The latest home appliances
Perth's top electrical experts share their picks of the next top models.
THE FRIDGE
Steve Lewis, of Harvey Norman's Osborne Park store, said the new big- capacity, fully integrated French door refrigerators are a must-have for those wanting to streamline their kitchen.
Mr Lewis said the premium Leibherr ECBN 6256 model ($12,999) was revitalising the market for such models.
Premium features include LED light columns, MagicEye touch controls, SoftSystem close and an internal ice-maker with water filter.
It includes two BioFresh drawers for fresh food and vegetables, mounted on telescopic rails.
THE RANGE HOOD
Today's range hoods can be a design asset rather than a hindrance, with stylish new models offering a handsome alternative to traditional island hoods.
Rick Hart, of Kitchen Headquarters, recommended the Klasse range by Schweigen, which doubled as a functional and decorative element in the kitchen.
The designer ceiling and cassette range hoods wowed with their design prowess, installed into either the bulkhead or the ceiling. Available in three models - Paradigma, Inart and Fortune - the hoods have a whisper-quiet Isodrive motor system.
The range is available exclusively from Kitchen HQ's Osborne Park store.
THE WASHING MACHINE
Described by Bosch as a spa treatment for your laundry, the new Home Professional washer ($2599) boasts an intelligent automatic dosing system.
There will be no more overdosing on the suds thanks to i-DOS, which dispenses the perfect amount of liquid detergent and is paired with intelligent sensors inside the machine to monitor the wash process.
THE EXTRACTOR SYSTEM
An increasingly popular alternative to the traditional range hood, Mr Hart said double induction cooktops with an extractor system between them were a great option for those wanting their cooktop on an island bench.
He recommended the BORA Professional cooktop extractor system (from $4399), which boasted powerful cooktops and extractor combinations in a variety of designs.
One, two or three cooktops can be combined together and installed flush or surface-mounted, while a variety of fan modules channel vapour and odours through the wall, ceiling or cellar.
The exhaust system will transport these vapours to any external wall, including north-facing walls - meaning minimal loss of space while maintaining an impressive performance.
THE SUPER-SIZED WASHER
Growing families and ever-expanding washing piles have seen ASKO release a new XL range of 80-litre washing machines.
Dominic Calautti, of DKA Designed Kitchen Appliances in Subiaco, said the new front-loaders (W8844XL, $2299, and W8844XL ECO, $2499) had a deep drum with a huge 10kg capacity, which allowed you to wash big items (such as quilts) or to wash bigger loads, less often.
THE BARBECUE
The rise of the outdoor kitchen has put barbecues in the spotlight, with the latest models offering the same level of cooking capabilities, reliability and style as indoor appliances.
The latest outdoor grills are upping the ante when it comes to design.
Mr Hart highlighted the new DCS Outdoor Grills by Fisher & Paykel (from $6598), which could be installed fully built-in or with the flexibility of a grill cart.
Key features included a high heat of up to approximately 450C; heavy 304 grade stainless-steel burners with ceramic radiant rods for even heat distribution; a patented grease management system enabling unwanted fats to flow down into a stainless-steel capture tray; and a weatherproof motorised rotisserie that can hold up to 25kg of meat.
THE OUTDOOR RANGE HOOD
While some outdoor range hoods look like they belong in fish and chip shop, with the release of a new under- cupboard alfresco range hood the future is looking sleek, according to Mr Calautti.
He said Condor's new Cubica (from $4500) was installed into cabinetry showing a 50mm stainless-steel strip, and could be integrated with other cupboards or stand alone.
Three motors generate maximum air movement while still staying quiet thanks to insulation.
It is also available in a wall-mounted stainless steel or an island version.
