Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MAY 2016 20 The Opal nugget ice maker works by packing together small ice crystals, creating nuggets of soft yet crunchy ice. Nugget ice chills beverages faster than conventional ice cubes. The air pockets in each nugget also absorb the flavor of the drink while cooling, leaving a chewable and tasty refreshment for those who enjoy snacking on ice after they have finished their drink. Opal is a compact countertop design that plugs into any electrical outlet and holds 3 pounds of ice, about as much as a typical refrigerator. Opal produces its first nuggets in just 15 minutes, and can produce 1 pound of ice per hour. The elegant stainless steel unit includes a crystal-clear, removable ice bin that slides out and tilts forward for easy access to the ice. "We know from our consumer surveys that people prefer nugget ice over crescent ice by about three to one," said Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, director of FirstBuild. "We developed Opal to offer an affordable nugget ice maker for home use and we are using Indiegogo as a selling platform to gauge market acceptance of the product." For more information about how to get involved, visit FirstBuild.com. LIEBHERR INTRODUCES NEW HWG 1803 WINE STORAGE CABINETS Modern, innovative and easy- to-use storage options for your finest wines Liebherr Appliances introduces the innovative and superbly designed HWg 1803 wine storage cabinets, designed for today's modern kitchen. Featuring high-performance technology alongside easy-to-use features, the HWg 1803 cabinets prove it's possible to save energy without compromising convenience and design. The Liebherr HWg 1803 series wine cabinets are designed for niches 17.5" high, and are fitted with reversible door hinges, allowing for multiple design options and optimal use. Available in chic white (HWgw 1803) or elegant black (HWgb 1803), these front-reflective GlassEdition wine cabinets are manufactured using back-printed glass for a spectacularly stylish finish, ideal for a kitchen, bar, or great room. The back-printed glass is easy to clean and scratch resistant for increased durability over the lifetime of the cabinet. When the glass door is gently tapped, TipOpen technology partially opens the door, offering the perfect solution for seamless integration in hands-free kitchens. If the door is not opened fully within three seconds, the door will self-close. With advanced energy efficiency, these compact HWg 1803 wine storage cabinets are equipped with the latest in climate technology, with details necessary for optimal wine storage and tempering. An easy-to-read LCD screen guarantees exact tem-perature adjustment between 41°F and 68°F. The dimmable, vertical LED lighting provides enhanced illumination throughout the interior, offering a better view of the stored bottles. Thanks to the minimal heat emitted by the LED lights, stored wines can be illuminated and beautifully presented for extended periods of time without compromising their quality. The doors are fitted with tinted, insulated safety glass to ensure protection against damaging UV radiation, ensuring vibrant color, quality, and taste of the wine. The Liebherr HWg 1803 wine cabinets feature secure, handcrafted shelves, made from untreated beach wood, which are designed to offer safe storage for up to 18 Bordeaux bottles. Mounted on telescopic rails, the wooden shelves can store bottles vertically, horizontally, and at different angles, depending on bottle size. Additionally, the HWg 1803's have a noise level of 32 dB(A)*, making these units virtually silent. These features make the units ideal for the premium wine collector and frequent entertainer. For more information visit www.liebherr-appliances.com * Noise level – sound power re 1pW – according to EN 60704-3 I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ] continued on page 24

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