Miele’s intuitive AutoDos with integrated PowerDisk®

Miele’s intuitive AutoDos with integrated PowerDisk®

by | Sep 18, 2020 | New Kitchen Products

A message from our Corporate Plus Partner, E & S Trading

Miele’s intuitive AutoDos with integrated PowerDisk® ensures there is always detergent available to enable the dishwasher to work completely autonomously. Advanced connectivity with AutoStart and the Miele@Mobile app allows consumers to set the G 7000 dishwasher to start automatically from anywhere in the home.   
 
Miele’s new AutoDos function is an automatic dosing system that works in tandem with the brand new PowerDisk®, an all-in-one detergent to automatically dispense the correct amount of detergent needed for each cycle. Depending on the selected programme, the PowerDisk® will automatically dispense detergent at exactly the right time with a sensor in the automatic programme measuring the degree of soiling on cutlery to adapt the dosage accordingly. The PowerDisk® contains enough detergent for an average of 20 dishwashing programmes meaning customers need not worry about filling it up for up to a month.
 
AutoStart
Experience freedom like never before. With AutoStart and the Miele@mobile app you can set your G 7000 dishwasher to automatically start at one or several pre-determined times. Thanks to AutoDos with integrated PowerDisk®, there is always detergent available to enable the appliance to get to work completely autonomously – starting it manually is no longer required.  
 
Complementing the ease and convenience of the AutoDos and PowerDisk® features, the G 7000 Dishwasher range also comes with a whole host of Miele Exclusive features, including, but far from limited to:
  • 3D MultiFlex tray: the height, width and depth of this tray is adjustable to suit any type of load. The height-adjustable side section, ensures you can easily position small items such as cutlery and espresso cups, while the width adjustable side section enables you to position long stemmed items in the upper basket
  • FlexLine baskets: the ergonomic basket design provides unique safe and secure positioning for all dishes and glasses to ensure the perfect clean. It offers incredible flexibility for loading and cleaning all kinds of crockery and cutlery
  • EcoPower technology: The new water flow system in our G 7000 range means it has a 4.5-star energy rating and 6-star WELS rating. This, alongside the AutoDos function which reduces the use of unnecessary detergent and the option for warm water connection which can reduce energy usage by up to 50%, making it one of the best on the market.
 
View the current E & S Catalogue, including the Miele PowerDisk, here. 
About bathroom basins

About bathroom basins

by | Sep 18, 2020 | Bathroom Design, Inspiration

We recently surveyed our Members about their bathroom basin preferences. As we hoped it would, the survey proved that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to vanity vessels. Basins have varying aesthetic and practical values, and all come with a list of pros and cons. In this feature, we’re breaking down the basins our Members use most often.

Above bench basins took the lion’s share of votes for favourite basins: the sculptural values of a well-made basin can add a sense of drama to a space (as perfectly demonstrated in this award-winner by Darren Genner CKD Au).

New South Wales member, Cate Liedtke, selected an above counter basin to cleverly replicate the vanity detailing in this super-smart bathroom.

Under bench basins took second place, with designers citing a long list of pros for the classic sink selection: ease of cleaning, optimum bench space and – most notably – flexibility and control of bench heights make the under bench basin a stayer. This beautiful bathroom (by NSW designer, Tameka Moffat) illustrates all of these qualities.

The under-counter basin in this bathroom (by Melbourne’s Teresa Kleeman) allowed a family-friendly bench height, well-placed wall taps and ample bench space.

Inset basins prove the perfect in-between for many of our members. The additional vertical volume offered by an inset basin adds the element of drama we like in above bench basins, without complicating the overall height of the vanity and mirror above. This beautiful space by New South Wales member, Sari Munro, is an excellent example.

His and her inset basins suit the country styling of this Adelaide Hills beauty, designed by Janine Izzo.

Integrated basins are an excellent solution for many applications. With their ultra-streamlined appearance and absolute ease of cleaning, the integrated basin was a popular choice amongst KBDi members. Melbourne’s Kia Howat (GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens) chose a solid surface integrated basin for this stylish space, and it works a treat.

Brisbane’s Darren James CKD Au, CBD Au (Darren James Interiors) made a striking statement with this custom stone vanity top. The seamlessly integrated basin allowed the palette and patterning of the Chambord Grey limestone to take centre stage.

A semi-recessed basin is an ideal solution for a bathroom with size constraints. WA designer, Kerrie Richardson CBD Au (Lux Interiors) had limited space to play with in this powder room, but a semi-recessed basin saved the day.

We’d love to know why you lean towards (or avoid) particular basins. Share your wisdom in the comments below.

InSinkErator offers efficient food waste alternative

InSinkErator offers efficient food waste alternative

by | Sep 16, 2020 | New Kitchen Products

A message from our Premier Partners, Multitap

From the makers of the beautiful Italian designed Multitap™ 3N1 comes the InSinkErator® Food Waste Disposer range offering a quick, convenient, and environmentally responsible way in managing food waste.

In our own backyard, over 5.3 million tonnes of food is wasted each year with around a third of the average household bin ending up as wasted food. Food waste sitting in landfill and kerbside produces methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas that is a known contributor to climate change. In fact, methane is 21 times more dangerous than carbon dioxide.

So how can InSinkErator help?

  • Disposers divert food waste from landfills, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing waste and trucks transporting it.
  • Food waste can be recycled into renewable energy at capable wastewater treatment plants and fed back into the grid.
  • Wastewater treatment plants can process food waste into biosolids for land regeneration.
  • Disposers use less than 1% of household water consumption and cost less than $3.50 a year in electricity.
  • Food waste has a density of 1 mg/ml. So, if food waste is 70-90% water to begin with, and it has the same density as human waste and water, there should be no concerns about “solids” settling out in sewers and causing blockages and overflows. Properly designed and constructed sewers will transport this material very efficiently to the treatment plant without causing any issues.
  • Importantly, the high carbon to nitrogen ratio will help the plants remove nutrients from their effluent, reducing the negative impacts of eutrophication on our streams, rivers and lakes.

The process is simple

Food scraps are swept into the sink and with the flick of a switch and turn of a tap, they are ground and flushed without blades through to a wastewater treatment plant. At capable treatment plants, methane from ground food waste can be captured and recycled into renewable energy instead of ending up in landfill.

Clutter-free counters are a constant trend in creating a clean and minimalist workspace. With the Multitap and InSinkErator range, there is no need for a kettle or a large bin, allowing precious storage and bench space to be saved. Get in touch with the InSinkErator team to book a product demonstration or learn more about their food waste disposer and instant steaming hot water tap range here.

Bathroom Visualisation with Innoplus from Compusoft

Bathroom Visualisation with Innoplus from Compusoft

by | Sep 11, 2020 | Design Software

A message from our Corporate Partner, Compusoft

The bathroom industry has come a long way. Products are continuing to enhance in design, efficiency, improved quality of materials, and adding technology.

The bathroom is no longer just a place to take care of our bodies – it’s a sanctuary. A place of relaxation, renewal, and joy. Form is now just as important as function and our industry is now focussed just as much on design, as practicality.

We need a way to help our customer make decisions on their bathroom design. What product works best for their home’s colour palate, their bathroom layout, their tastes and the moods they wish to invoke.

Innoplus, from Compusoft is your new companion to make this happen.

Compusoft’s flagship bathroom design planning software can make your customer’s dreams a ‘virtual reality’ to help them decide on design, layout and product selection before a single tile is laid.

  • Bring your customer’s dream bathroom design with Compusoft’s library of more than 1000 local and international bathroom and tile brands and photo-realistic render.
  • Save countless hours of shifting through catalogues and mood-boards – change colour, styles and finishes with just a few clicks.
  • Finish the job to perfection with instant creation of building measures and plans – including tile layouts – and a list of all the products with their codes for easy ordering.

To watch a video of Innoplus in action, find out more information or request a demo, visit our website at https://www.compusoftgroup.com/products/innoplus/

Keeping your cashflow flowing

Keeping your cashflow flowing

by | Sep 11, 2020 | Business

When finances start to get tight, our first instinct is often to look for ways to increase our earnings. You can, however, improve your cashflow significantly by stopping leaks and spills in your everyday accounts.
 
Time and money are your most valuable business assets. In this feature, we’re looking at three ten-minute tips to help keep your cash flow flowing. 
 
#1 Don’t be late: automate
Have you ever tracked the late fees that accumulate on bills paid past their due date? While we all have the best intentions of paying accounts on time, our ‘real work’ (the fun stuff) often gets in the way. Both Telstra and Optus will slug you with a $15 late payment fee if you miss their due date. Missing your energy bill will cost you around $12, too, and late payments on credit cards can cost you up to $35! Maybe you’re ok with donating your hard-earned dollars to these hugely profitable players? If you’re not, though, taking ten minutes to set up an automatic payment system should be top of your list of to-dos.
 
#2 Track your Transactions
Studying your bank statements isn’t a particularly fun task. Still, it’s something all small business owners should get in the habit of doing. Allowing ten minutes to check your transactions at the end of each month can uncover all kinds of leakages, including:
 
  • Online subscriptions – how many times have you tested a new app or program with a ‘free trial’ lure. If you’ve handed over your credit card details to get the download, and haven’t cancelled the account when you discovered you wouldn’t need said app or program, a new sneaky debit could be an expensive long-term leak.

 

  • ATM and bank fees – withdrawing cash from random ATMs will typically incur a sneaky fee; a couple of bucks seems insignificant, but these ‘drips’ can certainly add up. The same goes for monthly bank fees – can these be negotiated with your bank? Will another bank offer a ‘no-fee’ account? What kind of interest rate are you paying on your credit card? Could you do better with another type of card, or perhaps another lending institution? 

 

  • Increased service fees – monthly payments for insurances and other services are super convenient and can help your cash flow. They can, however, make us a bit lax when it comes to comparing prices at renewal time. When you’re keeping a check on your monthly debits, you may be surprised at the increase in premiums and fees between one year and another. When you see an increase, take action right away and investigate your options (more about that below).
 
#3 Comparing Cover
We all gripe about paying insurance, but not having cover when you need it could cause a lot more pain down the track. Finding the best value insurance is essential: allow yourself ten minutes per week for the next four weeks to price check your business insurances (PI & PL, Vehicle, Office or Home & Contents and – while you’re at it – health insurance). Ask how much you’ll save by paying annually rather than monthly. Compare the savings you make to your hourly rate, and you’ll see it’s time well spent.
 
Note: when you’re looking at PI & PL, don’t forget our tailor-made group policy. This cover is designed for designers (so you know it’s a good fit), and with the benefits of a group buying power, it’s a hard-to-beat price. Learn more here.
 
Do you have a ten-minute tip that’s made a big difference to your bottom line? We’d love to hear it, so comment below.