3-Rack Dishwashers Offer the Most Flexibility

Posted on October 17, 2011 by bloghost

Dishwasher Rack Flexibility -
Three Rack Dishwashers Offer the Most Options for Your Changing Needs

3 Rack Dishwashers

3 Rack Dishwashers

A dishwasher should make your life easier, which is why companies like ASKO have developed innovations like the three-rack dishwasher and even the four-rack dishwasher! Allowing consumers to adjust the dishwashing capabilities to meet their needs is an important feature for many consumers.  Your day-to-day dishwashing needs vary greatly from, for example, when you need to wash a full load of china after enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with the whole family.  Your eating and dishwashing habits vary, and finally there are dishwashers on the market to accommodate your changing needs.

For example, ASKO’s new Extra Tall Tub, unique, flexible rack dishwashers allow for a much larger wash load than traditional dishwashers—you can wash as much as 40 percent more dishes in every load, up to a total of 17 place settings. That will definitely help you to get cleaned up after big dinner parties so you can focus your valuable time on your guests! With removable baskets  for knives and other utensils, and adjustable height upper racks, they conform to your particular needs, no matter what you are washing. They feature multiple spray zones, including power zones, to ensure that your entire load comes out completely clean. Even with all this power, they still have extremely low water consumption, and are Energy Star rated!

However, some homeowners may not have enough usable installation space  for a tall tub dishwasher. Many of us are remodeling and upgrading our homes instead of buying new ones, so a new problem in the kitchen has surfaced. Remodeled floors can reduce your dishwasher installation opening. This can prohibit consumers from being able to install taller dishwashers, therefore leaving them with less dish loading space. Not with ASKO’s Tall Tub ADA dishwashers. Not only are theycompliant with height regulations mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act, they come with flexible racks as well! Quality should not be compromised because of space constraints. Capable of handling 14 place settings, ASKO ADA-compliant dishwashers are available in TouchProof™ stainless, as well as stylish black, white, and black glass with stainless steel.

For over 60 years, ASKO has been building quality appliances. With commitment to protecting the environment as well as providing clean dishes, the company produces low energy, low water dishwashers without ever sacrificing quality and efficiency. Their dishwashers combine form and function, and are available in a wide range of styles to suit any space and taste. Check them out online to discover the appeal of high-quality Scandinavian appliances.

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Does Your Dishwasher Dry?

Posted on October 3, 2011 by bloghost

Water Saving DishwasherA dishwasher is a convenience, but as consumers shift their focus to a water-saving dishwasher or other energy efficient model, they may feel the need to give up some of the features that make the appliance truly useful., The internal heating element in dishwashers, is an energy waster and is not efficient because it works by “baking” the dishes dry. Fortunately, there is now a unique new drying system available that leaves dishes and even plastic dry by the end of the cycle while saving energy and damage to dishware!

Your dishwasher should make life easier. Any dishwasher that leaves you drying the dishes by hand is creating more work for you. Now ASKO, maker of some of the world’s most energy efficient dishwashers, has developed the TurboDrying™system, which is the best drying system  on the market, ensuring that your entire load comes out of the dishwasher dry.

Traditionally, dishwashers dry dishes in one of two ways. There is the aforementioned internal heating element, which bakes the dishes to get them dry. This is not only inefficient, but can also be damaging, as plastic things that drop to the bottom can stick to the heating element and melt. Another approach is Condensation Drying which uses the stainless steel interior tub along with a high temperature final rinse to heat up the inside of the dishwasher. This approach creates a condensation environment that encourages the remaining moisture to sheath from the dishware which is similar to a drip dry process. Because these systems are not completely effective, consumers often have to resort to methods like leaving the dishwasher open for an extended time or allowing dishes to sit overnight. There are even additives on the market to help dishwashers’ poor performances. This is definitely not the most convenient or efficient method to achieve dry dishes! The Turbo Drying™ system is unique, and eliminates the
need for hand drying or costly additives. After the last rinse, a chamber in the door collects all the moist air and sends it down the drain. The result is dry dishes, as soon as the cycle completes.

ASKO makes some of the most energy and water efficient dishwashers in the world, including fully integrated models to match any kitchen, and low water dishwashers that outperform the competition. Premium Swedish appliances, including dishwashers, are designed to be efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly. Visit the ASKO website to discover their award-winning style and to learn why their dishwashers are market leaders.

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Thinking of Buying Swedish Appliances? Warranty Protection Defined

Posted on September 19, 2011 by bloghost
Swedish Appliances Warranty Protection Defined

Swedish Appliances - Warranty Protection Defined

If you’re in the market for a dishwasher and you’ve done your homework, you may be leaning toward a European dishwasher. Swedish appliances have a reputation for energy efficiency and superior performance. However, an area that people fail to research is the warranty, and that can be a serious mistake.

Even an excellent product runs into trouble from time to time, and when that happens, you want your appliances fully protected. A dishwasher that goes awry can cause damage to your home, leading to costly repairs. Therefore, it’s important to catch problems with your appliances early and have them fixed properly. That’s why ASKO offers the 2-Plus-1 Warranty—the best warranty in the appliance business! This warranty applies to all ASKO appliances manufactured after Jan. 1, 2008.

The 2-Plus-1 Warranty automatically gives all customers with single-family residential installations protection for two full years. While it does not cover rental lease or time-share of commercial applications, it does guarantee that residential customers will be covered. Under this warranty, ASKO will pay for replacement parts and/or repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship, as long as an authorized ASKO service agent performs the service using genuine ASKO parts. In addition, customers can qualify for another year of full warranty by submitting a product registration form online or through the mail within 90 days of the purchase. Even more impressive is ASKO’s lifetime warranty! It pays for the stainless steel tank, drum, or inner door panel parts if the appliance fails to hold water due to a manufacturing defect.

Even high-quality Swedish appliances can sometimes run into trouble. If that happens, it’s a relief to know you are protected. ASKO customers can rest easy, knowing they are fully covered. For more information on ASKO products, and to learn more about the best warranty in the business, visit their website at www.askousa.com.

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Celebrity Kitchens You’ll Love and Want to Imitate!

Posted on August 25, 2011 by bloghost

Celebrity KitchenWhether the rich and famous give the media a sneak peak or a grand tour of their mansions, country homes, or apartments, the room that they often love to show off the most is the kitchen.

As it is the case with most families’ kitchens, celebrity kitchens are generally the most reflective of the famous person’s lifestyle. By getting a cue from some of these beautiful designer kitchens, you can get an idea of what your own personal style is and incorporate those in your own space.

#1 Oprah Winfrey

Media queen Oprah Winfrey’s affinity for the infusion of stainless steel appliances into gorgeous cabinetry makes her Hawaii retreat’s kitchen one of our very favorites. With ceilings hand-painted to look like an old quilted pattern and hints of light wood and pure white carpentry work, Oprah definitely lets her personality shine through her kitchen.

#2 Ricky Martin

An amazing career, two adorable kids, and one of the nicest homes on the East Coast… What else could Ricky Martin ask for? An exquisite kitchen, of course! Highlighted by white countertops, beautiful brick floors and lovely white cabinetry, Ricky’s kitchen is spacious, chic and immaculate. Appliances in white and stainless steel take this home kitchen beyond simplicity into superstar mode.

#3 Justin Timberlake

New York City’s superstar bachelor Justin Timberlake has a kitchen fit for city living: spacious, modern and simple. What makes Justin’s kitchen one of our favorites is the combination of white and gray with the beautiful hardwood floors and simply stunning cabinetry. The wall-sized window gives the kitchen a feeling of openness and elegance.

Design your Own Dream Kitchen

Some of these designer kitchens may have sparked your creativity, especially if you’re looking to remodel or refresh the look of your own home. You, too, can have a kitchen fit for a celebrity. The key is to have the right idea of what you want, and the right appliances to go with them.

With ASKO appliances, you can have a custom-built designer dishwasher that fits your personality and speaks to the overall ambiance in your home. Find out more at www.askousa.com.

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Stainless Steel Dishwashers: Why a Rinse Agent May Not Be Good for Your Investment or Your Family

Posted on August 17, 2011 by bloghost

Rinse AidsMany of us love the convenience and savings of having our stainless steel dishwashers. You can save both money and time by using a dishwasher, allowing you to use less water in the process and completing the task quickly and efficiently.

To improve the quality of the wash in the dishwasher people often use  rinse agents like Jet Dry. These products are designed to aid in the rinsing process to ensure that dishes not only dry faster, but also cleaner and without spots or streaks. But is using a rinse agent really in your best interest?

The Cons of Rinse Agents

Despite the common belief that it’s okay to use a rinse aid in your dishwasher, there are some reasons you should consider when examining why rinse agents such as Jet Dry should not be used. Here are three things you might be saving by skipping on the rinse agent and substituting for something else.

  1. Your Health – Rinse aids contain chemicals, some of which are sometimes toxic and not biodegradable. These chemicals create a film that stays on your dishes and glasses. Meaning they can transfer to the food and drink that gets ingested the next time those dishes are used. Also, the chemicals in rinse agents sometimes get released into the air, causing fumes that can irritate your eyes.
  1. The Environment – The chemicals used in rinse aids get washed back into the water system, polluting the water that goes through the system and back into our lakes and rivers.
  1. Your Money – Purchasing rinse agents can get fairly expensive at about $6-$7 per bottle! This is pricey, especially considering that dishwasher detergent is expensive to begin with. There are homemade alternatives that are cheaper and easier to come by.

Homemade Non-Toxic Alternatives

By far, the most popular all-natural, non-toxic rinse agent often recommended for stainless steel dishwashers is white vinegar, which can be found in the salad dressing aisle of any local supermarket. Fill the dispenser with vinegar every time you run the washer to get your dishes sparkly and clean, with no streaks or spots. You’ll have no vinegar smell and it will cost you merely pennies on the dollar as opposed to the fancier, store-bought rinse aids that will no doubt cost way more.

ASKO Dishwashers for Safer Living

If you’re interested in finding out how you can have a eco-friendly, safe dishwasher fully integrated into your kitchen, look no further than ASKO appliances. Our line of high quality, environmentally sound appliances can help you maintain a safe family environment for your home. Find out more at www.askousa.com.

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5 REASONS WHY A FAMILY-SIZED STACKING WASHER AND DRYER MAY BE FOR YOU

Posted on August 12, 2011 by bloghost
Stacking Washer and Dryer

Stacking Washer and Dryer

With a busy life full of kids, spouses, out-of-town guests and probably even pets, you need the very best laundry appliances to help you keep everyone’s clothes and linens fresh and clean. You dream of a stacking washer and dryer that will keep you and your family “in business,” so to speak, and in particular a dryer that will dry all of the clothes and the bedsheets without an ounce of dampness.

Why a Family-Sized Dryer?

ASKO knows that, all too often, people tend to settle for barely functional with no style and no longevity. This shouldn’t be the case with your washing machine, but it definitely shouldn’t be the case with your dryer.

Here are five reasons why you should consider an ASKO family-sized dryer for all of your laundry needs:

  1. Stylish and functional design. With easy to use panels that include a logical left-to-right programming style and preprogrammed cycles by fabric type, ASKO wins in the category of functionality. And with Scandinavian design that speaks to simplicity in style, ASKO wins in design as well.
  1. Reduced ironing. With its patented Butterfly™ Dry technology, ASKO brings you a family-sized dryer that dries effectively while reducing wear and tear on your motors and belts, which saves you money. Complete drying coverage of your loads is achieved using a continuous figure eight tumble pattern that reduces wrinkles, thus saving you hours of ironing. A stainless steel drum that gets smoother with age provides the best fabric care, and you have an ultra-low temperature setting with more airflow to dry effectively.
  1. Superior fabric care. All ASKO dryers come with Auto Dry programs that save money. A precise thermistor sensor measures temperature for accurate drying that reduces static cling and protects your clothes and linens.
  1. Flexible installation. Do you want a fully integrated washer and dryer that is built into your laundry room? Do you prefer a stacking washer and dryer, or would you rather have each element side-by-side? ASKO can do them all, giving you many venting options like allowing for a 60′ venting capability, three-way venting or even Condenser Ventless dryers. You have endless options from which to choose.
  1. Quality guaranteed. All ASKO washing machines and dryers have a 2-plus-1 parts and labor warranty, the strongest warranty in the industry. Three years protection and long life tested for quality, ASKO goes the extra mile to ensure you enjoy your washers and dryers for years to come.

Check out ASKO products today

If you’re looking for a family-sized dryer that will meet and exceed your expectations in quality, performance and style, look no further than ASKO appliances. Visit us today at www.askousa.com to learn more about our products.

Posted in ASKO Washing Machines, stacking washer & dryer, stacking washer and dryer, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Fall Home Decor Trends

Posted on August 8, 2011 by bloghost
Fall Home Decor

Fall Home Decor

RETRO-MODERN HOME DECORATING FOR FALL

With summer soon coming to an end and the school year starting in full swing, now is the perfect time to plan your fall home decor. This year’s trends pay tribute to the classic and the contemporary with vivid, rich tones that complement traditional details and textures, while also using modern elements to tie the look together.

Tradition with a Splash of Modern

This fall’s trends combine classic curves and texture with contemporary fall hues. There is no wrong way to mix them up, as it all depends on your personality and style. But this year’s fall home decor sees an inspiring splash of vintage, traditional styles with subtle modern details, all accented with earth-inspired elements such as stone, wood and metal.

  • Colors that are huge this year include coral, lettuce green, deep purple, bright turquoise and yellow green. The classic earth tones are once again in style, with rich shades of dark reds, oranges, greens and browns tempered with gold and bronze tones.
  • Earth-inspired accessories are a huge trend this year, with style that is moving toward raw, carved wood and stone accessories to create look and texture. Pebble place mats and table decor is all the rage, while carved exotic wooden roots and exotic wood details create understated but nevertheless inspiring looks that bring out the best in the room.
  • Vintage is in, with a retro trend running across the board on fall home decor every style touches, from Victorian to 1950s and ’60s. There’s a feeling of nostalgia in the air, a longing for a time when things were meant to last, when there was security and stability, and that is reflected in the fall decorating trends.
  • Texture is HUGE. Everything is textured to give definition and depth as it adds an interesting element to the rooms. Expect to see embroidery, tweed, pleats and puckers in fabric, while seeing pebbled textures, wooden carvings and etched metal in the accessories used.

ASKO in the Mix

This year’s decorating for fall wouldn’t be complete without a return to high-quality, resilient appliances. ASKO’s line of fully-integrated dishwashers won’t get in the way of your kitchen decor while complementing its surrounding fusion of styles. For more information about ASKO and the ways they can enhance your home this fall, visit www.askousa.com.

Posted in decorating for fall, fall home decor | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Powerful Stainless Steel Dishwasher – Never Hand Wash Again

Posted on August 5, 2011 by bloghost

Stainless Steel DishwashersDishwashers are some of the most important time-savers in the kitchen. Over the years, these machines have evolved into precious instruments capable of washing your dishes at the perfect temperature and with the least amount of water necessary to be highly efficient and eco-friendly. However, an eco dishwasher is not worth the investment if you still need to scrub and rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. This practice consumes more water and takes up your valuable time. Therefore, when shopping for eco dishwashers, locate models that allow for maximum cleaning ability without the need to pre-rinse by hand.

Companies know you are interested in helping the environment by making eco-friendly purchases. That is why you need to thoroughly research your eco dishwasher before you make your purchase to make sure the retailer isn’t “green-washing” to earn your business. A true eco-friendly dishwasher will consume nearly a quarter of the water needed to wash 12 place settings on “quick wash” than it takes to wash dishes by hand with an open tap. Look for these figures when shopping for your next dishwasher.

True eco dishwashers can also be determined by their high quality materials. More steel than plastic is always desirable. A stainless steel dishwasher will serve as a durable product that is designed to last thousands of loads longer than cheap plastic versions. This is important for anyone who wants to go green because fewer appliance replacements mean fewer materials in landfills.

The most powerful dishwashers can still be quiet, giving you maximum cleaning power without the noise of a passing train to go with it. The highest quality machines also give you plenty of settings to customize the wash cycle. Perhaps you have dishes with caked-on food from a summer barbeque. Let the dishwasher flex its muscles and run at its highest potential. Another time, you may have relatively clean dishes entering the dishwasher and you’re in a hurry to get the dishes done for a dinner party. Use the quick wash setting for a cycle that is half as long.

All the best features and more await you with an ASKO stainless steel dishwasher in your kitchen. The company is never guilty of green-washing, since they recognize their role as an eco-friendly appliance company to help the environment in every way they can.

Posted in stainless steel dishwashers | Tagged | 5 Comments

Hard Water vs. Soft Water Demystified

Posted on August 4, 2011 by bloghost
Hard Water vs Soft Water

Hard Water vs. Soft Water

Hard Water vs. Soft Water:
Understanding what “Hardness of Water” Really Means

The hardness of water is caused by the presence of certain minerals such as magnesium and calcium. The presence of different minerals in your drinking water alters its taste and health benefits. Because water is a solvent, it picks up all kinds of minerals as it runs down streams, over rocks, and through dirt on its way to water treatment plants.

Even after the treatment process, water can remain hard because calcium, magnesium, and some other minerals are still present in solution. While the hardness of water varies across the country, the most prominent areas of the United States with hard water are those states in the upper Midwest and Southwest. Anywhere that experiences low rainfall, high mineral content in the soil, and hot weather is likely to have hard water.

You can tell if hard water is running through your pipes if you notice deposits being left in your tub, on your dishes, or in your tea kettle. You probably have soft water if soap creates a large amount of suds. However, in the hard water vs. soft water discussion, it’s important to specify that there is a scale that measures water hardness on four levels: soft, moderately hard, hard, and very hard. While very hard water can shorten the life of your plumbing fixtures, lessen its cleaning ability, and form scale in your home’s pipes, soft water can taste salty and be unsuitable for drinking.

If you have hard or very hard water running through your pipes, you can use a water softener to improve the taste by bringing it to the moderately hard level. Detergent-based laundry products are better for hard water applications than soap-based cleaners, but you should still follow the manufacturer’s instructions when washing clothing in hard water. The same is true for washing dishes in hard water.

For the general public, drinking hard water won’t negatively affect your health, but it doesn’t taste quite right, either. You may choose to install a water softener if you want soaps and other cleaners to work more effectively, and if you want to lengthen the life of your plumbing and avoid deposits in your tub and dishes. Water softeners work by exchanging sodium for the magnesium and calcium in hard water. This is done by running it over an ion exchange resin or by treating it with lime.

You will want to take the cost of softening water into account, because 15 to 120 gallons may be consumed by the water softener for every 1,000 gallons of treated water you get to use in your home. Your decision will ultimately be based on personal preference.

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Stainless Steel Dishwashers: Top Trend in Home Design

Posted on August 3, 2011 by bloghost

Stainless Steel DishwashersStainless Steel Dishwashers are the Trend That’s Here to Stay!

There are many facets of your kitchen that make it functional and trendy.  When it comes to appliances, there is no trendier style than stainless steel.  This is a lasting finish that is often specified as a selling point for a home, which proves that stainless steel is a desirable and lasting feature in your kitchen.  Every kitchen appliance is available in stainless steel today.  You may be on the lookout for stainless steel dishwashers, ovens, refrigerators, range hoods, and microwaves to make your kitchen appear modern and beautifully functional.  Here are examples of various dishwashers that mesh with today’s most popular home design trends.

Extra Tall Tank Dishwasher

Quite the opposite of the standard model, a extra tall tank XXL dishwasher has an extra-large, 17 place-setting capacity with a dozen wash programs for every situation you throw at it.  If you have a large family, this is the model for you.  Plus, despite its huge capacity, it is a very quiet dishwasher and energy efficient choice.

Outdoor Dishwashers

If you love outdoor barbeques and get-togethers, this is a very trendy dishwasher option.  It’s designed to function beautifully outside, so you don’t have to lug all the dishes, pots, and tools inside to take up all the room in your indoor dishwasher.  Plus, special wash cycles are able to handle dirty pots and pans that have been used on a hot grille, as well as utensils and other cooking supplies that have been exposed to the heat of a grill fire.  An outdoor dishwasher can also withstand the elements throughout the winter.

ADA Dishwashers

Remodeling your kitchen may mean tweaking measurements and space allowances a little bit. Buying a standard-measurement dishwasher can easily turn this dream kitchen remodel into a nightmare. ADA dishwasher to the rescue! ADA dishwashers fit in a shorter height space, so there are no concerns about your dishwasher not being able to fit. This is especially useful for remodelers who added custom floors to their kitchens, reducing installation height in the process. ADA dishwashers can not only save you time and money, but also a lot of headaches and wasted energy and money created by returns.

These are just a few of the stainless steel dishwashers you have to choose from today.  While appearance and noise level is important, it’s also essential that your quiet dishwasher be energy-efficient.  ASKO models certainly accomplish what you are looking for in trendy kitchen appliances.

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