by Milcarsky's Staff | Jun 1, 2023 | Appliances, Design, How To's
An outdoor kitchen is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still having all the amenities of a modern kitchen. However, many homeowners are unsure about how to use their outdoor kitchen in the wintertime or during other inclement weather. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can enjoy your outdoor kitchen all year long, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way!
Choose Your Appliances Wisely
When selecting appliances for an outdoor kitchen, it’s important to consider which ones are best suited for all-year use. Many grills and smokers are designed to be used outdoors in any climate, but not all of them will stand up to cold temperatures. Consider stainless steel appliances as they have better performance and durability in cold climates. If you plan on using your outdoor kitchen during winter months, look for appliances that are specifically designed for cold-weather use.
Prepare Your Outdoor Kitchen
Once you have chosen your appliances, it’s important to make sure they are properly prepared and maintained for winter use. Make sure any exposed metal surfaces are insulated and covered with a waterproof covering or tarp so snow and ice won’t accumulate on them. You may want to invest in an insulated cover for your grill or smoker if you plan on using it regularly when temperatures drop below freezing. Also, be sure to purchase a few items, such as thermal gloves and warm hats, so that you can keep comfortable while cooking outside in colder temperatures.
Make Sure You Have Adequate Lighting
Having adequate lighting is key when cooking outdoors at night or during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Consider installing LED lights around your outdoor kitchen area so that everything is well-lit, even when it’s dark outside. LED lights will also help keep bugs away since they don’t attract as many bugs as traditional lights do. Additionally, LED lights will consume less energy than traditional bulbs making them more cost-efficient over time.
An outdoor kitchen is a great addition to any home, but many homeowners worry about how they can enjoy their outdoor space all year round without compromising their comfort level due to inclement weather conditions. By choosing the right appliances and preparing them properly for winter use, having adequate lighting installed around the area, and investing in some necessary accessories like thermal gloves and warm hats, you can enjoy your outdoor kitchen all year long! With proper planning and preparation, you can turn your backyard into a cozy gathering place no matter what season it is!
by Milcarsky's Staff | Apr 1, 2023 | Appliances, Design, How To's
A beverage center is an essential part of any modern home. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want to keep your favorite beverages cold and accessible, an undercounter beverage center will help you do that easily. But how do you choose the right one for your needs? Let’s look at some critical factors to consider when selecting an undercounter beverage center.
Size & Capacity
Regarding undercounter beverage centers, size and capacity are two of the most important considerations. You’ll want to ensure that the unit will fit comfortably in your space and accommodate all your favorite drinks. Most units are designed to fit underneath standard kitchen countertops, but if you have deeper countertops, check to ensure that the model you’re looking at is compatible. Additionally, ensure that the unit has enough capacity for all your favorite drinks and snacks; some models have adjustable shelves so you can customize the interior layout according to your needs.
Temperature Control & Features
One of the main reasons why people choose an undercounter beverage center is because they offer precise temperature control. Look for a model with multiple temperature zones to store different types of drinks at optimal temperatures. Other features like LED lighting, digital displays, and interior fans can also help maintain proper temperature levels throughout the unit.
Noise Level & Energy Efficiency
Another vital factor to consider when choosing an undercounter beverage center is its noise level and energy efficiency ratings. Many models have built-in insulation and fans that help reduce noise levels while keeping temperatures consistent inside the unit. Additionally, look for a model with a high energy efficiency rating – this will save you money on your energy bill in the long run!
Choosing an undercounter beverage center is no small decision; there are many factors to consider before making a purchase. Size, capacity, temperature control features, noise level, and energy efficiency ratings should all be considered when selecting a model that best suits your needs. Give us a call at (407) 830-6800to speak to one of our appliance experts and we’ll help you find a beverage center that fits perfectly within your budget – as well as into your home!
by Milcarsky's Staff | Jan 29, 2023 | Food, How To's
You probably know that preparing food is a great way to eat healthier and lose weight. If you love to cook, that’s an added bonus. If you’re uncomfortable in the kitchen, it can be challenging to stop relying on dining out.
That’s especially true if you grew up without many culinary role models and now think it’s too late to learn. On the other hand, you might be eager to bake cookies and fry bacon, but you draw a blank about what to do with asparagus and brown rice.
The truth is healthy cooking can be a lot of fun. Try these suggestions for changing the way you eat and enjoying the process.
How to Make Healthy Cooking Easier:
It’s natural to feel frustrated if you have to look up half the words in a recipe or run to the store for missing ingredients. You’ll be happy to hear that there are many quick and simple ways to make healthy cooking faster than takeout.
Try these techniques:
1. Organize your kitchen. If you can’t afford expensive renovations, you can still do many things to make your space more efficient. Put your essentials within easy reach and install racks to expand your cabinet storage.
2. Check your equipment. Some essential tools can speed up meal preparations. Keep your knives sharp. Invest in a slow cooker and a food processor that fits your budget.
3. Stock up on staples. Fill your pantry and freezer with ingredients you use frequently. That may include olive oil, tomato paste, and flour.
4. Cook in batches. Shorten your cooking time by preparing multiple servings and freezing the leftovers. You can heat them up later for quick dinners.
5. Play music. Research shows that music can make any task seem more effortless. Turn on the radio or invent your own playlists.
6. Minimize clean-up. Does your kitchen look like a disaster area when you’re through? Prevent messes by using parchment paper, and spoon rests. Soak dishes as you go along or load them into your dishwasher.
How to Make Healthy Cooking More Social:
Food is even more delicious when you share it with others. Invite your family and friends to join you.
Use these strategies to combine cooking with socializing:
1. Take a class. Check the calendar at local cooking schools or browse online for courses at Udemy or BBC Food. Encourage your partner to join you or surprise them with what you learn.
2. Teach your kids. Healthy cooking is one of the most important life skills you can nurture in your children. You’ll teach them habits that support a longer and more active life.
3. Post your creations. Take photos of your prized creations. You deserve to show off a little.
4. Write a book. Assemble an album of your personal recipes. Add pictures and stories to make it more personal.
5. Send gifts. Homemade food can be a thoughtful and affordable present for any occasion. Bake and decorate low-sugar cakes for birthday parties. Hand out bags of chocolate-dusted almonds for wedding favors.
6. Throw a party. Entertain in style without having to pay a caterer. Depending on your skills, you can arrange a fish taco night or take your turn hosting a formal Thanksgiving dinner.
7. Prioritize family meals. Try to sit down with your family for at least one meal a day to share conversation and wholesome food. If dinner is challenging to coordinate, gather for breakfast.
You can enjoy making nutritious meals and snacks with practice and creativity. In addition to eating healthier, you’ll save money and create more opportunities to spend quality time with your loved ones. And if you ever need a little meal inspiration, check out our recipe page here on the website.
by Milcarsky's Staff | Dec 24, 2022 | Appliances, How To's
Conserving energy is important for many reasons. Wise use of resources is important for preserving and protecting our environment. It’s also important for protecting your pocketbook from skyrocketing utility bills. Thankfully, a few wise choices and small changes in your daily routine can significantly lower your energy bill.
Energy Efficient Bulbs
If you replace the light bulbs in your home with energy-efficient light bulbs, you can dramatically lower your electricity costs without any noticeable change in your lifestyle. In addition to lower utility bills, these light bulbs need to be replaced far less often than conventional ones.
In addition, some energy-efficient light bulbs are brighter than conventional bulbs. This means you can use only one bulb in a light fixture that usually requires multiple bulbs.
Turn off Appliances When Not in Use.
Develop a habit of turning off the light when you leave a room. Often, a large part of wasted utility costs is keeping all the lights in your home on at all times. Teach children and other family members to turn off the lights also.
If you’re in the habit of keeping your television on for background noise, try turning it off when it’s not in use. You may find that you enjoy the peace and quiet, and your pocketbook will definitely thank you for it!
Do you leave your computer on all the time? Even a small change like turning your computer off overnight can positively affect your energy bill next month. Small changes can add to significant savings without affecting your lifestyle.
One or the Other
Do you like to surf the web while watching television? To save money on your energy bill, try an experiment. When you’re watching television, turn the computer off. When you’re surfing the web, turn the tv off. When trying to do both simultaneously, your focus is limited. Plus, you’re wasting energy by trying to do both at the same time.
Also, consider watching your favorite television shows online. Many of today’s most popular sitcoms and reality shows are broadcast in their entirety online one or two days after they air on television. This will keep you from splitting your focus and save on electricity if you remember to turn the TV off while you watch your favorite program online.
Regulate the Thermostat
During the hot summer months, it’s tempting to crank up the air conditioner so that you can cool off. The cooler temperature in your home is refreshing but also expensive. To lower your monthly electricity bill, keep the thermostat temperature closer to the outside temperature.
In the summer, keep it a few degrees warmer than usual. In the winter, keep it a few degrees cooler. This puts less stress on the air conditioner and furnace and requires less power.
Many modern appliances are designed to use less energy than older models. It can be more expensive to buy energy-efficient appliances upfront, but the monthly savings may be worth it. Eventually, your new appliances will pay for themselves with the money you save on your utility bills.
If you’re willing to make a few small changes, you can save money on your electric bills. All it takes is a willingness to do something different and a desire for more cash in your pocket! Thankfully, you can begin to experience the benefits of your efforts on your next month’s bill.
