This Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 at all Warners’ Stellian Appliance stores (except Minneapolis Outlet), you can see ­– and taste –­ the difference among the latest models of quality gas, charcoal and smoker grills during grilling
demonstrations by experts on top brands, like Weber Grill, Holland Grill, Vermont Castings and DCS Outdoor.

So what’s new in grills? Japanese Kamado-style smoker grills like the Big Green Egg and the Primo Grill have soared in popularity. This ceramic charcoal barbecue and smoker can reach extremely high temperatures (past 700 degrees) to quickly fire a Neapolitan pizza, but allow total control — maintaining accuracy within a few degrees. They can cook a hotdog in four minutes or smoke a brisket low and slow overnight.

Like we’ve seen with ranges, gas grills are becoming bigger, more powerful and more feature-heavy (i.e. built-in rotisseries, side burners, sear burners and sleek stainless steel styling).

Warners’ Stellian will have discounts on all grills, plus free assembly and delivery on grills priced $499 and up. Better yet, buy a grill $599 and get 3 certificates for free products from No Name Premium Meats & Seafood.

WHEN:  Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Sunday, May 19 from noon to 4 p.m.

Not me.

I get excited for pizza.

Pizza on the grill? Duh. Ceramic smokers like the Big Green Egg work very much like a wood-fired or brick oven you see used in Neopolitan-style pizzerias (but cheaper and in your backyard).

Because the Green Egg Smoker can reach temperatures upwards of 750 degrees, it can quickly fire dough and produce the slightly charred, chewy crust you probably overpay for at your local ristorante.

Once you get started, you’ll get hooked on the endless possibilities. Most grocery stores now keep fresh pizza dough behind their deli counters, and pizzas work for every meal and every craving. Crack eggs on top with crumbled sausage for breakfast pizza. Spread on chocolate ganache and peanut butter for one of my favorite desserts. Make a bunch of flatbreads and set out toppings for a fun and unique summer dinner party. And of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic Margherita.

How to turn your Big Green Egg into a pizza oven

1. Buy Big Green Egg (sorry, couldn’t help myself)

2. Choose the proper Big Green Egg accessories (called “Eggcessories”). You’ll want the plate setter, to enable indirect heat cooking, and the pizza stone, for even  heat and brick oven crustiness. Note: you can buy Big Green Egg accessories online from Warners’ Stellian and get free shipping, too.

3. Fire it up. With the baking stone on the plate setter, heat the grill to 600 degrees. You’ll get the best crust if you start from a super hot Big Green Egg grill and pizza stone. Dough-only grilling should take about 5 minutes, so add time accordingly for toppings. You’ll learn as you go how long it takes to get the doneness you desire. I’ve learned that pricking the dough prior to grilling it keeps disks of dough from ballooning into footballs

In fact, Joe Warner will be grilling for KARE 11 tomorrow morning sometime from the 5:45 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Bacon Asparagus Quiche Tarts

Makes 12 pastries

• 1 package flaky biscuit dough
• Muffin tins (to accommodate 12 pastries)
• Cooking spray

“Custard”

• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3 eggs
• 6 oz shredded swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

“Filling”

• ½ cup chopped asparagus, cooked
• ½ cup chopped bacon, cooked crispy
• 6 oz cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, whatever)
• ¼ cup finely chopped green onion for topping

1. Preheat grill to 350 degrees
2. Line muffin tins and grease with cooking spray.  Take biscuit dough and place about a spoonful sized and flattened dough ball into the tin.  Place on middle rack of oven and bake for 5 minutes or until dough rises close to the top of the tin.
3. Remove tins and set aside for 10 minutes or until cool enough to handle.
4. While dough is cooling, whisk the custard ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside.
5. After dough has cooled enough, form the dough around the muffin tin sides.  It should be able to rise to about a quarter inch from the top of the liner.  Put a pinch of cheese in the bottom of each tin and then top that with about 2 Tbsp total of chopped asparagus and bacon.
6. Put 2-3 Tbsp of the custard into each tin, filling to just beneath the top of the dough.  Top with another pinch of cheese and a pinch of green onions.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the custard is set.
8. Best served warm, not hot…so let cool a bit before removing from the tin and liner.

Make it vegetarian by substituting 8 oz mushrooms (chopped, cooked, and dried)  for bacon.

Note: Bacon and asparagus can be grilled at 350 degrees prior to cooking the pastries.  Bacon should be cooked on a broiler pan for 10 minutes a side.  Asparagus should be lightly oiled, with salt and pepper to taste and grilled for about 10 minutes or until crisp.

Adapted from Allrecipes.com

…and now for my FAVORITE recipe I’ve ever made up:

Incredibly Easy Grilled Donuts

Grill refrigerated biscuits on a cookie sheet (or well-oiled grill grate) using indirect heat at about 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, melt a stick of butter in a grill-safe bowl away from direct heat. Dip warm biscuits in the melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. Yum!

Do you often forget what you have in your refrigerator when you’re out grocery shopping? Have no fear! There will soon be an app for that. LG is developing technology that will allow you to investigate the contents of your fridge from your smartphone. The Southwest Journal recently interviewed Carla Warner, vice president of Warners’ Stellian, to get up to speed on the latest in high-tech home appliances.

 

SWJ: What are some interesting/noteworthy trends in appliances you’re noticing these days?

Steam is popular for both cooking and cleaning. Steam ovens prepare anything from fish and veggies to baked goods in an efficient and healthy way.

 

For cleaning, steam washing machines sanitize clothes and linens, which is great for families with babies and elderly or allergy and asthma sufferers. These groups also appreciate a steam dryer, which can eliminate dust and allergens from nonwashable items like decorative pillows and stuffed animals. 

 

Stainless continues to be the most popular finish, but many choose to integrate appliances like their refrigerators and dishwashers with their cabinetry. The result is a “hidden” almost furniture like look.

 

Also, aside from just increasing their capacity (bigger fridges, laundry and ranges), consumers also look for appliances that multitask, like double oven ranges and convection microwaves. 

 

What are the most innovative, high-tech appliances out there now?

Samsung is coming out with a four-door refrigerator in April that will dispense sparkling water at the push of a button. Using the same control panel you would use to select between water or ice, you can select up to three levels of carbonation for sparkling water. It uses a standard SodaStream 60L CO2 cylinder that rests in a small, concealed area inside the left refrigerator door. 

 

Though induction has been around since the 1970s, the super-efficient method of electric cooking that uses magnetic fields to directly heat cookware didn’t catch on until the last several years.

 

Thermador’s Freedom induction cooktop takes that technology one step further by recognizing the cookware size, shape and position to deliver heat without the boundaries of burners. Basically, the entire surface can work as a burner. Think of heating the entire surface of your roasting pan when making gravy or being able to accommodate side by side griddles for breakfast preparation.

 

Many new appliances allow internet integration. Samsung’s WF457 laundry can be remotely operated using a smartphone app, which can also diagnose operation issues on your washer and dryer. LG is coming out with a line of “smart” kitchen appliances that allow you to search the contents of your fridge from your smartphone (think grocery shopping). Its LCD touchscreen gives you access to online grocery shopping, calendars, photos — even Pandora. The new LG range lets you monitor the cooking progress from your smartphone as well.

 

If you can’t afford to replace an existing appliance, do you have some tips to keep common appliances working more efficiently?

The best tip is the most simple: keep them clean.

 

Cleaner burners useless fuel. Cleaner dryer vents and refrigerator coils don’t need to work as hard. Running vinegar through your dishwasher and washer every month can improve their performance.

 

What are the benefits of investing in an Energy Star appliance? 

Often the investment to upgrade to an Energy Star appliance is minimal and the payoff is quick. Though they often cost more upfront, you can expect great overall savings throughout its lifetime. For instance, we estimate that the money you’ll save by replacing your washer with a new, Energy Star washer will pay for the new dryer to match it.

 

How do you know when it’s better to replace an appliance versus fix an existing one?

That’s the preference of the person writing the check. It will likely vary by appliance type, but generally speaking you should replace when repair costs rise to 50 percent of the replacement cost or if the product is more than eight years old.

Microwaves are the exception, though. Because of their shorter shelf life and replacement cost relative to repair, we tend to recommend replacing over repair. 

Lucky for you, I’ve compiled the secrets of the pros — tips that will prepare any appliance rookie for the big league.

Before the sale

Get a sneak peek
Our sale has become so successful, we supplement our floor models and scratch and dent items that we’ve always had with discounted appliances by the truckload. We feature the best of these “special buys” in our advertising and to those who sign up for our “sneak peek” email.

Measure your space
Don’t learn the hard way: there is no “standard” in appliance sizes. Use a measuring tape on the available space — not the existing appliance — and write down dimensions to bring to the sale.

Also, measure the width of the doorways and staircases the appliance will need to travel through.

Know your fuel type
You’ll need to know whether you have a gas or electric hookup when buying a dryer, a range or a cooktop.

Consider your hinges
For example, some refrigerators on sale will be left hinge only. Wouldn’t it be terrible to find a great deal on a fridge only to get it home and not be able to open it? Also know what side you want the hinges on a front-load washer and any type of dryer, in case there’s an option.

Do some research
We’ll have more than 2,000 appliances available at the start of the sale, so have something in mind to avoid frustration. The best tip? Know what you like and don’t like about your existing model. Check out our website for more ideas on what features are important to you.

Get preapproved
You MUST pay for your purchase at the time of sale, though we certainly have financing options to help you pay. Save time by getting approved online at home. Just make sure to bring in your approval slip with your new account number for our files.

Also, even if you’re financing the purchase, you must pay the sales tax at the time of sale.

The day of the sale

Bring a hauling vehicle
Usually, we offer free delivery on purchases $499 and above, but this sale is anything but usual. Our warehouse is full of products, so we encourage customers to take their purchases with them the day of the sale. We’ll help you load it up and everything.

If you do choose to have it delivered, it’s $75 and you must take delivery within 14 days.

Know your schedule
We’ll arrange for delivery and any installation for built-in appliances (available for additional charges) at the time of sale. We’ll call you the day before the delivery with an AM/PM estimate and our crew can call you before they arrive if you need to meet them at your house.

Pack a stroller
Our warehouse is a warehouse. It’s clean and safe, but it’s also big and crowded and without a play area. Strollers work well to keep small children nearby when you’re shopping the selection.

After the sale

Receive delivery/install time estimate
You’ll receive a call with an AM/PM estimate the day before your scheduled delivery and/or install. Or you can track your delivery at our website (how cool is that?).

Apply for rebates
You could qualify for even more savings by rebate. Once you receive your product, you can fill in the serial number (the delivery crew can help you locate this) on your rebate forms and submit them promptly, as they expire.

Read your manual
Knowing your new product can help you save time and improve the quality of your cooking and cleaning. Stow it somewhere memorable to refer to for troubleshooting and general operation questions.

Don’t ignore accessories
If you get a dishwasher, buy rinse aid to help dry your dishes. If you buy a smooth-top electric range, you’ll want cooktop cleaner to keep it looking new. The water filter in your fridge will need to be replaced every six to 12 months. And please, for the sake of your breathing, don’t overstuff your vacuum bags!

Visit my blog
I attack the FAQs plaguing our industry. Hard-hitting questions like, “Why is my washer smelly?” and “How do I clean stainless steel?” It’s also an easy way to reach me if you need help. Plus, you’ll be the first to know about the next Extreme Sale!

We figured we’d have a warehouse sale to sell off as much inventory as possible to lighten our load for the upcoming migration.

The Warner Stellian warehouse sale proved so successful, we’ve been holding it twice a year since then to get rid of floor model appliances, closeouts, scratch and dent and discontinued merchandise so we can make room for new arrivals.

However, demand has become so great, we also now make special buys of appliances to offer to our Extreme Sale-goers.  Basically, the sale’s success has allowed us to purchase deeply discounted appliances from the manufacturers by the truckload — so you’ll see amazing prices in every category.

If you want to see some of these special buys, sign up to receive an email of our featured deals! Click the image below.

Participating brands we are advertising: Bosch, Electrolux, Samsung, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, GE, LG, Bertazzoni, Liebherr, Capital, ULine, Asko, Speed Queen, Panasonic, Dyson, Blomberg and more.

Beyond the Stimulus rebate savings, there will be deep discounts on all categories of appliances. A few examples:

• Frigidaire front load laundry pair for only $899 (regularly $1399)
• KitchenAid stainless steel dishwasher for just $599 (regularly price of $999.99)
• Save $1000 on a 4-piece stainless steel kitchen package (fridge, range, dishwasher, microwave) from GE Profile, now just $4249

Aggressive discounts on kitchen packages hope to encourage consumers to replace their existing refrigerators, ranges, microwaves and dishwashers all at once. For example, shoppers can get $1000 savings on a GE Profile stainless steel kitchen package, making it just $4249.

Plus, 18 months special financing available. And as always, local delivery (including free-standing appliance installation) and appliance recycling are free on orders $499 and above.

WHEN:  Now through Sunday, March 3. Customers can reserve their rebate online  

WHERE:  Eight Warners’ Stellian locations, including our:

• Minneapolis appliance store
• Edina appliance store
• Maple Grove appliance store
• Coon Rapids appliance store
• St. Paul appliance store
• Apple Valley appliance store
• Woodbury appliance store
• Rochester appliance store

Who’s ever been that happy to open her dishwasher? I’ll have what she’s having, please.

When determining how much dishwasher soap to use, ignore the size of the dispenser in your dishwasher and whatever you do, ignore the suggestions made by the detergent-makers, whose interest it is to get you to overuse soap.

You probably only need a fraction of what detergent-makers want you to use. If that sounds fishy to you, consider that modern dishwashers use far less water than their ancestors, they also require less soap to do the job.

Back in the late 70s, the average dishwasher cycle burned through 11 to 15 gallons. This decreased to an average six to 10 gallons per normal cycle in 2000. These days, dishwashers use as little as 2 gallons of water; they simply use it better.

Proper dishwasher detergent amount

So, the answer to the $64,000 question?

KitchenAid says to use anywhere from 2 teaspoons to 3 tablespoons, depending on how dirty your dishes are and how hard your water is:

Postscript (now, this is important)

It doesn’t matter how much or how little soap you use, if you pre-wash your dishes, they won’t get as clean. Sounds counter-intuitive, right?

But dishwasher detergent needs a little bit of grime to activate. And some dishwashers are equipped with a “turbidity sensor,” which monitors how clean the water in the dishwasher is and adjust accordingly, eliminating cycles and not fully heating the water if the dishwasher doesn’t sense that it needs to.

Scrape, don’t rinse and try using less soap. Get the hardness of your water tested, as that can also be a giant leap toward clean dishes.

Betcha didn’t think Christmas cookie baking could be improved with your microwave.

This weekend, the ladies in my family attempted to start a tradition of Christmas cookie baking.

Baking Christmas cookies takes a lot of planning and shopping and measuring and mixing and of course, baking (which includes cooling and sometimes rotating, if your oven lacks convection).

My soon-to-be sister-in-law chose to make these Russian Tea Cakes for the first time ever. The recipe calls for a cup of softened butter, but because we were making 6 dozen instead of 4 dozen, we needed a cup and a half of softened butter (that’s a lot). And although I am  horrible baker, she asked me a question I could actually answer:

“How do you get butter to soften without melting it?”

Because of our early morning start, the butter I brought to my mom’s was still refrigerator-hard. So we needed to intercede.

Perhaps your experience with softening butter in the microwave involves you — nose pressed up against the glass — nuking the flavorful fat ingredient in short intervals and praying it doesn’t melt.

Softening gone wrong

But that’s not how it’s supposed to be at all.

Soften a stick of butter by microwaving it for a minute at 10% power.

To soften our cup and a half of butter, we microwaved each stick for a minute a piece at 10% power.

Based on your microwave, you might want to amp up to 20% and adjust the time or even use the defrost setting (which is 30% power).

Later, we also adjusted our microwave power to soften cream cheese for Peanut Butter Balls (which are amazing, by the way).

Microwave power levels can also come in handy for reheating foods, I’ve found. Foods like pizza and French fries revive less soggier when microwaved longer at lower power.

Try it out!

But if you were out scoring a TV or an iPad and neglected your poor kitchen, the sales are not over yet, courtesy of Cyber Monday.

Like this stainless steel Frigidaire refrigerator for only $399.97. Model FRT18HS8KS.

Score a GE top load washer for $349.97 and the matching gas dryer for $399.97 (save $400 on the pair). The GCWP1000MWW washer isn’t shown online, but is available while quantities last. Dryer is model GTDX100GMWW.

Upgrade to a stainless steel, towel bar dishwasher that’s Energy Star rated AND super quiet.

This Bosch Ascenta dishwasher is $200 off, at $499.97. Model SHX2ARL5UC.

Or, get even quieter with the Samsung stainless steel dishwasher with Stormwash, rated at only 48dB and selling for $250 off at only $599.98. Model DMT800RHS. Colors available at the same price.

All Dyson vacuums are 25% off  through today AND they ship for free.

Shop our Cyber Monday discount refrigerators, washers, ranges, dishwashers. Heck, even freezers are on sale.