Employee of the Week: Parker Brattebo

June 13, 2019Uncategorized

Before Johnson Brothers, Parker worked for the Marriot-Ritz Carlton in Sales and is relatively new to the appliance world. When the owner reached out to him, he knew it would be a great fit. Parker has also been in mortgage and real estate, which was a great start to knowing the industry inside and out. Parker went to Fort Lewis Liberal Arts College and majored in Psychology and Marketing. He loves to travel, spend time outdoors, ski, hike, bike, boating, fly fish, and even float the river. Breweries are also a big favorite. He’s a bit of a foodie and also loves to golf. Parker appreciates that Johnson Brothers is a local shop, owned by great people and “it feels like a family.”

Employee of the Week : Meet Travis Montgomery!

June 6, 2019Employees

Travis has been in the appliance industry for about 16 years. He has done deliveries, installation, sales, and management. Travis is also very active in church and keeps busy with his two children and all of their sporting endeavors. He loves to spend time with family, hike, mountain bike, and do all of the classic central Oregon activities. Travis loves Johnson Brothers because of its family atmosphere and its emphasis on family values & integrity.

How & Why to Make Your Refrigerator More Efficient

May 31, 2019Products

We all love learning about the pros and cons of our purchases. It makes it, well, easier for us to make the best decision; especially when we are making an important one. How many times do YOU open up your fridge in a given day? Quite a few. How much do you use your kitchen? Most likely, a lot. Today, let’s talk about different types of refrigerators and the benefits of different features.

The standard depth refrigerator cabinet is 24” for the cabinet minus the doors.

With doors, it might vary between 28-38” with free standing refrigerator.

So, what does this mean?

Well, the counter depth the fridge doesn’t protrude as much or if you are looking for a cleaner, low profile, modern look, you’ll have your answer here. That is a great benefit, however, there’s always a catch… with less protrusion, you’ll have a reduction in cubic feet, (so less space.)

Anything else?

Dual evaporation in a free standing refrigerator (i.e. with Sub Zero) has the benefit of two separate air sources. This means that the air source is separate for the refrigerator and the freezer. With that, there is less fluctuation in temperature change within each one. It’s more stable humidity. There’s no cross contamination.

Have you ever had an ice cube that stinks and smells funny because they’ve been tainted by something in the fridge? This will help.

Dual compressors add to the efficiency of your product, as well as the durability. It works, simply because you’re not asking one compressor to do both! (It’s sharing the work!)

A variable speed compressor allows it to work based on demand.

Was your door left open? Well, this allows the speed to increase more rapidly to preserve the food. It will run at much lower speeds when there isn’t as much demand! It will also help monitor usage. When the air is moving, it chills it. It will help provide more air or less air to cater to a specific temperature. If they run more efficiently, then it’s simply more efficient all around. Oh, and it will save you $$ on your next electricity bill!

We hope you learned a little more about how your refrigerator works and what features to look for when you’re buying your next one.

Have any more questions? We can help.

Stop by and see us at Johnson Brothers!

-The JBros Team

The Benefits of a Front Load Washing Machine:

May 22, 2019Products

We all know that one family member who refuses to roll with the modern times. They’re so used to that top load laundry machine, and they don’t want to give it up! Well, let us take a minute to inform you (and maybe persuade you?) on the glorious front load.

Some may say there really is “no reason on planet earth to get a top load.” Obviously, it’s up to you… and we are willing to help with whatever you need; but let’s take a minute to explore.

There are numerous benefits to choosing a front load.

#1 Spin speed. A front load is typically 12-1400 RPMS, when a good top load floats around 700 RPMS. All the extra inertia and gravity extracts more water out of the clothing making the dryer work less. If you can make it run 50% less you can save more energy. Saving energy, saves you money! These take substantially less energy.

#2 Oh, and also, you get much more gentle agitation.

#3 You also use less water. Less water? Even better for your monthly utilities bill. With the ability to have faster spin speeds, the clothes even dry more efficiently.

#4 But wait, there’s more! It’s also quieter. Got a baby at home? Need to do a late night load? Front loading will help you.

Another key to making your laundry experience “top notch” is this:

Remember not to use more than two table spoons of detergent! So, #5, you will end up needing to buy less detergent. Yet another win!

What You Need to Know About Induction Technologies

May 9, 2019May 9, 2019Products

Although it’s been around for many decades, induction technology is finally catching on in US.

Why?

Because it’s efficient! With good response times, it’s now faster than gas to get to a high temp.

Why?

Electro magnetic energy instead of thermal energy. The element itself creates an electromagnetic field.

This is also a safer technology because burners never create heat. So, if you set grocery bag next to it, it won’t start a fire. As an end result, its safer for children!~

There are some other benefits as well. It’s easier to clean because it’s not baking the food soil onto the glass as it would be if it was the real heat. It’s got a ceramic glass surface! It also has quick temperature springs. It’s very accurate and fast.

Have we convinced you yet?

Let us know if you have any other questions and we’d be happy to help!

-The JBros Team

The Latest on Dishwashers

April 22, 2019Kitchens

What’s the latest on Dishwashers? Well, all good news… but we have some explaining to do!

They’re using less water and less energy, so we have to combat that in a couple of ways.

The cycle times have been increased!

Many of the dishwashers have a flow through water heater, instead of a heating element that is exposed. What’s it done? It’s made it more efficient and it lasts longer because it’s not coming in contact with the water.

What does this allow? Well, it allows you to put your plastics on the bottom rack where you wanted to stay away from that in the past. There is less risk when you drop a Tupperware lid on the bottom AND there are more clean out filters where we didn’t used to have filters.

Another perk? Well, dishwashers can now run quieter.

Detergent use less works better!

Little tip: Only fill half of the reservoir. It’s better to scrape into the garbage but put the dishes right into dishwasher in with some food on it without pre-washing it!

The chemicals in detergent are made to react with the food soils and if they aren’t there it doesn’t activate the detergent, so it makes it ineffective if there isn’t food soil.

Interesting facts, huh?

Well, we hope you learned a little more about the current “spread” of dishwashers and some best practices!

-The JBros Team

The New Age of Wine Storage

March 27, 2019Uncategorized

We all love to drink “a glass of wine with dinner”for our health… or at least that’s what we tell ourselves. You may spend thousands on good wine each year and it is in your best interest to keep it fresh or keep it maturing at the appropriate rate.

With multi-zone wine storage, you can keep your reds at a different temperature than your whites.

Are you a self proclaimed sommelier?

You can even insert certain brands in front, where you can showcase a bottle and/or have wine glasses in there as well. It is functional, but also can pull out as a presentation piece. The UV protected glass that keeps the light from the wine to prevent it from deteriorating the wine over time. They have low /anti vibration shelving, because you don’t want sediment to be vibrating. This is yet another way to make your wine collection last longer.

Some of the nicer shelves even have beautiful roller glides. These full extension glides make for easier access. The higher end ones have nice wood finishes. You could even stain them!

Want to know more about wine storage? Let us know and we would love to help.

-The JBros Team