Appliances 101

Laundry Day- A “Do’s and Don’ts” Guide

Like with most kitchen appliances, there are a few tricks to washing clothes in a washing machine. Having a machine to do those seemingly endless loads of clothing is convenient. And you may think you know how to use it effectively but it’s not as straight forward as you would imagine.  To ensure your clothes always come out clean and fresh it’s important you know exactly how to use a washing machine, for example you want to know the proper ways to wash your delicates or load the dryer, you’ll want to follow this guide on the right ways to do your laundry.    DOs – For best results 1.  DO separate colors and pre-treat stains Divide your weekly washes into four piles: whites, lights, darks, and delicates to prevent any color run disasters. Once you’ve got enough of one pile to put it in the machine, check the garments for stains. Pre-treat these items before placing in the washer to avoid having to re-wash later. Clothes should be sorted by: Fabric: separate delicate fabrics that require a gentle cycle from heavier items. Color: Keep whites separate from colors and group lighter colors from darker ones.  Soil: Soil travels from one garment to garment so try to wash heavily soiled garments separately.  2. DO check garment care labels Before popping your clothes in the washing machine, check the care labels for washing guidelines for instructions on the appropriate wash cycle and temperature to set.  3. DO use laundry bags for delicates Delicate items like underwear, silks, lingerie and white items that are really precious to you should be placed in laundry bags to protect them from snagging. If you don’t have a laundry bag, use a pillowcase! 4. DO use the right amount of detergent  Always read the packaging of your detergent to learn how to measure and use that specific product: Measure liquid detergents using the measuring cap   Measure washing powders using the scoop provided and pour into the correct compartment of the detergent drawer (check your owner manual for this). Add washing tablets to the detergent drawer or the washing machine drum before your clothes, according to the instructions for your machine. Just like washing machine tablets, how to use laundry capsules is easy and straightforward. Pop one at the back of the drum before your clothes and go!  Fill the machine with water, detergent and then add your clothes, this procedure will help detergent, fabric softener to properly dissolve in the water. 5. DO leave your washing machine door open after use This will allow it to air out and help prevent mold and mildew from growing. 6. DO prevent shrinking by using cold or warm water Cotton, denim, and various other fabrics can shrink if you wash them in hot water, so always use cold or warm water while washing woolen, cotton outfits. 7. DO clean your washing machine Regular cleaning is an important part of knowing how to use a washing machine. Set the washing machine to a hot cycle and add a cup of white vinegar to sanitize the machine and help remove smells.  DON’T’s – Avoid these common mistakes 1. DON’T overload your machine Clothes crammed into the washing machine won’t be able to move around enough to get a proper clean so you could end up needing to wash them again! Likewise, do not wash small loads using a large load cycle – this will use an unnecessary amount of water and energy.  2. DON’T leave anything in pockets Check all pockets for things like tissues or plastic toys, before placing in the washing machine. A stray tissue could leave your entire load covered in white fluff!  3. DON’T put fabric softener directly on top of laundry Fabric softener should never come in direct contact with clothes as it could stain them. Consult your washing machine manual and find the correct compartment in the detergent drawer for the conditioner to be placed in – it’s usually marked with a flower. 4. DON’T use too much detergent An excessive amount of laundry detergent could leave residue on your clothing and doesn’t result in cleaner clothes.  5. DON’T leave wet clothes in for a long time Moisture from wet clothes could result in a build-up of mold in your washing machine drum, or even on your clothes. Remove clothes from the washer as soon as possible after the rinse cycle is finished and dry naturally, outside, where you can.  Happy washing!  With the basic dos and don’ts of how to use your washing machine covered, doing the laundry should now be a lot simpler.   

New Cosmo Gas Ranges Coming Soon

The new Cosmo range carries the modern sophistication we expect to see from a Cosmo Kitchen appliance. Cosmo is excited to introduce its new portfolio of Gas Ranges that make a bold statement.  They truly are a whole new class of chef’s kitchen inspired cooking products. Cosmo’s COS-ERPG models will be available in 30, 36 and 48 inches.  This model of gas range combines professional styling and performance quality to elevate your home cooking experience. This professional range has a beautiful, brushed stainless steel finish and three Layered glass windows, and a storage drawer at bottom.  Let’s take a closer look at what Cosmo’s Range brings to you: Large oven capacity is a prerequisite for most modern home kitchens and the COS-ERPG models have it in spades, so baking for a crowd is done in time. Their cooktops are equipped with a variety of different burners to suit needs from the largest pots and pans down to the most delicate sauces.  Special oven functions give you the precision to create everything from juicy roasts to delicate desserts. Designed for durability, these gas range are constructed with industrial, corrosion resistant grade stainless steel. A removable backsplash means this range is suitable for either freestanding or slide-in.  Whichever model you choose, these ranges all bring the kitchen together for the modern-day homeowner. Their refined design of the ranges is compatible with any home decor that makes updating your kitchen a breeze. The COS-EPRG366 gas range is the smartest way to revamp your kitchen, without having to compromise quality for price.  Look for them soon where Cosmo appliances are sold!! PROS: Six cooktop burners and one warming zone, including two select a size burners to customize your cooking options Spacious 6 cu. ft. oven capacity with modern professional styling Smooth glass ceramic cooktop is easy to clean Black Porcelain Drip Pan for Easy Surface Cleaning Heavy Duty Continuous Cast Iron Cooking Grates  Black ABS Knobs  Gray Porcelain Oven Interior with White Flakes One Halogen Lights Commercial Convection Fan  Three Layers Glass Window Storage Drawer at Bottom

Cosmo’s Over the Range Microwave : Equipped to Clear the Air as a Range Hood

Cosmo’s Over the Range Microwave Oven cooks meals with precise control and delicious results.  Over the Range Microwave Ovens are among the most popular ovens in the market right now.  Unlike traditional countertop microwaves, over-the-range microwaves  help to free up counter space and provides some extra features too; like a  built-in exhaust fans to vent smoke and steam and eliminate unwanted odors. Don’t worry about the next big meal you’re planning. Cosmo’s COS-3016ORM1SS microwave oven offers just the power and features you need.  POWER 1000 Watts of power for more speed and efficiency of cooking. The microwave’s ten different power levels, adds some much-needed flexibility to your cooking. The microwave also uses a sensor that automatically adjusts cooking time and power—convenient indeed.  CAPACITY With all the space of 1.6 cu. ft. capacity there’s enough room for big dishes, and you’ll be able to cook more than one meal at a time with the turntable that accommodates various dish sizes, the turntable also conveniently turns off for large dishes. VENTING & EXHAUST An over-the-range microwave takes the place of a range hood, its vent fan works to filter out smoke and other odors from cooking. The Vent Fan cycles between high speed and low speed. The fan automatically starts when heat rises from range surface units or burners and stays on until the temperature decreases. It cannot be turned off manually during this time. This protects the microwave from excessive temperatures. PRE-PROGRAMMED SETTINGS Take the guesswork out of the cooking time when cooking with the sensor.  Sensor cooking detects the humidity released by your cooking food and adjusts the cooking time based on the type and amount of food cooking.  Rely on touch presets for your convenience for tasks like melting, softening, defrosting, and popcorn.  SAFETY The microwave come with a child safety lock. It ensures that children, when left unattended, cannot open the microwave oven. This is a good precaution to take. The great thing about over-the-counter microwaves is that they’re located above, so it’s harder for children to reach them. Still they could climb the counter to reach it. So having the extra safety precautions is always a plus. DESIGN Smartly designed with a sleek black glass finish that elevates the kitchens’ aesthetic with a modern profile. The easy-to-read digital display adds to the microwaves sleek look. Thanks to high-quality LED lighting the food looks wonderful even during preparation in the oven.   The Cosmo Over the Counter Microwave oven is undoubtedly the height of home cooking luxury. When you upgrade your kitchen with Cosmo Appliances, you bring professional quality home at factory direct prices. Previous Next I WANT THIS MICROWAVE

Space Saving Places To Put Your Microwave

If there’s one kitchen appliance every home needs it’s a microwave but it’s one bulky appliance with a large footprint.   The typical location for a microwave oven is on the countertop, where it takes up so much precious counter space.  The second most common location is above the stove which is a popular option for smaller kitchens. The Over the Range microwave (OTR microwave) doubles as a vent hood.  Here are some great  OTR microwave options to choose from. 1. 24″ Over The Range Microwave Oven in Black/Stainless Steel  2. 30″ Stainless Steel Over the Range Microwave Oven  We know you want your microwave and you want your space too!? So here are six smart ways to get it off the countertop and out of the way. Under The Countertop  Stash the microwave on a lower shelf or in a cabinet shelf of an island, or in a specially-built cupboard nook. This has become a popular option in many kitchens lately. Just be aware of placing the microwave too low, which can become a nuisance if you use the microwave a lot. If you have curious small children, you want to make sure that the microwave is out of reach. Cosmo COS-BIM22SSB Built-in Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, Touch Presets, 1200W & 2.2 cu. ft. Capacity, 24 inch, Stainless Steel 1200 WATTS OF POWER: With 10 power levels, cook meals with precise control and delicious results  CONVENIENT TOUCH PRESETS: Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggies, beverages, and dinner plates  SMART SENSOR: Smart sensor cooking measures when food is hot  BUILD INTO CABINETRY: Incorporate the microwave into your kitchen cabinets using our Trim Kit (Part # COS-30BIMTK, purchased separately)  DIMENSIONS: Exterior dimensions (WxDxH): 24. 4 x 13. 6 x 19. 6 in; Turntable diameter: 16. 5 in. Over the Wall Oven.  You can also install a microwave in the wall, like an oven. If you have a wall oven, then the ideal microwave placement is above it. Installing your microwave oven in the wall means you’re not giving up any cabinet, island, or counter space. Plus, you’ll be able to install a slightly larger microwave because walls can bear more weight. On an Upper Shelf  If you can make do with a smaller microwave, then you can tuck it onto a shelf as part of your upper cabinets. Depending on the model you choose you may find that you need the shelf the microwave sits on to protrude out a little further than your upper cabinets, and you’ll want to plan ahead so that your electrician puts the required outlet on the wall in the space where the microwave will live. In A Drawer  This is a twist on the under-countertop option, but with a drawer microwave. This is installed under the counter and slides open like a drawer. This is one of the more space-efficient options especially for very small kitchens. Recess into a Wall Depending on the kitchen floor plan, you may be able to recess the microwave into a space taken from a closet or garage. Before cutting into a wall, ask a builder or remodeler to check the structure of the wall and add reinforcement if necessary. For more great recipes, tips and appliance news, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Simple Solutions for Small Appliances

Your family depends on the appliances in your kitchen. You have a few small appliances in your home that you want to keep in good working order. Here’s a quick list of small kitchen solutions for small kitchen appliances to make cooking and cleaning more convenient. Microwave Presets to Save Energy   Did you know that using the pre-set cooking times on the touchpad can help your microwave work more efficiently and save energy? It can also help you avoid cooking accidents. Use the pre-set times when thawing foods, too. Order Matters in the Blender One of the most important tips to keep in mind with any blender is the order of the ingredients you’re adding. Go from lightest to heaviest. That mean you should ALWAYS start with liquid and make sure it covers the blades. Cover Up the Stand Mixer  To prevent unwanted dust from getting into your Stand Mixer and into your food, keep it covered by attaching a shower cap around it. Know your Slow Cooker’s Limits The high setting is for when you just want to heat things up,  If you want vegetables to stay whole, don’t put them in the slow cooker on high for 12 hours unless they’re hard-shelled, like squashes. Delicate vegetables like zucchini or peppers will melt into nothing. When you’re slow cooking vegetables, put the slow cooker on a delayed start for about three to four hours and keep it set to low.  Clean your Coffee Pot The coffee pot, itself, should be cleaned regularly. Cleaning it every two weeks will keep old coffee and grounds that are stuck in the pot from imparting your brews with unwanted flavors.  Wipe the Outside Of the Rice Cooker’s Pot A common mistake some people have is placing the pot of uncooked rice into the cooker with the outside of the pot being wet. Not only could it damage the rice cooker’s heating elements, it also affects the cooking temperature of the rice. So give it a quick wipe on the outside first before you put the rice in.

Let Kids Get Hands-On with Healthy Treats

Snacks are a way of life for people of all ages, but especially children, who consume about 25% of their daily calories from snacks, according to research published in the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.” Providing nutritionally balanced snacks for your children at home can make for a happy and healthy day. Planning snacks that are as delicious as they are healthy is a winning solution, and snacks are a simple way to add more nutrition to your child’s diet. Red, White and Blue Greek Yogurt Bark Prep time: 5 minutesServings: 12 3 cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt 1/3 cup honey, plus additional for drizzling (optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced into rounds 1/2 cup blueberries 1/2 cup raspberries, halved In medium mixing bowl combine Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup honey and vanilla. On parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spread Greek yogurt mixture to 1/4-inch thickness. Press strawberries, blueberries and raspberries into yogurt. Freeze at least 3 hours. Break into pieces upon removing from freezer. Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip Prep time: 5 minutesServings: 4 3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt 1/4 cup peanut butter 1 dash cinnamon apples, graham crackers or other dipper of choice In bowl, six Greek yogurt, peanut butter and cinnamon until smooth. Serve with apples, graham crackers or another dipper of choice. Good Morning Yogurt Parfait Prep time: 5 minutesServings: 1 1/2 cup sliced or diced fruit, any variety 6 ounces low-fat or fat-free vanilla yogurt 1/4 cup granola or other cereal (optional) In small bowl or cup, layer fruit and yogurt, starting with fruit on bottom. Top with cereal or granola, if desired. Note: This recipe can be made using low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese sweetened with honey and cinnamon. Frozen Banana Pops Prep time: 2 hoursServings: 8 4 large bananas, peeled 8 wooden ice pop sticks 2 cups vanilla non-fat Greek yogurt 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter Cut each banana in half and carefully insert wooden ice pop stick in bottom of each, about one-third into banana. Place bananas on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze bananas until partially frozen, about 30 minutes. Carefully dip each banana in tall pint glass of vanilla yogurt to coat, leaving 1/2-inch at bottom of banana uncoated. Return yogurt-coated bananas to parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until completely firm, about 1 hour. Microwave peanut butter until smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds. Drizzle peanut butter evenly over bananas then place on baking sheet to freeze until peanut butter is firm, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately or wrap each banana in plastic wrap and store in freezer up to 3 months.

How to Chill Wine Quickly

One of the biggest factors that affects way you experience wine is serving temperature; which has an impact on the wine’s flavor, structure, and aroma. That being said, what do you do when company is on the way and you’re in need of some perfectly chilled wine now. Resist the urge to add ice cubes to your glass; this dilutes the wine.  So we decided to take a look at the proper serving temperature, because getting your wines temperature just right is one of the most important factors for enjoying wine.  Submerge the Wine Bottle in Ice Water And Salt This is the method preferred by sommeliers. Make an ice bath for your bottle, you should use a 50/50 ratio of ice and water.  There is a one special ingredient that you need –Salt! It will further drop the freezing temperature of water, which will chill your wine faster! Make sure the bottle is completely submerged, to ensure the contents of the entire bottle evenly chill. Drop Frozen Grapes into Your Wine Glass More than just a delicious healthy snack frozen grapes are also a great way to chill wine. Drop your frozen grapes into your glass—they’ll function just like ice cubes, except you won’t end up with watered-down wine. Use Wine Pearls in Your Wine Glass Unlike ice cubes which dilute your wine, Wine Pearls are hand-polished stainless steel “pearls” that have a freezing gel inside, which works to quickly cool your glass of wine, without affecting the taste in the process. Wine Pearls will keep your wine cold for up to an hour. Use your Freezer If you choose to use the freezer, be very careful (don’t want the bottle to explode). The right way to do it is to wrap the bottle in a wet tea towel before you put it in. The damp towel will freeze quickly, and thanks to the frozen towel, the wine will chill in half the time it usually would (Note: The tea towel might be stuck to the bottle when you remove it from the freezer—to fix this, simply run it under warm water and the towel will slide off.) Chill Your Wine by the Serving  Since glass bottles can be thick and insulated, the wine will chill faster once it’s out of the bottle. Keep a bag of frozen grapes in the fridge, you can just use them as needed. It is a great way to chill wine, since it will cool down the wine without watering it down too. Right now, you need to chill your wine quickly but if you want to avoid this problem in the future there is a solution that will make sure your wine is always at optimal temperature. Consider buying a wine cooler by Cosmo, designed for chilling wine and other beverages by eliminating harmful light, fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and vibration. Read about it here LEARN MORE HERE For more great recipes, tips and appliance news, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Cosmo’s Wine Cooler- Designed to Preserve and Protect Wine

What is a wine cooler? Wine coolers are fast becoming “the” must have appliance for wine lovers and enthusiast. Designed for chilling wine and other beverages, a wine cooler is made to eliminate harmful light, fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and vibration. If you drink a lot of wine and don’t have a proper basement for long-term storage, then a wine cooler is great for everyday use, and it creates the most ideal conditions for wine storage than refrigerators that create an environment that is too cold for a wine bottle. For those wine enthusiasts that insist on professional grade wine refrigeration, for at home use Cosmo has combined advanced technology and our signature sleek appearance for you to enjoy quick access to cold drinks and your favorite wine. Our 24 inch wine cooler delivers exactly the right temperature, with a single zone temperature that can be set at an ideal temperature to allow your wine to mature properly. Cosmo’s COS-24BIWCS wine cooler offers impressive features to preserve and protect your prized bottles.   Capacity For those that want plenty of space for their collection, the 146L (48 bottles) Cosmo model is sufficiently on the larger side of wine cooler sizes. This wine cooler will give you space to grow into, and you can remove some shelves to accommodate larger bottles. Adjustable Temperature You have the power to maintain the flavor of your favorite wine with a temperature range between 5C- 20C/ 41F 68F and a fan cooling system. When you’re using a single zone wine cooler for your various red and white wines, we recommend a cellar temperature of approx. 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Digital display and LED lighting The Cosmo Wine Cooler has an LCD display and digital touchpad, so you can set the temperature to your liking. The wine cooler is lit with blue LED lighting that illuminates the interior for an elegant presentation of your wine collection. Removable racks We designed the wine cooler with 6 shelves made of natural beech wood that is strong enough to hold the bottles.  These shelves have telescopic sliding rails and notches on the sides of the shelves to keep the bottles from falling. Glass door Fine Wine requires precision and need more than a refrigerator. Our Wine Cooler features a seamless stainless steel Insulated 3-layer glass door frame for an elegant look and heat-safe storage. Premium-Grade Stainless Steel Exterior The perfect balance of luxury design and a classic trim for a refined look to enhance the aesthetic of any room décor. With reversible doors and flexible installation options, you have the best use of space by either installing the unit under the counter with its built-In or free standing Installation that also allows you to place it anywhere. The important thing to keep in mind is the Cosmo wine cooler is the complete package and provides the ultimate environment for your wine/drink collection, so you know you will have perfectly chilled and flavored wine anytime you want some. Previous Next PROS Premium-Grade Stainless Steel Exterior Built-In / Free Standing Installation allows you to place it anywhere LED lighting illuminates the interior for elegant presentation of your collection Stores up to 48 bottles of your favorite selection of wines at the right serving temperature Insulated 3-layer glass door for an elegant look and heat-safe storage Advanced fan cooling system Technology Digital Touchpad Control enables easy control 6 Beachwood shelves with telescopic rails for convenient access to bottles Internal Temperature Range: 5°C- 20°C/ 41°F 68°F Door Lock for security I WANT THIS WINE COOLER

Use By, Best By, Sell By: Understanding Food Expiration Dates

When you’ve been going through the deep recesses of your pantry in the past weeks, you might have come across something that had a questionable expiration date. Whether you remember buying that box of oatmeal packets or not, how do you know if it’s safe to eat?  Food manufacturers use three general food expiration date markings, each corresponding to a different guideline. The important thing to remember is that expiration dates are the manufacturer making a guess at when its products won’t be at their peak quality any longer.  Use by:  This is the most direct estimation of a date by which a product should be consumed. Again, this guideline is mainly about quality, not about making you sick, but it’s still a good idea to finish the product as close to the Use-By date as you can. Sell-By:  This label is mainly for retailers. Sell-By dates indicate the last day a product should be stocked on store shelves to ensure consumers have enough of a window to use it once they bring it home. Generally, about 1/3 of a product’s lifespan remains after a Sell-By date. Best-By:  This is a more gentle suggestion for consumers. It simply means by the manufacturer’s estimation, the product will be at peak quality when it’s used by this date. Of course, there are always exceptions and warnings when it comes to food safety, regardless of date. If whatever you’re about to eat doesn’t smell right, or has a damaged or bloated can or lid, has discolored, or is just plain growing things, it’s probably time to toss it. If you’re at all in doubt, it’s probably safer not to eat it.  We hope these tips help you maintain your pantry and refrigerator food stores more easily. For more kitchen advice, inspiration and recipes, like the Cosmo Appliances Facebook page or follow us on Instagram! For more great recipes, tips and appliance news, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

The Magic of Cooking with A Portable Induction Cooktop

Curious about induction cooking? There’s a lot to love about induction cooking and cooking with a portable cooktop has some real advantages. These fancy, futuristic looking and almost magical appliances offer sleek designs, with a smooth glass surface. Loved by chefs and food stylist, the portable induction cooktop is changing the cooking game- with its many time-and money-saving benefits. Portable induction cooktops are an excellent option for cooks looking to add extra cooking surfaces, when there are extra mouths to feed during the holidays, parties and when catering for other large gatherings.  If you have a small kitchen and need to maximize your space, you can easily tuck it away in a cabinet when you’re not using it making it the perfect space saving appliance for dorms, boats, patios, and RVs.  Unlike stovetops that rely on a gas burning flame to provide heat, an induction burner contains an electric coil that produces a magnetic field when turned on to directly and quickly heat the pan. The induction burner will only heat induction compatible cookware.  Induction cooktops use about 10 percent less energy because only the metal of the pan will heat up so all the energy goes directly into the cookware. Therefore, induction cooking is more energy efficient than cooking with a standard gas or electric cooktop.  Unlike stovetops that rely on a gas burning flame to provide heat, an induction burner contains an electric coil that produces a magnetic field when turned on to directly and quickly heat the pan. The induction burner will only heat induction compatible cookware.  Induction cooktops use about 10 percent less energy because only the metal of the pan will heat up so all the energy goes directly into the cookware. Therefore, induction cooking is more energy efficient than cooking with a standard gas or electric cooktop.  Another reason for its efficiency is the induction burners’ ability to reach precise temperature quickly. The heat created is instantaneous. It heats a pan to temperature in under a minute, and will boil water right before your eyes!  Induction cooktop burners offers a rapid response to cooking that offers almost 30% quicker heating time. Not only is it powerful, its scientifically precise temperature control means everything cooks perfectly. We are fans of the portable induction cooktop when safety is concerned- especially with kids and pets in the home.  The lack of an open flame and the fact the burner almost immediately cools down ensures its safety factor. Induction cooking is inherently safer than other methods because the burners don’t get hot, only the pan does. Plus, induction cooktops have several safety features like child-safety lock, pan detection and auto-shut off increasing their safety. Another great perk of the portable induction cooktop is its sleek surface that is easy to clean.  Because it generates little heat, there’s less cooking splatters and food doesn’t bake into the surface. Plus, with zero nooks to scrub, cleaning is simply a breeze.  Last but not least, its incredible function is matched by its aesthetic. The induction cooktop is an attractive addition to any kitchen.   While this form of cooking is more popular in Europe, its popularity is growing in the U.S. and justifiably so. Induction cooking is faster, safer, cleaner and more efficient. Considering adding a portable induction cooktop to your kitchen? Click here for more information and product features.