It's about time appliances evolved to include features that have been standard for 30 years in other industries.
We may not be the fastest-paced industry, but the slow ball of innovation is finally rolling.
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Below are five features and products you should consider for your home. Not to be spammy, but the last one is sensational if it works – that's a big if.
Sales for induction appliances rose by nearly 30% last year at Yale.
It's nice to see everyone catching on to this new style of cooking, which was invented in the 1950s and actively marketed in the 1980s.
Back in 1986, a much younger version of me sold it. Then, induction vanished until 2000, when a Canadian company named Diva started selling 30-inch units for $4000.
Now, induction is back with more cooktops and ovens at more reasonable prices.
Induction cooking uses a magnetic heat. It uses electromagnetic fields to heat pots and pans without a traditional gas or electric heating element.
Inside an induction cooktop, there is a coil of copper wire. When you place a ferromagnetic material, like cast iron or steel, on top of the cooktop, the magnetic field induces a current of electricity inside the metal.
This current of electricity creates heat, which is transferred to the food inside the pot or pan. The heat is generated directly in the pot or pan rather than in the cooktop.
So, you are not waiting for an element to heat the glass and then for the heat to transfer to the pot. Induction eliminates that step, and the benefits are profound.
Attention Massachusetts Residents: Since induction cooktops are more energy-efficient and emit fewer toxic fumes than gas stoves, you can vent at 400 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) and comply with Massachusetts Makeup Air Laws.
Read More: The Best Induction Ranges
Refrigerators are more efficient than ever due to energy standards, and the cooling systems have become more advanced.
You can now buy refrigerators with two evaporators instead of one for the same price.
Bosch will have two compressors, while Beko has their EverFresh+ crispers and Active BlueLight technology to keep your food fresher for longer by mimicking the daylight cycle.
LG will introduce slow-dissolving Craft Ice in some of their models for cocktails and fine liquors.
LG MoodUp Refrigerator
LG and Samsung will manufacture refrigerators with incredible effects. Samsung will allow you to upload pictures directly to your refrigerator, while LG will offer 60 colors to customize your refrigerator - all from an app on your phone. Amazing.
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Most dishwashers use a drying method called condensation drying, which relies on JetDry, heat from the wash cycle, and time to dry the dishes.
While this method works well for plates, it's not as effective for less dense items like plastics.
However, many manufacturers have now developed better methods for drying your dishes.
Let's take a look at the following options:
Bosch, Miele, Beko, and Samsung have incorporated auto-opening doors that pop open at the end of the cycle, releasing steam and moisture to dry the dishes.
This is particularly useful if you run the dishwasher before bed, as the steam won't redeposit on your dishes.
Miele has introduced one or two ports at the bottom of their dishwashers, allowing room air to enter. The hot and cold air will mix and dissipate, similar to water.
KitchenAid has a similar concept in their ProDry models. On the other hand, Profile pulls air out of the dishwasher to effectively dry even plastics.
Clients have been raving about Zeolite, a volcanic rock used in the Bosch 800 series. Zeolite emits heat and absorbs moisture, making it an ideal component for a drying cycle.
The best part is that Zeolite doesn't need to be replaced.
A Word About Dishwasher Sound Levels: Look for dishwashers that operate at 44 dBs or less. These models are easy to find, and you don't have to buy an expensive model to enjoy a quiet dishwasher experience.
Read More: Best Dishwashers
Interesting Fact: In 1990, I used to drive my dad's beat-up Cutlass, and my coworkers would often make fun of me. However, I didn't mind because the car was reliable.
Interestingly, during the time I was driving that old car, heat pump dryers were invented. These dryers have gained popularity in Europe due to their energy efficiency.
Nowadays, there are more heat pump dryer options available than ever before, and they are far more efficient than the standard large hair dryer-like elements found in most dryers.
A heat pump dryer operates by drawing in cool air from the drum and passing it over an evaporator coil. This coil contains a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air, causing the moisture in the air to condense into water droplets.
The condensed water is either collected in a reservoir or drained away, while the dry air passes over a condenser coil.
The condenser coil contains a compressor that raises the air temperature to a level sufficient for drying your clothes.
The warm, dry air then circulated inside the dryer drum, absorbing moisture from your clothes. The moist air is subsequently drawn back over the evaporator coil, where the moisture is removed, and the cycle begins again.
Read More: Bosch 500 Series vs. Miele Compact Laundry
Introducing the GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer, a revolutionary appliance that has undergone a complete redesign.
The machine has spacious 4.8 cubic foot capacity, allowing you to tackle larger laundry loads.
Addressing the lint-trapping issue in all-in-one washer-dryer combos, GE has improved the design with a double-sided filter.
This machine can be conveniently placed anywhere in your home that has water and a 110-volt power outlet.
In summary, the GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer offers the following advantages:
One Big Issue: The long-term performance of the new GE All-in-One Combination is uncertain at this point. However, we had the opportunity to speak with the creator, who can shed more light on this matter:
Then we tested it with several towels, shirts, blankets, sheets, and comforters. Here are the results:
Read More: GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer Performance Review
Most of the "new" features in appliances are actually 10-30 years old, but they are still considered advancements compared to the technology from the previous 50-70 years.
Purchasing a quiet dishwasher with an effective drying cycle is now easily attainable and can greatly enhance your dishwashing experience.
Similarly, you can now find better refrigerators with improved features without having to pay a higher price.
Induction cooking is a superior method compared to gas, as it offers faster cooking times, greater responsiveness, and enhanced safety.
Heat pump dryers are a cost-effective and gentle option for drying your clothes, providing energy savings and minimizing damage to fabrics.
The new GE combo appliance has the potential to revolutionize the way we wash and dry our laundry, although its long-term performance is yet to be determined.
Remember, these advancements are only beneficial if they work effectively.
Additional Resources
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