Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/255439
T Appliance Alliance A focus on superior design and energy efficiency for downsized living by Laurie Jones manufacturing commercial-grade units to residential models they looked at all the high-end refrigerators on the market and determined how they could improve the design," says Jean- Yves Deschenes, training/showroom director and builder business manager. "Any defects they found in other manu- facturers, from their point of view, were examined and potentially modified to make a better product." Fhiaba refrigerators offer a definite wow factor for anyone who opens the door. "You can feel the Italian touch – the way the mechanism work, the way it maintains freshness of the food and the way it preserves the food," says Deschenes. "The freezer section can be switched to refrigerator mode when extra space is needed for entertaining, then back to freezer as the require- ments change." This luxury refrigerator is avail- able in 24-inches, 30-inches or 36-inches wide, but all of the units are The wow factor for high-end appliances continues to expand as manufacturers incorporate European influences and state-of-the-art technology. A focus for Midnorthern Appliance this year is a compact 24-inch refrigeration, cooking, dishwasher and laundry unit that offers contemporary designs to suit any modern kitchen. "Builders and interior design companies are becoming far more sophisticated with their selection of finishes," says Michael Gnat, regional manager. "Our product line includes brands like Blomberg from Turkey, Fulgor from Italy and Liebherr, AEG and Miele that are all from Germany." The smaller footprint of these appliances allows contrac- tors to offer complete kitchens in reduced spaces. "Everyone would like to have a 1,200-square-foot condominium but because the cost of construction is so high, sizes like that are unattainable for the average consumer," says Gnat. He adds that while European appliances have been in the Canadian marketplace for some time, they have become more popular over the past five to six years, primarily from the con- dominium boom on both coasts. "As far as finishes go, peo- ple want stainless steel where possible, but fully integrated refrigeration and dishwasher units that are hidden behind panels so it looks like furniture are very popular now." For over 25 years, Euro-Line Appliances has created a demand for fine European appliances in the North Ameri- can market by offering complete kitchen, laundry room and refrigeration solutions. "Our brands are individually selected based on their performance, superior design, green engineer- ing and energy efficiency," says Doug Eglington, president and CEO. "They exceed expectations on all fronts by cooking, cool- ing and cleaning in the most effective ways possible." The Luxury Tower – featuring four 24-inch, built-in appli- ances – brings the finer things in life into buyers' kitchens. "For those who enjoy developing their wine collection, the Liebherr 18-bottle, built-in wine storage unit features elec- tronic temperature control," says Eglington. "For another beverage option, the Luxury Tower also includes the AEG fully automatic espresso maker which makes the perfect espresso, cappuccino or pot of coffee. Foodies will enjoy the AEG award- winning Combi-Steam oven, which is also included in the tower. " The tower is completed with a stainless steel, nine-place setting warming drawer. "The Luxury Tower appliances sit flush with cabinets that will suit any kitchen design," says Eglington. Tasco Appliance's customers continue to order brands such as Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, KitchenAid and Jenn-Air. "These manufacturers constantly tweak product to ensure they offer market leading design and feature across their lineup," says Cerrone Nandalal, product manager. "That said, most features are generic enough to appeal to almost every consumer." Jenn-Air has created a pro range and rangetop with a chrome griddle. "Amongst griddle materials, chrome is by far the easiest to maintain and will keep that brand new look even with regular use," says Nandalal. "Of the new products, my personal favourite is a sparkling water dispensing four-door fridge from Samsung. You can vary the carbonation levels to suit your preferences, and they mimic carbonation levels in popular bottled sparkling waters. The fridge also dispenses still water for more conventional water drinkers." For those who prefer a bit more character to their bever- ages, Dacor has come out with a wine preservation and dis- pensing system. It holds four bottles and dispenses from each, individually, in the quantity desired and on command. Bot- tles can be viewed through the main window and informa- tion can also be programmed into the display screen such as year and type of wine. Distinctive Appliances Inc. (formerly Amiel Distributors Ltd.) offers a stylish Italian option for 2014 with the Fhiaba refrigerator. "When the company switched from Above: The 48-inch Connoisseurian Series range from Integrated Appliances Ltd. Right: The Edmonds Fine Appliances new Vancouver showroom. February 2014 /21 appliances p20-23Appliances.indd 21 14-01-22 10:23 AM