I hate to admit it, but there’s a reason the recent IFA 2012 tech trade show was packed with pneumatic babes gently caressing the latest charges of Samsung, Panasonic et al. Even if it was a bit embarrassing at the time.
You see, tablets, PCs, smartphones, cameras – they’re all just so darn sexy aren’t they? Just look at them, with their Gorilla Glass touchscreens and media streaming and 4G capabilities so advanced we can’t even use them yet. So much so, that I’ve sometimes felt sorry for the white goods I’m also meant to be writing about. Until recently, that is…
Back in the 1950s, white goods were boxy and… well… white. Since then they’ve gone from the dodgy avocado greens and harvest golds of the 1970s to sleek black of the 1980s and the 1990’s industrial metallic. But now things are getting really exciting, as manufacturers are calling on famous designers to give their appliances a facelift. Hurrah! Here are a few examples of those eye-catching home electricals that have hit my inbox of late:
1. LG F1495KDS6GD 6-Motion washing machine, £1,199
I’m not sure this design is going to sit so well in a Shaker style kitchen, but it’s certainly attention grabbing. This limited-edition washer has been given the bling treatment by Giles Deacon to celebrate LG’s appointment as the “Official Garment Care Supplier to London Fashion Week”. The technology inside is, to my mind, just as amazing – the machine detects the type of fabrics being laundered and then selects from the most suitable of six different motions to get your clothes clean in the most delicate way possible. Oh, and it’s way cheaper than one of Giles’ off the peg dresses. Shame you can’t wear it, really.
2. Smeg FP610SV multifunction oven, £899
Forget Jamie and Gordon – design wizard of Oz Marc Newson is our new culinary hero, having come up with an irresistible range of hobs and ovens for Smeg. Our pick is this single oven in every fashionista’s favourite shade – pistachio green. And for the practically minded, it has 10 functions and pyrolytic self-cleaning to keep it looking good on the inside, too.
3. Samsung RS26MBZBL fridge freezer, £2,999
Of course it’s expensive. It’s got swanky ‘ink-stained glass’ doors and champagne coloured handles and is encrusted with gems, for pete’s sake. Oh and it stores 701 litres of food and drink. If you’re wondering what that equates to, I’ll just say it’s more than enough, you greedy thing. I like the mini drinks bar you can access without opening the entire door, and the Twin Cooling System that cools the fridge and freezer independently, so your Ben and Jerry’s (it’s been one of those days) will be perfectly frozen, yet your booze won’t be overly chilled.
Girl About Tech xx
Girl About Tech is Ideal Home’s Consumer Editor, on the hunt for cleverest, gorgeousest tech. If it’s got the looks, the brains and a plug, she’ll write about it.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
