The latest generation of laundry appliances is reaching new heights both in terms of clothing care and design style. According to KitchenAid brand manager Brian Maynard, “appliances are becoming fashion statements across the board, and the laundry is the next logical step.”
In addition to improved functionality, laundry appliances are becoming more rounded, fluid, and aerodynamic in their designs, taking inspiration from other industries. The Kenmore HE4t washing machine (shown) comes in three bold new colors drawn from the automobile and apparel industries: neutral metallic champagne, grey-blue Pacific blue, and brick-orange Sedona.
Functional features all trend toward making the chore of doing laundry easier and more effective. Some washers use systems that sense the amount of dirt in the water and add a wash cycle accordingly; others have internal heaters that raise the water temperature as high as 190 degrees to kill dust mites and bacteria.
Dryers and drying cabinets are also being offered in an array of styles and with an increasing range of features, including moisture and temperature sensors that adjust the program according to the delicacy of the fabric, to prevent overdrying. This new class of laundry appliances ensures that clothes get luxury treatment as well.
This story first appeared in BUILDING PRODUCTS magazine.
For more product information, visit ebuild, Hanley Wood's interactive product catalog, www.ebuild.com.
