Eat Well, Live Happy

To cook in Italian... Mangia bene, vivi felice

Collection Closeup: The Marvelous Maestro

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Get a Pro-Style Look for Less Starting at $4,999

Lofra, the market leader of freestanding cookers and built-in appliances, traces its origins back to 1956, when the Lovato brothers first began manufacturing pots. The brand has since evolved into a global consumer reference point for the kitchen industry and the pride of the Italian manufacturing industry. With a steadfast commitment to delivering an exceptional culinary experience, Lofra offers an extensive variety of cutting-edge cooking features that are tailored to satisfy even the most critical chefs. Imported to the U.S. market by EuroChef USA, we’re spotlighting the Maestro Collection, one of three collections built for the U.S. consumer.

As the second line introduced by Lofra in the early 1960s, Maestro exemplifies premium quality with a presence as strong as its performance. Professional chefs and home cooks alike marvel at the performance, consistent temperature control and various cooking options paired with the pro-style aesthetic of the Maestro range. Maestro is offered in two sizes (36- and 48-inch) and four stunning colors (Matte Black, Blue, White and Stainless Steel) in dual fuel to help you craft your ideal kitchen design. For those who desire a sophisticated, professional-grade appearance, the Maestro delivers it at a price point you’ll crave.

The Cooktop:

Maestro’s 36-inch dual fuel range features five brass burners, offering versatile cooking capabilities. The cooking power varies from a gentle 5,000 BTUs for simmering to a powerful 18,000 BTU dual burner for searing. The larger 48-inch range adds two additional burners. For accessibility and safety, this range is equipped with one-touch ignition and a gas shut-off safety system. The cooktop also features heavy-duty cast-iron grates and burner caps, and like all Lofra ranges, the LP conversion kit is included.

The Oven:

Maestro’s oven features nine programmable settings including a pizza function, defrost, true European convection and more for perfectly cooked results. In the 48-inch option, the Maestro adds the lucrative and coveted independent second oven that operates with the same full multi-function and convection capabilities as the main oven cavity. Both the main and side ovens in the 48-inch model feature outer oven glass trim that’s effortlessly removable to provide convenient access to the three panes of oven glass for easy cleaning.

Main Features:

Every Lofra range is packed with features that even the most discerning chefs will admire: 

  • Real Metal Knobs and Handrails: With real metal knobs and handrails, the quality and craftsmanship of Lofra ranges is visible in every detail. 
  • Brass Burners: All Lofra burners are semi-sealed to provide an optimal cooking performance. The cast iron burner caps are easily removable for cleaning and maintenance. 
  • Cooling Fan: The cooling fan system is designed to prevent hot air from damaging the range controls by venting out warm air through an incorporated vent above the door handle and filtering cold air from the bottom of the oven door. 
  • Triple Tempered Glazed Glass Doors: Every oven door is crafted with three panes of oven glass to ensure heat is locked inside the oven cavity while reducing the external surface temperature for safety and energy consumption. 
  • Telescopic Shelf Supports: Special guides allow for easy access for turning and basting while also adding protection against overturned trays. 
  • Grease Filter: Every Lofra range is furnished with a grease filter that covers the primary convection fan to guarantee the oven cavity is always clean. This filter can be removed for maintenance and cleaning. 

To learn more about Lofra’s Maestro Collection, visit https://lofra.us/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube.

Love your Lofra range? Tag us on your social media post for a chance to be featured on the Lofra social channels!
Find a Lofra dealer near you: https://lofra.us/store-locator/.

A Simple Guide to Oven Functions

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Photo Credit: TILIT | Verona 36” Designer Series Gas Range

Your Verona oven has many functions to help you cook the best meals for your family. Whether it’s an easy breakfast or a complex three-course dinner, these seven functions will expand your horizons about what you can roast, bake or broil with your Verona appliance. We have outlined each setting for you below with what they look like, how they work, and what foods they’re best used for.

Defrosting Frozen Foods

Did you know that you can use your Verona oven to defrost frozen foods? Only the fan and oven lamp switch are on with this setting for a minimal amount of heat, which prevents partial cooking during the defrost process. Defrosting times can vary according to the quantity and type of foods to be defrosted. Our general rule of thumb is roughly one hour for every 2.2 pounds of food. Remember to switch the thermostat knob to “off” during the defrosting period to prevent heating.

Traditional Convection Cooking

The upper and lower heating elements are used in this setting. Heat is diffused by natural convection, which happens when liquids and gasses are heated and move around in the oven cavity. Traditional convection cooking is best for foods that require the same cooking temperature both internally and externally, like roasts or a rack of ribs.

 Ventilated Cooking with True European Convection

Most Verona ranges are equipped with a circular ‘European’ heating element. In the Ventilated Cooking Mode, the fan and the European element are active, creating the perfect environment for cooking multiple dishes at once without flavor transfer, like a roast chicken for dinner and an apple pie for dessert. Heat from the circular element is dispersed by forced convection, and temperature is regulated with the thermostat knob. This mode does not require preheating and is best suited for foods that need to be fully cooked, yet soft inside, like lasagna, roast beef or fish.  

Convection Cooking with Ventilation

All Verona electric ovens are equipped with three heating elements – a circular European heating element, an upper heating element and a lower heating element – along with one or two convection fans, depending on model. In this setting, both upper and lower elements are turned on along with the convection fan(s) and the temperature is controlled with the thermostat knob. This setting lets meats roast evenly on all sides and is often used for baking as it is best for maintaining the same internal and external temperatures throughout the cooking cycle.

Maintaining Temperature After Cooking or Slowly Heating Foods

Did your roast chicken finish cooking just a little too soon before the whole family is ready for dinner? Turn on this setting to keep your meal hot. In this setting, the upper heating element is set to the desired temperature and the fan is operational. The fan will diffuse residual heat to maintain a steady temperature in the oven. You can also use this setting to re-heat already cooked foods slowly and maintain moisture as an alternative to a microwave or toaster oven.

Broiling

The broiling function is used at the end of the cooking process to generate the perfect, just charred finish on food. This setting turns on the either the infrared heating element in an electric oven or the gas-powered broiler burner in a gas oven. Both are located at the top of the oven and diffuse an intense and instant heat. Use the broil function to toast garlic bread, melt cheese on French onion soup, or give vegetables or meat a caramelized exterior. You will want to keep a close eye on your food while it’s under the broiler to avoid overcooking or burning.

Ventilated Broiling

This function, possible only in an electric oven, is similar to broiling, but adds the fan for a more even disbursement of infrared heat to completely wrap food in the circulated heat. This setting is best used for grill cooking when a fast outside browning is necessary to keep the juices in, like veal, steak or hamburgers.

We hope this guide has provided you with enough knowledge to add something new to your cooking and/or baking repertoire. Have fun and please tell us about your new kitchen adventures by tagging us on social media – we may feature you in an upcoming blog or social media post!

For more details on the oven functions of a specific Verona model, visit our product library page to download the operation manual. To find a Verona retailer near you, visit our store locator or call the EuroChef USA sales team at 1-631-254-3434. You can also email sales@veronaappliances.com with additional questions and inquiries. For more products and design ideas, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.veronappliances.com.

Three Essential Tips to Complete a Kitchen Remodel – Without the Wait

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Verona Appliances Smartly Bought Inventory – in Anticipation of the Remodeling Demand Surge

Verona 30” Gas Wall Oven

“Everything is on backorder! How can I complete my kitchen renovation?” is probably a question many homeowners and designers are asking these days. Labor and material shortages, paired with an itch to renovate the most used space during lockdown — the kitchen — are coming to a head.

Home renovation spending is up 11% this year, but factories worldwide struggle to keep up with demand due to pandemic-related supply issues. As a result of supply chain disruptions, there are significant shortages in raw materials like stainless steel, plastic, microchips, and even shipping containers and many retailers cannot keep products in stock. A six- to eight-month backorder for product is now the norm. And, for the first time in about 30 years, appliance pricing is about to go up significantly. 

Verona Appliances, a luxury manufacturer of Italian-made kitchen appliances, anticipated this shortage early in the pandemic and is happy to say they have products available for purchase. “We secured as much stock as possible for our U.S. warehouse and placed preemptive orders with factories to quickly get products in the hands of our preferred dealers and homeowners,” states Melissa Haber, Vice President of EuroChef USA, the exclusive importer of the Verona brand. “We are in an enviable position. Unfortunately, we are still running into some longer lead times on certain core models, but we are still ahead of the industry when it comes to turn-around time,” continues Haber.

Haber shares these tips for consumers who cannot wait weeks — or even months — to complete their projects.

1. Be flexible with the size and style of product.

Consumers who are flexible have a better shot of getting products in a quick timeframe. “We recently worked with a client that was desperate for a sold-out 30” gas range by subbing in a 30” gas cooktop and wall oven combination that fits in the same space, served the same purpose, and was in stock with no lead time,” says Haber. “Alternatively, we questioned the ability to be flexible on the type of fuel connection. If an all-gas range isn’t in stock, see if there is the capability to run a 220V connection for an all-electric or a dual fuel range– and vice versa. Induction cooking is also a great alternative to traditional electric if availability is better.”

Another consideration is to choose a neutral color like black or white, rather than stainless steel, which will pair just as well with existing appliances. This small trade-off means consumers can get cooking in their new kitchen that much sooner. “We’ve even experienced customers shaving a few inches off their planned countertop and cabinetry to fit a larger size cooktop or range just to have the product in time,” says Haber.

The bottom line, if you are flexible and even a little creative, you can get your hands on product without any sacrifice.

2. Call the manufacturer directly to check inventory and lead times. 

“At Verona, we’ll take calls directly from consumers and help them locate product at their favorite e-tailer or local dealer,” says Haber. “We know what our inventory is across the country and when it will arrive from overseas. It’s important to communicate directly with vendors and partners who have the most current information and are willing to assist you in accurately planning your project lead times.”

3. Be flexible in your brand choice.

Don’t be tied to matching brands because that’s when consumers wind up waiting eight months for appliances because a matching fridge hasn’t arrived. Consider mixing brands – most stainless steel or even colored appliances will coordinate with each other, regardless of the manufacturer. 

“Don’t insist on the brand your neighbor bought that doesn’t have product in stock – instead consider other brands that offer quality, performance, and availability,” says Haber. “Verona has been around for more than 20 years in the U.S. and more than 60 years in Europe. Customers willing to be flexible will probably end up paying less while still getting a feature-rich and equally reliable appliance at the end of the day. And, one that’s in stock when and where you need it,” concludes Haber.

Patience and communication are essential during these unusual times. If consumers are willing to be flexible and take the time to work with an appliance specialist, then it will be possible to make their dream kitchen a reality and still meet their pandemic project deadlines. 

About Verona: Verona Appliances’ stylish line of ranges, ovens, cooktops, ventilation, dishwashers and refrigeration have been featured in upscale kitchens around the world since 1958. Designed and manufactured in the suburbs of Venice, Italy, each Verona cooking appliance is held to the highest standards of quality and is made to U.S. market specifications. Verona’s new Designer Series offers the ability to customize a range with six trending colors, three knob designs and four fuel options using an intuitive online tool. EuroChef USA is proud to offer the Verona line of appliances through an authorized network of U.S. distributors and retailers, suitable for any sized kitchen.

For more information visit https://veronaappliances.com/

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Make a Splash: Backsplash Trends We’re Seeing in 2021

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The mighty backsplash isn’t just meant to be a design feature in the kitchen. A backsplash not only aesthetically brings the design of your kitchen together, but it also has great functionality as it prevents odors from being absorbed into the wall while also protecting walls from grease splatters and the occasional spaghetti sauce snafu. We want to spotlight the kitchen backsplash this month, as they are the silent heroes in protecting your kitchen from everyday cooking messes. See what’s trending this year in backsplash design by reading our blog below. Thanks to all who have tagged us on Instagram!

White Subway Tile

White subway tile is a classic backsplash pattern that stands the test of time. The versatile shape can be installed to create endless patterns, including the traditional bricklayer classic herringbone pattern, the modern horizontal or vertical stack or even a crosshatch install to name a few.

Buttered Side Up Blog went for a transitional blend of classic and industrial styles for her farmhouse kitchen. Like many homeowners these days, she opted to install a white subway tile backsplash from countertop to ceiling to create a cohesive and clean look.

Prestige 36″ Dual Fuel Range

Bold and Bright Patterns

Backsplashes are the perfect place to add an unexpected twist to a kitchen. Like Buttered Side Up Blog, Sonoran Desert Living installed a bold, black backsplash from the counter to the ceiling. The bright white six-point stars add contrast to this dark, moody and contemporary kitchen. Three black pendant lights, all in the shape of starbursts, round out the look.

Verona Dual Fuel Range

Marble Slabs

If you have marble countertops and want a seamless look throughout your kitchen, opt for a marble slab backsplash! The durable material that has long reigned supreme on countertops is gaining popularity as a backsplash. This kitchen design, spotlighted on Hunker Home, features the same dusty, gray marble veining on the countertops and walls to tie this light and airy space together.

Verona 36″ Electric Single Oven

Me and Mr. Jones also opted for a marble backsplash to give her kitchen a luxurious feel.

Verona 36″ Designer Series Electric Range, Matte Black

Textured and Glossy

Innovations in tile manufacturing have brought textured, 3D tile to kitchens and baths alike. These patterns add depth and interest to any kitchen and can turn your finished space into a work of art. Like this triangular tile below, geometric patterns with subtle texture use light and shadowing to its advantage to create an exciting appearance.

Verona 36″ Designer Dual Fuel Range

For more products and design ideas, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.veronappliances.com.

The Verona Chefs Pak: An Ultimate Home Cook’s Dream

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A chef-worthy range calls for chef-worthy accessories. The Verona Chefs Pak can be used in tandem with any size range, and its many unique accessories make home cooking a breeze. The Chefs Pak includes a 3” x 5” beveled spatula; a heavy-duty stainless-steel griddle; maple cutting board; a digital meat probe; steamer pan with base, steamer and cover; and an oven mitt.

Beveled Spatula

Fry, flip, and flatten burgers with ease using our 3” x 5” beveled spatula. The tool is also great for delicate items as well like omelets or flakey fish.

Heavy-duty Stainless-steel Griddle

No need to purchase an electric griddle here — our heavy-duty stainless-steel griddle fits nicely over the range’s surface! The griddle is perfect for cooking Sunday morning pancakes and eggs, quickly preparing quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, or making crab cakes for a pasta dinner.

Cleaning Tip: The best way to clean the griddle is to add some kosher salt and a little bit of oil to the surface while it’s still warm. Take half a lemon and using a fork, rub the salt and oil mixture around the griddle. The salt acts as an abrasive, while the acidity from the lemon juice can expunge impurities. Wipe clean with a paper towel, leaving the surface slightly oiled for your next use.

Photo Credit: Cami Graham of TIDBITS

Maple Cutting Board

The maple cutting board is convenient for stovetop food preparation. Grooves are expertly carved into the wood, so any juices, oils, sauces or loose pieces of food can swiftly be moved out of the way. Measuring 10 ¼” W x 17 ¼” D x 1¼” H, the maple cutting board nestles directly into the seasoned griddle when it’s not in use, so the seasoning on the griddle is preserved for your next meal.

Photo Credit: Annisa Zajac of House Seven Design

Digital Meat Probe

Whether you’re roasting beef, chicken, pork, fish, lamb, or turkey, our digital meat probe makes it clear and convenient to get a read on when your protein is done cooking. Batteries are included.

Tip: Follow the guidelines below for minimum cooking temperatures to ensure proteins have reached a safe internal temperature.

  • Ground beef, pork, veal or lamb: 160º
  • Fresh beef, pork, ham veal or lamb: 145º
  • Precooked ham: 165º
  • Poultry: 165º
  • Egg dishes: 160º
  • Fish with fins: 145º or until flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork

Steamer Pan with Base, Steamer and Cover

The steamer accessory set is the ultimate home cook’s dream to achieve a restaurant-style meal at home. The steamer pan can either sit on top of the griddle or can be used inside the oven cavity to steam fresh or frozen vegetables, shellfish or reheat leftovers when you’re in a pinch. Remove the steam basin and you have a food warming station ready to go for your next dinner party.

Photo Credit: Cami Graham of TIDBITS

Oven Mitt

Protect your hands while handling hot pots, pans, dishes, and more with our durable and heat resistant oven mitt, branded with our Verona logo.

If you or someone you know is an avid home cook, the Verona Chefs Pak is a great addition to any kitchen and can make an excellent gift. Visit your local appliance specialty store or shop online with an authorized retailer.

The Chefs Pak can be purchased for $599, or at a discounted price of $299 when you purchase any Verona range. You can also enter our giveaway to win your very own Chefs Pak here.

For more products, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.veronappliances.com.

Verona Appliances Celebrates 20 Years in the U.S.

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Since 1958 our family-owned, Italian-made line of ranges, ovens and cooktops has been a preferred appliance brand featured in upscale kitchens throughout Europe. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Verona in the U.S. market.

From 2001 to today, our brand offers a wide range of cooking appliances suitable for any size kitchen on both sides of the Atlantic. To honor this milestone, we want to take you on a journey through the evolution of our product line innovations – highlighting what makes Verona the chef-inspired appliance maker for those who want the look and functionality of a professional appliance for their home.

2001

The one that started it all… Verona’s 12” gas cooktop, which featured one large and one small sealed burner with electronic ignition launched in our debut year. Finish offerings included Black, White, Bisque and Stainless Steel. The compact 12” model was part of a full cooktop collection that was available in up to a 36” size.

2002

We introduced a full collection of freestanding ranges, including our popular Verona Professional 36” and 48” dual fuel and 24” gas ranges. The pro-restaurant-inspired look and functional features set the stage for Verona as a true cooking appliance that is attainable for at-home chefs.

2005

Verona built-in ovens were launched in 2005 and included the ever-popular 24” gas model, which remains a Verona exclusive today. The individual ovens could be installed as one unit or used with a stacking kit to create a seamless, stunning stainless-steel double oven display.

2010

In 2010 we introduced the exclusive 36” double oven ranges, available in both dual fuel or all gas models. These ovens are a true multitasker, as they allow home chefs to bake dinner and dessert at the same time.

2011

Verona debuted a variety of color options for the range collection. In addition to stainless steel, we added matte black, burgundy, antique white and white to our color palette.

2012

This was a big year for Verona Appliances with the launch of a standard American-sized 30” Pro Style Deluxe Range. The new Collection was engineered specifically for the US market and was packed with professional quality features such as a convection gas oven, four burner cooktop, a digital clock and timer, heavy-duty cast iron grates and more.

Also launched in this year was the VeronaPro line, which included upgraded 36” and 30” ranges, a 30” gas wall oven and 36” gas cooktop, all with powerful brass German-made burners and many aesthetic upgrades.

2015

In 2015, Verona debuted the 36” Classic range that combined the very best of industrial design and cooking performance. The range was a recipient of Design Journal Magazine’s Best of 2015 Products award. With the launch of the trend-setting Classic look, the Verona logo also received an update transforming into today’s iconic square design.

Also introduced in this year was the 36” fully-electric N’ Series Range, which still stands as an iconic model for the Verona brand. At the time of its release, the N’ Series Range was the only fully electric range on the market.

2016

The Chefs Pak was released in 2016 to the delight of many home cooks. The accessory package included a heavy-duty stainless-steel griddle, 3” x 5” beveled spatula, digital meat probe and more.

2017

In 2017 we launched Verona’s exclusive 36” All-Electric Ranges. The range won a Good Design Award in the same year, and the collection of All-Electric Ranges was an Interior Design Best of Year Honoree.

2018

The Designer and Prestige series was added to our extensive line of 36” freestanding ranges in 2018. The ranges featured both performance and aesthetic upgrades such as brass burners, rounded handles, continuous cast iron grates, a modern knob design and clean, beveled doors.

2019

Verona added two new colors and colored knobs to our line for the Designer series, plus an online Designer Range Builder Tool that allows interior designers and homeowners to customize their very own Designer Series range. The “Designer Range Builder” provides users the option to preview any combination of fuel type, knob color and base color for their personalized appliance.

2020

Verona added non-cooking appliances to their line to offer a complete kitchen suite including new refrigerator and dishwasher for the first time. In addition to this exciting development, Verona also expanded its popular Designer series with Dual Fuel and Induction 36” ranges and ventilation options for wall-mounted, chimney hoods and built-in inserts.

2021

Design by: Blythe & Barnett | Photography by: Jessica Kettle Photography

In our 20th year in the U.S., we celebrated with updated built-in collections, including the Designer Series 30” Gas Built-in Wall Oven, which has superior design upgrades including a soft-close door, commercial-style closed-door broiler, convection bake options and more. We’ve also debuted the Designer Cooktop Collection with beautifully designed continuous cast-iron grates, high-power triple-ring brass burners and soft-touch rubberized round knobs.

Stay tuned for more product launches! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.veronappliances.com.