Energy Saving Laundry Tips

Energy Star washers are a great way to conserve energy and save yourself some money in the laundry room.  Here are even more ways to cut back.

DON’T use too much detergent

You’re only helping Proctor & Gamble when you pour in those heaping cups of laundry soap. The owners’ manual provides instructions on the proper amount of soap to use. Using too much soap also can shorten the life your clothing, which could get expensive.

DO keep venting dry and clear.

We recommend cleaning your dryer vent a few times a year.  Otherwise, it could get blocked up, causing your dryer to take longer to do its job. And remember to clean your lint filter after every use.

DO switch to cold-water washes

About 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes in an average washer is for heating the water. Need I say more? If you have tough, oily stains, even switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load’s energy use in half. Otherwise, you’d be surprised how well cold water cycles clean these days.

DON’T over-dry your clothes

Instead, use a moisture sensor (if you have one) to automatically stop the dryer once it’s finished. Note: Dry towels and heavier cottons separate from lighter weight clothes to ensure proper drying when using a sensor. If you don’t have a moisture sensor, use the cool-down cycle to finish drying clothes using the residual heat.

DO put full loads in the washer and dryer.

Full loads of laundry mean fewer loads of laundry, which mean less energy, water and money used, too. If you must wash a small load, remember to set the water-level to match.

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

Induction Cooking

You may have been hearing about induction cooking lately, but you may still be in the dark about what it actually is.  Induction technology uses electromagnetic energy to transfer heat directly to your cookware.  Since the cookware heats more quickly than on gas or electric cooktops, cook times are faster, meaning less energy is used.  Plus, it allows you to instantly adjust the heat from a delicate simmer to a quick boil.  Induction heat combines the benefits of gas and electric cooktops, offering you the power of gas and the easy cleanup of electric.

Cooks who are new to induction cooking will realize the benefits of induction immediately.  It’s faster, has more responsive heating, more energy-efficient cooking, and easier cleanup. Here are some other features induction offers:

• Bring water to a boil in as little as 90 seconds
• 70% more efficient than gas and 20% more efficient than electric
• More responsive  so you can instantly adjust the heat to a delicate simmer or bring it to a quick boil
• The sensors automatically detect the presence of magnetic cookware, activate the induction field, and adjust it to the exact size of the pan
• Heat is transferred directly to the cookware, so the cooktop stays cooler to the touch

Come to any of our stores to learn more and see the induction ranges and cooktops for yourself!

Information provided by Electrolux

Our Biggest Sale of the Year!

The Big Deal is going on now through Sunday.  Hurry in for the best deals all year!  Click here for more details.

Microwaving Tips

The microwave can be a great tool for quick meal, but some methods of microwave cooking and reheating can be harmful or downright dangerous. So here are some basic dos and don’ts to help keep you safe:

DON’T put metal in a microwave…ever. You will cause sparking and potential damage. This includes aluminum foil and those portable coffee mugs.

DO microwave by number. Avoid plastics No. 3, No. 6 and No. 7, as these could leach chemicals into your foods. Plastic wrap and Styrofoam can also melt. Transfer to a different container and use a glass lid to cover the food.

DON’T heat acidic foods, like tomato sauce, in plastic containers.

DO choose containers made of glass or ceramic or plastic that’s made for microwaving.

DON’T cook large cuts of meat on full power. Instead, use medium power (50%) for longer periods to ensure heat reaches the center without overcooking outer areas.

DO stir or rotate food halfway to eliminate cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive.

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

Power Outage Tips

As we enter the stormy fall and winter, we’re bound to have some power outages.  So when the power goes out and your refrigerator isn't cooling, what should you do?

First, call the power company and find out how long the power will be out.  If the power outage is less than 24 hours:

Keep the doors shut on both the refrigerator and freezer compartments to keep food cold or frozen. If you’re experiencing a refrigerator power outage for more than 2 hours, you might want to pack dairy and meats into coolers filled with ice, says the CDC.

If the power will be out for more than 24 hours:

Add 2 lbs of dry ice in the freezer for every cubic foot of freezer space, which will keep the food frozen for two to four days. Otherwise, you’re going to have to eat all that perishable food.

A full freezer stays cold longer than a partially filled one and a freezer full of meat stays cold longer than a freezer full of baked goods. A half-full freezer will keep food safe for 24 hours, and a full freezer will keep food safe for 48 hours, according to the CDC.

If food contains ice crystals, you can refreeze it, although the quality and flavor may be affected. Test meats to ensure the temperature hasn't risen to 40 degrees. Use your gut. If it looks like it’s in rough shape, toss it.

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

KitchenAid Dishwashers

If you're looking for a new dishwasher, consider KitchenAid.  All KitchenAid dishwashers have the following features:

• 25% Better Results
• Full Stainless Steel Wash Tub
• Touch Controls
• Dedicated Drying Element
• Adjustable Racks
• Energy Star Qualified

In addition to all of those features, they have three different levels depending on your needs and budget; Classic Cleaning, Proscrub Performance, and Luxury Level.  As you move up, they become quieter with more cycles and options as well as enhanced cleaning options.  Come in to any of our superstores to check them out for yourself.

Everett Fall Home Show

It's the 8th annual Washington State Everett Fall Home Show at the Comcast Arena in Everett this weekend, the 28th - 30th! This is Snohomish County's premiere Fall event featuring hundreds of specialized local businesses to help you customize, update, or even design, your home.  And of course we'll be there too!  We will have low Home Show prices at the show and at ALL of our locations.  Plus, you can take advantage of zero interest for 12 months on all brands and products.

Right now, if you visit the Home Show Website, you can get free admission to the show.  But hurry, the offer is only valid for the first 5,000 visitors!

KitchenAid's New Cooking Technology

KitchenAid has come out with Even-Heat technology for their cooking products, specifically their electric cooktops, wall ovens and freestanding ranges.  Even-Heat does just that – it delivers reliable heating and precise controls.  That means no more constant monitoring of your cooking!  Your meals will be cooked perfectly every time.  Here are some of the features:

Elements & Burners

• No hot spots or spikes of heat that cause burning or scorching
• 2 sets of coils to maintain heat
• Designated settings for simmering and melting

Ovens

• Preheating system that eliminates cold spots before preheating is finished
• Industry’s largest viewing window to reduce having to open the door which releases heat
• Special design to guide air uniformly between racks and around food to cook evenly

Come into any of our stores and see this great technology for yourself!

Tips for the Perfect Refrigerator Temp

If you set your refrigerator temperature too low, your food will freeze. Set it too high, however, and your food will spoil quicker due to increased bacterial growth.  It’s hard to know what is too high and what is too low…

The recommended temperature for your refrigerator ranges from 35 degrees to 38 degrees and it’s best to keep it stocked well with food, because — believe it or not — a fully stocked fridge holds its temperature better than one with a couple condiment bottles in the door.

The best test for your refrigerator’s temperature is a beverage. If you don’t like the temperature of your beverage, adjust the fridge. If you think your refrigerator is too cold, increase the temperature by 1 degree and allow 24 hours for the compartment to adjust. Obviously, do the opposite if you think your refrigerator is too warm.

To ensure proper temperatures, air has to be able to flow between the refrigerator and freezer sections.  Make sure the air vents aren’t blocked by anything. Otherwise, it might block the flow of air to the refrigerator, which in turn causes temperature and moisture problems.

If your refrigerator is  too warm, pop off your kick-plate and clean it out.  If your refrigerator can’t exhaust properly, it can’t cool properly. So, vacuum the condenser every three months!

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

Dishwasher not Drying Your Dishes?

If your dishwasher has a stainless steel tub, you probably need rinse aid. Sure, your dishwasher could be the best, highest-efficiency model. It still needs rinse aid. Rinse aid helps dry dishes by reducing water droplet formation. (Note: If you have a plastic tub and your dishes aren’t drying, you might need a service call on the heating element.)

If you’ve added rinse aid to your dishwasher and your dishes still come out wet, check if you’re washing a lot of plastic dishes. Sometimes these can exacerbate the problem. Have you ever noticed that plastic dishes often come out with droplets of water while all your glass and porcelain dishes are completely dry? That’s because plastic does not hold heat the same way regular dishes do.

Why does that matter? It throws the dishwasher off its drying mojo. Here’s how the dishwasher drying process works:  The final rinse water reaches a very high temperature which heats up your dishes. The stainless steel tub is a cooler surface, so the moisture collects on the tub rather than your dishes.

Other things that throw the dishwasher off its drying mojo:

• Washing all the dishes before you load them. Scrape off large food pieces, but just say no to washing your dishes before you wash them! If the dishes are clean, your smart dishwasher cuts the wash time down. If this happens, the dishwasher may not have time to get hot enough. The water is heated to more than 40 degrees higher than the hot water being piped in.
• You’re using the light or quick wash cycles for everyday stuff. It won’t usually wash or dry as well.

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

Maytag Washers with PowerWash

Many of Maytag’s high efficiency washers come with the PowerWash system which offers the best cleaning in the industry.  Three things make the PowerWash system the best; extra cleaning action, enhanced stain removal, and a thorough rinse.  You can find PowerWash in five different Maytag series in both top load and front load models.

In addition to exceptional cleaning, EnergyStar qualified models can use up to 82% less water and 86% less energy which could result in an lifetime energy and water savings up to $3,300!  Click here to learn more.

Energy Saving Cooking Tips

Stoves, cooktops and ovens aren’t Energy Star rated because most models use about the same amount of energy. But there are certainly ways to use less gas or electricity when cooking.

1. Keep your burner caps and drip pans clean

Dirty surfaces don’t reflect heat as well as polished surfaces, thus wasting energy and potentially your time.

2. Match pots and pans to the size of your burners

Unless you’re using an induction cooktop or range, you’re heating a lot of air while you try to heat your food. Induction cooking is 20% more efficient than electric and 70% more efficient than gas.  To mitigate energy loss, choose the appropriate sized pot or pan for the size of burner you’re cooking on.

3. Cover your pots while boiling water

When you think about it, it makes no sense to boil water in an uncovered pot. Using a cover helps water boil faster while creating pressure and preventing evaporation.

4. Skip preheating

Unless you’re baking and require precise temperatures, you don’t need to wait till your oven reaches 350 degrees to throw your food in.  Better yet, shut off your oven a few minutes early and let residual heat finish off your dish.

5. Use the microwave

Using the microwave as an alternative to the oven cuts energy use in half.  Plus, it’s faster!

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

Now through Sunday save up to 50% during our annual Floor Model Demo Sale!  Most floor samples are in perfect condition and all carry the full manufacturer's warranty.  There will be hundreds of products specialty priced for this event - appliances, mattresses, electronics and BBQs. All items are one-of-a-kind so come in early for the best selection.  You can take advantage of these great deals at any of or locations: Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mount Vernon and our Liquidation Center.  Click here for more information.

Don't miss out, this only happens once a year!

Clean Your Oven with No Odor or Extreme Heat

Maytag's latest line of free-standing ranges feature a new technology called AquaLift.  It's an exclusive enamel oven coating that requires only low heat and water to release baked-on spills in less than one hour.  Then, you just wipe away the debris.  Traditional self-cleaning ovens take hours and require temperatures up to 800 degrees!  And of course there is that horrible smell.  Maytag has found the solution with AquaLift!  To learn more, click here.

Maximize Your Refrigerator

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your refrigerator.

1. A small amount of condensation on the fridge or freezer is normal, especially during humid weather and summer vacation, if you see more condensation than normal, check the seal (or gasket) for any obstructions and clear them. If there aren’t any, try moistening the gasket with Vaseline by rubbing a thin layer on the seal where it meets the cabinet of the fridge. This should create a stronger, air-tight seal.

2. Brands might create the perfect space for gallon-jug storage on your refrigerator door, but consider how quickly you will use highly perishable foods (like milk) before storing them here. Why? Consider the temperature fluctuations of this region of the refrigerator. Accordingly, produce like broccoli, asparagus and apples benefit from colder temperatures located near the rear, while corn and berries — for example — benefit from the warmest spot in the refrigerator, so choose those for the front. (Alternatively, fresh herbs like basil thrive in slightly warmer-than-fridge temperatures, so it's smart to keep them in the door)

3. Use your crisper. Those clear drawers in your fridge aren’t just for convenience. Many models allow you adjust the humidity of your crisper drawers to suit their contents. Consult your use & care manual for specifics on your model, but in general, separate your fruits from vegetables and set humidity to high for green, leafy vegetables and low for fruits and vegetables with skins. Meats should be colder – often just above freezing – so keep them in your deli drawer, which is usually designed to stay colder.

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

Grilling on the 4th?

The biggest grilling day in America is almost here!  If you’re tired of the same old burgers and hot dogs for the 4^th of July, try this recipe for All-American Steak Burgers courtesy of Weber.

You’ll need:

1/2 cup KRAFT THICK 'N SPICY Original Barbecue Sauce

1/4 cup A1 Original Steak Sauce

2 pounds ground sirloin

1 each green and red pepper, cut into 3/4-inch-wide strips

1 Vidalia onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

8 KRAFT Singles

8 whole wheat hamburger buns, toasted

Then it’s just four easy steps:

Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F).

Mix barbecue sauce and steak sauce. Mix 1/4 cup with meat; shape into 8 (1/2-inch-thick) patties.

Grill patties and vegetables over direct medium heat, 10 to 12 minutes or until burgers are done (160ºF) and vegetables are crisp-tender, turning and brushing with remaining sauce after 6 minutes.

Top burgers with Singles; grill 1 minute or until melted. Fill buns with vegetables and cheeseburgers.

Enjoy!

New Frigidaire Gallery Orbit Clean Dishwasher

Dishwashers can be frustrating.  Sometimes they don’t clean properly, and half the time the dishes come out still needing to be dried. And if your dishwasher does do the job, it probably can be heard throughout the house while it’s running.  Well Frigidaire Gallery has come out with a dishwasher to combat all of that. Four factors make this dishwasher standout:

1. It’s the best cleaning dishwasher in its class with the exclusive Orbit Clean wash arm.  It provides 4x better wash coverage.

2. It’s the best drying dishwasher in its class with Sahara Dry technology

3. It’s the quietest dishwasher in its class

4. It’s American made – designed, assembled, and engineered.

You can check out this guy in action by watching the video on our YouTube Channel. 

It's our biggest event of the season and it's going on now through Monday.  We have incredible savings in every department.  Here are just a few:

• Up to $1,000 in rebates on select Kitchen Aid Appliances
• Mattresses up to 40% off
• Up to $2,500 in instant savings on select Wolf and Sub Zero Appliances

And that's just the beginning!  We have over 3,000 appliances, flat panel TVs, mattresses, and BBQs in stock to choose from.  Don't miss this opportunity to save hundreds!  Plus, we're offering special financing - zero interest if paid in full within 12 months.  You can find these deals at any of our four superstores.  Click here to view our flyer for more details.

Time to Get Your Grill Out!

Now that the sun has been out for more than a couple of days, in the Northwest that means it’s time to start grilling!  So break out your gill and follow these tune-up tips to make sure your gas or charcoal grill is ready to go.

Clean the interior using a putty knife to scrape off burnt-on food particles inside your grill. This isn’t just aesthetic. Build-up prevents your grill from heating correctly.

To clean your grates, Weber Grill suggests putting them in a dark-colored plastic bag with a cup of ammonia into the bag. After a day in the sun, residue should easily hose off.

If you have a grease drain, make sure it’s unclogged by running a coat hanger down it. Just keep your hands away from the grease bucket, because the grease will drain out fast and could burn you.

Season the grill. Use nonstick cooking spray to oil the grates, drip pans and inside of the grill. This helps keep food from sticking to the surfaces and speeds cleaning. Light the grill and let it burn empty with the lid closed for 30 minutes to burn off the preservatives.

Level the grill. If one side of your grill burns burgers while the other leaves them raw, it’s probably not level. Check both side-to-side and front-to-back to ensure even heating.

Check for leaks by inspecting connections for tightness and hoses for cracks. Another good way to scope out leaks is by brushing non-ammonia soapy water around the fitting with an old toothbrush. Turn the gas on and watch for bubbles.

After following these tips, your grill should be good to go, so get out there and enjoy!

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

The Grand Opening Continues

The Grand Opening Celebration of our new Mount Vernon Superstore ends Sunday so hurry in for great prices and special financing!  On Friday KAFE will be broadcasting live from 2-5pm and we'll have free hot dogs and pop again!  Plus, the drawing for the Weber Genesis Grill will take place on Friday at 4:30 so be sure to get your entry in before then.

Grand Opening Celebration!

Here's a preview of the big remodel

Come help us celebrate the Grand Opening of our new Mount Vernon Superstore going on now through the 29th!  We have remodeled our five live kitchens and we’re excited for everyone to see them. Plus, throughout the entire 11 days of the grand opening, you can take advantage of huge savings and special financing; zero interest if paid in full within 18 months (O.A.C.).  You can also enter to win a Weber Genesis stainless steel grill valued at $1,099!

To kick off the celebration, on Saturday the 21^st Classic Rock 92.9 KISM will be broadcasting live from 11am until 2pm.  As a thank you to our customers there will be several great prizes that you can enter to win including a Blu-ray player, a Kitchenaid toaster, a Kitchenaid mixer, and a 32 inch flat panel TV.  You must be present to win.  The winners will be announced at 1:30pm.  There will also be free hot dogs and pop to enjoy while you shop and tour our remodeled showroom. 

Then on Friday the 27^th, Soft Rock KAFE 104.1 will be broadcasting live from 2pm until 5pm.  During the broadcast, at 4:30, they will announce the grand prize winner of the Weber grill.  There will also be free hot dogs and pop again.

And don’t worry, if you’re not in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, you can get the same great deals and special financing at any of our locations!

Smelly Microwave?

You know how sometimes you microwave food and it ends up smelling like something you made last week?  As much as you clean it, often times you just can’t get rid of that stinky odor. Frigidaire passed along this easy odor-removing solution.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup water

• juice of 1 lemon

• grated lemon peel

• several whole cloves

Combine all ingredients together in a glass measuring cup and boil for several minutes in the microwave on full power. Allow the hot mixture to sit in the microwave until cool (this is when the magic happens). Wipe interior with a soft cloth.  That's it!

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

Grilling Season is Here!

...well almost.  It's officially Spring and as we wait for the weather to catch up, we should be getting ready to grill!  If you’re looking for that perfect grill, here are some things to consider when deciding between a gas, electric, or charcoal grill.

Convenience:  Generally the more convenient a grill becomes the less real smoky flavor you are going to get. An electric grill is easiest to use but doesn't have that real fire flavor, while hardwood fires give you the best flavor, they are the hardest work. If you want to be able to come home from work and throw a couple of steaks or chicken breasts on the grill with virtually no hassle then electric or gas might be what you are looking for.

Authenticity: The authentic smoky, off the fire taste of grilled foods is strongest with the original heat source, wood. As you move to electric you find very little of this flavor left. In fact, many electric grills add virtually nothing to the taste of foods. However the simplicity of flipping a switch and grilling can't be beat.

Taste: A study was done a while back where people were presented with hamburgers and steak cooked on gas and charcoal. No one could tell the difference between the charcoal or gas when it came to the hamburgers, but they could tell the difference with the steak. The charcoal grilled steak had more distinct smoke flavor.

Space: Consider where your grill is going to sit. A small patio or covered area is not the place for a large charcoal grill. Electric grills produce no flare-ups and are safer in smaller areas. Gas grills do produce flare-ups and need to be away from any structure to avoid house fires. Charcoal can be lit with an electric starter and therefore can be used with virtually no open flame.

Cost: Gas grills are generally more expensive than electric or charcoal, with charcoal being the cheapest. If you don't want to spend a lot of money then charcoal might be the answer. However, charcoal is the more expensive fuel. You can easily spend $5 a cookout on charcoal, while gas might cost around $.20 per cookout. Charcoal won't save you money in the long run.

If you still need help figuring out what kind of grill you want to go with, stop by any of our stores.  We’d be happy to answer any of your questions and point you in the right direction.

Information info taken from Derrick Riches

How a Product Earns the ENERGY STAR Label

By now we know that Energy Star appliances save energy which in turn helps the environment and saves us money, but there are some details that we may not know about.  I was visiting www.energystar.gov and found out that there is a whole list of requirements that an appliance has to meet before the EPA will give it the Energy Star label.


Here are some of those requirements:

• Product categories must contribute significant energy savings nationwide.
• Qualified products must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.
• If the qualified product costs more than a conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency through utility bill savings, within a reasonable period of time.
• Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing.

So not only does the appliance have to be energy efficient, it has to be up to your standards and save you money.  Sounds like an all-around good deal to me! 


Right now there are huge savings and rebates on Energy Star appliances.  Head to any one of our stores for details.  

HOW TO: clean stove drip pans

If you have an electric coil stove you have drip pans, which — by name — catch drips. Even if you clean your range top often, it’s a mess the next time you cook.

So the clean-up should be quick and easy, or it won’t get done, right?

The method I’ve suggested before is cleaning stove drip pans with a paste. But no matter how wonderful, applying the paste and rinsing the pans is still more than some of us have time for on a nightly basis.

And this applies to gas stove tops too. Lots of drips land on the burner caps and below the grates.

The fastest, easiest — and perhaps even most effective way to clean the surface — Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or a generic version of this melamine foam sponge.  It looks like an ordinary sponge, but because it’s melamine, it actually has little micro scrubbers that can remove discoloration and baked on mess with minimal elbow grease.

That being said, it is abrasive in nature so it can scratch or dull surfaces if you’re not careful, in this case Bon-Ami is a great alternative.

Taken from Warners’ Stellian

Entering the Blogging World

Thank you for checking out our blog!  This is new territory for us, so please bear with us as we figure it all out.  The purpose of this blog is to better serve you, our customers.  So if there is anything you would like us to address such as certain product information, tips, store news, recipes, anything - just let us know.  Make sure to subscribe to this blog so that you will be notified when we post something new.  While you're at it, check out our NEW website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page (links are on the right).

Thanks again for stopping by.  We look forward to hearing from you in order to bring you the information you want.