suspected gaps with a blow dryer while you hold a lit candle on the other side. If the dryer blows out the candle, then you’ll know where to caulk.

3. Think Thermostat- Remember to set the thermostat at 68 degrees or lower when you are asleep or away from the house. A programmable digital thermostat is a good way to ensure that the house stays at certain pre-programmed temps throughout the day. You may also wish to invest in a smart thermostat, like Nest. These nifty devices “learn” your daily patterns so you can rest assured you’re not heating an empty house, and they can be regulated remotely from a smartphone app! Many electric companies offer rebates and incentives for outfitting your home with a programmable or smart thermostat.

4. Bubble Wrap Your Windows- Need a quick, cheap fix for old windows that may be leaking cold outside air in through the cracks? Just spray your windows with water and affix sheets of bubble wrap to them. The clear bubble wrap will still allow natural light into the house, and if you choose windows that aren’t the focal point of a room, no one will be the wiser.

5. Reverse Your Fans- Not everyone knows that your ceiling fan rotation can be reversed to produce warmer air during winter months. Check your manual to see where the direction switch is on your fan, and flip the switch in the opposite direction. Fans that rotate clockwise produce warm air, thus circulating it throughout your living space and cutting down on the need for central heating.

6. Lower Water Heater Temp- The default setting for conventional water heaters is 140°F, yet most households only need a 120°F setting to have enough hot water. Lowering your water heater by 20 degrees can save about 6 to 10% on your energy bills, according to energy.gov.