When a new car model is launched, or when the latest generation of high-definition television or smart phone is rolled out, manufacturers usually accompany the introduction with as much fanfare as possible. TV ads, sponsored sporting events, short videos that pop up in your social media, smiling celebrities and influencers...an all-out multimedia blitz ensues to get you and other consumers psyched about this new product.
Let's face it. My industry, Major Appliances, simply isn't as sexy as the latest turbo-powered hybrid SUV, or the n-teenth generation of the iPhone.
This doesn't mean that new and exciting innovations aren't happening for your kitchen!
Bluetooth-enabled washers, ranges, and fridges have entered the market in the past decade. Washers and dryers are now available in a variety of non-white colors. Ovens preheat faster. Cooktops generate more heat.
I know, I know... none of this has the buzz of electronic or automobile product launches. Still, I'm going to talk about some recent innovations you might not be aware of. Who knows, maybe one of these appliance features may get you nearly as pumped as the next gen of camera resolution on your phone?
First: Did you know that all-in-one laundry, meaning a washer and dryer in one machine, is now available?
GE and LG rolled out these all-in-ones a couple of years ago. Both brands offer full capacity (4.5-5.0 cubic feet, which is the typical volume of contemporary washers), moisture sensors to determine when the clothes are dry, and an approximately two-hour complete cycle time.
Perhaps more importantly, both machines can be installed in parts of the house that hitherto could not accommodate a washer and dryer! The dryers work on 110v (the same outlet as a lamp or laptop). Also, there is no need to vent the dryer outside Now basements, in-law apartments, and urban high-rises, to name a few places, can have the convenience of a full American-sized, full-size, Energy-Star rated laundry unit.
(Want some more information? I blogged about this a couple of years ago - click on the 8-20-23 blog from our main page.)
Next, let me talk about induction ranges and cooktops.
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| Frigidaire Gallery range with pizza oven |
Electric induction tops are the perfect solution for someone who wants the control of gas but cannot run a gas line into the kitchen. Water boils 2 1/2 - 3 times faster than your older gas range, so you can have the control everyone loves on a gas cooktop but with so much more speed! For those who own an electric range, stepping up to induction gives you much faster cooking and instant cool-down—now your saucepan's temperature drops to a simmer immediately!
Two other benefits that many of our customers love:
Safety - since the pan and surface cool immediately, there is much less chance of fingers getting burnt or spills burning into the surface.
Efficiency - Since the cooking vessel becomes the heat source, much less heat is lost. In fact, many utility companies offer rebates to consumers in an attempt to encourage the transition to induction cooking.
Yes, induction technology has been around for decades. But...
What's new and really exciting is the price!
At the end of 2025, both GE and Frigidaire brought free-standing (meaning a traditional shaped range with a back) induction ranges for the first time in years. More importantly, both companies advertised induction ranges for less than $1000! Prior to that, induction stoves were priced somewhere in the mid-teens and up. It's now easier than ever to make the switch to this truly amazing technology!
(I expanded more about induction cooking, as well as the technology involved, last Thanksgiving (10-29-24). Feel free to check that entry out if you're interested.)
Finally, let me discuss one more innovation: Craft Ice.
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| LG 29 cu.ft. French Door fridge with craft ice |
Over the years, customers have asked me if there was any alternative to the ubiquitous crescent-shaped cubes dispensed by both internal and external refrigerator icemakers. My answer was always a "no."
Well, recently LG introduced a line of French Door and Side-by-Side refrigerators that make ball-shaped, clearer ice (think of the ice cubes you get in your restaurant or lounge beverage). The cubes tend to be larger and denser, which means slower melting time and non-diluted beverages. Now you can enjoy the subtle features of, say, a high-end scotch or fresh-squeezed lemonade longer!
This link explains a bit more about the benefits of craft ice.
https://applianceupdate.com/what-is-craft-ice-in-refrigerators/
These are just a few examples of ways appliance manufacturers are innovating to get consumers excited! From the convenience and flexibility of the all-in-one laundry unit, the speed and affordability of induction tops, to ice cubes designed for the more discriminating palate, companies keep looking for ways to put pizazz in your kitchen.
If you have questions on any of these (or other) features, please reach out to one of the sales pros in any of our locations. Phones and addresses can be found on the front page of this site.