How Convection Ovens Work

“Convection” is defined as the transfer of heat via circulation caused by external factors. The term is commonly used in meteorology to describe the vertical movement of warm air masses and in cooking refers to the equalization of heating temperatures in an oven, which is usually facilitated by a fan in the rear of the compartment.

Using a convection oven solves one of biggest challenges in cooking; uneven heating in the oven compartment that results in the bottom and the corners of baked dishes getting browned first while the center and top require more time to be completely cooked. If you’re considering the purchase of a convection oven, there are several different types to choose from, with different methods of equalizing temperatures.

 * Convection – A standard convection oven will have heating elements that are similar in design to non-convection options with a fan in the rear of the compartment to transfer and equalize heat.

* “True” convection – A true convection oven incorporates the heating element with the fan on the back wall of the oven so that generated heat can immediately start circulating throughout the oven. This design offers uniform temperatures and is ideal when cooking on several racks simultaneously.

* Reverse air convection – Rather than having the fan blowing outward to the oven, reverse air convection pulls air from the oven, runs it through the heating element, and then pushes the heated air through holes in a baffle, to diffuse the heat source and keep temperatures consistent throughout the compartment.

Choosing the best convection oven option for your kitchen is a matter of defining your cooking/baking style. While the standard method of convection will work very well in household sized ovens, true and reverse air convection systems may deliver better results when cooking with larger ovens on multiple racks.

3 Tips for Helping Yourself and the Environment in the Laundry Room

Doing the laundry, especially when measured by the time in which the washing machine and dryer are in use, is one of the most energy and water intensive activities that take place around the house. With the release of soap and dirt filled water throughout the wash cycle, this chore effects the environment negatively as well. Fortunately, there are several ways you can reduce your utility bills related to doing your laundry while also lessening the effects on the environment.

These steps include:

* Upgrading – If you have a washing machine with an agitator in the middle of the basin, you are using a traditional style machine that probably uses over 40 gallons of water per load. At 300 to 400 wash loads per year, the average amount for a household, that adds up to between 12,000 and 16,000 gallons of water per year. New models, whether front loading or top loading, use less than half of the water required by older machines. You can also cut your energy use by heating less water per load.
* Going cold – Cold water is effective on most stains, with the exceptions being oily or greasy ones. Using cold water washes drastically reduces energy usage as heating water creates the biggest demand for electricity during each cycle.
* Experimenting with drying times – One of the most common energy wasters in drying clothes is using default settings that continue the cycle well after clothes are dry. Test your drying times to see how long different materials take to dry and use timed drying to end the cycle when the load is dry.

It’s not often that saving money and helping the environment go together. By following these tips you can do both while saving time as well.

The Latest on the New Whirlpool Duet Washers and Dryers

The new versions of Whirlpool Duet Washers and Dryers carry on Whirlpool’s tradition of delivering upscale machines with unique features that add convenience, energy savings, and water conservation. These features include:

• Precision Dispense Ultra – This feature senses the size of each wash load and dispenses exactly the amount of detergent and other additives necessary for the best cleaning result possible. An owner can actually fill the dispenser with the equivalent of 12 wash loads worth of detergent knowing that each load will use the right amount of detergent every time.
• Dynamic Venting Technology – This feature allows for loads to stay in the washer for extended periods of time by continuing to tumble at regular intervals for up to twelve hours. This feature eliminates the need for repeat washes if loads are forgotten or stay in overnight.  
• The Advance Moisture System – This feature uses built-in sensors to measure temperature and the moisture levels of the load in the dryer, which reduces shrinkage and fading. 
• Eco Boost – Eco Boost monitors wash and dry loads and lowers water temperatures in the washer and air temperatures in the dryer whenever possible. This results in the cleanest laundry possible combined with water and energy savings.

The newest line of Whirlpool Duet washers and dryers combines efficiencies found in front loading machines with technological advances that maximize savings in water and energy usage, translating into lower monthly bills. Additionally, timesavings can be realized with the Dynamic Venting Technology, which negates the need to wait for wash loads to finish so that they can be moved immediately to the dryer. This technology keeps wash loads fresh for hours, allowing for time to leave the house without the worry of having re-washing a load.

Lastly, Whirlpool Duet washers and dryers are legendary for their reliability. Their durability, efficiency, and money saving features are the reason that consumer magazines recognize this appliance line on a regular basis as a best buy in various categories. For more information on Whirlpool Duet washers and dryers as well as the rest of the Whirlpool line of appliances, visit: http://jessupsappliances.com/