The
New Appliance Report from
ApplianceAdvisor.com
FRIGIDAIRE
(division of
Electrolux)
800-374-4432
Full Line Appliance Maker
2007 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Did not attend KBIS.
2006 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
No Notes
2005 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Speed Clean Dishwasher
With a speed clean cycle that promises to wash and dry in 1/2 the time.
They also load us down with unverifiable data such as 30% increase in water
pressure, or 50% less time, 20% improvement in drying performance, or "UltraQuiet".
COMPARED TO WHAT!!! Features a tall tub, soil sensor, NSF
certification. MSRP $600 - $700. Frigidaire's hired spokesperson,
Jeff Campbell, author of "Speed Cleaning" (his mother must be so
proud) suggests, "rinse
dishes after you use them and then put
them in the dishwasher" which is absolutely the worst suggestion, so one
assumes they either have no great faith in their own appliance....or simply
don't know how to use dishwashers.
30" Range with Warming Drawer
Nicely done range with in both electric smooth top and gas sealed burner
configurations, with 4 and sometimes 5 burners. Best feature is the
warming drawer at the toe kick and featuring a cute but somewhat useless
window. Because of the wide swath of features available in the model line,
pricing is all over the place. MSRP $300 - $1500.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Electrolux3.jpg
Grill Line
New 27" BBQ. Whole line now come nearly completely assembled.
Makes you wonder what it used to be like.
New Front Washer / Dryer Pair
Washer (GLTF294ES) features 3.5 ft3, 14 wash cycles, 1050 RPM spin cycle, delay
start and on and on and on. MSRP $830.
Dryer (GLEQ2152E) features 5.8 ft capacity, 7 dry cycles, moisture sensing, and
several other features. Available June 2005. MSRP $670 - $720
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Electrolux4.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Electrolux5.jpg
32" All Fridge + 32" All Freezer with 64" Trim Kit Trim Kit
A counter depth fridge allowing built-in installations. All together,
$2300. Who doesn't need 64" of refrigeration in order to keep their
victims from festering in the basement. Sure chest freezer with a lock
have always been the standby for modern day rippers, but this is simply a
beauty, with room for beer and pizza leftovers refrigerated on one side, while
seating 4 comfortably and 6 in a pinch on the freezer side. That you
Frigidaire.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Electrolux8.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2005Appliancephotos/2005Electrolux9.jpg
2004 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Beer Fridge
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/frigidairebeerfridge.jpg
http://www.frigidaire.com/products/refrigerators/beverage_center/prod_PLKU1267D.asp
Warming Drawer
http://www.frigidaire.com/products/cooking/warmer_drawers/productlist.asp
Industry first no frost freezer
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/frigidairefreezer1.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2004Appliancephotos/frigidairefreezer2.jpg
http://www.frigidaire.com/products/freezers/chest/large/prod_AFFC1466D.asp
2003 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Clear as Mud
"As part of an Electrolux global branding initiative" Electrolux has
decided to rebrand the Frigidaire line, and the myriad of brand extensions,
launch a new brand extension, launch the high-end Electrolux brand, kill the
Kelvinator brand, but keep the walking-dead brands Westinghouse, Tappan, and
Gibson. We are not making this up. The new brand list will be:
Frigidaire from Electrolux
Frigidaire from Electrolux Classic Series (new)
Frigidaire from Electrolux Gallery Series
Frigidaire from Electrolux Professional Series
Electrolux (which includes Pro-style and Euro-style
appliances)
White-Westinghouse
Tappan
Gibson
Our first thought was rather cynical: Why are the cheapest, lowest
regarded major brands in the North American market even bothering with the
trouble and expense of attaching a logo?
Our second thought was more troubling: What advantage could "Frigidaire" brand
gain being paired with the
unknown entity "Electrolux"? Frigidaire customers couldn't give
a rat's ass about "Electrolux".
The new "Electrolux" brand is being positioned as high-end
high-style. To what end does one chain the "Electrolux" brand to
"Frigidaire", the brand of mouth breathers? We recommend that
Electrolux learn from the famous American brand strategist, Jimmy Carter who
never invited his idiot brother Billy to a state dinner for a simple
reason: Why remind the world that you're related?
This is an example of Electrolux Sweden creating a "global branding
initiative" without considering the regional implications. This is
also an indication that the management of Electrolux North America is far too
weak to veto nutty "global branding initiatives".
Open letter to incoming Electrolux North America President Keith R. McLoughlin:
West Point graduate B.S. in engineering
Dear Mr. McLoughlin,
If you will have any hope of
succeeding, you must lead, not be led. Carpe Diem. Carpe Frenum.
Of course you have your work cut out
for you.
A Classic Gimmick
Frigidaire by Electrolux Classic Series is a line of appliances which
revisit the 1940's or 1950's styles with the use of non-textured high gloss
finishes and a raised classic "Frigidaire" logo. Do these details make
a classic style?
Hi-Res Image of Classic Kitchen: http://press.electrolux.us/e016xy_images/pri/hi-rez/classicSSKitchen2.jpg
http://press.electrolux.us/media.php?id=182
2002 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
New "Pro-style" style Range
This 40" unit looks Pro-ish, but Frigidaire isn't trying to compete with
Viking. The dual fuel model features 5 sealed burners, (1) at 13K BTU, (2)
at 9.1K BTU, and (2) at 5K BTU all under cast iron grates. This model has
2 ovens, a primary oven with 3 element convection and self-clean, and a
secondary oven with bake and broil capability. The all electric model
features a ceramic top with (2) 1800W elements which can be activated together
with an 800W bridge element. It also features a 9"/6" dual
element and 6" single element and a center located warming zone. MSRP
is $2400.
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2002Appliancephotos/frigidaire40gas.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2002Appliancephotos/frigidaire40gas2.jpg
http://www.applianceadvisor.com/2002Appliancephotos/frigidaire40electric.jpg
Stainless Substitutes
Frigidaire showed prototype finishes:
Distressed Brass
Graffiti Stainless
Polished Point Copper
2001 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
A Hyperactive Trademark
Department
So many idiotic trademarked feature
names (such as: TufRacks, UltraSoft, Precision Wash, Smart Soil, Ultra Quiet
Plus, Active Vent Drying Sytem, Power Dry Fan System all from just one of their
14 Press Releases) that I had to stop writing this several times so that I could
pry open my window and scream.
New Frigidaire Logo
Launch of new Frigidaire logo. It is a
modernized version of the 1955 "script logo" used in GM times.
Frigidaire Enters the Ventilation World
Five new hood models. Gallery
Professional will carry 1 new island chimney hood with 770 CFM, and 2 new wall
chimney hoods with 405 CFM. Features include electronic controls with features,
aluminum filters, and 1 unit with tempered glass. Gallery will get 2 sizes
(30" and 36") of a concealed glass sliding type with 305 CFM. That
unit features mechanical 4 speed slide control, dual lights, aluminum filters.
Internet Refrigerator
Prototype "Screenfridge"
internet facilitated refrigerator shows its face at KBIS for the 3rd
year in a row. Now in field test in Denmark, the unit requires broadband cable
hookup, and features touchscreen, television, radio, video camera. Family
members can leave video messages for each other. Probably a great package of
features, but the advisor cannot see why this equipment is bundled in a
refrigerator. In the end, we doubt that it will be.
Electric Ranges without Thermal Shock Cooking
"Next generation" electric
ranges with improved temperature control. On most electric cooktops, heat
adjustment is achieved by adjusting the time of the 100% power cycle and 0%
power cycle. This new technology eliminates this nasty burning and cooling
assault with the use of "advanced electronics". It all sounds
suspiciously similar to Caldera's "Microcycling" system shown at this
year's show. Also includes improved convection with 3rd heating
element, rounded styling, new full width frameless oven door, 86% larger oven
window, and 30% larger ovens on self clean models.
Gas Ranges
"Next generation gas ranges have
all the new features that are on the new electric ranges (above) except self
cleaning, and improved convection.
Fed Standard Passing Refrigerators
Next Generation Refrigerators. All
refrigerator manufacturers had to scramble to meet the new rigid efficiency
requirements. Frigidaire models have made improvements in insulation, hinges,
door gaskets and compressors in order to improve efficiency. While meeting Fed
Regs to stay in business, Frigidaire also added several consumer features, such
as a new water filtration system, an improved water dispenser allowing the
filling of larger receptacles such as coffee pots and kettles, a Rapid cool
feature in the freezer with increased ice capacity. Frigidaire also included a
softer design now found on all the new stuff.
See the Advisor Rant About Energy Star under the Kenmore heading
New Dishwasher
Many of the improvements made last year
on Gallery models seem to have migrated this year to the regular Frigidaire
models. All models are Energy Star, have the 5 spray direction "Precision
Wash" system which is "exceptionally quiet, highly efficient……uses
as little as 6 gallons per normal wash." Also includes, self cleaning
filter, NSF certified sanitize rinse, and delay start, "Active Vent
Drying". The top line model also has the ability to wash the upper and
lower racks separately.
Revamped Microwave Line
Revamped built-in and OTR Microwave
ovens. OTR models have 1.6 cu ft of capacity, 1000W, sensor cooking and
temperature probe cooking and lots of other stuff. The vent side of the OTR can
be ducted or non-ducted, has a 2 speed blower, included charcoal filter for
non-ducting, and 2 level lighting with a programmable automatic night light
feature. They also offer a lower end OTR for people with less money, or a
greater desire to hold onto the money they already have. The built-in models are
very similar and are installed into the cabinet or over a built-in oven using an
optional trim kit.
2000 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
All of the big 5 have press kits to help the press in writing their stories. GE
and Maytag have the best press kits. Frigidaire on the other hand has the most
confusing. This is the result of the Frigidaire branding of
"Frigidaire", "Frigidaire Gallery" and "Frigidiare
Gallery Professional" and a press kit with 12 multi-page News Releases
which repeat or cross-reference back and forth across brands. We are just so
lost, but will try our best.
Stainless Non-Pro Line
Frigidaire launched a new "Soft Look" stainless steel line. The Soft
Look is a slightly less angular, less commercial stainless steel style aimed at
the middle of the mass market. It does not have the performance of a Viking, but
then it doesn't have the price either. The line includes a side by side
refrigerator, gas or electric ranges, and a dishwasher.
Prototype Internet Enabled Refrigerator
The internet refrigerator raised its ugly head for a second year. No one can put
their finger on what the real advantages are of internet connected appliances,
and Frigidaire is no exception. Some creative thinking here is necessary to save
the concept. Do we need a multi-hundred $ feature so we can shut a burner off
from the office? Parent company, Electrolux is working on a whole house
controller to network HVAC, Security, Lighting, and Appliances, and perhaps this
is the application that will make sense.
Refrigerator Concept
The amorphously designed "Oz" styling concept refrigerator. The
Advisor does not believe it likely that the Oz will be produced for North
America, but the appliance equivalent of the "concept car" is the best
part of any show. The appliance industry doesn't do enough of it.
http://www.sthlms-reprografen.se/electrolux/72/Zanussi%20Design/Oz.jpg
Bigger Oven Windows
Gallery oven windows were increased in size 86% over the old window. If we find
out what the new size is, we will let you know.
Simmer Burners
Gallery freestanding gas ranges get a 500-5000 BTU simmer burner
Side Swing Oven Door
Gallery launches a built-in oven with side swing door. Fantastic. It always
seemed to the Advisor that the bottom hinged door solved a problem that it has
itself created; the need to rest a roast on the door as one leans over the door
to put in or remove from the oven. If there's no door in the way, you don't need
to lean over it!
http://208.155.230.135/products/products.asp?pageurl=built_in_ovens&sp=qp_built_in_ovens&model=FEB786CE
Dishwasher
Gallery dishwashers received some upgraded features like a sensor to judge
whether the dishes are clean and an optional "Sanitize" cycle
certified by National Sanitary Foundation. Also added were the "Precision
Wash" system which uses filtered water and allows half load washing (top or
bottom racks). Why would this system allow half load washing? An answer that
will have to wait.
White white ceran electric cooktop
True white ceran electric cooktop: New cooktop with a real white ceran glass.
Washer and Dryer
New Gallery washer sound insulation feature. Also 4 new models of electric and
gas dryers.
Copyright © 2000 - 2006
ApplianceAdvisor.com. All rights reserved.
Revised: May 23, 2008
