Kitchen

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

Posted on May 19, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-To, Kitchen, ProductsTagged cosmo appliances, kitchen appliances, washing machine2 Comments

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.

Space Saving Places To Put Your Microwave

Posted on May 1, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Kitchen, ProductsTagged food, food expirationNo Comments

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

Posted on April 29, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, How-To, KitchenTagged coffee maker, dishwasher, rece cooker, slow cooker, small appliances, spring, spring cleanNo Comments

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

Posted on April 28, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Kitchen, ProductsTagged food, kids, snacksNo Comments

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

Posted on April 24, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Kitchen, ProductsTagged food, food expirationNo Comments

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.

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

Posted on April 21, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Kitchen, ProductsTagged food, food expirationNo Comments

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

Posted on April 16, 2020November 16, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Home, How-To, Kitchen, ProductsTagged induction cooktop, kitchen appliancesNo Comments

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.

Four Worthwhile Kitchen Gadgets in 2020

Posted on April 10, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Kitchen, ProductsTagged gadgets, kitchen appliances, kitchen gadgetsNo Comments

With all the focus on Marie Kondo, it can be tempting to cut down on the number of non-essential items in your kitchen. While we agree that your spaces should spark joy, we’ve also got a few opinions on four kitchen gadgets that are worth the space you’ll spend to keep them. Air Fryer From crisping frozen french fries to roasting a chicken, the air fryer is a trendy, but versatile addition to any kitchen. Choose one with the capacity to suit your needs, and enjoy delicious, crisply fried foods without the grease. Food Processor The humble food processor is an amazing utility tool- from mincing mirepoix to blending a can of tomatoes down to an easy pizza sauce, having a food processor in your kitchen can really improve your life. Did you know that a food processor isn’t just for vegetables? You can combine butter or lard with flour for a quick and easy pie crust, with very little mess. Kitchen Scale No, it’s not just for watching your waistline. The kitchen scale can also be used to help make more complex recipes with precision, and is a must for the home baker or pastry chef. Mandoline Slicer While it can seem a little scary at first, a good mandolin makes slicing, dicing and grating vegetables easy and quick, all while ensuring uniform cuts and slices, for pretty plating and presentation. For more great recipes, tips and appliance news, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

Mistakes You Might Be Making with Your Air Fryer

Posted on April 10, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Kitchen, ProductsTagged air fryer, cooking at home, kitchen appliances, kitchen gadgets

Have you been using your Air fryer a lot more lately? Then you know it’s an easy and more convenient way to get delicious meals on the table quickly. Cooking with this miracle kitchen gadget is a game-changing experience. The possibilities are endless when you cook with an Air fryer – so to make the most of this amazingly versatile kitchen tool, we’ve put a list of common mistakes people make with their Airfryer. Mistake # 1 Not Preheating the Air Fryer Like your oven the air fryer needs to be hot in order to properly cook the food. Placing food in the air fryer while it’s still cold might not yield the best results for your recipes. Even if the recipe doesn’t mention it, we recommend to turn the air fryer on 5-10 minutes before you add your food. It heats up pretty fast so it won’t take long for it to reach the perfect temperature. Mistake # 2 Too Much Food in the Basket It can be tempting to over crowd the basket since most air fryers are small but don’t. Your air fryer needs space for air to flow around it. There’s enough room to comfortably fit two- four servings of food depending on the size of the machine. Rather cook in smaller batches for faster, better results. Mistake # 3 Not Using the Right Amount of Oil The name air fryer might be misleading because you do actually need more than just air to cook in the air fryer. You don’t want too much or too little oil though. Using just enough oil will help your food crisp up. 1-2 teaspoons of oil is all you need for most items. Even if you’re avoiding added fats in your diet, you can spritz the food with some non-stick cooking spray to coat your food ( but don’t spray the basket directly). Check recipe instructions for more exact measurements. Mistake # 4 Cutting vegetables too small Beware of small pieces of food falling through the basket holes and then burning. To avoid this from happening it’s best to cut ¼ inches wide to ensure they remain in the basket. Mistake # 5 Using wet batters A lot of deep-friend foods we love have a moist batter that don’t work well in the air fryer because there isn’t enough hot oil to set the batter like in a vat of hot oil. To avoid a sloppy mess when wet batter sinks through the basket holes adapt your recipes or use recipes that require a thick coating instead. Mistake # 6 You don’t clean it often A number of problems can arise from not cleaning your air fryer after each use. You’re risking food contamination, crumbs left behind or leftover oil residue can burn and cause smoke, posing a fire hazard. Be diligent about hand washing the air fryer basket, bottom tray and drawer with warm soapy water after every use. Mistake # 7 You don’t flip your food You can’t set it and forget it- the air fryer does require some attending. To make sure your food cooks to your desired perfection make sure to check on it. Flip your proteins halfway through while they’re still cooking to ensure the dish is evenly cooked. You will also want to move your veggies around periodically when cooking them in the air fryer.

How To Clean Stainless Steel Appliances the Natural Way

Posted on April 7, 2020October 14, 2020Posted in Appliances 101, Home, KitchenTagged clean, refresh your home for spring, spring, stainless steelNo Comments

Instructions Check the manual: Before you clean a stainless steel appliance, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Gather your supplies: Cleaning is easier when you have all of your supplies together and ready to go. Determine the direction the grain: Like wood, Stainless steel also has a grain. Look closely. It will either be running horizontally or vertically. To clean your stainless steel, rub in the direction of that grain. To get your stainless steel appliances and fixtures sparkling clean here are some great DIY stainless steel cleaner recipes you can make at home. Try vinegar: Wet a soft cloth (microfiber works best) with a diluted solution of 2 parts water to 1 part of vinegar. Wipe the entire surface from top to bottom, in a clockwise motion. Follow with a dry cloth to wipe the area until completely dry. Polish with Olive Oil: To prevent smudges and fingerprints use olive oil. Apply a few drops of olive oil on a soft microfiber cloth. Wipe your stainless steel appliances in the direction of the grain. A Baking Soda Scrub: Stainless steel pots and pans or countertops typically need a bit more attention. Make a soft paste out of baking soda and water and apply to the stain, allowing it to sit for about 20 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a cloth dampened in a solution of water and dish soap. It’s important to use a soft cloth and work parallel with the grain to avoid scratches. Be sure to fully rinse and dry. Add Shine with Coconut Oil: A small amount of coconut oil will give your stainless steel a nice shine. Use a soft cloth to buff. The Steam Clean: To sterilize stainless steel, you can also use a steam cleaner with a nozzle attachment. The steam will disinfect the surface, which can then be wiped dry with a soft cloth. Stainless steel can scratch easily so avoid using a brush attachment or any stiff cleaning tools. For more recipes, ideas and inspiration follow our Facebook page For product information visit our website