Samsung Appliances at CES 2012

The South Korean electronics maker unveiled many new products at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas but only one was a smart phone.

Samsung unveiled their SMH2117S over the range microwave which is the first microwave with an LED light for lighting the cooking surface below. The lamp uses less than a tenth of the power consumption (2.4W/1EA) of conventional incandescent (40W/1EA) or halogen (20W/1EA) cooktop lamps.

An Eco Mode saves up to 40% in energy by turning the display off when not in use. The microwave also has a porcelain enamel interior, which the company said makes it seven times more scratch and rust resistant than other microwave interiors.

In addition to being a microwave and a hood, the new SMH2117S is also a convection oven and a toaster oven. This is going to be a huge space-saver for many home owners.

Samsung’s RF4289 and RSG309 LCD refrigerators are designed to be the first refrigerators with kitchen-relevant apps on a WiFi-enabled 8-inch LCD touchscreen. The Grocery List app will allow consumers to create their own highly personalized shopping lists at the touch of a button, while the Facebook app will provide instant access to consumers’ newsfeeds.

I personally don’t stand too much in front of the refrigerator so I think the Facebook app is pretty much a useless gimmick. Depending on how far away your refrigerator is from your prep area or the range; looking at online recipes on the door panel may be inconvenient as well.

While both of the previous appliances won awards at the show, the appliance that stole the show is new WF457 Front Load Washing Machine. This washer is not only the industry’s largest washer it offers never before seen Smart Control technology.

Through a WiFi network and a smart phone application, users can monitor cycle selections, remaining time and finishing alerts, as well as remotely start or pause the washer

The WF457 washer is also the first from Samsung to feature SpeedSpray, which delivers a cleansing shot of water with dissolved detergent and then a rinsing shot for improved rinsing performance. These result in a cycle time that is up to 25 percent shorter compared with conventional washers. In addition, Samsung‟s Smart Care system makes user manuals obsolete by quickly diagnosing washer issues and sending alerts to consumers‟ smart phones.

The washer and matching dryer is said to be available in Onyx or White this Spring at major retailers.

June 6, 2010

Party Central

If the Kitchen is the room everyone gathers in at a party, the Amana Quick Tap™ Entertainment Refrigerator is appliance they are gathering around.

The Amana Quick Tap has an integrated beverage reservoir that conveniently holds and dispenses up to 2.5 liters of cold drinks from punch to margaritas. The reservoir is removable for easy refilling and cleaning. The dispenser is located on the refrigerator door.

The Amana Quick Tap is not a large appliance at only 17.6 cubic feet but it gives you the ability to offer a signature drink while entertaining without having to drag out a cooler. I think it is ideal for a guest/pool house or game/party room in your home.

The Quicktap is also equipped with a 5-bottle wine rack and a child lockout. It is not energy star rated. The Quick Tap refrigerator is available in red or silver for approximately $800.

April 1, 2010

Appliance Savings

Combining utility, manufacturer, store and state rebates when buying a single Energy Star appliance can save hundreds of dollars.

Depending on where you live, the savings on new appliances this spring could be very significant.

Major appliance manufacturers such as Thermador, LG, Monogram and Sub-Zero are making the dollar go further with large rebates on appliance packages (Ovens, Ranges & Cooktops, etc.) that probably do not fall under the Energy Star requirements in the State Rebate programs.

Rebate Programs Overview

Thermador’s One, Two, FREE

Purchase a Professional Series 36- or 48-inch Range, or any Rangetop, or any Masterpiece Series Cooktop, with an accompanying Professional or Masterpiece Double or Triple Oven and get a free Thermador Emerald Dishwasher.

New for 2010, step-up to Thermador’s top-of-the-line Sapphire™ 6-program Dishwashers for an additional $500 or $750 (depending on model).

Add any Thermador Refrigerator or any two Freedom Columns and get any size free Ventilation System.

Thermaodr Freedom columns are Energy Star Qualified while the built-in refrigeration is not and will not qualify for state rebates.

LG’s Buy More, Save More

Homeowners who purchase an appliance within 2, 3 or 4 categories qualify for a $200, $300 or $500 rebate. Add a LWS3081ST or LWD3081ST wall oven and get a bonus $500 mail-in rebate for up to $1000 in savings.

Monogram’s Luxury Has It’s Rewards

Buy any pro range and hood OR cooktop, wall oven and hood and receive and instant rebate of $1,000. Add a built-in refrigerator and get an additional $1000 rebate.

Monogram’s list of qualified refrigerators appear to be Energy Star Certified making them eligible for State rebate programs.

Sub-Zero and Wolf National Consumer Promotion

Purchase a full-size (600 series excluded) built-in integrated or pro refrigerator plus any Range OR any wall oven with accompanying range top or 30″/36″ cooktop and receive an instant $1000 savings.

If you purchase 6 additional appliances you can receive an additional $1,500 in savings ($250 each). Eligible appliances listed here.

Not all of Sub-Zero’s refrigerators such as the Pro Refrigeration and the Dispenser models are Energy Star Qualified. Check your selection for eligibility in State rebate programs.

* Subject to retail participation.

February 10, 2010

Liebherr Recalls 24-Inch Refrigerators

Liebherr is recalling built-in 24-inch wide single door refrigerators due to faulty hinges that allow the door to become detached.

These 24-inch wide single-door refrigerators come individually or as the refrigerator compartment of side-by-side combinations in models SBS 240, SBS 245, SBS 24I0 and SBS 24I5. The single door model numbers are R 1400, RB 1400, RI 1400 and RBI 1400. You will find the model number on a label located behind the bottom drawer on the left interior side of the single door refrigerator.

The refrigerators, made in Germany, were sold between January 2005 and November 2009.

These refrigerators have a screw locking devices which can malfunction in a way that the door hinge pin can become loose. In the situation where an appliance is equipped with a door stopper device, the door may remain attached to the appliance despite the loosening door hinge pin.

Liebherr says you may continue to use your refrigerator if the hinge has not become loose and the door is functioning properly.

Of course, if it is loose you will want to schedule your free in-home repair as soon as possible by contacting Liebherr toll-free at (877) 337-2653 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT.

CPSC Recall Notice