Modern magic: high-tech appliances make your clients' kitchens more productive and efficient

Building Products, Nov-Dec, 2002 by Stephanie Herzfeld

Dacor. Available in 24- and 30-inch models, this dishwasher has a sensor that determines the soil level in the water and adjusts wash time accordingly. The dishwasher also features a delay start function, adjustable racks, and side water distribution to ensure all areas receive an equal amount of water. 800-793-0093. www.dacor.com. Circle 196.

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Whirlpool. The Polara 30-inch refrigerator range allows homeowners to refrigerate and bake meals all in one unit. The Polara sets cook start and stop times for up to 24 hours. The refrigerator compressor is located under the oven cavity where a traditional range has a storage drawer. 800-253-1301. www.whirlpool.com. Circle 195.

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HIGH-TECH APPLIANCES

Maytag. In addition to a third bottom rack, the Jetclean II dishwasher has a turbidity sensor that senses soil and detergent levels and adjusts accordingly. The Energy Star-rated dishwasher features semi-integrated controls, adjustable racks, and foldaway tines. Jetclean II is available in stainless steel, white, black, and bisque. 800-688-9900. www. maytag.com

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Thermador. ZoneSmart burner technology, available on the 45-inch ceramic electric cooktop, senses cookware size, selects the appropriate heat element, and turns itself off when the cookware is removed. The cooktop features a touch-sensitive mono-control system and elements with individual warming capabilities. It comes in black, white, or stainless steel. 800-656-9226. www.thermador.com Circle 197.

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Jenn-Air. Luxury series refrigerators feature variable speed compressors that sense temperature fluctuations and adjust the temperature accordingly They also have defrost systems that learn use patterns and defrost at times of lowest use. Other high-tech features include a power interrupt indicator, a water filter indicator, ClimateZone drawers, and an open door alert. 800-536-6247. www.jennair.com

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KitchenAid. Sized to fit a 42- or 48-inch cabinet, the Briva in-sink dishwasher is a double sink with one side housing the dishwasher. It features a removable rack and spray arm for easy transformation into a fully functional sink and a cutting board that can be attached on top to create an instant workspace. 800-422-1230. www.kitchenaid.com. Circle 198.

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GE Appliances. The Profile wine chiller features electronic touch controls, red and white wine settings, custom settings, a digital readout, and an interior light that illuminates with a touch. Other features include a bowed triple glass door, five chrome shelves, and vertical storage room. The wine chiller is available in two colors 800-626-2000. www.geappliances.com, Circle 199.

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Amana. A built-in voice memo function on the Messenger refrigerator allows family members to record voice messages for each other. The unit also alerts owners when the water filter needs changing and how long the refrigerator was off during power outages. SideGlide shelves, an up-front water dispenser, and a temperature-controlled beverage chiller also are included. 800-843-0304. www. amana.com. Circle 200.

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Sharp. Lightweight and less than 2 1/2 inches thick, the Aquos flat-panel liquid crystal display TV is geared for the kitchen and offers elegant design and high picture quality, says the maker. Aquos TVs come in 13-, 15-, and 20-inch sizes and can be placed nearly anywhere in the home. Under-cabinet mounting brackets also are available. 800-237-4277. www.sharpusa. com. Circle 201.

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Kenmore. The combination microwave toaster combines a 0.9-cubic foot 900-watt, microwave with a two-slice toaster. The product features a top-mounted electronic touch control; six automatic cook settings; three-stage cooking for the microwave; lightness and darkness settings; and control keys for the toaster. 800-349-4358. www.sears.com Circle 202.

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Wolf. This built-in oven features a rotating glass electronic control panel for easy operation and a clean minimalist look, says the firm. The oven offers baking, roasting, broiling, convection baking, convection roasting, and convection broiling modes. It is available in stainless steel, carbon stainless steel, and platinum stainless steel finishes. 800-222-7820. www.wolfappliance. com. Circle 203.

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Bosch. The Twist touch-and-turn removable dial on the NES electric cooktop is held in place by a magnet under the ceramic glass. The user selects the desired element on the touch-through glass panel and then with a rotation of the dial, sets the power level. The NES cooktop is available in 30- and 36-inch models. 800-866-2022. www.bosch appliances.com. Circle 204.

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A survey by the National Kitchen & Bath Association of 1,000 kitchen Designers found that 64 percent of their clients want new technologies and innovations in their kitchens.