KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
30th November 2018
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 International News
Products Bushboard's statement splashbacks launch on Monday
The new collection, which includes 14 designs in 9mm mdf and six in 4mm acrylic, can be used to create either a focal point splashback behind a sink or a hob, to create a feature wall, or all around the kitchen if desired. Perfect for the festive season!
Kitchen taps that dare to be different
Choose a style or finish that breaks from the norm and an instant style update is made, transforming the entire kitchen and turning one of its busiest areas into a focal point. A modern twist to a classic sink
Each model has a wide tap ledge and a basket strainer to prevent food from going down the drain. Whether rinsing food, washing dishes or filling a vase, the large, deep bowl of the sink is ideal and most models in the Legra range are available for reversible installation. Sleek stainless steel tap for kitchen elegance
The L-shaped spout is practical as well as fashionable; it allows for plenty of space to fill and wash larger saucepans or vases and can be turned by 190 degrees for easy use while the cleverly-designed, retractable hose is seamlessly concealed within the spout which enhances the sleek style. Say hey, good lookin' - what ya got cookin'?
KitchenAid launches new freestanding combination microwave oven
With a 33 litre capacity, more than 50 pre-programmed recipes and five professional functions, the appliance is a triumph in the kitchen. British icons team up to launch bold new collection of bathroom accessories
Stoves launches retro-style fridge freezer
'Strength in Detail' with MGS Ergon from Grange Design
To answer this trend, UK based designer, manufacturer and specialist distributor, Grange Design, has introduced MGS's Ergon Collection: a knurled handle tap collection that optimises utility and impact. |
I had to chuckle at the Facebook 'memory' that popped up today: a screenshot of the fridge freezer I was thinking of buying, that I'd posted to see what people thought of the colour. It struck me as funny (well, I've had one of those weeks!) that exactly two years down the line, the fridge part has stopped working. The retailer - not giving anything away but it's probably also in a town near you - says I need an engineer's report. If a manufacturer's fault is found, I'll get 'some' money back on a pro rata basis (though probably not enough to cover what's gone off in the fridge this week). Another memory that surfaced today was how 'in the old days' people used to give the TV a hard bash when it stopped working. Why? Because the 'manufacturer/engineer' customer services rep told me to unplug the appliance for a couple of hours to see if that got it working again. Apparently, no-one knows how this works; only that it sometimes does! Naturally I was concerned, since if I have to do this now, there's clearly a problem with the appliance & even if it did the trick (which it didn't), the fridge would likely fail again in a couple of months or even less. In my view, this isn't acceptable; nor is a fridge freezer that breaks within two years. I asked if I'd have to pay for the engineer's visit. The response was: "I believe the visit would be free however if any work needed doing they would more than likely charge as you have had the item longer than 12 months. When they call you later they should be able to advise further."🙂 I expressed concern about the "I believe" and the rep checked for me, eventually coming back to say he'd been wrong. I'd need to get someone out either way though, to prove that the appliance hadn't failed because of wear and tear. What on earth do they think I might have been doing - holding parties in it? I think it's appalling that a large 'fixed' appliance like this, might be considered by the retailer to be fit for purpose if it fails after just 12 months - the length of a normal warranty. You're in the industry and no doubt you own a fridge freezer. Tell me, do you think two years' life expectancy for something costing more than £400 reasonable? I certainly don't! Yours,
 This Week's News
Don't always buck the trend, says HiB
"A product range should be the result of customer opinion and consumer feedback, not to mention the latest design trends. When it comes to the once humble mirrored cabinet, for example, today's offering has evolved to include integrated charging sockets and USB ports - ideal for toothbrushes, shavers and trimmers. 'Best Installer 2018' winner announced
The Scottish based kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation specialist and BiKBBI member since 2009, was awarded the coveted title as the industry celebrated successes and reviewed its progress this year.
New to the portfolio of clever innovations for the installer, designer and retailer is a range of four products for simple, effective installation of basins.
Roman won the Award for innovation and initiatives to promote consumer safety through compliance in bathroom products and installation. The award focused on Roman's exemplary product safety and particularly on the ongoing promotion and communication of CE Marking at all stages of product communications in all channels. TKC partners with leading kitchen design software companies to support Jigsaw
Jigsaw is aimed at customers who prefer to buy complete kitchens rather than sourcing in components from multiple sources for manufacture and assembly. Jigsaw kitchens are supplied complete and offer retailers the time and cost saving benefits of dealing with a single point of contact. Revamped training facility for Rangemaster
Visitors to the Academy can now experience the British brand's manufacturing expertise, from the extensive Range Cooker collection and new Refrigeration range, to the latest Built-in products launched earlier in 2018, including new ovens, a coffee machine and warming drawer. Fish scale/mermaid tiles conjure up a little mythical magic
Gold mermaid fishscale tiles from Otto Tiles & Design appeared on George Clarke's 'Old House, New Home' featuring a property in Portsmouth, Claverdon, recently. Otto Tiles & Design sees fish-scale tiles as the new trend upcoming over the next year, possibly to replace terrazzo tiles. Formica Group flushes away competition at international B2B Awards Congratulations to Formica Group, which picked up 'Best PR Campaign' at the International B2B Awards last week. It won for 'Lifting the Lid on Washrooms' - a PR campaign targeting architects, designers and fabricators, particularly in the hospitality sector. The activity hinged around asking people what they thought of public toilets. The activity was to support the launch of its new washroom sheet size, which is used to make toilet cubicles, allowing for deeper, taller sides. Rob van Steen joins DKG Group's team of directors
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