BUYERS' GUIDE KITCHEN
BUYERS' GUIDE KITCHEN LIFESTYLE FRIDGES INNOVATIONS TO LOOK FOR AT IFA STORAGE SOLUTIONS At this year’s IFA visitors can see manufacturers show new storage solutions, such as separate compartments that are accessible from the exterior of your fridge with the simple push of a button. Consumers could use these type of compartments to store their most-often-used items, as they won’t have to open the main refrigerator door as frequently, letting cold air escape in the process. Another innovation from manufacturers are solutions for easy access created, which is ideal for consumers with a bad back, as less leaning and crouching to see what’s in the appliance will no longer be required. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Energy efficiency in home appliances has pushed forward significantly over the last few years, and replacement can help make sure the kitchen starts life with high performance, bringing cheaper bills and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The difference in running costs between old and new appliances can be significant. Some of the biggest savings can be found in refrigeration, which should not come as a surprise as fridges and freezers are working round the clock. There’s a big difference between an A+ fridge freezer – the current eco design minimum standard – and an A+++ LARGER CAPACITIES While American-style side-by-side fridgefreezers are common, an increasing number of manufacturers are opting to launch French door or four-door models. In the case of French door products, these are bottom-freezer models which feature spacious fresh food compartments with two side-by-side doors that open up to reveal a spacious interior. Four door refrigerators feature two separate slide-out bottom freezer compartments, which are great for those who tend to store a lot of frozen food but still want the convenience of the cabinet-style. INNOVATING @ IFA LIEBHERR: ART HAS NEVER BEEN COOLER! StickerArt is very much in fashion and definitely a design highlight at IFA. While having fun with colour is vital in the fashion and design industries, with the exclusive and limited-edition StickerArt refrigerator, the fashionable patch look is now available in the home -- for refrigerators. The design is permanently coated on the doors during a high-quality dye sublimation printing process, making the motif and the colours especially brilliant, easy to clean and durably attractive. » HALL 2.1/ Stand 201 INSTAVIEW DOOR IN DOOR REFRIGERATOR BY LG Unique LG Door-in-Door helps easy access to favourite beverages and food items by just opening the Door-in-Door. And LG InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerators let see inside without opening the door. Knock twice on the tinted glass panel and it will illuminate —letting you quickly access your favorite foods & beverages while preventing cold air from escaping. » HALL 18 / Stand 101 THE FUTURE There has been a significant amount of product development and innovation in the refrigeration market. Manufacturers have continued to add value through introducing better technologies, improved materials and advances in design. Consumers today have a wider choice of sizes, combinations and functionality than ever before, but even so the standard fridgefreezer, with one above the other, remains by far the most popular format. Consumer expectations are growing and added features are giving them more encouragement to pay a little extra. However, intense competition for market share means that yesterday’s extras are now expected as standard, and as a result consumers are getting more for their money. 42
