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"As home appliance companies continue to focus on sustainability, energy efficiency and impressive design, domestic essentials are becoming more innovative. These appliances can do more than expand your skills in the kitchen. \nIn upcoming years, coffee machines will start right when we get out of bed, ovens can bake meals to perfection and robotic vacuums will automatically clean floors when dirty. Companies such as LG have already announced the development of a new breed of Internet-connected machines for a high-tech home. \nFrom our smartphones, tablets and televisions, we will soon be able to operate connected refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens and vacuum cleaners. Away from home, individuals can check what's running low in the fridge, preheat the oven before dinner and remotely vacuum the living room in preparation for guests. The company hasn't announced a release date for this new line of Smart Thinq appliances. While we wait patiently for the smart appliances of the future, there are plenty of ingenious devices already on the market.\nHere are three innovative home appliances recreating the standard for home appliances. These appliances are eco-friendly and multi-functional \u2014 not just high-tech. These innovative machines can make a world of difference at home. \n\nSEE ALSO: 14 Tech-Forward Concepts Reshaping Our Future\n\r\nPortable Washers and Dryers\r\n\n\n\nYou've heard of portable air conditioners, but you probably never thought bulky conventional washers and dryers could be portable. When water, electricity or space are commodities, hand-cranked and foot-powered washers and dryings can be great substitutes.\nThe Laundry Alternative based in Nashua, N.H. is a company that specializes in portable washing machines. Mini-washers use 90% less water per load and minimal energy. Corey Tournet started selling compact washing machines in 1999. \n\"I lived in a small apartment and had to drive 30 to 40 minutes to the nearest laundromat,\" Tournet says. \"The idea was to create a 'laundry alternative' to laundromats and laundry services. You can do laundry when you need and save money, too. Plus the products are much more energy-efficient.\"\nThe environmental impacts of using full-sized washing machines are staggering. Washing machines account for a large fraction of household water use. The Laundry Alternative's Wonder Wash ($42.95) cleans five-pound loads \u2014 about seven to eight dress shirts, 10 T-shirts or two to three jeans \u2014 at a time with little power. The only drawback for consumers is they will have to drain the gray water and wring clothes dry by hand.\nThe company also carries two types of spin dryers that are 100 times more energy-efficient than conventional dryers. According to Tournet, Laundry Alternative Spin Dryers spin at a faster rate, nearly 3,200 revolutions per minute (RPM), whereas a conventional dryer operates at 450 RPM. Spin Dryers cut down dry time to about three minutes. Spin Dryers, $145, connect to 110-volt outlets and use about 400 watts per session.\nThe Laundry Alternative is manufacturing a new line of dryers to be \"the fastest clothes dryer in the world,\" according to Tournet.\n\r\nSmart Dishwasher\r\n\n\n\nThe Miele Futura ProfiLine Dishwasher, \"The World's Most Intelligent Dishwasher,\" is also one of the quickest, offering a 23-minute wash cycle. The high-tech Futura dishwasher series offers incredible energy-efficient options. \nDespite the luxury-level pricing, these dishwashers give owners a bang for their buck. Its tiers are adjustable and LED illuminated. Some models can even connect to Wi-Fi. The newest line of Futura dishwashers are 35% more efficient than previous generations. Multiple cleaning settings allow tech-savvy consumers to save energy and water when possible. The Miele dishwashers are created with \"real-world cleaning challenges\" in mind, according to the company.\nThe dish cleaning machine was built to be incredibly efficient, taking many factors into account throughout one cycle. The Miele Futura's Perfect GlassCare System monitors the rinse water\u2019s mineral content, water temperature, cycle intensity and air flow throughout the wash session. The drying technology available on some models also intelligently adjusts to room temperature and humidity.\nMiele dishwashers retail from $899 to $2,749. The Miele Futura ProfiLine Dishwasher shown above retails for $4,199. \n\r\nAn LCD Fridge With Apps\r\n\n\n\nSamsung debuted its smart fridge last year, complete with an eight-inch LCD screen and apps. Users can access the temperature, memos, calendar, Twitter, Pandora, Epicurious, AP News and photos directly on the fridge door.\nWhen we asked readers what they thought of Samsung's tweeting refrigerator, the majority of pollers called it \"overkill.\" But, for the most tech-savvy homeowners, an Internet-connected kitchen appliance could be the perfect fit.\nSamsung's smart fridges are Energy Star rated as  eco-friendly and energy efficient. An alarm will even sound if you've left the door open for too long. Its Twin Cooling Plus system keeps food fresher longer by keeping humidity out. The LED lighting emits less heat than traditional lighting.\nThe four-door refrigerator with LCD display with apps will set you back $3,699. The two-door side-by-side refrigerator with LCD display costs $2,699.\nImage courtesy of Flickr, Jeremy Levine Design"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2012/09/05/innovative-home-appliances/>