Surprising Meals You Can Make in Your Microwave

Most households only ever use their microwave to reheat leftovers, but few know that they can use a microwave to prepare a scrumptious homemade meal? After all, anything that applies heat to food must be able to cook it. In fact, the short cooking times in a microwave destroy fewer nutrients than other methods. Here are a few dishes that are quick and easy to make using a microwave.

Appetizer: Bacon-wrapped Pineapple

[source: http://www.food.com/recipe/bacon-wrapped-pineapple-appetizers-microwave-72417%5D Start your meal off right with these tasty appetizers. You’ll need: • 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve 3 tablespoons juice) • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger • 1 dash garlic powder • 6 slices bacon, each cut into thirds Directions: Combine the 3 tablespoons juice, soy sauce, ginger and garlic powder in small bowl. Marinade the pineapple chunks in this for 1- 2 hours then drain. Wrap a piece of bacon around each chunk and secure with toothpicks. Line microwave carousel with several layers of paper towel. Arrange around the outer edge of carousel with space between each one. Microwave until bacon is lightly browned (5 to 9 minutes).

Main Course: Enchilada Casserole

[source: http://www.food.com/recipe/enchilada-casserole-21410%5D A delicious centrepiece that will satisfy the most voracious appetites, you’ll need: • 5 -6 flour tortillas • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or chicken • 1 package taco seasoning • Chopped onion • 1 can refried beans • 1 can enchilada sauce • Sliced black olives and jalapeno (optional) • 2 -2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese (Sharp or Mexican are good) • Cooking spray Directions: Brown the beef, with onions and jalapenos. Drain, add the Taco mix as directed. Spray a casserole-baking dish with oil spray. Add the flour tortillas in layers, laying them flat. Spread each tortilla with 1-2 tablespoons of beans. Distribute desired amount of meat mixture on beans. Spread beans and meat with 2-3 tablespoons of enchilada sauce. Add some olives and cheese. Continue to layer until desired amount of tortillas are used, stopping with beans, meat, sauce, and cheese. Heat until thoroughly hot in microwave.

Dessert: Cup Brownie

[source: http://www.squidoo.com/fiveminutebrownie%5D This one has been a favourite in internet circles for years. You’ll need: • 4 tablespoons flour • 4 tablespoons sugar • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa • Dash of salt • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 2 tablespoons water • 1/3 teaspoon vanilla • Small handful of chocolate chips (optional) Directions: Whisk together dry ingredients in a coffee mug, standard size (11 oz.) or larger. Add oil, water, and vanilla and mix thoroughly, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides. Mix in chocolate chips if desired. Microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. The finished product should be soft and chewy. So you see, your microwave can create delicious fare after all – and much healthier meals than a deep fryer!

Simpson Brings You the Best in Performance and Affordability

As a member of the Electrolux appliance family, the Simpson brand has long been associated with high quality and affordability. Did you know that every second of every day, two appliances in the Electrolux group of brands are sold? That simple fact bears testament to the forward thinking and efficient production technologies that make Simpson one of the most sought-after brands in Australia.

Simplicity of Design, Timeless Appeal

Simpson strives to keep the design of each and every product it produces simple. Just one look at a Simpson washing machine or dryer will give you an idea of the timeless appeal of every appliance this renowned manufacturer offers. Whether you use a Simpson for 10 years or 100, you won’t have to wonder whether or not it will fit into your home’s constantly evolving colour themes and styles. A Simpson appliance will fit in just as well in a cosy, old-fashioned cottage or an ultra-modern apartment in the heart of the city.

Outstanding Functionality

Simpson Appliances are built to perform. A Simpson washing machine does what it is supposed to do. The controls are totally straightforward and user-friendly, which means you won’t have to read a manual to know how to use it. The greatest benefit that you’ll enjoy when you buy a Simpson is the peace of mind that you are getting more than your money’s worth. You’ll never have to wonder if you paid for a lot of features you are never going to use.

Fairness in Pricing

When you’re looking for an appliance that fits into your budget, it can be hard not to get cynical and start thinking that every appliance manufacturer is just out to separate you from your money. Like every brand in the Electrolux group, Simpson is priced with you in mind. You’ll never pay more than what an appliance is truly worth.

Wide Selection

Here at Bing Lee, we want to make things easier for you. To help you get an appliance that’s perfect for you, we have a wide selection of Simpson washing machines so that you can buy a size that isn’t too small or too large. If you can’t find an appliance that is just right for your individual needs, we aren’t happy. Our goal is to offer you the greatest products at the most competitive prices. Come in to see us today, or chat right now to one of our friendly online product specialists to get a great deal.

Top Features of Modern Washing Machines

The washing machine is a cornerstone of everyday life. While there are some appliances that you may not use for extended periods, nobody gets away with not using their washing machine for very long without others noticing! While getting your clothes clean used to take up the better part of a day, modern washing machines come with a variety of features that are instrumental in keeping you looking and feeling fresh every day.

Digital/Touch Screen Displays

No longer do we have to fiddle around with a switchboard of dials and gauges like an antique radio operator to get the washing done. Modern washing machines come with intuitive and easy-to-use displays to specify exactly what kind of wash we need and a whole host of information about the current load, from water temperature to time remaining in the cycle.

Variable Speed Settings

A great idea to tailor your wash to your needs, faster spin cycles will deliver a more intensive wash for hardy clothes and tough stains. Alternatively, reduce your spin cycles for fabrics that require a more delicate touch.

Steam Washing

Some models include a steam wash function, which can prove much more effective at removing tough stains and odours than traditional wash settings. Beyond that, steam washing delivers powerful sanitising potential. It also helps to even out creases, saving time on ironing. If you often find yourself with a large load of heavily soiled clothes, this is a must-have feature.

Automatic Temperature Control

Essential for improving energy efficiency, automatic temperature control guarantees the right temperature for every wash. Adjusting it manually is also possible, whether you prefer the most efficient wash or need to make sure your clothes are fully sanitised.

Dryer

Simply common sense engineering, washers and dryers go together like pencil and paper. Washing machines that include a dryer make the washing process incredibly streamlined. With no need to transfer your clothes to another machine or take them outside, clean clothes are now a one-step action. Combined with the time delay setting on many models, it’s possible to leave for work in the morning and come home to a batch of fresh clothes ready for a night out.

Fisher & Paykel – Only The Best

At Bing Lee, we’re constantly striving to offer the best products at the best prices. That’s why we’ve assembled the finest range of brand name products available online, with offerings from Samsung, Westinghouse, and Logitech. Our line of Fisher & Paykel is no exception. From the very reasonably priced Fisher & Paykel Elegance Fridge to the stylish and functional Double DishDrawer, the top quality and affordability of Fisher & Paykel will never let you down.

Innovation

Fisher & Paykel holds over 420 patents on products ranging from Active Smart refrigerators to electric cooktops and top loading dryers. This trusted electronics manufacturer prides itself on its ability to improve with each new design, making use of modern technology to create living solutions that are more efficient, more stylish, and more functional. Because each of Fisher & Paykel’s 3300 employees around the world believe in the products they create, the brand is the proud winner of the Smarthouse Best Refrigeration System Award, the Best Laundry Supplier Award, and Australia’s Most Trusted Brand Award.

Environmental Friendliness

Each of the products that come off of Fisher & Paykel’s assembly line was designed specifically with the environment in mind. This is a company that takes full responsibility for its impact on the environment, setting an eco-friendly example for other manufacturers with its ongoing sustainability and recycling initiatives. And of course, you simply will not find a Fisher & Paykel product that is not energy efficient.

Stylish Design

Have you ever seen one of Fisher & Paykel refrigerators? They’re so attractive we’d almost call them works of art instead of appliances! Fisher & Paykel is famous for whitegoods for a reason: the brand has won numerous good design awards, including the 2011 Australian International Design Awards, the 2007 Home Beautiful Award, and the Best Design Awards – Gold Product. Whether you want to bring contemporary gleam into your kitchen, or prefer the warmer old-fashioned look, you won’t have any trouble finding the right Fisher & Paykel appliances to suit your particular needs.

We Have What You Are Looking For

At Bing Lee, we have one of the most comprehensive selections of Fisher & Paykel products you’ll find anywhere. If you’re unsure about which range or model is the best for you, why not have a chat with one of our friendly product specialists? We’re here to help you make the choice that will make you happiest. And don’t forget, you can negotiate live online!

What to Look for When Buying a Fridge

As a must-have appliance in any kitchen, modern fridges have made remarkable advancements over the years. A far cry from the bulky boxes of yesteryear, today’s fridges are designed to keep food fresher and make lives easier – and look good doing it. Automatic Defrosting Apart from having to take all your food out into room temperature for defrosting, ice build-up in your fridge can be a huge pain to get rid of. But with automatic defrosting, we have an innovative solution to this problem. By cycling between cooling and short periods of slight warming, a fridge with automatic defrosting ensures you don’t lose valuable storage space every few months. Power Failure Systems Though it may not happen often, a power failure can cost you a whole month worth of groceries in one go. State-of-the-art insulation technologies can guarantee minimal warming in the event of a power failure, with some models able to keep food fresh for up to 12 hours. They can also come with a battery powered thermostat and warning system, telling you whether the food inside is still safe. Smart Temperature Control A great feature both for maintaining freshness and conserving energy, many modern fridges monitor the temperature in multiple areas of the interior and automatically adjust when there is restricted airflow. Further, because there is no ideal one-size-fits-all temperature, compartments for different food types can be set individually, ensuring everything stays tasting the way you bought it. Water and Ice Dispenser A consistently popular feature, water and ice dispensers ensure chilled water and ice are available 24/7, perfect for when both guests and hot days are unexpected. These are great for saving on your power bill too, as they mean your fridge loses less cold from frequently opening the door. While these have been available for a while, keep a look out for modern advancements such as water filtration systems and space saving designs. Antibacterial Protection Since bacteria growth is what spoils food, keeping it at bay is the purpose of a fridge. More than just slowing it down with cold, however, many modern models come with antibacterial lining that further assists with keeping your food fresh, delicious and safe to eat.

Samsung Leading the Way Into the Future

Bing Lee is pleased to offer Australian households a wide range of innovative products from Samsung, globally renowned as a leader in electronics technologies. Established over 70 years ago, Samsung is an award-winning pioneer in electronics innovation and digital solutions for everyday needs. As specialists in designing and engineering quality audiovisual and home appliances, the Samsung brand certainly lives up to its motto of “Inspire the World, Create the Future.”

Community Leaders As Well As Industry Leaders

 

Over 50,000 Samsung employees across 10 countries work hard every day in researching and developing new technologies. Samsung has a proud history of being at the forefront of electronics, and it’s this dedication that you can trust to ensure the best quality product every time.

 

Not content with just designing breakthrough appliances, Samsung also makes it a priority to give back to the community. Among the company’s many community-focussed ventures are initiatives to improve social welfare, the environment, and education. So when you buy a Samsung product, you’re not only improving your life with the latest time-and-money saving gadget, you are also improving the lives of many others.

Samsung’s Technology Solutions

 

  • Enjoy cinema quality viewing with the ultra-thin screens, crisp images and vivid colours of Samsung’s LCD and LED TVs. Some models are HDTV and even 3D capable, giving you the ultimate visual experience.

 

  • Enhance your television’s capability with an immersive Samsung home theatre system, and the crystal clear viewing pleasure of a DVD / Blu-ray player.

 

  • Samsung brings you instant accessibility and advanced functionality with its range of PCs, laptops, and notebooks. And let’s not forget the phenomenally successful Galaxy tablet series!

 

  • Create your own perfect temperature, at any time of day or year, with an energy-efficient Samsung air conditioner that will keep your home’s air filtered, hygienic and fresh.

 

  • Samsung’s impressive range of washing machines will not only look stylish in your house but will do the job more quickly, effectively, quietly, and by using less water than other brands.

 

  • Samsung’s dryers have the generous capacity to handle large loads, and use sensor technology to stop the cycle when your clothes are dry, eliminating creases every time.

 

  • Transform your kitchen from drab to fantastic with Samsung’s top-of-the-range refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers, featuring life-improving technology such as smart cross-section cooling, sensor cooking and quiet operation.

 

 

From televisions to tablets, Samsung holds a unique distinction for consistently delivering first-class electronics solutions across a broad spectrum of product lines. Whether you’re after state-of-the-art home entertainment, rapidly intelligent and portable computing power, or simply a reliable and ultra-modern modern kitchen appliance to make your life easier – at Bing Lee we stock all the Samsung products you’ll ever need.

How is an Appliance Judged as Energy Efficient?

The cost of energy and our impact on the environment is an enormous concern in today’s Australia, so it’s obvious why energy efficiency can play a huge part in how you choose which appliances to buy. No doubt you’ve seen the energy efficiency labels, but what do they mean and how did they get there? The primary energy efficiency labelling program in Australia is the Star Rating Scheme and is the only label that manufacturers are required to place on their home appliances. It’s administered by each state government and regulated by the National Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Committee (NAEEEC) so that standards are consistent across the country. With this scheme, more stars mean more energy efficient and also includes an estimation of kilowatt hours used per year of average use, so you can easily calculate roughly how much the appliance will add to your bills if you know the price of energy. When appliances are tested for energy efficiency, the final rating is mostly determined by the total energy consumption in relation to the appliance’s size, though the actual calculations used are much more complicated than that. While manufacturers do the testing themselves, the regulation requires that a sample product is provided on request so any suspiciously low results are sure to result in harsh penalties. It’s important to remember that the Star Rating System is comparative, which means that energy efficiency is judged in comparison to other products in the same category. For example, comparing an air conditioner with an incandescent lamp is entirely meaningless, no matter what their respective star ratings are. Also worth noting is that the minimum standards were recently upgraded to reflect the advancement of technology, so an average rating this year is actually more energy efficient than the same rating twenty years ago. Additionally, you may also see an endorsement label from the Australian Greenhouse Office called the Top Energy Saver Award. This label shows that the product is in the top 5-10% energy efficient products for that year, and is a great indication of the most efficient appliances.

Electrolux Really Is Thinking Of You

Here at Bing Lee, we like to say that Electrolux is thinking of you. Like all of the other brands we offer, Electrolux manufactures each and every one of its products with the customer in mind. That is precisely why you won’t find a single Electrolux oven or refrigerator that won’t make your kitchen a better, more convenient place. With a contemporary design and plenty of handy features, you’re always getting your money’s worth when you buy an Electrolux. And, if you choose a product from the Electrolux Green Range, you’ll be saving money hand over fist on your utility bills.

Innovative, Sustainable Design

Since Electrolux products have been gracing homes across Europe for over 50 years, it should come as no surprise that this brand has won numerous accolades, such as the prestigious Top Design Award in the 2011 Australian International Design Awards. It’s a clear testament to the company’s constant drive toward leaner, more efficient appliances. The company also won the Australia International Design Awards’ Good Design Award in 2011 for their E: Volution Barbecue. As well as user-friendly design, Electrolux prides itself in creating innovative, sustainable technologies that leave a lighter carbon footprint. You never have to feel guilty about burdening the environment when you use an Electrolux appliance. From manufacturing, to consumer use, to recycling and reuse, Electrolux products are made to protect the world we live in. In fact, the company invites industrial design students each year to present innovative designs for future products. The Electrolux Design Lab is always reaching beyond the challenges of today to address tomorrow’s problems before they present themselves. With that proactive approach, Electrolux products never cease to amaze new customers.

Exceeding Expectations With Each Product

Every Electrolux product we sell has been tested and proven to perform above and beyond customer expectations. Attractive at first glance, the true power of the appliance is in its functionality and user-friendliness. The designs are slimmer, yet offer more spacious interiors. Controls are simple to use and clearly marked. Every product Electrolux produces is rigorously tested and improved to last a lifetime. Whether you are looking for an oven, a vacuum cleaner, or a washer and dryer, you won’t be disappointed with the superior quality and affordable prices of all of our Electrolux products. And of course, at Bing Lee, if you find a better price anywhere else, you can negotiate a lower price online with one of our friendly product specialists.

Choosing the Right Audio Amplifiers

Finding the right amplifiers is crucial to getting the absolute most out of your sound system. Whether for the home or car, great movies, music and games simply aren’t the same if the sound doesn’t do them justice. While there are a great variety of amps on the market, there are a few things everyone should be considering first and foremost. Firstly, it’s a good idea to start off with deciding how many amps you need. If you have a range of different speakers in your setup, an amp for each one or a multi-channel amplifier would be a wise choice for maximum performance. Once you’ve settled on that, let’s move on to choosing individual amplifiers.

Power Output

The rule of thumb here is that more power means more volume. Take care, though, as using too much power on your speakers can do them damage. For this reason, we need to match the power output of your amplifier to your speakers. To do this, read the manufacturer information and find an amplifier with an RMS output that matches your speakers’ RMS input as closely as possible.

Total Harmonic Distortion

Put simply, Total Harmonic Distortion or THD, is what most would refer to as sound quality. It’s the amount of difference between what’s coming out of your playback device and what’s coming out of your speakers. Usually given in percentages, a lower percentage means better sound quality. While professional amplifiers can boast a THD of 0.05% or lower, for most consumers a THD level of up to 1% will do the job well.

Physical Design

Especially an issue if you’re buying an amplifier for the sound system in your car, an amp isn’t much use if it’s too big to fit anywhere! While there are lots of amazingly compact amplifiers on the market, you just may end up finding a model perfect for your setup only to find out you don’t have space for it. You should also make sure the amp has enough space for airflow around it, as they can quickly overheat in enclosed spaces. Apart from these few major factors, there are lots of smaller decisions you need to make in order to find the amplifier that’s best for you. Don’t be afraid to ask our friendly store staff if you can try out a range of amps on similar speakers to yours, and anything else you’re unsure of.

Dyson Delivers Revolutionary Convenience

If you want an example of space-age technology being used in even the most mundane applications, you couldn’t do better than Dyson. Company founder James Dyson realised the limitations of conventional vacuum cleaners in 1978. After just a few minutes, the vacuum would rapidly lose suction power. That marked the beginning of a five year journey that would lead to the development of the world’s first cyclonic vacuum cleaner. The centrifugal force inside a Dyson vacuum can reach 100,000 G, or 100,000 times the force of Earth’s gravity. A later innovative development was the Dyson Air Multiplier, which allows air to be circulated inside the vacuum without the need for blades. Each and every year, Dyson improves its designs and looks for new ways to raise the quality of its products to never before seen levels. Ultimately, Dyson doesn’t manufacture products. It creates breakthroughs.

Revolutionary Products

In the span of less than a decade, Dyson changed the way the world looks at vacuum cleaners, fans, and washing machines. Designs that had been in use for well over a century were suddenly seen as inadequate and out-of-date and new designs came into existence that were truly revolutionary. Dyson continues to make use of brilliant researchers throughout the world to create solutions to problems that many weren’t even aware existed. Dyson is a symbol of a new age of technological innovation, a true brand of the future.

Promoting Cleaner, Healthier Homes

Dyson products are all about improving your quality of life. When you use Dyson products, you can enjoy a cleaner home, cleaner clothes, and even cleaner air. Allergy sufferers can finally find relief thanks to the innovative technologies introduced by Dyson. Since the introduction of bagless vacuum technology, vacuum manufacturers around the world have improved their designs to be functional, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient. Today, nearly every modern vacuum on the market utilises some variant of cyclone or air multiplication technology.

Comfort and Style

Dyson fans offer an attractive addition to any contemporary room and can provide cool, clean air without the noise associated with blade fans. All Dyson products are made with your comfort in mind. When you choose Dyson, you are choosing a cleaner, quieter environment that the whole family can enjoy.