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FEBRUA RY 2018 | 37 Appliances Appliances continue to push boundaries in design and sustainability by LAURIE JONES Peak Performance W ith ever-advancing modern technology, today's choices in appliances is nothing short of futuristic, yet available for every consumer in 2018. Fisher & Paykel Appliances Inc. introduced the compact 24-inch front-loading washer and dryer, the first to the U.S. and Canada. The innovative design and function of the new compact laundry can fit into any space without having to compromise on fabric care. "The front-load laundry market has been growing significantly, as has the market for smaller, more com- pact homes," says Kevin Dexter, president of the North American division. "The timing is perfect to release our new laundry platform that includes innovative technology such as our world's first SmartDrive motor – proven on our top-load washers for over 20 years." The 24-inch compact laundry is debuted in two washing machines – FabricSmart with Steam Washing Machine and WashSmart Washing Machine – and one dryer, the Condenser Dryer. Despite the compact size, the washers can cope with large loads washing up to 4.2 cubic feet per cycle. An additional option, the Fisher & Paykel Condensing Dryer, makes a perfect pair with the FabricSmart or WashSmart front loaders. "Its condens- ing technology makes installation simply a matter of plugging it in," says Dexter. "No venting is required. Its 4.0 cubic foot capacity means clothes can move around freely to ensure even drying and minimize creasing. Each dryer includes a dryer rack that can be removed." Compact Laundry features include quick vortex wash cycles, delayed start, and a soak option that fea- tures a one hour soak and tumble sequence to help lift unwanted stains. In the last year, Midnorthern Appliance has merged with its national builder appliance division, formerly known as The Brick Commercial Sales, and with that Midnorthern Appliance opened a state-of- the-art design centre in Coquitlam, B.C. "In the new centre there will be more atten- tion paid to appliances that are right-sized for condominiums," says Michael Gnat, manager. "These products are from brands that people would not traditionally think of being avail- able from The Brick, including Miele, Gaggenau, and Blomberg." The right sized appliances are all 24-inches wide featuring built-in refrigerators and built-in cook- ing, including countertop cooktop, under the counter ovens and wall ovens, as well as other lifestyle prod- ucts such as coffee systems and steam ovens. "Other changes in the industry are colour choices, includ- ing black stainless appliances that are taking hold in the industry," says Gnat. "You get the grains and impression of stainless but it has been blacked over, so you get the luxury of metal without the mess, including fingerprints." While size does matter to some people, Gnat says when downsized condo owners ask if the ovens will fit a 20-pound turkey, he replies, "You couldn't fit enough people in your unit to eat a 20-pound turkey." With the variety of high-end products available at Edmonds Fine Appliances, laundry machines have made a step forward with new technology that has heads turning, particularly the dryers. "Traditional vented dryers are not energy efficient because they take the heat from the home and blow it outside, and in some cases have caused fires when duct- ing and vent rods are clogged," says Julie Hale, Compact Laundry from Fisher & Paykel Appliances Inc. Bosch condensing dryer from Edmonds Fine Appliances.

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