As a side effect of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, home appliance manufacturers such as Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) and retailers like Lowe's (NYSE:LOW) or Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) may profit from a new trend in purchases as people stock up on the freezers needed to store extra food during and after the outbreak.
According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, or AHAM, pandemic buying has boosted deep freezer sales by approximately 45% year over year during the first quarter. Anecdotal evidence from appliance store owners supports the figures. As The Spokesman-Review reports, Ryan Holzapple, a manager at Fred's Appliances in the Spokane, Washington area, says about freezers, "We usually sell about 200 a month. In March, we sold 800."
Image source: Getty Images.
Another appliance store owner near the opposite coast, Paul Syktich in DuBois, Pennsylvania, told the Courier Express that both chest and upright freezers are selling out as rapidly as they arrive at his store, remarking, "Everybody's stockpiling meat and they are figuring out they need a bigger freezer."
According to research by the NPD Group, COVID-19 ignited massive demand increases for other appliances besides freezers between March 15 and April 28:
Appliance Growth (YOY) Air purifiers 144% Water filtration equipment 152% Soda machines 283% Cleaning devices 284% Bread makers 400% (approx.) Electric pasta makers 462%
Data source: NPD Group. YOY= Year-over-year.
The NPD Group also notes over 80% of American households currently have baking materials like flour, butter, eggs, and milk stockpiled, driving demand for appliances to turn these ingredients into finished foods as people eat at home to avoid the coronavirus.
During the Whirlpool first-quarter earnings call, CFO Jim Peters noted that its sales product mix shifted in the direction of large appliances due to "selling more freezers, microwaves and lower-end refrigerators."
Watch Full Coronavirus Coverage - May 12 | NBC News Now (Live Stream)
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - Household Appliance in Marquette is able to be operational under the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order.
Sales of appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and ovens are allowed, as these appliances are deemed essential items. But, furniture sales are not permitted under the order.
The store is open seven days a week, limiting hours from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
While appliance purchases are permitted, changes needed to be made to delivery service.
"At this moment, with the COVID-19 restrictions, we are not allowed to go into people's homes," said co-owner of Household Appliance, Steven Anderson. "So, what we are offering people is, on the dock side we will help them load it onto the vehicle or we are offering curbside delivery to their drive way."
Household Appliance is also offering sales of appliance parts under the order.
Staff is hoping to be granted permission to service the products it sells under the order.
For more information on the store, visit the Household Appliance Marquette website.
Some things just taste better at restaurants, and steak is usually at the top of that list. Now, a promising new appliance could help you achieve the flavor of restaurant-quality beef in your own kitchen using the process of dry-aging.
Primo Ager is a fully automated and self-regulated fridge specifically designed to dry-age the best cuts of beef. The interior is outfitted with a high-powered airflow system that circulates around every steak, drawing out moisture to concentrate flavor. A large-capacity compressor, jet booster and condenser work in concert to ensure all the meat within gets the proper oxygen exposure. It even has a special light which emits invisible UV-C rays to naturally kill any undesired pathogens that might begin growing.
More from Robb Report
If that sounds like a lot of tech for a few hunks of beef, it is. So why go through all the trouble? What exactly is dry-aging and why is it so prized?
"An unsexy way to explain it is that dry-aging, in a nutshell, is a controlled decay process," butcher Katie Flannery told Robb Report last year. "You're exposing the subprimals to oxygen, which allows natural enzymes within the meat work," she says. "They're aerobic bacteria, so they need oxygen to survive. They come alive and start breaking down the molecular bonds of meat." This process is what imparts the rich nutty notes and buttery texture.
And Primo Ager takes maximum advantage of every inch of space to satisfy even the biggest carnivores. Though it only occupies three square feet of floor space, it can house a whopping 100 pounds of meat without sacrificing the air flow around each piece. And because it monitors every function 24/7, the appliance nimbly adjusts the humidity level, light and temperature all on its own. An app that comes with the Primo Ager alerts you when a given cut is primed and ready to cook, eliminating any guesswork.
Story continues
But how about those who aren't inclined to enjoy quite so many ribeyes? All of the same features that make it such a superb meat locker translate beautifully to both cheese and even wine varietals.
Best of Robb Report
Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
How to DRY AGE BEEF AT HOME Properly - 45 Day Aged Bone in Ribeye
New Delhi, May 10 (PTI) Big screen TV sets, large volume refrigerators, home theatres and dishwashers are now gaining traction, thanks to CODID-19 induced lockdown, according to home appliances and consumer electronics manufacturers.
Many companies, including Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, Whirlpool of India and BSH Home appliances, in the country are getting enquiries from people confined in their homes about such products.
The manufacturers also expect increase in sales of vacuum cleaners and grooming products like electric shavers and trimmers as salons are closed and people may tend to avoid such places even post lockdown.
'Indians are gradually adapting to the new lifestyle. Restricted within the confines of their homes, people are making the best use of their electronic companions (appliances) to support themselves in their daily chores. Therefore, appliances catering to cooking, self-grooming and cleaning will be in huge demand,' Panasonic India & South Asia President & CEO Manish Sharma told PTI.
According to Sony India Managing Director Sunil Nayyar, during the Lockdown, TV viewing has almost doubled and suddenly people are realising to upgrade their TV viewing experience along with a better sound system.
Also as movie halls would be closed for another six to eight months, consumption of OTT contents is expected to rise on large screen TV sets along with home-theatre systems and people would certainly need good equipment.
'Urge to upgrade has been considerably strengthened in the last 46 days (Lockdown). This is the time for realisation, when you need better visual experience through TV both in terms of picture and sound. Sales of Home theater would also increase,' Nayyar said.
Products such as dishwashers, limited only to key metro markets, is one of the most enquired categories, as people have realised its importance in the absence of their household help under the lockdown.
'We expect to see a surge in demand for dishwashers among consumers once the lockdown is lifted. We have already started receiving a lot of enquiries and booking for dishwashers. These orders will be fulfilled as and when the lockdown is lifted in respective regions,' said BSH Home appliances MD & CEO Neeraj Bahl.
Consumer electronic maker Samsung, which has already started pre-booking of its products, has received queries from consumers across the country for upgradation of TV and digital appliances.
'Many, including those in tier-II and tier-III cities as well as rural areas are wanting to buy bigger Smart TVs, 5in1 Smart Convertible Refrigerators and Hygiene Steam washing machines, as their needs are changing. These consumers want to upsize once the lockdown restrictions are relaxed,' Samsung India Senior Vice President, Consumer Electronics Business, Raju Pullan said.
Moreover, 300-litre and above refrigerators are also in demand as people are preferring to store foods in large quantities in the eventualities of any such future lockdown kind of situation.
'The ongoing pandemic has also changed the way we store essentials/ food items for long-term usage. Stocking up on essentials, frozen and ready-to-eat food items in large quantities has been the new norm amongst Indian households. Owing to this, we expect the demand for refrigerators to rise across India with frost free/ multi-door or, high capacity refrigerator range driving sales in the metros/ tier 1 cities and single-door range gaining traction in the tier II & III regions,' said Sharma.
In addition, the appliances companies have also witnessed queries regarding several kitchen appliances and food processors as restaurants are closed and people would continue to avoid them for initial months after lockdown is lifted.
'Absolutely, we already see lot of request for kitchen appliances like mixer grinder, cold press juicer, food processor and hand blenders,' said Bahl.
'We have seen a big rise in searches for home made recipes, healthy grilling recipes, indulgence recipes, easy cook recipes and of course small domestic appliances that can help make it all. Combined with this are larger perception shifts that the lockdown has bought amongst all of us as we all have started valuing these appliances way more now. Therefore, we believe there will be a step change in penetration for these categories,' Whirlpool of India Vice President Marketing KG Singh said. Consumers will also be mindful of managing households in preparation of future lockdowns and building self sufficiency. This is going to lead to higher penetration of consumer durables categories, he added.
Story continues
Nayyar said that work-from-home is now a new culture and everybody needs a good headphone, so that they could have a seamless communication, hence this segment is also expected to rise.
According to a joint report by CEAMA and Frost & Sullivan, the industry had a total market size of Rs 76,400 crore in 2018-19, in which Rs 32,200 crore was contributed from domestic manufacturing.
India is presently going through an unprecedented complete lockdown from March 25, to prevent the spread of the virus. The government had extended it for two weeks from May 4 with certain relaxation. PTI KRH RKL BAL BAL
A Transparent OLED TV in a Refrigerator! - CES 2020!
The challenge: When Patricia Kane bought her cozy Cape Cod in the Minikahda Vista neighborhood of St. Louis Park 25 years ago, she fell for it immediately, even though "it was the ugliest house," she said.
That ugly duckling revealed its swan-like potential when Kane removed light blue shag carpet from hardwood floors and gradually made other upgrades. But the kitchen had remained mostly unchanged, with an awkward layout and insufficient storage. There was often splashed water on the floor from the house's other occupant, Elsa, a yellow Lab who is a sloppy drinker.
Kane, who enjoys throwing dinner parties, sometimes had to scurry to the basement for supplies. Also, the kitchen lacked the natural light that bathes the south-facing dining and living rooms.
But Kane held off on a major kitchen renovation, unsure of how best to turn the small, uninspiring space into a gracious place for entertaining. "The kitchen was the worst for that," she said. "It was closed off. The room was dark."
She needed a kitchen that would allow her to be part of her own party.
The team: Architects Mark Larson, principal in charge, and Sarah Nymo of Rehkamp Larson Architects, 612-285-7275; general contractor JS Johnson & Associates, 612-201-7455; cabinetry, David Vetsch, Vetsch Custom Cabinets.
The goal: Kane's dream kitchen would be brighter, better suited for socializing, have more storage and reflect the scale of the 1941 home, which has two bedrooms and one bath on a single story. "I wanted it to be more open to the dining room and living room, and I wanted to be mindful of the scale of the house," she said. She had done piecemeal work on the 100-square-foot room over the years, but knowing that she would someday remodel meant that she lived with a mishmash of appliances and a cumbersome layout. "It didn't bring on any creative excitement for me," Kane said.
The solution: Step 1 was to remove the 30-inch door and the wall between the dining room and kitchen. "The living room and dining room were so light-filled," Nymo said. "Widening the opening between the kitchen and dining room added an abundance of light to the kitchen." It also allowed Kane to see into her entertaining spaces while cooking. The window over the sink was enlarged, offering a better view of the patio and more light. Shelves flank the window, which provide storage without blocking light as solid cabinets would. Creamy white cabinets and honed granite in a soft mossy green help keep the space light and airy.
Swapped spaces: A broom closet was so deep and awkward that Nymo ultimately decided it wasn't useful in the kitchen. That storage space was repurposed as a linen closet with doors in the hallway behind the kitchen. The move meant that the previous linen closet, across from the back door of the kitchen, could be converted to appliance storage. That kitchen door was widened to provide easy access to what Nymo calls "an overflow kitchen." The cabinetry behind a trio of doors holds an appliance pantry, the microwave and a large drawer for cleaning supplies that is tall enough for paper towels to stand upright.
Smoothie station: Kane starts each morning with a smoothie, so an efficient space for making them was important to her. A section of the appliance cabinet was designed with that in mind. A blender sits on a small countertop, and shelves directly above it organize the rest of her smoothie supplies, all of which are hidden behind a door.
Efficient design: When the wall was opened to the dining room, the range needed a new home. It was moved to the wall space created when the broom closet was repurposed. Meanwhile, the sink and dishwasher had been separated; they were placed side-by-side, with the dishwasher camouflaged behind a cabinet panel beside the stainless-steel sink. The moves allowed the refrigerator, stove and sink to be triangulated, making for better workflow. In the dining room, Nymo did away with built-in corner hutches that looked cute but didn't hold much. She replaced them with matching built-in rectangular hutches with rich walnut counters. That's now where Kane keeps her wine glasses and platters that had previously been in the basement. A cabinet between the kitchen and the dining room divides the rooms and acts as a pantry with pullout shelves.
Secret step stool: "I didn't want it to look like a small kitchen packed full of storage space," Kane said. That is why shelves lighten up the look. To maximize space, cabinets reach to the ceiling. Kane can easily retrieve items from the top shelves using a step stool, so designers found one that folds flat and built a sliding drawer for it in the toe-kick, the area below the cabinet.
Doggie dining room: Kane's dog now has her own dining nook. "Elsa is the darling of the house," Nymo said, but she often left puddles of water on the kitchen floor after drinking. That issue was solved by creating a stainless steel- and stone-lined recessed nook that holds water and feeding bowls. A drawer above the bowls has a stainless steel liner for dog food storage. "I will always have a dog in this house," Kane said, "I love that little area."
The result: Kane, who enjoys entertaining, finds herself cooking more often in her new bright and airy kitchen. "It is an easy kitchen. Everything has its place," she said. "I feel more at home in the space." She enters the home through the back door, which leads into the kitchen. "It always just feels good to be home."
October 27, 2011: Freese, Cardinals rally to force World Series Game 7
It's raining savings at The Home Depot. (Photo: Hampton Bay/Stylewell)
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Anyone that's ever renovated their home knows that The Home Depot is *the* go-to store when it comes to all things DIY and repair, from tub handles for the bathroom to lumber for your next big building project. What you may not know is that it's also a major hot spot for deals on just about everything home-related, from patio furniture and kitchen appliances to bedding essentials that will help you sleep more soundly.
Need help finding products?Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It's free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
To prove it to you, I've rounded up five of the best deals I could find at the home improvement retailer, including a ceiling fan that's 67% off and one of our all-time favorite countertop microwaves. Keep scrolling to score big in the savings department.
1. Up to 67% off: Ceiling fans to cool your home
Stay cool without breaking the bank. (Photo: Monte Carlo)
With scientists predicting some brutally hot summer days ahead, you'd do well to make sure you've got a good fan that's in working order. Through today, May 8, only, The Home Depot is offering up even greater discounts than the 40% off it's advertising on select ceiling fans as its deal of the day: This Monte Carlo Atizan 56-inch indoor/outdoor aged pewter ceiling fan is a whopping 67% off, falling from $374.38 to $125. With a solid 4.7-star rating, this five-blade design comes with a three-speed remote and features a weathered oak finish. Sizes for these fans range from 24- to 82-inches.
Shop ceiling fans up to 67% off at The Home Depot
2. Less than $75: This heavy-duty countertop microwave
This microwave is among our favorite countertop appliances. (Photo: Magic Chef)
If you've had it with toiling away in the kitchen, give yourself a break from the oven with this handy Magic Chef 1.1 Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave. Not only is it going for a great price, with the white model ringing in just under $60 (down from $69.98), it also just so happens to be one of our favorite countertop microwaves. When we tested it out, we found its reputation for being "built like a tank" to be more than accurate: This thing is built to last. It's also highly efficient, if basic, with plenty of power and space (1.1 cubic feet) to cook food thoroughly. Our one gripe? The interior light, which peters out when you open or close the door. Still, for this price point, we give it a solid thumbs up.
Get the Magic Chef 1.1 Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave for $59.98 (Save $10)
3. Save 50%: This mattress topper with a near-perfect rating
Sweet dreams. (Photo: Stylewell)
While nothing beats the Casper Mattress Topper in our eyes (currently on sale for $176 to $320, down from $195 to $355) thanks to its comfortable-yet-supportive feel and high-quality construction, those looking for a slightly more affordable option can check out this Stylewell Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper, which is currently priced between $42.43 and $79.93, depending on sizing. Normally $42.43 to $159.87, that's a discount of 50%. More importantly, however, this topper has a 92% approval rating from Home Depot shoppers, who claim it's helped with pain from various hip and back ailments. It has cooling properties that will prevent you from overheating and it comes in a compressed packaging that will be ready for use 48 hours after delivery.
Get the Stylewell 3-Inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper from $42.43 (Save 42.44 to $62.44)
4. $80 off: This gorgeous wicker conversation set
Kick back in these wicker rattan chairs. (Photo: Hampton Bay)
For those itching to get outdoors this season, this Hampton Bay Layton Pointe Wicker Conversation Set is all the excuse you'll need. More than 300 shoppers can vouch for this five-piece set, which includes a glass-top side table, two rust-resistant steel and wicker chairs with cushions and two matching cushioned ottomans. According to buyers, it's plenty comfortable and easy to build, and right now, it's $80 off its $429 price tag, dropping down to $349. Note that you will need to pay for scheduled delivery, which adds $79.
Get the Hampton Bay Layton Pointe 5-Piece Wicker Conversation Set for $349 (Save $80)
5. More than $400 in savings: This Editor's Choice-winning dishwasher
Save more than $400 on this top-of-the-line machine. (Photo: Samsung)
Don't let dirty dishes get you down in quarantine. With a $422.70 markdown on this Samsung DW80R9950UT Third-Rack Dishwasher, which earned one of our coveted Editor's Choice awards for being one of the best third-rack dishwashers around, you can tackle your soiled plates, pans and silverware without a care. Not only did we find this machine's cleaning performance to be top-notch—it removed a whopping 97% of food stains in testing—it boasts a near-perfect dry and comes with enough features to please even nit-pickers. Regularly $1,221, it's $798 thanks to The Home Depot's current 30% off appliance sale, which runs through May 13.
Get the Samsung DW80R9950UT Third-Rack Dishwasher for $798.30 (Save $422.70)
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewedcom/2020/05/08/home-depot-deals-shop-top-rated-appliances-fans-and-more-discount/3094391001/
There's something uniquely satisfying about a matching set of, well, just about anything: pajamas, bath towels, underwear. But there are plenty of instances too when it pays to think outside the perfectly coordinated box. Exhibit A: kitchen appliances. While choosing a matching refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher might simplify the buying process, there are numerous reasons one might consider straying from a single appliance source: a serious baker might have their heart set on a statement stove, for example, but consider a similarly elaborate dishwasher a lower priority (or a financial impossibility). Other times, a renovator might choose to keep an existing refrigerator, but long for updates elsewhere.
Appliance shopping à la carte may require a bit more time and research than purchasing a package deal. But with proper planning, that added effort can result in a kitchen that's budget-friendly, versatile, and perfectly suited to both the visual and functional preferences of its resident cooks. Ready to curate the right combination for your space? Here are four tips to keep handy when selecting a mismatched suite.
If you're interested in mixing brands but not materials, consider starting with stainless steel. "If appliances are exposed and the kitchen demands finish continuity, stainless steel is an easy way to go," says Brooklyn-based designer Jennifer J. Morris. "Many manufacturers like Bosch and Sub-Zero will offer stainless steel appliances with different hardware options, but most feature a simple tubular shape—so even if they don't match, the individual pieces still look like they're part of the same family." Additional upsides to stainless? "It's easy to clean, and you're less likely to encounter fussy details that will clash with your other appliances."
LG Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
$1439.00, Lowe's
BUY NOW
Bosch Ascenta Series Top Control Tall Tub Dishwasher
$629.00, The Home Depot
BUY NOW
Beko 30-Inch Professional Gas Range
Story continues
$2799.00, AJ Madison
BUY NOW
If you're coveting a specific color or specialty finish, highlight one appliance "hero." In other words, if you've been lusting after a Smeg refrigerator in candy apple red, consider choosing a stove and dishwasher with fewer visual bells and whistles (again, stainless steel may be your best bet). "Unless you're really going for an eclectic, hodgepodge look, I'd recommend designating one 'eye candy' piece, and having the rest be support staff," Jennifer advises.
Designer Diego Rincon of Diego Alejandro Design agrees. "Say you've chosen a porcelain enamel range, which is almost like a piece of art on its own," he says. "Selecting accompanying appliances with minimal or very subtle features will allow that range to remain at the center of attention."
Smeg Refrigerator
$1999.00, West Elm
BUY NOW
Nostalgie Series Oven
$4399.00, Wayfair
BUY NOW
If you're curious about mixing metals, do—but stick with two, tops. "A nice combination of materials adds allure to a home, and the same applies to kitchens," Diego continues. "But don't go too crazy. I'd limit the number to two at most."
"We're past the era of every metal needing to be a tight match," Jennifer adds. "And while I wouldn't choose five wildly different finishes between the appliances, faucet, light fixtures, and cabinets, I think a couple could work wonderfully. I love how a brass faucet might sing at the sink while the appliances and cabinet hardware work together in silver finishes." One combination she cautions against, however? "The cool shine of chrome paired with the warmth of nickel feels off in a close-but-not-close-enough way," she says. "In general, if you're not sure about what will and won't work together, visit an appliance showroom for inspiration, or search Pinterest or Houzz and see what catches your eye. It's a little like building an outfit, part by part."
West Slope Single Hole Kitchen Faucet
$1049.00, Rejuvination
BUY NOW
If you're looking to add variety but your kitchen has constraints, consider making smaller statements. Perhaps an all–stainless suite is what ultimately works best for your kitchen, but you still love the idea of incorporating a stand-out piece or two. "In these cases, focus on smaller appliances," Diego says. "There are compact vertical toaster ovens from Japan that come in beautiful finishes with leather-wrapped handles, for instance, or different types of coffee makers that can help add interest, and make your kitchen look extra chic."
Vitantonio Toaster Oven
$240.00, Amazon
BUY NOW
Technivorm Moccamaster
$329.00, Amazon
BUY NOW
Smeg 2-Slice Toaster
$169.00, Williams Sonoma
BUY NOW
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
How to Match your Countertops, Cabinets, and Floors | Kitchen Design 101, Ep1
