Cooktop - Is it Electric or Gas?

Gas or electric? When it comes to cooktops, home cooks have been asking this question for years and with so many options on the market today, how do you know which one is right for your lifestyle? Each option has distinct benefits so it's important to pick the one that meets your needs and cooking habits. 

The first step when shopping for a cooktop is to decide what type of power source you need, or in the case of a brand new kitchen, want. Design and cooking performance are also key factors. The experts at the Whirlpool Institute of Kitchen Science offer the following tips to help you choose:

Sleek & Easy-to-Clean Electric cooktops have a smooth, sleek surface that are easy to clean because food and grease can't get trapped in the grates covering the burners and crevices found on gas cooktops. The new Whirlpool Gold^® eco-friendly Scott Ceran^® Electric cooktop is easy to clean and withstands intense heat without cracking or chipping.

Are you a cook who likes to braise meat, melt butter or simmer sauces? Electric cooktops tend to heat up faster and cook better on low heat, for example the Whirlpool Gold^® Built-In Electric cooktop offers an AccuSimmer^® Plus element, which provides more cooking control.

Do you have a large family and wind up cooking a variety of dishes at once? Electric cooktops can provide more cooking flexibility by allowing you to make multiple dishes at the same time. Whether it is simmering, frying, searing or melting you can do it all on an electric cooktop.

Continuous Grates – If you decide to go with gas, look for continuous grates. Continuous grates allow you to slide those heavy pots and pans from one burner to another.  The cast-iron, matte-finish grates on the Whirlpool Gold^® Built-In Gas cooktop cover the whole cooking surface, giving you the flexibility to place pots and pans anywhere on the cooktop. The grates are also dishwasher safe making them very easy to clean.

Do you like to grill, but don't always want to venture outside? The new Whirlpool Gold^® Built-In Gas cooktop offers an oval shaped burner to make room for large grill pans.

Look for Sealed Burners. This will make clean-up on your gas cooktop easier by preventing food from dropping down into the burner. It will also create a more even, stable flame for efficient cooking.

Once you've decided on the right option for your kitchen, keeping these kitchen workhorses clean can also be a challenge. Although many cooktops offer dishwasher safe grills, scratch and fingerprint resistant finishes and spill-resistant burners, cooktops are dripped on and slopped over on a daily basis. Here are some helpful tips to keep your cooktop in top-top shape:

• To clean the control panel, spray a glass cleaner on a soft cloth or sponge – do not spray directly on the panel.
• To clean the control knobs, turn them to off and pull straight away from the control panel. Wash, rinse and dry thoroughly – do not soak the knobs or place them in a dishwasher.
• For stainless steel surfaces, if you don't have stainless steel cleaner and polish on hand, a simple liquid detergent or all-purpose cleaner will do the trick. Use a lint-free cloth to dry.
• Remember to clean food spills containing acids, such as vinegar and tomato, as soon as the cooktop is cool as these spills may affect the finish.
• Be sure to check your Use & Care guide for tips on how to best clean your particular cooktop. For example, you will need a cooktop polishing cream on ceramic glass cooktops to maintain the surface and help prevent scratches, pitting and abrasions. 

Source: Whirlpool 

Whirlpool Receives #1 at Ellen DeGeneres' Laundry List

Who knows more about the extra laundry that comes with a new baby than the company that has been making washers and dryers for close to 100 years?  In honor of Whirlpool Corporation's 100th anniversary, the company's flagship brand joined forces with Lowe's for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to celebrate Mother's Day by gifting her soon-to-be-mom audience with new Whirlpool® Cabrio® high-efficiency (HE) washers and dryers.   

As with all of Ellen's annual Mothers' Day Shows, the party does not end there. Lowe's will provide the moms with in-home delivery and installation of the laundry pairs.  In addition, tune in Monday for some more family surprises where Whirlpool and Ellen will make yet another mom's day.  

"For 100 years, Whirlpool has been driven by the belief that everyone needs a comfortable place to call home. What better way to celebrate this legacy, and honor and support moms than by partnering with 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' and Lowe's to make Mother's Day extra special?" said Thomas Hassett, marketing director, Whirlpool brand. "With a constant focus on moms' needs and providing solutions for busy families, this washer and dryer will make daily chores just a little bit easier."

"We are thrilled to be able to join with Whirlpool to provide these new Mom's with the latest in innovation in laundry," said Craig Webber, vice president of merchandising for appliances. "The Lowe's installation will provide a seamless transition to their new laundry pair allowing them to wash and dry all the new little clothes."

No other manufacturer offers more high-efficiency (HE) and ENERGY STAR® qualified washers than Whirlpool Corporation and Lowe's has more ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances in-stock than any other national retailer. The Cabrio top-load washer and dryer features a variety of intuitive technologies that can wash and dry three baskets of laundry in a single load while saving more than $3,100 in combined lifetime water and energy costs.*

With nearly 100 years of practice, Whirlpool Corporation knows a thing or two about household chores. More importantly, the company understands how hard moms work to care for their families. This expertise led to the creation of the Institute of Fabric Science, and the newly launched Institute of Kitchen Science, which are informational hubs for everything laundry and kitchen.  Additionally, the institutes offer daily tips, tricks and advice via Twitter (@WIFS and @KitchenSci). For more information on Whirlpool brand please visit www.whirlpool.com or www.facebook.com/whirlpool.

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" premiered on September 8, 2003 and was the highest-rated freshman syndicated show of the 2003-2004 season. The show has now earned an impressive total of 31 Daytime Emmy Awards. Originating from Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" is produced by A Very Good Production and WAD Productions, Inc. in association with Telepictures Productions, an industry leading and Emmy award-winning producer of syndicated programming, and is distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. 

Source: Whirlpool 

Whirlpool Brand Helps Make Cooking More Accessible to Homeowners for PWDs

Whirlpool brand is helping make cooking more accessible and for all homeowners with the introduction of two ADA-compliant* (American with Disabilities Act) ranges. The Whirlpool® 30-inch drop-in self-cleaning ranges meet accessibility guidelines established by the ADA to make daily activities easier for those with limited mobility 

"With Baby Boomers approaching retirement age, it has become increasingly important for builders and remodelers to furnish homes with appliances and controls that are easily accessible for all, without sacrificing aesthetics," said Terri Connett, senior manager contract marketing and design, Whirlpool Corporation. "Whirlpool brand's new ADA-compliant ranges are an excellent addition to our existing line of ADA-compliant appliances, which not only support seniors, but anyone with limited mobility."

The electric ceramic glass model features a cooktop with two 6-inch and two 6-inch/9-inch radiant elements, while the electric coil cooktop has two 6-inch and two 8-inch coil elements. Both cooktops accommodate pots and pans of varying sizes and feature 4.5 cubic feet of capacity and the AccuBake® temperature management system, which surrounds food with even temperatures for consistent results every time. Each range also features the Delay Bake and Delay Clean functions, which allow pre-programmable baking and cleaning.

With more than 150 ADA-compliant Whirlpool brand appliances to choose from, homeowners have several options at their fingertips for an accessible kitchen.

Prime examples of these ADA-compliant appliances include: appliances that have handles, buttons and graphics located on the front, positioned closer to the user; appliances with labeling that is 48 percent larger for easier visibility; ovens with large windows; and drawer dishwashers. 

Source: Whirlpool 

Whirlpool Wins Campaign Wins Bronze Anvil Award

Whirlpool brand, flagship of global appliance manufacturer, Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), has been recognized by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for superior performance in the area of media relations. The coveted 2011 Bronze Anvil Award was awarded in the Media Relations - Consumer Products category based on a year-long media relations campaign around the launch of its Vantage laundry pair. The campaign was executed in partnership with Whirlpool PR agency of record, Peppercom.

The key objectives for the launch were: drive pre-launch buzz with top-tier media coverage; demonstrate industry leadership; engage influencers and communicate key brand pillars. To generate interest and sustain steady news coverage throughout 2010, the team developed an outreach/engagement calendar that included trade shows, seasonal and research-driven pitches and strategic media events. The team's multi-faceted approach yielded more than 400 media placements reaching a combined audience of more than 150 million.  

"The Bronze Anvil Award is a coveted industry recognition that celebrates the expertise, creativity and effective communications that shine the brightest in the PR industry," said Monica Teague, senior manager, PR & Brand Experience. "The combination of industry-leading innovation in Vantage laundry with a strategic and creative approach to media relations resulted in an award-winning campaign for Whirlpool brand."

The Bronze Anvil Award was created by PRSA in 1969 to recognize outstanding public relations tactics — the individual items or components that contribute to the success of an overall program or campaign. Bronze Anvil Awards are possible in 65 categories and subcategories, including Media Relations, Newsletters, Web Sites, Feature Stories, Press/Media Kits, Podcasts, Word-of-Mouth and Blogs. Entries are judged by teams of PRSA members — and others who have specific category expertise — across the country. Only one Bronze Anvil Award and up to two Bronze Anvil Awards of Commendation may be earned in each category or subcategory. No Bronze Anvil is awarded in those categories where the judges feel the entries do not rise to standards set forth for the award by PRSA.

PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1bMfh)

Whirlpool brand introduces industry's largest side-by-side refrigerator

With gallons of milk, snacks, frozen foods and produce for an entire family, you need a refrigerator that can fit – and organize – it all. With many family members home from work and school and the height of the summer entertaining season upon us, Whirlpool brand introduces its newest side-by-side refrigerator - large enough to hold all of your party platters at once or enough food to feed the favorite tastes of the entire family.

The industry's largest capacity side-by-side refrigerator* can hold multiple party platters, store produce in the industry's largest crisper** and keep up to 10 gallons of milk or juice cold. Key features include:

• Storage space – The side-by-side refrigerator features the industry's largest crisper** with an extra-deep drawer design that can hold 85 medium sized apples and up to five gallon door bins that will each hold two 1-gallon containers. And with wide open doors, consumers will never have a problem housing summer party leftovers like apple pie or quenching their thirst for a cool drink on a hot day.
• Counter depth – The side-by-side refrigerator combines counter depth styling with a full capacity refrigerator allowing consumers to put the appliance virtually flush with their counters and save up to 5 ft. of kitchen space. More room to party!
• Spill Control – With so many hands in and out of the fridge, Whirlpool's MicroEdge™ spill control shelves give your fridge 25 percent extra shelf space*** and exclusive spill control to help prevent leaks.
• FreshFlow – All those leftovers can leave a funky odor. Whirlpool's FreshFlow™ air filter is 15 times more powerful than baking soda at removing common food odors by circulating air through a carbon-based filter. For optimal performance, replace your filter every six months.

"The side-by-side is great for large families who love entertaining and feeding large groups," says Clara Spaanstra, Senior Brand Manager, Whirlpool Kitchen. "With the growing trend of buying in bulk to save money, Whirlpool is committed to providing consumers all the space they need for their favorite groceries."

And don't forget, an organized fridge operates more efficiently and saves you time. The experts at the Whirlpool Institute of Kitchen Science recommend the following:  

• When in doubt, throw it out. Use the three "E" rules as your guidelines – if it's expired, empty or makes you say "ew," toss it.
• Location, location, location. Group similar items together. Keep proteins towards the bottom of the refrigerator, since this is the coldest part in the appliance. Condiments and dressings are perfect for the door, as these items can tolerate temperature changes caused by opening and closing the door.
• Save some green and the environment. Purchase reusable water bottles for family members and make use of the easy to access ice and water dispenser. You can save up to $600 per year when you change your PUR refrigerator water filter twice a year compared to buying the same amount of leading brand bottled water.

July is Whirlpool's Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter month. To celebrate, Whirlpool will be hosting a Twitter party onTuesday, July 26 from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. EDT. Use the hashtag #filterfresh to join the conversation and enter for a chance to win a brand new Whirlpool side by side refrigerator. Whirlpool brand side-by-side refrigerators are available at retailers nationwide. For more information visit www.whirlpool.com or www.facebook.com/whirlpool.

*Among freestanding side-by-side refrigerators.

**Among leading brand side-by-side refrigerators.

***Compared to Whirlpool side-by-side models without MicroEdge™ shelves.

Source: Whirlpool + PR NEWS WIRE 

Get an A+ Kitchen with Tips from Whirlpool Institute of Kitchen Science

 Ready for that first day of school?Whirlpool brand wants to help you get an A+ in the kitchen with some tips and tricks from the Whirlpool Institute of Kitchen Science, and give you a chance to win some of the latest kitchen innovations. 

To help ease the morning lunch and snack packing rush, below are the ABC's of refrigerator organization from the experts at Whirlpool brand.

1. Get Rid of Lingering Leftovers.  Just like you clean out your closets and backpacks for new clothes and school supplies, start fresh by clearing the refrigerator. Use the three "E" rules as your guidelines – if it's expired, empty or makes you say "ew," toss it.
2. Nobody Likes A Smelly Locker. Your fridge needs to be cleaned too! Take everything out of the refrigerator to get started and then wash drawers, bins, and compartments with soap and water.
3. One of These is Not like the Other.  Now use your sorting skills to group similar items together, such as proteins or dairy, and begin returning items to the refrigerator.  

To help you stay organized in the kitchen this Back-to-School season, Whirlpool brand is giving away two of their newest kitchen appliances, a new Top-Freezer refrigerator and a stylish compact microwave. One lucky Facebook winner will receive both appliances by entering at www.facebook.com/whirlpool starting on Sept. 6, 2011. "Like" us on Facebook and tell us your favorite First day of school memory and enter for a chance to win on the Sweepstakes tab!*  

What's New In The Kitchen?

Whirlpool brand recently introduced two new 21 cu. ft. top-freezer refrigerators, including one with interior water dispense to help fill your family's recyclable water bottles with fresh, filtered water. The new refrigerators also feature the FreshFlow™ Produce Preserver and FreshFlow™ air filter; patented features that can help extend the life of your produce up to 25% longer and reduce common refrigerator odors.

Beyond an organized refrigerator, streamlining your countertops can save time and add space. Whirlpool brand's sleek new compact microwave has a unique rounded back that allows it to fit into corners, making it ideal for tight spaces. And just because it's compact doesn't mean this new model can't handle the dinner rush hour – it can fit a full dinner plate thanks to a glass turntable that is larger than those in standard comparable microwaves. With an integrated handle and console, blue LED display and Tap Touch controls, this modern model is a great addition to any kitchen.

*Official rules can be found on the Sweepstakes tab.

Source: Whirlpool 

Stop Wasting Time and Water with Whirlpool's new dishwasher with both sensors and PowerScour

According to a recent Whirlpool Corporation survey conducted by Harris Interactive*, 87 percent of consumers pre-rinse their dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. This may be why 21 percent of women surveyed say doing the dishes is their least favorite chore. That's a lot of work (and water)! 

Did you know that besides wasting water and time, pre-rinsing can actually impact the cleaning process? Pre-rinsing removes dirt particles, leaving virtually nothing for detergent to cling to and confusing dishwashers' soil sensors. New models feature sensor cycles which automatically select the right wash and dry settings for your load by using two separate sensors to measure temperature, soil level and load size.

So how will those baked-on, caked-on pans and dishes get clean? Whirlpool recently introduced a new dishwasher with both sensors and PowerScour™, a feature that uses 40 targeted spray jets to scour away baked on foods and deliver twice the coverage to clean even your large pots and pans without pre-rinsing.  

In addition to saving time, skipping pre-rinsing can save up to 20 gallons of water per load according to energystar.gov. Compared to a conventional dishwasher manufactured before 2006, the new Whirlpool® dishwashers featuring the Resource Efficient wash system use nearly half the water and energy without compromising performance.  

Still not convinced? Here are a few tips from the experts at the Institute of Kitchen Science:

• Use your Dishwasher. For the 10 percent of dishwasher owners that do not use them, hand-washing dishes uses up to 23 gallons of water vs. one cycle in a dishwasher that uses 6 gallons of water or less.
• Don't pre-rinse! According to energystar.gov, pre-rinsing your dishes wastes up to 20 gallons of water, and may impact your dishwasher's ability to deliver effective cleaning.
• Clean the Filter. If your dishwasher is leaving food particles on items and not cleaning well, check the filter first. The filter needs routine cleaning as directed by the manufacturer.
• Use the Right Cycle. The Industry-Exclusive Overnight Cycle allows you to quietly soak and wash your dishes for 7 hours while optimizing water and energy usage and delivering exceptional tough soil cleaning.

For more tips on everything kitchen, visit the Institute of Kitchen Science, an informational hub that will provide you with simple tips, advice and best practices for your home. To learn more about the Whirlpool brand please visit www.whirlpool.com or on our Facebook page.

*This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Whirlpool Corporation from May 18-20, 2011, among 2,407 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.  For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact media@whirlpool.com.

Source: Whirlpool