Now that the end of the year is near, it’s the perfect time to look back at all the innovative products we’ve seen come along in 2008. One way to view these new things is that they bring the stuff we currently own closer to obsolescence. Another way to view them is to imagine how much easier or fun our lives are going to be when we finally own them. I suggest taking the positive approach in this case—and possibly as a New Year’s resolution.
Today’s list will cover appliances (tomorrow’s will cover electronics) and will highlight just a few of the many innovative possibilities. In the small appliance category, the Breville Variable Temperature Electric Kettle heats water faster than a stovetop kettle and gives you five preset brewing temperatures for precision tea and coffee brewing and perfect drinks every time. It also features a Hold Temp feature to keep heated water at a selected temperature for 20 minutes.
LG Navy XL Capacity Gas Steam Dryer
Innovative larger appliances that were released this year included the GE Red Profile Series Colossal Capacity Frontload Washer. “The washer’s SmartDispense Technology is a great feature that lets you store a 6 month supply of detergent and fabric softener in the bottom section of the washer, and then it dispenses just the right amount as needed,” says Abt sales manager Joe Klett. Innovative dryers included LG’s XL Capacity Gas Steam Dryer, which uses TrueSteam Technology to reduce wrinkles and odors, while the SteamFresh cycle allows you to refresh and reduce wrinkles in up to 5 garments at one time.
Moving back to the kitchen, the TurboChef 30″ Thermal Red Single Wall Speedcook Oven uses patented Airspeed Technology to perform amazing feats like cooking a turkey in 42 minutes (see our December 16 blog posting for more details). Sub-Zero redesigned its line of built-in refrigerators this year to incorporate a new process that purifies the entire volume of air in the refrigerator. The air gets “scrubbed” an average of once every 20 minutes to eliminate odors, viruses, and bacteria, in addition to ethylene gases that speed up food spoilage.
Sub-Zero PROG 48 Built-In 48″ Side-By-Side Refrigerator
You can view these innovative appliances, and many others, in our store or on our website. Be sure to check back tomorrow for our end of the year list of innovative electronics. —by Graham W.
No Comments