Top Cookware Sets Blog

I only have ever cooked on an electric stove…what does a gas stove do differently? Do you have to do something really different when going to cook something?

1. Gas is usually a cheaper fuel for cooking vs. electricity.
2. Electric burners stay hot WAY longer than gas burners after they are turned off (burn hazard).
3. Foods cook faster on electric stoves than gas stoves when on the same setting (like medium). Be careful you don’t burn things if you are used to a gas stove.
4. You can use gas stoves during a power outage! You have to light the eyes manually but it’s saved my family from going hungry during several power outages!

That’s all I got!

I was able to order a new stove top and have it. I have a GE dual fuel stove that is one year old. GE will not give me the directions on how to replace the top. Would anyone be able to help me with directions on how to replace the top?

More corporate greed at work I see.

I am not sure of your style but usually there is a hinged section in the rear. If there are screws there by the hinge you can simply unscrew it to remove the top and reverse the procedure to install the new one. It may simply have a type of hinge that is clipped in the stove. Take a close look at the area that is fixed when you raise it from the front and you will see the mechanism that makes it attached to the stove

Even if you owned a million dollar townhouse in Boston’s Back Bay, there just isn’t enough room on a 25′ x 100′ lot for a townhouse, small deck, a couple of parking spaces AND a closed loop geothermal heating system.

If you live in high humidity Alabama, the less expensive and environmentally friendly swamp cooler will never be a viable substitute for central air conditioning.

Only when you narrow down the choices for alternative heating or cooling based on where you live, can you begin to focus your time and energy on the most relevant, cost effective heating solution.

Urban Alternative Heating

Geothermal, outdoor furnaces and most wind power are not suitable for urban or small-lot suburban homes. Except for very small wind turbines (i.e., with rotors one meter or less in diameter) on very small towers, a property size of one acre or more is desirable.

Wood burning stoves have been used in urban areas for as long as I can remember.I bought my first air tight stove in 1976. Corn and wood pellet stoves are quickly gaining acceptance as new installations or replacements for existing wood stoves.

One Connecticut pellet stove dealer I spoke with said he sold so many wood pellet and corn stoves last winter he was forced to temporarily close one of his two stores for lack of product.

An adaptation of the wood or pellet stove is the fully vented fireplace insert. They are

comparably priced to freestanding stoves and offer a simple way to turn an otherwise inefficient fireplace into a source of heat for multiple rooms.

Unvented gas log fireplaces or propane space heaters are less expensive to purchase and install but are controversial with respect to health risks and are prohibited in some localities. Make sure the unit you purchase has an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor). This safety device turns off the heater when the oxygen in the room drops below 18%. (Normal is around 21%)

Decorative gel fireplaces are nice to look at, but aren’t considered legitimate heating devices.

Electric and hydronic (hot water) radiant heat are extremely versatile and can be installed anywhere. The hydronic application of radiant heat can be fueled by anything from corn to gas and can be adapted to heat driveways, hot tubs and of course, your home.

Solar for hot water is on the rise in urban areas. A neighbor of mine in the Port Norfolk section of Boston recently installed a solar array on the roof of his two family home. His contractor did a first rate job and it doesn’t detract from the visual appeal of his house at all. He also says his hot water bill now costs him “chump change”.

Let’s not forget the ever popular space heater. For many elderly homeowners who spend most of their time in one room of their home, a space heater is the least expensive way to supplement their conventional heating system.

Suburban Alternative Heating

Suburban lot sizes can run anywhere from ¼ of an acre to three acres. But even a quarter acre lot opens up the possibility of a vertical closed loop geothermal system.

A three acre lot will afford you the space to install a slightly less expensive horizontal closed loop geothermal system, a wind turbine or even an outdoor wood, pellet or corn furnace.

At approximately $5000, the outdoor furnace is your least expensive option. A quality 1,800 watt wind turbine and tower can be purchased for $7,000. If geothermal is your system of choice, a new 3,000 sq. ft. home can be heated and cooled for around $20,000. Rebates and tax credits could reduce this amount substantially.

For instance, if you partner with a program such as Energy Crafted Home in Connecticut, it’s possible to receive a rebate of $713 per ton of geothermal heating/cooling capacity. For the 3,000 sq. ft. home just mentioned, it would mean a rebate of $2,971.

Although wind, geothermal and outdoor furnace systems are more expensive than the typical $2000 wood pellet stove, they are very efficient and pay for themselves in only a few years.

The increasingly popular manufactured home is a growing segment of the suburban real estate market, and fire safety codes are very specific as to what you can use to heat your home.

Check with your local building department to find out exactly which alternative heating appliances are permitted before you start shopping for the best deal.

Rural Alternative Heating

Just as the sky and landscape open up in rural America, so do opportunities for alternative heating.

With so much room to work with, you could easily design a CHP (Combined Heat and Power Unit) and heat your home for 70% less than fuel oil.

A possible CHP for homeowners in the Corn Belt would be an outdoor corn furnace for heat and hot water, coupled with a wind turbine for electricity

If your property includes a shallow pond or lake, a closed loop geothermal system will heat and cool your home for the cost of electricity to operate a heat pump.

The choices for alternative heating are plentiful no matter where you live. It’s just a matter of knowing where you fit in.

Sam Streubel
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/alternative-heating-how-much-room-do-you-need-55652.html

I know there is a type of camping stove that can burn pretty much anything (vodka, meths, petrol, other fuel). I know it has a pump on it, and on the other side of the reservoir is the filler cap. It looks like a dual fuel stove, but these seem only to be able to burn its two fuels. Am I wrong?

No Dude you’re not wrong, but you can only find them in Army surplus store’s and they’re kinda rare, But I’ve seen them in surplus cataloges too, They are kindof cool.

i don’t want to buy a hot plate, but i’m especially worried about not getting enough leafy greens- i like kale and stuff a lot, and broccoli. can broccoli be baked in the toaster oven? i’ve never heard of it. i’m also interested in good-tasting ways of eating raw vegetables, since i’m not sure when i’ll be able to start cooking them on the stove again. thanks!

Do you have a microwave?….If you do you can cook leafy greens and all vegetables in a microwave safe bowl with a 1/4 cup of water and cover in plastic wrap…I cooked baby carrots this way last night and the time varies depending on what veggies…..but I cooked the carrots for about 5 minutes….they STEAM in the bowl with plastic wrap, tasty and nutritious.

In the toaster oven, if it has a temperature setting like a large oven…..you can put it to 400′ and toss veggies in olive oil, salt and pepper and bake like a normal oven. It just takes less time due to less amount of veggies.

There’s many ways to eat raw veggies…..carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, cucumbers, scallions, bell pepper are all good in hummus or a dip made with fat free sour cream and a dip mix.

Raw veggies are also delicious tossed with lemon juice, salt, pepper and chili powder…..cucumbers and tomatoes especially.

I like to buy a jar of "Claussen" brand pickles, they have great flavor and when the pickles are gone, save the jar of juice and add a 1/2 cup of water and raw veggies of your choice, let them sit for a few days and you have delicious pickled veggies.

As many of you know, I follow, read and comment on over 30 discussion forums on a daily basis. It seems that one of the more frequent points of discussion and questions today centers around backsplashes and the many choices available today. Apart from all the elements of kitchen design such as faucets, flooring, cabinetry and appliances, another choice to make to improve your kitchen space is the backsplash. Backsplashes are positioned behind the stove and/or sink to make these wall surfaces more durable and easier to keep clean, but today backsplashes do more than protect, they can also serve as a design element bringing character, color, and style to your kitchen. Here are some of the choices to consider today:
1. Paint
Probably the oldest and least expensive way to decorate your backsplash is to simply paint the area. If paint is your choice you should make sure you use a durable paint that will not fade, peel or crack under the stress of heat, grease and constant cleaning. High performance paint will resist stains and require only a wipe with water and mild soap although you can scrub away if you like. High quality paints are often antimicrobial fighting mildew and mold, perfect for all kitchen spaces. Paint can truly transform your walls and protect them as well. All you have to do is choose the color that works best for you and your décor. Additionally you might choose to decorate the painted surfaces with stenciling, striping or other embellishments to make the painted backsplash uniquely yours. If you are concerned with the ultimate durability in the prime areas behind the stove and sink you can cover the painted surfaces with a thin plate of clear plastic such as lexan or glass as I will discuss further down.
2.Ceramic Tile
Glazed ceramic tiles as a backsplash are stronger and obviously easily kept clean. Possibilities are limited only by the vast number of choices available on the market today, choices of colors, textures, and styles. Tiles must be grouted and grout is comes in several color options as well as considering the width of the grout line. Choosing a grout which matches your tile color creates a classic look, where choosing a grout which stands out from your tile color will have a much different effect generally creating a more bold appearance. Depending on your style, grout may be an important consideration. You may choose just to tile behind the stove and sink and maybe just above the countertop edge to make it easier to clean then paint above this saves you time and money and can create yet another look. You can also choose from a huge selection of hand painted tiles and tiles with distinct textures and shapes. You are not locked into the idea of just color or flirting with the danger of making your kitchen look like it is a part of the bathroom. Tiles may be rough or smooth, some can have a more matte finish where others will be sheen and tiles may also not have the same color qualities.
3.Glass Tile
Currently the most popular choice for backsplash materials is glass tiles. Glass tiles can resemble ceramic tiles but are made from glass, many times recycled, and have a transparent or opaque appearance as opposed to the solid color of ceramic. These tiles are available in clear, frosted, linear or iridescent finishes and can even be slip proof for floors. Glass is actually incredibly durable and non-porous making glass a perfect choice for the kitchen and because as I mentioned previously can be made from recycled glass adding an additional “green” element. The downside of glass is that these tiles can be very tricky to cut and very expensive. Installing glass kitchen backsplash tiles is very similar to installing ceramic only your choice of grout color is very important. Since most glass tiles are translucent, imperfections in your grouting job will show through the tile. Since these tiles are translucent, their color will also be affected by your grout color choice therefore it is recommended to use a white grout so that the true color of the tile will show through. Glass 1×1 mosaic tiles are quite expensive running at approximately $30 per sq. ft. where larger glass tile sheets are less. One way to include glass into your backsplash design without blowing your budget is to use smaller glass mosaic boarder sheets. These sheets combine well with ceramic or stone tiles or work well by themselves when applied to a painted backsplash surface.
4.Solid glass or lexan/clear plastic
Another option for kitchen backsplashes is solid glass or lexan panes. Solid pieces of clear or colored glass or plastic can be use to create a luminous like effect. Solid glass can be quite expensive and will show dirt and grime easier however this surface is very easy to keep clean as it is seamless. The lexan may be a less expensive option but is still not cheap.
5.Wall paper
Wall paper has become sort of passé in today’s home what with all of the choices of faux painting and textured surfaces. Call me old fashioned, because after all I am old, but I still like wallpaper and the many designs and colorful choices that it offers. For many years durable vinyl wallpaper was consider the best choice for the backsplash areas and even still can be a great choice in conjunction with the glass/lexan option. Putting a wallpaper under the glass panels can add an additional layer of texture and color to your kitchen.
Metallic Backsplashes
6.Stainless Steel, virtually any sheet metal can be formed into a beautiful kitchen backsplash, but some are much more popular than others. The trendiest product in the backsplash market today is Stainless steel. A 100% recyclable and flexible product which can easily fit into irregular corners and angles Stainless steel is incredibly durable and resists heat and corrosion and since it can be installed seamlessly, this backsplash is incredibly easy to clean and is therefore a hygienic material for the kitchen. Although stainless steel is an attractive material on its own, today this product has been transformed into many different textures, patterns, and finishes resulting in many available choices. Stainless steel backsplashes of course look best when combined with stainless steel appliances, steel counters and backsplashes with hardwood cabinetry. A warning though, just like stainless steel appliances or countertops, the backsplash made of stainless steel can be VERY expensive.
7. Copper, as a backsplash is a way to add warmth and beauty to your kitchen. Like stainless steel, copper is a very durable and flexible product that can be installed seamlessly or in tiles. Copper backsplashes are also available in several styles, textures, patterns and finishes. They can be finger print and tarnish free! Like stainless steel, prepare yourself for financial shock when you get the estimate.
8. Countertop surface can be the simplest choice. You may opt to simply continue the countertop surface, i.e. formica, granite etc onto the backsplash. Some may think of this as lacking in creativity and lack the color and texture contrast but may be easier to accomplish.

By incorporating backsplashes into your kitchen, you can add your own unique style imprint on your work space and improve the design style. You will not regret putting the extra time or money into the backsplash as the results will leave your kitchen looking unique and beautiful.

Richard Warren
http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/how-to-choose-a-kitchen-backsplash-742216.html

It may seem strange in this day in high tech, but wood burning stoves are more popular than they have been in almost 100 years. May people would think that a wood burning oven was about the least practical thing that you could put in your house. After all, there are so many drawbacks to a wood burning stove. First of all, there is not the same kind of fine temperature control as with a gas heater. Wood burning stoves, basically, are either on or off. When they are on, you have to constantly stock them with wood. When they are off, they take hours to get going again.

Nonetheless, the wood burning stove has a lot going for it. First of all, wood burning ovens are multipurpose. Not only can you use them to heat a room, you can also use them to dry clothes, and warm cold hands. You can even cook certain things on some wood burning stoves! There is also the matter of the cost of heating. Wood burning stoves used to be thought of as impractical because of the amount of labor that goes into running them. Nowadays, however, they make more and more sense. They burn wood very slowly, and in many areas fire wood is available for free. Having a wood burning stove can save you hundreds and hundreds of dollars every winter. For many families, that is no laughing matter.

Nonetheless, wood burning stoves do have a lot of hazards to them. Although they are easy to maintain, they have dangers that normal gas furnaces don’t have. Wood burning stoves need to be in the middle of your comment space. That means that if you have young children, they are at risk. If they run into the wood burning stoves, they can burn themselves! In addition, many people say that wood burning stoves have much greater emissions than other kind of heat. Even oil burning furnaces – notorious for the air pollution they produce – are supposed to be healthier for you that wood stoves. If your wood burning stove is not adequately insulated from the house, it can release hazardous indoor pollution and poison you and your family.

Nonetheless, even with all of these drawbacks, wood burning stoves make sense. They are enjoying a renaissance among environmentally conscious people. Not only are they efficient, but they also allow you to survive with less outside dependence on our shrinking natural gas supply.

Ann Marier
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/wood-burning-stoves-have-a-lot-going-for-them-114934.html

Trying to clean my stove, and need to take the stove top off, I unscrewed the screws but now it wont budge. How can I lift it for cleaning purposes.

The range front should lift up and hinge on the back. They are usually held in place with two very strong clips on the sides near the front. You should be able to lift up the front with about 10lbs of force and the top will pop up. If it takes more than that, take a look at an appliance repair website. I like repairclinic.com.

You’ve remodeled your living room and your dining room, but now you’re broke. You still want to get to the bedrooms upstairs, and you also have ideas for the kitchen. But any kitchen remodeling or bedroom remodeling will have to wait until you do a final survey of your bank balance.

Luckily for you, you find out that you have enough in your account to get through one more room without going completely broke. So now you have a tough choice. Do you want to go with your kitchen remodeling plans or do you want to start in one the bedroom?

Yes, it would be pleasant to come home to a nicely redone bedroom, something which didn’t look as if it came straight out of the Addam’s Family decorating handbook. But then again you only spend enough time in there to go to sleep and wake up in the morning.

Other times you’re either at work or somewhere in the living room or the kitchen. So that pretty much settles things. You’ll go in for your kitchen remodeling ideas, and blow whatever money you have left on making your kitchen a livable habitable place, where you don’t mind spending time, and where you won’t mind slaving over a hot stove to cook a great dinner.

Things are looking good at this point and you’ve already talked to someone about pulling out the shelves and the throwing out the old stove. No, your kitchen remodeling ideas are far grander than any old stove, so get to rip it out along with the antiquated sink that’s lately been making alarming gurgling noises.

This is where you can give in to your fantasies for the perfect kitchen and splurge, well as far as your budget will allow you to anyhow. But now you can finally spring for that electric stove, and those space saving cupboards that also don’t look half bad. A good sink is a must and something that you had already provided for in your kitchen remodeling plans and budget.

Next you can’t forget the paint chips for you to set your seal of approval to. In your original kitchen remodeling plans you had chosen a safe shade of cream and eggshell white. But now looking at all the choices you have, you think you might go for a bright red trim on your cupboards, glistening chrome and rich cream colored walls. And all of this with a matching set of white lace curtains at the windows and pine colored counter tops.

Your kitchen remodeling is almost complete and you have yet to break the bank, so you’re well satisfied with the outcome. You’ll also now probably spend most of your time trying out new dishes in your brand new kitchen. Who knew kitchen remodeling could be so rewarding?

John Pawlett
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/kitchen-remodeling-90297.html

So your range has conked out forcing you to bite the bullet and purchase a new one. Have you looked at stoves recently? They’ve changed a lot in the last 15 years and you’ll be surprised at the choices that are available to you.

First, you’ll have to decide if you want a slide in or freestanding range. Freestanding ranges tend to be more economical and one of the most popular choices for a stove. Slide in ranges sit flush with your counter top and cabinetry and appear almost as a built in stove top. Standard venting is available or a downdraft where the stove vents through the wall or floor with no need for an overhead fan.

Most conventional stoves are 30 inches wide, but are also available in widths ranging from 24 to 48 inches. You can also choose between gas, electric and dual gas (gas cook top and electric oven), or induction cook top and an electric oven.

How do you want your oven to heat? Convection ovens distribute the heat with fans to create a more efficient cooking system. Your burners can be standard coil, solid, or ceramic top and may also incorporate griddles, grills or woks.

Here is an outline of some of the newest models and what they have to offer.

The GE Profile offers a dual oven system to eliminate waiting for oven space during holiday get togethers. It has a 2.2 cubic foot upper oven and a 4.4 cubic foot lower oven and self-cleaning racks.

Sharp’s Insight and Insight Pro Ranges, combine the features of an electric cook top, convection oven and a microwave drawer.

Induction ranges are offered by a number of suppliers that uses magnets to produce heat for faster and more efficient heating. Kenmore has a model that includes a 5.8 cubic foot convection oven, an AirGuard system that eliminates odors, a warming drawer and extra large viewing window.

If you’re into the vintage look, Elmira Stoveworks has a model with old style burners, and either chrome or a choice of nine colors with contrasting trim. Unlike the originals, this stove has a self-cleaning oven, convection and a choice of gas or electric.

The Saute/Step-Up Hybrid Range from American Range mimics similar models found in the kitchens of French and Italian restaurants. It has an extra elevated row of burners for sauteing. The front induction burners can fit large 16 inch pans or soup pots.

The striking Fratelli Onofri’s Royal Chantishire Double Oven and Giant Oven is available in a number of hammered finishes. The ovens sit side-by-side instead of the standard vertical placement.

Mike Taylor
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/the-new-face-of-ranges-688706.html