SAHBA Home Hints
May 25, 2008
Kitchens Embrace Designer Technology
Consumers have embraced the convenience and sleek design of modern technology. From MP3 players to personal organizers and internet on cell phones, high-tech accessories are part of everyday life. The modern design and user-friendly elements of these gadgets have made their way into the kitchen.
Electrolux and Electrolux ICON appliances have incorporated sleek, modern designs into their electric cooktops. The ceramic, smoothtop glass surfaces have ditched dials and buttons for touch settings and blue LED lights. A digital display and 15 presets control the cooktop's level of digital heat and LED lights indicate hot surfaces.
“The fit and finish is second to none,” said Larry Dolan, Luxury Appliance Specialist at Tucson Wholesale Supply. “Electrolux's overall design and technology is outstanding.”
Electolux's Induction Hybrid Cooktops can boil water in 90 seconds with a series of coils that generate magnetic fields causing a warming reaction in steel-based pots or pans.
Dolan, a SAHBA member, says his customers are amazed at the rate induction cooktops can boil water. These cooktops also offer more control over cooking temperatures. The induction method does not utilize heat from a burner so the cooktop surface does not retain residual heat that can cause food to burn.
Safety also is another benefit that comes with induction and electric cooktops. There is no open flame and surfaces quickly cool down. With an induction cooktop, heat from contact with the pot or pan is removed when the vessel is moved.
“Companies have figured out how to make an appliance hot or cold, but being able to fine tune the temperature is key,” said Dolan.
Technology has made these cooktops more responsive to settings and adjustments made by the user.
Siemens' avantGarde touchSlide cooktop and iSlide wall ovens operate with the touch of a finger. The touchSlide electric cooktop has abandoned traditional knobs and buttons. Siemens is very tech-oriented when it comes to the performance of its appliances, said Dolan.
Both use “scroll” controls for temperature, similar to the operating dial of Apple's iPod. The fingertip control allows users to fine tune burner temperatures. The contemporary touchSlide cooktop is crafted from black ceramic glass and features a digital display.
Whether electric or induction, these cooktops can bring high-tech design to any kitchen.
Details: Dolan at (520) 881-1207.
SAHBA represents about 750 member businesses and 40,000 jobs serving the residential construction industry in Pima and Cochise counties.
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