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Vol. LXI, No. 19
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Wednesday, May 9, 2007
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Vol. LXI, No. 19
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Wednesday, May 9, 2007
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 KEEPING COOL: "Sub-Zero has a dual compressor which keeps a more consistent temperature and preserves the freshness of the food better. Its Pro-Services refrigerator has a built-in phone line. If the refrigerator needs service, the repairman can dial Sub-Zero headquarters and get a diagnosis over the phone." Vince Henninger, sales manager of H & H Appliance, stands near a display of the latest in refrigerators. |
The best and the brightest; the coolest and the hottest; the most energy-efficient — all you need to make your kitchen and laundry room up-to-date and full-functioning is available at H & H Appliance. Located at 80 North Main Street in Windsor, this 60-year-old family business specializes in a full range of appliances with a wide price range.
Refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, coffee systems, dishwashers, washers and dryers, outdoor grills and islands, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers are all in stock, representing many brands and prices.
"You can get a range here at $300 or a refrigerator at $14,000 — and everything in between," says sales manager Vince Henninger, who has been with H & H for 25 years. "We carry a variety of brands, including GE, Kitchen Aid, Whirlpool, Jenn-Air, Maytag, and Magic Chef. High-end lines feature Sub-Zero, Wolf, Capital, Blue Star, Liedberr, and Thermador.
With advances in technology, the appliances of today are amazingly versatile as well as energy-efficient. "Liedberr has a new 3-part refrigerator — regular refrigerator, freezer, and BioFresh (which is colder than the refrigerator, but not as cold as the freezer)," points out Mr. Henninger. "It's great if you want to take steaks out of the freezer a couple of days before you serve them, and just keep them in the BioFresh.
Freedom Collection
"Thermador has a 'Freedom Collection' in which the freezer and refrigerator are separate and can be placed anywhere in the kitchen."
There is a style for everyone, he adds. Refrigerators with "French door" openings and a freezer on the bottom are popular now. Another look is the glass door — perhaps an added incentive to keep the refrigerator contents neatly organized.
Stainless steel remains a favorite for the entire kitchen, as does paneling, which becomes a seamless part of the decor.
"Built-in steamers are also in demand now," reports Mr. Henninger. "They can be built into the counter or wall, and are also popular near the prep space. People like to have refrigerator drawers near the prep space too."
The miracle of the microwave is non-stoppable and has changed cooking for many people. "The microwave convection oven is a big seller and can do anything an oven can do — bake, roast, broil, etc.," says Mr. Henninger. "It is popular to install it above ranges.
"The number one combination seller is the wall oven, with microwave above, and warming drawer below." he adds. "It's the best way to get the most product in a small space."
Energy-Efficient
Energy-efficient products are very important to customers now, he points out. "It's an idea whose time has come. In the past few years, there has been more response to energy-efficient appliances, including washers/dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Sub-Zero has a refrigerator that uses less power than a standard 100-watt bulb.
"Front-loading washing machines are very popular now," he continues. "They are 75 percent of what we're shipping from here. They're energy-efficient, they tumble instead of spin, they're gentler on the clothes, and they spin out faster and so use less water."
With the approach of summer, outdoor grills are a big part of H & H's business. There is a large selection, including Weber, Alfresco, Lynx, and Capital. Many of the outdoor grills and islands are on a scale today scarcely imagined in earlier times. "Outdoor grill islands can have storage and warming drawers, customized countertops in granite or tile, and outdoor refrigerators," says Mr. Henninger. "We'll design the island around your space, whatever its size."
H & H is about to complete a major renovation and expansion and will have a grand opening in June, he adds.
"The building was originally an Army barracks, which had been moved here from Fort Dix. We are really looking forward to our new space. It will be a Manhattan-style showroom in the middle of New Jersey. We will be a real destination place, and we want everyone to come and see us."
H & H already has customers from Princeton and the area as well as in Manhattan and at the shore, he notes. "There's no high pressure here. It's a family business, and we have competitive prices. I think people know they can count on our customer service, and they respect our knowledge and experience. Our sales people are very knowledgeable. They know the products and can sell everything from a grill to the most high-end, high-tech refrigerator. Customers can come in and browse, and if they make a purchase, they can have it in days."
H & H also still fills propane gas tanks for $10 and replaces grill parts.
Hours are Monday and Thursday 8 to 8; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8 to 5. (609) 426-1111.