iRobot narrows its loss

IRobot  reported a fiscal fourth-quarter net loss of $63.6 million, or $2.28 a share, compared with a net loss of $84.1 million, or $3.07 a share, in the same quarter a year ago. Adjusted earnings were a loss of $1.82 a share.

Revenue dropped to $307.5 million from $357.9 million in the year-ago quarter Shares of iRobot have plunged 71% over the past year, Last month, Amazon.com called off its planned acquisition of iRobot following opposition from the European Union. IRobot also said it would lay off 31% of its employees, or about 350 people, and that its chief executive, Colin Angle, had stepped down

Whirlpool Partners With BORA To Bring Induction Downdraft To US Market

Whirlpool announced they are joining forces with cooktop downdraft specialist BORA to introduce an induction downdraft cooktop line into the North American market. The news, announced on the eve of kitchen industry’s annual trade show in the Las Vegas, marks the first time a major appliance company has targeted an induction downdraft appliance lineup for the US and Canada.

The announcement comes at a time when induction cooking is starting to finally make inroads stateside. America’s love affair with gas cooktops have kept US adoption of the technology lagging behind that of Europe and other regions, but the design appeal, health benefits, and a slow but steady spread of local restrictions around gas cooktops in new build construction (even as some of these restrictions have been overturned) have led to an uptick in adoption of a technology introduced almost a century ago.According to Whirlpool, the new induction downdraft enabled cooktops will be available in the JennAir and KitchenAid brands in North America starting in the second half of 2025

Gas stoves emit nanocluster aerosol that may get deep into your respiratory system

Cooking on your gas stove can emit more nano-sized particles into the air than vehicles that run on gas or diesel, possibly increasing your risk of developing asthma or other respiratory illnesses, a new Purdue University study has found.Based on these findings, the researchers would encourage turning on a kitchen exhaust fan while cooking on a gas stove.

The study, published in the journal PNAS Nexus, focused on tiny airborne nanoparticles that are only 1-3 nanometers in diameter, which is just the right size for reaching certain parts of the respiratory system and spreading to other organs

Currys rejects second takeover offer from US firm Elliott

Currys has rejected a second takeover approach from US firm Elliott, saying the offer “significantly undervalued” the electronics chain.

Elliott valued the retailer at around £757m, up from its initial £700m valuation earlier this month.

The US company is up against Chinese rival JD.com which has also expressed an interest in buying the British firm

LG UNVEILS ADVANCED AND CUSTOMIZABLE HOME SOLUTIONS AT KBIS 2024

LG Electronics (LG) is unveiling an evolved, fully-integrated home experience at the 2024 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas. Upon entering LG’s booth, visitors will encounter the new Signature Kitchen Suite Transitional Series built-in kitchen package, developed in response to the growing popularity of both transitional and contemporary kitchen designUpon entering LG’s booth, visitors will encounter the Signature Kitchen Suite zone, which boasts a stylish selection of the premium built-in brand’s latest kitchen appliances. Among them is the new Signature Kitchen Suite Transitional Series built-in kitchen package, developed in response to the growing popularity of both transitional and contemporary kitchen design.

With subtle aesthetics that help complete a luxurious kitchen look, the Transitional Series offers a sophisticated and velvety matte-stainless-steel panel option and introduces thin yet easy-to-grip handles. The showcased appliances from the Transitional Series include the wine column fridge, under-counter wine cellar, under-counter drawer fridge, 30-inch fridge, dishwasher, 36-inch insert hood, induction oven and wall oven. Visitors can also see sleek solutions from other Signature Kitchen Suite lineups, including the panel-ready Pro Series collection, and the brand’s space-efficient compact-size packages

Newest innovation from whirlpool family of brands!

Whirlpool firlt the newest innovation from the Whirlpool family of brands,at KBIS

This KitchenAid® 6.4 cu. ft. 30-inch 4-Element Induction Slide-In Convection Range combines the precision of induction with the power of Air Fry. Sensor-induction cooktop generates heat directly within cookware, and the oven features Even-Heat™ True Convection plus air fry mode, with an included dishwasher-safe air fry basket that aids in crisping and browning
Maytag® gas slide-in range offers a lot of hardworking features to handle the cooking for you in the kitchen. Air Fry crisps up your favorite foods, true convection oven makes delicious baked goods and Power Preheat gets you to dinner fast
Elevate your kitchen style with the new Flush Built-In Microwave* that blends in with standard depth cabinets. Simplify cleanup thanks to the smooth, flat interior of this microwave without a turntable. Fit everyday items, including a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish, in this 1.1 cu. ft. microwave. Plus, get effective ventilation and an easy-to-clean microwave exterior with Hidden Venting.
SlimTech™ insulation technology also unlocks additional consumer benefits.

Increasing the thickness of SlimTech™ insulation walls can reduce thermal conductivity, allowing a refrigerator to be up to 50% more energy efficient.
SlimTech™ can keep food fresh for longer by reducing temperature swings from door openings by cooling up to 30% faster.
SlimTech™ insulation technology will enable more interior customization via metal interiors with cleaner angles that eliminate the need for the molded plastic interiors common in today’s refrigerators.
Fewer compressor cycles are needed to maintain cool temperatures, meaning SlimTech™ refrigerators deliver even quieter refrigeration

Midea ups global investment

Chinese home appliance maker Midea Group will increase investment in localized research and development, and expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

The move is part of Midea’s strategy to grow new sources of revenue and make its brand influential abroad.Midea started as an OEM or original equipment manufacturer at the early stage in North America, but determined to develop company-owned brands in an attempt to enhance its core competitiveness globally. Currently, Midea’s household air conditioners command a 60 percent market share in North America.

Hoshizaki America grabs 25% stake in rival refrigeration manufacturer

Hoshizaki the Japanese firm has paid $28m for an initial 25% stake in Fogel Company following a deal conducted through its US subsidiary.

It intends to increase its investment over the next three years until it has gained a 51% shareholding in the business, mirroring the approach it took when purchasing European manufacturer Ozti previously.

Panama-headquartered Fogel has been trading for more than 55 years and is one of the largest fridge makers in the Americas region.

Its 27,000 square meter factory in Guatemala has the capacity to build up to 216,000 units a year and employs more than 1,600 staff.