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.

Posted in stainless steel dishwashers | Tagged | 1 Comment

10 Things to do While Waiting on Laundry

Posted on July 29, 2011 by bloghost

Waiting on Laundry10 Things to do While Waiting on Laundry – Working Alongside Your Stacking Washer and Dryer (or side-by side!)

Completing another task around the house while you wait on the laundry feels like multitasking, even if the stacking washer and dryer are actually doing most of the work. Here are 10 things you can do while the dirty socks and pajamas are tossed around in the water.

  1. Do the dishes. Unload clean plates and cups and reload your energy-efficient dishwasher with the dishes from breakfast.
  2. Do fix-it jobs around the house. One example is to repair a leaky faucet. If all you need is to replace a washer, you could be done with this task in only 15 minutes—just in time to transfer a load of laundry into your ventless dryer.
  3. Sweep the kitchen floor. Since you’ve already done the dishes, you may as well finish the job of cleaning the kitchen.
  4. Clean out the fridge. You’ll feel better when you reach into a spotless refrigerator to grab your next snack or meal.
  5. Check your email. While waiting on your laundry, keep up with the news on the web and answer important emails.
  6. Paint your toenails. Not everything you do while waiting on laundry needs to be a chore. Choose your favorite color and let your steady hand deliver a fresh coat of paint to your tootsies.
  7. Play a game of cards. If you have a child home from school on laundry day, step back from everything you need to get done and bond with your child.
  8. Read a book. It might be your specific “waiting on the laundry” book, or the one you always choose to read when you have a few minutes to yourself.
  9. Enjoy a cup of tea. Perhaps the tea will be more enjoyable when coupled with your good book.
  10. Do nothing. You don’t need to be busy every moment of the day, even with enjoyable things. Zone out or take a much-needed nap while your diligent stacking washer and dryer do all the hard work.

Laundry is a seemingly never-ending, thankless chore, but these tasks to keep you occupied while the laundry is going should help you feel a little better about this duty. It also helps when your washer and dryer are designed to make your task easier and your whites whiter. You will change your tune about doing laundry once you see what luxury ASKO laundry centers have to offer.

Posted in stacking washer and dryer, ventless dryer | Tagged , | Leave a comment

5 Reasons Why: Family-Sized Washing Machine and Ventless Dryer

Posted on July 26, 2011 by bloghost

Stacking Washer and DryerIf you are in the market for a new washing machine and dryer, you need to take the size of your family into account.  Any more than two people in your family can result in insurmountable piles of laundry that never seem to end.  With a family-sized washing machine and dryer, you can get laundry done in record time.  Here are five reasons to look into an ASKO family-sized washer and ventless dryer.

Guaranteed Temperatures

ASKO washers can get stains out of clothing using a cold water fill without harsh chemicals.  This helps your clothing last longer and puts less detrimental cleaning agents into the water supply.

Active Drum

Sand and dirt can be removed better than other washing machine drums, and its exclusive design helps to protect clothing and makes them last longer.  The drum is also quiet, thanks to Quattro suspension.

Super Rinse

The sensors recognize when another rinse is necessary to keep whites whiter and brights brighter.  Anyone with allergies or sensitive skin will appreciate the fact that up to seven rinses occur with each wash cycle to clean your clothes thoroughly.

Smart Seal

Washing machines develop a smell over time, but this is not true of an ASKO stacking washer & dryer (Note: side-by-side versions are also available with or without a platform.). The Smart Seal eliminates odors and prevents water leaks.  This makes for easy loading and unloading of clothing and prevents the transfer of dirt from a dirty door onto your freshly laundered clothing.

Strong Warranty

You get three years of protection against faulty equipment, which is three times longer than most washing machine warranties.  Such a confident promise can be given because more steel that plastic is used in the design, meaning your investment is in a quality, long-lasting, dependable machine.

Now that you know all the benefits of a family-sized washing machine, you will also want to know about utilizing a ventless dryer.  This enables you to install your dryer anywhere that traditional plumbing is in place.  Therefore, if there are no vents, it’s no problem.  Please note that it is important to always sort loads by fabric type and color for best results. ASKO family-size washers are designed to clean family-size loads with less energy and water with increased fabric care and cleaning.  ASKO is your premier, eco-friendly appliance company, where quality and attention to detail are never sacrificed!

Posted in stacking washer & dryer, ventless dryer | Tagged , | 1 Comment

5 Tips on How to Manage Your Housekeeping Service

Posted on July 20, 2011 by bloghost

cost of maid serviceHiring a housekeeping service is a great way to simplify your daily life and keep your home clean without needing to manage the chores yourself.  However, once you hire a maid service, there are a few things you need to do for successful management of your housekeeping service.  These tips will keep you satisfied, knowing that the responsibilities of housekeeping are being upheld and that you are getting what you pay for.

  1. Establish a contract. This document should specify what work the housekeeper is expected to complete, where it is to be completed, how often the work is to be done, and at what maid service cost.  Preferably, your contract will include an introductory period of two weeks to a month where the housekeeper and you, the homeowner, learn each other’s expectations, adjusting when necessary.
  2. Schedule a meeting with the housekeeping service. This should occur after the introductory period has ended.  Talk about what is working great and what needs to be altered.  Make suggestions, ask questions, and make sure everyone is on the same page.  If both parties decide that the working relationship is acceptable, continue paying the cost of maid service and appreciating a spotless home.
  3. Continue to hold periodic meetings. This will ensure that good communication occurs throughout this working relationship.  If an issue arises, both parties will have the chance to set the record straight.
  4. Remember good hiring etiquette. The housekeeper is in your employ, but you must be flexible, realizing that not everyone does a task in the same way.  You should also remove expensive, fragile items to prevent a potential accident.  Educate your housekeeper about the use of your appliances.  If you have an uncommon appliance, such as an outdoor dishwasher, make sure they are aware of its function so accidental damage can be avoided.
  5. Be a good employer. Praise your housekeeper for a job well done.  Everyone can use an extra pat on the back for motivation.  Also, gently and politely redirect their actions if something doesn’t meet your expectations.  Consider offering a bonus or small gift for special occasions, like Christmas.  These will help you maintain a good relationship with those working inside your home.

With the extra time on your hands made possible by hiring a maid service, you have the potential to spend more time outside with your family this summer.  If you love living an outdoor lifestyle, consider the benefits of an ASKO outdoor dishwasher if you don’t already have one.

Posted in cost of maid service, maid service cost, responsibilities of housekeeping | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

10 Ways You Can Save on Your Electric Bill this Summer

Posted on July 8, 2011 by bloghost

Saving on Electric BillWith summer on the way, and the fact that you will be turning on your air conditioner, you are probably looking for other things around your house that you can change to appreciate a saving on electric bill.  How can we reduce carbon footprint?  There are actually several ways.  Here are the top 10:

  1. Don’t heat-dry dishes.  Whether it’s a dishwasher in the kitchen or an outdoor dishwasher in the back yard, you will appreciate energy savings if you refrain from drying the dishes with hot air after being washed.
  2. Wash clothes in cold water.  There are special cold-water detergents that help clothes get as clean as ever without hot water.
  3. Do several laundry loads at once.  This will make use of the already-warm dryer so it doesn’t cool down completely just to heat up again several hours later.
  4. Buy energy-efficient appliances and electronics.  If you need to replace something in your home, opt for a product that will use less energy.
  5. Unplug electronics when not in use.  Devices like computers, video game consoles, and TVs use electricity even when turned off.  Prevent them from leeching energy by unplugging them completely.
  6. Set up your computer to use less energy.  Energy modes can be set while the computer is on, as well as when it goes a certain amount of time without use.  You can set your computer to “hibernate” after any amount of non-use you choose.
  7. Replace regular light bulbs with CFLs.  Compact fluorescent bulbs use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.  Also, be sure to turn off lights when you leave a room.
  8. Eliminate leaks in your home.  Inadequate wall insulation, gaps in doors and windows, and a drafty attic can all add to energy loss in the home.  In learning how to save energy at home, you may want to have your home audited by an energy auditor to pinpoint and eliminate leaky places.
  9. Run the air conditioner less.  Dress for the season to reduce the need to change the temperature in your living space as drastically.  By turning up the thermostat in the summer by one degree, you will benefit from a 5 percent saving on electric bill.
  10. Keep the shades drawn to keep the sun out.  If you have awnings above the window or another method for shading the sunny side of your home, you can still enjoy the view without allowing the sun direct access into your windows.

These minor changes can add up to become major savings on your monthly electric bill.  With your savings, you can make that purchase you’ve been saving up for, such as an outdoor dishwasher to let you take advantage of the outdoors during the warmer months.

For information on where you can purchase energy-efficient appliances, find an ASKO Dealer near you.

Posted in how can we reduce carbon footprint, how to save energy at home, saving on electric bill | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

ASKO Washers are the Best Water Saving Washers and More!

Posted on July 7, 2011 by bloghost

ASKO Washing machines are becoming more specialized to buyers’ needs. ASKO washers are water & energy efficient, & quieter than competitors. Beyond superior cleaning & rinsing, ASKO’s water saving washers provide world-class fabric care. The temperature is flexible; you clean with temperature based on the fabric care label instructions, not harsh additives such as chlorine bleach! Cold water fill allows you to get clothes clean while keeping stains from setting. Visit www.askousa.com for info.

Posted in ASKO Washers, ASKO Washing Machines, Water Saving Washer | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Green Certifications and Seals – What do They Mean?

Posted on June 30, 2011 by bloghost

If you are ready for a new dishwasher or washing machine, you will be pleased to know there is an appliance recycling program in place that will take the used machines off your hands, making room for a new, Energy Star washing machine or eco dishwasher.  Some programs will even pick up your old appliance from your home, eliminating the need to lug it anywhere.

Here are a few common green certifications and seals and what they mean:

Nordic EcolabelThe Nordic Ecolabel

To deserve this label, a product must address the climate change issue by emitting less CO2 into the air and meet other strict energy consumption requirements at the same time.  When you buy a washing machine, green dishwasher, and other electric appliance with the Nordic Ecolabel, you can rest assured that specific guidelines have been met to ensure that you really are supporting a healthier environment.

ISO 14001 CertificationISO 14001 Certifications

Precise levels of environmental performance are not specified by these certifications established by the International Organization for Standardization because that is not the intent.  Instead, ISO standards provide a framework for a holistic approach to be taken by businesses all over the country.  A company can be audited to see if they are eligible for an ISO 14001 certification based on their environmental management system.

Energy Star SealEnergy Star

This is the certification that is most recognized today because it pertains to appliances in the home.  In order to be an Energy Star washing machine or other appliance, it must consume less energy than regular units, use less water, and overall be responsible for fewer pollutants being released into the air.  You save money and energy when you use Energy Star appliances in your home.

FSC Certification
FSC Label
When you see this logo on a paper product, you know the business is doing everything in their power to conserve, manage, and offer benefits to people near the forests where the paper comes from.  Anything made of wood or paper can receive this certification if the product comes from FSC-certified sources and is manufactured and printed from sources with FSC chain-of-custody certification.

ASKO has a long history of providing homeowners everywhere with a beautiful, reliable way to consumer less energy and save money.  All of ASKO’s appliances meet or exceed the above standards, and all promotional materials are printed on FSC paper.  So, as your eco dishwasher toils away for years, you can sit back and relax, knowing you put your money in the ideal appliance for your home.  Whether you need a traditional kitchen dishwasher or an outdoor dishwasher, ASKO has what you are looking for.

Posted in eco dishwasher, Energy Star Washing Machine, green dishwasher, ISO 14001 Certifications | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Truth about Laundry Capacity, Efficiency & Performance

Posted on June 28, 2011 by bloghost

Do you want the biggest washing machine size or the best?

Super Capacity is a big selling point & each manufacturer touts the benefits of big washing machines.

Before buying, ask yourself:

  • What is the ideal laundry capacity for your needs?
  • How much water is being used?
  • How clean are your clothes?

Buying more than you need could mean using more water, detergent & additives than if you’d bought a family-size washer. For more information on laundry capacity & other appliances, visit www.ASKOUSA.com

Posted in big washing machines, Laundry Capacity, washing machine size | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

5 Reasons Why You Need to be Aware of ADA Dishwasher Guidelines

Posted on June 27, 2011 by bloghost

ADA DishwasherBefore you jump into the decision of remodeling your kitchen, you must take your particular needs into account as well as that of the environment, and its effect on the resale value of your home.  If you don’t have any energy-efficient appliances, your dishwasher may be the perfect place to start.  Even if you don’t have a disability that confines you to a wheelchair, you may have to redesign your kitchen to become ADA-compliant for the sake of resale value.  If you, or a loved one, uses a wheelchair to get around, this kind of remodel is a must. 
Special ADA dishwashers fit beneath lower-than-standard countertops.  Consider these five reasons for investing in such a custom dishwasher.

  1. Height. The ADA dishwasher was invented to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Regular dishwasher dimensions are 34 1/2″ high, 24″ wide, and 24″ deep.  However, ADA stainless steel dishwasher panels come between 32 ¼” and 34″ high.  This makes reaching in the dishwasher easier for someone in a wheelchair. This is also the perfect option for installations that have below average installation height space.
  2. Flexible Cycles.  Normal wash is the most commonly chosen cycle , but custom cycles such as upper or lower washes, Quick washes, or 60-minute washes enables you to customize the washing preferences of your custom dishwasher.
  3. Power Zones. Quality dishwashers clean better than just OK thanks to strategically placed cleaning zones.  These are ideal for baked-on food and can accomplish a pristine cleaning without any pre-rinsing required saving water and time.
  4. Turbo Drying.  To reduce hand drying needs, your dishwasher can dry all your dishes after washing them without warping the countertop above it or damaging any dishes it’s meant to be drying.  Even plastics are dried to perfection in Turbo Drying dishwashers!
  5. Strong Warranty.  Appreciate a three-year warranty, which is three times longer than most dishwashers.  These units can offer you such a long warranty because there is more steel than plastic in these units, meaning they are built with a lifetime of use in mind.

Before you choose one model of ADA dishwasher over another, be sure to measure the existing space you have.  You can take advantage of flexible installation choices from ASKO.  Along with providing excellent energy efficiency, cleaning and drying results, ASKO also places an emphasis on taking care of the environment.

Posted in ADA dishwasher, custom dishwasher panels, dishwasher dimensions, stainless steel dishwasher panels | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Top Trends in Kitchen Design

Posted on June 24, 2011 by bloghost

Custom Kitchen Design Trends

Custom Kitchen Design Trends

If you are considering kitchen remodel ideas such as a new custom kitchen design, check out these top kitchen design trends!

The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in the home for a custom redesign.  Often the hub of the home, this is where excellent food is prepared for family and friends and where guests are entertained.  Given the level of daily activity that takes place in this multifunctional room, it’s important that the room itself reflects the personality and sophistication of the homeowner. There’s no better way to ensure that than through a modern custom kitchen design.  Here are some kitchen remodel ideas based on the current top trends.

Slab cabinet doors

Both white and darker natural woods are in style for kitchen cabinetry doors.  Simple, clean doors are popular while overly fussy and detailed cabinetry is officially old-fashioned.  Exotic wood is becoming quite popular, but oak, cherry, and maple are still top contenders on the high-end market as well.

More storage

Littered counters are out and efficient storage is in.  The look of today’s modern kitchen is clean and streamlined with only the essentials left out on the counter.

Quartz, slate, soapstone or marble countertops

The once incredibly popular granite is being phased out—at least the heavily veined granites.  If this material is used, it should be honed or flamed rather than polished.  The bottom line is that stones like these (and granite included) will resist burns, scratches, and other kinds of wear, helping them keep their beautiful appearance longer.

Designs that invite socialization in the kitchen

One great way to accomplish this in your custom kitchen design is to incorporate an overly large island with barstools.  The kids can spread out their homework or reading material and parents still have room to prepare the meal with their family all around them.

Stainless steel, energy-efficient appliances

One of the most lasting kitchen design trends is the look of stainless steel.  Appliances with this beautiful finish are often individual selling points of a home.  This proves their lasting beauty and desirability.

Clever appliances

Nothing is more futuristic than a stove that lets you digitally alter the burner location, a fridge with a TV on the door, an under-counter refrigerator, or a dishwasher.  Considering any of these clever appliances that are designed to simplify your life and modernize your kitchen will serve as excellent kitchen remodel ideas.

Integrated sinks or those made of natural stone

While stainless steel may rule every appliance in your modern kitchen, those old stainless steel sinks are definitely out—unless, of course, your entire counter is stainless steel and you want to integrate the sink seamlessly into the surface of the counter.  Sinks are becoming somewhat of a statement in modern kitchens.  They come deep and trough-like, in bold colors, or without any border between them and the countertop itself.

In the process of pinpointing exactly which kitchen design trends you want to implement in your home, consider the quiet, energy-efficient abilities of ASKO dishwashers.  This addition to your kitchen will aid in both its beauty and its functionality.

Posted in custom kitchen design, kitchen design trends, kitchen remodel ideas | Tagged , , | 1 Comment