LG Adds Pizza Baking Drawer to Its Newest Microwaves

Last November, LG released several new models of microwaves ovens. These microwaves double as convection ovens and include a new drawer designed for baking frozen or fresh pizzas. These new models are designed to serve as a second oven that can pre-heat, bake or roast foods in less time. The microwaves use heat sensors to determine when the food is properly cooked and will turn themselves off accordingly. Suggested retail on these units is $209.

Source: Marcone World Magazine, March 2012 Issue

Court rules in favor a Whirlpool over LG once again

Whirlpool wins against LG for the third time this year. Recently, a federal court ruled in favor of Whirlpool in the last remaining lawsuit filed by LG. LG brought the case in hopes of banning Whirlpool from using the word “steam” to describe its line of steam dryers. The United States District Court in Chicago, Illinois found that Whirlpool’s dryers do, in fact, use steam. LG did not produce any retailers or customers who expressed any confusion.

Whirlpool demonstrated in court that that its design was different from that of LG. Whirlpool steam dryers combine existing heat resources with automatic water mist to create steam inside the dryer’s drum. LG’s system uses a manually-filled external water cartridge that must be filled with cold water before each use.

Source: Marcone World Magazine, September 2011 Issue

Tags: LG, steam dryer, Whirlpool

Whirlpool adds Electronic Ranges that are ADA Compliant

Whirlpool has added two 30 inch self-cleaning electric ranges that meet the accessibility guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This addition comes about after builders have realized the need to equip homes with appliances that are easily used by people with disabilities without sacrificing aesthetics. ADA approved appliances offer buttons and handles on the front of the appliance, closer to the user. They also have 48% larger displays and gauges to aid those with limited vision. Whirlpool currently has 150 ADA-compliant home appliances and may market more in the future.

Source: Appliance Service News, September 2011 Issue

Tags: ADA, handicap

Viking Extends Warranty to Three Years

Viking Range Corporation has set itself apart from the industry by offering a warranty longer than one year parts and labor. Viking will now offer a three year parts and labor warranty on all of their Professional Series appliances, with the exclusion of its under-counter refrigerator line.  The manufacturer based its decision on the significant decrease in warranty service rates as well as improvements in the way problems are identified and solved.  The company feels the promotional benefits of longer warranties hard to resist.

Source: Appliance Service News, September 2011 Issue

Tags: factory warranty, Viking

GE Appliances to be sold in Walmart Stores

24 Stores in Dallas, Texas have been assigned as the test market for Walmart to begin selling GE and Hotpoint brand appliances.  This news is causing a major uproar in the retail world because of the critical change to how appliances are purchased by consumers.

Previous to this change, the majority of appliances have been sold through large box stores. Independent retailers make up the remainder.  Walmart will most likely feature specialty models that will have a much lower advertised price than similar models available at the independent retailers. Independent retailers should be exceedingly concerned , evaluate their own market strategy, and make the necessary changes to compete in the changing industry.

Source: United Servicers Assocation, The Servicer. Published in Appliance Service News August 2011 Issue

Tags: GE, Hotpoint, Walmart

New Site Explains how Induction Cooktops Work

www.induction101.com is a new website launched by GE Appliances and Lighting that explains everything a consumer needs to know about new induction cooktops.  The site not only gives a description of how induction cooking works, but also show the operation at work.

Induction cooktops have an electromagnetic element under their smooth surface. When an iron or steel pan is placed on the surface, the current passes through the cooktop and heats the pan and its contents.  This process is very quick and efficient. Furthermore, any adjustments in temperature settings are nearly instantaneous due to the fact that there is no residual heat from the burners.

Induction cooktops are also safer than traditional stove tops.  Even when the element is turned on, no heat can be transferred to nonferrous items such as towels, paper or even hands.

The site also showcases GE’s new full line of induction cooktops and ranges.

Source: Appliance Service News August 2011 Issue

Tags: GE, Induction

Rayburn Offers Solar-Powered Ranges in Great Britain

Rayburn, a British manufacturer and subsidiary of AGA, now presents a solar electricity option on its in-home cooking/heating/hot water appliance system. Rayburn installs a central boiler heater to accompany their cast-iron cooking ranges (called cookers).  This home energy appliance system provides the home with both heat and hot water.

                Rayburn’s solar electric photovoltaic panels soak up solar energy and create electricity that can be used to run appliances and lighting in the home.  Rayburn appliances can also stock up solar-generated electricity for use at a later time.

Source: Marcone World Magazine, June 2011

Major Appliance Companies Report Their Green Advances

The Appliance Industry Forecast is an annual report that gives professionals working in the appliance industry figures for marketing challenges and opportunities as well as valuable information about consumer buying trends.

According to the report:

                Samsung Electronics is working to better its smart appliance technology. The Company would like to become the biggest global producer of refrigerators by next year.

                LG Electronics plans to use its library of consumer electronics technology to make its appliances more smart grid compatible. The company plans to bring several SmartGrid enabled appliances to the market.  “Smart” features include settings for laundry appliances that give consumers the option to use their appliances at the times when utility rates are minimal. Consumers will also be able to monitor and control appliances outside of the home by using a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

                Already marketed in China, Haier Group plans to bring its Smart Life connected –appliance technology to the United States. Haier has also partnered with Honeywell Inc. to build cooling appliances and solar-powered water heaters using Honeywell’s low-global-warming-potential refrigerants and blowing agents.

                Whirlpool Corporation is focused on receiving the highest return on every unit. The company recently entered into a partnership with Tendril to develop energy-efficient products and solutions. Tendril is an energy-platform developer that will supply the interface that will enable Whirlpool’s next generation major appliances to communicate with the electric SmartGrid.  

                Electrolux is also focusing its efforts on growing their high-margin built-in appliances in increasing their energy and water efficiency.

Source: Marcone World Magazine June 2011

“Intelligent Mobility” Chosen as Theme for 2011 Electrolux Design Contest

The Annual AB Electrolux of Sweden Design Contest asks college students to design innovative home appliances. This year the company is looking for a design that interests users and also utilizes existing technology. Henrik Otto, senior vice president of Global Design at Electrolux, says the challenge is not just about making appliances that are physically more portable, rather it is about providing flexible control to liberate people and support creative expression. Through this contest, young designers gain valuable insight into the world of commercial product design.

Eight finalists will be chosen and invited to an event in the fall of 2011 in Europe. Finalists will then present their designs to a panel of professional designers.  The panel will then grade entries based on innovation and consumer insight to then determine a first prize winner. The winner will be presented with 5,000 Euros and receive a six-month paid internship at the Electrolux Global Design Center.

Source: Marcone World Magazine June 2011

New Maytag Washer Puts an End to Wasted Detergent

The new and improved line of Maytag Maxima front-loader washers debuted at Sears retail outlets in April. The main feature offered by this line is a liquid detergent optimizing system. The washer also has a PowerSpray System that assists the cleaning by spraying the detergent evenly throughout the load. Another impressive option is a Fresh Hold feature that uses Dynamic Venting Technology to keep clothes from smelling like mildew after being left in the washer for up to 16 hours. This efficient washer uses 82% less water than traditional top-load washers, and 86% less energy. Maytag offers a 10 year limited warranty on the motor and stainless steel wash basket on the Maxima MHW9000X washer. Its suggested retail price is $1,599.  

Source: Appliance Service News July 2011