Household Appliances
GE Launches UltraFast Combo
GE Profile has launched the UltraFast Combo with Ventless Heat Pump Technology, its all-in-one laundry solution and latest addition to the GE Profile laundry portfolio.
The new combination washer and dryer changes the game by eliminating the need for owners to complete the laborious task of transferring the load from the washer to the dryer and feeling chained to the laundry room until the cycle ends. Beyond that, the UltraFast Combo saves time with its ability to wash AND dry a large load in about two hours (Tested using a 10-pound Department of Energy or typical mixed load on the Normal Wash + Dry Cycle Eco Dry setting.). With the UltraFast Combo, the washer automatically cycles to dry so owners spend less time in the laundry room and more time doing activities they enjoy.
In addition to the time-saving capabilities, the machine also saves energy with its ventless heat pump technology and a High-Airflow Ventless Drying System that delivers 50 percent more energy efficient drying (Efficiency rating as compared to the requirements for ENERGY STAR qualification for standard electric dryers.). The ventless design also lets owners reimagine how they want to set up their laundry room. Instead of having to plan around exterior venting, owners can set up their laundry from anywhere with a water hookup, such as a closet or primary bathroom. By pairing this feature with a 120v plug requirement and space-saving design, owners get the same speed and power they desire along with installation flexibility.
“We continue to challenge the status quo of how everyday tasks are done and disrupt the conventional laundry room design to address consumer pain points head-on,” said Ken Rudolph, senior director of product management for clothes care at GE Appliances. “We’ve created the ultimate powerhouse for laundry by bundling the power of cleaning and drying and matching that with energy-efficient features and a compact, flexible design.”
Since debuting at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show earlier this year, the UltraFast Combo has been recognized by several associations and media companies for being an innovative smart home product. The all-in-one solution was awarded the Best Home Technology Product for the 10th annual Best of IBS awards by the National Association of Home Builders, which recognizes outstanding building products and services based on the products’ innovation, functionality, design as well as builder and consumer friendliness. The product was also awarded the 2023 Sustainable Products of the Year by Green Builder for its energy saving capabilities and the Design Meets Tech Award by Connected Design.
Additionally, the UltraFast Combo includes Adaptive SmartDispense Technology, which helps save time and effort by automatically dispensing the right amount of detergent along with an UltraFresh System with Microban Antimicrobial Technology that helps prevent odors by providing antimicrobial protection on the gasket, dispenser, and draining system. The machine is also designed at an ergonomically desirable height for retrieving and folding clothes on top, includes an exclusive, easy-to-reach lint filter system for easily removing lint and micro particles, and gives owners the power to manage their laundry loads remotely when connected to home Wi-Fi through the free SmartHQ app.
Available in Carbon Graphite, the UltraFast Combo with Ventless Heat Pump Technology is available at retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $2,899.
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
RH Peterson Shows Fire Magic Line at KBIS
The extensive line of luxury Fire Magic outdoor gas grills and accessories, manufactured by RH Peterson Co., is showcased at this year’s KBIS show in Las Vegas, Jan. 31 – Feb. 2. The Fire Magic booth – W5308, KBIS West Hall – will feature high-performance Fire Magic gas grills, as well as complementary cooling and storage products, and accessories to create the ultimate outdoor kitchen. Each product is crafted in the U.S. to provide exceptional design options for architects, designers, and builders, and enhance the outdoor cooking experience for luxury homeowners.
For more than 80 years, Fire Magic has set the bar for high-performance outdoor cooking with its line of luxury grills. Featuring the highest BTUs per square inch, Fire Magic grills can sear meat with exceptional speed, ease, and control. These luxury grills also provide the industry’s largest cooking area, measured by the internal grilling surface where food actually cooks. Specially designed stainless-steel Flavor Grids minimize flareups by distributing heat evenly across specific cooking zones. Patented (No. D857,453) Diamond Sear Cooking Grids are constructed from 304 stainless steel bars with smooth flat tops optimally shaped to transfer heat from burners to grill surface for faster and more even cooking.
The top-of-the-line Echelon grills perfectly meld form and function. Designed with sleek lines and a unique contoured exterior, Echelon grills make a visual statement in any outdoor kitchen. State-of-the-art features such as hot surface ignition for push-button lighting ease and an optional Magic View window, make the Echelon Diamond Series the ultimate luxury grill.
Convenient features and aesthetic details built into the Echelon line heighten the grilling experience. Blue backlit knobs make for easy use in all lighting conditions and add high-tech flair. A built-in charcoal smoker basket infuses smoky flavor into grilled foods. The optional Magic View window allows outdoor chefs to monitor the cooking process without opening the grill and releasing heat.
In addition to the industry’s best-made, highest-quality grills, Fire Magic’s extensive collection of cooking, cooling, ventilation, warming drawers, and storage solutions include:
- Complementary cooking products, all made to superior Fire Magic standards:
- Gourmet Griddle – With an expansive 30” x 18” cooking area, this heavy-duty stainless still griddle is perfect for foods requiring a flat cooking surface
- Pizza Oven – A premium pizza oven that also roasts, bakes, sears, and broils
- Side Cookers – An assortment of side burners, power burners, and searing stations that enhance the outdoor cooking experience
- Cooling accessories:
- Refrigerator – 5.1 cubic feet of storage, with an internal digital thermometer to keep beverages and condiments cold and within easy reach
- Ice Maker – Capable of making 63 pounds of ice every 24 hours
- Beverage Butler – A versatile combination of sink, hot and cold mixer faucet, and insulated ice chest for easy preparation of food and beverages
Fire Magic continues to improve and expand its line of premium outdoor cooking products. A new line of electric grills will soon be available to deliver a luxury cooking experience and exceptional flavor. High-value grills such as the Aurora line deliver price and performance options. Integrated islands featuring Fire Magic grills and accessories are available. There are even luxury-level portable grilling products.
The Fire Magic line is available from select dealers throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in some international markets. CAD files and 3D model are available for use in design layouts. Find a nearby dealer here: Dealer Locator
For news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
GE Appliances Launches Induction Cooktops
GE Appliances, a Haier company, continues to roll out new technology to accommodate evolving consumer demands. Its new line-up of induction cooktops builds on the benefits that owners would expect from induction technology with added connected features that make cooking on induction simpler and more precise than ever before.
One standout innovation unique to GE Appliances is Precision Temperature Control. Using a smart pan (pan rebate included with purchase on most models), this technology allows owners to decide the degree of their burner for optimal consistency and performance – from 100 to 500 degrees – instead of settling for high, medium or low. Using the SmartHQ app, owners can access different food types, such as pancakes, or cooking methods, such as sear, and their pan will automatically adjust to the precise degree for the perfect doneness each time.
The cooktops also feature Guided Cooking, which allows owners to use thousands of video guided recipes that prompt the home cook each step of the way with the next action and syncs to the cooktop for precise temperature control. Connect the smart pan to the cooktop and the burners will adjust time and temperature based on the step of the recipe.
“We are excited to expand our line-up of induction cooktops, which we believe is the future of cooking. Consumer interest and demand for the technology is growing, and our best-in-class connected features like Precision Temperature and Guided Cooking across Monogram, CAFÉ and GE Profile brands are raising the stakes,” said Rachael Schwartz, executive director of digital and built-in cooking products for GE Appliances.
Induction cooking technology utilizes electromagnetic currents which directly heat the cookware, instead of first heating the cooktop surface. This results in faster, more efficient heating and an easier to clean surface. The cooktops also offer maximum responsiveness with 11 to 19 heat settings that allow burners to adjust quickly, going from a boil to a simmer in no time.
All these technological advances come packaged in sleek, and modern designs in 30” and 36” widths. The cooktop line-up also features a smooth glass surface that is easy to clean and Glide Touch Controls that gives owners full control through effortless touch.
The induction units are also joined by 14 new radiant cooktops for a total of 28 new electric cooktops across four brands all launching this year. Each of these products will be manufactured by GE Appliances at its wholly owned subsidiary Roper Corporation in LaFayette, Ga. where a $118 million investment strategy was announced in December of 2021. The investment allows GEA to grow its cooking appliances business by expanding capacity and developing new cooking products with the addition of 600 new jobs by the end of 2024.
The induction units are also joined by 14 new radiant cooktops for a total of 28 new electric cooktops across four brands all available now. Induction cooktops start at $1,999 at retailers nationwide.
For news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
New Products on Display at Atlanta Market
As Atlanta Market closes, here’s a glimpse of some of the new products that were showcased:
JURA (B2 8-869B) – For the latest in coffee brewing technology and innovation. The new E4 is a full-sized coffee machine focused on brewing café quality coffee and espresso – always freshly ground, not capsuled – plus it can deliver hot water on demand for Americano or tea. The new E6 for the best-loved specialty coffees at the touch of a button thanks to its Easy Cappuccino function. Stop by for a complimentary coffee. (Samples are limited).
Capresso (B2 8-869B) Reimagines some of its most popular products in a new contemporary color choice: White. The CoffeeTEAM GS coffeemaker that grinds beans right before brewing – the Infinity Plus Conical Burr Grinder that grinds coffee beans to specification – and the H2O Glass Rapid-Boil Water Kettle for tea, French-press coffee and more.
CDN (Kasperzak & Assoc. B2 8-876, B2 8-8120A, B2 8-881B) – Accurate temperature readings achieve the best culinary results – new Lollipop Thermometer. Plus, the Coffee Scale and Timer measures small quantities of coffee, tea, spices and more with unusual precision, to one tenth of a gram (0.1 g) – ideal for pour-over coffee aficionados – for bakers who know the benefit of exact measurements – and more.
Ankarsrum – (Synergy Sales Associates B2 8-837) – The aspirational choice in stand mixers adds a new color, Harmony Beige. The new Stainless Steel Beater Bowl, a new accessory for producing sky-high meringues, crispy-chewy macarons, luxurious frostings, or perfectly creamed butter and sugar for the tastiest cookies. (Samples are limited).
Fissler – (Kitchen 2 Table B2 8-891A) – Premium cookware, Made in Germany. Chef Lars Liebisch will demonstrate the difference exceptional cookware can make through Friday, Jan. 13. Liebisch will showcase a wide range of Fissler’s award-winning Made in Germany cookware, from the new innovations of Ceratal® Comfort Ceramic Fry Pans to healthy cooking made easy with Vitavit Premium Pressure Cookers – The Healthy Cooker.
EuroChef USA to Import Lofra Kitchen Appliances
Lofra Italy has partnered with with EuroChef USA as the exclusive US importer of the brand’s Italian-designed and manufactured kitchen appliances. Lofra, one of the most prestigious and well-recognized brands in the world, has been manufacturing high-quality home appliances since 1956. Designed and manufactured in the hills around the city of Padua, each Lofra appliance is carefully designed and built with the high-quality standards of a “Made in Italy” brand.
“Lofra is the perfect fit for our Italian-brand family with its superior design, innovative technology, and functionality,” explains Melissa Haber, vice president of EuroChef USA. “The brand meets the needs of any customer that is seeking unique design and impeccable performance for their kitchen appliances.” Three exquisite collections of Lofra ranges will be initially offered to the U.S. market, each with their own distinct design and aesthetics that will satisfy even the most demanding and sophisticated customer.
Lofra has been manufacturing high-quality home appliances since 1956.Located on the hills of Padua, Italy, Lofra has grown to become the market leader of freestanding cookers and built-in appliances. The brand is a global consumer reference point for the kitchen industry and is the pride of the Italian manufacturing industry. For additional information about Lofra visitwww.lofra.us.
Since 2001, EuroChef USA has been the national distributor of Italian-made professional-style major appliances. The brand is the national distributor and exclusive importer of the Verona, and now the Lofra, brand of Italian-made professional style major appliances. EuroChef’s brands offer a full line of ranges, ovens, ventilation and cooktops nationally through a network of regional distributors and specialty appliance retailers.
For more about Lofra, check out the March issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!
You must be logged in to post a comment.