What's Best: Counter Depth or Full Size Refrigerator

Kevin Drako is here today to explain the difference between counter depth and full size refrigerators.

If you look closely at your current refrigerator, you may notice that it sticks out beyond the counter. Most refrigerators are like this and is called full size or standard depth refrigeration.

Counter depth refers to where the refrigerator alignment with the counter tops. This means that the refrigerator front is flush with the counter that is next to the refrigerator. The only thing that will stick out is the doors when you open it all the way. This option is all about looks and people that might be particular about things lining up just perfectly. The disadvantage with this refrigerator option is that there will actually be less usable space in the refrigerator and the cost of counter depth is usually more than standard depth. You may want to consider counter depth if you have less room in your kitchen as it frees up space.

Stop by one of our stores to see the difference yourself and to decide which options is best for you.

How to Install a Range Safely & Properly!

Dustin is here to show you how to install a range in these 5 simple steps.

This is a great video to DIY installing your own range. Please be careful when doing this yourself. Use gloves and have a friend help you.




1. Install the 4-prong cord. We recommend using the 4-prong rather than a 3-prong so that you have a ground wire. Match the different cords with the same cords on the range.

2. Install the anti tip brackets. This is a required safety feature that keeps the range from tipping over. This is helpful if someone leans on the range. These brackets would help them from having the range fall on them.

3. Place the range in the location. We recommend using straps so that you do not scratch the floor and to give you support. Once it is in the spot, make sure that someone helps you plug it in before sliding the range completely into the spot.

4. Level the range to the countertop. Pull the warming drawer out and adjust the back feet first so that the range is at the same height level as the countertops.

5. Place the warming drawer back into the range. You should be all set for using your range.

If you have any questions or need help, please let us know.

Start the Year Off Right With an Organized Kitchen!

 The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over for another year, giving you a much-needed break from the kitchen! If you found yourself feeling extra stressed this holiday season when baking Christmas cookies, cooking large family feasts or hosting your annual get-together, your kitchen’s organizational system may be to blame. Now’s the time to get your kitchen in order for a more Zen experience and figure out systems that work best for you when you’re in a high-pressure cooking or baking situation. Here are a few tips for minimizing kitchen clutter, optimizing your counter space usage and getting rid of anything that you haven’t used in a while (or ever) to make room for the things you need every day.

Delete Duplicates

When a couple gets married or moves in together, the chances of having duplicates in your kitchen increases. Suddenly you find yourselves with two of everything: toasters, coffee makers, blenders...you get the idea. The possibility of owning more than one of every small appliance gets even greater when the wedding gifts start rolling in from well-meaning friends and relatives. While it can be hard to part with the Mr. Coffee that kept you sane through all those all-nighters in college, or give away the lookalike food processors you received from Uncle Ed, Cousin Jenny and Grandma Sue on your wedding day, you’ll be much happier when you whittle down your kitchen appliance collection to just one of everything.

Play “Sell, Toss, Donate” With Kitchen Items

Be honest, have you ever used that waffle maker that’s currently taking up valuable real estate on your kitchen countertop? How about the enormous bread maker you bought at a garage sale during your homemade baking phase? If you haven’t used a kitchen appliance in a year or longer, consider selling it on Craigslist or eBay or donating it to Goodwill or another charity-based thrift store. Any kitchen appliances that are beyond repair or are unsafe to use should be disposed of responsibly. Getting rid of appliances can be hard when you think you’re still going to need them one day, but you’ll be rewarded with a sleek, clutter-free kitchen that cuts down significantly on everyday stress.

Devise a System- and Stick to It!

Most of us already have designated cabinets and drawers for the things we need and use everyday in our kitchens. However, when life gets in the way, it can be difficult to stick to an organizational system and put things back where they belong after each use. If you find that your current system is hard to remember or doesn’t make sense to you, maybe it’s time to do a complete reorganization of your kitchen to help you make the best use of your counter space, utensils and appliances.

A new year can be a fresh start- why not begin with your kitchen? By following these organization tips, you can turn your kitchen into an inviting, clutter-free space that inspires creativity, conversation and happiness!

3 Back-To-School Organization Tips

It’s hard to believe, but summer vacation is nearly at an end. It’s just a matter of time before the little ones are off to school again for a brand new year! If you’re still catching your breath from the hectic morning rush to get the kids to the bus stop, now may be a good time to tweak your routine so you and the kids can stay a little more organized this school year. For smooth sailing from Day One to Day DONE, here are some of our favorite back-to-school organizational tips. Enjoy!

1. Lay Out a Week’s Worth of Clothes- Save time and a whole lot of drama by skipping the morning “nothing to wear” crisis and planning ahead! Every Sunday, when all the laundry has been done, put together an outfit for each day of the school week, and group them together in your child’s closet. Getting dressed will now be as easy as pulling clothes out of the corresponding day’s drawer or hanger! If your children are older, invite them to help choose their outfits so they have some input.

2. Establish a Good Night Schedule- In order to do their best at school and stay healthy, your kids need at least 10 hours of sleep per night. Check out this handy bedtime chart from Wilson Elementary School to determine an appropriate bedtime for your kids, based on their ages and what time they need to wake up:

3. Keep Everything in One Place- Designate a countertop, small table or desk in your home as the Information Center for all things school-related. This includes your kids’ school calendars, after-school activity schedules, homework, school supplies and permission slips. This all-in-one solution will help you avoid a last-minute dash around the house looking for your child’s homework!

If you have any more organization tips for starting the school year right, we’d love to hear from you- post your comments in the section below!