Do espresso machines make cappuccino as well?
Yes, espresso is the basic ingredient of cappuccino, just add steamed and frothed milk. A frothing pitcher is essential for this.
For more information about Espresso Machines, see our product guide.

If I'm purchasing an espresso machine, do I need to purchase those little demitasse cups?
You certainly need a few if you’re purchasing a pump machine. With no carafe included, you’ll be brewing right into the cups (and your coffee mug probably won’t fit under the machine). Plus, one shot of espresso fits perfectly into a demitasse cup.
For more information about Espresso Machines, see our product guide.

Is all Fine China dishwasher safe?
No. Although most patterns can be safely placed in the dishwasher, there are many that can not. Always check each pattern’s specifications before washing.
For more information about Fine China, see our product guide.

What is the difference between Fine China and Bone China?
Bone China includes a percentage of bone ash in the clay. Bone ash creates a more translucent, whiter ceramic.
For more information about Fine China, see our product guide.

How many place settings do I need?
The number of place settings purchased should coincide with how you entertain. Although eight place settings is a good place to start, twelve will ensure that there is an ample supply for all your gatherings. Remember, better china is not just for the holidays!
For more information about Fine China, see our product guide.

What is a Charger Plate?
A charger plate is larger than the dinner plate, yet smaller than a platter. Most commonly used at a formal table, the charger plate is placed at each place setting and generally removed when the main entrée is served. Therefore, all first courses are placed directly on the charger plate.
For more information about Fine China, see our product guide.

If I am beginning my collection of Crystal Stemware, which pieces should I start with?
The most commonly used pieces include the Wine glass, the “all purpose” Goblet which can be used for both white and red wines, as well as water, the High Ball glass and the Double Old Fashioned glass for your barware. Although there are glasses unique to different types of wine, starting your collection with the above will be a perfect place to start.
For more information about Fine Crystal Stemware, see our product guide.

Why is a red wine glass so much larger than a white wine glass?
Actually, there is more than one style stem intended for red wine and some, like the Burgundy style glass, are oversized. The standard red wine glass is only a couple ounces larger than a regular white wine glass, but the shape is vastly different. Red wine should be served at room temperature. Therefore, it should be held by the bowl to keep the wine at the appropriate temperature. Contrary to red wine, white wine is served chilled and should be held by the stem – its shape prevents the hand from warming the wine.
For more information about Fine Crystal Stemware, see our product guide.

How many glasses do I need?
The number of glasses purchased should coordinate with the number of place settings of Fine China and Flatware you have for your table. Keeping this in mind will help ensure the right number of pieces for all your entertaining needs. It’s always a good idea to buy extra glasses, so if any glasses break, you have a matching one waiting to replace it.
For more information about Fine Crystal Stemware, see our product guide.

What is the quality difference between 18/10 and 18/8 stainless steel?
18/10 has a greater percentage of Nickel content, which lends to the luster of the finish. Overall there is not a vast difference in the quality between 18/10 and 18/8 flatware.
For more information about Fine Flatware, see our product guide.

How many place settings do I need?
It is always best to coordinate the number of place settings of flatware to the number of dinnerware settings – this will ensure equal numbers for all your entertaining needs.
For more information about Fine Flatware, see our product guide.

Do I have to polish my flatware?
An occasional stainless steel polish couldn’t hurt to maintain its shine.
For more information about Flatware, see our product guide.

If I have a stand mixer, why do I need a food processor?
They are two separate animals. A stand mixer is used primarily for baking things like bread, piecrusts and even homemade whipped cream. The processor is perfect for all your chopping, slicing, pureeing and other labor intensive prep jobs.
For more information about Food Processors, see our product guide.

How do I put on my furniture cover?
For instructions on how to put on your furniture cover, please refer to the "use and care" portion of the Furniture Covers product guide.
For more information about Furniture Covers, see our product guide.

How do I remove wrinkles from my furniture cover?
To avoid wrinkles after laundering, just pull the cover out of the dryer once the cycle is complete and immediately place it on the furniture. If your cover gets wrinkled in storage, simply toss the cover into the dryer with a damp washcloth for five minutes at low heat and the wrinkles magically disappear! If the cover is wrinkled while on your furniture, try spraying a mist of water on the cover with a spray bottle and pressing out the wrinkles with your hand. (Do not tumble dry fabrics that have instructions to line dry).
For more information about Furniture Covers, see our product guide.

Can furniture covers be used on leather furniture?
You can cover your leather sofa seat with foam batting underneath the slipcover to prevent the cover from sliding. This can be purchased at any craft store.
For more information about Furniture Covers, see our product guide.

How can I better tuck in my furniture cover?
Save your fingers and try using a wooden spatula or spoon to tuck in excess fabric. Tuck the fabric deep into the crease where the arm meets the back of the furniture and down into where the arm meets the seat cushion.
For more information about Furniture Covers, see our product guide.

Why are there different glasses for red and white wine?
Balloon glasses are used for red wine, since that is served at room temperature. The bowl of the glass should be held in your hand. On the contrary white wine is served chilled, and you would hold that glass by the stem so as not to get your warm hands on the bowl holding the wine.
For more information about Glassware, see our product guide.

In shavers, what are lotion or gel dispensers?
This is a unique feature in which shaving lotion or gel is dispensed as you shave, to minimize shaving irritation and to give a wet shave feeling.
For more information about Grooming, see our product guide.

In shavers, what is an automatic self clean?
This is a cleaning solution provided with a self cleaning shaver, which is usually alcohol based and is part of a shaving system. It allows for hands-free cleaning without having to dismantle the shaver.
For more information about Grooming, see our product guide.

What is epilation?
Epilation is considered a hair removal system, as opposed to a shaving system. It removes hair at the root, reducing the need for frequent hair removal or shaving.
For more information about Grooming, see our product guide.

What is ionic technology?
In hair dryers, negative ions reduce the size of water droplets on your hair, allowing more water to be absorbed and your hair to dry quicker. Also neutralizes positive charges to reduce "frizzies" caused by static electricity. Leaves hair shinier and softer.
For more information about Grooming, see our product guide.

What is immersion shock protection?
Found on hair dryers, it is a safety plug that protects against electric shock if the dryer falls in water.
For more information about Grooming, see our product guide.

I have high ceilings and skylights. Will a space heater be effective in those rooms?
Yes, but look for a heater with vortex action (specific to Vornado products). Vortex action enables the heat to be circulated throughout the room. This would be the perfect solution for those cathedral ceilings and skylights.
For more information about Heaters, see our product guide.

What’s the difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier?
A humidifier is used to add moisture to a room. A dehumidifier is used to pull moisture out of the air.
For more information about Humidifiers, see our product guide.

Can I use a cool mist humidifier as a vaporizer?
No, it doesn’t produce steam like the warm mist and thus can not vaporize.
For more information about Humidifiers, see our product guide.

Can I use tap water in any iron?
It depends on the iron. It is not recommended in models that do not have a self-cleaning or automatic cleaning feature. These features ensure that all calcium and lint deposits are removed.
For more information about Irons, see our product guide.

Should I buy a heavy iron?
Actually, the heavier the better. Heavier irons will help get the wrinkles out better, as well as require less manual pressure.
For more information about Irons, see our product guide.

In foot spas, what is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is how water is delivered in foot spas, as bubbling and/or through a water jet to alleviate stress and tension. Hydrotherapy will also maintain the temperature of the water added.
For more information about Massagers, see our product guide.

If my mattress is extra deep, which mattress pad should I buy?
You should purchase a guaranteed to fit or "expand-a-grip" style pad. These will fit perfectly.
For more information about Mattress Pads, see our product guide.

Is there a higher end mattress pad?
The best mattress pads are extra thick, guaranteed to fit wrap style. They provide the most comfort for you and the best protection for your mattress...certainly worth the investment.
For more information about Mattress Pads, see our product guide.

How long does a pillow last?
With normal use and care a natural fill pillow can last up to 10 years. A synthetic pillow, on the other hand, doesn’t usually exceed a couple of years. Depending on your habits, someone who tosses and turns all night will be harder on his pillow than a gentle sleeper.
For more information about Pillows, see our product guide.

I’m an allergy sufferer, so is it better to use a synthetic pillow?
Absolutely not. You are most likely not allergic to the down but to the dust and dirt in the pillow. Down is the way to go and there is one feature you should look for, a patented process called "hyper clean" that removes any and all dust particles in the down.
For more information about Pillows, see our product guide.

How do I know what level of firmness to get for a pillow?
A new pillow should be selected based on the position you start your night’s sleep. As a rule of thumb it goes like this: medium for back sleepers, firm for side, and soft for stomach. Or just go with whatever gets you through the night.
For more information about Pillows, see our product guide.