Home Appliances: Size Does Matter

Seemingly small improvements in product design sometimes have greater impact than revolutionary change. Consider how these user-friendly features can make your life easier

By Darcel Rockett
CTW Features

Dish on washers: Two drawers mean less water used and more energy saved. Image courtesy Kenmore

Kenmore Elite Drawer Dishwasher

The appliance has the option of two or three drawers to give consumers flexibility to do dishes how and when they choose. Don’t have the dishwasher completely full and feel guilty about running a cycle for a partial load? Use the smaller drawer to save water and energy. Having more than one compartment also enables one to clean their glasses separate from their pots and if you forget to add one while washing, you can pause the dishwasher in mid-cycle to put in the forgotten item.

“Independent drawer dishwashers provide versatility,” said Tina Settecase, vice president and general manager of home appliances at Sears Holding Co., Hoffman Estates, Ill. “Consumers who prefer less bending than is required by a standard dishwasher can install a single drawer on either side of their kitchen sink, to make loading and unloading dishes easier than ever.” It’s convenience, whether you need to wash only a few dishes right now or an entire meal’s worth, for about $1,199-$1,549.

SmartDispense Technology

Getting smarter with washing also applies to GE’s Profile Dishwasher. It has SmartDispense Technology, a reservoir that holds an entire 45-ounce bottle of liquid dishwasher detergent so you only have to fill the machine with soap every couple of months, not every day.

SmartDispense automatically disperses the right amount of soap for every load using a pump system throughout each pre-wash and wash cycle. According to the Fairfield, Conn.-based company, a low detergent light signals when detergent begins to deplete and approximately three to seven more washes remain in the reservoir. SmartDispense is available now on Profile dishwashers for $1,079-$1,429.

Whirpool Centralpark Connector

The refrigerator – location of food,

family pictures, personal achievements and important lists – has been reconfigured to now serve as a charging hub for electronics like MP3 players and cell phones. Whirlpool’s Centralpark Connector gives consumers a connection point to plug in and use a portable DVD/CD system, satellite radio, digital picture frame or an interactive message board. “The fridge has been an area that collected pictures and reminder notes for years, so we followed consumers on how electronics are migrating into the kitchen and the idea made a lot of sense,” says Matt Newton, innovation manager at the Benton Harbor, Mich.-based company. Devices can be attached and removed from the fridge door as needed. The feature will be available on one model in fall 2007 for $1,200-$2,000. Consumers can buy the connector when they purchase the appliance or after. “With this refrigerator, you don’t have to remember where you left your phone charging (under mail on the table or buried on the bedside table); the refrigerator is prime real estate,” Newton adds.

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