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.

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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/.

Collection Closeup: The Captivating Curva

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Since Lofra began in 1956, the Italian brand has remained dedicated to the artistry of crafting top-tier, dependable products. Produced in the hills around the city of Padua, Italy, Lofra’s prestigious ranges are meticulously designed, featuring a diverse array of cooking functions to enhance the cooking experience for home chefs. Three of Lofra’s cutting-edge collections are exclusively imported to the United States by EuroChef USA. Today we’re taking a deeper dive into the alluring Curva Collection!

The Look

As the first product to be introduced by Lofra in the early 1960s, the Curva Collection pays tribute to Lofra’s humble beginnings. The iconic, patented curved door, side panels and handles of the Curva Collection embody the aesthetic of traditional pots and pottery that Lofra manufactured. This distinct detailing sets Curva apart, as it cannot be replicated by other brands. Seamlessly marrying a unique, modernist aesthetic with professional-grade performance, the award-winning Curva Collection exceeds expectations from its design to its functionality.

Sizing + Colors

Available in two sizes – 36-inch and 48-inch – and a palette of four timeless colors (Black, Blue, Stainless Steel and White), the Curva Collection is ideal for those seeking a high-performing appliance and an ultramodern aesthetic for their kitchen.

Curva’s 36-inch range boasts five all-brass burners, providing cooking power ranging from a minimum of 5,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) to a max dual power output of 18,000! The 48-inch Curva offers two additional burners and the highly-desired, independent second oven. This secondary oven, with multiple programmable options, utilizes convection with independent settings for enhanced versatility.

Functionality + Cleaning

Similar to the Dolcevita, the oven glass trim on all Curva ranges is easily removable. This provides access to the three panes of oven glass to make cleaning a simple process! Moreover, like all Lofra ranges, the Curva range offers nine programmable settings with true European convection.

  • Defrosting: Speed up defrosting and safely thaw frozen food with unheated air circulation without par-cooking and drying.
  • European Convection: European convection uses a third heating element behind the fan to prevent unwanted flavor transfer. This process allows food to cook more evenly than in traditional ovens!
  • Convection Bake: The convection bake feature has the quickest and most even cooking as it evenly distributes heat throughout the oven with the use of the convection fan and both top and bottom elements.
  • Pizza Function aka “Bottom Heat”: Every Lofra range includes a bottom heat mode, which is perfect for crispy pizza crust and perfectly melted cheese! The bottom heat setting can also be used for moist, slow cooked dishes or to prepare delicate crusts on a pie or quiche.
  • Convection Broil: When the convection broil feature is activated, the convection fan and broiler will both be turned on, allowing for an even distribution of intense heat.
  • Oven Light + Dough Rising: Every Lofra range comes with the oven light + dough rising feature, where the oven light will be turned on and remain illuminated throughout the cooking cycle. This light can also assist in the rising of dough, perfect for your favorite bread recipes!
  • Conventional Cooking: Providing heat from both the top and bottom, the conventional cooking feature helps food to cook evenly.
  • Grilling: Every Lofra range comes with an upper grill element, which provides a high and focused heat.
  • Maxi Broil: Ideal for melting and browning food quickly without overcooking, the Maxi Broil function uses powerful and direct heat from the broil element.

To learn more about Lofra’s Curva 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!

Lofra Launches the Maestro Collection to the U.S. Market

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Single and Double Oven Options Offer Versatility in the Kitchen

Lofra, one of the most prestigious and well-recognized appliance brands in the world, launches the Maestro collection to the U.S. market. Maestro is offered in two sizes and four brilliant colors in dual fuel to create the perfect kitchen design.

“Every meal – from the traditional family dish to the Executive Chef’s entree – will marvel at the performance, consistent temperature control and various cooking options from this Lofra range,” explains Melissa Haber, Vice President of EuroChef USA, the exclusive importer of Lofra ranges to the U.S. “When seeking quality without compromise, the Maestro range boasts a versatile, modern design and a strong pro-style build that enhances culinary creations.” Maestro’s 36-inch dual fuel range features all brass burners and cooking power that varies from simmer to sear with a powerful 18,000 BTU dual burner. The LP Conversion Kit is included and the oven(s) will offer nine programmable settings including a pizza function, defrost, true European convection and more for perfectly cooked results. The larger 48-inch range option will add two additional burners and a coveted independent second oven that has full multi-function and convection capabilities.

Details:

  • Available sizes: 36” (MXSS36M0G500) and 48” (MXSD48MMG700).
  • Available fuel types: Dual Fuel.
  • Color options: Stainless Steel, Matte Black, White and Blue.
  • Starting UMRP: $4,999.

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 removable glass oven doors and so much more. Optional accessories include: teppanyaki (steel griddle), simmer plate, wok ring, ribbed cast-iron steak griddle, stainless steel toe-kick and color matching side filler set.

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.

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Verona Appliances Partners with Good Bones

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Verona Appliances has partnered with the star of HGTV’s “Good Bones,” Mina Starsiak Hawk, to renovate at-risk properties within the city of Indianapolis, Indiana. Mina, along with her mother, Karen E. Laine, both work at their family company, Two Chicks and a Hammer, where they flip run-down homes and renovate them into contemporary design dwellings.

Mina’s skillful intelligence in real estate and Karen’s knowledge of interior and exterior design forms an unbeatable partnership, coming together to transform dream houses into reality, one house at a time. As Mina was renovating kitchens in these three flipped homes, she realized she wanted to create a modern design with European flair, so she decided to add a Verona range.

Photo Credit: The Home Aesthetic

Charming Cottage: Where Vintage Vibes Take Center Stage

In the premiere episode of Season 7, titled “Quaint Cottage with Vintage Vibes,” Mina decides to enhance a small cottage home in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis with modern upgrades while preserving its timeless vintage charm. From the very first step on the porch, the house portrays lots of character with its charming siding, inviting windows and curb appeal.

Mina’s design choices come to life within the interior of the home, where you’re struck by the warmth and inviting ambiance. Mina designed this home with natural wood, a palette of soothing colors and a selection of textures, that overall creates a balance of both coziness and style. One of her primary objectives was to redefine the kitchen and dining room as a unified space while keeping the vintage aesthetic. To achieve this, she introduced a modern quartzite countertop with ample open space for functionality and style. For the perfect finishing touch, she added a counter-to-ceiling wall backsplash perfectly paired with a Matte Black Designer Dual Fuel Range from Verona Appliances.

Photo Credit: The Home Aesthetic

Small Space, Big Luxury

In Season 7, Episode 13, titled, “Little Bit Luxurious,” Mina decided she wanted to transform this house from outdated and dull to elegant and modern. Located in The Valley of Indianapolis, her goal was to merge the living room and kitchen into one cohesive space, perfect for entertaining. To make the kitchen into an ideal dream space, Mina added several key elements. She installed a stunning quartzite countertop island, a stone backsplash and a Verona Designer Gas Range in White. In expressing her passion for designing the kitchen, she states to the homebuyers, “Look at your really fancy stove. That is not a first-time homebuyer’s stove. We’ve got the backsplash going all the way up, and other than it just being pretty, it makes it so easy to clean.”

Photo Credit: The Home Aesthetic

Dazzling and Divine: Where ‘Wow’ Is the Norm

In Season 8, Episode 1, titled, “Income Property with Big Issues,” Mina converts a two-story house into a dual-income property in the Bates Hendrick neighborhood of Indianapolis. Mina’s first decision on renovating the house was to refresh the home with contemporary upgrades while preserving some of the older elements. A significant aspect of the design was the kitchen, where she provided ample storage space and a pantry area. She also added black marble that extended all the way up to the ceiling, creating beautiful contrast with the Prestige Gas Range in White from Verona. Overall, Mina aimed to achieve the ultimate “wow factor,” leaving the homeowners stunned by the transformation that the house truly turned into the perfect dream home.

To learn more about which Verona appliance is the best fit for you, visit https://veronaappliances.com/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Collection Closeup: The Darling Dolcevita

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The Lofra brand embodies over 65 years of dedicated passion and commitment to quality and craftsmanship. What began as the production of pots by the Lovato brothers has evolved into the world renowned, high-end luxury appliances we know today. Exclusively imported to the United States by EuroChef USA, Lofra offers three of their innovative collections to the U.S. market. Today, we’re taking a closer look at Lofra’s iconic Dolcevita Collection.

Transport to your dream Italian destination with the Dolcevita Collection. As the most diverse line designed by Lofra in the early 1960s, Dolcevita offers an unparalleled blend of traditional and modern design elements. This collection pays homage to old school cooking traditions by recognizing the importance of functionality and simplistic cooking technology.

Dynamic Dual Fuel

Available in an array of sizes, fuel variations and distinctive colors, there’s no doubt you’ll discover a Dolcevita range that exceeds your wildest kitchen aspirations. Dolcevita’s dual fuel ranges offer all brass burners and intense cooking power on the cooktop surface with a power span from a minimum of 5,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) to a max dual power output of 18,000! For added convenience, an LP conversion kit is included with every Lofra range. Also in all models, the ovens (even the secondary ones) offer nine programmable settings, including: defrost, European Convection and a Pizza function that will give any homemade pie the perfect crunch!

Immaculate Induction

For the traditional 30-inch space,or the larger 36-inch, Lofra presents the Dolcevita induction range options, which offer a world of possibilities. With versatility at the heart of this range, the Lofra Dolcevita provides four or five elements along with a single bridge zone. Each induction element features rapid boil, simmer, and power boost settings. Lofra’s induction ranges are also easy to clean, since the cooktop can be wiped down with a simple water and dish soap solution!

Dazzling Details

Exuding opulence and lavishness, there isn’t a detail that was spared in the artistry behind the Dolcevita Collection. Each knob, weighing over a pound, is adorned with a subtle body design that emanates sophistication. The oven is also enriched with trim made from solid metal blocks, providing a pop of color in an unexpected place. This range dazzles the senses with two trim options (Chrome and Brass) and four color options (Black, White, Lavender and Stainless Steel.)

Sensational Side Oven

Craving extra burners and added oven space? The 48- and 60-inch Dolcevita ranges add coveted additional burners and an independent side oven. With identical multifunctionality and convection capabilities and independent functionality, it will be the perfect asset for all of your holiday cooking and dinner party hosting!

Clever Cleaning Capabilities

If you are constantly struggling with cleaning the glass on your oven door, the Dolcevita provides the perfect solution. Gone are the days of calling a service provider for assistance with cleaning! The oven glass trim on all Dolcevita ranges is easily removable, giving you access to the three panes of oven door glass to make cleaning a breeze.

To learn more about Lofra’s Dolcevita 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!