I’m officially off to Madison, Wisconsin – the headquarters of SubZero-Wolf. The powerhouse kitchen appliance company has long been known for it’s reputation of manufacturing refrigeration and cooking appliances that last for generations!

This isn’t my first time traveling to Sub-Zero Wolf but I will love seeing their new product launches coming down the pipeline as I return on behalf of Freshome.

All images via: Sub-Zero Wolf photo gallery

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Here’s the details:

When: September 24th – 25th 2013

What: Sub-Zero/Wolf New Generation Media Event

Where: Madison, Wisconsin – Headquarters for Sub-Zero-Wolf

The brands are embarking on the biggest product rollout in company history, launching everything from advanced integrated refrigeration and new design styles for Wolf to new cooktops and an all-new built-in coffee system. We’ll be bringing a select group together to give them an in-depth look at all the new product as well as time with company leadership and design engineers.

Stay close and follow Stagetecture on Facebook & Twitter where I will share the latest from Sub-Zero/Wolf and I will tag @Freshome for everyone to follow along to hear about the latest products and innovation being launched by Sub-Zero/Wolf!

Stay close, I will take you along with me!

For the past Sub-Zero/Wolf events on Stagetecture, click here.

It’s always exciting to come face-to-face with the home brands that grace our home’s everyday. Sub-Zero refrigerators and Wolf cooktops have been know for their superior quality, craftsmanship and longevity for years. If you’ve been with Stagetecture for awhile you’ll remember back in Sep. 2010 when I traveled to Madison, Wisconsin for the Sub-Zero /Wolf Designer’s Tour Event for Freshome.com.

Image via: Sub-Zero Wolf

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Three years later – I return back to Madison for their Sub-Zero/Wolf media event on behalf of Freshome and I can’t wait!

Here’s the details:

When: September 24th – 25th 2013

What: Sub-Zero/Wolf New Generation Media Event

Where: Madison, Wisconsin – Headquarters for Sub-Zero-Wolf

Image via: Sub-Zero Wolf

The brands are embarking on the biggest product rollout in company history, launching everything from advanced integrated refrigeration and new design styles for Wolf to new cooktops and an all-new built-in coffee system. We’ll be bringing a select group together to give them an in-depth look at all the new product as well as time with company leadership and design engineers.

Stay close and follow Stagetecture on Facebook & Twitter where I will share the latest from Sub-Zero/Wolf and I will tag @Freshome for everyone to follow along to hear about the latest products and innovation being launched by Sub-Zero/Wolf!

Stay close – Sept. 24th – 25th!

For the past Sub-Zero/Wolf events on Stagetecture, click here.

Your fridge freezer is an essential appliance required to keep your produce chilled, frozen, and stop items from going off. However, while these appliances are essential, they can also be very costly to purchase. With this in mind, once you have purchased your fridge freezer, you need to make sure you take proper care of it, to minimise problems and keep it running efficiently.

There are many different makes and models of fridge freezers you can choose from, including leading brands. However, no matter which make or model you opt for, you need to take into consideration some basic maintenance steps to ensure that the appliance remains in good working order and continues to run with efficiency.

Image via: Barton Woodworks

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Five tips to caring for your fridge freezer
There are a number of simple yet important steps that you need to take in order to take proper care of your fridge freezer. Some of the key steps you may need to take include the following:

Take care of the door seal:

It may seem like an insignificant part of the appliance, but the door seals on your fridge freezer are hugely important in terms of keeping the appliance running properly. Without proper care and cleaning, the seal can warp, which enables cold air to escape. You can minimise on risks by keeping the seal clean. If your seal is already damaged, you can buy a replacement one for a pretty low price.

Defrost your freezer compartments:

It can save you a lot of time and hassle to opt for a frost-free freezer model. However, if you have a standard one, you need to make sure you regularly defrost the freezer compartments. Do not let the ice become any thicker than 1.5cm, otherwise your appliance will start to use more energy.

Image via: Kiyohara Moffitt

Keeping the coils clean:

The cooling coils at the back of your fridge freezer are vital in keeping the running of the appliance efficient and effective. You should vacuum these a couple of times a year in order to keep them free from dust and debris, which can ease the strain on them, thus keeping energy usage down.

Don’t overload your fridge or freezer:

It can be tempting to cram as much as you can onto the shelves of your fridge or into your freezer. However, this can put increased strain on your appliance and could lead to the cracking or breaking of shelves and compartments.

Image via: The Sky is the Limit Design

Effective placement of heavier items:

Most of us keep heavy items such as bottles of liquid in the door compartments of the fridge. Try and place these close to the end where the door hinges are, as this will mean less strain on the hinges of your fridge freezer.

With proper care and some common sense, you can get the most from your fridge freezer and minimise on the cost of repairs and replacements.

For more kitchen ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

In this modern day of everyone wanting to save money, energy and the Earth’s resources – choosing to ‘live green’ can be a challenge. When choosing kitchen appliances the ability to choose the right ones for your budget, lifestyle and energy conservation qualities can leave you feeling lost. If you are in the market for buying appliances, take a look at these tips to guide you. While, every household is different, these tips will guide you in make an informed decision about which green appliances are right for your home and family.

Image via: JK and Sons

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Determine your budget:

Before you even set foot into a home appliance store, determine what your budget is before you get excited about the ‘whistles and bells’ of amenities on new appliances. Similar to car buying, there is a model to match every price point, and you need to know yours before you get started. Remember, green kitchen appliances are ones that use less water, less energy, run on cleaner methods than your traditional appliances will naturally be more expensive. Weigh the life cycle costs over time to determine if the higher price point is worth it.

Choosing the right refrigerator/freezer:

 Saving energy, longer food preservation, colder compartments, and maximum indoor space without sacrificing outside space in your kitchen are the top considerations when choosing a fridge freezer. Also, measure out how much space you have – width, height, and depth in your kitchen, and assure the proper direction of door swing needed. You will want your door swing to not impede on circulation space or opening into an adjacent doorway  – while also remembering ease of going in and out while occupying the kitchen.

Image via: Kitchens Bath Unlimited

Understand your family lifestyle:

When looking for the perfect refrigerator/freezer, determine how often your family uses the appliance. Do you have small children or teenagers that need access too? Are you an avid cook who needs specialized areas for certain foods, or are you a wine connoisseur and need a separate wine cooler other than the main refrigerator? These tips will help you determine if what type of green appliance is perfect for you.  If you are a United States homeowner consider looking at the Energy Star or yellow sticker that accompanies many appliances to see the projected cost of using the appliance per year.

Your kitchen can benefit from the use of a green kitchen refrigerator or freezer. Use these helpful tips before choosing your next appliance and reap the benefits of doing your homework before you get into the store!

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

There was a time when the gramophone was a luxury, then came the invention of the telephone, television, and so forth. Over time, people started opting for these gadgets, majorly because of the convenience and handiness it offered. Today, gadgets and high tech appliances are a part of everyday life. We are so fond of these gadgets that we carry them around almost everywhere we go. These gadgets no longer appear as expensive but a necessity for ease of use and carrying out mundane tasks within minimal time. In case of home appliances, the innovative inventions have successfully improved lifestyle and resolution of mundane issues that would otherwise need a help or you need to get it done by yourself. Some best-known advanced technologies are already gracing many homes, given below are some advanced technologies that can add luxury to your homes:

Image via: Hgtv

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Wine Ager and Refrigerator:

Do you yearn for aged wine? Is the wait killing you? It is a known fact that the older the wine the better it tastes. To cater to this need there is a new age refrigerator as well as wine ager that comes handy when you are out of old wine. Designed by Mika Yamamoto this contraption is devised on the principle of magnetocaloric effect  i.e. the material are heated when magnetized and cooled down when they are out of the magnetic field.

Light Control Kit:

You might have used the automatic light conservation devices that help in cutting down on electric consumption by detecting movement. An upgraded version to this is the INSTEON light control kit that works as an app on your smartphone. By using this app, you can remotely check whether your electric equipment is on and monitor it from time to time.

Lamp:

You no longer have to worry about your electricity bills, at ease in case of your lights. A new invention called the WAT Lamp can generate light after being fueled with water. Yes, you read it right, that opaque drinkable solution can actually fuel your lights. Strange but true, this lamp works in unison with a hydroelectric battery for generating an electrochemical reaction, which works as light.

Image via: John Lewis

Vacuum cleaner:

Your help might be cleaning up, vacuuming and scrubbing your floor. It is quite a strenuous job and doing it in absence of the help would send your back for a toss. In times such as these, you can opt for the Roomba robot vacuum that serves as an ideal help who would vacuum, brush as well as squeeze away all the dirt off your floor within no time.

Alarm clock:

The final item on our advanced technology list will wake you up and wake you up it will. The IQ Alarm clock would not take your snooze for an answer as it has a button that goes on to question your IQ. The type of questions, which will greet you each morning, will surely wake you at a faster rate compared to your run-of-the-mill alarm clocks.

Jacob Seeley is a manager at coolflexmattresses.co.uk – The online retailers of memory foam mattresses. We offer a wide range of mattresses whether you are looking for a double, single or kingsize.

For more home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Located within the confines of our home there are numerous appliances which rely on a constant supply of energy to work. From fridges and freezers to dishwashers and cookers, our homes are a hive of activity.

Often consuming large amounts of energy, many households find that their monthly bills are difficult to manage – especially considering the current economic difficulties. To save money on these bills and other associated expenses there are many things which the average consumer can do – but what about when it comes to disposing of your fridge?

Image via: The Kitchn

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Dangerous chemicals

One of the main problems encountered when disposing of items such as fridges and freezers is related to dangerous chemicals. These appliances contain a dangerous cocktail of gasses and substances and this means that they must be disposed of in a specific way.

Releasing these chemicals is not only dangerous for you but it can also negatively impact the environment.

Disposing of your appliance safely is therefore a priority and there are three main ways to do it.

1. Have it collected

Most retailers offer a collection service on appliances such as fridges and these may even be offered free of charge. Whenever you purchase a new appliance, always ask about this option.

Not only is it more convenient to have the item collected from your home but it also means that you do not have to struggle with such a large and potentially weighty item. It also ensures that the item is disposed of correctly and re-used where possible, thus protecting the environment.

2. Recycle it

If you prefer to dispose of the item yourself or cannot find a collection service then make sure you take it to your local recycling plant. Make sure that they accept this sort of appliance beforehand and ensure you transport it there in a safe manner.

Never simply dispose of these items in a landfill site as this could have numerous impacts on the environment – none of which are positive.

Image via: Paris 2 London.Tumblr

3. Fix it

Another eco-friendly way of disposing of your fridge is to not dispose of it at all. Instead, see if the damage can be repaired and find someone who can fix fridge instead.

Not only does this generate less waste than buying a new appliance but it also saves you money. This means that both your finances and the environment are protected – making it the perfect option for all consumers.

Stacey Forester is a regular blogger and environmentally conscious consumer. Responding to the current focus on reducing waste, Stacy offers advice on how to make your home more eco-friendly. Her blog looks at how to go ‘green’ when you need to dispose or fix fridge and other appliances.

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

You’ll likely pay a pretty penny for many of the kitchen appliances on this list, but don’t let that stop you from creating the kitchen of your dreams.  If you are willing to spend the money on remodeling your kitchen cabinets or countertops, you’d almost be foolish not to take a look at some of these tantalizing appliances.  Kitchens – welcome to the 21st century.

A Refrigerator to Die For

It’s just a fridge, right? Wrong. The Pro 48 from Sub-Zero is without a doubt the most top of the line refrigerator that your home can feature. You can build it right into your new kitchen design, or you can get a free-standing model and it comes with a microprocessor to regulate the interior temperature better than any other fridge on the market. It is also one of the most energy efficient models on the planet, costing just $75/year to operate. And with its auto-closing door, you never have to worry about spoiling food just because you were forgetful.  This is truly a fridge made for kings.

Heat Up Chicken Noodle Soup in Style

You may not know how to cook, but if you decide to own the Grand Palais 180 stove top, you just might be inspired to become a master chef. This stove top from La Cornue features two ovens (one electric and one gas), two hot plates, and two brass burners. Even better, you can fully customize the stove top to your liking including such additions as a Teppanyaki grill, all gas, or all electric stoves and much more. At the end of the day, your cooking might not taste better, but you will certainly look classier when preparing meals on your luxury stove top.

Microwaves for the Fanciest of the Hot Pockets

Ok, this is getting ridiculous now don’t you think? Not a chance. Every kitchen in America has a microwave and they are being used for more than just popcorn and TV dinners. The KitchenAid Architect Series II microwave oven is the most feature-packed microwave you could possibly imagine. The microwave features built-in convection cooking which gets your food ready even faster (I know right?). The smart microwave is amazing at estimating reheat and defrost times which means your leftover pizza or frozen meatloaf will be ready for consumption with minimal effort on your part. The microwave even has a built in sensor for steaming vegetables. It shuts the microwave oven off at precisely the right time for perfectly steamed veggies. You won’t even have to lift a finger to prepare amazing meals anymore and isn’t that worth every penny?

Get Your Dishes Sparkling Clean after Every Meal

We all know the complaints about dishwashers. They are too loud, they don’t clean everything, they leave streaks/spots on my crystal.  What if I told you that there was a dishwasher out there that could eliminate every one of the issues we just listed – would you be interested?  Let me introduce you to the Miele LaPerla II Dishwasher. It has a custom water filtration system that assures that only the cleanest, most refined water washes over your dirty plates and forks. It runs almost noiselessly, meaning you never have to wonder if someone is breaking into your house every time the rinse cycle starts. It holds more dishes than standard dishwashers, and comes with an almost unheard of 16 wash and rinse cycles. This dishwasher is so good, you will probably be tempted to run it before it is ready for a full load, but have no fear – it’s water saving technology means that you won’t have to spend inordinate amounts of cash every time you wash your dishes – it practically pays for itself.

Citations:

• By Pbroks13 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

 Aaron Garcia is a homeowner who has been through more than a couple kitchen remodels in his day.  He knows the frustrations associated with pulling off a seamless project which is why he recommends working with a professional kitchen cabinet company whenever taking on a remodeling project.  

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Yesterday was day 2 of the Sub-Zero/Wolf Designer Training here in Madison, Wisconsin.  Let me begin by saying that the day was so incredibly fact filled, senses overload, opportunity of a lifetime experience type of day. It was one of those experiences that I continually throughout the day said to myself, “Is this really happening?”

Guests of the center are welcomed by Dale Chihuly glass chandeliers hung from the atrium ceiling.

If you provide a quality unit to your customers, you’ll always have customers”

Westye F. Bakke

The day started off with an incredible breakfast by corporate chef, Eric Rupert. The smell of fresh bacon graced our noses as we walked into the Bakke center and the beautiful architectural and interior design made for a wonderful way to start our day.

After breakfast we learned about Sub-Zero products and took a tour of the manufacturing plant.  What impressed me the most in the manufacturing plant was the cleanliness and the extreme automation that made each step of the process look like it runs like a quality oiled machine.  From the sheet metal being rolled out, to the finished refrigerator stored in a box, we saw every step it takes to make a quality driven and quality assured Sub-Zero product.

We later learned about Westye F. Bakke, a man who only made it through the eighth grade, but had the drive to learn and would later invent the first dual refrigeration refrigerator that could keep its temperature below freezing, thus the name ‘Sub-Zero.’

We saw a beautiful museum and presentation that outlined Westye F. Bakke and his family tradition for bringing the Sub-Zero product to fruition.

The white refrigerator below we are told still has the ability to keep cold!

We later had a tour of the Bakke center.

“The Bakke Center is an opportunity to experience our brands come to life, combining the best in food preservation and the best in cooking equipment,” said Michele Bedard, director of marketing for Sub-Zero and Wolf. “Everyone can touch, feel, taste and smell what’s cooked on Wolf products, and experience the ease of use of our products.”

The tour was very memorable, from the beautifully appointed demonstration kitchens to the designer commissioned dining rooms. It was if all of our senses were being engaged at the Bakke Center.

Sub-Zero and Wolf commissioned nationally renowned designers Jamie Drake, Bill Draper and Mick de Giulio to lend their design expertise to two demonstration kitchens, a pub and an intimate dining room, as well as a large formal dining room that can accommodate 140 people at a seated dinner.

-Press Release March 31, 2005

Here, Chef Eric makes us some delicious caramelized onion flat bread and demonstrates the Wolf products.

Lastly, in the Living Kitchen, all the Sub-Zero/Wolf products are on display to interact with.

To condense down the experience into one post doesn’t do the phenomenal Bakke Center justice.  It is an honor as an Associate Architect/Designer/Writer to appreciate the level of quality and commitment Sub-Zero/Wolf puts into their products and into their appreciation for the designers.

Today, we visit the Wolf manufacturing facility – check back tomorrow!

For more interior design ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

In a week I will be flying to Madison, Wisconsin, home of Sub-Zero/Wolf manufacturing plant and the Westye F. Bakke Training Center.  I can’t tell you when my love affair began with high end, quality kitchen appliances… it may date back to my pink Easy-Bake oven days…yep! That had to be it.  As a child I would check out architectural and interior design magazines and fantasize about living in a celebrity or professional’s home.

Today I’ll show you some kitchen inspiration to get your thoughts daydreaming.  From Sub-Zero refrigerators to Wolf stoves, imagine the possibilities!

Sub-Zero refrigeration categories:

• Built In –

  Stainless steel, Overlay or Flush inset, or Framed

• Integrated –

  Seamless integration, Refrigeration drawers, or Wine storage

Wolf cooking product features:

Ovens offer:

• Dual convection system – for uniform heating
• Full extension bottom rack

Stoves offer:

• Dual, stacked sealed burners
• Infared Elements – griddle/charbroiler
• Induction technology – boils water in amazing speed

For more information on Sub-Zero and Wolf products for your home, visit a showroom near you.  To find a showroom click here, Sub-Zero and Wolf store locator.

I look forward to visiting the Sub-Zero and Wolf next week and invite you to follow me on Twitter next week Sep-27-30 as I tweet on the road!

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For the last few weeks, I’ve been getting into the preparation mode for summer. I’ve showed you beautiful outdoor furniture from Restoration Hardware. As you get your patio ready for the warmer weather, don’t forget about your summer kitchen.

A summer kitchen can be a simple counter, and grill outside, or it can be as extravagant as your indoor kitchen.  The more elaborate kitchens have: refrigerator, grill, sink, warming station, wine chiller, and lots of counter and eating space.  Look at these beautiful images below to get your juices ready for summer!

Planning on building a summer kitchen? Make sure a plumber and electrician confirms your home can handle the loads of a summer kitchen.  Gas lines may need to be run, and a new electrical breaker box may need to be added.

Summer kitchens are becoming more popular in higher price bracket homes.  Buyer’s are starting to put a higher value on entertaining, especially outdoors!

Do you have any summer kitchen inspiration photos you want to share? Leave us a comment, and we’ll share them.