High-Tech Looks Put New Spin on Laundry

Taking cues from the technology and fashion industries, appliance manufacturers are developing laundry machines with more specialized settings and chic-sounding finishes, such as blackberry and lemongrass. Some can even tell consumers when something goes wrong.

Whirlpool Corp. in August launched its top-load Vantage washers and dryers, priced at $4,000 for the pair—the most expensive in its line. The machines have 33 different settings for clothing and other items, such as blankets and shower curtains. Settings are made using an LCD touch-screen similar to one found on a smartphone. The company says it is also introducing other models at lower prices.



Appliance makers are also coming out with new technologies that they say will do a better cleaning job. BSH Home Appliances Corp.'s Bosch Vision washing machine, priced at $999 to $1,549, has a stain-removal button as well as paddles that saturate clothing with water to evenly distribute detergent, the company says. Sears and LG Electronics Inc. are launching machines that vary cleaning motions, such as scrubbing, swinging, tumbling and rolling, to get clothes cleaner. LG's new front-load steam washer with the technology is priced from $1,399 to $1,799, while Sears's Kenmore Elite steam washer with different washing motions, slated for release in December, is priced at $1,499 to $1,599.

One appliance maker has added a feature that allows consumers to do small loads of laundry overnight and have them ready by morning. General Electric Co.'s new Profile Steam Washer, priced at $1,399 to $1,499, has a cycle that can wash clothes and remove so much moisture from them that they are ready to wear without putting in the dryer. Wall Street Journal