AJ Madison Blog

We take everything our customers tell us about our products very seriously. That’s why we’re starting an ongoing blog about our top-rated products. We also now list product reviews on all shopping pages, so you don’t even have to dive into the product page to see how highly-rated the item is. So for our first top-rated post, I’d like to highlight LG’s apartment-size bottom-freezer refrigerator (LRBP1031), which had the most positive reviews on our site.

What appealed most to customers about this refrigerator was the sheer amount of storage space available, even with its compact size (24″ width/10 cu. ft.). One customer had this to say, “its slender size allows it to fit almost anywhere,” while another said, “the design was well thought out since it makes use of all available space.” Other features like cabinet depth makes the design sleek, while digital controls offer optimal cooling. The LRBP1031 is perfect for small galley kitchens or office kitchens.

Reading customer feedback on products is essential when shopping, so do your fellow shopper a solid and leave a review after purchasing from AJ Madison.

JenP Refrigerators

The October 15 deadline has passed for states to get their “Cash for Appliances” details to the federal government. Since then several state plans for distributing cash rebates to residents who purchase high-efficiency appliances have started shaking out. The $296 million in federal funds won’t be distributed until after Nov. 30., so many states are looking to a 2010 springtime roll-out, when most industry insiders say people start sprucing up their homes.

Under the New York plan, which is proposed to start February 2010, customers get a set amount per energy-efficient appliance, as well as an additional amount if they recycle their old appliances. For example, consumers get $75  for purchasing Energy Star refrigerators and $105 with documented recycling. For more information go to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority site.

JenP Home Appliances

New Designer Badge

I got the privilege last night to take a sneak peek at Viking’s new Designer line. This new series is a stunning combination of smooth curves, straight lines and wallet-friendly value.

First off, Viking’s new Designer logo, what those in the know call a “badge,” is super sleek and incorporates the smooth lines of the appliances and a next-generation look. The handles on the new Designer items are updated too. They’re a mix between a pro-style handle and the old curved Viking Designer handle. Just take a look at these slick wall ovens.

Viking Designer Series DDOE301SS

Viking is really trying to make luxury affordable with the new Designer series—you can get a full stainless steel kitchen with range (or cooktop/single oven), refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave for $8,750. Now, that’s an amazing value! This line is perfect for those customers who want a clean, professional look on a practical budget. Stay tuned for next week’s AJ Madison blog with details about Viking’s new Designer offer.

JenP Home Appliances

PowerMeter Phone

Google has joined forces with Energy Inc. to create a device for consumers to monitor their home energy usage and upload it into colorful charts and graphs via Google’s free web tool PowerMeter, according to a New York Times article. Appliances usurp energy when the appliance is not running, but still plugged in.

The [Google] device’s sensitivity makes it ideal for detecting a home’s so-called “phantom load” — the energy being drawn by appliances and home electronics that are ostensibly turned off, said Mr. Sly.

This just proves that Google does indeed have an app for everything. In all seriousness, monitoring your home energy usage and buying energy-efficient Energy Star appliances can help conserve energy and lower your monthly utility bill.

JenP Home Appliances

The New York Times reported yesterday that Whirlpool, in effort to do their part in this new green era, has announced that it will produce one million smart clothes dryers for sale in 2011 and make all their dryers smart grid compatible in six years.

“The company’s Smart Energy dryers will respond to peak-energy prices by lowering power consumption, saving money for homeowners and easing stress on the electric grid, Whirlpool said as it announced the initiative yesterday. For people who pay variable prices for electricity, the dryers could save an average of $20 to $40 a year, the company said.”

I read some reader comments  to a Wall Street Journal article on the same topic that decried this movement toward energy-consciousness as “Big Brother” governmental control. To those people I simply have to point out the consequences of our energy hogging: New York 2003 Summer Blackout and the ongoing California electricity crisis. If we don’t “smart”en up our home appliances, then we risk more summers of blackness and leaving the next generation with the inconvenient truth of a planet without the energy to sustain itself.

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To jazz up their 1940s-era kitchen, Jan and Richard Parker went totally stainless Frigidaire. For a refrigerator, the Parkers chose the Frigidaire Professional Series FPHI2187KF top-mount  that has glass, spill proof shelves, two crispers, wine holder, as well as an ice maker.

The Parkers also chose the Frigidaire Gallery Series FGGF3056KF gas range specifically for the large fifth burner in the middle. Jan liked that it was the perfect size for a large stock pot since she likes making homemade chicken noodle soup. This range has true European convection, as well as a warming drawer and touch controls. Stay tuned to see what these new beauties look like back in PA. . .

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We at AJ Madison scoured high and low and finally found a winner for the Ugliest Kitchen Appliances Contest! Out of the many submissions we received, Jan and Richard Parker of McKeesport, Pennsylvania indeed had the ugliest kitchen appliances of all. Just take a look below.

The Parkers’ appliances have a rich history that begins with Italian immigrants and spaghetti sauce. Back in 1947 Italian restaurant owner Woody Antonelli built his home, outfitted with brand-new Roper appliances (a brand now absorbed by Whirlpool), on a private lane in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Later, in 1978 the house was sold to Arthur and Sally Parker, Richard’s parents. Sally was quite the entertainer and cooked frequently. “Arthur worked with the chamber of commerce, and he and Sally would have parties for 50 people on a regular basis,” said Jan. “In their little kitchen, which is like 4 feet by 2 feet, she’d be cooking away, and everybody would be full when they left.” When Arthur and Sally passed away last year, Jan and Richard inherited the house, along with those same ugly appliances. Room by room the Parkers have been remodeling their 1940s-era house. The Parker’s now have $2,000 worth of new Frigidaire appliances for their kitchen. Stay tuned to see what appliances they decide to choose.

JenP Cooking Products, Cooking Ranges, Home Appliances, Refrigerators

Eric Hara, executive chef at the Oak Room in the Plaza Hotel, got cooking on AJ Madison’s very own Lynx L36FR1.  Eric grilled up some Branzino with stewed tomatoes and spicy piquillo peppers and left us with not only an amazing dish, but some great grilling tips:

1. If you’re using a gas grill, burn a bundle of herbs (sage, oregano, rosemary, thyme) to mimic smoky flavors.
2. Rub your grill with olive oil to prevent meat or fish from sticking.
3. Cook vegetables in a tin foil pouch with a little olive oil and white wine to reduce messy clean-up.

JenP Grills, Outdoor, Uncategorized

Buy $999 or More of Appliances This Weekend, Get Free Delivery

Not only has AJ Madison offered you fabulous July 4th rebates from top-line appliance makers like Bosch and Whirlpool, we’re also giving you another way to save on the 4th. Simply buy $999 or more of appliances from AJ Madison between 3 p.m. July 3 and 11:59 p.m. July 5th,  and we will deliver your appliance(s) for free! That’s right—pick any appliance or appliance set, and you get free shipping. Now, those are savings Uncle Sam would approve of!

JenP Home Appliances, Rebates

If you haven’t checked out Frigidaire’s new My Motherload portal, it might be worth your while. Beyond all the “More Me Time” feminine fluff (men use appliances too!), they’re offering a pretty good guarantee: if Frigidaire’s appliances don’t meet your needs in 30 days, you can return them for your money back. The main kicker, however, is that you have to purchase three or more “select” appliances. But in an economy like this where you’re really contemplating whether or not to take out your wallet for big-ticket purchases, having a 30-day trial period for appliances might be as close to hitting the motherload as you can get.

JenP Home Appliances, Uncategorized