Photo courtesy Vann's TV and Appliance
replacement range and hood—aspects of a kitchen that get everyday use and increase its resale value. Lundgren says that with the economic downturn, today's homeowners are looking to make smart investments that improve their immediate environment. And with people eschewing res- taurants to avoid frivolous costs, it makes sense to invest in kitchen products that offer a return, while producing the same high quality food as commercial-grade appli- ances. Commercial-grade ranges, for instance, which are adapted for the home and house six or more burners, offer "more power, more consistent cooking in the oven, and a professional quality," says Lundgren. Made in various enameled colors, ranges can also marry the practical and the pretty, giving homeowners an attractive focal point that they use every day.
Beyond the basics, more innova- tive products are also flooding the market—from steam ovens that offer healthier cooking options—to built-in coffee systems that offer grinding, brewing, and frothing capabilities—to computerized wall ovens that store recipes. "Once you've cooked a prime rib and it cooks perfectly," explains Lundgren,
"you save that in your Favorites file, and next time you're cooking a prime rib, the oven remembers how to cook it. If you've consistently cooked a few dishes and really fine- tune them, you don't have to watch your timer as much the next time. You just set it to cook the same way."
J. TODD ALLMOND BUILDERS FLATHEAD VALLEY
BY
GENERAL CONTRACTOR & MASTER CRAFTSMEN ALL PHASES OF CONSTRUCTION
406-471-9000 WWW.JTODDALLMONDBUILDERS.COM 56 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • SPRING 2012
