Fall

Did You Know?

The History of Dishwashers The first reports of a mechanical dishwashing device are evidenced in an 1850 patent by Joel Houghton of a hand powered device to clean dishes.  This device was made of wood and was cranked by hand while water sprayed onto the dishes and it was both slow and unreliable.  Another patent was granted to L.A. Alexander in 1865 - similar to the first but had a hand cranked rack system. That wasn't practical so the modern dishwashers decscended.  In 1886, Josephine Cochrane invented a hand powered unit which she unveiled at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Cochrane invented the dishwasher because her servants were chipping her fine china, not because she was tried of doing the dishes!  In the 1920's, dishwashers with permanent plumbing arrived.  Then in 1924, William Howard Livens invented a small dishwasher suitable for domestic use.  It had many of the features of a modern dishwasher, including a front door for loading, a wire rack to hold crockery and a rotating sprayer.  Livens invention did not do well in the commercial market, so electric drying elements were eventually aded in 1940.  Though dishwashers were mostly utilized in a commercial environment from there, by the 1970's dishwashers had become commonplace in domestic residences in the United States.

Going Green

GE Tankless Gas Water Heater There is nothing worse than going in for a hot shower only to find out that the hot water has been used up by the person who took a shower before you.  The new line of GE Tankless Water Heaters provide a continuous supply of hot water when and where you need it.  Unlike conventional water tanks that heat and store hot water around the clock, GE's tankless gas water heater only activates when you start to use hot water, and immediately de-activates when you are finished.  The result is a more energy-efficient system; using a tankless gas heater can save up to 35 percent annually on water heating costs on their energy bill over a standard 75-gallon tank gas water heater.  The tankless system delivers continuous hot water at precisely heated temperature to every faucet, fixture or appliance in the home.  The electronic digital control allows the homeowner to adjust the hot water temperature at the touch of a button, while the Precise Temp feature keeps water temperature within three degrees (+/-) of the heater's set point. Another advantage of the tankless gas water heater is that with proper sizing, it is capable of providing continuous hot water even when multiple showers, tubs, sinks or appliances are in use at the same time. GE's tankless gas water heaters also fit in small spaces.  Available in both outdoor and indoor models, the tankless gas water heater's compact footprint allows installation in attics, garages, closets or other out of the way locations.  For the ultimate in convenience, units can be equipped with an optional remote controller, which allows the user to monitor and adjust hot water temperature in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room or any other room.  Outdoor units are equipped with ceramic heaters that prevent them from freezing at temperatures as low as -30 degrees.

Cleaning Tip

Removing Refrigerator and Freezer Odors  Odors in a refrigerator may be caused by food left too long, "strong" foods not covered or packaged tightly, by a drip pan that needs cleaning, or by food spoiling when power goes off while the owner is away on vacation.  A preventive measure is getting someone to check your home every day or so, or after a power outage in your area. .To remove odors: 1.  Remove all items from the refrigerator/freezer. Throw out any spoiled food. Take out removable parts and wash them and the door gasket width mild detergent in warm water. Rinse well and wipe dry. 2.  Wash interior walls and door liner with solution of 1 to 2 tablespoons full of baking soda to 1 quart of warm water, and wipe dry.  Leave door open and let it air out well with a fan directed forward inside, and open windows if climate permits. 3.  If odor still remains, try one or all of the following means of odor removal.    a. Spread baking soda out on a shallow pan (like glass casseroles, pie plates, etc. lined with foil) and put pans on shelves to absorb odors, or on the bottom and in baskets of chest freezer.  Leave opened and unplugged.   b. Buy activated charcoal (which is specially treated to remove odor molecules from air) at home department stores house ware sections, pet shop or online.  Spread out on shallow pans and put on shelves of refrigerator.  Turn refrigerator on low setting and run empty a few days so odors will be absorbed.   c. Pour several ounces of immitation vanilla (not pure extract) in a shallow saucer, put on shelf and let run empty for a few days.   d. Put fresh ground coffee in cereal bowls inside the refrigerator and let run empty several days.  A slight coffee odor may remain, but will disappear after washing again with baking soda solutions.   e. Pack refrigerator shelves with crumpled newspapers.  Set a cup of water on the top shelf or sprinkle the newspaper slightly with water.  Allow refrigerator to run for approximately 5 - 6 days.  This method takes a bit longer, but has been effective in removal of strong odors. If none of the above work, contact an appliance repair company to get a price on replacing the refrigerator liner.

Featured Product

Featured product Miele Master Cool Built In Refrigeration  The first specifically designed for North America Miele refrigeration line, the MasterCool consist of refrigerators, freezers and wine coolers.  The MasterCool takes away the difficult task of choosing the proper settings to correctly preserve fruits, vegetables and other perishables, by automatically optimizing the SmartFresh storage drawers by varying the humidity levels and precise temperatures for four independent cooling zones.  The easy-to-use touch  button controls are conveniently located for everyone, regardless of height, and have clear food-driven descriptions, e.g. dairy, meat, fruit, etc.  Miele designed several other noteworthy proprietary systems for its new refrigeration line with one simple goal - to lock in food freshness for a longer time preserving taste and texture.  Dual Compressor System keeps ice and water fresh and clear, with each interior compartment having its own cooling system.  There is no air exchange among the compartments, so fish stored in the refrigerator doesn't affect the quality of the ice cubes.  Miele RemoteVision uses a proprietary wireless local area network technology and application software, enabling a 24/7 connection between Miele monitoring center and the MasterCool refrigeration products, allowing a secured transmission of vital temperature and performance data.  This monoriting system allows the homeowner or trusted contact to be called to be warned of any problems.  These stunning handcrafted appliances are available in stainless steel finish or can be fully integrated behind custom cabinetry.  Initially, the modular components for the refrigerator and freezer will come in classic 18", 30" and 36" width dimensions and the cooler in a 24" width.  Height dimensions include 48", 54", 60", 66" and 72" depending on the product.  Please contact your TAS sales representative for more information.

Recipe of the Season

Chunky Potato Ham Soup Ingredients: 3 medium red potatoes, peeled, cut in small cubes 2 cups water 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ground black pepper 3 cups milk 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 cup cubed cooked ham pepper to taste Preparation: Bring water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil; add potatoes and cook until tender.  Drain; reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid (add water to measure 1 cup if necessary).  Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Saute chopped onion in the hot butter until tender.  Add flour to butter and onion mixture; stir until smooth.  Season with a little pepper; continue to cook and stir for 1 minute.  Gradually add potatoes, reserved 1 cup of cooking lliquid, and milk.  Stir well; add cheese and ham.  Simmer potato ham soup over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes Serves 6 to 8