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Product Trend Report 46 | Kitchen & Bath Design News October 2014 the way we cook food, especially with the added emphasis on healthy eating," said Elkin. Bedard adds, "More people are also learning about and be- coming more interested in cooking with steam because it is incredibly versatile. Moisture, heat and airfow work in concert to create delicious results, while preserving foods' natural nutri- tion and delivering delicious tasting meals." This focus on health also fnds consumers looking for refrig- erators that incorporate long-term food storage features, says Steigmiller. "Consumers recognize that proper food storage can help preserve food quality, including nutrients, favor and texture. Additionally, homeowners can make the most of their food dollar by preventing spoilage and save time spent at the grocery store," he says, adding that Liebherr's patented BioFresh drawers are designed for maximized food preservation. Socially responsible designers and consumers are also pay- ing attention to energy use and sustainability when looking at products. Steigmiller says, " With the increase in social and environ- mental consciousness, many consumers are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment. The rapid growth and widespread support for this green movement will have a major impact on manufacturers, utility companies and the environment." "Sustainability is extremely important," agrees Bertazzoni. "We have an opportunity not only to save money, but to reduce our impact on the environment as well." CONSUMER CONFIDENCE As the economy has stabilized, home renovations have seen an upswing, bringing a new surge in demand for appliances. "Homeowners are investing in their homes as the economy thrives, and they are seeking out the best appliances that they can fnd to enhance the spaces they are building," says Haber. Steigmiller says that, at Leibherr, they've found that appli- ance sales are directly related to consumer confdence, which has a direct correlation to home remodeling. "In fact, 2013 saw some of the highest consumer confdence levels since pre-2007, which, in turn, has shown an increase in home remodeling," he says. Elkin adds that, with consumer confdence hitting its highest point in more than six years in June 2014, U.S. businesses are projecting continued sales growth and profts in the coming years. Last year's strong gains in the home improvement sector translated to great growth in the home appliance market, he says. "Over the past two years, we have seen that the largest increases in budgets for kitchen projects have been for major appliances. It's a great time to be an appliance company," he remarks. At the same time, consumers are seeking quality and du- rability more than ever before, says Bedard. "At Sub-Zero and Wolf, we strive to deliver a high-quality product that will last for decades, not years. That is why consumers invest in our products, because they can be confdent they are buying a beau- tiful, intelligently designed appliance that lasts," she says. Wolf's convection steam oven couples the power of steam and convection technology in one unit. New design options include contemporary black glass and stainless steel combinations in fve models. A 30"-wide unit has been added to the line, which also includes a 24"-wide oven. Cooking modes include Steam, Reheat, Auto Steam Bake, Convection Humid, Gourmet, Slow Roast and others. Circle No. 191 on Product Card Sub-Zero's line of Integrated Refrigeration merges into its surroundings with no visible hinges or grilles. Available in more than 20 sizes and confgurations for customizable design options, performance features include freshness technology, air purifcation system and 'crisper crisper' drawers. Installation requires a 1/8" reveal between the appliance and surrounding cabinetry. Circle No. 195 on Product Card Liebherr's SBS 19H0 Side- by-Side is comprised of a 24" fully integrated refrigerator with BioFresh and a 24" fully integrated freezer with IceMaker. The unit includes digital electronic controls to maintain constant temperature, DuoCooling technology and Quick Chill and Freeze functions. GlassLine shelving, BioFresh safes, LED lighting and variable bottle shelving and VarioSpace freezer drawers are among its other features. Circle No. 192 on Product Card Viking presents a new line of ventilation hoods that complete the Viking Professional kitchen line. Hoods are quiet, efcient and maintenance free and feature bright LED surface lighting and backlit LED knobs that extend and illuminate to control lighting level and fan speed, then fully retract when not in use. Hoods are available in 12 colors, as well as stainless steel. Circle No. 190 on Product Card The XPro Series of refrigerators and freezers from Fhiaba feature stainless steel exteriors and interiors for a professional-style preservation system and look. The EvenLift patented sliding shelf system on the inside allows for a range of possibilities when organizing the refrigerator's interior. Circle No. 193 on Product Card DishDrawer Dishwashers from Fisher & Paykel are drawer-based dishwashers with smart electronics and independent wash technology. Each of the company's DishDrawer products, including the DD605FD, shown, is a self-contained dishwasher with technology that allows traditional double-format or separate modules to be confgured at an ergonomic height. Circle No. 194 on Product Card The ContourLine of appliances, one of two lines that are part of the new Generation 6000 series from Miele, includes an array of ovens, warming drawers and built-in cofee systems. The design of ContourLine focuses on the use of stainless steel, surrounding the appliances for a geometric, modern design efect. The integrated handle is milled from a single block of solid metal, and select models also feature the new ComfortSwivel handle, which rotates as the oven door is opened and closed. Circle No. 196 on Product Card The undercounter refrigerators and wine cabinets from True Professional Series measure just 15". Handcrafted in the U.S., the units have several door and hinge options. The refrigerator comes with two adjustable shelves and four door options: solid stainless, stainless glass, overlay panel and overlay glass. The wine cabinet preserves nearly two cases of wine and features three door choices, incuding stainless glass, overlay glass and overlay panel. Other features include the patented TriLumina LED lighting, low-E double pane UV tinted glass and True Precision Control for temperature control and accuracy. Circle No. 197 on Product Card All U-Line Modular 3000 Series, such as the 3060 RF shown, incorporate U-Select Control, which provides the ability to choose settings that correspond to the types of foods and beverages being maintained. Models maintain temperature within 1°F of the set point, and an integrated OLED display with intuitive user interface is located on top of the door. Full-extension bins allow for easy access to all stored foods. Circle No. 198 on Product Card