Major appliances continue to evolve into more sophisticated tools. Cooktops and ovens feature commercial-style cooking systems, while washing machines and dryers treat clothing gently. Refrigerators offer the latest in food chilling and storage technology.

KitchenAid. Featuring the Whisper Quiet Plus sound packages, the Ensemble front-loading washer and dryer perform quietly. The washer's 3.7 cubic feet capacity has 12 programs, a built-in heater, and an easy to use cycle menu. Offered in a Meteorite matte metallic finish, the machines may be stacked, placed side-by-side, or set on a pedestal. (800) 422-1230. www.kitchenaid.com.

Whirlpool. Conquest refrigerator flat door models are now available in the maker's low-maintenance Satina Stainless Look finish. The finish provides the appearance of a stainless steel surface but resists noticeable fingerprints and smudges and can also hold magnets, the maker says. The refrigerators feature the InDoor-Ice dispensing system and the Ultra-Ease Plus water filtration system. (800) 253-3977. www.insideadvantage.com.

Jenn-Air. The maker has improved its five-burner, 36-inch gas cooktop with one 17,000 BTU ultra-high output burner and two ultra-low 650 BTU simmer burners for greater cooking flexibility. Its glass ceramic surface and sealed burners make the cooktop easy to clean, and its continuous grate design makes transferring pots and pans from burner to burner easy. (800) 536-6247. www.jenn-air.com.

Bosch. Available in gas, electric, and dual-fuel models, the maker's first Free-Standing Convection Range's Genuine European Convection System uses a third heating element surrounding the convection fan at the oven's back. A special baffle directs air evenly throughout the oven for more even cooking. The ranges are available in black, white, biscuit, and stainless steel finishes and have a 4.6-cubic-foot capacity. (800) 944-2904. www.boschappliances.com.

Electrolux. The Icon stainless steel Dishwasher uses 100% filtered water and features a condensation system that decreases cool-down time. The SmartSoil Sensor constantly monitors the amount of food particles in the water and adjusts the cycle length as necessary. Other features include a concealed control panel and splittable cup shelf/stemware holders. (706) 860-4110. www.electroluxusa.com.

Dacor. The Preference 36-inch All-Gas Cooktop features two SimmerSear burners ranging in BTUs from 18,000 to 500 and 12,500 to 400. The burners are concealed under the larger burner caps that help distribute heat more evenly. Three mid-range burners provide cooking flexibility. (800) 793-0093. www.dacor.com.

LG Electronics. With the maker's Icebeam Cooling door system, the Side-by-Side Refrigerator provides broader air distribution for even temperature management throughout the fresh food section and the door bins. The refrigerator's 26-cubic-foot interior features the OptiChill drawer, the OptiBin Crisper, and the Jet Freezing drawer. (800) 243-0000. www.lge.com.

Fisher & Paykel. The SmartLoad top-loading clothes dryer's drum operates in a reverse-tumble drying action to reduce creasing and tangling and improve the evenness of drying. The full-size dryer has five cycles, including wrinkle guard, timed drying, and automatic cool-down. A lid lock prevents the lid from being opened while the drum is in motion. (800) 863-5394. www.fisherpaykel.com.

GE Monogram. The Monogram undercounter Double-Drawer Refrigerator features two all-refrigeration drawer units with adjustable dividers. Available in stainless steel or prepped for custom overlay wood panels and custom handles, the refrigerator has an electronic control panel with digital read-out and interior LED lighting. (800) 626-2000. www.geappliances.com.

Maytag. Combining the functionality of a traditional clothes dryer with an attached upper drying cabinet, the Neptune Drying Center dries special-care clothing as it hangs from the swaying WrinkleRelease Rod or is laid flat on its removable wire mesh shelves. The center moves steam and warm air through clothing to prevent wrinkles, reduce shrinkage, and remove odors. (800) 688-9900. www.maytag.com.

For more product information, visit ebuild.com, Hanley Wood's interactive product catalog.