Corrections or additions?
This article was prepared for the September 22, 2004
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Cooktop Demos
What happens when your washing machine breaks? You make a
quick trip to the appliance store. Some will now offer to
do your laundry, according to a recent article in the Wall
Street Journal, as part of the trend to let customers “try
before they buy.” The salesperson’s hope is that the
customer will go home with a load of clean laundry and a
bill of sale for a high-end appliance that costs four
figures.
Debbie Schaeffer of Mrs. G’s TV and Appliances is
investing in the “try before you buy” strategy for kitchen
appliances. Many of the cooktops and ovens are live at the
store on the corner of Route 1 North and Franklin Corner
Road.
Schaeffer, a civil engineer from the University of
Michigan, does not flinch when you ask her to explain the
difference between convection ovens and microwaves. Ever
the promoter of high-end designer appliances, she has
invited two chefs from Wegmans supermarket to give free
cooking demonstrations.
Chefs Joe Kratochwill and Cindy Gronam will demonstrate on
Wednesdays, September 29 to November 3, from 7 to 9 p.m.
at Mrs. G’s store. Each demo will be limited to 25 people
and will feature a high-end brand. For reservations, call
609-882-1444.
“These manufacturers offer distinctive designs and
features that are changing the way people cook,” says
Schaeffer. “Our customers have been gravitating toward
these brands – and also asking us how to best use them in
their kitchen.”
A Miele cooktop and oven will be featured on September 29,
and Gaggenau, a distinctively-designed European line will
be spotlighted on October 6. Part of the Bosch group, the
Gaggenau line has cooktops, a dishwasher, and convection
oven with a built-in steamer, says Schaeffer. Prices range
from $1,000 for a cooktop to $5,000 for a double oven.
Soup making will be on stage on October 13 on a cooktop
made by France-based Diva. “It uses magnetic induction, so
it brings water to a boil very quickly and go to a very
low simmer, for melting chocolate,” says Schaeffer. Prices
range from $3,500 to $5,000. Also that evening the chefs
will discuss storing wine in Marvel storage units, which
cost from $1,200 to $2,000. Some have a graduated
temperature, warmer at the top than at the bottom.
Dacor, the California-made line to be shown on October 20,
has all kinds of ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, hoods, and
under counter refrigeration. Prices start at $1,300 for a
cooktop to $10,000 for a range.
New Zealand-based Fisher & Paykel, slated for October 27,
has cooktops, wall ovens, and even double drawer
dishwashers (two drawers that work independently of each
other) that cost under $1,500.
Featured on November 3 is General Electric’s new
trivection oven – which operates with microwave,
convection, and regular technologies.
“Demonstrations like these are where our business is going
– more hands on,” says Schaeffer, granddaughter of
founder Mrs. G. “It’s a great cross promotion,” she says,
“because Wegmans is the supermarket where everyone goes to
take home a gourmet meal. People relate to the chefs
there; they know their names.”
Don’t bring your dirty laundry to Mrs. G’s. No appliance
store that we know of in this area is doing dual function
as a laundromat.
Fall Cooking Classes, Mrs. G’s, 2969 Route 1North, Lawrenceville, 609-882-1444. First of six classesshowcasing specialty, integrated, and high end appliances.Each class offers demonstrations, tips, and recipes. ToNovember 3. Register. Free. Wednesday, September 29, 7p.m.Previous StoryNext StoryCorrections or additions?This page is published by PrincetonInfo.com— the web site for U.S. 1 Newspaper in Princeton, New Jersey.
