Elmira Stove Works Blog

Be a ‘Man on Fire’ for your wife with tips, tricks and recipes that turn Mother’s Day into Mother’s Month

Gentlemen. Dudes. Bros. The Elmira blog is about to get. Very. Very. Real. The info we’re about to share with you could have a serious impact on your happiness — or lack thereof — for the rest of the year. Ignore us and prepare for months of cold shoulders, sideways glances and general unrest. Listen to us — follow our lead — and you’re likely to enjoy the peace and contentment that only a properly executed Mother’s Day celebration can bring. Yup…we told you things are about to get real. It’s Mother’s Day Month!

Your wife is awesome. Maybe she gave you children. She puts up with your foolishness. It’s time for you and the kiddos to team up and give her the respect and recognition she deserves. (And yeah, we’re absolutely sucking up. Our moms read this blog too.) The great news is that it doesn’t take much to knock this special holiday out of the park. Just a little bit of effort — that’s on you — and some timely advice — which we’ve got covered for you here — and your wife will be telling all her friends that maybe she didn’t mess up after all when she decided to give you a home. (Just saying…)

ELMIRA PRO TIP #1: Your wife will tell you in the weeks before Mother’s Day: ‘You don’t have to do anything special. Mother’s Day is the same as any other day. It’s no big deal. Seriously. You don’t have to give me anything.’ This is a trap, guys, designed to lull the unwary, uber-literal man who can’t read minds into false complacency. Fall for this trick and she might literally kill you — okay, maybe not literally – but she might at least remind you of it every day forever.

Mother’s Day pregame starts May 1 — every day closer is another day wasted

More good news, boys. The quality of the Mother’s Day extravaganza — that incidentally will determine the quality of your life for the rest of the year — typically has nothing to do with the amount of money you spend. It’s all about forethought, effort and game day behavior. An expensive gift is nice, but not necessary. Here’s what to do instead.

Start with fresh flowers. Not ones that you pull from your neighbor’s yard, “borrow” from a local church garden, or — for your own physical well-being — ones that are fake. Drop a 20-spot at your local florist or grocery store for some actual smell-good flowers wrapped in attractive tissue paper or dropped in a vase. Extra points if they’re her favorite kind or in her favorite colors.

Store-bought cards are ok, but not the best. Drop another $20 on art supplies. We’re talking construction paper, glue, glitter, markers, paint pens, yarn, etc. Then, get the kids (it’s time these little free-loaders started earning their keep, right guys?) and kick off a four-alarm card making session in the basement (for privacy). No basement? Your team operates in the bathroom — no complaints.

ELMIRA PRO TIP #2: If you hook-slide your car into the parking lot of the local gas station on Mother’s Day morning in search of gifts and cards that might save the day, you will be terribly disappointed. You will return home with Snicker’s bars, $2 Merlot with a twist-off cap, a gallon of windshield wiper fluid, and some scratch-off lottery tickets. These, an acceptable Mother’s Day symbol do not make. No sympathy from Elmira. You should have started planning May 1 like we told you.

Mother’s Day starts the second you wake up — not five minutes after

Trust us when we say this. Open your eyes, kiss your wife and tell her how much you love her, call your own mom and say the same, wake and assemble the kids, and get your behind down to the kitchen. Do those things in order and immediately or the day might be unrecoverable. Because Mother’s Day starts when the sun rises. If not, she’ll think you’ve forgotten.

Unless, that is, you have one of those wives that enjoys sleeping in. If this is the case, allow her to do so. It’s your job to stare dutifully into her face while she sleeps until the exact moment she opens her eyes. This could take hours. Doesn’t matter. Just do it.

While the kids are screaming, dropping egg shells into the yolk, and covering the dogs in flour, simply fire up your Elmira Stove Works pro-style range and create this simple, delightful brunch-style quiche.

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, diced
4 eggs
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
3/4 cup half-and-half
8 oz. Gruyere, grated (that’s a type of cheese, dude)
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 frozen piecrust in a tin

Heat oven to 375° F.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, salt and pepper. Cover and cook onions 5 to 7 minutes. Add parsley and cook, covered, for 2 more minutes.

Whisk together the eggs and half-and-half. Stir in the Gruyere, nutmeg and onion mixture.

Place piecrust on a foil-lined baking sheet. Scrape egg mixture into the piecrust. Bake until filling is set and a knife inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

ELMIRA PRO TIP #3: Tailor this quiche to her tastes by adding in a handful of chopped cooked ham or sautéed vegetables when you add the cheese. Remember, fellas, it’s all about her today. Resist the ingrained male urge to add pulled pork barbeque, blood-rare steak, shelled pistachio nuts or light beer. We understand that’s how you’re programmed — just not today.

The rest of the Mother’s Day rules — ignore them at your own peril

As for the rest of the Mother’s Day rules and regulations, they’re pretty much standard operating procedure for what you would expect of a day on which you’re not the center. (After this list, continue reading to discover how to return things to a natural order once Mother’s Month is over.)

You may not watch TV, look at your mobile phone or stay in the bathroom longer than a few minutes.
You may not permit your wife to do any housework, talk about housework or even think about housework. (Yes, she expects you to know what she is thinking.)
Like brunch, dinner is on you — either to be cooked yourself or, if you eat out, to decide where to take her.
You may not work in the yard — your grass should have been mowed and edged before Mother’s Day. (Remember…May 1, son).

When you’ve officially survived Mother’s Month unscathed and with reputation intact, come back to Elmira for the must-have appliances to outfit your ultimate man cave. From keg fridges to retro microwaves to custom air-brushed fridges, we offer a unique line of specialty appliances that will congratulate you on a Mother’s Day well-done and restore life to its intended balance — which means making everything all about you again. Kidding. But not kidding.

And take heart – once you’ve reached the end of May… it’s only 18 days until Father’s Day!

Spring colors explode on the kitchen scene — creating designs that are ‘out with the old’ and ‘in with the new’

You prepare sumptuous meals. You gather with family and friends. You rehash the day’s events. You plan for what comes next. The American kitchen has earned its place as the most storied, “grounding” room in the house.

Which is why — every new spring season — homeowners race to fill the space with the newest in spring colors to revitalize and renew following the drab winter months. And, as always, Elmira has its finger on the pulse of “tasty” spring color designs you should consider.

Common shades of white and slate give colors the chance to pop

We’ll start with spring kitchen color possibilities. Granted, not every homeowner feels the need to turn their kitchens into bold palettes of color; some prefer to tiptoe into the world of color. If that’s you, there are still plenty of opportunities to allow colors to pop off of a more traditional neutral background.

For example, award-winning residential architect Gil Shafer of G.P. Schafer Architect, PLLC, loves the power of painting the interior kitchen cabinets for a striking look. Shafer recommends starting with a clean white or off-white primary color and then painting the cabinet insides with an adventurous complimentary color — think of a shade that will highlight a beautiful china set or other kitchen design accessory.

Confident colors and bold placements are all the spring rage in 2017

So, exactly which colors will take their places in kitchen designs and redesigns this coming spring? Well, we’re glad you are confident enough to ask—because confidence is the color theme for this new and vibrant season. Check out the shades that will make the scene:

Buttercup yellow. We’re talking a wholesome, welcoming look that isn’t as risky as lemon yellow, yet still delivers an unmistakable feeling of relaxation every time you walk into the kitchen.
Robin’s Egg blue. Not blue as in sadness, but blue as in the delicate layers of an egg — guaranteed to inspire your friends and family into a new dynamic.
Mineral gray. This darker shade is perfect for the traditionalist looking to go with a bold color while keeping things close to the cuff.
Mint green. Nothing freshens a room into an ode to nature than this lighter shade of green — a green that’s just waiting to be paired with a rich beige.
Pastel pink. Yes, we said it — a boldly pink kitchen area. It’s feminine. It’s delicate. And, it really just makes you feel good to prepare sumptuous meals while bathed in pink.

Spring is in the details — which is why new appliances make a difference

The secret to a truly unique spring color redesign for your kitchen is to extend your experimentation past the walls, cabinets, and countertops. Every kitchen redesign project covers those areas. However, not enough homeowners colorize the kitchen with the next largest surface area — the appliances.

Consider selecting ranges, refrigerators, wall ovens, microwaves, and dishwasher panels that feature explosive color and design elements. Extending your design to these pieces will be what kicks your results up from ordinary to extraordinary.

If you’re ready to give your kitchen a spring makeover that will turn heads, Elmira has what you need to get it done. Our unique lines of kitchen appliances are bathed in the fresh spring colors you’re looking for to complete a truly dramatic redesign. Call us today at 800-295-8498 to speak to one of our experts.

8 ultimate man cave ideas to transform any space into an official March Madness headquarters

So, you’ve decided to host this year’s March Madness party. Your wife gave you a strict warning about greasy chicken wing stains on her living room carpet. The only viable alternative? Turn your basement or bonus room into the ultimate man cave. You’re on a tight time frame and a strict budget but, if you don’t get it all done in time for this year’s games, you’ll have a great head start for next year.

Inviting spaces + quirky furnishings = serious man cave

The true man cave is a statement of your own personality and style. It’s the one room in the home, other than maybe the dog house occasionally! – that a guy can call his own. From furniture to appliances, this space is a reflection of the man who calls it his home inside his home.

When it comes to design and layout, the ultimate man cave is serious business. You build your man’s reputation with the creation of spaces and unique features that entertain, amuse and energize.

Here are 8 tips to help you get it done!

And now, without further ado — let’s get on with the list

Choosing the right theme. Sports bar? Mountain or outdoor? Card/pool parlor? Beach club? Race track? The ultimate man cave features a prominent theme that guides the look and feel of appliances and furniture. The theme reflects the hobbies and interests of the host.
TV/viewing arrangement. The TV is the very heart of the ultimate man cave. Select a respectable flat screen (may we suggest that bigger is definitely better?) and then create an optimal viewing arrangement of couches, and recliners in a semi-circular or theater-type configuration. If you can score some vintage seats from a local arena refurb or demolition, all the better.
Video gaming stations. During the course of the March Madness evening, a video game tourney will most likely break out. Set your auxiliary TV in an area away from — but close to — the main viewing area. Keep the gamers out of the line of site (“Hey, sit down!”), but still part of the action.
Bar / beverage area. The service area holds infinite opportunity for personalization. Mini-bars come in wood, steel, or concrete designs — and are always stocked with an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and the necessary “accoutrements” (you know, “accoutrements” – a fancy French word for pizza, wings, tacos, etc.).
Table gaming stations. Bragging rights during breaks in the March Madness tournament are vigorously exchanged. Set aside an area for various gaming tables — billiards, cards, air hockey, etc. You can also throw down an interior golf putting green for the golf fanatics in your crowd.
Unique appliances for refreshments. Think specialty refrigerators for that keg in your life. And, a retro microwave is perfect for reheating cold pizza leftover from the day before. Not that leftover pizza needs reheating.
Man-inspired decorations. Extend the man cave theme with a selection of manly wall decor and lighting options. From framed athletic jerseys and autographed prints to cinder block bookshelves, there is a wide array of DIY decorating ideas that take little more than some basic materials and inspiration to create.
Bathroom amenities. Nothing interrupts a great March Madness game like the call of nature. Installing a bathroom nearby keeps those interruptions to a minimum—particularly if there is a great deal of eating or drinking involved in the festivities.

Follow this guide step-by-step—or use it to inspire your own man cave creations. Either way, you’ll have your friends talking about your March Madness get-together long after the glow of the party has worn off.

Elmira is your one-stop shop for the must-have appliances to outfit your ultimate man cave. From keg fridges to retro microwaves to woodburning cookstoves, we offer a unique line of specialty appliances that are as functional as they are remarkable, to leave a lasting impression on your March Madness guests.

Through the Fire: Origins and History of the Woodburning Cookstove

From its roots as an 18^th-century innovation to a kitchen essential and creative catalyst, the woodburning cookstove boasts multinational origins, world-renowned developers, and revolutionary efficiency. And as the cookstove enters something of a renaissance, Elmira Stove Works leads the way with enhanced styling and performance of this appliance icon.

Focusing the flames

The wood burner comes from humble beginnings in the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region of northeastern France. The first woodburning cookstove patent was established in 1557 in the city of Strasbourg.

In the earliest stages, these stoves were considered luxury items, due to the expense of materials. It would take the arrival of the Industrial Revolution — some two centuries later — to make iron affordable enough for the wood cookstove to spread in availability and popularity.

The design was simple and sensible: a closed, solid cast iron or steel fire chamber atop a ceramic base with an adjustable mechanism for air control. This mechanism, the damper, allowed the user to adjust the amount of air feeding the fire, thereby controlling the heat output and fuel consumption. Fueling the fire was wood fuel — such as firewood, charcoal, chips, sheets, and sawdust — or, later, wood-derived biomass material — such as wood pellets (lending it the pseudonym ‘pellet stove’).

A restored 18th century farmhouse in the Dordogne region of France (Photo courtesy of Style-Files)

Advancements in America

In the 1740s, the woodburning cookstove received a series of enhancements at the hands of politician and inventor Benjamin Franklin. His design added a hollow baffle to the rear of the stove that subsequently increased heat intensity and slowed smoke circulation.

Despite the fact that he refused to officially patent it, Franklin’s version has retained many of its original features throughout the years — including the ‘Franklin stove’ designation.

As the general understanding of the chimney concept improved in the late 18^th century, the addition of the slanted fireback and adjustable flue damper allowed the wood burner to be operated in smaller spaces. When Philo Stewart patented the Oberlin stove in 1834, sales boomed across the United States and Europe.

An 1807 museum house with woodburning cookstove (Photo courtesy of Historic New England)

Beyond the growing pains

The development and eventual legacy of the woodburning cookstove was not without its challenges. Ironically, the surging popularity of the appliance revealed its inadequacies.

As the public looked to stoves as a main heating source during the oil crises of the 1970s, air pollution became more of a concern; as did potential fire hazards and the amount of wood required to operate the stoves. Another round of innovation and redesign eventually created a new generation of much more efficient models that featured lower levels of pollution and longer burn times.

From the past, we see the future

With a connection to vintage appliances dating back four decades, Elmira Stove Works stands as a thought leader and tireless champion of style, performance, and innovation in the industry. We began in 1975 in Elmira, Ontario with the Findlay Oval cookstove, eventually expanding into a full line of gas and electric ranges while developing relationships with retail businesses across the continent.

Since that time, Elmira has come to symbolize the finest in vintage-styled appliances to meet every home environment. Elmira has built a world-class portfolio of product offerings that boast leading-edge technologies in that signature 1800’s or 1950’s vintage-inspired styling.

And as Elmira looks ahead, the brand will continue its mission of enhancing product style and performance, while maintaining authenticity and craftsmanship.

Antique-styled woodburning cookstoves from Elmira Stove Works

New Year “Revolutions”

The New Year brings about a clean slate, a sense of hope, and motivation to take on new and exciting initiatives. Resolutions often come and go… so why not plan for something you can commit to, like a New Year’s “revolution”, instead? One way many people embrace this time is by giving their kitchen a mini-makeover that doesn’t break the budget. Let’s explore some ideas on how you can make your dream a reality.

Fresh Paint

A fresh coat of paint does wonders for a kitchen. Whether on the walls or the cabinets, a little bit of paint goes a long way. This one-day project is affordable, fun, and highly effective in breathing new life into your kitchen. Painting your cabinets requires more work than painting the walls, but if you want the ultimate kitchen makeover, make a whole weekend of it and paint everything! Painting the walls a neutral color, like Sherwin Williams’ 2017 color of the year, Poised Taupe, and the cabinets a lighter shade, makes for a stunning, modern look.

Dishwasher Panels
If you’re looking for a project that requires less time than painting, switching out the panel on your panel-ready dishwasher is the perfect project for you. Our Model 1957 panel will enhance any retro lover’s kitchen. This pop of color in a modern kitchen will establish
a new focal point, and adding it to an existing retro-inspired kitchen, enhances the
authenticity even more. The Northstar panel fits most 24-inch wide fully integrated dishwashers that accept panels. You get the look and feel of a brand new dishwasher without having to actually purchase one!

New Hardware

Small details are the cornerstone of incredible design. The big picture is important, but the details turn the big picture into a work of art. Something as simple as installing new knobs and pulls on your cabinets can do a lot for the kitchen. If you paint your cabinets and add new hardware, it will totally transform the space! Opt for vintage-looking knobs and handles, for a unique retro look, or try something with clean lines that are a fit for a more modern style. This project is also fun because finding the perfect hardware can be a great adventure. You can explore countless possibilities without having to spend big bucks. It’s also a project that requires very little effort in regards to installation so if you have a lot of motivation but not a lot of free time, this simple project is a great fit.

Hoods & Splashbacks

If functionality is one of the driving forces behind your new year’s “revolution”, look no further than new splashbacks and hoods.

From extra light to ventilation, a quality hood goes a long way. A splashback, while not a necessity, is also useful. It protects the walls from cooking grease, soap and water, food splashes, and whatever else could potentially compromise the aesthetics of your wall. Splashbacks also add a nice design element to your dream kitchen.

With three different hood models (Model 1961, Model 1962, and Model 1963) there are hoods to fit your design style and preference. If your hood is wall-mounted, we also make a Model 1960 Duct Cover that fills the gap between the hood and the ceiling, maintaining a flow to the design. Tie it all together with the Model 1944 splashback and your kitchen mini-makeover will be beautiful and efficient. As with all Elmira products, there are a variety of standard colors, and unlimited custom colors available.

Giving your kitchen a mini-makeover for the New Year doesn’t have to be expensive and incredibly time consuming. These products are budget friendly, easy to install, and most importantly, will help you kick off the New Year in style. So this year, join us in rejecting resolutions and instead embrace “revolutions.” Happy redecorating!

For more information on dishwasher panels, vent hoods, splashbacks, and more, visit http://www.elmirastoveworks.com.

Holiday Gifts for the Cook

From exotic meals to yummy comfort food, we have no doubt the chef in your life is constantly going above and beyond to keep you full and happy. The ability to cook up great dishes gives them the opportunity to share with the people they love most. To repay them for all that they do for you, the holiday season is the perfect time to show how much they you appreciate them. This year, we’ve put together a short list of gifts that are unique and sure to please.

Homemade and Full of Love

For a gift that tugs at the heart strings, look no further than framing handwritten recipes from mom or grandma. This DIY gift is easy to put together. Start by hand-writing a few of their best recipes on scrapbook paper, and then mount each one in a unique frame. This beautiful, sentimental gift is one that just keeps on giving; a quick glance at the recipes will bring a smile to any chef’s face, and adds a very personal touch to the kitchen. With a thoughtful gift like this, your holiday guests will be asking how they can implement this in their own kitchens.

Elmira Stove Works Appliances

A vintage-styled appliance with modern amenities is the dream gift for many great cooks. Give the chef in your life the ultimate holiday gift by helping them bring their dream kitchen to life with Elmira Stove Works appliances. With so many beautiful options to choose from, picking the perfect style and color will be the hardest part! If you want to try before you buy, design your dream kitchen here. From there, you’ll be able to have an idea of how the appliances and color options will fit in the space. You’ll even be able to change the cabinet colors to match your desired look. There are so many options, from the brand new 36-inch six-burner range, to keg fridges, and even antique ranges. Still having a hard time deciding on an appliance? Find a dealer near you and they’ll help to ensure that you find the perfect appliances for the ultimate kitchen.

northstar-with-bow-jpg — Source: Elmira Stove Works

Wine Club/Box Subscription

The picture is familiar: there’s music playing throughout the house, a fire burning, while the smell of something delicious fills the air, and a glass of wine sits on the counter. Great food and great wine go hand-in-hand. If the chef in your life enjoys a nice glass of wine, think no further than a subscription to a wine-of-the-month club. Masters of the kitchen will not only be able to taste different wines, but can also incorporate them into their recipes. Making a little shrimp scampi? Use a white wine to add flavor to the signature dish. Each month when the wine arrives, the chef in your life will be sure to think of you, and if you’re lucky, they’ll share!

Tasty Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means it’s time to share great food with the people you love most. Alas, another perfect opportunity to cook up some retro recipes in your dream kitchen!

The Northstar Model 1947 36-inch 6-burner range will be your best friend during the holiday season. You’ll be able to multitask in style, while cutting your cooking time in half! Six burners, a self-cleaning true-convection oven, and a storage drawer, make this range unstoppable.

We know each family has their own turkey tradition, so we’re serving up some side dishes that will blow your mind.

Broccoli and Corn Casserole

broccoli-and-corn

(Serves 10)

Casserole:

1 16oz can creamed corn
1 10oz frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained well
1 beaten egg
½ cup Ritz cracker crumbs (about 12 crackers)
1 tbsp minced onion
2 tbsp margarine
½ tsp salt
Dash of pepper

Topping:
¼ cup Ritz cracker crumbs (about 6-8 crackers)
1 tbsp margarine

Squeeze all excess water from the chopped broccoli. Mix all casserole ingredients together and pour into a casserole dish. Sprinkle topping on top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Almond Asparagus

(Serves 10)

1 lb fresh asparagus spears
2 tbsp butter
2-3 tbsp sliced or slivered almonds
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2-4 tsp lemon juice

Cut fresh asparagus into 2 inch pieces. Cook covered in a small amount of boiling water for 6-8 minutes until crisp/tender. Drain and remove from pan. In the same pan, melt butter, and add the almonds. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms. Cook and stir until tender. Add lemon juice and asparagus. Toss to coat the vegetables, heat through, and serve.

Frosted Cauliflower

cauliflower (Large head serves 8, small head serves 6)

1 head cauliflower
½ cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ dry mustard
1 ½ tsp dried parsley flakes

Steam the entire cauliflower head for about 15 minutes until it is crisp/tender. Blend the mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, dry mustard, and parsley flakes, then coat the cauliflower. Bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until the frosting begins to brown. Remove and serve whole.

Enjoy the holiday season, and try some of our favorite retro recipes. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

happy-thanksgiving

We’re Ready for Halloween Year-Round!

At Elmira Stove Works, we’ve been dressing up appliances for forty-one years, and we just love building brand new appliances that look old. So in the (pardon the pun) “spirit” of the season, here are a few of the fully-modern appliances we hide behind amazing vintage-inspired facades. There are a few tricks in these kitchen treats!

Grandma’s Antique Woodburning Cookstove?

1865st_copper_hero You might think so, with those ornate castings, faux fire door on the left, the “ash catch” underneath, and the warming cabinet above.

Gotchya! Take a closer look. Behind the false doors is a full-sized self-cleaning convection oven. The “warming closet” conceals feather-touch electronic controls, a powerful exhaust fan, and lighting for the cooking surface. The cooktop features four sealed gas burners – from 8,000 to 15,000 BTU’s; along with two high-speed radiant electric elements on the right.

Yes, the “costume” might look like grandma’s cookstove, but it’s all high-performance twenty-first century technology underneath!

A Fifties Retro Fridge?

Well, it sure looks like it, with the Chevy Biscayne or Ford Thunderbird Robin’s Egg Blue paint job, chrome trim, rounded corners, double doors, and compressor on the bottom, right?

Not so fast! It’s actually a brand new 25 cubic foot French door fridge. Up top, you’ll find 17.8 cubic feet of fresh food capacity, a full-width pantry drawer, Visi-shelving, and a filtered water dispenser. Down below where the compressor and motor used to be? That’s a 7 ½ cubic foot self-defrosting freezer, complete with an automatic ice maker. No need to chip the frost out of this fridge once a month.

1958_open

And to really get you into the Halloween spirit, how about…

“The Grim Reaper”

This killer chiller might be more at home in the man cave than the kitchen. Highly detailed flames and skulls are so three-dimensional and realistic that you can almost hear the flames roar and the skulls cackle!

Elmira teamed up with Studio Uneek to create unique airbrushed designs on our Northstar Model 1952 refrigerator. This new initiative is the best way to add a personal touch because no one else will have your design. We can even incorporate a photo of you on your hotrod or motorcycle into the airbrushing.

Smokin’ hot on the outside; totally cool inside.

Beyond just being eye-catching, choosing Elmira appliances means being able to have confidence that whatever appliances you choose will be not only beautiful, but also trustworthy, and built to last.

Happy Halloween!

For more information about Elmira Stove Works, visit www.elmirastoveworks.com.

Making Your Dream Kitchen a Reality

What’s the toughest part of renovating or remodeling your kitchen? For most people, it’s knowing where to start. Bringing your dream kitchen to life sounds great in theory, but taking the steps to actually make it happen can often seem overwhelming and discouraging.

Worry not – we’re here to help. If you can dream it, we can help you build it! So where do you start with such a huge project?

Think About What You Need

Before you dive into designing your dream kitchen, think about what you need from your kitchen setup. Kitchens are usually high traffic areas for most families, so it’s important to always remember how your family utilizes the kitchen. Is the kitchen strictly for cooking or are meals shared here? Is it homework central or is a chef’s paradise? These are all important questions to ask so that your dream kitchen goes beyond just being pretty.

Decide On Your Budget

When remodeling or renovating any room, it’s important to think long term. Renovations shouldn’t be looked at as an expense but rather as an investment in both your home and your quality of life. After you’ve asked yourself important question that helped you determine what you need from your dream kitchen, deciding on a budget is the next step. Consider how much you’d like to spend versus how much you can spend. Get quotes from contractors. Do research. The more you learn about the process, the easier budgeting will be.

Visualize Your Dream Kitchen

Once know your budget what you need from your kitchen, the fun part begins! Hop over to our website and check out our dream kitchen design tool. It allows you to design your kitchen by changing the appliances, colors, and cabinets. This tool gives you the ultimate control of your dream kitchen before you actually bring it to life. Feel free to build and rebuild as needed until you find the combination that’s perfect for you. With so many unique colors available, deciding on one or two may be the toughest part of your pre-renovation journey.

Consider Quality Materials

When renovating your kitchen, keep your budget in mind, but remember that the materials and appliances that you decide on will have a long term impact in your life. When you purchase an Elmira appliance, you do so with the peace of mind that you’ll be getting a product of the highest quality with an exceptional warranty, and customer service representatives who treat you like family. The same thought should also apply to other products and materials in your kitchen. For example, when deciding on countertops, considering using natural stone. Natural stone’s timelessness couples well with the retro kitchen design, and its durability ensures that it will last. When your dream kitchen has a foundation of quality appliances, materials, and products, you can be confident of your investment.

Ready, Set, Go!

It’s time to make your dream kitchen a reality! You’ve thought long and hard about what you want, what you need, and how to make it happen so all that’s left is bringing your dream kitchen to life. Visit a local Elmira dealer for your appliances, decide on a contractor or do it yourself, and get ready for the exciting journey ahead. When your dream kitchen is finished, make sure you send us a picture and share your story via Facebook, Twitter, or leave comment below.

Ready? Go make your dream kitchen a reality!

10 Useful Kitchen Hacks

There is no room more central in any home than the kitchen. The kitchen is more than just a room where meals are made; it is now the heart of a home where families come together to do everything from sharing meals to homework. With so much activity in the kitchen, keeping the kitchen organized and clean is essential for a happy home.

With that in mind, we’ve searched far and wide to find the top ten kitchen life hacks to make your time in the kitchen even more enjoyable.

Tissue Boxes for Storage

Plastic bags are a staple in every kitchen, but storing them often provides a challenge. If you’re looking for an easy and cute place to store your plastic bags, look no further than empty tissue boxes! Tissue boxes are great for storing plastic bags because they’re
small, easy to access, and come in various colors and designs so you can pick out a box or two that look great in your retro kitchen.

Boiling Water for Drain Clogs

The kitchen sink probably gets used more often than any other sink in the house. It’s inevitable that sometimes things that don’t belong down the drain find their way down anyway. An easy way to avoid clogs is to pour boiling water down the drain every so often. This easy hack will ensure that your kitchen sink is always in good shape.

Binder Clips for Sponges

There are few things grosser than grabbing a sponge and having it be wet, stinky and dirty. A sanitary sponge is important, and an easy way to keep it clean is to use a binding clip to hold it straight up. This prevents the sponge from absorbing bacteria.

Damp Paper Towels & Cutting Boards

Is there anything more annoying than cutting something on the cutting board only to have the board slip? It’s frustrating and dangerous, but putting a few damp paper towels sheets underneath the board will keep it in place. Quick, simple and effective – this life hack is a surefire way to save you some frustration.

Hang Pots and Pans

Not having enough storage space in the kitchen is a universal struggle. No matter how big your kitchen is, more storage is always welcomed. A convenient way to free up some space is to hang your pots and pans. Not only will they be easy to reach and organized, they’ll also add some flair to your kitchen, especially if you have a designer cookware set.

Tension Rods under the Sink

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Keeping your kitchen spotless is a top priority that often requires various cleaning products. With so many bottles, the cabinet under the sink is usually pretty full and tough to keep organized. You can gain some space and keep everything organized by adding a tension rod and hanging the bottles up. This simple trick is a great way to keep even the messiest cabinets in tip-top shape.

Mason Jars

Mason jars are so versatile and a must-have for any kitchen. A good way to de-clutter your pantry is to use them storage. Remove items from their original packaging, put them in a mason jar, label them if you’re feeling extra crafty, and appreciate all of the extra space.. Mason jars come in all sizes, making it easy to find some that fit your needs.

Shoe Rack Storage

If the mason jars didn’t free up as much space as you need in your pantry then consider using a shoe rack for extra storage. Re-purpose a shoe rack by hanging it on your pantry door and using it to store things like snacks and miscellaneous items that are scattered throughout the pantry. While not the most stylish solution, shoe rack storage will free up space, help keep your pantry organized, and make life a little easier.

Command Strips and Baskets

Another quick and easy way to get a little more storage in your kitchen cabinets is to use Command strips and baskets. This hack is perfect for small, miscellaneous items. A small basket will keep items in one easy to access location as well as free up some much needed space. With this trick you’ll never have to worry about misplacing small lids, plastic straws, or can openers again.

Magnets

Did you know magnets can be used for much more than adding a personal touch to your fridge? Magnets can be used to help you de-clutter your kitchen. You can make a magnetic rack to house your spices, knives, and even mason jars. Your imagination is the limit when it comes to finding creative ways to use magnets to keep your kitchen tidy.