International Builders’ Show Preview: Electrolux’s New U.S. Appliances

You might think of Electrolux only for its vacuums, but the company actually is one of the biggest appliance brands throughout Europe and makes full lines of kitchen and laundry appliances. The company will be launching the Wave-Touch line and the IQ-Touch series of appliances in the U.S. this spring, with a wide range of kitchen gear.

Based on what I saw in Orlando, these new lines are all about luxury, with features like glide racks and lighting that gradually increases in intensity when you open a door. The display on the Wave-Touch appliances, like the dual-oven model shown, are blacked out except for the clock until you pass your hand in front of them. They then light up, at which point you can set them.

One compelling feature on the ovens is the “perfect turkey” function. Electrolux claims that you just put a turkey or any other poultry into the oven, insert the included probe, and press a button. The oven automatically roasts the bird at the optimum temperature; it also displays how much time is remaining until the cooking is done.

These appliances include many bells and whistles. One of the freestanding ranges, for example, has 11 different cooking modes, including slow cook, convection bake and broil, dehydrate, and bread proof (for baking bread), and the aforementioned turkey setting.

The new lines will be available at Lowe's and other retailers nationwide.—Michael DiLauro

Comments

[David Mackey]

Seems like some pretty nifty devices, though I personally will be waiting for the luxury features to become commodity.

[JB]

I saw these at my local Best Buy tonight!

[Jennifer]

I saw it at Best Buy too and loved how it looked and felt. Does anyone out there actually have the 30" gas model #EW30GF65GS? I know CR loves GE (which I was prepared to buy,) but it looked and felt junky in comparison to this range and I would gladly pay the xtra few hundred bucks if it is, in fact, a reliable nd well-functioning one.

[Jennifer]

I saw it at Best Buy too and loved how it looked and felt. Does anyone out there actually have the 30" gas model #EW30GF65GS? I know CR loves GE (which I was prepared to buy,) but it looked and felt junky in comparison to this range and I would gladly pay the xtra few hundred bucks if it is, in fact, a reliable nd well-functioning one.

[Mullic@]

Jennifer:

I have been looking at Electrolux ranges as well. I saw a posting on the GardenWeb appliance forum that had a satisfied user of the exact model you had mentioned. This user had gotten rid of a Blue Star range and was very happy with the Electrolux.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/appl/msg0314023324490.html?6

I'm kind of wishing I had the money for a Capital dual fuel range, myself. I may be able to be very happy with the dual fuel Electrolux model EW3LDF65GS.

Good luck with your choice.

[Sheila]

I'm looking to buy a gas range - and the one that the sales guy recommended was caital. Its on sale for $2898, and the part that I really like is that it has brass burners. He said that they will not heat the surrounding stovetop as much and reduce spillage from being caked on. Negative is that it doesn't have self cleaning. I'm not rich, but I want to buy a really good range and keep it forever.
Any feedback on Capital would be great,
Sheila the sloppy cook.

[JLE]

I saw this model at Lowes and immediatly changed my fantasy from the GE Cafe series to electolux. I am very curious, however, about it's manufacture. Is the new Electrolux US built in the US, and if so, by whom? Also, does anyone know anything about GE? Will the cafe series appliances become orphans with nowhere to get reputable parts and service?

[spn]

Electrolux is currently my number one choice, also over the GE Cafe. I have a question though: there is a "wave" model and an "IQ" model. I don't know what that means, IQ , and can't find any info. Are IQ models also available? I like the wave, but then again, what if something goes wrong and it doesn't work right? Then you can't see any controls.......the model I saw at Best Buy had a demo wave, but it didn't work unless I actually touched the panel with my whole hand. Perhaps this was an abberation, or perhaps I wasn't patient enough to wait for my waving to be correct. But this is an issue, no?
Also, I am looking at the oven and the 5-burner cooktop separately. I also want a microwave that is also a convection, like GE Profile makes, so I will in effect have a second oven via the microwave. Anyone know if Electrolux will make one of those? I haven't been able to find one so far, even on their website. Thanks!

[Liz]

My understanding is the Electrolux has owned Frigidare & Tappan for years. They have been popular in Europe and are now trying to compete in the US with Wolf & Viking for the luxury appliances.

[FAUguy]

I went to Lowes last week and saw all of the Electrolux units (dishwasher, electric freestanding range, microwave, and fridg). The wave-touch is the newest, IQ is being discontinued. My 2 year old GE Profile dishwasher (PDW7300JCC) has had a lot of problems, and we're looking to replace it. It's a tough choice between Bosch and Electrolux. I would like to see CR rate the new Electrolux EWDW6505GS dishwasher, and its a few hundred less than the top-of-the-line Bosch.

[Bill Harrison]

We have purchased the full line of Electrolux Appliances for a kitchen we are remodeling. I work for a U.S. Subsidiary of an Italian company. In my travels to Europe, it is very apparent that they know how to do a quality kitchen. Electrolux's parent company is a few miles from our headquarters in Padova, Italy (near Venice) and my italian colleagues have all consistently said that Electrolux Appliances have OUTSTANDING quality. We love the look but when I heard this from my colleagues it convinced me to take the leap. Not installed yet so this opinion is based on research only.

[KatyaG]

I just purchased an Electrolux side by side fridge. It's beautiful, quiet and I love the steel (instead of the ugly black) sides that are on most SS side by sides. Having trouble with the ice maker though. The first one was cutting/shaving plastic from the part that turns the auger and depositing them into our glasses, ick. Repair people replaced the icemaker part, but the 2nd one did the same thing. Hubby figured it out and filed down the sharp metal housing that was doing the shaving. Worked fine for a week but now the auger is squeeling. Will call for repair again. Other than that, I love the large shelves, unhampered by space hogging plastic borders that eat into most other fridge shelves sq. footage. Nice drawers, spacious and lots of door bins. Dislike the small ice cubes that dispense all stuck together and melt too quickly. Will report more on the icemaker troubles.

[Joan Sere]

I am looking at the Electrolux gas range, Model EI30GF55GS. I read that this model is being discontinued. Is there a disadvantage to buying this IQ model or should I go with the WAVE model. Really don't want a second oven and I like the black top rather than the stainless one. Please help!

[Carla Forgione]

I currently have a kenmore that I love, yet I am redoing my kitchen and am a sucker for the latest trend, besides I have white and I am going black. The boiling water quickly on the electrolux commercial kind of stuck with me, When the current kenmore elite's seem flimsy, I started looking at the electrolux line. One salesman said the wave had the quickest burner in the industry on the market right know, I don't know the specs, but everyone has priced it the same $2000. The oven looks lovely, the shelves literally glide gently in and out and there is alot of room in this oven. The second oven, I would call it a warmer for maybe a platter, or a lasagna pan Maybe I'd try brownies in it. It won't hold much. I tried the wave panel on the slide in model and it seems to light up, I have looked around at sears.com and there were no reviews for this. The other electrolux $1700, seemed lesser quality, you have to really push the buttons like on the kenmore, etc currently. I was not interested when for a couple of hundred dollars more I could get the better stove.

I did see a review for a convection/micro range hood on sears.com for electrolux. It wasn't pleasant.

I'd love consumer reports to offer some information on this product line.

[Walter Roberts]

Doing research and have located disturbing problems with temp/ice maker issues for the Electrolux counter depth fridge on forum for appliances on Gardenweb.com. I was hoping to find documented information on this site to confirm or deny. Also was wondering about GE Profile series fridge and dishwasher. Any information would be great

[JNHW]

There are only slight differences between the Wave and the IQ (which subsequently is NOT being discontinued)... the wave interface/controls are not lit until the console is touched. The IQ model has the exact same functionality (minus the temp probe and comes with only one easy-glide rack instead of two) but the panel buttons are displayed all the time. You're basically paying $300+ for a shiny all-black control panel whose buttons light up.

We will be shipped the IQ range, fridge, dishwasher and hood-microwave in two weeks. I noticed the somewhat flimsy nature of the ice maker myself, and hope we don't run into any problems mentioned.

Cheers

[Ronald LaFleur]

I am in the process of selecting a new dishwasher. It will either be the Electrolux EWDW6505GS or the Bosch SHX98M05UC. Has anybody done a comparison between the the two, have heard them run, or seen some reviews? Other than questionable drying of the Bosch, it's major attribute over the Electrolux is it is 3dBA lower. Is it discernlble difference at a 45dBA base level? The Bosch's EF factor is lower because it doesn't heat the drying air (no heater). The Electrolux gives you the option whether to heat the drying air or not.

Thanks
Ron

[FAUguy]

I just received my Electrolux Wave-Touch EWDW6505GS dishwasher 2 days ago.
So far it is the best dishwasher I have owned, and is better/quieter that the GE Profile it replaced.
I can hardly hear it filling with water and no longer have to hear the "whistling" sound the GE made. When the wash/rinse cycles are running, you can "slightly" hear the water hitting the dishes, but it sounds almost like a "soft rain". The Motor and Pump are completely silent (I can't hear them at all).
Under the "Normal Wash" (which I'm using to begin with) there is a setting for "Air Dry On/Off" and "High Pressure On/Off".
I turned the Air Dry On (which turns off the heated dry to save electricity), and turned the High Pressure On, so that more water pressure is used to clean the dishes (the high pressure option adds about 1% more noise, but is still very quiet).
Using the Cascade 2-1 Packs (that have the Dawn gel in them) and Cascade Rinse Aid, the dishes, silverware, and glasses came out clean and dry. The only problem was with plastic items (cups, containers) as the air drying still leaves them damp, but the GE did this as well. I don't mind towel drying the plastic stuff, as it cuts-down on the electricity used.
I did remove some of the extra baskets that were in there, since we don't use them all, and to free up more space for dishes and glasses.

Even though it's twice the price of the GE used that we had (PDW7300JCC), it the Electrolux is much better quality and is extremely quiet.

We were debating to get this unit or the Bosch, but decided to get the Electrolux since we like the overall look better, and the way the racks are laid out.

I hope C.R. does a review/rating of this dishwasher.

I'll post an update after a few weeks of use.

[joan]

Thinking of buying Electrolux free standing gas range. Front top surfce looks fragile. Any comments re duribility. Also do rolloe bearing shelves go to bottom level fo large items.?

[Donna]

My husband and I are remodeling our kitchen. We are looking to purchase the Electrolux line - side by side refrigerator, electric wave touch stove/oven, dishwasher and microwave. Does anyone have the wave touch refrigerator or dishwasher? Is it worth the difference in cost over the IQ? Anyone have any problems with these items or comments before I buy?

[Rae]

I purchased the Electrolux dual-fuel slide-in range in black EW30DS65GB recently from Lowe's. It is on order(Hurry Up...I can't wait!). I will let everyone interested know how I like it afterwards. I have been looking seriously the last 6 months and my first choice was a GE Profile slide-in. Everyone said to buy GE. But I was not to keen on the'tiger paws' look of the GE Profile cooking grates. I prefer more of an orderly, squared-up look on my grates. But I did love GE's slant knob and screen look. Home Depot could not order the GE Profile with the squared grates in my area. My second choice was the Electrolux. Only a high-end local appliance resaler($2,700) and Lowe's($2,400) had the slide-in I was interested in. I was concerned there were not many reviews out there for Electrolux as they are a European company. But the one's I did read were very good. I also learned they have owned Fridgedaire for years. I think the gliding shelves are so neat! And I definitely wanted some electronics(21st Century) combined with knobs(nostalgia). I chose black as stainless steel is labor intensive with upkeep. This should be my last piece to mix with 2 satina(fake stainless)appliances;fridge and dishwasher and 2 black; stove and microwave. This Electrolux has a terrific professional look and hope I am pleased with it. I do hope I have this oven for many years to come. 'E' don't let me down!

[Jan Williams]

Does anyone know if Electrolux has any plans to unveil a french door refrigerator in the near future? I'm replacing a 4 1/2 year old Maytag that bit the dust.

[Pam]

When I was at the Builder's Show in Orlando recently, I asked the Electrolux rep that very question about the french door frig. He said that they planned on offering a french door by the end of the year. We will see.....

[Steve Holmes]

We just purchased two IQ models: dishwasher and refrigerator. The dishwasher is as quiet as they advertised but the manual even though very glossy and professional looking (in four languages) was lacking some information. This should not be the case. There is no mention of how many times the dishwasher fills with water during each cycle. I have found this information on nearly every other dishwasher. There is no mention of the “Air Dry” button’s function other than locking out of the control panel. Do you push the button to dry the load with air? Do you not push the button to dry the load without air? These questions seem rather unimportant but this model does not have an electric coil in the bottom of the dishwasher. With models that do (none made by Electrolux) air dry means to turn off the coil at the end of the cycle so the dishes dry using only the air inside the dishwasher. But in the Electrolux there are two fans, one in the bottom and one in the top of the cabinet. These blow air through the cabinet during the drying cycle. The manual does not say if this air is heated or not. The manual does not say if “Air Dry” should be on or off, and if “Air Dry” uses heat or just air. There is also no mention in the manual of the included installation materials of a gray round sprayer of some sort. Upon looking inside the dishwasher to see where this part might go, it appears that when the upper rack is completely removed from the dishwasher (for very large pots or pans) that this sprayer should be inserted in the hole at the back of the dishwasher where the upper rack tube inserts itself each time that the rack is pushed and seated into the rear of the cabinet. Should this sprayer be inserted into one of the holes (there are three holes) in the back of the dishwasher. The top and bottom holes appear to be self-closing, but the center hole does not. I find these omissions rather stupid and I think that appliances of this quality deserve more than a glossy, but very simplistic manual. My two cents.

[Jill]

Hi everyone,

I have had the full Electrolux line since April, so I can pretty easily comment:

Dishwasher: IT IS HORRIBLE. It does not clean any dish that is remotely dirty, you have to pre-rinse everything. We have made sure our water temp is high enough, ran the faucet before starting the dishwasher, used the high-temp wash feature, etc, and the dishes don't always get clean. We also notice that from time to time the dishwasher retains a putrid smell. And, lately, if we put dishes in for more than 2 days, they develop MOLD on the dishes! We have a repair person coming out today and am hoping they will return or replace it. It is quiet, but not worth it with dirty dishes and MOLD.

Microwave - Didn't care for it, seemed cheap, returned it almost immediately.

Frig - I have the counter depth model and have not had any issues with the temp or ice. We originally had the full size model and it was really noisy, we don't have that problem with the counter depth. My only minor issue with the frig is the design of the shelfs where they curve up at the sides, it creates unusable shelf space. I noticed most every brand frig has some type of edging or curve, so this is not that big of a deal, but could be improved in future versions of the frig.

Range - We have the slide in model and according to the installers, it is a bear to install and get level and flush to the countertops, but it is possible. The ovens work great, absolutely no complaints. I found the electric stove top, cycles heat on and off like most do, so the temp is hard to keep consistent. We are actually switching to dual fuel so we can have a gas stove top and we are going with the Electrolux slide-in model.

Customer Service: The one time I had to work with Customer Service, I found them to be extremely helpful and very friendly.

By the way, my appliance salesperson did say Electrolux is coming out with a french door refrigerator soon.

I hope this helps and if anyone has any questions, feel free to post and I will try and answer.

[dmdodrill]

My husband and I have started researching FL waher/dryers and are looking at the Electrolux IQ Touch line. Can anyone tell me if they have mold problems like those mentioned for other brands and do they have quirky maintenance issues that could prove a frustrating purchase? Since Electrolux is not a new manufactured brand and the FL washer/dryers have been used for many years can CR shed some light on their reliability?