Just because a refrigerator or washer can’t fit under a Christmas tree shouldn’t disqualify them from Santa’s sleigh.
Apparently manufacturers including Whirlpool, LG and Dacor agree. Just in time for the holidays, the majap makers have released a volley of new kitchen and laundry products that are just now hitting retail sales floors.
From Whirlpool comes the new 4.7-cubic-foot Maytag Top Load (model MVWB- 765FW), which boasts the largest agitator in the market, big enough to fit 22 towels. The washer also has a deep-fill feature that can fill the wash basket to a maximum water level to help break up and rinse away “crusted-on messes,” the company noted.
Meanwhile, its companion 7-cubic-foot dryer (models MGDB755DW/MEDB- 755DW) offers an advanced moisture sensing system that monitors interior moisture and air temperature for even drying of even the largest loads, as well as a steam refresh cycle that applies a fine mist within the heated drum to freshen up apparel that’s not quite ready for laundering.
Both units are offered in white and carry respective suggested retails of $899 for the washer and $849 for the electric dryer (add a hundred bucks for gas). Maytag is expected to add a glass door option to the dryer next spring.
Meanwhile, LG has expanded its sleek, pro-style LG Studio line with the addition of a black stainless steel finish to an eight-product suite of premium appliances, including a build-in side-by-side refrigerator, a three-door counter-depth refrigerator with InstaView glass front panel, double and single wall ovens, gas and electric ranges; a steam dishwasher; and an over-the-range (OTR) microwave oven.
Like their previous LG Studio mates, the new additions were inspired by renowned interior designer and LG Studio artistic advisor Nate Berkus, whose influence can be seen in such sophisticated design details as flat-door design, glass control panels, robust metal knobs, sleek wave handles and attractive LED task lighting.
“By bringing the black stainless steel finish — also featured in LG’s core appliance line — to our premium line of LG Studio appliances, we’re offering even more options to today’s design and performance-focused consumers to help them create their dream kitchens,” said marketing VP Dave VanderWaal.
Suggested retails range from $799 for the OTR microwave oven to $9,499 for the side-by-side fridge.
Elsewhere in the kitchen, Dacor — soon to become a Samsung subsidiary — has begun shipping an all-new Discovery TouchTop induction cooktop in 36- and 30-inch widths (models DYTT365NB and DYTT305NB). Explained president/CEO Chuck Huebner, “These new cooktops feature our latest innovations, including a brand new touch panel that provides precise power control by simply sliding your finger along the graphical surface. This makes it easy to adjust the power on each burner, whether you’re simmering a smooth béchamel or need full power for searing ahi tuna.”
Both models feature five burners and a bridge function that effectively ties two burners together, linking their temperature and timer for grilling or griddle recipes. Suggested retails: $2,199 for the 36-inch model and $1,899 for its smaller sibling.
