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