The Washing machine project

The Washing Machine Project, a grassroots organization that provides off-grid manual washing machines to people in low-income and displaced communities, announced today it is collaborating with the Whirlpool Foundation to deliver thousands of manual washing machines to communities and households across the world over the next five years. The work is expected to impact an estimated 150,000 people and address a significant barrier to their advancement and quality of life. Recognized by The Washing Machine Project and the Whirlpool Foundation as the ‘Global Washing Divide,’ this collaboration will focus on the estimated 60% of the world’s population–or 5 billion people–that rely on washing clothes by hand.We are honored to partner with the Whirlpool Foundation, whose legacy as a pioneer in home appliance innovation is only superseded by their passion to foster community development and improve life at home for people around the world,” said Navjot Sawhney, founder and CEO of The Washing Machine Project. “This collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets technology. Together we are set to revolutionize laundry practices globally, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for hundreds of thousands of people Divya Washing Machine Impact

At the initiative’s core is the Divya Washing Machine, the world’s first flat packable manual washing machine that allows users to wash their clothes without electricity or a connected water source. Its simple design reduces the need for prolonged physical effort usually required to hand wash clothes, replaced instead with a simple manual machine that can be used frequently and safely, saving the user up to 76% of the time compared to hand washing clothes.

As a portable unit, built with commercial-grade components and stainless-steel construction, the machine is easier to be fixed remotely and has the potential to be recycled at the end of its life.

Robot vacuum cleaners

Samsung Electronics’ all-in-one robot vacuum cleaner became successful, Chinese robot home appliance companies are on high alert and responding.

Following Samsung Electronics, Korean home appliance companies such as LG Electronics and Shinil Electronics began pouring out relatively inexpensive low-end products as they scrambled to launch an all-in-one robot vacuum cleaner. It is diversifying its products by taking advantage of wireless vacuum cleaners that it has not put much effort into.According to the home appliance industry on the 10th, Samsung Electronics’ first “Bespoke AI (Artificial Intelligence) Steam” robot vacuum cleaner has sold 10,000 units in a cumulative 25 days after its launch Consumers opened their wallets even though it was an expensive product with a factory price of 1.79 million won as a robot vacuum cleaner was able to inhale dust, clean a wet mop, automatically clean, and sterilize steam.

In the meantime, the domestic robot vacuum cleaner market , was dominated by Chinese companies such as Roborak, EcoVax, and Dreamy. While Samsung and LG Electronics worked hard on wireless vacuum cleaners, 1.8 million won worth of Chinese robot vacuum cleaners were sold like hot cakes.Samsung Electronics has recently made waves in the market with its integrated robot vacuum cleaner, which has significantly curtailed the rising popularity of robot vacuum cleaners from Chinese manufacturers.

Meanwhile, LG Electronics is gearing up to launch its own comprehensive vacuum cleaner within the first half of this year. Additionally, several local small and medium-sized enterprises, including Shinil Electronics and Kuku Homes, are also poised to introduce their versions of an all-encompassing robot vacuum cleaner.Chinese companies have faced unprecedented competition due to the participation of domestic companies. This is why they responded with a low-cost offensive by introducing new low-end products in a hurry

EcoVax’s recent meeting on the 7th showcased their commitment to expanding their product range with the introduction of four new products, including the ‘Divot T30 Pro Omni’. Priced at 1.39 million won, this model is positioned as a more affordable option compared to the premium ‘Divot X2 Pro Omni’, which is priced higher by about 500,000 won.

The ‘Divot T30 Pro Omni’ is part of EcoVax’s strategy to offer a diverse lineup catering to different market segments. The T-Series and N-Series represent their premium and entry-level offerings, respectively¹⁴¹⁵. The upcoming Y-series aims to provide an additional choice within the N-series-level price range, making smart cleaning technology more accessible.

EcoVax’s approach to the ‘Divot T30 Pro Omni’ focuses on delivering essential cleaning functions without the added cost of advanced features found in their higher-end models. This allows them to offer a competitive price point while still providing the quality and performance the brand is known for.

It’s a strategic move that not only broadens their product offerings but also caters to a wider audience by providing options that fit various budgets and cleaning needs.

Roborak is also expanding its Q series, which sells entry-level products. A case in point is the all-in-one robot vacuum cleaner “Roborak Q Revo,” which was introduced at a factory price of 1.29 million won in December last year.

The wireless vacuum cleaner product line, which has been on the back burner, is also being introduced or expanded.

Roborak recently introduced two types of wet-dry wireless vacuum cleaners called Flexi. Last month, Dreamy also released its first all-in-one wireless vacuum cleaner, “H12 Pro,” which allows vacuum cleaning and mop cleaning at the same time.

These products also apply the advantages of Chinese-made robot vacuum cleaners to wireless vacuum cleaners, solving dust inhalation and cleaning of wet cloths at once.Chinese companies have been all-in on robot vacuum cleaners, and domestic companies have been focusing on selling wireless vacuum cleaners,” an official from the home appliance industry said. “However, as Korean companies have recently entered the robot vacuum cleaner market, competition in the vacuum cleaner market will be hotter than ever for the time being, with China also looking to the domestic wireless vacuum cleaner

Matter 1.3 Update Sets Connectivity Standard for Kitchen and Laundry

With the release of the Matter 1.3 smart connectivity update, which Whirlpool Corporation has been a collaborator in developing, Matter’s footprint throughout the smart home is expanding. New major home appliances categories now supported by Matter, include microwaves, ovens, clothes dryers, vent hoods and cooktops. This update ensures consumers can find Matter-enabled appliances in every major kitchen and laundry category.

Home appliances that work with Matter will have the potential to simplify connected experiences, enable reliable connections, provide consumer choice in how to control a smart home, while maintaining privacy and security.

“Our work with Matter in the kitchen and laundry room has been focused on giving consumers the flexibility to create a smart home that seamlessly fits into their daily lives,” said Ryan Craig, Whirlpool Corporation’s director of global IoT strategy “We are excited to show the world how Matter-enabled home appliances will bring the future to your fingertips.”

Launched in October 2022, Matter is the language of the modern smart home, led by the Connectivity Standards Alliance and supported by hundreds of the world’s leading IoT and smart home companies. Products built on Matter will work with each other seamlessly and securely across platforms regardless of brand or manufacturer.

The addition of these home appliances and other device types into Matter 1.3 means that product manufacturers like Whirlpool Corporation can start to implement Matter into future designs now that the spec has been thoroughly tested and vetted.

As with all technology, it will take time for Matter-enabled devices to reach consumers’ homes – and Whirlpool Corporation looks forward to showing the world what a Matter-enabled smart home will look like.

Chinese dehumidifier manufacturer recalls 1.56 million units

Gree Electric Appliances of China has recalled 1.56 million dehumidifiers because of fire and burn risk, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The commission on Wednesday said there have been about 2,000 reports of the devices overheating and 450 fires reported, resulting in damage totaling more than $19 million.

“This recall involves 42 models of dehumidifiers with brand names Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Norpole and Seabreeze, manufactured between January 2011 and February 2014

Seb group posts sales at +7.3% in the first quarter

The small household appliances market is doing better than that of large household appliances and the figures published by Groupe Seb confirm this trend. The French leader announces sales of €1,893 million for the first quarter of 2024, an organic increase of 7.3the first quarter, Groupe Seb achieved sales of €1,893 million, an organic* increase of 7.3% and 3.9% based on published data. The currency effect remains penalizing over these first 3 months with a negative impact of €75 million, or -4% of sales, but this trend should ease over the months. The scope effect has a positive impact of 0.7% or €13 million. The latter includes the consolidation of La San Marco, Pacojet and Forge Adour.

Xiaomi launches the MIJIA 8kg drum washing machine with an embedded control

The latest home appliance released under Xiaomi‘s MIJIA brand is the MIJIA 8kg drum fully automatic washing machine. The product has been launched in China and is available from retail platforms like JD.com.

Features
The Xiaomi MIJIA 8kg drum washing machine has an ultra-thin design and a fully embedded physical knob in place of a touch screen. The body of the washing machine is 495mm thick and can be placed in smaller spaces in the home.

MIJIA 8kg drum washing machine has a simple design and can be easily operated by the elderly. It has a 95ºC high-temperature threshold and can achieve a 99.99% sterilization rate, delivering deep sterilization of bacteria in dirty fabrics. The washing machine also supports 60ºC mite removal. This enables the easy destruction of mites adsorbed on clothes at a removal rate of 100,The machine is powered by a BMC sealed BLDC motor which reduces wear and improves noise reduction. The device supports intelligent sensing of the weight of the items being placed on the machine. It then offers an intelligent water supply and optimal duration of the washing operationThe Xiaomi MIJIA 8kg drum automatic washing machine has a unique feature of supporting the addition of fabrics while the machine is already running. You can also pause adding clothes at any time. The washing machine is available in a cream color design.

Signature 36-inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator

Signature The all-new 36-inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator is sleek in style, yet full in its 26 cu. ft. capacity, so you will have no problem finding abundant space for storage.

Enjoy four types of ice, including our exclusive slow-melting, round Craft Ice™ and mini cubed ice, the Smart Cooling® Plus System to keep food fresher for longer, and Wi-Fi enabled ThinQ® technology to control your refrigerator from your smartphone.

The future of FoodTech is here to keep both your kitchen design and your food fresh.

Electrolux sustain ability report

By the end of 2023, Electrolux Group had replaced high-impact greenhouse gases from 97% of its products containing refrigerants

A global phaseout of climate-warming greenhouse gases can avoid up to 0.4°C of global warming by 2100. Electrolux is proud to be leading the cooling industry on climate action. Here’s how  playing there part.  For more information visit: https://www.electroluxgroup.com/en/keeping-cool-with-the-united-nations-35119/

Yonanas 100% fruit ice machine is now making its way to Europe

After a decade of popularity in the United States, the Yonanas 100% fruit ice machine is now making its way to Europe this appliance empowers consumers to whip up their own wholesome fruit ice creams swiftly and effortlessly, using just frozen fruits.

The ice cream produced by this device is inclusive for a broad audience, as it’s free from dairy, eggs, added fats, nuts, soy, and minimizes sugar and additives.

Designed for ease of use and simple cleaning, the machine comes in two models: Classic and Deluxe. The Classic model includes 36 ice cream recipes and is priced at €79.90. The Deluxe version, available in red and black with a stylish chrome centerpiece and a robust motor, offers an expanded recipe book of 75 ice creams, retailing at €129.90.