A refrigeraterd range — what will they think of next? Program this range to keep everything from roasts and scalloped potatoes to breakfast casseroles and pastries cool until it’s time to cook and serve. Whirlpool’s Polara Refrigerated Range is the world’s first range to have refrigeration capabilities, allowing you to prepare dishes the night before they’re needed and place them in the oven, where they’ll stay cool and fresh until the range kicks into baking mode at a time designated by you.
The cooking stops at a preprogrammed time of your choosing. If you’re late getting home, the oven downshifts into a warming period for up to an hour. After an hour, the Polara switches to refrigeration mode again for up to 24 hours.
Requiring no customized hookup or installation, the Polara is a standard-size electric range that features AccuBake Duo System sensor technology for uniform temperature management.
Available through retailers beginning in July, the Polara comes in stainless steel, biscuit and black and will retail for about $1,800. For more information, call 800-253-1301 or visit the company’s Web site www.whirlpool.com.
Multitasking part 2: The Digital Internet Refrigerator from LG Electronics chills and freezes food while doubling as a family’s command and communication center. It’s equipped with a 15.1-inch monitor and is Internet capable, allowing the user to surf and shop the Internet, leave messages for kids and spouses, keep track of what’s inside the fridge, watch television, listen to music and e-mail friends. A digital camera (included) enables you to create, exchange and print video messages and photos.
The 26-cubic-foot, side-by-side refrigerator-freezer, available late this year, makes extensive use of touch screens, a simplified graphics user interface, electronic pen and voice messaging. Use these tools to check real-time grocery prices, obtain nutritional tips and recipes, and keep track of appointments and special events.
LG Electronics views this refrigerator as the residential gateway to the home that can be used to operate a network of home appliances. The Digital Internet Refrigerator will be offered in stainless steel and will retail for about $10,000. For more information, see the LG Electronics’ Web site, www.lgappliances.com.
Dynamic duo: This pair of appliances will expand your laundering options, while decreasing your utility bills.Whirlpool Corp.’s Duet washer and dryer provide ergonomic and energy-efficient operations encased in front-loading forms.
The Energy Star-qualified washer, minus the usual agitator, powerfully but gently cleans textiles from silk blouses to throw rugs, while preventing pilling, fading and shrinking, the company says. The winner of a Popular Mechanics 2002 Design & Engineering Award, the washer boasts 28 percent more usable capacity and uses 68 percent less water and 67 percent less electricity than standard washing machines. This allows consumers to launder larger loads while saving about 12,000 gallons of water and nearly 600 kilowatt-hours of electricity per household per year. A four-sensor system automatically determines how much water is needed to wash a given load.
The dryer maintains a steady heat throughout the dry cycle. When it senses the clothes are dry, it shuts off. Optional pedestal drawers that raise units 13 inches off the floor provide storage while minimizing back and knee strain.
The Duet is available in white with dove gray or white with tidal blue. Washers with manual knobs are $999, $1,299 for electronic controls. Gas dryers are $849; electric models are $799. Optional pedestal drawers are $150 each. For more information, call 800-253-1301 or see the Web site, www.whirlpool.com.
