Common Cottage Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair

Again this year, Warners’ Stellian appliances among other eco-friendly home ideas in the Eco Experience Common Cottage exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair.

Sure the house has a smart design and is constructed from reused and reclaimed materials, but you can also learn tips to improve the house you have: increase the energy efficiency of your home with an energy audit, incorporate composting and recycling systems, improve indoor air quality and install eco-friendly kitchen surfaces and appliances.

And if that doesn’t get you going, there are backyard chickens on the patio, covered by part of the now-defunct Metrodome roof (and a super pretty natural gas grill from Warners’ Stellian).

If you’re intersted in improving the energy efficiency of your home, you’ll be introduced to the best resources for financing your energy improvements, from loans, rebates, tax credits, or grants.

My camera ran out of batteries before I could take pictures of the STUNNING kitchen, with its blue-green colored reclaimed cabinets and recycled glass counter tops, but I can show you the smart and sexy appliances we chose to showcase this year:

Liebherr refrigerator

Liebherr-refrigerator

The architects on this project specifically requested Liebherr, and we couldn’t have agreed more. Liebherr goes beyond being super energy efficient (27% over federal standards) to become the most sustainable refrigerators; its refrigerators are manufactured in the greenest way out there. Plus, its two compressors ensure premium food preservation. Basically, your fresh (local?) foods will last way longer because the dry air from the freezer won’t disturb the humidity in the refrigerator.

Electrolux induction range

electrolux-inductionElements on this Electrolux induction range automatically detect the presence of magnetic cookware, activate the induction field and adjust it to the exact size of the pan. This means that no energy is wasted heating anything else but the cookware holding your food. Induction is 20% more efficient than electric and 70% more efficient than gas, though it boasts the same power and responsiveness that cooks love.

Bosch dishwasher

boschdishwashers

Not only is it whisper quiet, this Bosch dishwasher uses only 2.4 gallons of water per wash; the average kitchen faucet flows about 4 to 7 gallons per minute!

LG washer/dryer combination

lg-washer-dryer-combo

This ventless LG washer / dryer combo takes up less space and washes and dry in one appliance. Plus the washer is Energy Star rated, meaning it uses less energy and water to do its job.

BBQ Expo: Taste and compare this Saturday and Sunday

bbq-grills

A delicious view from last year’s BBQ Grill Expo

Hey Grillmeisters (or wannabe grillers), this Saturday and Sunday marks Warners’ Stellian’s tastiest event…our BBQ Grill Expo.

Experts on top grill brands such as Weber, Holland, Big Green Egg, Vermont Castings, Viking and DCS, will be out demonstrating so you can compare the latest features in gas grills, charcoal grills and smoker grills. Grills demos will going on at all our 7 locations (St. Paul, Minneapolis, Edina, Woodbury, Maple Grove, Apple Valley and Rochester).

Plus, delivery and assembly are free on grills $499 and up. AND those who buy a grill $599 and up will score a $50 gift card good at any of the 9 Twin Cities Kowalski’s Markets.

>>See more pictures of last year’s event