40 Years of Cooking Up Vintage Kitchen Appliances!

It’s our 40th anniversary, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate! As Canada’s only remaining kitchen appliance manufacturer, we have no plans to disappear or slow down.

When asked about our 40-year anniversary, founder and CEO Tom Hendrick said, “It’s been quite a run. There have been some bumps in the road but, by looking ahead and continually adapting, we’ve been able to not only survive, but thrive.” This is based on our focus on product quality, innovation, maintaining a steadfast loyalty to our dealer network, and sticking to what we do best.

Elmira is looking ahead, not back. We have some exciting new products in the works, and we’re continually working on new programs and promotions to assist our dealers in keeping our products front-of-mind with their staff and the consumer.

To celebrate 40 years of success, we will be holding a sweepstakes in the United States and Canada! The “Northstar Fab Forty Fridge” sweepstakes presents the opportunity for one person in each country to win a Northstar Model 1949 11-cubic foot
retro refrigerator. Perfect for basements or the home hangout, the Model 1949 refrigerator features adjustable glass shelving and space for tall bottle storage. Contestants can enter by mailing in ballots, or online through the Elmira Stove Works website, running March 15 through September 30th.

Elmira Stove Works got its start with local Mennonites coming into Tom Hendrick’s hardware store looking for parts for their wood-burning stoves. Recognizing a niche market, in 1975 Hendrick decided to begin making stoves himself. He made 25 stoves in the first year, then 200 the following year. The popularity of the stoves grew, and consumers soon began to ask for similar styling in gas and electric models. Fireplace shops, appliance stores and emporiums across the continent were an enthusiastic dealer network for our growing merchandise collection. Forty years later, we offer a full spectrum of kitchen appliances in various colors between our 1850s Antique and 1950s Northstar collections.

It may seem like an unusual business plan – recreate from the past, with an eye to the future – but it’s a plan that has kept us cooking for four decades! At Elmira Stove Works, we are constantly upgrading the styling and performance of our products, while remaining committed to maintaining the authenticity and craftsmanship that sets them apart.

Mark your calendars for March 15 when the “Northstar Fab Forty Fridge” sweepstakes begins…you won’t want to miss out! For more information about Elmira Stove Works, visit http://www.elmirastoveworks.com.

Retrofit Your Kitchen!

Our world is full of more ambition and determination than ever before, especially as the up-and-coming millennial generation moves into the “power player” seats of the workforce. With that kind of drive comes great dreams of “a better life,” and what is one of the most major milestones in life? Owning your dream home, of course! When you are finall
y at the place to have your dream home, your dream kitchen will almost surely be a part of the vision.

Let Elmira help you! We have created a program that will help you turn your dream kitchen into a reality, at least digitally. By using our “Let’s Create Your Dream Kitchen” feature, you can customize your choice of Elmira Stove Works appliances in a virtual kitchen. You can even assimilate the aesthetic look of your own kitchen by alternating the cabinet colors within the program.

Once the program is launched, you will be prompted to select an appliance to customize to get started. If you are designing with our Antique collection, then your options are a refrigerator, range, wall oven, microwave oven, and dishwasher panel. If using the Northstar version, your options include a refrigerator, range, microwave, hood and splashback, and dishwasher panels.

You may start with the appliance of your choice, but for now, let’s go with the Antique range. This is where you get to play around with color, style and accessory combinations. Listed with each option, there is also a price for the selection or upgrade. Once you have your ideal appliance fully customized to your liking, click the “Save First” button, then “View Your Dream Kitchen.” Or you can scroll to the bottom of the screen to select and build and save the next appliance before viewing. This will save your selected product details to the price quote, which appears below the window where you now will see your custom appliances added to the kitchen. From the quote, you can edit each product’s design and, after completed, the quote can be saved as a printable PDF document.

We love this dream kitchen program! All the possible combinations can create kitchens for any desired design style. See below for a few of our favorite kitchen design concoctions!

The Antique collection is versatile due to the variety of colors, trims and options available. This dream kitchen sample features the Antique collection in Liberty Blue with antique brass trim and frames, creating a bold yet not overpowering look.

Northstar is adored for its ‘50s retro vibe and “not-so-standard” color options – Candy Red, White, Mint Green (pictured), Bisque, Robin’s Egg Blue, Textured Black, Quicksilver, and Buttercup Yellow.

For a more “retro sleek” look, Northstar appliances in the traditional colors of black, quicksilver, white, or bisque showcase the adaptability of this collection.

 

Classic sophistication, antique luxury and new age functionality combine in this display featuring the Antique collection in Bisque with brass trim and handles.

 

Decorating for the Holidays

Your kitchen is the most-used room in the house during the holiday season; it’s a gathering space for friends and family while preparing delectable dishes. With this in mind, you should seriously consider decorating your kitchen with fun holiday décor for everyone to enjoy. To help you plan in advance, we have come up with a few ideas on how you can decorate your kitchen without it getting in the way.

1. Strategically hang garland on the tops of your kitchen cabinetry. Try a tight scalloped design and accent with bows. For a more traditional style, use red bows. However, if you are feeling creative this year, consider draping your cabinetry tops with bold, colorful tinsel. From shiny blues to vibrant pinks, you can find a hue that complements your kitchen’s design scheme.
   

   Photo Credit: A Little DIY

2. To accent your garland displays, place holiday-themed figurines on the tops of your kitchen cabinets for extra pizazz.
3. You can ask your family members or guests to draw pictures to hang as décor as well. This is a fun idea that will not only bring everyone together, but adds a touch of personality.
4. Give your windows some extra twinkle this year by framing them in holiday lights. Whether you prefer classic white or colorful ones, lights can add extra charm to your kitchen. Just be sure to keep the plugs away from sinks to ensure safety.
5. Place candles with small, stylish wreaths on your kitchen counter tops and dining tables. Try a spruce-scented candle, or vanilla fragrance, to create a scintillating effect. The combination of freshly baked goods and aromatic candles will have your guests waiting in anticipation.
6. Hang mistletoes from your kitchen entryways. This small decorative accent will help spread affection between loved ones during the holiday season. We get so busy entertaining guests and preparing meals that we oftentimes forget to express our gratitude and appreciation to our partners.
7. If you’re going with a vintage / retro theme, how about pulling out some old Christmas records or CD’s, or downloading classic tunes to create ambience?” Some of the old greats can be found at these two links: http://bit.ly/1ew6CQR and http://bit.ly/1rMsmir.
   

   Photo Credit: Sugar Dot Cookies

8. Poinsettias make wonderful decorative accents in kitchen spaces. Just be sure you place them in areas with lots of sunlight, but don’t let the leaves touch cold windows or window panes. This will damage them, shortening the length of enjoyment time.
9. If you really want to get into the holiday season, and are in the market for new kitchen appliances, consider putting a gift card towards some Northstar appliances under the tree. When the holidays are over, you can transform your kitchen into an entirely new space!
10. Lastly, don’t forget to display some holiday treats on ornamental platters to tie your decorations together. Fresh brownies or peppermint bark are great options, but if you enjoy baking, an assortment of delicious cookies will do the trick.

From the Elmira Stove Works family to yours, we wish all our friends and fans a very happy holiday season. We are looking forward to 2015 and some exciting new happenings!

Give Thanks for Cooking with Pleasure

In Canada, we celebrated Thanksgiving the second Monday of October, a tradition that began in 1957. For those of you living in the United States, Thanksgiving is still to come. And, what better way to enjoy Turkey Day than to bake your bird in one of our Antique Cook’s Delight ranges.

Loaded with state-of-the-art features to make your culinary experience more enjoyable, the Antique range includes a full-size, self-cleaning oven and a choice of cooktops. 45” models also come with a “stay hot” food warmer, to keep your side dishes hot while you’re finishing off the rest of your meal.

Preparing a turkey for the first time can be a daunting task. You definitely don’t want your turkey to take on an unwelcoming “blackened” taste. To make the job easier, cook your turkey to perfection with the Cook’s Delight range’s “Feather Touch” electric control panel. Conveniently located at eye-level in the upper cabinet, the touch screen allows temperatures to be easily controlled. The indicator lights on the panel and cooking surface let you know which function is being used. The cooktop lights and exhaust fan are also controlled from this location.

Unless you are an expert chef like Rachel Ray, stick to the basics when it comes to cooking your turkey. The cook time depends on the how big your bird is. The rule of thumb for poultry is 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees, plus an addition 10-20 minutes of roasting time. Be sure to let your turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving, this will help keep the meat moist, and scrumptious. It’s also suggested to stuff your turkey with stuffing prior to baking for extra flavor.

When it comes to your side dishes, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner typically includes green bean casserole accented with crispy onions; sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows; mashed potatoes and gravy; and fresh cranberry sauce. With this many dishes, you will need to plan accordingly.

Luckily, Elmira Stove Works’ Antique ranges come with a 30-inch or 45-inch cooktop. The 30-inch cooktop comprises four burners; the 45-inch cooktop houses six burners. This gives you plenty of room to prepare your side dishes all at the same time. Sealed gas burners, “Ultra Temp” cast elements or smooth-top electric burners, and even combinations are available, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Our Antique ranges are accessible in a multitude of colors to complement your kitchen’s design scheme: Black, White, Bisque, Cayenne Pepper Red, Liberty Blue, Jewel Green, Black / White combination, or Black / Bisque combination. Additionally, other decorative metal trim accents are available; including a Victorian trivet, decorative shelf, door frames, leg and front skirt trim – all in Nickel, Antique Copper or Antique Brass.

With all the available options offered with our Antique ranges, preparing your Thanksgiving meal won’t cause stress or headaches; instead it has the potential to renew your passion for cooking.

“Talking Turkey: Non-Traditional Ideas for Your Traditional Range”

Rather than go with the traditional cooking directions for turkey, consider these ideas from a post on amazingribs.com:

1. DON’T set your bird down inside the roasting pan, which results in the top of the bird being overcooked by the time the bottom is cooked. Instead, set a rack across the top of the pan and set the bird on the rack. This will create even degree heat all around the bird. Put a cup of water into the bottom of the pan to keep the bird even moister.
2. DON’T cook your bird to 180 degrees. Instead, remove the bird at 160 degrees – it will rise to 165 degrees while you’re carving it. (The USDA changed their guidelines for turkey from 180 degrees to 165 degrees back in 2006. Most recipes are out of date.) At 165 degrees, you’ll have a safe bird that is much moister.
3. DON’T stuff the turkey. By the time the stuffing is safely heated to 165 degrees, the white meat will be overcooked. Instead, leave the cavity empty, allowing the bird to roast evenly from the inside and out. Bake your stuffing in muffin pans for a tasty, crispy treat. Rub the cavity with the same seasoning you’re using on the outside, and place a cheesecloth packet loaded with aromatics (parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme – sing along if you wish!) in the cavity.
4. DON’T set the oven at 350 degrees. Instead, go with 325 degrees. This will allow for much more even heating and, with the cavity empty, your bird will cook quite quickly, so you’ll actually be reducing your overall cooking time.
5. DON’T rely on the clock. Instead, rely on a good thermometer. Yes, we know you want to know roughly how long it will take – for an unstuffed bird, allow about 2 to 2-1/2 hours for a 12-14 pound bird. Add a half hour for every additional four pounds.
6. DON’T tent your turkey with foil or let it stand. Doing so allows the skin to soften and lose that wonderful crispness you worked so hard to get. Instead, carve the bird as soon as you take it out of the oven.
7. DON’T carve the breasts while they’re on the bird. Instead, use your knife to scoop the breasts off of the bird. Then carve them across the grain so that everyone gets a piece of breast meat with a nice crispy bit of skin attached to it.

To learn more about Elmira Stove Works’ collection of Antique ranges, visit our website at www.elmirastoveworks.com.

Where There’s Smoke, There’s…

… really yummy smoked food, coming out of an Elmira Fireview wood-burning cookstove! Who’d have ever thought you could lightly smoke meats, fish, vegetables and desserts indoors in a wood-burning cooker??? Well you can indeed, and you won’t even smoke up the kitchen while doing so.

The same technology that creates air circulation and even temperatures in the Fireview’s oven also draws the smoke out of the stove and up the chimney. A gap in the gasket on the oven door allows room air to be drawn into the oven, creating air flow and mild turbulence that helps eliminate hot and cool spots. That air is then drawn out of the oven and up the flue through three small holes in the back of the oven.

“Smoking and southern barbecue have become extremely popular over the past few years,” says Brian Hendrick, Elmira Stove Works’ Vice-President of Marketing. “For those who are interested in cooking on a woodburning cookstove, or supplementing their traditional range with a wood cooker, this is a real bonus.”

The smoking process in the Fireview is fairly simple. Elmira will soon provide a smoker kit with each Fireview cookstove it sells. The kit contains a broiling pan, cover, roasting rack, tongs, thermometer, smoke puck or “bisquette” samples, a puck pan and instructions. Once the oven is at the desired temperature, you simply set the food to be smoked on the rack in the pan, fully ignite a smoke bisquette in the stove’s firebox, blow it out, set it in the puck pan, and close the oven door. The oven will fill with smoke, and the smoke flavour will slowly permeate the food.

Each bisquette lasts about ten to fifteen minutes. For a hint of smoke, you’ll want to use four or five bisquettes. For a heavier smoke, double up on the bisquettes in the pan, smoke for longer, use a heavier wood smoke such as hickory or mesquite, close off one or two holes in the back of the oven to hold in more smoke, or a combination of these techniques: the more smoke, the more flavor. With practice and experimentation, you can get some great results.

“You might not get a really heavy smoke flavor,” says Hendrick. “If you want heavy smoke through an eight-pound pork butt, you’ll probably need to go back to your outdoor smoker, but the Fireview can definitely achieve a nice light smoky ‘bark’ on smaller cuts of meat.”

So not only will the Fireview heat your home or cabin, cook your food, provide a pleasant fire to watch, and provide hot water for your home; it will also let you enjoy the tasty pleasures of smoking meats and other foods… indoors!

Some suggested recipes* to search online and try in your Fireview: smoked chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork, mahi-mahi, or beef brisket; smoked corn on the cob, smoke-roasted asparagus, baked beans, smoked apple pie, apple-smoked peaches with ice cream. Hungry yet?

* recipes may require adaptation for use in your cookstove – experiment and have fun!

 

Antique vs. Northstar

If you’re looking to take your kitchen to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. You know you want something that will make your vintage kitchen pop even more. Lucky for you, Elmira has everything you need to put together your dream kitchen. The question then becomes Antique or Northstar?

Both lines have wonderful features and unique looks that you can’t find anywhere else, so how do you decide? Well, we’re here to help. We can’t choose for you – we have trouble picking just one too – but we can give you a comparison to make your decision-making process a little bit easier.

The Northstar line is made up of appliances that combine the retro look of the 1950s with the convenience and performance of modern appliances. It’s truly the best of both worlds.

The line includes everything from ranges to refrigerators, microwaves to hoods and splashbacks, and even keg fridges to dishwasher panels. The Northstar line also gives you the flexibility to make sure that your appliances meet your needs, such as choosing between sealed-gas burners and high-speed radiant electric elements for your range.  Refrigerators come in seven different models with customizable options, so you get everything you want. Northstar even takes it up a notch with keg fridges to make sure you never go thirsty. With a microwave that only looks like it’s from 1953, you have 1200 watts of power and all the features you could possibly want, such as a genius sensor cook and a child safety lock, in a state-of-the-art microwave.

With outside-vent or recirculating hoods and splashbacks, your entire kitchen can look uniquely retro. In addition, Northstar has panels for fully integrated panel-ready dishwashers.

The Northstar line has everything to meet your retro appliance needs. After customizing everything to your liking, the only question remaining is what color best suits your retro kitchen? The Northstar line is available in nine different eye-catching colors, and is even available in custom colors of your request.

The Antique line has a unique look that reflects a classic 1800’s era. It gives you a classic look while maintaining the luxury and technology of modern appliances.  You never have to sacrifice.

The Antique line allows you to fully customize almost everything to your unique preferences. The range has a “stay hot” food warmer, “feather touch” and electronic control panel located at eye level. Choose from a total of 13 models featuring 10 different cooktops, sealed gas burners, cast electric elements or radiant high-speed smoothtops — all-electric, all-gas (natural gas or liquid propane) or dual fuel. In addition, you have a choice of electric, electric convection or gas oven – all self-cleaning, of course. Then there are the colors and trim options: eight colors, three metal trims (Nickel, Brass or Copper), trims for legs, door frames, trivets, skirts and shelves. And that’s just the ranges!

Sound mind-boggling? The “Create Your Dream Kitchen” tools on our website walk you through it and make it simple and easy. You can make your Antique range uniquely your own.

Four different refrigerator models mean you can find one that has everything you’re looking for. All four models can be customized as you want.

Microwaves may not have been around in 1895, but our Model 1895 Microwave is designed to not only give you 1100 watts of power but also fit in perfectly with your antique kitchen.

The Antique line also offers a 5.0 cubic foot convection wall oven, perfect for those who need extra capacity. Also available from the Antique collection are panels for fully integrated panel-ready models.

There are a lot of things to consider and both lines have a lot to offer. The more we compare the two, the more we wish we had two kitchens – one for each line!

 

 

 

Modern Appetite? Retro Recipe!

Sometimes you just need a yummy, homemade meal cooked in your retro kitchen so why not cook something that’s stood the test of time and is still delicious today? With this in mind, we’ve gathered the top 3 retro recipes from around the web so all you have to do is decide which yummy dish you want to make first!

 

When you’re talking about the best retro recipes, you cannot leave out Fried Green Tomatoes [http://toriavey.com/history-kitchen/2012/08/fried-green-tomatoes/]. This classic dish also gives you a little taste of good ole’ fashion southern cuisine.

 

We also found a delicious Chicken Pot Pie [http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Pot-Pie-VIII/Detail.aspx?prop24=hn_slide1_Chicken-Pot-Pie-VIII&evt19=1] that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

 

Of course we wouldn’t forget to add something sweet to the list! These Chocolate Toffee Crescent Bars [http://www.midcenturymenu.com/2011/08/chocolate-toffee-crescent-bars-too-good-tuesday/] are so yummy and easy to make! Definitely a must try for the days you need a sweet treat.

Did you know that we have our own #RetroRecipe collection? Check out the tab on our Facebook for more information! Here is our latest summer baked zucchini recipe!