The Death of Stainless Steel?

I agree that stainless steel will soon be gone...Or so expensive that it's out of reach.
I just read this in Appliance Advisor: (July '07 entry)

Stainless Steel: Another Fine Mess for this Beloved Industry
The industry has its buttocks in a bundle over the catastrophic rise in the cost of 304 stainless steel. (When in doubt, blame the Chinese).
And you won't believe what is being considered as options to stainless:
-Lower or secondary grades of stainless (magnetic and non-magnetic grades)
-Faux stainless (photo laminates on cold rolled)
-Increased use of glass
-Even plotting a way back to a time when porcelain enamel on cold rolled were de rigueur. Oh to be back to those simpler times.
Its ALL on the table.

What are you doing to reduce your brand's exposure to 304 SS? Answers with "Brand-name withheld" is acceptable but not preferred.

It's time for it to go anyway.
I think the glass is an excellent alternative.

Peggy

Blomberg, the New Dishwasher in the USA

Dishwasher shoppers will be seeing a new line of European products in U.S. stores this fall.

Blomberg, a 60 year old European company is introducing its line of dishwashers to the U.S.

The venerable name was bought out at the turn of the 21st Century by Turkish white goods giant Arcelik.

All Blomberg products are now manufactured in Turkey.

Blomberg dishwashers are Energy Star rated, with stainless steel interiors and triple insulation for noise reduction.

Models are available in black, white, stainless and integrated designs.

It'll be interesting to see how they match up with popular brands like Miele (long my favorite dishwashers).

My research on the web shows they review well...Though their web site leaves much to be desired.

Peggy

Leggo My EVO!

The EVO Affinity 30Ge Built-In Presentation Cooking Station is the genuine boy toy of appliances.

What man of the house wouldn't love to hold court over this massive circular gas griddle for a Sunday morning pancake extravaganza?

All the world's a stage and I can think of lots of past clients who would jump at the chance to have this in their kitchen...even if just for show.

Peggy

Abbaka Custom Hood Liners

Abbaka, the Danish maker of FABULOUS range hoods has introduced new liner/blower systems for wood and other hoods.

They incorporate fire safe commercial stainless steel baffle filters, and are stocked in standard widths of 36" - 60" for 2 week delivery. 4 weeks for custom sizes.

Peggy

DANGER! 42,000 Thermador Ovens Recalled

I found this today after receiving a post from an anonymous reader purporting to be a former employee of Thermador/Bosch/Gaggenau/Siemens conglomerate BSH.
"Anonymous" claimed that BSH was experiencing major problems with components in all their products and not standing behind them.
Before I post such inflammatory accusations, I would be interested to hear from owners of appliances from these companies.
How about it?
Having problems getting your Thermador, Bosch, Gaggenau or Siemens appliances serviced?
Or are parts failing prematurely?

Peggy

Ovens recalled by BSH Home Appliances Corporation
Product Liability Recall
August 22, 2007
Product Liability | California
Huntington Beach, CA - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with BSH Home Appliances Corporation, of Huntington Beach, California, today announced a voluntary recall of Thermador(r) Brand Built-In Ovens.

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The name of the product is Thermador(r) Brand Built-In Ovens...

Thermador Ceramic Cooktop Recall

More disturbing news about Thermador products.
Here's a link to their recall page.

Peggy

Thermador® Ceramic Cooktops Recalled by BSH Home Appliances Corp. Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Product: Thermador® Brand Ceramic Cooktops

Units: About 2,000

Manufacturer: BSH Home Appliances Corp. of Huntington Beach, Calif.

Hazard: The cooktop can come on by itself when switched off, creating a potential fire hazard if flammable items are left on the cooktop...