Three extra energy-efficient product innovations

Energy-efficient products are becoming an increasingly important product category for APPLiA members. During the autumn, several companies have launched new white goods with energy class A. We have taken a closer look at the news.

In March 2021, the energy label for a number of products was changed to the AG scale instead of the previous scale where the highest energy class was A+++. The energy label was changed for the product categories refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers as well as wine coolers and combined washer-dryers. The remaining product groups retain the previous scale.

Extra quiet energy hero from Bosch

Bosch's new two-meter-high fridge/freezer is the company's quietest yet. Thanks to sophisticated compressor technology, coordinated components and highly effective insulation, the silent appliance has a noise level of just 29 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of a light breeze, the company announces, and explains that unusually quiet fridge/freezers are especially popular in open-plan spaces and in homes that also function as workplaces on and off.

In terms of technology, there is anti-frost technology that ensures that no frost forms in either the refrigerator or freezer. Drawers in the refrigerator with close to 0°C give meat and fish an extended shelf life, and in the extra large humidity-controlled vegetable drawer, fruit and vegetables stay fresh for extra long. The airflow system is said to ensure even and optimal distribution of cold, and the Super Cool and Super Freeze functions are practical when you have done a large amount of shopping and a lot of food needs to go into the refrigerator and freezer at the same time.

Last but not least, Bosch is showing off an A in energy class for this new product, which is extra important for a product that is on 24/7, all year round – both in terms of electricity consumption and the pursuit of reduced environmental impact.

More information about the new fridge/freezer can be found on the Bosch website. here.

Tailored AI laundry series from Samsung

Samsung Electronics is now launching the new Bespoke AI Washer collection in the Nordics and says that the collection reflects Samsung's continued commitment to becoming the leading provider of intelligent and connected appliances.

– With this collection, we want to offer products that improve and make consumers' everyday lives easier. The products come with new energy-conscious and smart design features that we see fit well into our Nordic homes, where many care about function as well as design and style, says Rikard Fornbäck, Product Manager at Samsung in the Nordics.

The new AI washing range, developed in partnership with Patagonia, is equipped with solutions to reduce energy consumption and the release of microplastics from clothes. Using filter technology, the machine reduces microplastics that end up in the drain from clothes washed in the machine by up to 54 percent*. The machine is equipped with an intelligent energy saving feature, which helps users save up to 70 percent of energy use**.

The Bespoke AI Washer, which has an energy label of A, is also equipped with AI sensors that measure the weight and dirt level of the clothes to adjust the amount of water, detergent and energy needed, the company states.

*Tested with 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing synthetic cycle on Samsung conventional model WW4000T and cycle with smaller microfiber on WW7000B. Results may vary depending on clothing and environment. Tested by Ocean Wise Plastics Lab.

** Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / 4 kg load / cold Super Eco Wash (WF80F5E5U4W) vs. cotton 40°C without Ecobubble (WF0702WKU). Individual results may vary.

More information about Samsung washing machines can be found at here.

Efficient dishwashers from Miele

Miele announces that it has reduced the energy consumption of its dishwashers by around 44 percent over the past 20 years – and the company sees no reason to slow down. For example, almost all Miele dishwashers from the G 7000 model series meet the strict requirements of the new energy efficiency class A that was introduced in 2021. This is combined with a cycle time of less than four hours in the Eco program. Together with the other sustainability, performance and convenience features that characterize the G 7000, this creates a very attractive offering, Miele announces, explaining that according to the latest GfK surveys in Europe, Miele achieved a volume share of 73.7 percent in the first half of 2022 in the market for dishwashers with an A-rated energy efficiency rating.

“This is a massive endorsement of the consistently sustainable focus of our G 7000 series. To provide our customers with even better support in getting the most out of their appliances, we have now developed a new consumption panel,” says Dr. Michael Junker, Senior Vice President Business Unit Dishwashing at the Miele Group.

This new feature in the Miele app informs users of the actual amount of water and electricity consumed in a program when it is finished. The consumption panel also shows how often a program has been run each week, month or year. The deeper analysis of the data is simple and concise, for example comparing averages for all programs used and providing recommendations on cycle selection. These features will be available in the app as early as the fourth quarter of this year, the company states.

The low energy and water consumption of the G 7000 generation is largely due to EcoPower technology with intelligent water intake, optimised spray arms and a new, highly efficient filtration system. As a result, water consumption in the Eco program is reduced to 8.4 litres. In the automatic program, where a sensor detects the degree of soiling of the load, it is even possible to reduce water consumption to 6 litres.

Many customers are not aware that all Miele dishwashers can be connected to hot water with a maximum temperature of 60°C. This option is particularly interesting – and sustainable – when the hot water for the dishwasher is heated using renewable energy sources, such as solar heating on the roof. This can save up to 35 percent on average in electricity compared to a model connected to cold water. In the Eco program, savings of up to 46 percent are possible.

More information about Miele dishwashers, all of which are tested for 20 years of use, can be found at here.

Text: Ola Larsson

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