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FEBRUA RY 2016 | 35 Appliances ovens are cleverly configured so that they can be used singly or in smart combinations in kitchens." Another product for the U.S. and Canadian markets is the Fulgor Milano Sofia professional range. "Sofia is available in both 30-inch and 36-inch width and comes in three different fuel choices – all gas, dual fuel and induction," says Sasaki. "On its cooking surface, Sofia features premium quality brass burners with a huge range from low simmering to a maximum power of 18.000 BTU." Tasco distributors are also carrying the LG pedestal laundry units and product manager Cerrone Nandalal offers some benefits of this New Age washing machine: "Consumers can wash a small load for specialized fab- ric, unique colours or run a unique cycle," he says. "If you wear black socks and colourful clothing, you can do a black sock load to prevent darkening your clothes in a mixed load. You can also do a baby clothes load, or whatever specialized load you would like to do sepa- rate from the main wash, or in a smaller quantity. The cycles include Normal, Intimates, Hand Wash, Active Wear, Rinse + Spin and Tub Clean. At a capacity of 1.1 cubic feet, it comes in at half the size of a front load European washer. The unit also includes a remote con- trol, so users won't have to get close to floor level to operate the machine." Coast Wholesale Appliances has seen an increase in purchases of combination ovens. "People who are buy- ing new houses or doing renovations want the steam combination in the kitchen," says Jessica Cheng, sales representative. "One of the reasons why steam cook- ing is so popular is the health factor. Steam is a good way to keep nutrition in food, and as long as the item is not overcooked, the texture will taste better. With the probe and timer, users can bring the food out at the perfect doneness to their taste. Whether using beef, pork, turkey, or chicken, the steam cooking pro- cess will keep it very moist and saves time in cooking. It's close to restaurant quality." The induction cooktop is another popular item for Coast Wholesale Appliances. "This also falls into the category of time-saving cookery. In the past, induction users were required to have a special pot for cooking. Today, most high-end stainless steel cookware on the market is induction friendly," Cheng says. Midland Appliance brings another option to consumers for laundry. "There is a trend towards European laundry, which addresses smaller footprints in condominiums and energy savings," says Sylvia McDonald, sales and marketing. "The heat pump dryer is a ventless dryer that reclaims the heat. Instead of a heating element, it has a compressor that generates hot air, which goes over an evaporator then to a condens- ing coil. Water from the coil goes down the drain and the heat is recirculated to the dryer again." McDonald says the dryers don't get as hot so users can do delicate clothing. "They are 60 per cent more efficient because you're not losing any air, just recir- culating it. With energy costs the way they are in Europe, energy efficiency is paramount." McDonald adds Blomberg has a new heat pump dryer that is cut- ting edge. "All of the heat pump dryers are Energy Star-rated, which does not happen with standard dry- ers because they use so much energy. Most of the heat pump dryers come in white, however, the Blomberg dryer is available in silver." A KitchenAid induction cooktop from Coast Wholesale Appliances; Fulgor Milano Sofia professional range from Distinctive Appliances.

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