Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2015 28 upwards of $1,000 — maybe more," says Brad Kiel, vice president of Franke Kitchen Systems Luxury Segment. "Franke Steel is a true stainless steel product with full functionality at mid-range price points that will fit nicely into many more kitchen-remodeling budgets." Designed under the direction of product manager Lars Christensen, the new Steel family counts five different faucet models, with list prices ranging from $395 to $595. Included are kitchen, prep and bar models that feature a stainless steel pull- down, dual-spray head that extends up to 21 inches and offers full and needle spray patterns. Two other specialty faucets round out the offering: 1) for applications requiring lower kitchen-cabinet clearances, a nine- inch-tall kitchen faucet with a pull-out (rather than a pull-down) spray that also delivers full and needle patterns; and 2) for the busy home chef looking for extra convenience and superior functionality, a pot-filler that rotates 180° and offers a full spray. The signature feature of all five faucets is, of course, their stainless steel composition, which is not merely a brushed-metallic finish or even a protective stainless steel body encasing a brass and zinc core. Franke Steel faucets are 100-percent stainless steel in their construction and finish, inside and out — from their modern, arching spouts and ergonomic pin handles to their interior waterways that contain no trace of brass or zinc, and therefore no lead. Stainless steel construction offers a number of important benefits: Corrosion resistance, Low maintenance and Aesthetic appeal. Except for the pot-filler, all steel faucets feature spouts that swivel 360°, as well as pin handles for smooth and easy control of flow and temperature. Along with the arched spout and flared base, the modern handle design helps maintain a "family" look in any kitchen equipped with more than one steel model. But the pin handle also has a practical aspect: While rotating 90 degrees forward from the faucet body, the handle moves only a few degrees to the rear to avoid bumping into the backsplash. "Franke has been a leading innovator in stainless steel products and equipment for a variety of applications for more than 100 years," says Kiel. "Our new Steel kitchen faucet series continues that tradition in a way that will allow many more homeowners to enjoy the beauty and the many long-term benefits of stainless steel." Available during the first quarter of 2015, the Steel Series is CSA-certified and — since it contains absolutely no lead — fully complies with the low-lead requirements of NSF/ANSI 372: Drinking Water System Components - Lead Content. Like all Franke kitchen faucets, the Steel carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty. For more information, visit www.frankeksd.com or call 1-800-626-5771. BERTAZZONI UNVEILS LARGEST INDUCTION PRODUCT LINE-UP IN NORTH AMERICA New induction ranges and cooktops enhance existing line of fast, efficient and easy-to-clean appliances Bertazzoni announced its new induction range and cooktop lineup into the North American market. The line-up includes a new Professional Series 30" induction range available in stainless steel and a total of six colors, a new Master Series 30" induction range and two touch control induction built-in cooktops. With the announcement of these new products, Bertazzoni now offers the largest selection of induction cooking appliances in North America. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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