Purcell Murray Blog

Earth Day Kicks Off California's "Cash for Appliances" Stimulus Program

2010-03-11T22:47:37Z

The federal government, through the $35.2 million in stimulus program funds, will offer generous rebates to encourage consumers to upgrade their existing, less efficient washer with a new eligible, energy-efficient model, like the new front load Vision series from Bosch.

Awarded the 2009 and recently the 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the year, Bosch Vision laundry not only qualifies for the highest level of utility rebates, but will also mean significant savings to the consumer when they open their monthly utility bills.

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To find an authorized Bosh dealer near you click here:

For complete details visit http://www.cash4appliances.org/

Plus, other appliance rebates may be available from your utility company, appliance retailer, or other entity.

Check the Flex Your Power website - www.fypower.org for rebates in your ZIP code.

Own a U-line for $25 a Year?

2010-03-11T15:44:23Z

Henry Uihlein - Founder U-line Corporation

For decades, U-Line has been the leading innovator of premium built-in, under-counter ice makers, Combo® ice maker/refrigerators, Wine Captain® wine preservation appliances, refrigerators, refrigerated drawers and refrigerator/freezers. As energy efficient appliances begin to gain popularity and slowly become the rule, rather than the exception, U-Line continues to lead the charge with its green solutions.

Their refrigerators are not only Energy Star rated, but two of its models (the Échelon 2175R and the Origins 1175R) have received the very stringent Tier 3 rating - the highest energy efficiency rating available - from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). This rating indicates that a product is 30 percent more efficient than the federal standard.
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Both of these models are 24 inches wide, with a capacity of 5.7 cubic feet, and feature automatic defrost. They differ in that the Origins 1175R has push button digital control, while the Échelon 2175R offers Touch Control Digital Technology, making it easier to set and see temperatures. Both models are available in the same colors - black, white, or stainless steel - and accept a 1/4 inch insert door panel, whereas the Échelon 2175R has an optional 3/4 inch full overlay panel. The Échelon 2175R is also deemed suitable for outdoor use by Underwriters Laboratory (UL).

In addition to the exceptional models mentioned above, U-Line offers two other ENERGY STAR rated refrigerators with a CEE Tier 1 rating: the Échelon 2115R and the Origins 29R. The Tier 1 rating requires the product to be 20 percent more efficient than the federal standard.

First, the Échelon 2115R, which is 15 inches wide, has a capacity of 3.3 cubic feet, and runs at a still impressive 304 KwHr/yr (costing a homeowner $33/yr to run), features automatic defrost and Touch Control Digital Technology, like the 2175R. It is also available in black, white, and stainless steel, and offers an optional 3/4 inch full overlay panel or the 1/4 inch insert door panel. UL has deemed this model suitable for outdoor use.

Next in line is the Origins 29R running at 312 KwHr/yr. This will cost the homeowner $34/yr. Wider than the Échelon 2115R, at 21 inches, the 29R has a capacity of 3.5 cubic feet. The unit has automatic defrost and a mechanical dial control, and is available in black and white, with a 1/4 inch insert door panel.

U-Line also has an energy efficient ice maker: the Échelon BI-2115. This unit, which is available in black, white, and stainless steel, uses less than three gallons of water and stores up to 25 lbs. of ice, yet requires less electricity than a 75-watt light bulb to do so, conserving both water and electricity. It has an optional 3/4 inch full overlay panel, or accepts a 1/4 inch insert door panel. The stainless steel version is again deemed suitable for outdoor use.

Check to see what energy rebates and tax incentives might be available with a purchase of one of these Energy Star products. U-Line is taking bold steps to manufacture highly efficient products that not only meet stringent environmental guidelines, but also extend a financial benefit to the consumer.

Convection Cooking In A Microwave Oven

2010-03-11T01:01:12Z

A combo unit that has a Microwave/Convection Oven, a Convection Oven and perhaps a Warming Drawer is one of the most popular choices for kitchens these days. Not only does this configuration get the microwave off the counter, it has great aesthetic appeal, requires one cutout and single circuit installation, so overall it is very cost effective.

Thermador ovens are the largest capacity wall ovens on the market with a Fast Preheat feature and since they are energy efficient they actually are great to use for preparing quick cooking dinners as well as large feasts. However having a back-up oven does give one a sense of security, and for some the small size of the Microwave Convection is very appealing for preparing smaller meals. I most often use this oven for baking items like cornbread, pies and cobblers so that I can max out the oven with a complete meal, however I have also used the Microwave Convection oven to roast a chicken and as you can see the results are pretty stunning.

]]> I used the same principle that I use in the regular Convection oven, cooking the chicken on the oven rack with a pan underneath to catch the drippings, I began cooking the chicken at 400° for 15 minutes and continued cooking it at 350° for another 40 minutes. There were a few splatters in the oven but it was easy to wipe clean with some warm soapy water.

Recipe of The Week - A Complete Meal Cooked in Convection

2010-03-09T17:24:58Z

Meatloaf With Sausage and Mozzarella, Roasted Golden Potatoes with Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower

Cooking an entire meal in Convection takes a little practice to get the timing, temperatures and modes just right, but this simple delicious meal is a great way to get started.

Cooking Mode: Convection Roast or Convection Bake 350°

Timing

Meatloaf, cooking & resting time - 50 min.
Potatoes, cooking time 35-40 min.
Vegetables, cooking time -12-15mins

Planning

Meatloaf is quick to assemble and if you use lean meats such as ground sirloin or turkey the meatloaf will cook in 40 minutes, however the meatloaf should rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. There is no need to use a loaf pan, simply mound the mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and shape into a uniform log. I had approximately 3lbs of meat and shaped the mixture into 2 thin logs. The mixture can be prepped a day in advance and shaped prior to cooking.

]]> Let the meatloaf cook for about 15 minutes before you put the potatoes in the oven so they will be hot and ready to serve when the meatloaf is sliced. Cut the potatoes and toss with olive oil and seasoning when the meatloaf goes into the oven.

The vegetables will cook very quickly so plan to add those into the oven just before the meatloaf comes out. They can be prepped a day in advance or once the meatloaf is cooking.

Rack Positions

I used Convection Roast in the Thermador oven and started cooking the meatloaf on rack position 2. When I added the potatoes I moved the meatloaf up to rack position 5 and put the potatoes on rack position 2. When I added in the vegetables they went on rack position 3.

Recipes (Quantities Serve 4-6 People)

Meatloaf with Sausage and Mozzarella

1 lb lean ground beef
½ Italian sausage, mild or spicy
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup tomato sauce or ketchup
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon mixed Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon chipotle powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper

Combine all the ingredients and mix lightly. Mound onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and shape into two 2"x12" logs or one large log.

Cook for 40 minutes, Convection Roast 350°

Roasted Golden Potatoes

2 lbs golden potatoes, washed and thoroughly dried
½ teaspoon herbs de Provence
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
Olive Oil

Toss the potatoes with the seasoning and enough olive oil to coat, about 3 tablespoons. Spread the potatoes onto a rimmed baking sheet and place on rack position 2. Be sure to turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking time so they don't overdone on one side.

Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

2 large broccoli crowns, lower stem removed, florets cut into 1" thick
slices
1 small head cauliflower, stems removed, florets cut into 1" thick slices
½ small onion sliced
1 red or yellow pepper, seeds removed and sliced

Toss the vegetables with enough olive oil to coat and season with some kosher salt. Spread onto a rimmed baking sheet and cook for 12-15 minutes until the edges begin to brown and the vegetables are soft.

Meet the New WT32 Series Hood from Best

2010-03-06T00:23:38Z

Italian ventilation manufacturer Best recently launched its newest model in their line of chimney hoods, the WT32 - Colonne Suite, available in brushed stainless steel and four sizes: 30″, 36″, 42″, and 48″.

This particular hood is notable as it is the first to utilize an entirely new Pro 600 CFM centrifugal blower and high-efficiency motor which many future Best models will center around.

This new motor platform offers tremendous power while remaining extremely quiet, which has traditionally been difficult to achieve with an internal blower.

Its three-setting cooktop lighting uses two 50W, GU10 halogen lamps that offer the option of atmospheric lighting when not cooking but can also provide a well lit cooking surface. (Bulbs are included with purchase.)

Experience the Blower and Lighting:

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The Heat Sentry™ feature detects excessive heat and adjusts blower speed automatically, providing an added layer of comfort and security. A telescopic flue accommodates ceiling heights 8' to 9' (and custom lengths are available upon request.)

Another nice option is that there is even an optional non-duct recirculation kit available for applications that can not vent outside.

Thermador Announces Kitchen Design Challenge

2010-03-05T16:53:35Z

For more than seven decades, Thermador has been innovating America's most luxurious kitchens with classic beauty, unprecedented luxury and true cooking performance. From introducing the first built-in wall oven almost 50 years ago, to revolutionizing gas cooktops with the patented Star® Burner to launching our award-winning Freedom® collection, our innovations have helped to transform the kitchen from a mere workplace into the social and entertaining center of the modern American home. And now, we want to honor the extraordinary trade professionals who have helped Thermador become the centerpiece of America's most luxurious kitchens.

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The 2010-2011 Thermador Kitchen Design Challenge is open to professional designers, architects, builders, remodelers and kitchen dealers. We encourage you to enter online beginning March 1, 2010. Simply set up a profile, complete the online entry form, write a narrative of no more than 300 words, and upload your photos.

Alternately, official entry forms can be downloaded from our web site or obtained from your local Thermador dealer. If you have any questions or would like to receive rules or entry forms by mail, please call 1-866-572-9402.

For full details visit http://www.thermador.com/designcontest/

Gaggenau - The Art of Cooking Without Saucepans

2010-03-04T23:43:02Z

Gaggenau luxury appliances are so finely crafted and offer so many versatile and exciting cooking options that when you cook on Gaggenau it's like having a butler in the kitchen, all you have to do is give the orders and the appliances do the rest. Easy to use, easy to clean, gorgeous to look at and with the precise control that is a hallmark of German engineering, these amazing appliances are a joy to use for novice and practiced cooks alike.

Recently we were invited to participate in the Grand Opening of the new Plumbing Unique Showroom in Rancho Cordova where they have an exquisite live Gaggenau vignette. It was a rainy Friday night but the 300 guests were not deterred and they came hungry and ready to eat.

Purcell Murray Culinary Team Cooking Tempura Vegetables and Shrimp in the Deep Fryer and Zucchini Cakes on the Teppan Yaki Grill to serve with melt-in-your mouth Brisket that was cooked in the Combi Steam Oven.

]]> This Gaggenau vignette features a 12"Teppan Yaki Grill, and Deep Fryer from the 200 Series and thanks to the power of these Varios we were able to cook continuously for 4 hours until every last morsel was eaten. When you fry at fairly high temperatures for several hours you would expect a fair bit of steam and smoke but we had the Gaggenau Island hood set to speed 2 and even in that large open space it was so effective and completely quiet. I know everyone loved the food but they were completely impressed at the performance of these amazing appliances.

We cooked and sliced the Brisket in advance but were able to keep it warm in the Combi Steam Oven and we also served these picture perfect individual puff pastry appetizers in the 30" Convection Oven and all without having to use any large saucepans or other ungainly kitchen equipment, we admit to being a bit tired after 4 hours of non-stop cooking but it sure was fun to show off these fabulous appliances.

Cornue Fe - Stunning Baking Results with the Multi-Function Oven

2010-03-03T23:55:29Z

One of the biggest challenges we face when using a Convection oven is adapating recipes to using the features of the oven. When it comes to baking the recipe will include the instruction, "preheat the oven to 350 degrees" but with a Convection oven the first thing you have to do is choose which mode to use. Some ovens have True Convection, Convection Bake and Bake as options, others only Convection Bake and Bake so the first thing we have to do is choose the mode most suitable to the food we are cooking. The very important aspect of baking in Convection is reducing the recipe temperature by 25 or even 30 degrees.

The only way to really learn which modes to use is to actually use the oven and be prepared to pay attention to timing and rack positions so you can determine how to achieve the best results for your tried and true recipes in your new oven. These photos were taken by a customer who had to go through a bit of a learning curve with her Cornue Fe because her previous oven didn't have all the options that this oven offers, however, with a little perserverance as you can see she is achieving stunning results.

Triple Chocolate Cake

Lemon Boule

]]> True Convection - this mode is ideally suited to multi-rack baking of cookies but is also great for appetizers. The heat comes only from the rear Convection element and is evenly circulated around the oven.

Convection Bake - this mode is ideal for baking breads, pizza, pies and heavy dense batters because the bottom heating element is also providing heat and ensures the crust will be properly cooked through.

Bake - this mode uses only the bottom heating element and is ideal for gently finishing baked items so they don't get overcooked on the edges.

Remember Convection was developed by the baking industry and when you have tools like this at your disposal your baked goods can rival those of a fine bakery.

Bosch Awarded ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for The Second Year in a Row

2010-03-01T16:59:43Z

Every year the the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) choose one recipient that sets the standard in energy water efficiency. For the last two years the clear choice for appliances is Bosch.

]]> "Today, EPA is recognizing Bosch for taking the lead in addressing climate change through their commitment to energy efficiency," said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. "Bosch is producing and promoting products that have earned the ENERGY STAR, showing customers that together, we can increase our nation's energy efficiency and reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases."

As a direct result, Americans choosing the most water and energy efficient appliances like Bosch and the help of ENERGY STAR, we have saved $17 billion on energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles.

Bosch is the only US appliance manufacturer with an entire product lines of ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwashers, washers and refrigeration. The efficient Bosch appliance lineup features:

800 Plus Dishwasher

The 800 Plus uses as little as 2 gallons of water per cycle, 70 percent less than the average dishwasher, and operates on only 180 kWh/y of energy, an industry best.

Vision Laundry

Vision features the most energy- and water-efficient brand of full size front load washers in the U.S.

Linea Refrigeration

Linea side-by-side refrigeration features Eco and Vacation cooling modes to help reduce energy costs compared to continual operation in standard mode.

When You Need a Really Large Pan... Heat Up Your Thermador Titanium Griddle

2010-02-25T16:58:06Z

A flat top griddle is a fabulous tool for the home kitchen but like all the appliances we cook on at home it needs to be easy to clean. When Thermador produced a Titanium surface griddle that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or a silicone spatula it quickly became one of our favorite tools to cook with. We love to use this griddle for making hot sandwiches, fried rice, fajitas, quesadillas, shrimp stir-fry, appetizers and of course breakfast but when I came back from Costco with these monster slabs of brisket it turned out to be the perfect tool for searing the brisket prior to the low and slow cooking process.

Breakfast for Three: Griddle Potatoes with Linguica Sausage and Fried Eggs

Brisket for 25: Searing the Brisket Before the Low & Slow Cooking

]]> The Titanium griddle is available with the Thermador 36ʺ & 48ʺ Professional Cooktops and Ranges and is interchangeable with a Titanium Grill (purchased separately) that is equally fantastic, when you have tools like this in your kitchen cooking becomes so easy and clean-up so much less of a chore.

Beef Shortribs on the Titanium Grill

Stunning New Franke Sinks and Faucets Dazzle Members of the DPHA Meeting at the Purcell Murray Showroom in Brisbane

2010-02-20T00:11:46Z

Last week we were pleased to host a meeting of the Northern California Chapter of the Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association in our Brisbane Showroom. Prior to the meeting our guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by our Culinary staff and a tour of the Showroom.

New Franke displays include the Kubus Glass Framed Sinks

Franke Farmhouse Faucets in Old World Dark Bronze

Thermador Extra-Low Simmer Feature

2010-02-18T00:59:32Z

The BTU output of gas burners has increased tremendously over the past few years and even though high heat is fantastic to cook with, controlling the heat is also an important part of burner performance. The Thermador Professional cooktop has several simmering options, the 18,000 BTU burners can be set to the lowest setting but when you need really low and slow heat you can use one of the two burners that have the Extra-Low feature. This is a timed cycle that cycles the burner on and off in different increments. For example at the highest setting the burner is on for 50 seconds and off for 10 and at the lowest setting it is on for 10 seconds and off for 50. This on/off action maintains enough residual heat in the cast iron burner cap and grate and that in turn keeps the food in the pan at a consistent temperature preserving the precious cooking liquids that are the key to great flavor. These burners have single point ignition so they do click once when they re-ignite which actually is a nice reminder that you still have something cooking.

There are many ways to effectively use this terrific simmer feature and cooking custard for crème brulee on the cooktop is just one of them.

]]> One of my favorite ways to showcase the great balance of power and control of these burners is to simply cook a small pot of rice, once the rice goes in the pot we lower the heat to Extra-Low and not only do we eliminate any boiling over we cook perfectly dry fluffy rice. Other great uses for Extra-Low include, holding cooked mashed potatoes, and on occasion we have held them for up to1 ½ hours. Melting chocolate without using a double boiler is another great option, because we don't have a consistent open flame under the pan the chocolate melts from the radiant heat of the pan and there is no problem with scorching.

We expect an 18,000 BTU burner to have a lot of power and Thermador's unique Star Burners certainly deliver on that score. However the fact that you can also simmer and hold foods for long periods of time on the same burner is truly remarkable. When you think about it, with the exception of boiling large pots of water, we really only use very high heat in short bursts because too much heat pulls the moisture out of food and quickly evaporates the pan juices. In short an effective simmer burner is crucial to successful cooking.

The Top 5 Reasons People Prefer Thermador Professional Ranges

2010-02-12T18:23:20Z

Thermador is certainly confident in their new line of Pro Ranges, and they have good reason to be. Since their release they have become the preferred choice of architects, designers and consumers and become a best seller.

They are saying Thank You to anyone that purchases one of their 36" or 48" Pro Ranges by giving away their new Emerald dishwasher for free.

We took a survey of the top reasons Thermador Professional Ranges have taken the industry by storm and here are the top five results:

#1 Flexibility: Two Depths to Choose from: 24" or 27" and three widths, 30", 36" or 48"

The Pro Grand ovens are the commercial depth of 27". The 36" and 48" models offer a maximum capacity of 5.7 cubic feet, enough to accommodate full-sized commercial sheet pans.

The Pro Harmony® range fits perfectly flush in standard 24" depth cabinetry, creating a sophisticated look with its chiseled design and stainless steel knobs.

You can also configure the Pro Range to match your cooking style by adding a 12" titanium-surface electric griddle or an optional grill accessory.

#2 The patented Star Burner: This unique design directs heat evenly from the center of the pan to its edges for faster time to boil and superior heat spread. Each burner features an 18,000 BTU/hr output and superior heat distribution boils water in a fraction of the time it takes competitive range tops.

]]> #3 Extra Low: This feature simmers items without scorching. It's a perfect solution for warming delicate sauces and melting chocolate.

#4 True Multi-Rack Cooking: Cook an entire meal in our spacious convection oven. At up to 5.0 cubic feet it accommodates even the largest items effortlessly.

#5 Fastest Self-Clean: The Pro dual-fuel range boasts the fastest self-cleaning cycle on the market at just two hours (including cool down).

The Power of Induction

2010-02-10T00:05:55Z

Induction cooktops are not new to the appliance industry but when they were first brought to market some thirty years ago the trend was powerful gas cooktops and ranges, the Induction just didn't spark an interest with consumers. However, times have changed and the high performance of Induction cooktops combined with the many other features they offer has made them a top choice for many people.

It's hard to understand how amazing Induction is unless you see it in action, so here are some pictures that I thought might give you a better idea of the capabilities of the Thermador Induction cooktop. A few weeks ago we were making soup for 50 people for a cooking event we hosted with Joyce Goldstein as our guest instructor, so the first thing we had to do was make lots of chicken stock.

]]> We get a lot of questions about the success of high heat cooking on Induction and recently we had the occasion to test cook some thinly sliced Short Ribs we purchased at Trader Joes and cooked in a cast iron Grill Pan on the Power Burner, the results were sensational. The splatters on the smooth glass top cleaned up with a wipe of warm soapy water and while the cast iron pan got hot there was no residual heat emanating from the cooktop, it's truly an amazing way to cook. The silicone pan handle sleeves make handling hot pans very safe.

These are just two examples of using the Induction cooktop but there is much more to talk about, there is a timer that is linked to each burner, sensor cooking and cooking programs, more posts to follow with those details. If you have questions about cooking with Induction let me know, I would be happy to address them.

This February, Fall In Love With Bosch Savings

2010-02-02T22:27:37Z

Purcell Murray is pleased to announce THREE phenomenal Bosch rebates for Cooking, Refrigeration and the new Bosch Vision Laundry.
View and dowload all the details here:
http://www.bosch-home.com/us/bosch/promotions.html