The Hindu Business Line : What does your washing machine say?

Sample these: Refrigerators that run on battery during a power failure or those that can be opened with your foot if you are holding dishes in both hands; air-conditioners that simultaneously purify the air; washing machines that can be loaded with clothes and forgotten about till they tell you the washing is done; and hi-tech burners for that perfect heating.

Hi-tech appliances from companies like Electrolux, LG and Samsung promise to banish drudgery and add a dash of fun to household tasks. These innovative gadgets, along with the growing purchasing power of the Indian middle-class, promise "no mess, no stress" in your daily chores.

Making life easier

Salil Kapoor, Marketing Head, LG Electronics India, says, "For today's women balancing work and home, getting the right home appliances is important. And LG products are designed to preserve energy, simplify daily chores and utilise time effectively."

The company has brought out a range of tele air-conditioners that can be switched on by means of a phone call from anywhere; so you can return from work to a house that has been chilled just right!

Other interesting products include microwave ovens with features like Indian auto cook and diet cook; the `Fuzzy Logic' washing machine with smart sensors that automatically detect the laundry load and adjust water levels; frost-free refrigerators with built-in FM radio tuners; and a dishwasher with triple-arm spray for effective cleaning.

Ravinder Zutshi, Director - Marketing and Sales, Samsung, feels lifestyle changes have enhanced the aspirations of urban and semi-urban consumers.

"Samsung washing machines with silver-nano technology can remove 99.9 per cent bacteria."

Its microwave ovens come with a patented Bio Ceramic enamel coating that produces less oxidation and retains essential vitamins in the food. It also aids faster cooking and gentler, faster defrosting.

Special kitchen gadgets

Electrolux's Oxigen Hoods is an electronic chimney that absorbs unwanted smoke, oil and grease odours from the kitchen, while the Nutrition Hob with its triple-ring burners produce concentric flame rings for uniform heating.

The two products have been packaged together as `Hobs & Hoods' and are available in glass and stainless steel finishes. These `built-in' kitchen appliances are ergonomically designed. The multi-speed motor in the hobs prevents overheating as well as fire hazards.

Gurpreet Singh, branch manager at Electrolux's Gurgaon outlet, says new and inventive products have generated considerable interest among women. The hoods are available between Rs 6,990 and Rs 27,990 and Hobs between Rs 12,990 and Rs 22,990. The combo is priced between Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000.

Though the average consumer feels that the prices are on the higher side, Kapila says, "Conveniences always come at a cost. But the value derived from these products will always be higher than its cost or the electricity consumed by them." .

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