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- Photo: Whirlpool
Demonstrated recently at CES 2010, the new Whirlpool Vantage washer and dryer combo allows more control by users than ever before, and the best part is that its USB port means that the machine will just get better with time as users update its capabilities with uploads designed to target specific problems. What exactly is a ‘smart’ washing machine or dryer? Well, it works like this: the machines are compatible with a smart grid, allowing them to automatically adjust their energy use according to signals sent from a local utility. Yes, it does sound pretty smart.
Getting smart
Whirlpool has committed to becoming a leader in the smart appliance field, planning to produce only smart-grid-compatible appliances by the end of 2015, and stating that the smart grid and smart appliances are the best new opportunity for energy savings.
Energy monitoring
One of the Whirpool Vantage’s best selling points is its energy monitoring. As announced at CES 2010, the new washing machine will feature a function which allows the user to monitor energy use over the course of a month – it’s great news for those trying to cut down on the amount of power they use, whether they’re doing it for the environment or for the sake of their electricity bill. The automatic energy monitoring, meanwhile, would allow the machine to deactivate unnecessary functions of the machine while still doing its job.
Fresh features
- Photo: Whirlpool
The Whirlpool Vantage machines’ most talked-about features are their LCD touch screens and USB ports, but more about those later. The washer and dryer also features LED lighting inside so that you can monitor your load more effectively, and the sparkling paint finish of both machines is sure to be a huge plus for anyone who likes their appliances to be as beautiful as they are efficient.
LCD and USB
The new washing machine and dryer from Whirlpool feature LCD touch screens that their owners can use to select temperatures, cycles, and wash times. The USB port is a first in a first-time innovation in new washing machine technology, but what’s it there for? It allows users to upload new firmware updates, and it looks likely that in the future there’ll even be an Internet connection built in, allowing users to download their new cycle options, too.
But can it wash my clothes?
It may sound as if the Whirlpool Vantage washer and dryer are a little too focused on energy savings to do what they’re meant to – get clothes clean and dry – but performance apparently won’t be compromised: adjustments will happen according to what’s best for energy consumption and your laundry. In addition, the machine has specific cycle options for stuffed toys, shoes, jeans, baby clothes and athletics wear.
The last word
The technology featured in the Whirlpool Vantage appliances is seen by some to be unnecessarily complicated, but there can be little wrong with saving energy and taking the best possible care of your laundry. Besides, it’s very possible that all washing machines will have these features eventually – this new washing machine and dryer combo is just ahead of its time.
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