Hot Trends in Home Appliances, Part 2— Dishwashers, Washers and Dryers and Luxury Appliances—BYHYU 037

Today we have the second part of a conversation that I had Judy Bilyeu, the corporate marketing director of Metro Appliances and More.  Last week she told us about refrigerators and cooking appliances.  This week, she’ll introduce us to some the newest trends in dishwashers, washers and dryers, plus some luxury appliances. 


​Before we get to that, let’s go over this week’s pro term: Reverse Tumble 
​
​

PRO TERM:

Reverse Tumble is a feature that some new dryers have.  It helps to keep sheets, towels, and other laundry items from twisting and tangling while in the dryer. With the reverse tumble feature the dryer drum regularly rotates in opposite directions during the cycle. So the dryer may start out tumbling to the left, then it will switch and tumble to the right, then back to the left, and so on.  This reversing action not only keeps the laundry from tangling, but it also helps clothes dry more evenly and quickly. It's especially nice if you often dry lots of towels or bulky bedding.





Alright, next up is the second part of that interview with Judy Bilyeu of Metro Appliances and More.  I asked her:


​

What new features in dishwashers are homeowners currently requesting?  Do you see an increase in the use of dishwasher drawers?



​
She said dishwashers drawers continue to be a growing trend.  Fisher Paykel was the first company to come out with the dishwasher drawers.  They can be stacked one on top of the other, or they can be placed on each side of the sink so you don’t have to bend over to get to dishes.

​

DISHWASHER DRAWER [image from Fisher Paykel.com]

Many  brands, like Bosch, continue to make their dishwashers more and more quiet. 



Look for a pot scrubber feature in new dishwashers that sprays pots and pans with more direct pressure to clean stuck on food.




Many new dishwashers have a third row which is a smaller rack on the very top of the dishwasher that allows you to place baby bottle tops, silverware, cooking utensils and other small items in the dishwasher.​

BOSCH DISHWASHER WITH THIRD RACK [image from bosch-home.com]

Next, Judy told us about  the most requested types of washers and dryers.  
Front loaders are still popular,  but manufacturers of top loaders have improved their design in order to compete with front loaders.  




Maytag says that they have one the best top loaders on the market because water in the washer not only fills the tub, but water comes from the bottom and the top to increase the movement of water through your clothes, which improves cleaning.




Quick tip:  If you do decide on a top loading washer, before you buy, test the comfort of the unit by actually reaching down into the washer to see if you can comfortably reach the bottom of the tub.




Some front loading washers now have a small window that you can open so you can add an extra item to a load that you have already started.




LG has the Side Kick washer that allows you to do 2 loads of laundry at once.


​

Many brands are incorporating “right height technology” so that the washer and dryer are sitting on built-in platforms that raise them up to a more comfortable height.




Another new feature in many new washers and dryers is steam.  Steam has been added to some washers and dryers because steam is said to remove stains better non-steam options.

LG SIDEKICK WASHER [image from lg.com]

We then talked about some luxury and specialty appliances like wine coolers, warming drawers, beverage centers and refrigerator drawers.  




Warming drawers in master baths are used to warm towels.  Built-in coffee makers and espresso machines in the kitchen, master bedroom and guest bedrooms are now on trend.  Wine coolers with different temperature settings and ice makers that make nugget/crushed ice (like Sonic ice) are also being included in some new homes.




​A luxury feature that more and more appliances now include is a phone app. Smart phone apps let you control your appliances while you are away from home.





Next, Judy told us that  outdoor kitchens are the number one area of growth in the cooking industry.  Metro Appliances and More offers a huge selection of outdoor appliances, heaters and furniture.




Finally, Judy told us what makes buying from Metro Appliances and More different from buying from other stores.  She said  Metro Appliances and More is an employee owned company so its employees have a vested interested in making customers happy.  They will ask you questions about how you use your appliances and give you options that are best for your budget and habits.  



​

Special thanks to Judy Bilyeu for educating us about what new in home appliances.  You can take a look at many of the appliances that Metro offers by going to their website Metro Appliance and More.com or by stopping by one of their 9 showrooms in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas or Missouri.  

JUDY BILYEU, CORPORATE MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR METRO APPLIANCES AND MORE

Ok, you know what’s next, right?  It’s time for your quiz




QUIZ

1.  The reverse tumble feature on dryers does all of the following except:

A. Adds a fresh outdoor scent to laundry
B. Keeps laundry from tangling and twisting
​C. Helps laundry dry more evenly
D. Helps laundry dry faster







The answer is A.  The reverse tumble feature doesn't add any sort of scent to laundry.  Instead, it helps laundry dry more quickly and more evenly without tangling.






2.  What did Judy say was the number one area of growth in the kitchen industry?

Can you remember?





Outdoor kitchens are the number one area of growth in the kitchen industry.  Metro Appliances and more now carries everything you need for your outdoor kitchen, including furniture. 




Well, I hope this helped you get a few ideas about what sorts of appliances you should start researching for your new home.  



​

Please remember that the purpose of this podcast is simply to educate and inform.  It is not a substitute for professional advice.  The information that you hear is based the only on the opinions, research and experiences of my guests and myself.  That information might be incomplete and it’s subject to change, so it may not apply to your project. In addition,  building codes and requirements vary from region to region, so always consult a professional about specific recommendations for your home.




​
Thank you for spending part of your day with me.  Come on back next week, for another episode of Build Your House Yourself University (BYHYU).