Samsung Dual-Fuel Range Review

Are you having a tough time finding the perfect range to fit the needs of your kitchen?  Are you looking for a powerful solution that can handle all of your family’s cooking needs?

Introducing the Samsung NX58K9850SS Dual-Fuel, Flex-Duo, Slide-In Range!

This amazing Slide-In range from Samsung boasts some truly innovative technologies and ideas in cooking convenience. 

The powerful dual-fuel configuration offers a superior convection system in the electric oven, providing even heat throughout both oven cavities, while offering a powerful gas cook top.

This range can be used as a single oven, or a double oven, thanks to the unique flex-duo oven door design.  The removable barrier insulates the upper cavity, giving you true double-oven capabilities with dual temperature controls for both top and bottom oven cavities.  This unit boasts a large 5.8 Cu-Ft oven cavity when used as a single oven.

Up top you will see a cast-iron griddle and wok attachment, both are included.  A 22k BTU machined brass dual-ring burner sits up front to handle your largest cookware, but can also be used for a true simmer.

The sleek look and feel of the Samsung will enhance any kitchen, come see us today so we can help you select the best range for YOUR kitchen.

Thanks again, we’ll see you soon!

Contract Appliance

YOUR local appliance team, right here in Colorado!

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.

Benefits of Slide-in Ranges

Slide-in ranges are easy to clean because the top overlaps the counter. This eliminates food and crumbs from dripping down the range sides like a free standing range does.

These ranges have the controls on the front for easy access. This eliminates you from reaching over hot surfaces when changing the temperature settings like a free standing range does.

 Slide-in ranges sit on top of the counter and will give your kitchen a built-in look. Unlike the cost associated with custom cook tops and wall ovens, you can get a similar look without “Breaking the Bank”.

These types of ranges will showcase your kitchen's tile work. The main advantage is seeing your kitchen tile work without seeing a stove back like with a free standing range does.  

When switching from a free standing range to a slide-in there will be about a 2” space behind the range. You’ll have to install a piece of countertop or purchase a metal filler strip that will finish off the custom / built-in look.

Slide-in ranges are ideal for island peninsulas because

they create that built-in look and feel. They also create a great custom look when installed against the wall between cabinets. This will allow you to showcase your kitchen’s tile work.

It really comes down to the price and style that fits within your needs. If you are designing or remodeling a kitchen with custom tile work and backsplash, than a slide-in range is a great option.

Visit us at one of our locations if you are interested in learning more about the different types of ranges. We can help you find the one that fits your kitchen needs.

Open-Burners vs. Sealed Burners

In a time where easy clean up and convenience is king, the far superior but ignored open-burner pro style range sits collecting dust in the corners of appliance showrooms. Were I a poet, I might have titled this “Ode to the Open-Burner”.  

It’s ironic. Those “pro-style” ranges with their fancy sealed burners are considered an upgrade and get all the love because most shoppers’ initial attraction to these ranges is centered on the look and the perceived fire power. After all, pro-style ranges emulate restaurant-quality ranges and those things can cook. One difference though? Restaurant quality ranges use open-burners.

It’s with an open-burner in the 22,000-25,000 BTU range that you’re going to replicate at home Carne Vino’s $110 seared steaks. The sealed burners fall far short of those figures. On average, they’re only pumping out 18,000-22,000 BTUs and you can get that kind of performance without spending the big-bucks.

Let’s talk performance some more. The open-burner also delivers that heat to where it’s needed most: the center of the pan. The heat then fans out and provides even cooking. The sealed burner’s flame does not come out of the center of the burner and has to instead cook from the outside, in. That means whatever is cooking on the pan’s perimeter; it’s at a different temperature than whatever is cooking in the center.

 But alas, most buyers end up just getting the look and the extra cooking space pro-style ranges offer (more burners). Besides, those sealed burners sure are easy to clean! 

3 Benefits of Induction Ranges

Induction cooking has great benefits. Watch the video to see the demo about how awesome induction ranges are. You may find yourself wanting to invest in one today.



The benefits include:
1. Induction Ranges use qualities of gas, but is electric which can save you money on your energy bill. You can also get a rebate from your utilities company because it is more energy efficient.
2. They use magnets to know what it should heat up. You can use any pan that is magnetic.
3. Because induction ranges use magnets, when you take the pan off the heat will shut off. This can be a safe option for the kids at home.

Let us help you find the best induction range for your customized kitchen. Give us a call today at one of our stores!

Investing in a New Appliance

Look.  I don’t care what profession you’re in, how much money you make or how much disposable income your family has, purchasing a new appliance can be a major decision and on its surface; can be a huge financial investment.  First, if you take money out of the equation for a second, your household appliances are probably one of the most touched items in your home.  From opening the refrigerator to make your breakfast in the morning to cleaning your dirty laundry, most people are putting their hands on an appliance more than any other piece of equipment in their home.  Yes, including the TV remote.  Then, factor in some of the emotional aspects of your appliances………. your stove was used to cook the food for your son or daughter’s graduation party or your refrigerator was used to keep cool that perfect dessert you spent hours preparing for that special occasion that left a lasting memory for you and your family……your appliances could be considered priceless.

But enough of that.  How does the math really boil down when you buy an appliance?  Let’s take a refrigerator.  Depending on what you are considering buying, the average cost of a brand new refrigerator can range anywhere from $1,000 to upwards of $10,000.  Fancy taste….fancy price.  But for this, let’s look at what your average person puts in their house and use $2,000.  Granted, things aren’t built like they were 30 years ago but you can pretty much rest assured your refrigerator is going to serve you quite well for atleast 5 years.  Do the math and that translates to 43,800 hours of useful life.  Some simple division puts the cost per hour of your new refrigerator at 4.57 cents per hour.  How much did you spend on that name brand coffee indulgence this morning?  Or how much did that absolute must have football jersey you needed to wear on game day set you back?  When you distill it down, the cost of your refrigerator seems much more palatable and then factor in all the stuff mentioned earlier about the emotional and usefulness aspects of your appliance……this seems to be a very wise and worthwhile investment.  So, what’s the morale of all this?  Don’t sweat the pennies.

Recipe- Summer Peach Pie

 Nothing says “summer” like a tasty pie made out of one of the best fruits of the season. Enjoy this peach pie hot or cold, with or without ice cream. It’s sure to be the hit of your next barbecue or summer dinner party!

Pie Crust:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling out dough

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 sticks unsalted butter, chilled and cut into ½ inch cubes

½ cup ice cold water

Pie Filling:

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup corn starch

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon bourbon

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated

4 lbs. peaches (peeled, pitted, and chopped or sliced)

1 large egg, slightly beaten

Sugar in the Raw (Turbinado sugar) for garnish

Directions: 

      1.       In a large bowl, whisk flour with sugar and salt. Add butter. Using your fingers, press the butter cubes into the flour mixture until they are breaking apart in pea-sized crumbles. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the ice-cold water. With a fork, flick the flour from the side of the bowl into the water while turning bowl, and toss until all water is absorbed and the dough has a crumbly texture.

   

       2.       Scoop dough onto cutting board or other work surface and press dough together until it forms a small disc. Separate disc in half and then form each half into a smaller disc, then wrap separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour.

       3.       In a large bowl, stir granulated sugar with cornstarch, lemon juice, bourbon, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add peaches and toss until evenly combined.

       4.       Heat oven to 375 degrees. With a rolling pin, roll one disc of dough into a circle that is about ¼ inch thick. Arrange circle into 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Let excess dough hang over edge. Pour pie filling into pan and distribute peaches evenly. Roll second disc of dough into ¼-inch thick circle and cut into 1-inch-wide strips using a knife. Arrange strips in lattice pattern on top of the pie filling and then trim both top and bottom crust so 1/2 –inch of dough hangs over edge. Lift up and fold under dough edge to make thick crust at sides, and then press or crimp as desired. Brush dough with beaten egg and sprinkle liberally with turbinado sugar.

       5.       Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling in center (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes). Let cool completely before serving. Serves 8.

Share with us your favorite moments eating pies in the comments section.

Ceramic Cookware 101

Last Christmas, my husband gave me a beautiful set of ceramic-coated cookware. Unlike Teflon or other types of traditional non-stick cookware, ceramic coating is much safer and healthier, not to mention heat- and scratch-resistant. After trying out my new pots and pans I was thrilled to see that they were every bit as nonstick as my old cookware set, with none of the unpleasant side-effects (Teflon-sprinkled eggs, anyone?) Here’s a helpful guide to get you the most use and highest performance out of your ceramic pots and pans:

Before the First Use:

Unlike traditional skillets and frying pans, it is not necessary to “season” your ceramic cookware with oil. It is, however, good practice to wash your new pots and pans in warm, soapy water and wipe dry with a paper towel. This will remove any leftover ceramic dust particles from manufacturing. Once it’s washed, it’s ready to go!

Use Proper Utensils:

Make sure to always use only wooden, silicone or plastic utensils when stirring or serving the contents of your cookware. Metal whisks, spatulas or spoons can leave scratch marks on the surface of the cookware. Though ceramic coating is more scratch-resistant than other nonstick surfaces, it is not entirely immune to scratches or gouges, so it’s best to stick with the safer utensils.

Skip the Cooking Spray:

Here’s one I didn’t know at first. Cooking sprays can cause a buildup of residue on your ceramic cookware, so use a tiny bit of oil or butter to coat the inside of the pan when you cook instead. The amount of oil or butter you have to use is so insignificant it will hardly add any calories to what you are cooking, and it will help the coating last longer.

Avoid High Heat:

Though ceramic cookware is heat-resistant, it performs best on low or medium heat settings. Because ceramics distribute heat effectively, foods will be cooked more evenly and quickly on low to medium heat. On the other hand, high heat can cause the food to stick, which can damage or discolor the surfaces of the pots and pans.

How to Clean Ceramic Cookware:

A year has come and gone and those pots and pans get put to use in the kitchen almost every day. Needless to say, they’re no longer as sparkly and white as they were out of the box. Luckily, washing ceramic cookware is easier than washing other types of nonstick pots and pans. Ceramic cookware should always be hand-washed in warm soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive sponge or scrubber. Soak pots and pans in hot water for 30 minutes prior to washing to make cleaning burnt food from pans easier. If you want to get your ceramic-coated cookware back to its original gleaming state, periodically give them a good deep cleaning to remove stains, buildup and discoloration. To do this, soak the pot or pan in hot, soapy water and wash with a non-abrasive sponge as usual. Then sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda to the affected areas and let stand for 20 minutes. Using a plastic dish brush, scrub the pot or pan in circular motions until stains have lifted, then rinse with warm water and dry with a clean towel.