Dishwasher Maintenance

By SE Gardener

Proper dishwasher maintenance is essential in order to get the most out of the machine and extend its usable life. Maintenance should be performed regularly, with a set daily, weekly and monthly schedule. A small amount of preventative care can save long hours of work later on, as well as the expense of a repair or replacement. The manufacturer of your particular dishwasher model should have provided particular instructions for their product, but the following tips can help you to get the most out of any machine.

General Tips

• Turn off the dishwasher when it is not in use.

• Leave the door open if the dishwasher will not be used overnight. This prevents the build up of odors.

• Ensure that you do not use rinse aid if your dishwashing detergent already contains it. This can cause excess foam and may damage the machine.

• Check if your area has hard or soft water. Use a commercial water softener to prevent the build-up of limescale in areas with hard water. Limescale can clog sprayer holes and damage the machine.

Each Load of the Machine

• Remove any food scraps from the dishes and rinse lightly before loading the machine. This prevents food debris from clogging up the filters.

• Tea and coffee residue should also be discarded before the cups are placed in the dishwasher.

• Ensure that you are loading the machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Protruding dishes can prevent the sprayer arms from rotating correctly or stop the soap dish from opening once the dishwasher is running.

• Check that the filters are not clogged. Remove the filters and tap out any food remains. Clean the filters if necessary.

• Check the levels of salt and rinse aid in their reservoirs. Top up the reservoirs if it is necessary.

Every Week

• Remove and clean the main filter to remove any food debris which has accumulated during washes. There may be another filter below the main filter. This should also be removed and cleaned. This build up of food remains can cause the growth of bacteria and prevent water from draining in the machine.

• Remove the sprayer arms and clean the water holes. Small items of food or limescale build up may block these small holes and prevent your dishwasher from cleaning at an optimal level.

• Clean the pivot around which the sprayer arms turn. Replace the sprayer arms and check that they are able to rotate smoothly.

• Wipe the interior of the dishwasher with a commercial cleaning agent. Ensure that no residue is left behind after cleaning.

Once a Month

• Check the integrity of the door seal and clean it.

• Check that there are no food or limescale deposits in any of the hoses. Clean or replace the hoses if necessary.

• Run the dishwasher on a "clean cycle" according to the manufacturer's instructions for your model. This is a cycle that is run without any dishes loaded. It is generally a hot wash that is run with a commercial limescale and detergent remover added.

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Chocolate Fondue Fountain - A Tasty Wedding Touch

By David Silva

Looking for that special touch that will make your wedding reception even more memorable for your guests? Consider a chocolate fondue fountain. Chocolate has always been a favorite with wedding guests. In fact, it's often used as wedding favors. But if you're after a dramatic, irresistible center piece for your reception, it's hard to beat a chocolate fondue fountain.

These elegant, tiered stainless steel fountains keep the warm dipping chocolate flowing endlessly for your guests. You can also use these appliances for caramel, cheese, BBQ sauce, salad dressing and more, though chocolate is by far the most popular choice.

How They Work

Most fountains are circular in design and stacked with a number of tiers that create a cascading "waterfall" of melted chocolate. The mechanism melts couverture chocolate, which contains a higher concentration of cocoa butter, and moves the mixture up from the basin to the top, where it flows delightfully down the tiers. Guests can dip fruits, breads, nuts, and more into the warm, creamy confection for a delectable fondue experience.

Considerations

When looking for a fountain, there are several things to consider. First, if you're only going to use your chocolate fondue fountain for a wedding, Bat Mitzvah or other special occasion and probably never use it again, then renting is probably a better option than purchasing. However, in some cases rental prices and purchase prices are often close enough that you'll want to consider purchasing a system if you believe you'll get more than a single use out of it. $100 to $200 will get you a very reliable appliance.

Some systems require that you pre-melt the confection. You'll want a system that does the melting for you. Multiple temperature settings will help you in this area, as well as allowing you to use the fountain for other mixtures besides chocolate.

Look for an easy-to-clean, stainless steel system that is dishwasher safe. In addition, you'll want an appliance that uses an auger-style pump that doesn't require adding oil.

Most systems are powered by an electrical cord you simply plug in. However, if you're planning on using your fountain outside or in some other setting where an electrical outlet is unavailable, there are models that are battery powered.

You'll want to use 100% natural chocolate with over 50% cocoa butter. Milk, dark, and white chocolates are commonly used in fountains (coming in powder, drop or liquid forms). The price per pound generally ranges from $5 to $10.

Models

Giles & Posner offers a growing portfolio of stylish, well-designed and easy-to-assemble chocolate fountains at price points to suit all business budgets and serve anywhere between 40 and 1500 guests.

Sephra makes large-scale chocolate fondue fountains that includes models up to 40 inches tall, but they also have mini-fountains for home use. In fact, Sephra is the leading chocolate fountain manufacturer in the world. They have a six pound capacity home model that offers multiple temperature settings and easy clean up.

For many years, a chocolate fondue fountain has been an enduring touch at weddings, special occasions and large parties. Now, as prices become more affordable and chocolate continues to rise in popularity, home versions are becoming all the rage as well.

Discover more information on chocolate fountains and a wealth of chocolate resources here: Chocolate Resources

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A Simple Guide to Buying Kitchen Appliances

By Chriss Tyrrell Cobb

Among the household items that take up a sizable chunk of your budget are kitchen appliances. This is largely because they last for a long duration and while this is the case, it is always important to buy the right appliances that meet the needs of your family and household. The key towards achieving this end is buying the right combination that matches up to your budget. As such, this guide is going to help you meet this end.

Requirements

Before you start shopping, it is advisable to weigh your requirements and needs. This is crucial and it ensures you are satisfied with your investment. In some instances, it is advisable to spend more on an kitchen appliances that are beneficial to you.

Size

It is important to note that kitchen appliances come in different sizes and styles. For this reason, it is important to choose one that matches up to your preferences. Also, you should not purchase appliances without measuring the space available. Make sure that you take careful measurements to avoid any unpleasant surprises. When going shopping, take a detailed note of what you are looking for with you. This will keep you focused on the mission at hand and ensure you make the right choice.

Cost

There are several factors that influence the cost of kitchen appliances. This includes the size and style and while you might be interested in saving money, it is imperative to ensure that you don't settle for the cheapest model you come across. This is because this could work to your disadvantage. Note that you will only get what you pay for and as such, if you want the best, you must be willing to make some sacrifices. Also, when comparing weighing different prices, it is advisable to ask questions on delivery and installation and this is especially true when shopping online.

Features

Kitchen appliances have come a long way and this has lead to development in features and options. For this reason, it is important to note that the higher the number of features and options included in any appliance, the more expensive it tends to be. For this reason, when shopping, it is advisable to take such factors into consideration to ensure that you make the best possible decision and hence get value for your money. Note that it is possible to cut down on these costs without necessarily having to compromise on the quality of the kitchen appliances.

Warranties

There are several companies that offer warranties and it is important to capitalize on this. Contrary popular belief that this could be an indication of substandard quality, it is important to note that it is a way of giving consumers peace of mind. It is therefore advisable to use your own judgment to determine if you need to get an extra warranty or not.

Note that once you have looked into all these factors, it will be a triple easier for you to make an informed decision when buying your kitchen appliances.

When shopping for Kitchen Appliances, it is advisable to consider buying them from a dealer who has a wide variety of appliances for you to choose from. They should also be of the highest quality.

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