Award

Small footprint kitchens by Porter & Charles. Bespoke collection from Samsung. Series 11 DishDrawer from Fisher & Paykel. M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | 25 Appliances P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y EU RO - L I N E A P P L I A N C E S I N C .; T R A I L A P P L I A N C E S; F I S H ER & PAY K EL Addressing the smaller footprint kitchens that are the new normal, P&C offers a varied selection of 24-inch wall units including the Electric Convection Oven, the Electric Multi-Function Oven, the Electric Compact Steam Oven, the Electric Compact Speed Oven, and the Electric Microwave Oven. For larger spaces, the 30-inch Multi-Function Oven is available in four design options. When it comes to cooktop options, P&C offers electric, induction, and gas choices. "Both the Black Induction Cooktop and the Electric Ceramic Cooktop are very versatile for installation in kitch- ens of all sizes, including the 12-inch, 24-inch, or 30-inch models," says Eglington. "The Stainless- Steel Gas Cooktops are for larger spaces, but they do start at 24 inches, with 30-inch and 36-inch options also available." Completing the culinary designs for serious foodies who want a chef-style kitchen, the P&C stainless-steel range line has electric, dual-fuel, and induction models to choose from. After the meals, clean-up is easier with the P&C dishwashers, with the 18-inch Control Top, two styles of the 24-inch Tall Tub, Top Control, and the 24-inch Tall Tub Front Control models. Alan Alibhai, key account manager at Trail Appliances, notes there are three trends currently emerging in the appliance industry: "The first trend is personalization," he says. "Appliances no longer just serve a utilitarian purpose; they are the cen- trepiece of our lifestyle. The pandemic has really brought that to the forefront, given all the time we were spending at home. Samsung's new line, Bespoke, brings technology, innovation, and cus- tomization to their products. Starting with their refrigeration lineup, Samsung allows homeowners to alter the appearance of their fridge by switching out panels." Alibhai explains the freestanding fridges have thin, stainless-steel panels on the front of each door. "Some of the units are four door and some of them have French doors with a freezer drawer. With the use of a suction cup, it's easy to remove the panel and replace it with coloured or textured panels, all in an effort to personalize and customize the appearance of your appliance. This can complement the décor of the home and the homeowner's lifestyle. People can change the look to suit their mood, or blend into the season." The panel changes can also be an easy addition to a renovation for a new look. The second trend is induction cooking, he says. "Although induction cooking has been available for some time, as most things, the technology has come down in price which makes these units more afford- able. Induction bridges the gap between gas and traditional electric. It's clean energy, highly efficient – it can bring a pot of water to a boil twice as fast as gas – and because it uses electromagnetics under the glass elements, the glass never gets dangerously hot." He adds they are seeing the popularity of induction growing, particularly in multifamily homes where the cooking areas are smaller and can only accom- modate 24-inch appliances. The third trend Alibhai is seeing is vent- less dryers. "Ventless dryers have been around for a long time, particularly in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. Heat pump technol- ogy has developed significantly over the years and since being introduced to North America, the dryers are gaining acceptance." He notes the reasons include the convenience of putting the dryer anywhere, for example, in an ensuite. "They're also extremely efficient, twice as much as a vented dryer, and because it uses low heat and a longer cycle, it is much gentler on fabric." The new Series 11 DishDrawer from Fisher & Paykel – a pioneer of the original ergonomic drawer design for dishwashing – brings continued excel- lence through technology and performance. Featuring a fully stainless-steel interior, it offers expanded features for a deeper clean, extended flex- ibility, and class-leading innovation. "This is a very exciting launch for us, especially as the industry is continuing to experience a rise in kitchen remod- elling," says Kevin Dexter, Fisher & Paykel's North American president. "In 1996 we launched the first- ever drawer dishwashing solution and have seen

• Cover