Whirlpools combine water and air to create the therapy system. The high flow configuration can be custom tailored to your specific needs by selecting options such as back jets, an in-line heater, or custom jet placement. Each system can be hand crafted.
The easiest way to search for spa tubs is by size, style or manufacture. The following is a list of top twelve manufactures with a wide variety of sizes and styles. Warranties vary with model and manufacturer.
- American Bath Factory
- Aquatic Industries
- Laurel Mountain
- Americh Whirlpools
- Pearl
- Jacuzzi
- Jetta
- Maax
- Swirl Way
- St. Thomas
- Safety Tubs
- Water Dance Baths
Unique features are the website focus for each of the different manufactures. Safety Tubs offer Walk-in-tubs for the handicap bath solution. Jetta has a “Stay Hot Guarantee”. Their environmentally friendly foam insulation combined with a warm air induction system allows the tub to stay within 2 degrees even after 30 minutes.
Laurel Mountain claims unparalleled quality, dependability, ease of installation and service ability.
The most common motor size is 2HP. Elite series are 3HP and custom units can be much larger. The standard length is 60” but Pearl offers two models at 59 ¾”. Width can vary greatly with the shape configuration. Acrylic colors are available depending on model and manufacturer.
MaryH Spa, Tubs, Whirlpools
According to consumer reports, the price of electric ovens can have little to do with the performance of the appliance. Wall ovens range from $4-7,000 for high end double wall units but can go much higher. Self cleaning single wall ovens at the low end can be purchased in the $500 range.
The top five manufactures sited in the 2009 Buyers Guide are Thermador, Viking, Bosch, GE and Electrolux. The top ten brands and models included Kenmore, Frigidaire and Whirlpool. KitchenAid Superba was rated twelfth. The ratings for these appliances reflect capacity, baking, broiling and self-cleaning ability of the specific model. All rated models are electric but gas wall ovens are also available.
I have chosen to focus on two wall oven models in the mid price range with an overall score of “very good” in the 2009 Consumer Report Buying Guide and one higher priced unit. I have also included information on the KitchenAid 24” double convection oven and the GE Profile Advantium SpeedCook Wall Oven.
The most common size for today’s wall oven is 30 inches. Most styles and models are also available with a 27 inch width and some as wide as 36 inches. I am currently working on an older kitchen where the existing cabinets require a 24 inch double wall unit. The availability of the smaller width will be addressed with each of the five brands/models individually.
Consumer Reports claims that the higher price for a Bosch and the Kenmore (Sears) gives you well rounded performance and a temperature probe. GE is cheaper but the cooking/heating is not as even. Frigidaire Gallery is also cheaper but less capacity.
MaryH Appliances, Kitchen, Ovens
