Ranges and Cooktops
Blue Star Announces Winner of Kitchen Design Competition
BlueStar® announced that Heidi Piron, of Heidi Piron Design & Cabinetry, Summit, New Jersey, took the top prize in its first-ever Kitchen Design Competition. Acclaimed designer Eric Cohler, the lead judge for the contest, made the announcement live from the BlueStar exhibit space at the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York City.
While the judges applauded all finalists for their thoughtful designs and creative use of BlueStar appliances in multiple colors and metal trims, Piron’s entry, dubbed ‘Star Attraction,’ edged out in front through its thoughtful display of a gorgeous custom hood, the jewel in the crown, and its smart use of space and appliances.
“The winning design reflects an industrial style which is trending now, with the classic blending of black and white,” said Cohler. “Being a neutral, black is never not in style, but it is enjoying a rebirth, especially matte black in the kitchen. It is extremely versatile, so that it can be incredibly dramatic or serve as an accent against a white palette – another neutral that is in vogue now as well.”
BlueStar’s rugged good looks and power fit perfectly with the industrial kitchen style, marrying design and performance seamlessly. BlueStar’s matte black appliances – as well as its 750+ other color options – blend well within a commercially styled space, especially when outfitted with metal finishes in stainless, burnished brass or copper.
The contest, which attracted entries from across the country, honors design professionals who incorporate BlueStar products into innovative, beautiful kitchen designs. The Grand Prize winner receives BlueStar appliances for his/her home kitchen plus a trip to the Architectural Digest Home Design Show. In addition to Cohler, the judging panel included four industry professionals – Amanda Nisbet, Brett Beldock, Ken Kelly and Grace Kelly.
The winning kitchen design was built around the BlueStar gas range. The matte black of the range recurs in the beverage area, which features a backsplash in a shimmery bronze tile that sets a festive mood. The custom range hood was powder coated matte black to match the range.
From a design perspective, the range and hood combination is the star attraction of the kitchen. Oversize white subway tile with gray grout to the ceiling add to the drama of the curved range hood that is slightly larger than the range. Everything is within close reach of the range—the adjacent spice drawer, the pullout drawers for the pots and pans, and the four-seater island to serve family and guests. Built into the back of the island is another unique design element of the kitchen: the seven-inch thick butcher’s block made of natural walnut, set on a walnut furniture base cabinet. “This allows the chef of the house to face his audience as he chops without ever having to grab a cutting board,” explained Piron. The countertop is a leathered quartzite in a light gray that is durable and low maintenance. The black matte recurs in the beverage area, which features a backsplash in a shimmery bronze tile that sets a festive mood.
The 2017 competition is open for entries from March 21, 2016 through January 31, 2017. The kitchen design entry can be any style kitchen. A minimum of one BlueStar cooking appliance as the primary cooking appliance is required. Ranges, rangetops, ovens and cooktops meet this requirement. Official rules and entry criteria can be found at www.bluestarcooking.com/designcontest.
Wolf Appliance, Inc. Couples Sleek Design with Powerful Performance in New Induction Range
Wolf Appliance, Inc. introduced its first ever induction range at the Architectural Digest Design Show 2016 in New York City. Available to consumers this fall, the new induction range combines the sleek design and efficient performance of induction with the precise control and power of the iconic Wolf dual convection range.
“Homeowners are becoming more interested in induction technology and until now haven’t had the option to combine it with the power and precision of the dual convection range,” said Brian Jones, Director of Marketing for Sub-Zero and Wolf. “We created this product as a direct response to the feedback we’re receiving from designers and homeowners, and this launch further underscores Wolf’s commitment to offering an even wider range of quality cooking equipment in more design options.”
The Wolf Induction Range
Induction cooking harnesses the power of magnets, generating heat directly in the cooking vessel rather than the cooktop, to create a precise and efficient control of heat. Increased temperature response means lightning-fast high heat, super-low melts and simmers, and quick recovery. Foods like sauces and melted chocolate can be held at a simmer for hours without scorching. Additional benefits of induction:
- Pan-sensing technology ensures almost no heat is wasted during cooking because energy is supplied only to the cooking vessel.
- Electromagnetic fields heat only induction-compatible cookware so the cooktop stays relatively cool to the touch.
- Induction cooktops are easier to clean because spills and splatters won’t burn on and adhere to the surface.
The range also features the signature Wolf dual convection oven cavity with two convection fans that saturate and circulate heat to ensure that food is cooked evenly without hot and cool spots, regardless of its placement within the oven, allowing multi-rack cooking with no rotation necessary. The dual convection oven also features 10 cooking modes that provide home cooks with the ideal cooking environments for everything from Cornish hens to cherry pie to roasted vegetables. The 10 modes are Bake, Roast, Broil, Convection, Convection Bake, Convection Roast, Convection Broil, Bake Stone, Proof and Dehydrate.
The induction range will be available in 30-inch and 36-inch widths—the 36-inch Wolf induction range is an industry first. Both sizes will include a sleek black glass cooking surface topside, choice of iconic red, black, or brushed stainless steel knobs, and are available in professional or transitional styles, thus signifying another landmark–the first time Wolf has offered a transitional option for its iconic range. For preliminary product details and more information, click here.
Verona Classic Professional Range Now Available in All Electric
The range is fully equipped with a multi-function European convection oven that is easily programmed with the digital clock and timer, delivering the ultimate in professional performance. The multi-function convection oven provides seven cooking modes including three baking modes (Bake, Fan Oven, Convection Bake); three radiant modes (Broil, Convection Broil, Dual Broil) and a Defrost mode.- Programmable Digital Clock and Timer
- Multi Function European Convection Oven
- One Glide Rack and one Pullout Rack
- Easy-Clean Porcelain Oven Surface
- Full width storage compartment
- Plinth legs with an optional wrap-around toe kick
- Closed door broil
- Suggested retail price starts at $3849
Jenn-Air Sponsored Chef Gala Raises $1.25 Million for Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, partnered with luxury appliance maker Jenn-Air to host a unique dinner in Los Angeles that raised more than $1.25 million for the organization. Using Jenn-Air ranges and cooking tableside, 100 top chefs created signature four-course meals for individual guest tables at this inaugural event, held on October 8 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Hosted by late night comedian Conan O’Brien and featuring a performance by musical guest P!nk, the event drew a Who’s Who of Hollywood to honor Autism Speaks Co-Founders Suzanne and Bob Wright and commemorate the organization’s 10th anniversary. Similar chef galas in New York have raised nearly $8 million for the research, awareness and advocacy initiatives of Autism Speaks.
As exclusive appliance sponsor, Jenn-Air provided nearly 50 ranges and a suite of kitchen appliances as an auction prize for the event. Also included in the prize is dinner for eight prepared in the top bidder’s home by Chef Antonia Lofaso, winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Season 4 and chef/owner of Scopa Italian Roots. Funds from this and other auction items have been designated for such Autism Speaks initiatives as summer camp for kids with autism, the genome research program known as MSSNG, and providing iPads to individuals who struggle to communicate.
“Autism touches all of us, whether personally or societally,” notes Brian Maynard, Jenn-Air Marketing Director and auctioneer of the evening’s culinary prize. “As a brand committed to making chef-worthy appliances and giving back, this was a natural fit for Jenn-Air.”
In addition to Lofaso, participating chefs included Art Smith, Table Fifty-Two; Ben Ford, Ford’s Filling Station; Brian Malarkey, Herringbone; Govind Armstrong, Post & Beam; Jet Tila, Food Network; Joachim Splichal, Patina; Josiah Citrin, Melisse; Mary Sue Milliken, Border Grill; Michael Voltaggio, Ink.; Nancy Silverton, Osteria Mozza; Neal Fraser, Redbird and many others. Collectively, they have earned James Beard awards, Best New Chef titles and rave reviews from diners in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Chicago, Denver and points in between.
LG Electronics Launches New LG Studio Line of Premium Kitchen Appliances
LG Electronics USA today announced the nationwide retail availability of the latest additions to its LG Studio premium kitchen appliance suite.
The new Nate Berkus-inspired line of LG Studio appliances includes a counter-depth refrigerator, gas and electric slide-in ranges and an over-the-range microwave, all featuring a distinctive style palette aimed to complement any high-end kitchen design.
Renowned interior designer and LG Studio Artistic Advisor Nate Berkus advised on the design of the kitchen appliances, ensuring they embody a pro-style, sophisticated design. Berkus’ influence can be felt throughout the 2015 LG Studio line-up and is exhibited in the appliances’ premium, flat door design; beautiful and functional LED lighting; pro-style metal knobs, handles and control panels; and a premium, horizontally-brushed stainless steel finish.
“I’ve always believed that every kitchen should incorporate timeless elements that will make for a beautiful, well-functioning kitchen for years to come,” said Berkus. “The carefully crafted elements of the new LG Studio line that I advised on were developed with this in mind. From the sleek, flat-door design of the new refrigerator to the more distinctive, detailed elements and finishes of the ranges and microwave, these products are the perfect marriage of high function and high design that will deliver big for homeowners each and every day.”
Complementing Berkus’ design philosophy and evident in the new LG Studio suite of appliances are technological advances that bring a new level of convenience and functionality to the modern, premium kitchen:
- LG Studio Slide-in Ranges. These large-capacity pro-style slide-in ranges – available in both gas and electric configurations – feature flat-design control panels and robust, durable metal knobs. SmoothTouch™ glass controls allow the adjustment of settings with the touch of a finger. With a depth in line with any kitchen countertop, the ranges provide a streamlined, custom appearance reflective of a more pro-style, timeless feel. These units include LG’s ProBake™ Convection technology that delivers even cooking results on every rack. Inspired by professional ranges, LG moved the heating element from the bottom of the oven to the back wall to achieve optimal heating distribution and consistent browning on the top and bottom of every dish, from savory dinners to delectable desserts. The ranges also feature EasyClean®, the 10-minute, fastest oven cleaning feature on the market that offers easier, more convenient cleaning thanks to LG’s innovative oven enamel technology. The technology works in three simple steps: users simply spray water to the interior walls of the oven, start the EasyClean function to allow the oven to heat up, and after 10 quick minutes, the mess inside the wall can simply be wiped away. The simplified process is a result of LG’s innovative oven enamel technology, eliminating the need for chemicals of high heat to rid the oven of grime.
- LG Studio Counter-Depth Refrigerator. This three-door, 23.5-cubic-foot French Door refrigerator features a sleek flat door design, water dispenser with premium stainless steel finish, LED lighting and solid, distinctive door handles – all meticulously designed to enhance any kitchen décor. The unit’s cabinet-depth styling also ensures it can stand flush with any countertop for a sleek, seamless built-in look. LG’s flagship Door-in-Door® technology on this ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerator provides better organization and easy access to consumers’ favorite items. The refrigerator also includes LG’s Slim SpacePlus® Ice system, a streamlined ice-making system inside the door that allows users to still have usable door bins and an obstruction-free top shelf, further maximizing storage space. This model also features LG’s Smart Cooling Plus technology, which is designed to maintain optimal temperature conditions within the refrigerator. LG’s highly efficient Linear Compressor and Dual Evaporators react quickly to humidity and temperature levels to maintain foods’ freshness.
- LG Studio Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This premium over-the-range microwave features a sleek flat door design, metal dial knob, glass touch controls, distinctive handles and a stainless steel finish. The unit is equipped with convection technology, which allows the microwave to serve as a second oven perfect for baking and roasting any favorite dish.
“The LG Studio line marries LG’s flagship technological advancements with a sophisticated, integrated design that inspires innovation in the heart of the home,” said David VanderWaal, Vice President of Marketing, LG Electronics USA. “The new Nate-inspired appliances are crafted from the highest-quality, premium materials and incorporate thoughtful, innovative features for a kitchen homeowners are proud to own, use and show off.”
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