Miele, the German appliance manufacturer known for superior quality and innovative technology solutions, gets the year off to a hot start with the launch of the Chef Series microwave oven (Model M 8260-1) – its first microwave made for the U.S. marketplace. The most unique attribute of the Miele Chef Series microwave is its Clean Touch Steel™ finish that resists fingerprints, scratches and cleans up with soap and water. It’s a genuine stainless steel finish that doesn't require special polishes or cleaners…

Those who make, sell and service appliances may not always agree on everything, but on one subject opinion seems to be unanimous. Significant improvements over the last decade in dishwasher energy consumption, water usage and performance make it well worth replacing an older model. Dishwashers purchased before 1994 use about eight additional gallons of water in each cycle compared to today’s ENERGY STAR qualified models.

Those thinking about replacing a dishwasher, no matter what brand they have in mind, should consider these tips on what to look for from the experts at KitchenAid, the brand that introduced their first home dishwasher in 1949…

Luxury appliance maker Jenn-Air has expanded its collection of cooktops to include new 36-inch and 30-inch 5-burner models making their debut at this week's Architectural Digest Home Design Show. Together with a recently introduced 6-burner model, these newest cooktops are designed for those who care equally about aesthetics and performance, according to Juliet Johnson, brand experience manager for Jenn-Air.

The low, near-flush profile of both models create a sleek, built-in appearance that transitions from cooktop to countertop with an exceedingly low profile of only 3 millimeters – less than the thickness of two pennies…

KitchenAid has raised the humble coffee maker to another level with a new countertop model that automatically delivers the nuanced flavors normally associated with the more labor intensive manual pour over method. The new KitchenAid Pour Over Coffee Brewer, scheduled for availability this summer, features automatic pour over brew technology that staggers water flow to fully optimize flavor extraction.

"Manual, pour over style coffee making is a process that is becoming increasingly popular among coffee aficionados, and for a good reason," says Beth Robinson, senior brand experience manager for KitchenAid…

As consumers aspire to live a more active and fit lifestyle, there is a greater need for products that help them achieve healthy-living goals. Recognizing this, Sharp has introduced the second-generation SuperSteam™ oven, model AX-1200, a multi-purpose oven that enables healthier meal preparation.

The versatile AX-1200 uses SuperSteam convection technology to cook a wide variety of foods without the addition of oils, fats or sauces while preserving taste and appearance, making it deliciously easy for consumers to improve their eating habits…

For many who simply had to have the 90th anniversary Stand Mixer introduced by KitchenAid last year, it was the mixer’s shiny, Candy Apple Red finish that sealed the deal. For others, it was the mixer’s clear glass bowl, whether for its vintage good looks or the practicality of its pouring spout and etched measurement markings. This year, in deference to those who already own a mixer, no matter what the color, KitchenAid will offer the glass bowl as a separate purchase, allowing for the same retro look and added convenience at a fraction of the cost of the anniversary model…

LG Electronics (LG) showcased its largest capacity French-door refrigerator LFX31935 – measuring 31 cubic feet – at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (booth #8204).

The new refrigerator comes equipped with breakthrough features such as the Blast Chiller, which earned the refrigerator the coveted CES 2012 “Best of Innovations” Award. This new model features expansive shelf space, powerful air control that helps keeps food fresh and numerous convenience features, all while being ENERGY STAR rated…

Contoured doors, chrome details and a full color LCD screen may be among the more noticeable changes to its new French Door bottom freezer refrigerator, but improvements over previous models go far beyond skin deep, according to KitchenAid.

The new bottom freezer model offers more shelf space, larger refrigerator capacity and advanced LED lighting that makes food even more accessible and visible, even when fully stocked, notes Debbie O’Connor, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid.

“This is by far the most user friendly and food friendly KitchenAid refrigerator ever,” says O’Connor…

Panasonic today announces the availability of the NN-SF550M microwave, a counter top model with an innovative design that omits the traditional turntable, maximizing the entire oven capacity. The NN-SF550M Flat and Wide microwave is convenient for cooking multiple dishes at once, or a large casserole dish that typically would not fit when rotated on a turntable in a conventional microwave. Using an antenna that rotates under the flat and wide one-cubic-foot cavity space, heat is still evenly distributed to cook the food. And without the turntable, the flat inside allows for a quick and easy clean-up, while still offering optimal cooking features…

Panasonic today introduced the FlashXpress™ Toaster Oven (model NB-G110P) to its 2012 lineup of Home Appliance products. The new FlashXpress Toaster Oven, is equipped with a unique quartz and ceramic heating system that allows for fast cook time and convenient, preset menu buttons which eliminates a user’s need to calculate cook time.

The FlashXpress Toaster Oven is comprised of a double infrared heating system made up of both quartz and ceramic heating elements which allows for food to be cooked more efficiently than conventional toaster ovens that are heated with coils…