Some days, cooking can bring on feelings of elation and joy. These are times when you create incredible culinary masterpieces – or just a delicious home-cooked meal for your family. Despite your love for cooking, you will surely encounter days when creating anything in the kitchen feels like a chore. 

For a little spark and a little inspiration – even on days you don’t feel like cooking – having the right appliances can help. In fact, it can take cooking to a whole new level. You may try new flavors and new recipes or experiment with new cooking methods. There are so many opportunities.

All you need is a stainless steel cooktop. 

Do you really notice a difference with a stainless steel cooktop? Can having one really enhance your cooking experience? We could give you the facts about your incredible experience with a stainless steel cooktop and let you be the judge. 

Or, we could tell you that yes – yes, your cooking experience is sure to be enhanced with a stainless steel cooktop. If you don’t have one, you need one. Just look at all the ways you can use it. 

Evaporation

Evaporation is used more often than you may think. It is when the liquid found in the food is good until it becomes a gas. As a result, you get a more concentrated finished product. It is more flavorful, too, since the water that diluted it has been removed.

You will commonly use evaporation methods when things like sauces, jams, syrups, gravies, etc. 

Blanching

It is not uncommon to find a recipe asking you to blanch something. Unfortunately, not everyone understands what that means. 

Blanching is a technique in which food is placed in hot water (or any type of liquid, including oil) for about 60 seconds or so – sometimes less – before being removed. It is important to know that the timeframe can vary from food to food. 

Blanching is easily done when using a stainless steel cooktop. And you can find it commonly used for veggies, such as sugar snap peas, carrots, green beans, broccoli, asparagus, and cauliflower. This helps to bring out the bright color of the veggie while still keeping the crunch. In the instance of a tomato, the blanching allows the skin to peel right off. 

Those who prepare food for storage and future consumption often use blanching. 

Boiling Water

That’s right – something as simple as boiling water can be a better experience when used on a stainless steel cooktop. 

How often have you sat and watched a pot of water boil? How often has it seemed to take forever?

When you can’t get dinner moving forward without boiling water, you need it to get boiling quickly. That is what happens when you have the right cooktop. Thanks to the high-intensity burners backed by a powerful heat source, you can just the right amount of heat to quickly get things moving. 

Simmering

Simmering is a cooking method used in many different recipes, from the most elegant to boxed meals. Essentially, it is a slow, low means of cooking – just below the boiling point. You don’t want the food to boil so it requires constant monitoring to be sure that it doesn’t. 

As mentioned, simmering is commonly used – and it can be beneficial in dishes such as soups, stocks, pastas, potatoes, rice, beans, and more. 

Poaching

Poaching is often used in relation to eggs, such as poached eggs, but it can be used to cook many different foods – chicken, fish, and fruit. 

With your stainless steel cooktop, you have the control to get the temperature just right. It needs low temperatures to poach. It isn’t the simmer you are looking for, but rather temperatures of 155 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. That means lower temperatures than simmering. It takes the right cooktop to make this happen. 

Delicate foods are placed into the liquid to cook, whether water, wine, broth, or milk. The heat that cooks the food is sourced from the liquids and fat. 

Frying

To get the perfect fried crunch, you have to know how to properly fry food. Of course, you have to have the proper tools to do it, too, such as a pan with sides (the higher the sides, the better to prevent splashing) and a stainless steel cooktop.

Frying can be done by using enough oil to cover the food halfway and flipping to cook the other side. Or deep frying can be done in which the food is completely submerged in the oil to cook. 

While meats and veggies are most commonly used for frying, you can fry just about anything – macaroni and cheese, cookies and cakes, pickles, tacos, and even ice cream. 

Sauteing

Rather than using a whole pan full of oil to fry foods, sauteeing involves using just a little bit of oil. This keeps foods from sticking to the pain and helps with the conduction of heat. It leaves a nice golden brown on the surface of your cooking. 

It is common to saute vegetables and meats cut into small pieces. This allows the heat to penetrate it and cook it quickly without disrupting the texture and flavor – and without drying out the food. 

Other Stainless Steel Cooktop Enhancements

When you invest in a high-quality stainless steel cooktop, you can create many delicious dishes with various cooking methods, such as frying, poaching, blanching, and so forth. 

What most don’t stop to consider, however, is that you can keep food warm until it is time to eat and reheat leftovers so that they taste delicious. And, in times of an emergency when heat is needed – your gas stainless steel cooktop can become a heat source, too. 

If you don’t have one, then perhaps now is the time to invest in a stainless steel cooktop. Adding this drop-in unit to your countertop or island makes a wonderful addition to any kitchen. 

Did you know that learning how to organize a refrigerator for efficiency reaps many rewards? Your refrigerator is likely one of the most widely-used appliances in your kitchen. It does not matter whether you want a cold drink, are looking for a snack, are grabbing the ingredients to make dinner, or sneaking a bite of ice cream late at night – your refrigerator and freezer are opened many, many times every day. And if you have a house full of people, then, well, you do the math.

Unfortunately, every time you open the refrigerator, you are letting out the cold air and causing the temperatures inside to fluctuate. And this can potentially cause wasted energy. The more disorganized your refrigerator is, the longer it takes to find what you are looking for.

The solution?

Organize your refrigerator and boost its efficiency. And, we’ve got everything you need to know to get it done.

Make it Practical

There is nothing in the rulebook that says your eggs have to be stored in the same place that your mother and grandmother stored them. And you don’t have to line your soda cans up in the same way, either. You and your family have your own favorites and most-used foods. So, when organizing your refrigerator for efficiency, you want these foods in practical spots.

It is important to note that each area of your refrigerator may be warmer or cooler, depending on its location. By keeping certain foods in certain areas, you can prolong their life. For instance, putting milk in a warmer area may make it spoil faster. Here is your rundown:

Top shelves tend to be the warmest, with the shelves getting cooler as you go down. The doors tend to be the warmest, too, and the area is most likely to shift in temperature.

The ideal way to organize your fridge based on temperatures is:

–Condiments should go in the door

–Eggs, dairy products, butter, etc. should be on the top shelf

–Milk and meat should be on the lowest shelve where it is the coldest

–Fruits and vegetables should be in the crisper drawers

The rest of the space is open for the taking. Just note where these things are because they are claiming their spot. The key to keeping this organization is being consistent so once it is in order, keep it that way after your next grocery haul.

Invest in Clear Bins

You’ve likely seen the trend of buying clear bins for organizational purposes. And, quite honestly, these people are on to something. By removing the original packaging, you are not only making it easier to reach and grab for whatever it is you need in the refrigerator (reducing energy waste), but you are also saving space and keeping it from looking so cluttered.

Packaging can keep you from seeing all areas of the refrigerator – and it can be very bulky, too. With clear bins, you can store these opened products neatly and in an organized fashion. That way, you can see exactly what you are going for and don’t have to fuss with any wrappers.

Start Labeling

It may seem silly to label your bins or even the areas in your refrigerator, but you can do so very neatly so that it looks tasteful. Yet, it serves a purpose, too. You may even be able to find pre-made stickers online that work beautifully.

This simply makes it easier to find what you are looking for and where things go when you are restocking. Plus, if you ever have guests, they can find what they need, too.

Keeping your refrigerator organized is not about making life more difficult or making it a bigger chore. Quite the contrary. Having an organized space makes life easier – and the more time you take setting it up right in the beginning, the greater reward you will reap in the future.

Store Perishables Where You’ll See Them

With good intentions, you may have purchased a lot of fresh veggies for snacking. But if you come home and toss them into the back of the refrigerator, what good is that going to do for you? By the time you remember they are there – if you remember – they are probably going to be rotten.

To combat this problem, store perishables where you will see them. And typically, this is front and center of the refrigerator. In the middle of the middle shelf. You can wash them up, so they are ready to eat/use and put them in your clear containers. That way, you can grab and go, making it even easier.

Using Your Crisper Drawers

Almost all refrigerators today come with two crisper drawers. One is intended for fruits and the other for vegetables. Why? Because you never want to mix these two since fruits give off a gas that will decompose veggies at a much faster rate than normal. So, keep them fresher longer by separating the two.

It is always a good idea to keep some fruits and veggies in your clear bins on the middle shelf that are easy to grab and go, as we talked about above. Even though you have the crisper drawers, don’t just throw your produce in them and forget them. It will be just fine to spread them around.

Routine Cleaning

Once a month or every other week, do a routine cleaning of your refrigerator. Go shelf by shelf and pull everything out so that you can clean your refrigerator. Wipe it down with a soft wet cloth and a small amount of soap. Then dry with a clean cloth.

As you load it back up, look for expired items and remove them from the fridge. And things that you haven’t used in a long time, consider moving them toward the front – or get rid of them.

If you find you need to do this more or less frequently, then adjust your cleaning schedule. Just be sure that you do it regularly to keep your fridge healthy.

It may take some work to get your refrigerator organized for efficiency. But the more you work to keep it that way, the easier it will become. And you will likely feel good about it, too!

Shop THOR Kitchen for Stainless Steel Refrigerators

Looking for the perfect refrigerator to compliment your kitchen? Then come on over and shop THOR Kitchen for a range of modern kitchen appliances today.

Welcome to 2022–the year you intend to eat healthier at home. You know your body would appreciate you consuming better foods. And, sure, you could stand to lose a few pounds, too. But figuring out what to eat and when to eat can be incredibly confusing. After all, there are so many diets out there all promising the same thing. With misleading results and not knowing which way to turn, it is no wonder why so many people choose to give up and just stay unhealthy. 

One thing you can do to ensure that you eat healthier is to eat at home. Eating out, you are not only enticed with all sorts of unhealthy foods, but you get oversized portions, lots of added sodium, and so much more. At home, you have control. So, while you may make a pizza or some wings, you have control over how it’s made – and can make wiser choices for your body. 

Let’s go over some tips for eating healthy at home this year. 

Create a Space You Want to Cook In

Truth is, if you want to retrain yourself to do something different, you have to be ready for it. You can’t invite all your best buds over to watch the Super Bowl and have a tiny tv that is set up in your smallest bedroom – or no tv at all. You may as well go out for the game, right? The same holds true for cooking. Why would you tell yourself you are going to eat at home if you don’t have a means of cooking? 

You need to create a kitchen space that you are going to be excited to use. Invest in new appliances if that is what it takes. You should want to be in the kitchen and want to cook. When you’ve got new appliances, they are like toys – you want to play with them. And, you are sure to want to cook more at home. 

So, invest in yourself – in your health – when you invest in a new range, refrigerator, grill, and so forth. 

Ditch the Processed Foods

Processed foods are the worst. Just the sound of it – processed foods – can make you cringe. Yet, we all love them. They taste so, so good, don’t they? Everything from white flour and white bread to potato chips, sodas, sweetened breakfast cereals, cookies, hot dogs, lunch meat, and so much more are considered processed foods – and they wreak havoc on the body. 

Instead of opting for foods that have a long list of ingredients that you can’t pronounce or that have been wiped of all things good, such as white bread, choose whole foods. Things like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fish. If you think about it, these are items that are usually found along the perimeter at most grocery stores and not deep within the aisles. Simply making this change within your home, you are bound to see a difference in your health. 

Drink Water

Fill your wine cooler up with wine for an evening glass or two, but the rest of the day you should focus on water. Soda, pop, whatever you call it where you are from is one of the worst beverages you can drink. Whether you drink regular or diet soda, they are linked to obesity and increased risk for various types of disease. 

Don’t be fooled by the word fruit in fruit juice, either. Unless you buy juices that specifically say 100% juice and their only ingredient is the juice, avoid them. They are full of sugar – and usually a long list of other ingredients – and contain very little if any, actual fruit. Their high sugar content has also been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. 

Stick to water throughout your day and your body will thank you. You can even get a nice filtered jug and keep it in your Thor Kitchen refrigerator so that it’s always cold and refreshing. 

Have the Good Stuff on Hand

Not having stuff to prepare a meal at home or something easy to grab when you are short on time, for instance, can have you ordering takeout or going out to eat. So if you are wanting to eat healthier at home,  you are going to need to have healthy food at home. And, you are going to want to organize your refrigerator and pantry in a way that these foods are easy to grab. 

Always have some fruits and veggies on hand. Stocking up on frozen vegetables is a great way to get more of them in your diet. Have whole grains, such as brown rice, whole-wheat or lentil pasta, quinoa, and so forth in your kitchen. You may even want to prep them in advance so they are ready to go. It’s easy enough to toss some frozen veggies and rice in a pan and make vegetable fried rice for dinner. Have some chicken or turkey available, too. This is easy enough to cook in advance.

When you have all the makings for a healthy meal easily accessible and ready to go, you are more likely to make it. Don’t try to get all fancy and buy 25 special ingredients for a 15-step recipe. That’s overwhelming – and no one wants to spend that much time cooking after a long day. 

Grill Out

Cooking on a grill not only reduces the amount of grease you eat, giving you a healthier option, but it also tastes delicious, too. 

Why not take advantage of your backyard this year? Set yourself up with an outdoor kitchen and use it. You will have everything you need within reach and get to breathe in the fresh air as you cook. You can grill just about everything – meats, fish and other seafood, veggies, and even fruits. 

Just like having a kitchen can provide you with a nice area to spend time, an outdoor kitchen can be very inviting, too. And, it will keep you eating healthy all year long. 

The new year always brings hope and possibility for the future. If you want to eat healthier at home in 2022, now you know what you need to do. 

Are you ready to ring in the new year? Do you have plans yet? It is not uncommon to want that night – that moment, really – when the clock strikes midnight to be perfect. We often feel that where we are, who we are with, or how we feel in that moment is somehow going to predict how the following 365 days are going to go. 

Whether you are into superstitions or you are just looking to kick things off right – it is important to focus on what you can. See, you don’t have control over whether you will get that perfect date or perfect kiss, but you can control the food you eat. And if you are having guests over, we’ve got some great ideas to cook for new years eve. 

Stick With the Small Bites

We could go into telling you all about the fancy dinner you should be cooking to wow your guests. But, the truth is, we are exhausted, aren’t we? We just went through Thanksgiving – and Christmas – and that means shopping, cooking, baking, family, and so much drama for sure. And, nobody wants to carry that into 2022.

To make things easy, stick to an assortment of small bites – and you are sure to not even miss the fancy meal. Everyone can just grab a bite when they feel like it, allowing them to focus on enjoying themselves while letting everything else fall to the side. 

At the same time, you don’t want to have 6 different kinds of chips and some little bbq weenies. So, we’ve put together a list of what to cook for new years eve.

Steak and Potato

There are always going to be guests who consider themselves to be a steak-and-potato girl or guy. After all, who doesn’t love a nice juicy steak every now and then? Using a nice flank steak, you can cook it and wrap an inch-ish thick strip around a couple of french fries and hold it tight with a toothpick. Drizzle with a tad bit of steak sauce. Your guests are sure to love this bite-sized steak and potato. 

Stuffed Mushrooms

When you are talking about finger foods that taste delectable and pair beautifully with a new year’s eve celebration, then you are talking about stuffed mushrooms. The great thing about them is that you can choose just what flavor – or flavors – you want to stuff them with. Will they be cheesy? Creamy? Garlicky? Spicy? Will they be stuffed with meat, like sausage or crab? There are so many possibilities for this crowd-pleaser. And they deserve a spot on your table. 

Toasted Ravioli

Ok, sure, toasted ravioli is just like a mozzarella stick in so many ways. But, hey – you have to admit it looks a little fancier for ringing in the new year. Just saying it out loud – toasted ravioli – is a far cry from ordering mozzarella sticks at the bowling alley, wouldn’t you agree? These crispy ravioli are the perfect addition to your new year’s celebration. 

Fried Mac ‘n Cheese Balls

Mac ‘n cheese is the ultimate comfort food. And on a night like new years eve, sometimes we need a little comfort. These fried mac and cheese balls are easy enough to just pop in your mouth – with a little crunch on the outside and a lot of creamy on the inside. Guests of all ages are sure to indulge in these drops of goodness. 

Beer Cheese

Now, having dips as part of your new years eve festivities isn’t necessarily a no-go, you just have to have more than just dips. And the ones you do choose should be delicious. Like this beer cheese. Besides, can you think of a better combination? 

There are so many flavors going on here that you are sure to love it – and your guests will, too. 

Crispy Cheese Twists

What if you could make something so simple that would taste so good – good enough to make everyone think you really outdid yourself this time? That comes in the form of crispy cheese twists. These crispy treats are made with puff pastry you buy at the store, some cheese, and the right oven temp – so easy yet so delicious. 

If you do choose to make these, of course, you will want to be sure that you make enough for everyone to have a few because they are quite addictive. 

Bacon Parm Crackers

Speaking of being addictive, bacon parm crackers are another popular treat that is sure to go quickly on a night like new years. The best part is that the recipe involves very little of your time and effort. And only 3 ingredients will get the job done – bacon strips, club crackers, and grated parmesan. Have some ranch on the side for dipping and voila! what a snack!

Three-Cheese Fondue

Creamy, cheesy fondue – it is delicious. And, anything you choose to put in it is delicious, too. Choose from different pieces of bread, fruits, veggies, etc. You can use just about everything with this fondue cheese. The best part is that when you lay all this out on your countertop in a colorful display, it looks tasty and sophisticated. If you were looking for something simple yet fancy for your new years eve gathering, then this is definitely it. 

Nachos

You can easily create a fiesta at home with sheet pan nachos. Just add a layer of your favorite tortilla chips and then all the fixings, such as cheese, onions, tomatoes, beans, taco-seasoned ground beef, jalapenos, avocado, cilantro, lettuce, and dollops of sour cream. 

You can stick the nachos, meat, beans, and cheese in the oven until it’s all melty – then top it off with everything else. This is a definite crowd-pleaser. 

Whatever you decide to do to say goodbye to the old and welcome the new, this new year’s eve celebration will be one for the record books when it includes some easy yet delicious eats to cook. So, make sure that your wine cooler contains at least one bottle of champagne, grab the ingredients for your favorite small bites, invite your closest friends, and welcome 2022!

Microwaves are one of those appliances that most people have for convenience. It can help you sit down to a meal in just a few minutes. It can cook your potatoes. It can create a chocolate cake in a mug. And it can make some popcorn for your movie, too. Running late for work in the morning? No problem – your microwave can heat up a breakfast burrito before you finish pouring your coffee. 

Although these microwaves serve an incredible purpose in our lives, they don’t always get treated based on their value. We often buy the cheap ones, sit them on our countertop, and, when it breaks or doesn’t work right, we toss it and go buy a new one. 

Here’s the thing – for something we rely on so much throughout our daily lives, it seems kinda silly to make it an afterthought, doesn’t it? 

Let’s talk about microwave drawers and how they can benefit a serious microwave chef like yourself. 

What is a Microwave Drawer?

First of all, we should clarify what a microwave drawer actually is. Though, oddly enough – it is exactly what its name says it is. Rather than having your microwave sitting atop your countertop, this type of microwave gets installed into your cabinet area – most often below your countertop. It then pulls out much like a drawer. When it is closed, it fits flush with the rest of the drawers and cabinets. 

By design, they do not sit on top of your countertop taking up space and they are not installed above your range. Instead, this reduces the look of clutter and bulk in your kitchen, allowing you to have a wide-open space – especially countertop – to handle any food prep and so forth. 

Other than where it is housed, you use a microwave drawer in much the same way you would any type of microwave. 

Specifically speaking, THOR Kitchen has a 24-inch microwave drawer – model number TMD2401 – that not only brings you convenience from where it is installed, but also long-lasting durability. No more having to toss your microwave and get a new one every so often. Microwave drawers are designed with much more strength, power, and reliability. 

Let’s take a moment to recognize all the things that this microwave drawer can do. 

Unique Sensor Functions

Sometimes your microwave is used to just make meals and treats and snacks. Other times, however, it can be used in the process of making delicious meals. You know, when you forget to take the meat out before you leave for work in the morning and find out you are making spaghetti with frozen ground beef. What do you do? You use your microwave to thaw it.

Microwave drawers, like the one by THOR Kitchen, offer more than just a defrost button. In fact, you will find 12 unique sensor functions to help with your food prep. These include defrost, of course, but also a beverage center, two popcorn settings, melting chocolate, and softening ice cream.

So many options just for you. 

Multipower Modes

There is a science to creating the best microwave meal, just in case you didn’t know. When you use your oven, you cook certain things at different temperatures, right? You (hopefully) don’t just cook everything at 375-degrees and hope for the best. That is the same reason why this microwave drawer doesn’t want to give your leftover slice of pie the same power as it would, say, a leftover piece of steak. 

So, you have 10 power modes for precision heating. They include a delicate power mode (for things like melting chocolate) to a powerful 950-watts for cooking and defrosting foods.

Everything you eat doesn’t cook the same or require the same amount of power. So you should always have options. 

Auto Touch Open/Close Control

Have you ever looked at your microwave handle? If you don’t clean it regularly – and it doesn’t include any auto touch open/close functions, then there is a good chance your handle may be a bit, well, dirty. Putting your food in and taking it out can leave you getting things on your hands. When you touch the handle, it leaves a residue – and it gets dirty. Let it sit there for a minute and you’ve got crusty, dried, who-knows-what just hanging out. Gross!

With a microwave drawer, the simple touch of a button with your clean pinky can open it up and get you cooking. When you take that hot food out of the microwave, a slight sway of the hip can close it for you. No need to touch anything! 

It is an added convenience, keeps things cleaner, and it surely reduces the spread of germs, too. 

Spacious Cooking

Have you ever bought one of those small, compact microwaves because you didn’t want to waste too much of your countertop? If so, then you know it definitely doesn’t hold everything. Trying to fit certain plates into these microwaves can prove unsuccessful. 

With THOR Kitchen’s microwave drawer, you get 1.2 cubic feet of cooking space. It can hold all types of containers and plates and dishes, regardless of their shape and size. 

Keep it Wam

Finally, cooking a big meal for your family is always a balancing act when it comes to getting everything cooked at the same time. You don’t want to put some cold side dishes on the table because you need the space to make the main course. 

With a microwave drawer, you have a keep-warm function that will give your pulses of heat without overcooking your food. That way it stays warm while you focus on the rest of the meal. 

This is the winning feature right here. 

Final Thoughts

We never want to keep doing the same thing over and over in life – just because we don’t want to take the time to learn about something more beneficial to us. It may sound silly, but that’s how it is with a microwave drawer. 

You can continue to purchase your cheap countertop microwaves – or you can invest in a microwave drawer, free up your counter space, and have long-lasting use of a sleek, well-designed, beneficial appliance. 

Beer battered fish and chips served with malt vinegar and tartar sauce. Baked salmon with a side of crispy bacon-wrapped scallops. Pan-seared chimichurri pork chops. We love the aromas of a flavor-packed home recipe. But the aftermath? Not so much. Especially when it comes to grease, splatter, and lingering kitchen odors.

If you love the home-cooking experience but hate the battle with lingering kitchen odors, it’s time to invest in a professional kitchen range hood. With a professional range hood, you can cook anything with confidence. It will help keep your newly remodeled kitchen smelling just as clean as day one. But did you know that a professional range hood fights more than just lingering kitchen odors? Read more.

Lingering Kitchen Odors

The aromas of food in the kitchen can be nostalgic. They can trigger childhood memories and often remind us of the holidays. Smell, after all, is the strongest of the human senses. But there’s a point when those wonderful aromas just turn into a distinct smell, aka lingering kitchen odors. Especially if you’re not equipped with a proper range hood.

These odors seemingly creep into every corner of your home like an invisible monster. They unknowingly cling to your furniture, your clothes, and your hair. Worst of all, these lingering odors can follow you right out the front door. Outside the context of cooking in a kitchen, the lingering smell of food is off-putting.

There’s nothing more intrusive in a social setting than smelling like last night’s dinner. And if you’re hosting a dinner party, a greasy, stuffy kitchen isn’t just unsightly but is bad etiquette. So, how does one #CookLikeaGod and keep the post-meal lingering kitchen odors at bay?

Better Habits

Before you start lighting up the scented candles, commit to better habits. Be mindful of kitchen ventilation. If you want to reduce or eliminate kitchen odors, simply start by using your kitchen range hood anytime you’re cooking food.

It takes 21 days to form a habit.

So, for the next 21 days turn on your range hood as soon as you turn on your cooktop. You’re committing to kitchen ventilation. You’ll smell the difference.

Reduce the Heat

Not only will you smell the difference, but you’ll also see and feel the difference in your kitchen’s atmosphere. If you’ve ever cooked a big meal or cooked for an extended period of time, then you know all about the stuffy atmosphere it creates. Combine it with additional people in the kitchen and you have an even bigger issue.

Heat and steam don’t just make us uncomfortable but can also attract mold and can drive up cooling and energy costs. With the help of a kitchen range hood, you can keep the surrounding kitchen air comfortable and enjoyable while you cook. And, as a bonus, your cooling system will rest easy.

Smoke, Steam, and Airborne Toxins

Besides eliminating kitchen odors and reducing the permeating heat from your cooktop, the range hood also rids the air of smoke, steam, and harmful airborne toxins. These toxins permeate from the smoke and steam as the temperature of the kitchen naturally rises from your cooking. Airborne toxins and heat are a dangerous combination.

Did you know that carbon monoxide is one of those airborne toxins? No one should have to be subjected to unhealthy, dirty air in their own home – especially if you have young children. It’s time to use your range hood for what it’s made for – kitchen ventilation. And, since your family’s health is always the priority then it might even be time for an upgrade.

3 Benefits of Upgrading to a Professional Kitchen Range Hood

Upgrading to a professional range hood by THOR Kitchen has 3 key benefits.

1. Professional appliance at a practical price: It operates quietly while offering powerful suction that eliminates odors, smoke, and steam. It also features a large, commercial-style 430-grade stainless steel baffle filter maximizing airflow and grease filtration.
2. Versatility and Efficiency: This vented range hood can also be converted to a non-vented (ductless) range hood with carbon filters (not included). The 7-inch round duct vent provides better ventilation performance and efficiency. And the LED lights illuminate your cooking while saving energy.
3. High-quality design: The stainless-steel finish offers a modern design aesthetic and is built to withstand high heat, grease, oil, and steam.

The health of everyone in your home is too important to not have a source of reliable ventilation. Wouldn’t you agree?

Increase the Value of Your Home

Last, but not least, investing in a professional range hood may increase the value of your home! Any ordinary kitchen is going to come with a refrigerator, a range, and maybe even a dishwasher. The range hood? That’s an added bonus that is not always expected but always appreciated. Even more so when it’s a ducted hood – due to the time and skill needed to install the ductwork and hood properly.

Between eliminating kitchen odors, providing clean air for your family to breathe, and increasing the value of your home, a professional range hood should be the focal point in every kitchen. Opt for this in your kitchen remodel so you can cook anything at home without worrying about what you’re putting into the air. And, when the time comes to sell, you’ll be thankful you took the time to bring this addition into your home.

This blog is written by celebrity chef and THOR Kitchen brand advocate Derrick Fox. Each month, Chef Fox will be sharing his favorite recipes with step-by-step directions, pictures and his signature style.  

 Recently, I was preparing a family-style dinner and a few of the family members were vegetarian. As a chef, it’s hard to see people feel left out at the table because there are limited options for their particular dietary need.  

 I wanted to create a recipe with a vegetable as the star that could be both a satisfying entrée or a hearty side dish. Like a stroke of lightning, this recipe hit me!    

 Portabella mushrooms are delicious, healthy and very easy to cook with. You can grill them, roast them, marinate and bake them – there are so many possibilities! Pair these stuffed Portabella mushrooms with a full-flavored porter or your favorite IPA for a crowd-pleasing, vegetarian meal.  

 Let’s #cooklikeagod!

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 

To prepare the mushrooms: Place the mushrooms in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper and toss lightly to coat the mushrooms. Place the mushrooms bottom up on the baking sheet. 

To prepare the filling: Rough chop the artichokes and add to the mixing bowl with the Ricotta cheese, capers, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Mix well. 

Scoop the filling into the mushroom caps and top with more shaved cheese. 

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn on the broiler setting, move the mushrooms under the broiler and cook for 1-2 additional minutes or until the cheese starts to turn golden brown. 

Remove from the oven, plate and garnish with chives, basil or a drizzle of balsamic reduction. 

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings with Basil Pesto recipe blog is written by celebrity chef and THOR Kitchen brand advocate Derrick Fox. Each month, Chef Fox will be sharing his favorite recipes with step-by-step directions, pictures and his signature style.  

I have had many different chef jobs over the years, and this recipe comes from a time when I was working at a restaurant that had a great football crowd. 

The owner asked me to put wings on the menu, and I didn’t want to put just any typical recipe on the menu. So, I created these garlicky, cheesy, deliciously messy wings and they were a hit!   

We had commercial fryers at the restaurant, so I altered the recipe to make it a little easier for you at home. Pair these with a crisp refreshing beer and you will be living your best life! Now that’s how you #cooklikeagod!

Watch how to make garlic parmesan chicken wings in this video and find the full recipe below!

To Prepare the Wings
To get nice, crispy baked wings, combine baking powder, garlic powder and salt in a mixing bowl, then add your wings. Coat the wings evenly by tossing them in the mixing bowl, and feel free to use your hands! 

 Put the wings on a baking rack over a foil-lined baking sheet, then place in the oven at 250 degrees for 30 minutes. Increase the heat to 425 degrees and cook for another 40 minutes until the wings are cooked through and crispy. 

To Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Grate 2 cups (not packed) of Parmesan cheese into a mixing bowl. Add minced garlic. 

 In a sauce pot over medium heat, melt the butter. You can clarify the butter if you’d like by letting the milk solids separate, then straining them out with cheese cloth. 

 Let the butter cool a little, and then pour the butter over the cheese and garlic and whisk.  

 Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the garlic parmesan sauce. 

To Prepare the Basil Pesto
Add the basil, spinach, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and minced garlic into a food processor. Turn on the food processor and drizzle olive oil through the spout until the pesto becomes smooth. 

When browned and crisp to your liking, take a slotted spoon and remove them to a metal mixing bowl. In the mixing bowl, toss the cubes with a little cinnamon sugar.  

 Now, Let’s Put it on the Plate
Once the wings are tossed in the Garlic Parmesan sauce, pile them high on the plate and drizzle them with the Basil Pesto, then top with more grated Parmesan. 

Find more recipes like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings with Basil Pesto on our blog: THOR KITCHEN BLOG

Watch more videos from THOR Kitchen on our YouTube channel: THOR KITCHEN YOUTUBE

The refrigerator is one of the most important and widely-used kitchen appliances at home. If you’re thinking about upgrading or replacing your current refrigerator, keep the following in mind.

In this article, you’ll discover how to find the right 36 inch wide refrigerator for your pro-style kitchen.

36-Inch Wide Refrigerator

So, if you are reading this, there is probably a really good chance that you truly understand how important a refrigerator is for your kitchen. After all, it is what keeps your perishable food safe and fresh – and it keeps your drinks and ice cream at their most delicious temperature.

But, not all refrigerators are created equal. They come in various sizes, styles, and designs. And, each refrigerator comes with its own set of features that make it perfect. Do you know what you want your new kitchen refrigerator to look like? Do you know what features you are looking for or what size it needs to be?

The most common size for a refrigerator is 36-inches, though that doesn’t mean you still won’t have options! Let’s dig a little deeper to find the right 36-inch wide refrigerator for you. What do you say?

Discover Your Style

It is a good idea to know what you like and what you don’t like in terms of style. Doing so will help you narrow down your choices. Keep in mind the size of the refrigerator you need and the layout of your kitchen when making your selection. Here is a list of the most popular styles:

Top freezer. Refrigerators with a freezer on top are one of the most common models. However, this model also seems to fall into the economical category more often, as well as the smaller end of refrigerators.

Bottom freezer. This refrigerator looks just like it’s described – with a bottom freezer and refrigerator on top. This model makes accessing the refrigerator much more comfortable.

Side by side. This type of refrigerator offers more freezer space, but it also cuts down the width for both. Though it may be beneficial to those who use the freezer a great deal. The doors cause a split straight down the middle with the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other.

French door. Similar to the side by side, this refrigerator has French doors with the freezer on the bottom. This model is often considered to be more high-end than other options.

Of course, there are other options to choose from, too. These are just the most common that you will encounter as you begin your quest for a new refrigerator.

Know the Available Features

Keep in mind that the features will vary from the refrigerator to refrigerator – some seeming more logical than others. However, we’ve put together a list of some of the best features available – and those that you are sure to find on Thor Kitchen’s refrigerators.

• An automatic ice maker in the freezer.
• Recessed handles. By removing the handles from your refrigerator, you are giving your appliance an even more sleek look. And, it also increases your kitchen space, too.
• An alarm that advises you when a door has been open too long.
• Speed chilling option for when you need your non-perishables to get cold quickly.
• Convertible compartments, allowing you to interchange certain compartments between freezer and refrigerator. This is a great option when you have oddly-sized items to store.
• Touchscreen controls

Fitting Your Kitchen’s Design Style

Take a moment to consider your kitchen’s design style – after all, you want to make sure your refrigerator will fit the look, right? Some have a modern look, others are pure elegance, while still others bring back styles from years gone by. To determine which refrigerator with the best suit your space, you will need to know the design style you desire to implement in your new kitchen.

Stainless steel is perhaps the best finish for kitchen appliances – especially the refrigerator. It offers a sleek and shiny look that fits many design styles, such as modern, contemporary, industrial, traditional, and so forth. Stainless steel can be elegant, and it can be part of a rustic country feel. It is likely its versatility that makes it so easy to incorporate into a kitchen.

Keep in mind that a refrigerator is a major purchase. When you change the style of your kitchen, you don’t want to always have to replace your refrigerator. Finding something that will fit many different styles may be the most logical – and economical – way to go.

Don’t Miss These 36-Inch Refrigerators

Thor Kitchen Model HRF3601F

This model refrigerator is a great design by Thor Kitchen. It is a 36-inch refrigerator that has an upper, French door refrigerator with two bottom freezer drawers. It is sure to fit your needs, with size and durability. Want to know the features?

• Stainless steel finish.
• Plenty of storage.
• Retractable shelving.
• Two large humidity controlled drawers for fresh foods and produce.
• Full-width chiller drawer.
• Automatic ice maker.
• Multi airflow.
• No frost.

It’s a great addition to any kitchen looking for a seemingly large refrigerator.

Thor Kitchen Model HRF3603F

This model is one of Thor Kitchen’s 36-inch stainless steel refrigerators with 4 French doors. It is great for any style of kitchen which makes it very versatile. You have a lot of storage space for keeping your refrigerator neat and organized.  Thanks to wide viewing ability, the shelving, and the drawers, you should have no problem finding anything. Here are a few of the features you will find here:

• No frost buildup.
• Multi airflow.
• Recessed handles for extra space.
• LED lighting for energy efficiency.
• Adjustable shelves.
• Humidity controlled drawers.
• Temperature touch control.
• Automatic ice maker.

It’s easy to clean and a great choice for any kitchen!

Conclusion

Refrigerators are one of the most-used appliances in your kitchen. When you are ready to make your purchase, be sure to opt for a refrigerator that is going to give you a beautiful design and a high-quality. It will last you for years to come.