|
Author: Donald Grummett Article source: http://www.goarticles.com/. Used with author's permission.
Would you steel your appliances? That is a question many consumers are now asking themselves.
The "in" style -----------------------
Stainless steel household appliances are the "in" style right now. People are being drawn to the clean look of stainless steel for their kitchens.
Stainless steel has become the fastest growing sector of household appliances. Not only for major appliances such as refrigerators and ranges, but even for small items like toasters, kettles, and bread makers. There seems to be no end to the demand for the steel look.
So if a kitchen-remodeling project is in you're near future then steel may be something you are considering.
Pros and cons ---------------------
Steel can provide the consumer with a feeling of strength, simplicity, elegance, and durability, all at the same time.
Part of its appeal is the commercial or professional look it suggests to people. We are fascinated with, and drawn towards, all things shiny and metallic. To this generation steel suggests: expensive - professional -- status.
Consumers like the idea that stainless steel appliances always appear clean, when properly maintained. Also stainless steel is a very durable product. Hence, the reason it is the standard in the commercial area, including restaurants.
Stainless steel is becoming the new "white". That is, it will go with just about anything else in the kitchen. It will match most finishes of cupboards, countertops, and flooring you have chosen. You can match a classic design kitchen with an ultra-modern looking stainless appliance. This is a positive feature that has been discovered by both consumers and designers.
One negative about stainless steel is that it is very expensive to produce. So if junior decides to scratch the appliance door you should be prepared for a large repair bill.
Also, some people dislike the idea of having to work to maintain the clean look. Stainless steel does require persistent cleaning.
Fingerprints have always been a problem. Special cleaner is used to alleviate this problem. It leaves a light oily residue on the steel, which resists the fingerprints.
Rumors say that General Electric and Sears are both about to introduce a new stainless finish they claim will resolve this problem. It will involve the bonding of a transparent vinyl coating to the steel panels. If true, this will be a major marketing advantage for these companies, and a boon to consumers.
Steel, chromium, and nickel ------
Stainless steel is steel to which has been added chromium and nickel. This results in steel with a very hard surface that will resist both pitting and rusting.
The chromium gives it the characteristic shiny surface layer and the nickel gives it the non-magnetic character. So when your refrigerator magnets do not stick, blame the nickel.
If scratched, stainless steel can in fact self heal. A new layer of oxide will be produced that can cover over small scratches. But, since the surface layer is extremely thin rust can result if the scratch pierces this layer and exposes the base steel.
Stainless considered high end -----
Most manufacturers offer stainless steel appliances as part of their high end product lines. General Electric calls their stainless series Profile or Monogram. Frigidaire calls theirs Pro Gallery. Maytag, Whirlpool, and LG also offer stainless steel versions of their products.
Frigidaire has recently upped the stakes with the introduction of an even higher priced series called Icon. The Icon is an all steel finish that stresses clean and contemporary lines while maintaining all necessary functionality. Other manufacturers will be responding.
Fad or functional --------------------
Do you remember green, yellow, or brown refrigerators? How about turquoise stoves, or black washing machines? At one time these were all considered the "in" thing.
So is the stainless steel appliance just another fad?
I don't think so.
Stainless steel appliances are a style that has captured the public attention and will continue to do so. A style of appliance that continues to attract consumers in ever increasing numbers each year. So, whatever the reason that people love stainless, it would appear they will remain on consumer wish lists into the foreseeable future. Copyright 2005 by Donald Grummett. All right reserved. In the trade over 30 years as a technician, business owner, and technical trainer. For more information about appliances including FAQ, Stain guide, Recycling, and Newsletter visit http://www.mgservices.ca
Driving and Cell Phones - Should Cellular Phones Be Banned While Driving?
The issue of driving and cell phones has become a prominent one. In the states of New York, New Jersey and D.C. as well as in the province of Newfoundland, cel...
Sports Supplement
We are all aware of what is a nutrition or diet supplement, but what is a sports supplement? A sport supplement is a subcategory of nutrition supplements. The s...
Investing in Car Dealerships: How to Do It Right
The financial characteristics of the automobile dealership are attractive. When is the right time to invest? Does the dealership's history matter? What does it ...
The Number 1 Reason Most Websites Fail
The reason most websites fail is simple and the best thing is - there is something you can do about it!
Building Successful Work Relationships--Playing In The Same Sandbox
There's a tremendous amount of pressure as we grow older to learn to act our age (whatever that means). In fact, most people consider age a number not an indica...
5 Tips to Step Boldly into the World & Set Yourself Apart from Others
To take your life and business to a level that makes you ecstatic there is a good chance you will need to step boldly into the world and stand distinctively apa...
Use Display Cases To Showcase Prized Collectibles
There are many reasons you should consider a display case for your home. Display cases aren't just for retail stores. They are an excellent way to show off your...
The Many Faces of Santa
Santa Claus is very different in countries around the world.
Entangled in the World Wide Web
From the first day I learned to surf the Internet, I became impressed by it. I could not recall whether it was the incredible amount of knowledge that can be fo...
8 Ways To Promote Your Affiliate Products
Many affiliates fail in affiliate marketing because they limit their marketing strategies to placing referral links in their web sites, distributing links to bu...
The Concept of Value in Sports Betting!
In sports betting you need to make sure that your bets (and trades) are good value in order to make a profit. If you do not do this you will still win bets but ...
What is the Real Price of a Spray Tan?
How much does spray tanning cost? See the actual dollars and cents that you can save by choosing to tan by this method.
How Do I Get a Credit Card? Bad Credit? No Credit?
How do I get a Credit Card if I am not in college and I have bad credit or no credit? You can still get a Credit Card! Often the best way to get a Credit Card w...
Better Healthcare Needed
Commentary on the need for a better healthcare system.
Why Do You Need to Have Your Tools Blade Sharpen After Work
If you like to do wood carving or making sculpture as your hobby, you surely need tools to make your creation.
How to Care For Your Designer Handbag
Whether your designer handbag is a Louis Vuitton, a Gucci, or any other designer, it is important to take proper care of it. Proper care will give you many yea...
Questions To Ask The Landlord Before Renting His Apartment
Before you finalise on the apartment, there are a few questions you need to ask the landlord so that there is no reason for disagreement later on during the lea...
Getting to Spiritual Enlightenment
Many have used the expression Spiritual Enlightenment but what does it really mean? Here we offer an operational definition and a tool that can help most indivi...
The Male Rating System
Believe it or not, if you go into forums on web sites that are devoted to the subject of how to pick up girls, you will find people posting messages about somet...
The Wrong Kind of Love
A lot of people have the wrong kind of love and don't even know it. If you are experiencing any of the following issues I have listed in this article, then you...
Five Dirt Cheap Ways to Increase Sales in Your Cleaning Business
No matter if you are just starting your cleaning business or if you are trying to grow your business, there are certain questions that come up. There are inexp...
Five Essential Hiring Practices
Recruiting and hiring are often done in haste, leaving the company to repent in the long run. Today, there's a reason to be concerned about negligent hiring. Ne...
China: Tibet Standoff
Tibet a land with distict culture and varied traditions is being illegally occupied by China depriving the Tibetans of their freedom and basic rights.
What Can I Realistically Earn In A Lease Purchase Business?
Gives the reader a realistic view of what kind of income they can earn in a lease purchasing business.
|
Print this page