KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
6th April 2018
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 International News
Products Shower market shuns 'expected' Brexit blip in 2018
TKC introduces two new, easy-to-install storage solutions into its portfolio
Saniflo creates kitchens anywhere
Customised gratings create a perfectly colour co-ordinated bathroom
Endless design possibilities with Rehau's Rauvisio range
Complete collection of 73 CRL quartz and Ceralsio ceramic surfaces impresses KBB crowds
Cosentino's biggest stand ever featured exclusive VIP lounge to showcase new launches
From kitchen to living space in seamless fashion with Masterclass
Uform reflects on successful first attendance at KBB
Abacus Bathrooms, Lustrolite and Elements display innovations at KBB 2018
Keller Kitchens - Dutch design showcased with new Trend Collection taking centre stage
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I suppose it was only a matter of time, wasn't it, before a 'hit list' was produced of refrigeration products deemed to be less than 100% safe... although I must say, I was surprised at how long the list - published by 'Which?' this week - actually is. Many years ago, I found myself living without a fridge freezer for a few months over the start of the year and although I managed well in the early weeks by keeping everything in storage boxes on a table outside the back door, life became harder as the weather grew warmer. I think it was the discovery that a snail had managed to slime its way into one of the boxes and chomp off my jar labels, which persuaded me that I had to end the experiment, and I can say with hand on heart that it's not an exercise I'm keen to repeat. I'm wondering whether householders who are extra-sensitive and may now be unnecessarily worried about their appliances catching fire, will end up trying to (or having to) go without for a while until they can buy a replacement product. After all, many people aren't in the position to be able to afford to buy an appliance without having saved up for one and many of these won't be able to resort to using credit either. I also wonder whether the news will mean prices of appliances not featuring on the list will rise, because consumers will be panic buying items from these brands - and if there's too much of a spike in demand it may mean that the retailers will be unable to supply to order. Then of course, some manufacturers will see all this as an opportunity to increase market share by lowering prices to attract new customers who may become loyal repeat buyers of the brand, or perhaps offering deals which include colour-matched toasters, kettles, coffee-makers etc. as a way to grab the business. I can see some great marketing opportunities here - and am surprised not to have received press releases from companies not on the list, taking advantage of the situation, or those who are on the list, attempting to allay any fears that their products might be unsafe. AMDEA - the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances, has accused Which? Of scaremongering. You can read its statement below... Yours,
 This Week's News
AMDEA responds to Which? report on 'unsafe' appliances Following the report published by Which? on refrigeration standards which listed those companies it considered to be manufacturing products that are not as safe as they could be, AMDEA, the UK trade association for manufacturers of large and small domestic appliances which represents over 85% of the domestic appliance industry and nearly 90% of white goods brands, has issued the following statement: "Consumers should be reassured that all appliances on the market have to be safe and tested to the rigorous safety standards prevailing at the time. These standards are continuously revised or improved, but this does not mean that a previous generation of products is unsafe. Uform unveils four cutting-edge door designs and more colour choice
Aldana is the new skinny shaker style door which is constructed from a solid ash frame and veneered ash centre panel. A modern twist on the classic shaker, Aldana is available ex-stock sanded and can be painted to order from a palette of 27 colours on a 10-day lead time. Colour matching is also available. Sold out! Sirius Buying Group 2018 International Conference
Set to be the biggest conference to date, 2018's up-take smashes last year's attendance, with Sirius hosting a full party of 140 delegates: made up of group members and their respective business partners, plus key delegates from group Approved Suppliers. Blanco Durinox is the ultimate innovation in stainless steel
Resistant to scratches and fingerprints, the velvety-matt surface can be integrated with the new Blanco Zerox range of sinks which are also available in a Durinox surface. New wood finish for Crosswater's Glide II bathroom furniture
Drawing upon the trend for natural surfaces, the latest design's genuine wood veneer introduces a touch of rustic style to bathrooms in a practical and streamlined storage solution. Keller Kitchens for the best delivery times
Hudson Reed gains CE marking approval for its entire heating range
Being fully CE certified means retailers and their customers have the peace of mind knowing that all products within the range have been independently tested and approved as safe according to their respective standardised regulations. Stoves extends Mini Range collection to meet demand: New appliances feature Bluetooth connectivity
Stoves has applied its timeless and traditional Richmond range cooker aesthetic to four new 60cm freestanding cookers, offering Ceramic, Dual Fuel, Gas, and Induction options - all with large touch-control LED programmer, full-width grill pan, easy-clean enamel interior, and an AA energy rating. Hoover bolsters cooking portfolio with Vogue Premium Collection
Designed to perfectly match one another, the appliances can be banked vertically or horizontally to create a high-end aesthetic in the kitchen. The Collection been developed for consumers who have a keen eye for style and want to cook restaurant-quality food in their own home. VitrA already victorious in 2018 with flurry of design awards to celebrate
VitrA's gold prize winner was the Stix ceramic tile range (pictured), which has a natural stone appearance that will never go out of style. Several ranges created by the VitrA Design Team also won iF awards, including the Sento bathroom range (pictured) and the Suit brassware range. Tech-slate tiles range also received iF awards, as did the exhibition containers that VitrA used to display its new products and highlight its sustainability approach at the 2018 Unicera fair. New intelligent voice and motion-activated recycling bin offers total control
Designed by Simplehuman, this new bin in fingerprint-proof, brushed stainless steel enables you to throw rubbish away quickly and efficiently. This hassle-free solution also features a motion sensor, which will simply open at the wave of a hand. Shop Blanco products with brand new 2018 brochures
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