Home Appliances Trends & News

Appliance Trends 2008

IKEA kitchen appliances by Whirlpool

Designed by Whirlpool to partner with IKEA kitchen lines, IKEA appliances offer top quality, design and performance at quite reasonable prices. There are several freestanding and built-in models to choose from. After all it makes perfect sense to shop for kitchen cabinets and appliances in the same time. Available in stainless steel, white or stylish anthracite finish. You may also like cool sounding Swedish names like HEMKÄR, DÅTID, ELDIG, MUMSIG or RENLIG. Prices range from
- $250 to $1,500 for built-in ovens
- $200 to $500 for dishwashers
- $100 to $430 for cooktops
- $100 to $1,300 for range hoods
- $350 to $1,000 for fridge freezers
- $200 to $550 for microwave ovens
- $600 to $1,950 for range cookers

The 36" wide PRAKTFULL PRO A51 S is the most expensive range cooker, IKEA Appliances are currently offering. For $1,950 USD you get forced air multi function oven with 3.71 cu.ft capacity and gas cooktop with 5 burners, including 11,000 BTU triple crown burner. Integrated safety valves shut off, stainless steel finish.

IKEA really got it right with sleek anthracite finish, which is used for its latest appliances. The new DÅTID PRO D51 AN is very similar to the PRAKTFULL model above, except the finish, more stylish controls and price which is $200 less.

This 30" wide DÅTID built-in oven offers 4.1 cu.ft capacity, thermal function with top and bottom heating elements, bake, roast, broil, warm and self-clean functions. Delay bake and delay clean, timer, automatic lock and required temperature reached signal. Price is $750.

Posted December 24, 2008 9:46 AM

Gorenje Qube freestanding concept kitchen

Gorenje Qube concept appliances

The Qube is a modern, conceptual kitchen for the most discerning consumer, featuring hidden plumbing and power circuitry hubs, concealed in elevated floors or suspended ceiling constructions, so the rooms can fully live up to their purpose.

Qube hob with hood

Thie foldable wall cooking hob with hood looks like a laptop computer. Installed on a wall, it looks like a work of art. Once unfolded, it makes a cooking hob with a kitchen hood without an additional cooking element. I guess it can be called a free wallstanding.

Qube freezer

Other appealing features of Gorenje Qube include excellent accessibility of drawers in the freestanding, freely installable fridge freezer, centralized control on the glass ceramic hob of the freestanding kitchen range, touch control of the oven door and pull-out drawers of the freestanding oven.

Posted December 7, 2008 6:05 PM

Gorenje Made for iPod fridge freezer combination

The Made for iPod unique fridge freezer combines the cult of Apple's iPod technology with the formidable refrigeration and sleek design of Gorenje. By doing so, two companies quite possibly start a new trend in kitchen appliances and how we communicate. This refrigerator is for a modern consumer who wants functionality of a kitchen appliance and his or her favorite gadget in one package. To connect the iPod to the fridge-freezer, Gorenje incorporated a special docking station. Then, there are built-in speakers and wireless LAN for Internet access. You can be downloading some exotic cooking recipes or enjoy favorite music and TV shows while in the kitchen.

Besides all that, Gorenje put a test version of a Wi-Fi control enabling you to manipulate other household appliances over a home server. The idea of the iGorenje Web portal is to communicate not only with mobile phones, PDAs, iPods or laptops, but with washing machines, stoves or ovens. Basically one day, you will be able to do laundry or bake a meatloaf through iGorenje portal.

Posted December 7, 2008 1:32 PM

Steam cleaners - Alpina steam cleaning machines

Designed to provide deep down cleaning, resulting in the thoroughly cleaned area well beneath the visible surface, Alpina steam cleaning machines leave it hygienic, free from germs and bacteria - all with minimal effort. Also important, new germs cannot find a fertile ground to grow. Steam cleaners also reduce the use of chemicals by 80 - 90%, while the water usage is reduced by 90 - 95%. Steam cleaner operates by transferring water from the cold water tank, through the boiler which heats it and turns it into steam at the nozzle. There are a range of accessories that can be attached to the lance in order to meet any cleaning requirement. The high temperature of the steam softens the greases, oils and fats, that bind dirt into or onto surfaces, allowing the pressure to dislodge all the particles. The dirt then is wiped or vacuumed away leaving surfaces sparkling and sanitised, as the temperature of the blast is deadly to germs, bacteria and bugs. Alpina steam cleaners.

Posted November 9, 2008 1:55 PM

And the winner is ...

Just a few minutes ago the winner of Electrolux Design Lab 2008 has been announced. The Flatshare fridge, with separate, portable modules powered by a single base station has won first prize in the Electrolux Design Lab 2008 competition. Conceived by Stefan Buchberger of the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, Flatshare also won the media award and the people’s choice award. iBasket, the transparent clothes hamper that automatically starts a wash load when it fills up, came in second. It was designed by Guopeng Liang, from Tongji University in China. Coox, the portable, adaptable cooker, by Antoine Lebrun of L’École de Design Nantes L’Atlantique, in France, took third place.

Posted October 9, 2008 8:32 PM

Black to the Future with AEG-Electrolux

AEG-Electrolux has introduce its brand new range of stunning black 60 cm wide appliances - an A+ rated washing machine with matching B rated tumble dryer, an A rated upright frost free fridge freezer and an A rated electronic dishwasher. The trend of black kitchen appliances appears to have quite a staying power. From Gorenje Black is Back to Stoves Back to Black freestanding ovens more European manufactures offer entire line of kitchen and laundry appliances in black.

AEG-Electrolux S75355KG1 is the frost free fridge freezer with precision temperature control. Rated 'A' for energy the 240 litre refrigerator offers superior cooling and storage to go with its stunning look. As you can see below, it comes equipped with 3 fridge shelves, 3 freezer compartments, bottle storage, salad crisper, egg tray, and 3 door shelves. Sleek control panel, Super Cool, and Super Fast Freezing functions. Price is about £660.

This sharp looking, free standing black AEG dishwasher, F50870B delivers a first class energy saving performance and the best wash results available regardless of the load size or the level of soiling. With the 45 dB noise level it is very quiet. The dishwasher offers 12 place settings, Sensorlogic, delay start, program progress indicator, salt refill indicator, Aqua control, height adjustable baskets and 5 programs. Rated 'AAA' for energy efficiency, cleaning performance and drying performance, it sells for around £400.

The 7kg capacity front loading washing machine, L74850B in black has maximum spin of 1,400 rpm, time saver function, half-load function and 21 program including Delicate Wash, Quick Wash, Pre Wash, Rinse Hold, Silk Wash, Wool Program, Fuzzy Logic. Other features are 56 litre drum, child safety lock, large LCD screen and 'AAB' rating for energy, wash and spin performances. This washing machine is priced at £650.

This 'B' rated condenser tumble dryer, T58840B with Silent system will easily handle 7 kg drying load and has its noise capped at 62 dB. The front loading dryer has mechanical control panel, 108 litre drum, interior light and features Easy Iron program, Filter Full and Water Bottle Full indicators, up to 20 hour delay start, reverse action and sensor drying. Price is £530.

Posted October 7, 2008 12:25 AM

Electrolux Design Lab 2008 finalists

The Electrolux Design Lab final to be held on October 9th in Zurich, showcasing the appliances of the future for the Internet generation. Here are 9 finalists in no particular order.

Flatshare Fridge by Stefan Buchberger

Designed for the students sharing a flat, the refrigerator has a base station and 4 stackable modules, so each individual user has his or her own refrigerator space, which can be customized with various colorful skins as well as with add-ons like a bottle opener or a whiteboard. With convenient handles, a module can be easily picked and hooked up to a base station in a new flat.

Drawer Kitchen by Nojae Park

The portable Drawer Kitchen comes with a desk-drawer hotplate and fridge making it one cool appliance combo suitable for your loft, vacation cabin or office.

iBasket Washing Machine by Guopeng Liang

This Wi-Fi-connected clothes hamper and washing machine can serve as a decorative piece as well.

Scan Toaster by Sung Bae Chang

With the help of hot wires that rotate within a 30° radius, the USB toaster prints news, weather and snapshots onto slices of your morning toast.

Sook Recipe Generator by Adam Brodowski

Sook comes with a moisture sensor, scale, and electronic tongue to determine what food is being prepped, then sends that information to the Sook Touch to generate a delicious recipe.

Stratosphere Sanitizer Clothes Rack by Attila Sáfrány

This sanitizing clothes rack/valet keeps clothes clean and dry.

Vesta Cooktop by Matthias Pinkert

The foldaway cooktop with RFID scanner which helps in providing information about cooking, times and temperatures and even recipe suggestions, Vesta can be folded flat or vertically against the wall.

Coox Cooking Table by Antoine Lebrun

This roll away cooking table allows you to cook and eat anywhere in your house. Perfect as an extension of the dinner table, adjustable height.

E-Bag Cooler by Apore Püspöki

The cooler bag powered by kinetic energy, E-Bag keeps you food and drink cool anywhere you go.

Previously, Electrolux 2007 and 2006 Design Lab winners.

Posted September 27, 2008 10:15 PM

Bordeaux fireplace by Muskoka Stoves with integrated wine cooler and storage

The Bordeaux fireplace will create very cozy environment in your living or family room. Muskoka Stoves combined 1,400 watt electric fireplace with 12-bottle wine cooler and wine storage shelf, creating a focal point for any modern home. Finished in dark oak, the classically styled Bordeaux can heat up 400 sq. ft. Moreover, realistic wood burning flame effect can be achieved with or without heat. Heat timer and fully functional remote with adjustable heat controls allow you to operate this fireplace while comfortable sitting in your chair with a perfectly chilled glass of your favorite wine. Cooler comes with adjustable thermostat and storage shelf has chrome finished hanging rack for stemware. Price is around $1,400 USD. Muskoka Stoves.

Posted August 27, 2008 7:47 PM

Masonry barbecue grills and pizza ovens by Alfa Refrattari Spa

When it comes to outdoor masonry barbecue grills, pizza ovens, traditional hand-made wood ovens and fireplaces, Alfa Refrattari Spa is the leading manufacturer on Italian market. All products are hand made in Italy and offer excellent efficiency and low wood consumption. Should be available soon in North America, as Alfa Refrattari Spa plans expansion to US and Canadian markets.

Posted July 19, 2008 9:22 AM

New Accolade Collection by Stoves

The new Stoves Accolade Collection consists of over 90 stylish built-in appliances across a wide range of sizes and specifications, offering design, performance, quality build and host of innovative features for European consumers.

Posted July 16, 2008 3:27 PM

Freestanding futuristic Arcus stove from Miele

This stove isn't for everyone. Designed by Manuel Perez Prada in close cooperation with Miele, Arcus looks very sleek, we would even say fluid. You can raise and lower the heat with a twist of the pot or pan you are cooking with. Built-in waterfall framing on the back of the stove is not simply there to alleviate your stress, but also to reduce and draw away steam. Why we are no sure of the stove functionality and performance, it does look good. See more at Yanko Design.

READ MORE ...

Posted June 23, 2008 3:21 PM

Sears presents breakthrough technology and innovative products by Kenmore

Sears showcases several new innovations from its Kenmore brand, including:

Side-by-Side Shaved Ice Refrigerator

Kenmore Elite Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Shaved Ice. From smoothies and slushies to ice packs and sore throat remedies, the shaved ice dispenser brings new possibilities to homeowners. Creates simple and convenient home entertaining opportunities, such as chilled food platters and specialty drinks. Available in November with retail price ranging from $1,800 to $2,000.

Kenmore Elite Refrigerator with Microban Antimicrobial represents a breakthrough in refrigeration technology with the addition of crisper drawers with Microban antimicrobial product protection. While the Microban antimicrobial feature is not a replacement for regular cleanings, it ensures that the surface of the crisper bin doesn’t harbor stain and odor-causing bacteria between cleanings. The protection lasts the lifetime of the refrigerator and does not wash or wear away over time. Available now in Sears stores. The prices range from $1,100 to $1,400, depending on the color and model.

French Door Trio Refrigerator

The 25 cubic foot Kenmore Elite Ice and Water Trio refrigerators feature new flush-mounted dispense with Kenmore’s exclusive blue LCD display, maximum shelf space to store deli trays, sheet cakes and more, exclusive tilting freezer door for easy access to hard to reach items. Retail price is from $2,500 to $3,000.

Sears also brings to you Kenmore Elite Washer/Dryers in new designer colors - Chai, Twilight and Truffle. Kenmore began its leadership as the laundry color authority and continues to innovate and expand the line to offer more choices in color that are guided by home interior trends, providing a color alternative for almost any home. The price begins at $1,700 based on model and color.

Steam Laundry Pair in Barolo

Kenmore Elite Oasis Washer and Dryer use steam care technology to refresh your clothes. Almost like taking your clothes to the cleaners, as machines relax the wrinkles and refresh clothes completely. The Oasis pair is now available in white for the regular retail price of $1,100. SteamCare and energy efficiency are also available in the HE5t Steam Laundry pair in white and the designer color, Barolo. Prices range from $1,500 to $1,600 for washers and $1,200 to $1,300 for dryers depending on color. Base pedestals retail for $260 each in color and $230 each in white. Visit your local Sears store.

Posted June 5, 2008 8:14 PM

LG Appliances new products for 2008

[KBIS 2008 Review]
LG Appliances introduced several redesigned and first-ever kitchen and laundry appliances on KBIS, offering new distinctive styling and innovative features for the US consumer and allowing design-conscious consumers to enhance the overall look of their kitchens and laundry rooms.

LG first four-door French door refrigerator, shown above, gives consumers the easy accessibility of a French door refrigerator with the organized storage space of two bottom-mount freezer drawers. Consumers can keep everyday frozen items in the top, readily-accessible freezer drawer while storing other, larger foods, in the bottom drawer. The refrigerator also features the tallest water and ice dispenser available, symmetrically contoured doors, hidden hinges and curved handles for a refined look. This refrigerator will be available in late May 2008 in a 25 cu. ft. capacity standard-depth model, and a 21 cu. ft. counter-depth model for suggested retail prices of $3,200 and $3,500 respectively.

LG Appliances expands its Energy Star rated French door refrigerator line. These refrigerators provide the broadest three-door offering in the US market, and come in multiple sizes with a variety of options, all with a beautifully redesigned interior. LG incorporates the extra tall vertical ice and water dispenser and SpacePlus ice system. The water dispenser also features a faster flow rate than previous models. The newly styled LG French-door refrigerators will be available in the second quarter of 2008. The 36" wide stainless steel model will be priced from $2,800 to $3,100 depending on the depth, and the 33" wide model pricing ranges from $2,200 to $2,500, depending on the exterior finish.

The 2008 Side-by-Side refrigerator comes with industry-leading features, including an extra tall water dispenser with Fast Fill and SpacePlus ice and water system, boasting an elegant new design with a sophisticated handle shape created for sleek, modern kitchens. LG Side-by-Side models will be available in the second quarter of 2008. Manufacturer suggested retail prices for these appliances will range from $1,200 to $1,700, depending on finish.

This new eye-catching pair of LG laundry appliances features a unique, sophisticated exterior design with a large square door for easier access. At 4.5 cu. ft. capacity LG now offers the largest front-load washer, matching it with 7.4 cu.ft. dryer, which is also among the largest available. Both are equipped with enhanced anti-vibration system which diminishes noise by reducing vibration in three directions - up and down, side to side and front to back. SteamWasher features TrueSteam Generator to produce real steam in the wash tub, Allergen-Reduction Cycle designed to reduce dust mites and pet dander on fabrics and Smart Washing System which monitors detergent levels, water hardness, temperature and water level, automatically adjusting the settings to provide for optimal washing and rinsing using a patented Smart Sensor. SteamDryer features unique SteamSanitary to quickly sanitize dry clothing, blankets, towels and bedding, SteamFresh to reduce wrinkles and freshen clothing in a large load of garments, ReduceStatic to neutralizes static electricity in normal loads by introducing steam during the final five minutes of the drying cycle and EasyIron to evenly and lightly moisten the dryer load prior to the end of the cycle for easier and more efficient process. The new laundry pair from LG Appliances will be available in the third quarter of 2008 in a variety of finishes. Suggested retail prices are $1,700 for the washer and $1,500 for the dryer.

The first-ever built-in ovens from LG will be available in October 2008, in both single and double oven models with extra large, 4.7 cu. ft. capacity, with unique and intuitive 7" LCD touch screen for ultimate convenience. Included in both the single and double ovens is a pre-loaded gourmet recipe bank for ten food categories. Ovens come in a premium stainless steel finish along with a brilliant blue interior cavity for stylish and elegant look. The oven extra-large 4.7 cu. ft. capacity allows to cook more dishes at once, making meal preparation when cooking for large families or guests easier. The LG exclusive convection system enables up to 30 percent faster preheat times and more even heat distribution. 3 halogen interior lamps give excellent view of food being cooked, while smooth gliding rack helps with heavy food items. The double oven will be priced at $3,400 and the single oven at $2,200. LG Appliances.

Posted May 5, 2008 9:34 AM

Electrolux Appliances - post KBIS thoughts

While attending KBIS 2008, I had an opportunity to see Electrolux Appliances up close and personal as well as meet Director of Design from Electrolux Major Appliances, Mr. Bob Martin, who in March, granted interview on then-upcoming collection. This time I got a private tour with Bob, and was able to see design details and hear ideas which put Electrolux apart from competition.

Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Electrolux is a truly global appliance company with 4 independent but idea and experience sharing design centers for each region, located in Anderson of South Carolina, Pordenone of Italy, Curitiba of Brazil and Sydney, Australia. The constant communication among these centers helps to create appliances precisely tailored for a given regional market and consumer, while still borrowing valuable features and characteristics from the others. The design approach is that every concern and wish of consumer are considered, thought throughout and implemented more often than not.

All appliances from Electrolux match aesthetically, featuring deep blue color of the LED displays, and controls that work almost identically from one appliance to another. The beauty of the control design is that once you push a button, only the relevant next steps are displayed, eliminating any confusion.

The idea is to get you hooked and get the entire line. And believe me, by the time Bob finished his tour, I was about to get home, throw my appliances away and get the entire Electrolux line. I may as well do it, I just need to get another mortgage on my house. But seriously speaking, the craftsmanship and attention to detail combined with the purpose to satisfy every desire of American consumers are stunning. From very conveniently located controls on every undercounter built-in product to meticulous attention given to design of dishwasher baskets, to sturdy yet elegant cooker knobs, to unbelievably smooth ball bearing shelves which I haven't seen at any other manufacturer, Electrolux Appliances delivers robust, simple and very eye-pleasing kitchen line.

One of the ideas which is quite nicely implemented throughout is the very minimum of exterior parts on everything from gas and electric rangetops to ice and water dispenser of refrigerators. To put it simple, there are no annoying gaps and unneeded extra parts, making cleaning and keeping new out-of-the-box look an easy task.

Appliances in white enamel look very attractive. Some of the best white finishes I have seen. Before I would never look at non-stainless steel appliances, at the very least they have to be in black, but the gorgeous, almost silky-rich white finish change my opinion on the spot. Bob kindly explained mechanics of how the texture and color are achieved, but you have to forgive me for forgetting it. And almost all Electrolux appliances featured on KBIS are made in the US.

Posted May 4, 2008 12:12 AM

Izona by Fisher & Paykel

Fisher & Paykel brings you the kitchen of tomorrow today. Izona line includes VentSurface, CookSurface and CoolDrawer - exclusively designed appliances that incorporate the latest technology and instantly transform your kitchen into major attraction. In fact, Izona line is so technologically advanced, you will have to demonstrate its workings to family and friends over and over again.

The revolutionary Izona VentSurface features a unique intuitive steam sensor. Once set to Automatic, this intelligent vent hood is always sensing for smoke, vapour or steam, and can be automated to switch on when you start cooking to capture and eliminate smoke, steam and lingering cooking odours. The system is much quieter and more efficient than traditional hoods, and due to unique design, it develops increased extraction at the very edge of the surface to remove odours and vapours faster. Six powerful fan speeds automatically adjust to deal with every imaginable cooking vapour. An intelligent alert feature indicates when your filter needs cleaning. Advanced perimeter extraction technology creates a high velocity vacuum, drawing vapours and odours in very effectively over a wider area.

The soft touch buttons give you total control of the unique technology inside. The sheer reflective black glass finish, makes greasy, unsightly filter traps a thing of the past. This vary stylish Izona VentSurface is designed to match the Izona CookSurface, the revolutionary new 'gas-through-glass' cooking technology.

The Izona CookSurface allows your culinary creativity to flourish at a whole new level, combining the superior performance of gas cooking with the convenience of an easy-clean ceramic cooktop. Clearly resembling Luna cooktop by the black reflective glass top and streamline ergonomic design, the CookSurface incorporates three sets of hidden pan supports for different sizes of pans within the ceramic surface. When not in use, the burners sit virtually flush with the sheer ceramic surface, giving you large and easy-to-clean work surface.

Fisher & Paykel equips Izona CookSurface with new gas technology which delivers more cooking options due to greater temperature range and enhanced flame control, plus very rapid heating and efficiency. When you are ready to cook, the Izona CookSurface raises integrated pan supports and burners from the ceramic surface at the push of a button. The control dial ignites a flame automatically by glow ignition and regulates flame intensity. The patented Aero burners are very efficient and ensure even heat distribution on high and low settings. And the CookSurface is quite safe with Parental lock and automatic gas shut-off.

The Izona CoolDrawer gives you many choices. A the touch of a button you select from five temperature zones, setting the temperature to Freezer, Chill, Fridge, Pantry or Wine, and storing everything from fresh food to frozen goods to fine wine at the correct temperature. An excellent companion to you full size refrigerator, the world first multi-temperature fridge drawer provides optimal temperature zones to keep food fresher for longer. Based on the design principles of the famous Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer, the very ergonomic CoolDrawer incorporates fully extendable pull out runners for maximum access right to the back of the drawer, the transparent containers to allow all foods to be seen at a glance and a user-friendly, one-touch control panel.

Adjustable internal storage space allows to store bulky items with smaller ones in the one drawer. Multi-temperature CoolDrawer will not only compliment your full-size fridge, but also enhance your kitchen design to suit your lifestyle. You can customise fit and finish options to your taste. Available in stainless, iridium and with integrated custom panel. Currently, full Izona line is available in New Zealand and Australia. Luna cooktop is available in US and Europe. Fisher & Paykel.

Posted April 28, 2008 10:28 PM

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