Often times, the impetus for beginning a kitchen remodel is the simple fact that the appliances are in the process of a slow (or sometimes fast) death. Only one burner works on the range, the shelves in the refrigerator are broken, or the oven stops altogether. A journey to the appliance showroom gets scheduled. Top left, Gagganeau combination steam and convection wall oven; above, Thermador convection microwave speedcooking oven; left, Bosch ... more

Heat is something homeowners sometimes tend to take for granted. Turn the thermostat and the home heats up, presto! What makes us sit up and take notice is when the monthly fuel bill is delivered. Energy costs are taking a bigger bite out of our household budgets and the experience can be shocking. Photo courtesy of Wirsbo There are significant ways of minimizing this shock and there is help from... more

Did you know that the water heater in your home is the number two consumer of energy, yet design and development is virtually unchanged since your grandparents drove a Model A? In America we continue to heat water 24/7 365 days a year only to be used on an average of 70 minutes per day based on a home of 3.5 occupants. Installed in a basement reclaiming valuable space. Inset photo shows the high-tech systems that run the Rinnai Unit. Installed ... more

Whether you are replacing a worn-out appliance or planning a full-scale renovation, appliances that combine technology, ergonomics, and improved design continue to top the must-have list. Bisque, white, or black appliances are still popular, but a commercial-styled kitchen full of stainless steel still leads the charge. Space-saving and energy efficiency remain top concerns for homeowners everywhere, especially with the anticipated price hikes in gas and electricity. Product: Shallow... more

The Problem Homeowners nationwide are increasingly becoming aware that the air inside their homes is probably more contaminated and polluted than the air we breathe outside. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tells us that indoor air, on average, has a pollution concentration two to five times higher than the air outside. Occasionally, this number exceeds 100 times the levels found outside. Chemicals;... more