Hi everyone
Hey need some advice on kitchen blinds. Sadly our aluminum mini blinds are already broken because the cheap plastic mechanism that operates the tilt has fallen apart and our unit is only 3 yrs old. We haven't even used the blinds that much!
After looking at replacing the part which looks like a lot of work and is not all that inexpensive anyway, we are looking at getting new blinds. I am leaning toward getting wood blinds because they look classier and would be more insulating than aluminum mini blinds. Any thoughts on that? Unsafe? Too hard to clean? Other thoughts? Has anyone else done that?
Thanks in advance
Corky
Behind the stove wood, paper and cloth blinds present a fire hazard. At least that's what the experts tell us. I'm not an expert, but I'll take their word. The little bit of peace of mind is, to me, a classy enough feature.
The blinds behind the galley can be a real pain to clean. It can take a while before you notice the build up of debris.
Painstaking care to clean the blinds has left me with no desire to clean them often. That's why I now keep a folding metallic windshield screen in the galley.
Prior to cooking and cleanup I open the screen to protect the blinds from splatter.
Once cooking and cleanup is complete, I fold it up and tuck it along the side of the stove top.
Quick and easy. Sure saves me a lot of fidgety cleaning of the delicate blinds.
Kent
The blinds behind the galley can be a real pain to clean. It can take a while before you notice the build up of debris.
Painstaking care to clean the blinds has left me with no desire to clean them often. That's why I now keep a folding metallic windshield screen in the galley.
Prior to cooking and cleanup I open the screen to protect the blinds from splatter.
Once cooking and cleanup is complete, I fold it up and tuck it along the side of the stove top.
Quick and easy. Sure saves me a lot of fidgety cleaning of the delicate blinds.
Kent
That's a great idea Kent! Dad and I took the blinds down in the spring and I cleaned them on the kitchen table in the house before we rehung them. What a pain!
Cynthia 😋
Cynthia,
The first and only time I cleaned them I painstakingly used a few eye glasses lens wipes to gently coax each blind clean. I pinched the lens cleaner between my fingers and likewise the blind and slid the cleaner across both surfaces. Worked really well.
I had too be very careful not to bend the end of each blind to prevent creasing a fold in the thin material. I told myself, "Keep calm this could take a while". Probably twenty minutes total time and I didn't have to remove the blind.
While cleaning, I had time to picture
the solution in my head. So far so good.
Plus the windshield screen does a great job of reflecting some of the summer sun.
"Take that! Ya filthy animals."
Kent
I can't say that I've ever found that cleaning the aluminum blinds behind the stove/sink to be particularly onerous! I just lay a dishtowel under the blind to catch run-off, then spray them with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm/hot water and wipe each slat with a terry cloth shop towel. Easy, fast, and effective; works for me. :D
I find it easier to clean them when I keep the catfish and donut frying outside.
Seriously, more frequent cleaning with Joan's method makes the work easier. I have had to soak 'em on a tub of hot soapy water to get the really bad ones clean. Water vapor just makes the dust stick fast.
Hi Kent
I like your idea of using a screen to block grease etc. To be clear, are you talking about the traditional windshield sun blocker that you get at Walmart? Did you trim it to fit the window?
Thanks
Corky
So, who gets to clean the "windshield screen"!? ;)
I use "spatter screens" (ancient items!) at home and in the rig; easy to clean and store. Here are links to very similar products:
Amazon.com: Better Houseware 148 Splatter Shield: Splatter Screens: Kitchen... (https://www.amazon.com/Better-Houseware-148-Splatter-Shield/dp/B003VSCE3E)
http://www.jesrestaurantequipment.com/2063-Norpro--Trifold-Splatter-Screen-10-x-9-in_p_34174.html
Non-Stick Splatter Shield | Kitchen - Cooking & Baking | HarrietCarter.com (http://www.harrietcarter.com/product/non-stick-splatter-shield/)
As ever, YMMV.
"...So, who gets to clean the "windshield screen"!? ;)..."
Hmmm...
Guess I could just let the dogs go at it. Yummy. ;D
Joan,
Are the spatter screens just for the stove top or can they span the width of the blinds? Soap spray can create a mess with the blinds as well.
That being said, I do like the durability of the screens you linked to.
Kent
Behind the stove wood, paper and cloth blinds present a fire hazard. At least that's what the experts tell us. I'm not an expert, but I'll take their word. The little bit of peace of mind is, to me, a classy enough feature.
The primary purpose of the lid covering the stove is to serve as a heat shield.
Next time you cook on the back burners, put you hand behind the heat shield. You will not detect a higher temp.
We used curtains behind the stove in out '08 MB from the time we bought it new until the time we sold it 7 years later.
No fires.
To each his own.
Ed
"Are the spatter screens just for the stove top or can they span the width of the blind?
-----
The spatter shields I use (and linked to) just surround the pot/pan on the stove top on three sides. There can be some "residue" from frying, but a quick wipe-up of the stove grate and stove top underneath takes care of any "overspray".
I do wonder what you are cooking (and how, and in what?) that requires a windshield screen to keep grease and spatter off the blind? ???
Just a comment: like many people, if I want to cook something (not grill/barbecue) that's going to stink up the rig, I do it outside on the Max Burton butane cartridge-powered burner:
Amazon.com : Max Burton Mr. Max Table Top Burner (Black) : Camping Stoves :... (https://www.amazon.com/Max-Burton-Table-Burner-Black/dp/B000G6S8Y8)
Others may have a Coleman propane stove, a one-burner or a two-burner, or another portable stove for outside use. The best on the market (IMO) is the Iwatani, but it's pricey.
I took the mini blind off when I replaced my other blinds with blackout ones.
It stays up most of the time and if I need to I use a piece of reflectex cut to size
as a splatter screen, it hardly needs cleaned.
I have had to soak 'em on a tub of hot soapy water to get the really bad ones clean. Water vapor just makes the dust stick fast.
That's the same method we use.
It only takes a minute to remove the blinds from its holder.
Take them outside and them soak in a tub for a few minutes. A quick rinse and they are ready to go.
Dry them off after rehanging.
Retaining the metal shades, or some other nonflammable window shade, makes sense to me consider that you have flame, propane and hot oils, all present on the stove. All the needed ingredients for combustion.
I don't want anything flammable decorations accidentally catching fire so maintaining a fire-resistant surround is good SOP.
You will never see a commercial kitchen with fabric curtains around the stove, usually only stainless steel. Home kitchens normally have fire-proof back splashes too. Why should an RV be different?
We also keep the stove cover permanently set up as a shelf and as well as a fire block for flame ups.
Stove cover | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157603766422798/with/2209244169/)
Larry
"...I do wonder what you are cooking (and how, and in what?) that requires a windshield screen to keep grease and spatter off the blind? ???..."
Joan,
In retrospect, the splatter I have referred to is generally isolated to the sink side (RB) of the the galley window mini blinds.
With the stove top cover up, there is essentially no
overspray and therefore no real mess to clean up.
While we do cook inside, any
messycooking (frying, BBQ, etc) is done outside when permissible.
With that, it would best be said that the "windshield" screen is to eliminate the over spray from the sink top more than the stove top. Although, the errant aroma and oils from the stove top do tend to have a mind of their own. 😈
Kent
OK, got it; RV configuration, i.e., stove right next to the sink, and the stove top cover is used as a spatter shield. ;)
I removed the stove top cover in my rig years ago; it rattled and got in the way, and, although I know that some "suspended" the thing at half-mast with chains, that didn't work for me, so I plastic-bagged it (along with a few other things that were of no use to me.)
Yes, YMMV! :D
Hmmm, as I sit here like a king, watching my breakfast being prepared, my mind wanders from matters of state to the question of spatters.
The Cook is using her favorite tool, an electric fry pan. Sausage, potatoes, eggs are sizzling. The fry pan its on top of the stove cover. The blinds are indeed at risk of spatter!
Thanks for reminding me of spatter shields. I decree She shall have one err a fortnight passes!
It's good to be the king!
Thanks to all. I will check into the spatter screens.
Thanks
Corky
Another type of "splatter screen" is one that goes OVER the top of the pan on the stove. These are not as effective as a regulation lid, but allows the moisture to be released, whilst trapping the greasiness. I have used these devices for decades, and have one stashed in the Lazy Daze, so there is no question of availability.
Amazon.com: Splatter Screen for Cooking 13" - Stops 97% of Hot Oil Splash -... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GFQFGFQ/ref=pd_luc_rh_spmrai?psc=1)
They are a nuisance to clean if you are in conservation mode for water, but can be wiped with an absorbent paper towel before washing. I spray mine with produce wash before attempting to wash it. The formula for the produce wash seems to do a good job on removing grease, and a lot of other things from surfaces. I routinely clean my smooth-top stovetop with it. Does a great job.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
Thanks to all. I will check into the spatter screens.
Thanks
Corky
Thanks to all. I will check into the spatter screens.
Thanks
Corky
Cool handle, Corky. May I ask where "Corkydeltadog" comes from?
I just removed the aluminum blinds from the kitchen and toilet room windows and took them to a soapy water bath in the bath tub. They were dirty enough that it took a rag to get them clean. Then to the deck table where I wiped them mostly dry and let them air dry the rest of the way. It's an every 3 year job.
Chris
Judie, I agree that the "over the pan" type of spatter screen is very hard to clean; that's why I use the three-wing folding aluminum type that surrounds, but doesn't cover, the pan.
Also, the anti-spatter lid holds in steam; not what one wants (or, at least, I don't) when "browning"/frying. ;)
Totally agree - I usually "cover" with a screen after browning has taken place, but by then the grease has done its duty in spreading itself all over everything. A spritz with the produce wash and a buffing with a microfiber cloth seem to do a credible job in cleaning up, but . . . true enough - a three-sided screen would be a bonus in that department. Hence, the three copies of said screen in my cart at this very moment - for home and one each for the two vehicles in which I cook!
Thanks for the push in that direction. ;->
Virtual hugs,
Judie
•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
Judie, I agree that the "over the pan" type of spatter screen is very hard to clean; that's why I use the three-wing folding aluminum type that surrounds, but doesn't cover, the pan.
Also, the anti-spatter lid holds in steam; not what one wants (or, at least, I don't) when "browning"/frying. ;)
My 2003 RB has no aluminum blinds. They are all Hunter Douglass honeycomb type. The ones near the kitchen and bathroom sinks are much dirtier than the others. We have removed them and attempted to clean. It did help some but many stains remained. I did not put them in a tub, not sure if that would be a good idea with this type. I think we used a brush and simple green or something and rinsed. Does anyone have an idea how to clean this type?
Here is a link from the Hunter Douglas web site on the care and cleaning of their products.
https://www.hunterdouglas.com/assets/pdf/Careandcleaning.pdf.
You could also use the Hunter Douglas Customer Support line (https://www.hunterdouglas.com/customer-support) to obtain additional information.
Let us know what you did and the results you obtained.
Hope your blinds come squeaky clean.
DAvid
My 2003 RB has no aluminum blinds. They are all Hunter Douglass honeycomb type. The ones near the kitchen and bathroom sinks are much dirtier than the others. We have removed them and attempted to clean. It did help some but many stains remained. I did not put them in a tub, not sure if that would be a good idea with this type. I think we used a brush and simple green or something and rinsed. Does anyone have an idea how to clean this type?
Jay Carlson
--
davehrrs@gmail.com
David Harris
2920 Taper Ave.
Santa Clara, CA 95051
(408) 206-8800
Hi guys
Update on the kitchen blinds. After reading your comments, we decided to go with wood blinds. I figured with as little cooking as we do, we will be safe. :D And the wood blinds should block the heat and sun better than the aluminum blinds.
So we got a good deal at Custom Blinds, Window Shades & Shutters | Blindster.com (http://www.blindster.com) and a 35% discount for Columbus Day, although you can get a 30% discount with RUSH or SEAN everyday. Just in case of further accidental breakage, we opted to get the insurance which was about $6.50. They will totally replace your blinds one time no matter what happens.
We got them very quickly and they are already installed. Will keep you posted on their durability or if I set them on fire :o
Thanks for the splatter screen thoughts...got it covered!
Corky
We got them very quickly and they are already installed. Will keep you posted on their durability or if I set them on fire :o
Corky
We'd sure like to see some pictures of your LD with her new kitchen blinds! I'll even add a "please" and if necessary, a "pretty please! :)
Hi
Sure! Will post a photo of the blinds on Thursday. Right now she is storage but will bring her home and get a better photo then.
Thanks for asking!
Corky
24 TK
Hey there
Got some photos of the blinds to share but dont see how to attach. Please help.
Thanks
Corky
Hey there
Got some photos of the blinds to share but don't see how to attach. Please help.
Hello Corky. Well there are at least three (3) ways of doing this. One is to create a LDO album and place your pictures in that album. http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?action=media
A second method is for those folks who have one of those many on-line media storage sites for their videos and photos. Those folks will include a link to the picture(s) in their post allowing the rest of us to see it.
The easiest method is to "add files by dragging & dropping or selecting them" which is a feature of this forum. Once you start a topic or add to an existing topic, look below the area of the text box to see "add files by dragging & dropping or selecting them" . If you click on "selecting them" it should open a window showing your computer's file structure. Select the file(s) to upload and you're done. Just hit post and at worse, nothing happens!
Hope this helps.
Hi Corky,
Ed is most likely spot on regarding the procedure to add photos via your computer.
I seldom use my lap top to view LDO, preferring to use my iPhone. I've posted all my photos from my phones photo files. So if you shot your pics using your phone then it's pretty straight forward to post pictures from your phones camera files.
First Thing I do is open the most current post in a thread like I have done here.
Then I scroll down (thumb down) the thread below the emogies and type my response.
Once I have typed my response I click on the preview button just below the response box.
Then after the screen refreshes I scroll down below my original response which is below the Preview and click on the Choose Files button in the Attach: box.
Here I choose Photo Library. This opens my phones picture files. From there I touch the pics I want to add to my response. Then you will be returned to your post and thumbnails will appear next to the Choose Files button.
From there, I click Preview again to insure my pics are attached to my post.
Edit if you want to at this point and then click Post.
Easy as that.
Good luck. 🤓
Kent
HI
I hope this works...thanks for the help. The wood blinds worked great on blocking the sun...much better than the aluminum blinds.
Well done on the blinds and on posting the blinds. You've motivated us to consider ordering some new blinds to match our backsplash ... sooner rather than later.
HI
I hope this works...thanks for the help. The wood blinds worked great on blocking the sun...much better than the aluminum blinds.
Corky, would you repost your blind source including the exact brand/model, etc. I assume the blinds are attached at the bottom in the usual fashion to prevent movement when traveling? Is there any noise/vibration when on the road? They are very attractive.
Chris
Corky, would you repost your blind source including the exact brand/model, etc. I assume the blinds are attached at the bottom in the usual fashion to prevent movement when traveling? Is there any noise/vibration when on the road? They are very attractive.
Chris
Hi Chris
Sure. No problem. Here is the info again.
We got our blinds from Custom Blinds, Window Shades & Shutters | Blindster.com (http://www.blindster.com). On the discount code enter RUSH or SEAN and get 30%off. Or they sometimes have even greater discounts.
What we ordered was premium wood blinds in Latte color. And yes you can check the box to get free tie downs or whatever they call it and then they will stay in place. We just took a trip and it was no problem or noise from the blinds. Also you can check the box to get free spacers for the outside mount.
They also will mail you free samples if you want them and you can see exactly what the color looks like before you order the actual blinds. The shipping is free and if you make a mistake..they replace it free.
And no,...I do not work for them. :D
Glad you like them! We love them and they did block the sun much better than the aluminum ever did.
Good luck!
Corky
Hi Chris
Sure. No problem. Here is the info again.
We got our blinds from Custom Blinds, Window Shades & Shutters | Blindster.com (http://www.blindster.com). On the discount code enter RUSH or SEAN and get 30%off. Or they sometimes have even greater discounts.
What we ordered was premium wood blinds in Latte color. And yes you can check the box to get free tie downs or whatever they call it and then they will stay in place. We just took a trip and it was no problem or noise from the blinds. Also you can check the box to get free spacers for the outside mount.
They also will mail you free samples if you want them and you can see exactly what the color looks like before you order the actual blinds. The shipping is free and if you make a mistake..they replace it free.
And no,...I do not work for them. :D
Glad you like them! We love them and they did block the sun much better than the aluminum ever did.
Good luck!
Corky
Oops..forgot to mention that the size we ordered was one inch premium wood blinds and our kitchen window measured at 52 inch wide by 18 1/2 inch height. And order the outside mount.
Hope this helps.
Corky
Oops..forgot to mention that the size we ordered was one inch premium wood blinds and our kitchen window measured at 52 inch wide by 18 1/2 inch height. And order the outside mount.
Hope this helps.
Corky
Thanks, Corky. I've got this thread bookmarked just in case I move to wood blinds. We have some similar ones on some windows in our house and I really like them.
Chris
I think you would really love them! Much better insulation for that window. Just saw they have a halloween special discount going on and you get 35 % off with promo code BOO35.
Also recommend getting the (klutz) insurance for $10 which replaces your blinds in case you break them. Also discounted with BOO35 promo code. Peace of mind for a few dollars more.
Corky
Just catching up on my reading. First, would faux wood blinds be safer and just as effective as wood blinds? Clicking on the link today (7/16/2017) reveals that they are having a 45% discount sale (wood45).
Hi Funpilot
I am not sure if faux wood blinds are safer or not but maybe Blindster can advise you about that. Here is a link to their FAQ about faux blinds. So far I have been very pleased with my real wood blinds. They keep out the sun a lot better than the aluminum blinds ever did. Let us know what the company says about safety issues.
faq | Blindster.com (https://www.blindster.com/faq.html)
A few thoughts -
I haven't seen or thought of splatter screens for years. Think I should get one for house before annual family picnic on Labor Day weekend. My job has evolved to frying chicken for 30-40 hungry people. A screen would really help w cleanup!
Sounds like frying chicken - just 1 panful - might take at least a couple of bottles of butane on a stove like Joan's. Has anyone tried that? A bbq is an obvious alternative, I guess.
Didn't Andy Velcro a piece of plexiglass on the wall next to the stove on his midbath to make it easier to clean splatter there? I've been thinking of doing that.
Has anyone used an induction burner? Or does it draw too much power?
I have a couple of fabric placemats that I lay side by side over the burners & under the cover just before we hit the road. They fit just right. And nary a rattle - at least from there.
Susie
"Sounds like frying chicken - just 1 panful - might take at least a couple of bottles of butane on a stove like Joan's. Has anyone tried that? A bbq is an obvious alternative, I guess. "
-----
Susie, if you have to fry up chicken for 30-40 people, I suggest that a splatter screen is the least of your concerns! ;)
The "chef's burner" stove I have is a much older model, but very similar to this one:
Amazon.com : Max Burton 8253 Table Top Gas Burner (Black), 7, 650 BTU,... (https://www.amazon.com/Piezoelectric-Ignition-Porcelain-Hard-Sided-Carrying/dp/B0091J2TAU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1501506479&sr=8-7&keywords=max+burton+stove)
Although a butane canister lasts quite a while, particularly if the burner is not operated at maximum, the drawbacks that I see for using the stove to fry chicken for 30-40 people are these:
The chef's stove burner can support a 10" frying pan, but this size can be an awkward and unstable fit, particularly if the pan is cast iron. An 8" or 9" pan works a lot better. (On this burner, I use a 9" cast iron and a nominal 10" Le Creuset enameled cast iron, and the 10" is definitely the "alternate" choice. Back in the days when I cooked over a campfire, I used a 12" cast iron, a 10" chicken fryer, or a 10" Dutch oven.)
The flame from the burner does "spread" nicely, but like any gas burner, it can produce a hot spot; the larger the pan, the smaller the spot. Managing a heavy pan, even a 10", full of chicken and grease on a small, lightweight stove can be a "challenge", and that challenge would last for a very long time if one figures a maximum of 4-5 pieces of chicken per pan load (fewer if using a smaller pan), even figuring the unlikely consumption of one piece of chicken per person.
The little burner is a convenient and efficient outside stove for smaller pans and smaller number of eaters, but for this job, you might want to explore alternate cooking methods and enlisting some help!
"I haven't seen or thought of splatter screens for years."
I have on hand, and occasionally use, a splatter screen. It's one of those things that I think I will use a lot, but then end up just tilting the pan lid a bit to let out the moisture. The screen just doesn't seem to be the right choice for me time after time. Not sure why I have one. I ran across one the other day that still had its packaging on it, so I guess it never even made it into the Lazy Daze ! The one in my kitchen keeps disappearing from disuse - it sifts to the back of the cupboard.
As for cooking chicken for that many people . . . OY! Do you bread or batter the pieces before frying? If not, I might suggest pre-cooking each piece at home to about halfway done, freezing them, and then finish the cooking at the campsite. It won't be any easier, but should take you only half the time, assuming the pieces have had time to thaw properly before commencing the frying.
Depending on your venue, perhaps several helpers could bring along electric frying pans (assuming you are in some sort of pavillion where there is electricity). If no electricity is available, perhaps one or more folks could run a generator to provide electricity for multiple electric frying pans manned by helpers.
It would seem that using any method to cook just a few pieces at a time would produce an uneven eating event for the participants.
Also, cold chicken is delightful!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
A few thoughts -
I haven't seen or thought of splatter screens for years. Think I should get one for house before annual family picnic on Labor Day weekend. My job has evolved to frying chicken for 30-40 hungry people. A screen would really help w cleanup!
Sounds like frying chicken - just 1 panful - might take at least a couple of bottles of butane on a stove like Joan's. Has anyone tried that? A bbq is an obvious alternative, I guess.
Didn't Andy Velcro a piece of plexiglass on the wall next to the stove on his midbath to make it easier to clean splatter there? I've been thinking of doing that.
Has anyone used an induction burner? Or does it draw too much power?
I have a couple of fabric placemats that I lay side by side over the burners & under the cover just before we hit the road. They fit just right. And nary a rattle - at least from there.
Susie
"My job has evolved to frying chicken for 30-40 hungry people."A stop on the way to the event at your local KFC would make your life a lot easier.Chris
Susie, at first I thought you were frying chicken in your LD! I know one grave soul who has done such a thing, but I would never dream of it. Then I realized you are frying at home, yes?
I do such crazy things too, so I bought one of these- Pro 30 Single Burner Stove (https://www.campchef.com/camp-stoves/pro-30-deluxe-one-burner-stove.html)
I like it better than an electric fryer for big groups- the recovery time is quicker as I cook batch after batch of food.
It is a required piece of equipment when our gang goes into the woods for a chili camp, hunting or fishing, and especially clam digging. I clean it with a pressure washer when I get home, where it is my favorite stove for browning big pieces of meat, or boiling crab.
I love lending it out so others can be the cook too. No spatter shield required, but a windscreen, yes.
"Then I realized you are frying at home, yes?"
---
Paul, I may be mistaken, but because she asked if the small chef's stove might work for frying that quantity of chicken, I read Susie's post as needing to fry the chicken at the campout, not at home or in the LD.
If I had chicken duty for that many people, I'd dragoon 2 or 3 grill-savvy "elves" (each with his/her own grill/barbecue), distribute bird parts, and get 'er done! ;)
Sorry, I wasn't clear. Frying chicken for large numbers is definitely an at-home project. I do regularly fry bacon, steaks, & hamburgers in the LD though. I've used a splatter screen like Judie's for years but as noted, it only captures "most" of the spray. Really like Joan's solution. Will try to find one before this coming weekend's family picnic frying marathon. Thanks.
"Didn't Andy Velcro a piece of plexiglass on the wall next to the stove on his midbath to make it easier to clean splatter there?"
Other folks I know have done things like that. One couple even used diamond plate metal sheet. But I did something different: I covered the entire sink and stove wall area with self-stick vinyl tile. It cost about twenty bucks and took about an hour. (I did have to use Liquid Nails to glue on the tiles, since the sticky backs weren't sticky enough to reliably adhere to the textured wall of my 2003 midbath.)
The tiled walls looked great and were easy to wipe clean, which I found to be just as important around the sink as near the stove. And to answer the most-asked question: no, the heat of the stove didn't affect the tile. It was still in fine shape ten years later when I sold the rig.