Appliances 101

The Different Types of Ovens You Should Know About Before Buying

Posted on December 14, 2020December 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101No Comments

There are many terms regarding ovens you may be unfamiliar with, such as convection, conventional, or True European convection. These are the different ways an oven heats food as it bakes. Looking for all the info you need before making your next purchase? We’ve got you covered. Conventional. A conventional oven typically has two heating elements inside–one at the bottom and one at the top. The bottom element usually is the main source of heat, while the top element is reserved for broiling. The heat inside a conventional oven rises to the top as it bakes. This results in uneven cooking. For instance, cookies you bake in a conventional oven can come out half-burnt and half-blonde due to the various hot and cold spots inside. Convection. A convection oven includes an extra element to provide a solution to the conventional oven. A fan system located at the back of the oven creates a flow of air inside the oven to get rid of any uneven hot spots. This provides more even cooking while removing any excess moisture in foods. A convection oven will bake foods faster which is important to note in recipe instructions. While convection ovens may seem like an easy pick, it’s not suited for foods that are naturally light or airy, since they can be disturbed by the fan. True European Convection. The third oven type are True European Convection ovens. These ovens differ from standard convection in that the fan has an additional third heating element. Instead of just moving air inside the oven, the fan will provide heated air. This will distribute heat more efficiently and evenly than standard convection. A True European oven fan won’t just push around cold air inside since it’s also providing heat. This will in turn reduce the need for cooking time and temperature furthermore than standard convection. This is important to note in your recipes to prevent overcooking. Are you looking to upgrade your oven? Check out our product line here. Sources: Reviewed

How to Get the Most Out of Your Broiler

Posted on December 10, 2020December 10, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-ToNo Comments

Broilers are like upside-down grills inside your oven. You can expose your foods to very high heat to effectively cook, like on a grill. Broilers are best used for thin cuts of meat, vegetables or foods that are fairly tender. Here’s everything you need to know for the best results from your broiler. First, it’s important to understand where the broiler is located inside your oven. Usually it’s the same element inside that is used for baking and roasting. Often the broiler is located at the top, meaning you’ll have to place your oven rack at the highest position possible, typically three to four inches away from the broiler. The broiler can also be located at the bottom of the oven or in another compartment underneath. You would need to place your food closer to this side, but there may be more limitations on how you broil with it. Preheat. You’ll need to test your broiler a few times to see what settings would be ideal. Treat it similar to a grill in that you should turn it on for about five minutes before cooking to give it time to heat up. Take a look to see how the broiler behaves, your broiler may have a rod with flames coming out either side. In this scenario placing food directly underneath the line would cook food evenly. Time. Broiling is meant to be done fairly quickly, usually in five or ten minutes. Anything longer can take your nice sear to a burn. You’ll only be really cooking the outer surfaces, so pick foods that are quick to cook like vegetables or thin cuts of meat. If your food isn’t cooked enough at the end, you can put it in the oven to finish. On the other hand, you can cook with the oven first and then broil at the end to give a nice crust or sear to the surface. Pans. Grated broiling pans may allow greater airflow, but aren’t always necessary when using a broiler. You can achieve a similar effect by periodically flipping your food as it cooks. Try using a preheated cast iron skillet or even heavy duty sheet pans as an alternative. Sources: The Kitchnn

The Quick and Easy Way to Clean Your Microwave

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020Posted in Appliances 101No Comments

Your microwave goes through a lot, and we usually toss food in it hoping for a quick meal above all else. Naturally, over time your microwave will need to be cleaned. Luckily you can follow some easy steps to get rid of any mess. A general rule to follow when cleaning is if it’s toxic to consume it’s probably not a good idea to use on the inside. Cleaning the Inside Take a microwave-safe bowl and fill it up with about 1 cup of water and add a few squirts of citrus, this can be lemon, lime or even orange. Add a few tablespoons of vinegar, either white or apple cider, and heat it on high inside the microwave for a few minutes. It should come to a boil. You really want the steam to build up inside the microwave, so leave it inside after it’s come to a boil for another three to five minutes. Once that’s done, remove the bowl and scrub away. If your tray is dirty take it out and wash by hand or in your dishwasher. Cleaning the Door Take some water and baking soda and apply to the door with a sponge. Be sure to use a damp cloth or paper towel afterwards to remove any remaining residue. You can also use vinegar and water to clean the door if it’s extra greasy. Cleaning the Outside Use water and soap on a sponge to tackle the exterior of your microwave. Although you may want to use something stronger like an astringent cleaner, your microwave shouldn’t need this. There’s some chance this cleaner can get inside your microwave, which is dangerous the next time you heat up some food. Wipe everything down with a damp sponge or towel and dry. You’re done! Are you looking to upgrade your microwave with Cosmo? Check out our complete line here. Sources: Country Living

The Different Types of Cooktops

Posted on December 7, 2020December 17, 2020Posted in Appliances 101No Comments

Cooktops are the key to delicious meals. There are three main types of cooktops–gas, electric and induction. Each of these cooktops have their own strengths and weaknesses. Just like any other product, it’s best to establish what you need and what would work best for you in the kitchen when deciding on your next purchase. COS-DIC304 Drop-In Gas Cooktop Gas Cooktops The closest to traditional cooking methods, gas powered cooktops heat food with a flame. They offer rapid heat and precise control. When you adjust the knob on a gas cooktop, the level of heat changes immediately with no wait time for an element to heat up. This gives you the most versatility for recipes that call for quick changes in temperature. Gas cooktops also cut heat off instantly, with none being left behind as soon as you turn it off. Some also can include sealed burners which prevent food from getting trapped underneath. These cooktops also offer visual cues as you can visibly see the strength of a flame. COS-304ECC Electric Ceramic Glass Cooktop Electric Cooktops Probably the most common among the cooktops models, electric cooktops heat without the need for a flame. There are two types of electric cooktops, coil or smooth. Coil cooktops have coils that sit on the surface or in a cavity. They typically have the lowest price point. Smooth electric cooktops have radiant elements built underneath the surface which offers a smooth surface, making for an easy clean up afterwards. Radiant elements are similar to coil burners that are housed underneath and radiate heat upwards. They heat more evenly and quickly. Electric cooktops can have dual zone elements which accommodate for different sized cookware. COS-YLIC1 Portable Induction Cooktop Induction Cooktops These cooktops are a type of electric cooktop that use electromagnetic coils to heat a ceramic glass surface. They transfer the heat directly to metal objects. Since the heat goes directly to the metal, it requires less time to heat up and makes the cooktop cooler to the touch. However, only specific induction ready cookware can be used for these cooktops because of the magnetic nature of the coils beneath the cooktop surface. This may be a more attractive choice for an added level of safety to busy kitchens. At Cosmo we have a large variety of cooktops including all three options! Check out our available models here. Sources: The Home Depot

Cleaning a Gas Stovetop

Posted on December 4, 2020December 4, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, KitchenNo Comments

Your range is bound to get messy with the meals you prepare on it. No matter how far gone you think your cooktop might be, here’s some steps you can take to get it looking as good as new. Tools You’ll Need: Non-toxic degreaser Medium-stiffness scrub brush Toothbrush Soft scouring pad Paper towels Glass cleaner Razor blade Magic eraser Before cleaning, make sure your cooktop is properly cool and safe to touch. Check that all knobs are switched to the off position. Remove knobs if possible to prevent bumping into them as you clean. Take all the necessary precautions to ensure the gas does not come one while you’re working on it. Check in with your product manual. Your product manufacturer may recommend specific cleaning procedures best fit for your cooktop. This guide does not apply to cooktops with stainless steel surfaces. Step 1: Disassembly Start by removing the grates on your stove and take some time to clean any food particles that may have been left behind. Pull off the small caps protecting your burners, then remove the burners themselves if possible. Set these aside as we will get back to them later. Step 2: Degrease Grates Place the grates you removed into your sink and give them a thorough soaking with some non-toxic degreaser. You can also use a dish detergent if you prefer, this just may take more time to scrub. Leave everything to soak for about 15-20 minutes. Step 3: Degrease Cooktop Use the same degreaser and spray down the exposed cooktop. Let this soak in for a few minutes to penetrate any buildup. Take a soft scouring pad to break any bits that have been burned or stuck to the surface. As you work through cleaning, take a paper towel and wipe down the cooktop to clean the grease and grime. Depending how much buildup there is on your stove, you may have to repeat this process. Step 4: Persistent Buildup There may be bits that have burned on to the cooktop that may seem impossible to get rid of with a sponge, or some that are trapped in corners you can’t easily get to. Take a medium-stiff nylon scrub brush or an old toothbrush with some degreaser for these areas. It’s a good idea to test the brushes on a part of the surface before, to make sure you won’t accidentally scratch it. For bits that seem stuck no matter what you try, take a razor blade to peel off the grime. Be extremely careful with this as you don’t want to scratch or peel off the paint. You just want to break the surface so the degreaser can get through and break up the grime. Give everything a final polish with paper towels and wipe away any excess degreaser. You can also take a Magic Eraser and Glass Cleaner to lift any residue remaining. Step 5: Clean Removed Parts By now, everything else that has been soaking in degreaser should be ready for a cleaning. Rinse off the grates with hot water, then take a nylon brush with some soap or degreaser to clean further if necessary. Repeat the process for your burner caps. Then, take the burners themselves and rinse with hot water and scrub gently with the brush again. Don’t use any aggressive cleaners or solvents as this may clog the burners and cause ignition problems. Let everything dry completely. Step 6: Reassembly Put everything back together and you’re done! If you’re looking for the best ways to clean your Cosmo product, check into our Customer Support Hub for specific cleaning instructions. Sources: HGTV

The Best Dishwasher Hacks

Posted on November 30, 2020November 30, 2020Posted in Appliances 101No Comments

Dishwashers can save you valuable time in the kitchen. Who doesn’t want to skip out on the extra work after cooking a meal? While it may be tempting to just throw your dishes in, there are some key tricks you should implement to get the most out of your dishwasher. The last thing you want is to have to clean those dishes again after. Rinse Before Washing Modern dishwashers on the market are powerful enough to de-grime your dishes, but it’s best to give your dishes a rinse before loading them in. This will prevent any larger bits to remain stuck on your dishes. Take some time to scrape off any residue from your meals in the trash beforehand. Overloading Your Dishwasher Filling your dishwasher to max capacity will diminish its performance. It may seem easier to load everything at once for one wash, but this can lead to more work if the dishes are half clean after. Packed bowls or plates at the bottom of a washer can block the sprayers, preventing your other dishes from getting clean. The Right Detergent Powder detergents usually contain bleach which prevents build up in your washer over time, but it’s best to pay attention to the recommended amount of detergent. An excess can result in a film like residue on your dishes. Clean Your Dishwasher If your dishwasher is giving off a smell or there’s visible buildup, it’s time to clean it. Remove the dishwasher trap if you can and wash it in your sink. Clean the seals regularly throughout the dishwasher with a microfiber cloth. You can also place a cup of white vinegar at the bottom of the dishwasher and run a normal cycle to clean out food bits. Sources: Apartment Therapy

Single Door vs. French Door Refrigerators

Posted on November 27, 2020November 27, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, ProductsNo Comments

Refrigerators often hold the most important ingredients in your kitchen. French door or single door models may seem like a superficial detail but can actually make a big difference in how you use it. French Door Refrigerators Having two doors swinging out instead of one allows for better clearance in tighter kitchen areas. Since the freezer on French door refrigerators are located below, you have immediate access to your necessities–no more leaning down to see if you have any milk. They also tend to be more energy efficient than their single door counterparts, since you can open one door instead of the whole fridge, preventing cold air from escaping. French door refrigerators take advantage of the entire fridge width. You can easily store a full pizza in one of the tiers or drawers. However, French Door refrigerators often come with a more expensive price tag than a single door would. All the extra space means the door shelves tend to be more narrow, which may make it more difficult to store large pitchers or bottles on the doors. Single Door Refrigerators Single door refrigerators are favorable for their cheaper price. It may not have the fanciest features but if you need a fridge within a budget, the single door may be the way to go. They also are easier to clean, less handles means less work for you! Single door refrigerators are easier to close compared to French doors. French doors have to be closed with a good push, which can be a risk if you’re used to letting the door swing back closed on its own. If you’re looking for a statement piece in your kitchen, a single door wouldn’t have much to offer. Due to its larger door width these refrigerators need a lot of room to open. This can be an issue in smaller kitchen areas or apartments. Looking for a French Door Refrigerator? Check out the Cosmo COS-FDR225RHSS EXPLORE Source: Kitchn

Taking Care of Your Stainless Steel Appliances

Posted on November 18, 2020November 18, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-To, KitchenTagged clean, cosmo appliances, kitchen, kitchen appliances, tutorialNo Comments

Stainless steel is one of the sleekest modern finishes any appliance can have. As a matter of fact, it’s the most popular among dishwashers, ranges, and refrigerators sales. But as you may soon learn, stainless steel attracts fingerprints, smudges and streaks. There are many stainless steel cleaners on the market to bring the shine back to your appliances. But we’ve compiled some tricks if you’re looking for other cost saving alternatives. It’s always a good idea to refer to your product’s user manual on any cleaning recommendations. Always avoid scouring powders, steel wool, bleach, or ammonia as these can damage your appliance’s finish. Dish Soap. You can actually mix a mild soap detergent and warm water to help clean your stainless steel. Use a microfiber cloth and rub the solution into any marks, going with the grain of the stainless steel. Rinse with cold water and dry immediately with a clean cloth after. Mineral Oil. Apply a light coating of mineral oil and buff with a cloth to avoid any tacky buildup. Steer clear of any food-based oils such as vegetable or olive oil. These kinds of oils can turn rancid. Glass Cleaner. Spray a soft, dry cloth with a glass cleaner that is ammonia and vinegar-free to buff out any pesky fingerprints that may persist. Wipe the surface clean after. Baking Soda. Create a paste of baking soda and warm water, then apply to a soft cloth or sponge. Always remember to go with the grain of your appliance. Wipe with a clean wet cloth and dry with a towel. For any remaining scratches or stains you can utilize a stainless steel cleaner to the area. Sources: Good HouseKeeping , Consumer Reports Looking to learn more? Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram.

Ducted and Ductless Range Hoods–What’s the Difference?

Posted on November 18, 2020November 18, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, KitchenTagged cosmo appliances, education, kitchen, kitchen appliancesNo Comments

All range hoods are not created equal. It’s important to know the differences when deciding which range hood would work best for your kitchen. Searching through the options, you may come across some terms you’re unfamiliar with: ducted and ductless. To better understand these functions, let’s establish the main function of a range hood: moving odors, smoke or fumes away from your kitchen when cooking meals. Ducted Range Hoods Ducted range hoods require a duct inside a kitchen that connects to the outside. The range hood pulls the air up through the duct and away from the kitchen. The main restriction here is the location of the duct, and how the kitchen is built. If you’d like to have your range hood in another location where there is no duct available, then a ducted range hood may not work for you. Humidity is a key difference here. Since the air is being moved outside, you would have a dryer air quality than a ductless option. Ductless Range Hood Ductless range hoods recirculate air back into the kitchen. They require an additional filter, usually carbon activated. One of the biggest advantages of ductless use is that they can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. Ductless range hoods can contribute to higher humidity and heat levels in kitchens since the same air is remaining in the area. Filters do have to be replaced, usually once or twice a year, which can lead to additional costs. Ductless range hoods often require more power to recirculate the air, which may create higher noise levels. At Cosmo, we offer both ducted and ductless options in our range hoods so you have the option in deciding what’s best for your needs– without sacrificing aesthetics. Check out all our range hoods here. Looking to learn more? Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram.

Appliance Talk: Difference Between a Rangetop & Cooktop?

Posted on June 18, 2020October 15, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-To, KitchenTagged cooking, cooktop, rangetop, small appliances, springNo Comments

When remodeling your kitchen, or designing a brand new one, then you’ll need to think about which appliances you need. There are essential appliances every well designed kitchen needs and this includes a cooking appliance such as you range or a cooktop to cook on. Will you choose a range top or cooktop? To make your purchase with confidence we have decided to break it down for ya! In this comparison between the range top vs cooktop, you will discover the similarities and differences between these two kitchen applications. First, Let’s discuss the similarities. Rangetops and cooktops have either gas or electric models, and either one offers the ability to have a more flexible kitchen layout, so oven and rangetop or cooktop can be placed separately. Now, on to the differences. The major difference between rangetops and cooktops is the control features and installation method, which will determine how your countertop and cabinets are designed. The Pros of a Range Top These are the perks: A rangetop is very much like a hybrid of a range and a cooktop. rangetop slides into an opening directly into your countertops Range tops are sturdy and can handle heavy use. Range tops can either be powered by electric or gas. Range tops have knobs and controls on the front, which come in handy when trying to manage you’re cooking with multiple items on the burners. Range tops have a larger cooking surface. Range tops typically come with more professional features than others of its kind on the market. Like the sound of these Pros? CLICK HERE The Cons of a Range Top These aren’t exactly cons but these are a few things to consider. The front knobs and controls of the range top may be a safety concern where small children are concerned. Range tops may be too large and bulky for smaller kitchens. The Pros of a Cooktop Cooktops have their pros too that make them a popular choice among many people. Cooktops are available in electric, gas, or induction cooking methods. In general a Cooktop are smaller than Rangetops so they take up less space in your kitchen. The knobs and controls of cooktops are found on top of the unit. This allows an increased level of safety since they are more difficult for young kids to reach. Cooktops are often easier to clean. Like the sound of these Pros? CLICK HERE The Cons of a Cooktop Cooktops have they’re drawbacks, too! Cooktops are more compact, with less room or space to move around. Cooktops often come with less professional features than range tops do. Rangetops are going to require more space but they are perfect for those who do a lot of cooking and want the normal grates and feeling of a stove top. On the other hand, if space, efficiency, and simple is what you are after, then a cooktop may be your ideal appliance. When determining which one is right for your kitchen before you waste your money, consider the following: The size of your kitchen is going to have a great impact on which one you choose. You will need to determine the space available and how much of it you are willing to give up. Determine the amount of cooking you typically do you are going to need something hefty, sturdy, and large to withstand your level of use. Think about the method of cooking electric, gas, or induction? What level of professional features are you looking for, do you prefer something simpler or more advanced for your needs? Getting a new appliance for your kitchen is always exciting. However, it is important to remember that appliances are not the type of item you buy on a whim. They require installation and space, in addition to the purchase itself.