Designing the Perfect Kitchen with the Right Major Appliances

March 28th, 2011

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when trying to design or re-engineer their kitchen is to assume that a single aspect - such as drawer, cupboard, or counter space - is more important that the appliances that surround it. In fact, the opposite is true. Designing the perfect kitchen starts with the perfect appliances and then surrounds them with the other things your kitchen needs. There are several reasons for this:
- Power requirements limit the available positioning of your major kitchen appliances like the fridge and oven.
- Venting requirements limit the available positioning of your stove.
- Water requirements limit the positioning of your dishwasher.
Can you see a trend?
In short, because major appliances need things like venting, water, and high voltage electricity, they need to be the ground work for your kitchen and not the afterthought.
Now that we know where to start the next part is relatively easy. The biggest decision about almost all of your kitchen appliances will be whether you want them installed into the wall directly or spaced out as their own units. There are two factors which may influence this decision:
1. Built in units are more expensive and require extra installation which can also cost. Maintenance fees for these units can also be more costly to maintain as a repair man will not be able to pull it out, unplug it, and diagnose the problem quickly.
2. Stand alone units are cheaper, but take up more space.
The Perfect Combination
While there are perfect kitchen which will use all built in appliances or all stand alone, the best option for most homeowners is somewhere in the middle. The two most common built-ins are stove tops and dishwashers. Ovens may also be built-in, but can get expensive quickly. Certainly a built in fridge certainly looks great, but the price tag can be double that of a comparable stand alone. Combine both stand alone and built in units in your kitchen to create the perfect layout.
Remember: While you will have some “wiggle” room with stand alone appliances, built-ins will have to stay put. For those who often like to mix it up with their kitchen floor plan, stand alone units offer the best solution.
Playing the Money Game
The last step of designing your perfect kitchen is playing the money game. Ask yourself how much do you want to spend on energy costs each month to run your kitchen? Buying a cheap set of appliances isn’t going to help you if your monthly energy and water bill goes through the roof. The easiest way to avoid this problem is by searching for appliances that carry one designation: Energy Star. Products with this seal consume at least 10% less energy over similar models. Smart consumers will not consider buying a major appliance that doesn’t have this rating.

For a large selection of kitchen supply and appliances visit www.tigerchef.com the leading restaurant equipment supplier

Tips on Going Green in Your Home Kitchen

December 27th, 2010

Most homeowners know that going green is good for the environment, but few realize that it can actually have a significant impact on how much you spend on utilities as well as other commodities. If you don’t want to go green for the environment, you may want to do it for the savings. Either way, going green in the kitchen is something all smart homeowners are interested in. Let’s have a look at a few ways you can start saving money and reducing pollution at the same time:

  1. Use an Aerator: If you haven’t heard of this device before, you should definitely look into it. Typically water comes out of your faucet at an alarming rate (about 5 gallons every minute).  Adding an aerator to the line coming into the sink will reduce this water flow by over 60%. Aerators are in-expensive, easy to install, and can have a dramatic impact on your water use in the kitchen.
  2. The Dishwasher: One of the easiest ways to go green in your home kitchen is to make sure that you use the water saver settings on your dishwasher (if there are any) and that you only run it when full. This will lower your water and energy use in the kitchen.
  3. Look for Energy Star: The fact is that an Energy Star rated appliance will save you 10-15% on your energy bill over comparable appliances without the rating. Factor in the number of appliances in the kitchen – stove, oven, fridge, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, etc. – and you can see how this 10-15% really adds up. The higher price tag for an Energy Star rated appliance usually pays for itself in less than 3 years. After that its money in your pocket.
  4. Unplug Smaller Appliances: If you think that your coffee machine isn’t costing you anything while it sits dormant on the counter, think again. The only way to stop smaller appliances from using energy is to unplug them. The simple trick to taking care of this problem is attaching these entire units to a power bar, like the one you’d use for a computer. When you are done with these units simply flick the switch on the bar and begin saving money as well as reducing your carbon footprint.  
  5. Composting: For those that have a home garden composting makes all sorts of sense. The easiest way to do it is by placing a container under the sink and depositing those compostable items into it along with a compost powder. Once the bucket is full you can transfer the contents directly to your garden area. Winter is the best time to use compost to invigorate your garden soil at a fraction of the cost of fertilizer or buying nitrogen rich soil.
  6. Recycling: Many cities today offer great recycling programs, but it is up to you to make it happen. I find that the easiest way to ensure I recycle is by having the right bins for the job. It only takes a minute to separate out the paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard, but without a bin for each it becomes one big mess that never gets cleaned up. If you want to become a better recycler, all you need a few bins and some labels.

For all your restaurant supply and kitchen equipment needs check out TigerChef.com  

The Leading Online Source for
Restaurant Equipment and Supply
877-928-4437 or 845-247-5230

http://www.tigerchef.com/

    Should I use Gas or Electric Cooking Appliances in My New Home?

    December 22nd, 2010

    This is one of the most debated questions about the home kitchen and there is good reason for it. There are many advantages and disadvantages to using each type of heat and this creates a problem for consumers who seek the “best fit” for their home. The cost, your cooking needs, and your personal preference all play important roles in determining which type of heat is best for you. Let’s have a look at some of the important concepts that will help you decide which heat is best.

    The Cost Differences

    As a general rule, you can assume that a gas range is going to set you back further than a similar electric model. The reason for this is because gas ranges are harder to make well. While you will be able to purchase a gas range for a similar price to an electric, the cooking quality will not be there. In short, if you want to go gas, you’ve got to be prepared to pay for it. Choosing the wrong gas model is one of the biggest reasons why so many people avoid gas cooking gear all together.

    TIP: In years past, cooking appliances which ran on natural gas were thought to be cheaper, but today that is not always the case. Assessing how much energy (electricity or gas) a potential stove or oven uses is more important than the initial cost of the appliance itself. Do you know how much gas or electricity goes for in your new neighborhood? If not, you should find out.

    The Cooking Differences

    As almost anyone will tell you, there are two main differences between using gas and electric cooking appliances:

    1. Electric Convenience: Electric ovens and stoves heat evenly and quickly for a relatively cheap cost. This makes them the most convenient option for the home user. Bakers tend not to like electric ovens as they offer a very dry heat.
    2. Baking with Gas: A gas oven will contain more moisture than one heated electrically. This makes your baking lighter and fluffier. Of course, if you don’t want the moisture in your oven, the only way to get rid of it is by going electric.

    Where you Live Matters

    The last thing you should take into consideration when choosing between gas or electric appliances is your location. The fact is that if you live anywhere that experiences power outages regularly, you may want to consider using natural gas as the stove tops will work (today most gas ovens are electronically controlled). This could be a huge benefit and may have made your decision an easy one. 

    For more information you can contact  - The Leading Online Source for
    Home, Kitchen Appliances and Restaurant Equipment & Supply

    877-928-4437 or 845-247-523

    http://www.tigerchef.com/

     

     

    Kitchen and Restaurant Equipment

    December 21st, 2010

    Equipments are required to carry on the basic and initial operations of any business. Such equipments need funds as the cost for their possession. No industry can work without capital. So in the hospitality industry as well when we talk of the equipments involved, we consider them to be easy to use and having lesser maintenance costs in the long run.

    Kitchen equipments on one hand are portable, smaller, handy and easy to use. And they are obviously cheaper than the restaurant equipment due to their smaller capacities and sizes. But on the other hand, restaurant equipments are purchased from a commercial point of view. So unlike to the kitchen equipments, the equipments used in a restaurant are larger in capacities, and are aimed at preparing food items for a larger population in lesser time. Such equipments should be loaded with advanced technology requiring lesser time to perform a task repetitively.

    Kitchen equipments are aimed at preparing food items for a family of 4-6 people in general. Thus these can’t be used in restaurants at all. It so why household kitchens and commercial restaurants have their specific needs in terms of equipments as well.

    Purchasing equipments in both the cases is a commitment, based on proper research involving a lot of time and funds. Kitchen equipments require lesser funds in terms of costs. Since restaurants are established from a commercial point of view, to retain the desired quality of food, many complicated machinery are needed to be purchased initially for the sake of better performance.

    Only right equipment can help you prepare great food possible. So never miss out a chance to fiddle through all the options available while selecting the equipment. It’s a long term investment, so don’t let your money get wasted upon any useless item as such, and select it wisely.

    For all your restaurant supply and kitchen equipment needs check out TigerChef.com  

    The Leading Online Source for
    Restaurant Equipment and Supply
    877-928-4437 or 845-247-5230

    http://www.tigerchef.com/

     

    Restaurant Supplies – Information To Business Owners

    August 25th, 2010

    Restaurants are good business establishments where people can earn a lot. However, it requires lots of efforts and investment to keep the business going on. This business needs a good amount of investment on restaurant supplies that will help to serve the customers in a better way. The reputed brands and their products would be expensive and start up business owners will not be able to afford so.Restaurant supplies might vary from stoves to napkins, spoons to groceries, heaters to coolers and many more. The business owners would love to buy these products wholesale as they could save some money. A restaurant that does good business will have a great demand for all these products. It is always wise to buy these products in bulk like blenders. Many manufacturers offer great amount of discount to the business owners when bought in bulk amount.The internet is the best place to start your search. It is important to have deals with 2 or 3 dealers and check for their service types. The rate will vary according to their service. It is always good to decide the best of dealers after trying their service for 2 times. This will help you to compare the prices and services and take decision accordingly.

    How to start a Restaurant Business?

    August 18th, 2010

    Everyone is aware of the fact that a good restaurant can not do without high quality supplies. Restaurant business is very much dependant on Restaurant equipment and supplies. It is one of the most important factors which decide the fortune of a business. If you are planning to buy supplies for your new business then it is a good idea to gather some information. In this post you will find some tips which will help you in buying top quality appliances for your business. First of all you should decide your budget. Everything should be preplanned. Budget plays a very important role. It is a good idea to spend some time with your staff and head chef. They can help you a lot in making the list of the equipments you will need. You can spend some time on the internet to find some more information regarding this topic. Restaurant equipments can be bought both online and offline. I would recommend you internet shopping because there are many reasons for opting that. Online stores are getting more and more popular because they allow you to compare the features and prices of various products available in the market. 

    How to increase you efficiency with Home Appliances?

    August 7th, 2010

    Do you want to be more efficient in your kitchen? If your answer is yes then this post is written for you. Here are some tips which can help you in finding right appliances for your kitchen. There are many things which should be considered by a buyer before buying any type of appliances. The most common appliances which are used ion the kitchen are washing machines, table tops, refrigerators, microwave ovens, tumble dryers and dishwashers.If you are planning to buy some appliances then it is a good idea to look for a reputed online store like tiger chef. One should never forget to plan his or her budget. A budget is very helpful in saving some money. It is good idea to spend some time with your wife and kids. They can help you a lot in making the list of your requirements. It is a good idea to do some research. You should spend some time in from of internet. Internet can help you a lot in finding lots of useful information. Never forget to go through the testimonials of the past clients. These testimonials can help you a lot in making a perfect choice. Home appliances you are buying should be very durable so don’t forget to go through the guarantee and warranty of product. 

    All You Need To Know about Restaurant Equipment and Supplies

    July 29th, 2010

    Are you looking for some information regarding restaurant equipment and supplies? In this post you will find some basic information about the supplies which are used in restaurant and kitchen. Supplies in the kitchen are used for food preparation as well as preservation. Most common equipments used in the kitchen are cutlery, food processors, dishwashers and refrigerators. High quality supplies play an important role in the functionality of the business. Electrical units and utensils used in the business should be of high quality. Business owner should never compromise with the quality of the products.

    One should be very careful while shopping for these supplies. It is a difficult task to buy high quality units. It needs lots of research and hard work. One should spend some time on the internet as internet shopping is getting more and more popular. There are several things which should be considered by a restaurant owner. One should never forget to plan a budget in advance. Budget is always helpful while shopping. You should know all your requirements. I would recommend you to spend some time with your staff members. They can help a lot in making the list of all the restaurant equipment needed in the restaurant. 

    Tips to shop for kitchen supplies and kitchen equipment

    November 10th, 2009

    how-to-design-a-kitchen-15.jpgWhen you shop for kitchen supplies and kitchen equipment appliances then you must be careful not to end up paying more. At TigerChef  you will find great prices and service.

    Here are some tips to buy quality equipments at an affordable price.

    Bulk purchase - This might seem to be quite unreasonable at times. However, it helps you to save a lot of money. You can avail huge discounts as a part of your bulk purchase.

    Buy equipments with NSF sticker - NFS or National Sanitation Foundation is a certification that certifies kitchen equipments for their food preparation safety and efficacy. The blue sticker on these supplies indicates that they are suitable for kitchen purpose.

    Research before investing on a brand - If you are thinking of investing a huge amount of money on branded kitchen equipments, it is good to collect important information regarding the manufacturers. Look for a reputed and reliable supplier who has immense experience. These suppliers provide you quality product and warranty on the products.

    Buy quality products - When purchasing kitchen equipments, don’t concentrate on the offers and discount schemes. Rather ensure the quality of the product. Remember never to sacrifice the quality of the products for savings.

    Compare used with new equipments - If you are planning to save money, it is good to buy second-hand or used equipments. There are many suppliers who deal with companies that offer second-hand supplies. So inspect the items thoroughly for their quality.

    It’s always advisable to follow certain tips to shop for kitchen supplies and kitchen equipment so that you don’t compromise on their quality.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Importance of Home Appliances

    October 26th, 2009

    energy-star-appliances.jpgHome appliances play a vital role in adding that extra beauty to the home and they add a different level of comfortness in life. With the onset of technology, there have been many kinds of improvements in the home appliances and their products. Starting from the television, radio, microwave oven, iron box, washing machine, dishwasher, drier, and toaster and there are many more products to be named. Refrigerator plays a vital role among all these home appliances. Most of these products run on electricity and one should be careful enough to save electricity thereby reducing the usage of these appliances. Refrigerators are considered to be brainchild of technology. It is mainly used to store the food items to avoid the attack of any kinds of pathogenic bacteria. Food items become unpalatable when infected with these micro organisms which might result in food poisoning. Hence, it is important to place the food items inside the refrigerator as they keep the food items safe. There are many kinds of refrigerators available in today’s market with various features installed. The double door refrigerators are the most popular ones offering enormous amount of space to stuff all the items.