Connecting in the Kitchen: Wifi Appliance Trendwatch

Connecting in the Kitchen Wifi Appliance Trendwatch

Reading through a fun article on Apartment Therapy the other day featuring vintage appliances that should make a comeback I had to pause while laughing at some of these crazy designs to see just how far kitchen appliances have come. Because, wow have we come far!

When it comes to making our lives easier and more connected, today’s kitchens are as modern as ever and go beyond what we imagined for ourselves in this space-aged future thanks to the magic of Wi-Fi. It is no surprise that today’s appliance trends are re-shaping our normal and that Wi-Fi and internet connected appliances are the biggest trends we’ve seen since stainless. This trend has been something we’ve been watching for a few years now and continues to enhance the built-in capabilities we were already seeing on the market like:

    • Diagnostic checks
    • Remote monitoring
    • Communication between appliances
    • Intuitive cooking
    • Energy monitoring

With innovative new ways to connect with your family and your food, the kitchen really has become the hub of the home again.

Want to know what’s coming to a kitchen near you this year and into the future? After CES (the big tech show in Las Vegas every year), the Spoon rounded up their ‘Smart Kitchen Trends’, check that out here.

If your kitchen is headed for a re-model in 2018, the WiFi connected appliances trend is here to stay and is a smart investment in making the hub of your home smart too.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

Size Doesn’t Always Matter: Whirlpool Low Profile Microwave Hood Combo

Size Doesn't Always Matter Whirlpool Low Profile Microwave Hood Combo

Space is a luxury that most people don’t get in the kitchen. Generally, appliances come in standard sizes to make your installing process as convenient as possible. If you purchase a built-in range, chances are that range will slide right into that space without even the slightest issue. While that’s the beauty of appliances, that’s also the problem. It’s not very easy to stray from the norm and find smaller or larger appliances depending on our needs. Built-in microwaves are another appliance that comes in very few different sizes, allowing little room between the microwave and range.

Now, Whirlpool is changing the ideal built-in microwave look without sacrificing quality and performance. The Whirlpool Low Profile Microwave Hood Combination intertwines both microwave and vent hood into fun-size – giving room to all those who need space above their stove!

Space Saviour

While you may feel like you just compromised size for stove space, this low-profile microwave is anything but tiny. This nifty appliance may look itty-bitty, but it has more than enough capacity to fit large dishes inside. You can fit tall glasses, wide plates and big bowls in this over-the-range microwave that still has enough room for all the essentials with 1.1 cubic ft. of purposeful capacity.

Ventilation at Its Finest

In the words of Shakespeare, “Though she may be but little, she is fierce.” In this case, Whirlpool’s Low-Profile Microwave Hood may be quite small, but it’s powerful! Its high-performance venting quickly gets rid of smoke, odours and moisture so your kitchen continues to smell like home. Those smelly fumes don’t stand a chance with this swift acting vent hood!

Whirlpool low profile microwave hood

Low Maintenance Design

A microwave should be low maintenance which is one big reason why this Whirlpool Microwave is a top favourite of ours. No need to spend extra money hiring someone to install this low-profile microwave – it’s simple enough to either do yourself or have someone you know help with it. Not only is the set up easy, the cleanup is also a breeze. You can easily remove the turntable within this stainless steel microwave and place it in the dishwasher for a safe and thorough wash!

No Hands Required

OK. You may need a finger here and there to push certain buttons. But when it comes to opening the Whirlpool Low Profile Microwave Hood, an elbow will simply do. This tap-to-open door helps keep things flowing efficiently and the kitchen stays clean in the process. Next time your hands are full of dishes, a gentle tap will pop it open so you can keep the dinner moving along smoothly.

A microwave is an essential appliance to have in your kitchen, so making sure it is one that provides you with ease and convenience can make your day a lot less stressful and your food taste a whole lot better. Stop into your local appliance store and check out the Whirlpool Low Profile Microwave Hood Combo. Speak with a sales associate to learn about all the features this small and vigorous microwave has to offer.

Amanda, Your Appliances Expert

The Difference Between Samsung Cooktop Styles

Big pot in modern kitchen with induction stove

The three main cooktop styles are electric, induction, and gas cooktops – but what’s the difference? How do you know which one to choose for yourself? When choosing between Samsung cooktops, you can’t go wrong. It all comes down to what works best for your lifestyle. Learn more about these diverse kinds of cooktops so you can figure out what stovetop would be best for you.

Electric Cooktops – Smooth. Sleek. Modern.

If there is one cooktop that exudes sophistication, it’s electric cooktops. Cleanup is a breeze since the cover is glass, making the surface smooth and easy to wipe up. Samsung Electric Cooktops are even made with a Glide-2-Set Control which helps adjust the temperature so dishes come out perfectly with just the touch of a button.

Induction Cooktops – Innovative. Worry-free. Precise.

NZ36M9880UB - Samsung Induction Cooktop

Have you ever asked yourself, “Did I leave the stove on?” It’s a scary thought because the consequences could be detrimental, but a Samsung Induction Cooktop will leave you less worried than any other style of cooktops. The way Induction burners work involves an electromagnetic heating technology that only heats when it comes in contact with magnetic metals. That means there is no open flame, much like an electric cooktop, but the surface will never burn you. If your child gets curious and touches it, they won’t hurt themselves. One of the best parts about induction cooktops is its precision. As soon as the induction element touches the metal pan, it heats up quickly or lowers at exactly to the temperature you need. You can even boil water in a record 90 seconds!

Gas Cooktops – Classic. Professional. Versatility.

Samsung Gaz Cooktop

Gas cooktops have a quick response speed, which means they can go from extremely hot to simmering in almost no time at all. When it comes to your utilities bill, they usually cost less than an electric cooktop. Not to mention if the power goes out, you can still cook with your Samsung Gas Cooktop.

Have you figured out which one is for you? Visit your local appliance store to learn more about these Samsung Cooktops so you can get the one that complements your cooking style best!

Amanda, Your Appliances Expert

How WiFi Connect with GE Appliances Adds Convenience to Your Life

How WiFi Connect with GE Appliances Adds Convenience to Your Life

When you’re in the zone and preparing dinner, the last thing you want to do is break away from your intense concentration to go preheat the oven. Not to mention, your hands could be covered in food so pushing buttons on your range or wall oven doesn’t seem like the cleanest of actions. In a perfect world, you’d get to continue working on your culinary masterpiece and conveniently not have to step away from it to turn on the oven. Instead, what if your appliances could do it themselves? What if you could waste less time doing those tiny tasks, and instead be doing what you enjoy? With a GE Appliances WiFi connected kitchen, you can start doing the things you love more while your GE Appliances take care of the minor responsibilities for you. With a little help from the GE WiFi Connect App, Alexa by Amazon or Google Assistant, and GE Appliances, your life will immediately be made easier.

Let the Coffee Be Made for You

You’d better get used to things being done for you because GE Appliances linked with WiFi Connect are very efficient and like to get things done. That includes preparing your coffee in the morning. Let the coffee be made for you like the royalty you are with one of the GE Wifi Connected Refrigerators. Through your GE WiFi Connect app, you can easily schedule when you want your coffee to start brewing! If you don’t feel like doing that, you can just ask Amazon’s Alexa to ask GE Appliance’s Geneva to do it. There is one thing you will have to remember, though. Be sure to place a cup under where the coffee pours out so you can avoid a very slippery mess.

Check on Your Dishwasher

Connected GE Dishwasher

Don’t waste your time checking on the dishes when you could simply ask, “Alexa,” or “Google, ask Geneva if the dishes are clean.” You have the ability to keep an eye on how much time is left in the wash cycle through the app as well as get sent a notification when your dishes get done. You can even keep track of how many detergent pods are left! Do you need this feature? No. But will it make your life more convenient? Yes!

Avoid Laundry Time

The less time you’re doing laundry, the better. That’s why the GE WiFi Connect has been such a saviour to those who absolutely despise laundry time. With the app, you can do almost everything in the palm of your hand!

  • Monitor cycle status and time remaining
  • Extend the dryer cycle
  • Receive an alert when your cycle has finished
  • Download custom specialty cycles
  • Remote start the cycle

Using the GE WiFi Connect with GE Appliances is easy and worth it. You’ll get a little more time added to your day to give a family member a call, work on some art, or even just relax on the sofa with a book. Get connected to get convenience today!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

Manage Post-Meal Messes with Maytag Dishwasher PowerBlast Cycle

Manage Post-Meal Messes with Maytag Dishwasher PowerBlast Cycle

Having a sink full of dirty dishes is arguably the most annoying chore out there. Nobody in their right mind enjoys looking at a mound of unwashed plates and cups, but unfortunately, it can’t just sit there forever – it needs to get done somehow. That’s when your dishwasher comes into the picture. No need to scrub your pots, pans, silverware, and more when you have a Maytag Dishwasher with PowerBlast Cycle on the job! All you need to do is load it, add detergent, and start it – it’s as simple as that! Manage your post-meal messes in no time at all so you’ll have more time to do the things you enjoy!

The PowerBlast Feature

If your dishwasher doesn’t thoroughly clean and sanitize your dishes in one cycle, is it worth your time? No! You should have a dishwashing appliance that washes so well, there’s never a single trace of food left behind. The only thing left should be shiny dishes, ready to be put away. With the PowerBlast feature on Maytag dishwashers, all scraps and extra food on your plates will be effortlessly washed away. In one cycle, it has the power to remove stuck-on food with high-pressure spray jets, increased temperatures and hot steam to finish the job. The process is flawless, ensuring your dishes will be immediately ready for their next use.

Made to Handle the Dirtiest Messes

Maytag Dishwashers have one of the most powerful motors on the market right now. No need to scrub or pre-rinse your dishes when your dishwasher has a motor this strong. So, the next time you encounter a mountain of dirty dishes, load them into the dishwasher till it’s full, and let it do its thing. Don’t be surprised when your dishes come out clean every time!

Manage Post-Meal Messes with Maytag Dishwasher PowerBlast Cycle_2

Faster and Better

Your dishwasher plays a large role in the productivity of your kitchen. Could you imagine how much time you’d waste having to physically wash your dishes by hand if you didn’t own a dishwasher? You could easily spend a couple hours a week, depending on the number of people in your family and how many meals you eat at home. It’s exhausting, to say the least. That’s why having a Maytag dishwasher adds such convenience and luxury to anyone’s life who has one. Instead of spending 25 minutes bruising your fingers just to get dried spaghetti sauce off of a plate, you can take 3 minutes dumping those dirty dishes into your dishwasher so they can do the hard part for you.

If you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, the Maytag Dishwasher with PowerBlast Cycle was made to take on the dirtiest dishes. Not to mention, the stainless steel finish is smudge proof – ensuring you won’t have to be washing the surface constantly. Talk to a sales associate at our appliance store to learn more about the features of our Maytag Dishwashers. You’ll find that these powerful cleaners also wash almost silently, making these dishwashers an incredible appliance.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

What Makes KitchenAid Built-In Side by Side Refrigerators So Special

What Makes KitchenAid Built-In Side by Side Refrigerators So Special

If you’ve seen one KitchenAid refrigerator, you’ve seen them all – right? Not really. Even our most basic KitchenAid fridge out there is made uniquely with intricate details that make it incredibly versatile. Every model is made to benefit you and your lifestyle requirements and fortunately, KitchenAid is spectacular at being the refrigerator brand with the ability to change to your specific needs. Check out the KitchenAid Built-In Side by Side Refrigerator to learn about all its helpful features and why you and your family may enjoy the convenient benefits.

The Produce Preserver

If your grocery game is on point, you’re going to want a refrigerator that’s all about keeping your fruits and veggies at their freshest. The KitchenAid Built-In Side by Side Refrigerator was made to help you achieve that through its handy-dandy Produce Preserver feature. Its sole purpose is to absorb ethylene gas emitted by the fruits and vegetables. This gas commonly exudes from the produce, over-ripening them till they go bad. By removing the ethylene, the produce preserver helps extend freshness. Instead of purchasing produce and crossing your fingers that they’ll last you more than a day, sit back and relax! The Produce Preserver is there to give you some relief and ensure you your fruits and veggies stay crisp enough to eat!

Kitchen Aid Produce Preserver

The Heavenly Glide

Drawers shouldn’t be a struggle to open, but some fridge drawers don’t pull out with the smoothness that we were hoping for. The KitchenAid Side by Side fridge was designed with ease in mind, which is why the drawers open like you’re slicing butter! The ball bearing rollers and glides allow effortless in-and-out movement when fully loaded. Grab your fresh fruit without ever having to jerk open your produce drawers again!

Smudge-Proof

There’s nothing like a clean-looking refrigerator to really make your kitchen stand out! These side-by-side KitchenAid fridges come with a PrintShield Finish which resists smudges while enhancing the overall look of the refrigerator. It’s hard to keep your hands clean while working in the kitchen, but no need to worry about that when you have a KitchenAid appliance ready to handle any mess you throw its way!

Easy to Keep Clean

Keeping the outside of the fridge clean is only part of the battle. It’s what’s on the inside that matters most. Luckily, this black stainless steel fridge comes with adjustable spill-resistant glass shelves! They’re easy to clean and help prevent messes from spilling over into other parts of the refrigerator. The shelf edges are nano-etched with a finely textured surface that helps contain spills, and let you use the whole shelf from edge-to-edge!

Purchasing a refrigerator is a big deal, so it’s important that you find the one that meshes best with your style. Next time you’re out looking for a fridge, always remember that fridges are not all the same. Check each one out in detail, just like we did with this KitchenAid Side by Side Refrigerator so you know what you’re getting yourself into.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

Get Rid of Stains with Pre-soaking Options

Get Rid of Stains with Pre-soaking Option (Large)

Whether it is a grass stain on your child’s soccer uniform, a perfect splat of mustard on your favourite pair of jeans or even red wine that uncle Henry spilled on your new area rug, we all have experienced those unexpected stains that need to be soaked and scrubbed before they go into the washer.

Now for those of you who have a washtub conveniently located near your washing machine, you soak the item and then transfer it into the washer so that the stain doesn’t set. Now, in newer homes, your laundry pair might be installed upstairs near the bedrooms or in a mudroom with no washtub nearby, so you end up having to use a sink or the bathtub.

Think about it, what a mess you could have on your hands. You have a stain that you need to soak so you head for the bathroom sink, you didn’t bring any stain removal product so you use the hand soap conveniently located next to the sink, you try your best to wring it out but you end up stretching and deforming the item.

Did you do enough to get the stain out? Probably not. So you take the dripping wet item and you hurry to get it into the washing machine but you have left a trail of water throughout the house. Sound familiar?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have an option on your washing machine to pre-soak instead of having to go through all the above-mentioned trouble?

Good news is that a few of the most popular appliance brands have thought about this so your laundry day just got a whole lot easier.

Samsung has thought of everything when it comes to their top load washer featuring activewash™. The best of both worlds have come together, with an actual sink built right inside the washer for all your stain removal and pre-washing needs. With when you are ready to wash the item, all you need to do is lift the sink and let the items fall into the washer. To see activewash™ in action, watch the video below.

Now if you prefer front load laundry instead of top load laundry, don’t worry. Samsung has also thought about this as well. Whether you use steam to combat those pesky stains or you use the Pre Wash cycle, dirt and stains don’t stand a chance. Samsung’s Prewash is a cold-water cycle that you can run prior to the main wash cycle, this can be used for heavily soiled laundry and again no mess.

Whirlpool also has a solution in their top load laundry called Active Spray Technology, because everyday life can get messy at time. Active Spray technology virtually eliminates the need to pretreat clothing, but how does it work? This cycle saturates the entire load with a concentrated mixture of detergent and water and continues to recirculate this mixture. The clothes are sprayed evenly and thoroughly so there is no need to pre-treat and your load will come out clean. Check out the following video that highlights this key feature.

Like Whirlpool and Samsung, GE Appliances has also tackled this need with their newest technology known as the Water Station. This is an internal faucet that dispenses water and detergent so that you can easily pre-wash your clothes to avoid those stains setting in. Say goodbye to having to worry about where you are going to pre-treat those pesky stains and the mess that goes along with it.

Another option for you is GE Appliances’ Stain Inspector™. This specialty cycle lets you pick from over 40 preset stains and the washer settings are automatically adjusted and set for you. Who wouldn’t want to take all the guesswork out of wondering what water temperature you need to use to treat a particular stain?

So whether it is a grass stain on your child’s soccer uniform, a perfect splat of mustard on your favourite pair of jeans or even red wine that uncle Henry spilled on your new area rug, you don’t have to worry anymore. No more elbow grease is needed, let the washing machine do the work for you. If you are in the market for a new laundry pair, visit the BrandSource website to find a retailer in your area.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

GE Knows How to Be Energy Efficient

GE Knows How to Be Energy Efficient

Having the right appliances in your home can make a world of difference when it comes to paying your utility bill every month. Some kitchen appliances that haven’t been updated or some that have issues such as leaks can cost you more in the long run. It’s better to go out and buy a refrigerator or washing machine in that’s in good shape than hold onto one that does its job poorly.

We understand it’s hard to let go and spend the money on something else, but you must realize, you’ll actually be saving money! So, when the time comes where you decide to replace your appliances, we recommend going with GE. They are known for producing energy efficient appliances that are made to conserve energy and the environment.

Energy Star Certified

The Energy Star program is aimed at helping business and individuals save money while also protecting the environment through the use of superior energy efficiency. The only way to earn the “Energy Star” label is by testing the products in EPA-recognized laboratories.

GE now has been Energy Star certified for numerous appliances including refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, chest freezers, and more! One of the best parts about GE Energy Star certified products is that they don’t sacrifice performance to save on energy.

The Price of Saving Energy

You may not think it’s worth it to have an “energy efficient” refrigerator, but when you start looking at how Energy Star certified appliances affect your monthly bills, you’ll think differently.

GE Energy Star Refrigerators are at least 20% more energy efficient than standard models! Think of it this way: In 1980, it cost about $205 to run a refrigerator a year. Now GE Energy star models cost about $50 a year to run.

When the time comes to buy a new appliance, take some time to look at GE Energy Star Certified appliances. You’ll get back more than what you paid for!

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

What Are Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Made of?

What Are Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Made of

When you lay on a Tempur-Pedic Mattress, it feels like nothing you’ve ever laid on before. It feels like memory foam, but Tempur-Pedic beds are made of something a bit different: Tempur material.

Originally, Tempur was being used by NASA when developing material for aircraft seats that would ensure the passengers’ safety in case of an accident. Because tempur material distributes weight and pressure evenly, this material was ideal for lift-off. Through this usage, it was quickly realized how great Tempur material was for more than just a safety net and that it could be used for fantastic support while sleeping.

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses are not similar to other memory foam mattresses, Tempur-Pedic uses their patented Tempur material. Learn more about Tempur material functions to see why Tempur-Pedic Mattress beds are ranked number 1 in consumer satisfaction.

What It Is and What It Does

You understand that Tempur is a material, but what makes it different from another kind of memory foam? The difference is in the unique formula created at the company’s production facility that only a handful of individuals know.

What we do know is that it’s an open-celled viscoelastic material that conforms to every curve of the sleeper’s body, evenly distributing weight, and supporting the spine. Sleep scientists and engineers have designed Tempur to conform and adapt to your shape so that when you lay down, you feel as though you’re weightless.

Variety

Tempur-Pedic is a brand that provides a variety of mattresses so that people with different preferences can get what they want. The TEMPUR-Contour, TEMPUR-Finesse, and TEMPUR-Cloud all give different levels of firmness ensuring everyone gets the mattress that suits their comfort needs.

Tempur Material doesn’t stop at mattresses – there are pillows, mattress toppers, travel items, and more that uses this powerful technology.

Touch and test it out for yourself at your local Tempur-Pedic Mattress store to get an idea of what this magic material feels like. If you end up liking it, check out the lifestyle Power Base that goes under the mattress and gives you the control to numerous ergonomic sleeping positions.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

Introducing the Whirlpool Sunset Bronze Suite

Introducing the Whirlpool Sunset Bronze Suite

Deciding on your kitchen’s colour scheme can be a difficult one when you have to base it around the colours of your appliances. What if there was a kitchen appliance colour that went with almost any colour of cabinetry and flooring?

We’re happy to announce that Whirlpool will be releasing a kitchen collection that will do just that! It’s called the Sunset Bronze collection, and the colour was not only designed to give you more convenience but also inspiration.

Colours and Features

The rose gold trend has reached kitchen appliances, but we believe this isn’t a fad that’s going to fade out. The colour is vintage-inspired blending gold, copper, and bronze tones into the mix. It’s a warm colour that has the ability to stand out or blend into the background of your kitchen’s colour scheme.

Lighting plays a large role in the sunset bronze aesthetic and can come off looking more of a champagne colour at times and a copper at others. The Sunset Bronze Suite is painted on stainless steel, giving it both brawn and beauty!

Not only is Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze Collection stainless steel, it’s also fingerprint proof! Fortunately, this suite will be including the following appliances:

• Whirlpool Smart Door-within-Door Refrigerator
• Whirlpool Smart Energy Star Certified Dishwasher with Third Level Rack
• Whirlpool Smart Over the Range Microwave with Scan-to-Cook Technology
• Whirlpool Smart Front Control Range

Whirlpool Sunset Bronze Products

A kitchen is a place families gather to not only eat but to be together. It’s a place of warmth and comfort. Making sure your kitchen sets the right tone can make it a much more enjoyable place to be for everyone.

Whirlpool is a reliable brand that is constantly trying to create useful and innovative products that are better than the last. The Sunset Bronze Suite is smart appliances with a subtle finish that truly combine beauty and efficiency.

Talk to a sales associate at your local appliance store to find out more about Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze collection. They may not be available yet, but we have a feeling they’re going to be a hot commodity once they are.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert