The average electric or gas oven is far too large for most cooking tasks, so why heat all that empty space? Whereas a conventional electric oven consumes over 3 kilowatts of electricity, Cuisinart’s TOB-195 convection toaster oven sips a svelte 1500 watts and reaches temperature much more quickly. And rather than being delegated to the drudgery of toast, the Cuisinart’s relatively large size (.6 cubic feet) allows you to cook such items as whole chickens and 12 in. pizzas.

Image courtesy of Cuisinart

According to Cuisinart, the TOB-195 boasts stainless steel front panels, Pizza/Bake, Broil, Toast and Convection functions, touchpad controls and automatic shutoff.

Slow your electric meter’s spin by using the Cuisinart for virtually all your baking needs.

As kitchens downsize, the current line of massive, current-sucking refrigerator-freezers will be replaced by smaller, more eco-friendly units. The Integra line from Bosch takes things a step further by integrating refrigerators, freezers, and wine coolers into the cabinetry.

Image Courtesy of Bosch Appliances

The Integra range includes 24 and 30 in refrigerators, 18, 24, and 30 in. freezers, 36 in. refrigerators with bottom freezers as well as 18 and 24 in. wine coolers. The buyer can choose a stainless steel finish or a custom panel of his or her choice. All are 70 in. in height and are Energy Star qualified. Most of all, integrating the Integra line into your new or remodeled kitchen will create a modern, custom look with minimum footprint.

Let’s hope more appliance manufacturers queue in on America’s trend toward smaller, more manageable appliances.

There is no denying America’s Big 3 auto producers have been caught asleep at the wheel. After decades of relying on high margin trucks and SUV’s to increase profitability, Ford, GM and Chrysler have been sent reeling by the economic slowdown and increased cost of petroleum. Rather than spending millions on new technologies, why not keep it simple?

Image courtesy of Ford Motor Company - click image to visit their website

The four door four cylinder sedan is a responsible choice for most folks, but trying to power a 3,200 pound car with four pistons has been a problem. In the last decade, we have seen displacements inch up from 2 liters to 2.5 liters in order to provide the additional torque necessary for adequate throttle response and safe passing.

Current technology exists to produce just as much power and torque from a direct injected gasoline powered 2 liter engine without the need for turbocharging or even variable valve timing.  Because direct injection allows for higher compression ratios, torque is increased throughout the power band which boosts horsepower.  Additional torque allows for more aggressive cam profiles which can boost power even further, while greater efficiencies improve fuel economy.

Ford (Mazdaspeed 3) and General Motors are already producing 2 and 2.3 liter direct injected engines, so re-tooling would be minimal.  Dropping such an engine into a low-drag chassis built with lightweight alloy steel to contain weight, a 4 door sedan should approach or even exceed 40 highway mph.  If placed into an existing chassis, pricing should range between $20k and $30k depending on trim levels and accessories. The time has come, so let’s fire up the foundries.

Note to Big 3: Don’t forget the 6 speed manual transmission option!

Formaldehyde free and infinitely sustainable, these amazing cabinets from Laguna Bamboo would add elegance to any kitchen or bathroom. Warm colors, attention to detail and meticulous design turn one of this earth’s simplest raw materials into art.

Image courtesy of Laguna Bamboo - click picture to visit their site