Eat Well, Live Happy

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

Cooking with Lofra: The Benefits of Induction

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In recent years, induction cooking has spiked in popularity throughout the United States. An increasing number of homeowners are making the switch from gas cooking to induction ranges and stovetops. Curious what’s making induction ranges so appealing? Read on to discover what induction technology is, how to distinguish its differences from electric and gas and uncover the various benefits to induction cooking!

What is induction cooking?

So, what exactly is induction cooking? Different from typical electric cooktops, induction cooktops utilize copper heating coils underneath the surface to produce electromagnetic energy. This energy is only ignited when the iron in designated induction cookware, typically made of cast iron or stainless steel, makes contact with the cooktop surface. This energy transfer turns the cookware into its own source of heat, as opposed to the stovetop producing the heat.

Photo Credit: Lofra Italy

What is the difference between induction, electric and gas?

The most notable differences between induction, electric and gas ranges is their appearance and how they create energy. Induction and electric cooktops are similar in appearance as both feature smooth top surfaces. In contrast, gas ranges feature burner grates raised over the cooktop surface.

When it comes to generating heat, gas cooktops rely on a flame produced through natural gas or propane. On the other hand, traditional electric stovetops employ an electrical current that flows through a metal coil that is either visible on the cooktop or hidden under a glass or ceramic surface to heat up the burner.

Both electric and induction cooking require 220V electrical connections and a good amount of amperage to function properly.  It is important to understand power and gas requirements before choosing a cooking appliance suitable for your home.

Dolcevita Gas Cooktop
Dolcevita Induction Cooktop

What are the benefits of induction cooking?

Although there are diverse advantages to cooking with both gas and electric, induction cooking marries the best of both worlds while also offering unique aspects not found in either. Continue reading to learn the top benefits of induction cooking:

Photo Credit: Lofra UK

Kitchen Safety Excellence

Induction stovetops automatically shut down after a pot or pan is removed from the cooking surface, reducing the risk of accidentally leaving a burner on. If a knob or button are accidentally activated, the element will not heat up until proper cookware is placed on top.  These features are particularly important for households with children as they enhance kitchen safety and peace of mind!

Faster Cook Times

Since induction cooktops heat pots and pans directly, the extra step of heating up the burner and transferring that heat to the cookware is eliminated, therefore, cutting cooking times in half! All Lofra induction ranges feature a rapid boil setting on every burner, which delivers maximum power to boil liquids promptly. 

Exact Precision

Cooking with induction offers excellent precision when it comes to temperature control. By leveraging electromagnetic energy to produce heat, induction stovetops react extremely fast to any temperature adjustments. For example, when you turn the burner off, the heat transfer stops immediately, and conversely, when you turn the burner up, more heat is prompted instantly. This is ideal for instances when you require a quick transition from boiling to simmering, as induction enables an immediate adjustment, guaranteeing perfectly cooked results every time. Check out the ‘Keep Warm’ setting on Lofra induction cooktops, which instantly lowers the heat to stop the cooking process while keeping the cookware warm to ensure the perfect temperature for serving.

Cleaner Cooking

Gas appliances emit harmful air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and methane, even when they’re not in use! Switching to an induction range can reduce your risk of asthma and other illnesses associated with these pollutants, while also lessening air quality issues and climate change. Though induction ranges don’t produce harmful air pollutants, a range hood is still essential to vent grease, oils, smoke and strong cooking odors. However, due to their lower emissions, induction ranges require hoods with less CFM (cubic feet of air moved per minute) than gas ranges, meaning less energy is used. Because of this, they also can easily meet make-up air requirements in certain municipalities while still having adequate cooking ventilation.

Energy Efficiency

Induction cooktops consume far less energy than electric or gas stovetops because they heat the pan directly rather than the cooking surface first. Moreover, because food is heated up much faster with induction cooking, the appliance isn’t required to be on for as long, conserving further energy.

We hope you are now supplied with ample knowledge on induction to utilize when you’re contemplating your next range! To learn more about Lofra’s induction offerings, visit https://lofra.us/products/?ed05e88-filter_plan-type=induction.

For more projects, products, trends and news on Lofra, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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/.

Your Guide to Lofra’s 10 Oven Functions

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Versatility is at the heart of every Lofra range, designed to empower home cooks with pro-style performance and user-friendly cooking functions. With 10 easy-to-use cooking modes, every detail in a Lofra range is meticulously curated to make anyone feel like a professional chef in their home kitchen. 

In the larger 48-inch and 60-inch models, Lofra ranges offer an independent second oven that provides identical multifunctionality and convection capabilities to the main oven cavity. Simply activate the second oven by turning on the oven timer, select one of the 10 oven functions and prepare your next culinary masterpiece! 

Ready to explore each cooking mode, what it looks like, how they work and what foods they’re best used for? Let’s get cooking…

Lofra Dolcevita Range 48” Stainless Steel with Brass Trim

Defrost

All Lofra ranges come with a Defrost function, which speeds up thawing and safely defrosts frozen food. This feature uses unheated air circulation, guaranteeing foods will not partially cook or dry out. Defrosting your food in the oven cavity not only significantly reduces your prep time, it also ensures even thawing throughout!

European Convection

The European Convection mode utilizes a third heating element behind the convection fan, preventing unwanted flavor transfer and resulting in faster, more uniform cooking. This process allows food to cook more evenly than in traditional ovens, making it optimal for foods that need to be fully cooked, yet soft inside, like casseroles, seafood and beef roasts.

Convection Bake

The Convection Bake capability offers the quickest and most consistent cooking. This is done by evenly distributing heat throughout the oven cavity via the convection fan and both top and bottom elements. This feature is ideal for baking cakes, cookies, bread and other pastries, as the even circulation of hot air ensures they equally rise and develop a consistent texture and color.

Convection Broil

When the Convection Broil function is activated, both the convection fan and broiler will be turned on, creating a balanced distribution of intense heat. This mode is ideal for grilling and browning, as the outside of food becomes crispy while the inside remains juicy and moist. It’s best suited for preparing meats such as steaks, chops and chicken breasts.

Maxi Broil

Ideal for quickly melting and browning, the Maxi Broil setting delivers powerful and direct heat from the upper broil element. You can effortlessly achieve impeccable crust on your casserole, melt cheese on French Onion soup or make the perfect gooey s’mores when using this feature. However, you should always keep an eye on your range, food can burn quickly when the Maxi Broil is in use!

Lofra Maestro Range 36” Blue with Chrome Trim

Oven Light + Dough Rising

With the Oven Light + Dough Rising setting, the oven light will be turned on and remain on throughout the cooking cycle. Not only does this present you with a clear view of your baked goods as they cook, the simple heat from the oven light can be used to assist with the rising of dough, making it the perfect starting point for your favorite bread recipes.

Conventional Cooking

As the most traditional and widely utilized cooking method, the Conventional Cooking mode distributes heat from both the top and bottom to cook food evenly. This function is great for roasting meats and vegetables, assuring they’re heated thoroughly without overcooking or drying out.

Pizza Function (aka Bottom Heat)

When using the Pizza Function, only the lower heating element is activated while the upper heating element remains off. This capability is excellent for crispy pizza crust and perfectly melted cheese! This setting can also be used for moist, slow cooked dishes or to prepare delicate crusts on a pie or quiche.

Top Heat

With the Top Heat feature, the upper heating element is engaged for a slow and gentle heat. Top Heat is beneficial for cooking various foods that require direct heat from above, like toasting bread or nuts, or caramelizing vegetables.

Grilling

The Grilling capability provides a high and focused heat from the top heating element. Similar to outdoor grilling, this setting is ideal for quickly searing and browning foods such as meats, fish and vegetables.

Lofra Dolcevita Range 36” Matte Black with Brass Trim

We hope this guide has equipped you with ample knowledge about your Lofra range’s oven capabilities so that you can introduce something new on your next culinary endeavor! To learn more about your specific Lofra model, visit our online catalog or https://lofra.us/. 

For more projects, products, trends and news on Lofra, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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/.

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/.

Buy a Verona Appliances Range & Receive a 12-Piece Cookware Set

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Buy any 36″ Verona Appliances range (sold at full UMRP), and receive a free 12-piece Nutri-Stahl stainless steel cookware set on purchases made between October 1st, 2023 and March 31st, 2024.

  • 6 quart stockpot with lid
  • 3 quart stockpot with lid
  • Large skillet with lid
  • Large mixing bowl with lid
  • Grater/utility rack
  • Utility rack handle
  • Suction knob
  • Adapter ring

Cookware can be redeemed via a mail-in rebate.

Summer Splurging for Small Spaces: Lofra’s 30″ Dual Fuel Range

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Lofra 30″ Dolcevita Dual Fuel Range in Matte Black with Brass trim

Revamp a city apartment or beachside bungalow kitchen into a glamorous oasis with the exquisite 30″ Dolcevita Dual Fuel Range by Lofra Appliances. Designed as a tribute to Lofra’s Italian heritage, the Dolcevita collection seamlessly blends traditional elegance with a modern touch, making it a truly one-of-a-kind luxury range that stands out in the market.

Unlike other luxury ranges that are typically available in sizes 36″ and larger, Lofra has uniquely engineered their 30″ Dolcevita range to cater to the growing demand for appliances that perfectly fit smaller spaces. This compact masterpiece ensures that homeowners don’t have to compromise on the stunning aesthetics, powerful BTU output or oven capacity that larger ranges offer.

Details

  • Color Options: Stainless Steel, Matte Black, White and Lavender
  • Trim Options: Chrome or Brass trim
  • Dimensions: 35.5” to 37.25” H; 30” W; 25.5” D
  • Cooktop Features: 55K Total BTU Output; 5 Brass Burners, including (1) 18K Dual Crown; Matte Black Cast Iron Burner Caps; Heavy-Duty Continuous Grates
  • Oven Features: Multi-Function Convection Oven; 9 Programmable Cooking Functions; Full Width Broil element; True European Convection; 2 Oven Lights; Telescopic Glide Shelf; 3 Pane Glass Oven Door that can be easily removed for cleaning
  • Optional Accessories: Plinth Wrap Kit; Simmer Plate; Wok Ring; Cast Iron Ribbed Griddle
  • Starting MSRP: $8,449

Lofra recently announced their partnership with EuroChef USA as the exclusive US importer of the brand’s Italian-designed and manufactured kitchen appliances. Consumers can find these dual-fuel appliances and more by emailing info@eurochefusa.com or by calling 631-254-3434.

Italian Brand Lofra to be Exclusively Imported by EuroChef USA

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EDGEWOOD, NEW YORK – January 2023 – Lofra Italy is proud to announce its partnership with EuroChef USA as the exclusive US importer of the brand’s Italian-designed and manufactured kitchen appliances.

Lofra, one of the most prestigious and well-recognized brands in the world, has been manufacturing high-quality home appliances since 1956. Designed and manufactured in the hills around the city of Padua, each Lofra appliance is carefully designed and built with the high-quality standards of a “Made in Italy” brand.

“Lofra is the perfect fit for our Italian-brand family with its superior design, innovative technology, and functionality,” explains Melissa Haber, Vice President of EuroChef USA. “The brand meets the needs of any customer that is seeking unique design and impeccable performance for their kitchen appliances.”

Three exquisite collections of Lofra ranges will be initially offered to the US market, each with their own distinct design and aesthetics that will satisfy even the most demanding and sophisticated customer.

Left: Lifestyle shot, the Dolcevita collection. Right: Silhouette shot, Dolcevita 60” Dual Fuel Double Matte Black + Brass trim.
  • DOLCEVITA COLLECTION: A tribute to 60 years of Lofra history that combines the latest cooking technology with a touch of tradition.
    • Available sizes: 30”, 36”, 48” and 60”.
    • Available fuel types: Dual Fuel & Induction (30” & 36” only).Color options: Stainless Steel, Matte Black, White and Lavender.
    • Trim options: Brass and Chrome.
    • Matching ventilation options available in 36”, 48” and 60” sizes.
    • Starting MSRP: $7,499.
Silhouette shot, Maestro 36” Induction in Blue with Stainless Steel trim
  • MAESTRO COLLECTION: A versatile collection of ranges with a presence as strong as its performance.
    • Available sizes: 30”, 36” and 48”.
    • Available fuel types: Dual Fuel & Induction (30” and 36” only).
    • Color options: Stainless Steel, Matte Black, White and Blue.
    • Starting MSRP: $6,669.

Left: Lifestyle shot, the Curva collection. Right: Silhouette shot, 48” Dual Fuel in Stainless Steel
  • CURVA COLLECTION: An innovative, patented design that represents the perfect union of tradition and modernity.
    • Available sizes: 36” and 48”.
    • Available fuel types: Dual Fuel.
    • Color options: Stainless Steel, Matte Black, White and Blue.
    • Starting MSRP: $6,949.

Every Lofra range is packed with features that even the most discerning chef will appreciate, including semi- sealed brass burners, ergonomically designed metal knobs and handles, telescopic glide shelf support, triple-pane glass oven doors and so much more.

For press release and high-resolution images, click here.

About Lofra: Lofra has been manufacturing high-quality home appliances since 1956. Located on the hills of Padua, Italy, Lofra has grown to become the market leader of freestanding cookers and built-in appliances. The brand is a global consumer reference point for the kitchen industry and is the pride of the Italian manufacturing industry. For additional information about Lofra visit www.lofra.us.

About EuroChef USA: Since 2001, EuroChef USA has been the national distributor of Italian-made professional style major appliances. The brand is the national distributor and exclusive importer of the Verona, and now the Lofra, brand of Italian-made professional style major appliances. EuroChef’s brands offer a full line of ranges, ovens, ventilation and cooktops nationally through a network of regional distributors and specialty appliance retailers.

Save $200 on the Verona CHEFS PAK with the purchase of any Verona Range!

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A chef-worthy range calls for chef-worthy accessories. The Verona CHEFS PAK includes a cast iron griddle, maple cutting board, steamer pan set, beveled spatula, digital meat probe and two protective oven mitts. Save $200 with the purchase of any Verona range! Promotion valid from February 1st, 2023 to December 31st, 2023.

Most Popular Posts of 2022

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Another year has come and gone, which means it’s time to reflect on our most popular posts from 2022. We love taking the time to review the designs that grace our Instagram to reflect on this year’s trends and think about what new ideas we believe will emerge as we head into the next year.

Do you see yourself designing a kitchen like the ones below for yourself or a client? Below are our most admired kitchens of 2022 to provide inspiration for your next project.

It’s Not all White Anymore

Remember when all-white kitchens were the most desirable? They aren’t anymore!

The latest trending kitchens do feature white as the main color, but instead of everything in one shade, there are multiple shades of white spread throughout the space. This kitchen features bright white cabinetry with a range hood surround in off-white. That same off-white hue makes its way into the shiny, rectangular zellige backsplash and countertops. This kitchen is finished off with wooden accents of varying finishes and grains. It’s still the all-white look, but updated for a warmer atmosphere in the home.

Thank you to Home by Julianne for tagging us and spotlighting your 36” Dual Fuel Range!

This kitchen also takes the top spot for one of the most popular on our Instagram. Similar to Home by Julianne, @kalakleindesigns used white zellige-like Scandinavian tile, white cabinetry and off-white countertops. She paired it with a wooden-framed range hood surround and wooden décor dotting the walls and windowsill.

This kitchen features our 36” Electric Double Oven Range.

New Uses for Traditional Cookware

This lovely Dutch oven isn’t just used for cooking – turn it into a makeshift flower pot to display directly on your range! Laura Reister used her Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Heart Cocotte for Valentine’s Day flowers. You may want to try this hack if you have little no counterspace, but still would like to display seasonal blooms. It’s perfect for apartments or kitchens without islands.

This kitchen features our 36” Prestige Dual Fuel Double Oven Range.

Pops of Color in Unexpected Places

Susan Serra also features a red Le Creuset Dutch oven in her kitchen, which perfectly matches the red runner and Burgundy knobs. So many ranges on the market only offer knobs in Chrome, but our Designer Series ranges allow you to choose two colors of knobs –– Black and Burgundy.

This kitchen features our 36” Designer Series Induction Range in Matte Black with Burgundy knobs. The range is reminiscent of the iconic Christian Louboutin black pump with red soles ––daring in black with a surprising pop of color in the most unexpected places.

Want to be considered in our next design round up? Simply tag us @veronaappliances on all social platforms or use #VeronaAppliances when you share your space! For more projects, products, trends and news Verona Appliances, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.veronappliances.com.

Savvy Consumers Turn from Trendy to Friendly as High Prices Motivate More Sophisticated Purchase Decisions

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In the world of appliances brands, smart consumers are finding entry-level luxury brands like Verona Appliances whose style, quality and functionality are on par with trendier brands, but come at a more accessible price and are in-stock!

First there were no appliances to be found and then came the price increases due to supply chain issues and inflation. While manufacturers have shouldered some of the costs, consumers are seeing at minimum a 13% increase in appliance pricing from 2021 to 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and in some cases, they could be as high as 20% more given that many promotional plans and rebates have been discontinued. Moving from high-priced brands to an “entry-level luxury brand” can go a long way right now for the customer that needs to balance their budgets.

Fortunately, there are hidden gems in the market that are beautiful, functional and reliable – but they do not carry the same high price point as trendier brands. These entry-level luxury brands are getting more than a second look as savvy consumers are ditching brands whose pricing has risen astronomically for companies who have items in stock, come at a lower price and often prove to be more feature rich for the money. With a little research and persistence, consumers are unearthing these gemstones and turning them into hot commodities overnight.

“As a family-owned company since 1958, we are seeing a lot of interest in our brand recently,” states Melissa Haber, vice president of Verona Appliances. “Verona is crafted in Italy, but made for the U.S. market. We don’t spend millions of dollars in marketing – so it takes a little extra effort to find us – but feature-by-feature, our products are on-par, if not better than brands that can charge more because they have more status in the market. Our office still answers phone calls in person, in New York, and our customers really appreciate the one-on-one connection, service and help. There are definite benefits beyond price for picking brands like Verona.”

“Consumers should also be wary of ‘made-in-China’ copycat brands that have recently come on the market – they lack quality and features but their price points are low, so they are grabbing the sale,” states Haber. “They do not compare in features and quality to established brands like Verona that have a good track record for service and quality. Consumers really have to look to find not just a good price, but a great value.”

Verona Appliances recently introduced their Prestige collection with seven new 36” electric ranges. The new 36” electric double oven ranges are an industry exclusive, with an upgraded look that is only surpassed by its high-powered capabilities. The single ovens are offered in four colors (Stainless Steel, White, Matte Black and Burgundy) and the double ovens offered in three colors (Stainless Steel, White and Matte Black).