Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2014 48 T hey take the strain out of housework, with easy-to-use appliances that improve and enhance the quality of life: domestic appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, steam cookers, microwaves, hobs, kitchen hoods, dishwashers, washing machines, and tumble driers, as well as small domestic appliances including automatic coffee makers, milk frothers, kettles, toasters, contact grills, equipment for food preparation, and equipment for hair and body care, as well as for the care of clothes, homes and floors. Large and small domestic appliances are creating new trends in sustainability and energy efficiency, simplifying the preparation of meals and healthy cooking, and promoting physical wellbeing. High quality materials and elegant design are combined with diverse and innovative functionalities, together with simple and easy-to-use controls. And smart applications combined with networked home appliances are playing an increasingly important role too. Easy-to-use apps assist with information (product and status information, tips on preparing meals, food stocks), operation (instructions, manuals, care advice), providing reassurance (servicing, maintenance, remote diagnostics) and promoting efficiency (energy monitoring). For example, smartphones or tablet PCs can be used to control the networked home and, if required, can supply information about the operational status of all the items of equipment. These systems enable individual appliances to communicate with one another, linking hotplates with a kitchen hood, or operating various kitchen appliances by means of a central control panel. ELECTRICAL HOME APPLIANCES WITH BUILT-IN EFFICIENCY AND DIVERSITY Drastically reduced levels of energy, water and detergent consumption are a feature of a wide range of modern appliances. However, further improvements continue to be made with each new generation of equipment. The latest washing machines also place a greater focus on hygiene and reduced noise levels. These characteristics are enhanced by antibacterial door seals and detergent drawers, loading recommendations, special foam technology, steaming to combat allergens in the clothes, programs for people with particular allergies and for baby clothes, and many other pre- installed programs to provide the best possible, most efficient levels of care even when washing at low temperatures. With automatic measuring, or recommendations regarding the amount of detergent, today's washing machines raise costumer's convenience. Furthermore the maximum load capacity increased up to more than ten kilogram and safety features have also been substantially improved. Outstanding energy efficiency is also an essential feature of the latest tumble driers, in particular through the use of heat pumps. And the care process is further enhanced by functions that use steam and scents to air and freshen clothing. Refrigerators are now available that offer an option for using the same compartment for either cooling or freezing. Each of the double doors can be opened separately to minimize the volume of warm air that can enter when drinks are removed, thereby reducing the amount of energy needed for cooling. Energy efficiency is also improved through the use of new insulating materials. The introduction of specialized systems enhances hygiene and helps to inhibit odors as well as rendering bacteria harmless. New interior lighting is provided in order to maintain the freshness and vitamin content of fruit and vegetables for as long as possible by simulating some of the effects of sunlight. In addition the interior humidity can be regulated and active oxygen can be fed in to keep fruit and vegetables fresher for longer. Design has become an even more important factor in the case of so-called "white goods." For example, in addition to the traditional white finish, a wide choice of other bright colors is now available. With increased spray pressure or the ability to spray hot steam, the latest dishwashers can tackle even the toughest tasks such as removing dried or burnt food residues. At the same time water and energy consumption are being steadily reduced and pre-wash soaking and scrubbing can be dispensed with. This process is also assisted, for example, by the hot water supply, by energy-efficient zeolith driers and special insulation of the housing. Special sensors, extra programs, different water pressures for the upper and lower baskets, improved spray arms, automatic load recognition and specially I F A S H O W P R E V I E W DIVERSE, EFFECTIVE, SUSTAINABLE AND EASY TO USE TRENDS IN HOM E APPLIANCES AT IFA 2014 T H E L E A D I N G M A N U F A C T U R E R S O F L A R G E A N D S M A L L D O M E S T I C A P P L I A N C E S A R E P R E S E N T I N G T H E I R I N N O V A T I O N S F R O M S E P T E M B E R 5 T O 1 0 A T I F A 2 0 1 4 I N B E R L I N . T H E C U R R E N T T R E N D S A R E D I V E R S I T Y , E F F E C T I V E N E S S , S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y A N D , O F C O U R S E , E L E G A N T D E S I G N A N D S M A R T F U N C T I O N A L I T Y

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