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?

[FAUguy]

This is a follow-up post as I've had the Electrolux EWDW6505GS for two months now. So far haven't had any problems with it. The dishwasher works well and is much quieter than my 2-year-old GE Profile it replaced. The Wave-Touch control is nice, and is only about $100 more than the IQ touch. Using the Auto Wash setting take about 2 hours and fills 4 times. The Normal Wash mode takes about 90 min, but fills 6 times, and the Heavy Wash is about 160 min and fills 8 times. For those wanting a faster wash, there is Quick and Eco modes which take under an hour.

For the first month I used the Air Dry On option, but plastics were damp in the morning. Now I've been using Air Dry Off, which turns on the heated dry and fans for 15 minutes at the end. It doesn't use that much more electricity (haven't noticed a change in my electric bill) and plastics are much dryer.

It was a tough choice between this model and the Bosch (which cost $300 more), but I liked the racks in the Electrolux better.
So far I am happy with my purchase and will look at Electrolux again if I need to replace other appliances.

[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?

[jnic]

Our home flooded in Hurricane Ike and we are in the process of replacing the appliances that were destroyed by lots and lots of water =- I do want to comment that my Fridgidair Refrigerator and separate Freezer survived quite well but we aren't sure for how long - at this point, we still are not in our home but that's not my point at all -

I'm looking at the Electrolux Steam Washer and Steam Dryer as they can be placed on the 15" pedestals which should protect the units in case of another flood - (we are replacing six month fisher-paykel intuitive units which were fantastic but floor level) - does anyone have any experience with those - Also any other comments on the Electrolux dishwasher - my Whirlpool was also six months old and ran beautifully with no complaints (we completed remodeling our home in December '07 so everything is new) but the review from Jill in October is horrible and don't need anything to cause any problems for at least one more hurrican season - please pass on any information any of you may have on either the washers, dryers or dishwashers -

[Richard & Kathie Hampton]

30" double oven range w/wave controls.......DON'T BUY THIS ONE YET!

We purchased from the Lowes store in Shawnee, Kansas. Their salespeople have been great to try and resolve our problems. We are now on the 2nd unit. The following list problems with the first range:

Ceramic cooktop was not flat (don't confuse flat with level). My wife's fancy flat bottom cooking utencils would not lie flat. The saleperson @ Lowes confirmed that every cooktop in the store (both Electrolux and Frididare were not flat). This has to be a manufacturing problem.

Bells that sound each time a function is selected were going off during the middle of the night......and many times while you were in the kitchen but not using the range. (No, it was not a cat or dog setting off the noise)

Lock-up of bottom oven door. We cannot confirm whether the bottom oven door is supposed to lock up in the same manner as the regular oven door when "lock" is selected, but we can confirm that if your are using both ovens at the same time and you have a lock up of the bottom range........it is a big problem.

We had the second range installed about 3 weeks ago to have time to re-adjust the temp settings on both ovens (the range comes from the factory with temp settings as much as 50 degrees from actual) You must have a good thermometer to check settnigs and have time to readjust before using.

Thanksgiving day....many guests / Bird in main oven, three pumpkin pies in bottom oven. Time to remove the pies and the door will not open. We have pics of the pies once door was forced open.....filling over the sides and burned onto the bottom of the oven. All of the smoke alarms went off and the pies were ruined. Pretty much ruined my wifes dinner.

We do not know what our next move will be, other than a law suit, as we just did a complete remodel of our kitchen and the granite cooktops were cut to fit the Electrolux model.

We agree the Electrolux is the best looking range/oven and the idea of two ovens is great....we suggest you hold off on this model until Electrolux has a solution for their many problems.

Dick Hampton
dickhampton@kc.rr.com

[Marsha Parsley]

Looking at buying full kitchen of electrolux for a new home. Prices are increasing (as most brands will) after the first of the year. Electrolux is also giving a 10% discount until 7 Jan 09. They are coming out with the french door fridge in Apr, but it will not have crushed ice capability. Many of the the new french door types with ice in the door, do not have crushed ice capability. LG does have it.

[JRomulus]

We just purchased the Electrolux EW30GF65GS. It was a replacement for the Jenn-Air JGR8890ADP which broke after 10 days with what we came to understand was an all too common electronic controller defect caused by hot air vented from the oven into the control panel.

The Electolux costs more than the Jenn-Air/Maytag/Whirlpool Company products. But, you get what you pay for, and this model came highly recommended. So far, after just a week, we have come to notice the quality details built into this freestanding range.
For starteres, it weighs 260 lbs vs. 225 for the Jenn-Air. It looks and feels more solid and better built. The door hinges are a higher quality. The oven door says put no matter what position it's in. They are both double oven ranges, but the Electolux is 5.1 vs. 4.8 cu. ft in size. There are two halogen lights in the oven vs. one in the Jenn-Air. The built in probe and true European style convection mode in the Electrolux means more accurate and faster cooking. (The electrolux convection fan also has a 200 watt heating element so it's blowing hot air, not just moving around the air that's in the oven like the Jenn-Air.
The bottom auxillary oven, while admittedly smaller than the Jenn-Air's, works fine with temperatures up to 450 degrees. It is a true oven, and not just a warming drawer. This small bottom oven is electric, by the way, not gas. We use it for cooking rolls, casseroles, whatever, while we are roasting meats in the large oven.
The racks have ball bearings in them and are exceptional. The inside of the Electrolux ovens are a pretty blue color vs. the same-old, same-old gray that everyone else seems to have.

The difference between the "wave-touch"and IQ models is more than just the fancier control panel. I believe that the IQ model (55 vs. 65) does not have the probe, the bottom drawer is a warmer only not a fully capable oven, and it comes with two racks rather than three racks.

I installed this oven myself, and btw, the very first benefit I noticed was that the Electrolux was more recessed in the rear, allowing me to get this freestanding model snug, right up against the wall. The Jenn-Air had such a tiny recess in the bottom right rear of the range, that the height of the gas line coming through the floor created a two inch gap from the wall, making the Jenn-Air stick out by 2" beyond my cabinets.

All in all, we are very pleased so far with the Electrolux EW30GF65GS.

[Len]

We are looking to purchase an entire line of kitchen appliances for a reno. I had my heart set on the GE cafe set (gas range). Consumer Reports (CR) rates GE highly and I really liked the cafe look. Until one week ago, electrolux was a line that I had considered but not seriously. Then I had a chance to compare the brands side by side t a local dealer. It appears to me, while the prices are comparable, the electrolux products are higher quality and offer a lot of attention to detail - such as the pull out oven racks and the lighting features in fridge and oven. Why is there so little information on electrolux in CR?

Can anyone give me information comparing performance of the GE cafe line vx. electrolux? Thanks.

[Deb]

I am looking to purchase the Electrolux Dual-Fuel Built-In Range (model EW30DS65G). Looking for anyone who has purchased this model for reviews. Basically, am I going to have any problems...hate to spend the money and have a host of problems. What are the highlights and lowlights. Also wanted to get the OTR micro. Have some time to consider all. Looking forward to hearing from someone.

[Deanna]

I am thinking about buying the Electrolux Wave Touch Full size french door bottom freezer refrigerator. Does anyone have this and I am wondering how you like it and if it runs quietly as it will be in our kitchen/great room. I like the features and looks but cannot find much info about it. Thanks for the help.

[Kathy]

I purchased a complete kitchen of electrolux products, the IQ & Wave series and I am extremely unhappy! In one months time I am now on my third refrigerator. The temperature on the outside says 33 degrees and the inside is 42 and up. This problem has happened on all of the refigerators so far. The ice maker is ridiculous. The cubes come out with such force that they literally fly out of the machine and they come out in cubes & crushed at the same time and land all over the floor. The dishwasher is quiet, but doesn't clean the dishes and leaves the soap clumped up in the dispenser. The dishes and dishwasher are always wet (even though I have the heated drying cycle on)and because of that there is a smell in the dishwasher. The microwave works o.k., but had to be replaced because the first one came with the motor bent and made a loud noise. The oven works fine, but doesn't come down low enough to rest correctly on the granite counter tops. Would not purchase Electolux again.

[Karen Mt. Sinai]

We have read many negative customer reviews concerning all brands of refrigerators. This is very frustrating to us. At this point we are wondering about the Electrolux french door bottom freezer model EI28BS55IS or is it E128BS551S. Any help out there in refrigerator land? Please......

[WSK]

Completely remodeled kitchen this year. I wanted professional -like appliances, but couldn't justify the extra cost just to impress my friends. Decided on Electrolux because they seemed to be best compromise. They have been amazing. Slide in oven works as advertised and new counter depth fridge is outstanding- it was worth the wait. The washer and dryers have been great as well. Would recommend wave-touch for kitchen and IQ touch for laundry.

[PWS]

Save your hard earned money. These appliances are terrible. the dishwasher leaves things filthy if you can figure out how to work it. Ikea has better instructions. The refigerator is good , the ice maker is terrible, it will leave shaved ice all over your floor. Buy the Samsung refigerator and the Bosch dishwasheer. Save you money!!!!!!!!

[Carol]

Hi there, we are replacing all our appliances due to a serious house fire. I am looking at the duel fuel slide in gas range, french door refrigerator, and microwave. I have to make my decision this week and need help! I've seen serious conflicting information on here and need to hear from those that have these products PLEASE!!! Thanks!