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Induction Cooking- Pros & Cons

May 13, 2020 1:07 pm Leave a Comment

What is Induction?

(Click Image for Video)

This video gives an in depth description of what induction is and how it works. I watched about half before I got bored and moved along. Basically, Induction cooks through a fancy magnet that provides consistent heat to the entire base of the pot or pan (WAY more effective than any other cooking method).

There are HUGE benefits to this.

What are the Pros of Induction?

Cleaning

When cleaning an induction cooktop, the “burners” don’t actually get hot, just warm. So if the water boils over, the bacon starts spitting or the pasta sauce erupts, have no fear! Just lift the pot off of the surface and wipe underneath. You can do this while you are still cooking! The bottom of the pot or pan itself will be piping hot, so whatever you do, don’t touch that. But there’s no need wait 2 hours for the cooktop to cool down. Just wipe it off! Because there is no real burning onto the cooktop, the cooking surface will stay beautiful, longer!

Time

As you can imagine, when you heat the entire surface of the pot or pan, its going to cook a lot faster than the traditional cooking surface. It depends on the wattage of the induction burner you are using but ALL induction cooktops will be faster than traditional electric or gas cooking. On my induction cooktop, a large spaghetti pot takes 3 minutes on boost (boost is a feature that puts extra wattage on that burner for even faster cooking). It is a learning curve at first because you have to be very attentive to what you are doing. I’d consider paying attention to what you are doing as a pro over a con when you consider how much time is saved.

Safety

One of my favourite things about Induction is that it takes the worry away. I always think about little hands making their way onto the stove top and lets face it, nobody wants a trip to the emergency room, especially not now. And although it’s not the most sanitary, there are some of us that have cats that refuse to stay off the counters no matter how much we spray them(my cat just drinks the spray). Because an induction cooktop doesn’t get piping hot, you don’t have to worry about those little hands and paws. As soon as the pot is taken away, it is no longer heating. The surface will just be warm and that’s what makes it so appealing to parents, paw parents and the more vulnerable.

What are the Cons?

You Need the Right Pots

Induction doesn’t work effectively if you want to use your IKEA pots that you bought ten years ago. You have to have a flat surface that a magnet sticks to in order for it to do its job. In most cases this means buying a whole new set of pots and pans. In this case, Whirlpool(KitchenAid) will give you an 11 pc pot set free of charge(until Dec 31, 2020). Does this count as a con?

Pricey

This is something I didn’t really even want to mention because I am a firm believer in quality. I do think that you have to invest a bit more for something that is truly meant to serve you. It is truly an investment because there will be energy and time savings in the long run.  That being said, induction does typically run more expensive than the other products on the market because of all its benefits. However, Whirlpool and KitchenAid always have promotions that make it very enticing.

Doesn’t work in every home

I won’t claim to know much about what I am talking about here because I am not an electrician. But I do know that if you don’t have efficient amperage running to the stove,  it won’t work the way you want it to. Most induction cooktops and stoves run on 40-50 AMPS.  If this is not an area you are confident in, get a professional to inspect BEFORE you purchase an induction stove or cooktop. Typically this isn’t an issue but if you are in an older home it is worth looking into.

If you are considering induction for yourself, I would highly recommend. The technology has been around for several years and between energy savings, time savings and maintenance, the benefits are a no-brainer. And don’t forget the Energy Savings Rebate program funded by the government on Induction Cooktops(25% OFF)!

If you want more information on Whirlpool and KitchenAid’s current products, promotions and availability, feel free to contact us at the showroom for more details!

 

Thanks so much for reading.

 

New Arrivals!

January 28, 2020 9:40 am Leave a Comment

Each time we sell a display piece, we replace it with something New & Unique!

Here are the new products to our showroom floor this month:

Each item on our showroom floor has been personally selected by our staff here at Homestead. We want to share a variety of different styles with a mixture of classic and contemporary pieces to ensure there is something for everyone. Our 6000 sq ft showroom displays items from each of our Manufacturer’s to give you an idea of their quality and feel.

 

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more Updates on New Arrivals!

Looking to refresh your space?

October 30, 2019 10:42 am Leave a Comment

Luxury Vinyl Tile has become one of the most popular types of flooring on the market. Between the wide variety of design options, the ease of installation and the low maintenance, it’s easy to understand why.

SmartDrop by Fuzion is one of the easiest vinyl flooring products to install, great for a do-it-yourselfer. A quick and easy way to change the entire look of a space without breaking the bank.

With their reasonable price point and 25 year residential warranty, many customers are choosing SmartDrop to update their homes.

We encourage all of our customers to borrow our samples to review the colours and finishes in their home. Natural and artificial lighting can vastly change the look of a product. Be sure to look at the samples in morning, afternoon and evening light. Come see what samples we have in store!

If you have any questions about Vinyl Flooring or are looking for a specific product, we are happy to help. Give us a call at (905) 985-2451. 

Black Stainless, Here to Stay?

September 23, 2019 8:45 pm Leave a Comment

Whether you are updating, renovating or replacing, Black Stainless is  worth considering.

It has almost become the preferred option to traditional stainless. It’s sleek appearance and matte finish are a beautiful compliment to any kitchen design. The soft, muted colour resists fingerprints and smudges so your appliances will stay cleaner, longer. Almost all black stainless options have stainless steel accents to make blending them with your current appliances easier.

This trend came out several years ago and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. The options are still somewhat limited for what products are available, so be sure to do your research or ask for assistance if there is something specific you are looking for or need to replace.

Need Help? Give us a call at (905)985-2451 to help with your next Whirlpool appliance purchase.

Small Space Furniture That You May Not Know Exists

August 23, 2019 2:09 pm Leave a Comment

Form and function are hard to come by, especially when you are pressed for space. Here are a few conversation pieces that we have available to order that will make your small space living more comfortable and unique.

Adjustable Shelving Unit

This shelving unit by Amisco is both stylish and versatile. You can adjust the table and shelf height to turn it into the perfect kitchen island, a home office, or add another stool for a dining table. Configure based on what you need!

Living Room Island

Your living room is the place to be for your family and friends and seating for everyone is a must. In between parties, your island can serve as a dinner table or a makeshift home office where you can finish up some work. This sofa table/island by Amisco will optimize your seating without cluttering your space! Win, Win!

Lift Top Table

These lift top tables by Magnussen are engineered to save you space. Park yourself on the sofa, plug into Netflix and have your laptop at a comfortable height without breaking your back or the bank.

Condo Sofa

SuperStyle and Trendline are only two of our many manufacturers that have a variety of styles available to suit your small space. A condo sofa is typically 10 inches shorter in length than a standard sofa, which could be enough room to give you the clearance and comfort you need. Come have a look at our style and fabric selection, each piece is a custom order.

Storage Bed

Sacrificing your bed size for a place to store your socks is a crime! With bedrooms getting smaller and smaller, finding space for your queen size bed and dresser just doesn’t seem possible. This Amisco storage bed is a two in one! Form and Function at its finest. They have a variety of different styles and colours available to suit any decor!

Hopefully there is something to be said for our selection of innovative and down-right cool products! Downsizing (or rightsizing) is never easy, we are here to help you make it work. Get excited about your small space by making it functional and unique. Each furniture piece is made to order, so give us a call and let us help you get started!

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Sofa

June 3, 2019 1:14 pm Leave a Comment

When it comes to choosing a sofa, the options seem to be endless. You may see something online that you like but when you try it in person, it’s not what you imagined, the colour is off and it’s just not comfortable. It is so easy to get overwhelmed. Save yourself some time and money and use these tips to get a clear idea of your wants and needs before you start your search.

1.What shape best suits the room?

Decide your sofa’s function, that will help you determine the shape. What do you do most in the space? Is it a living area where the family winds down in front of the TV? Do you entertain? How many guests do you typically have? Surround your sofa with chairs, cushions and stools for multiple seating areas for your guests. If you have an open concept, try an L shaped sofa to act as a room divider to separate the kitchen and living room.

2.Size Matters.

If you have a small living area, you’ll need a smaller sofa. With less space, the sofa is going to be the focal point, so it is important to decide on something with a strong design that compliments the rest of the space. You also have the option of a Condo Size Sofa from two of our north American manufacturers, Trend-line and Superstyle. This sofa is generally 10 inches smaller than the standard size.

If you have a larger living area, you’ll need to figure out how much of the living space you actually want your sofa/sectional to fill.

Do you want to include an accent chair? Do you have a coffee table? An L shape sofa works great with a smaller coffee table. But you do have options. Trendline and Superstyle also offer a “Chaise Kit” in specific models that allow you to remove the chaise cushion and have a standard 3 seater sofa. This flexibility is great to have when you are entertaining and need as much space as possible.

3.What Fabric works best for you?

Form and Function are hard to find. Be practical when it comes to choosing a material for your sofa. Choose carefully if you have pets or small children who will cause some serious damage. There are some things that are worth investing in, especially if they are being used several times a day.

iClean by La-Z-Boy stands up to stains, you can literally just wipe them off. The liquid beads on the surface of the fabric and all you have to do is plot with a paper towel. If you have pets or children, this is for you. This fabric has a 3 year warranty and is covered against coffee, wine, dirt, salsa and many more common spills! There are hundreds of iclean patterns and prints to match your style.

 

 

4.Take it Personally.

It is hard for most people to define their personal style, but observing what is already in your home makes it easier. If you like clean lines and dramatic colours, go for a modern sofa with a dark velvety finish.

If you have a more eclectic style, you are open to mixing colours and patterns. Try a sofa that combines a few different styles. A more traditional style in a colourful fabric.

If your look is a little more traditional and formal, a classically structured sofa in a durable and neutral fabric will stand the test of time and will work well with various colours and complementing pieces.

 

 

5. Colour?

Don’t be afraid of colour! Prints and colours can add a personal touch and will change the look of an entire space. If you aren’t sure which way to go, consult an interior designer.

If you prefer neutrals, try testing colours on your accent pieces; a side chair, a cushion, an ottoman. This gives you more flexibility for change down the road.

You are now 5 steps closer to the sofa that suits you and your lifestyle best! Remember, you are the one who has to live with it, look at it, sleep on it, clean it. Be sure to choose something you love!