Chris V,

Do you have any new product information from the Kitchen show in Chicago. What's new in gas ranges, fridges, dishwashers, etc.?

jdcalgary

JD,

I didn't go to Chicago this year, but will be going to the Pacific Coast Builders Conference in SFO in June. The newer things are "armoire" style refrigerators, where the refrigerator portion is on the top with double doors, and the freezer is on the bottom in a pull out drawer (Sears, Amana, Whirlpool).

As far as the high-end stuff, GE Monogram is finally being afforded the newer DCS designs that have been out for a year or so (better top burners and grill). SubZero, Wolf, and Miele are largely unchanged. KitchenAid now has their version of Whirlpool's front-loading washer/dryer, and they will also be coming out with a more extensive line of their "Pro-Line" appliances.

Other than that, not much else to report for now. I'll give an update after I get back from SFO.

Christopher Vaughan
Mayfair Homes, Inc.

Back from the PCBC-

KitchenAid has several new appliances-
1) Their version of the front-loading Duet washer/dryers.
2) Undercounter refrigerators
3) Smaller versions of their Briva in-sink dishwashers
4) Private-label branding by KA of Fisher & Paykel's Dish Drawer dishwashers.

I am still disappointed a bit with their Pro-Line cooktops and ranges, but otherwise, their line is very good. Until they get their act together and compete with equivalent or better product with Wolf, DCS, GE Monogram (made by DCS), Blue Star (formerly Garland residential ranges) and Jade Range (formerly Dynasty Ranges), they will be an also-ran in that category.

GE Monogram now has their version of the new DCS rangetops and ranges. The ovens in the ranges are the same between DCS and GE, but the rangetop portions have different grates, which I think the GE version is much superior, as every burner grate can be used flat for normal pots and pans, and then turned over to be used as a wok burner on all burners on the rangetop. The downside to GE Monogram is their ranges are only dual-fuel, no all-gas models available (DCS keeps that to themselves).

If you're a more hard-core "foodie" chef at home, I'd also recommend a look at the new Blue Star ranges and rangetops (see www.prizer-painter.com). Superior burners that tested out far better than DCS, Jade, and Viking in a recent report shown in Departures Magazine (AMEX elite cardholders magazine).

One real "cool" thing we saw was a new built-in coffee maker that won't empty your wallet. It's made by Lance Larkin in Portland (www.lancelarkin.com). It works with a stainless steel carafe and a water supply line like the one for your ice maker. Makes 2 cups, half a pot, or a full pot with an advance digital timer. Also provides two additional electric outlets and fits in between two normal studs 16" on center.

Otherwise, not much else to report. Since the International Builders Show (IBS) was in Las Vegas this year, not that many appliance retailers came to PCBC, including SubZero/Wolf. IBS next year will be in Orlando in January, so maybe PCBC will have more exhibitors.

Bon Appetit!

Christopher Vaughan
Mayfair Homes, Inc.

Chris V,

Almost a year later, any updates on gas ranges, refrigerators and/or washers/dryers?

jd