CHICAGO–Officials at Emerson Radio think they have a great future in the kitchen. The Parsippany, N.J.-based company is set to introduce more than 50 items here at the International Home & Housewares Show this week, including a big push into kitchen appliances and what company executives call “combo” appliances.
Having traditionally focused on its microwave oven line and wine coolers in the housewares segment, Emerson is now expanding its kitchen appliance line to include coffeemakers, an electric grill, a food processor, blenders, mixers, rice cookers, slow cookers, toasters and new compact refrigerators.
“Our expansion in this sector is entirely based on our success to date with high-quality products that offer reliability and excellent features but carry a midrange price tag,” said John Spielberger, president of North American operations. “Our retail customers have asked us to bring that expertise into other sectors and our new kitchen appliances pair the same high-quality electronics for which we are known, with attractive and fashionable exterior designs.”
Among the new items is the Combo Cooler, a compact fridge and wine chiller, which features a 1.5-cubic-foot refrigerator topped with an eight-bottle wine chiller, as well as a glass door and dual temperature zones with LED display. It has a suggested retail price of $249.99.
The company is also unveiling a toaster oven with a flower pattern etched onto the glass door, adding a decorative touch. This unit, which features five cooking selections, quartz tube heating elements, a timer and LED display, has a suggested retail of $79.99.