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The internet is filled with appliance retailers. It’s an industry known for fierce competition, and it’s not uncommon for fledgling retailers to fail or be acquired by larger fish before making a name for themselves.
What is unusual is when a large fish goes belly-up abruptly as in the case of Appliances Connection.
Newsweek named Appliances Connection one of the best online shops in 2024, but on February 29th, Appliances Connection’s parent company, Polished (NYSE: POL), announced its intention to file for bankruptcy as reported by MarketWatch, and appliancesconnection.com stopped working on March 1st.
The result has been nothing short of a nightmare for Appliances Connection customers who have been navigating an unusual situation where they have paid for appliances that were either never shipped, or were shipped and are now stuck in transit.
Users on Reddit have reported being contacted by various shipping companies and being informed all undelivered merchandise needs to be returned to its origin, presumably because Appliances Connection is unable to pay the associated shipping fees which can often cost hundreds of dollars for large appliances.
From Reddit
It’s not just new customers who have been negatively affected by this closure. Existing customers are now without any post-sale service, warranty service, or the ability to return defective products, and in some cases are stuck wondering if the financing plan they had set up with Appliances Connection will still be honored.
Polished has been relatively silent on what happened and what will happen to Appliances Connection and its customers. Currently, Polished has just a simple press release on its website regarding the intention to file for bankruptcy with no mention of Appliances Connection.
Notice from Polished.com regarding bankruptcy
To say it hasn’t always been smooth sailing since Polished acquired Appliances Connection for at least $60 million would be an understatement.
At the time of the acquisition in June of 2021, the CEO of Appliances Connection was its founder Albert Fouerti. Just two months later, he became the CEO of Polished with his brother Elie joining as vice president.
By October 2022, Fouerti, along with his brother and CFO Maria Johnson, were forced out of Polished after an internal investigation found he had charged the company $800K in unrelated expenses. Shortly after his departure and as a direct result of the unrelated charges, Fouerti became locked in a legal battle with Polished which resulted in him paying $3.7 million in damages.
Throughout the investigation, the Fouerti brothers were also Polished’s Brooklyn-based landlords after Albert Fouerti relocated the company to a building their real-estate conglomerate owned in New York. This was after he allegedly rendered the former St. Louis headquarters uninhabitable and failed to pay the monthly $45,000 rent for three consecutive months which nearly resulted in an additional $700K lawsuit.
In August 2023, just under a year after Albert Fouerti left as CEO, Polished agreed to pay $100,000 to him and his brother to settle a dispute over unpaid rent after accusing him of failing to pay $1.2 million in work done to the property.
To make matters even stranger, other companies with connections to both Fouerti and Appliances Connection seem to have been affected, such as appliance wholesaler Superior Marketing and appliance manufacturer Forte, which Fouerti filed a trademark for in 2019. Both Superior Marketing and Forte list their address as 1870 Bath Ave Ste 3, Brooklyn, NY 11214, which is also Appliances Connection’s most recent address according to the Better Business Bureau.
Google SEarch engine results page for superior marketing
Neither Superior Marketing’s nor Forte’s website has been online since March 1st, 2024. Superior Marketing seems to have still had a connection to Polished based on the title still visible in Google’s results.
While it’s unclear what took place since the August 2023 settlement, everything points to a wildly dysfunctional and mismanaged operation during the time Fouerti was CEO of Polished that likely contributed to the February 2024 bankruptcy.
Whether Appliances Connection could have been saved or not, the end result is the same. Customers are left to sort out a mess they had nothing to do with, and employees are left without a job.
If you are an Appliances Connection customer who has been charged for a product or service you did not receive, we recommend contacting the bank that processed your payment. Most credit card companies will be able to handle any contact with Polished for you.
In Chapter 7 Bankruptcy cases like the one Polished plans to file, assets are sold off to pay creditors which includes any and all appliances that were still at Appliances Connection, so it is unlikely your order will ever arrive.
Luckily, as we mentioned earlier, the internet is full of trustworthy retailers, many of which carry the same brands and products as Appliances Connection including The Range Hood Store, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.
If you are an affected Appliances Connection customer or have related information you would like to share, let us know in the comments!
Last year, we saw a host of appliance launches from some of the premier brands in the industry. Now, just a few weeks into 2024, we’ve already seen product announcements from major brands including Sharp, ZLINE, Thermador, GE, and even Drew Barrymore’s appliance company—Beautiful.
Keeping up with the latest appliance announcements can be a full-time job as technology improves at an ever-increasing speed. At Appliance Educator, we’re here to help you stay up to date with the latest and greatest in the appliance industry. In this post, we’re covering some under-the-radar news with three exciting appliance launches that you probably missed from three diverse brands.
ZLINE Kitchen and Bath started 2024 off by launching a new line of undercounter refrigerators dubbed Touchstone. ZLINE’s growing catalog of refrigeration already included counter-depth, built-in, and wine and beverage models, with the Touchstone line adding five new outdoor-compatible refrigerators for shoppers looking for luxury appliances at an affordable price point.
ZLINE
Touchstone Undercounter Refrigerators
The launch of the Touchstone line was likely overshadowed by the continued buzz of ZLINE’s new fully-redesigned gas ranges released in Q4 2023. However, the sub-$3000 price point of the Touchstone series will be enough to attract plenty of attention soon with similar undercounter models from Perlick, Viking, and U-Line nearing or exceeding $5,000.
Undercounter refrigerators are popular with entertainers and hosts who are looking to impress during their gatherings with a professional cooling system that can be built into a home bar, kitchen cabinetry, or even an outdoor patio. The Touchstone line’s ventilation system allows for a precise zero-clearance installation for a flush look that will wow guests.
The Touchstone line includes two dual-temperature zone wine coolers and three single-temperature zone beverage fridges with all models featuring a stainless steel interior and a fully wrapped outdoor-compatible stainless steel exterior. There’s also a panel-ready option for both the wine cooler and beverage fridge that can easily accept custom panels to blend in with cabinetry.
ZLINE’s most recent launch comes a few weeks before their attendance at KBIS 2024. KBIS is the biggest kitchen and bath tradeshow in the country and will be in Las Vegas from February 27th through 29th. We expect the Touchstone line to be featured prominently in ZLINE’s KBIS display.
LG made a big splash at CES 2024 when their Transparent OLED TV went viral online and won them a host of innovation awards at the Las Vegas-based event. The hype of the OLED TV made some of their other product launches fly under the radar, including the launch of the WashCombo™ All-in-One Washer/Dryer.
LG
WashCombo™ All-in-One Washer/Dryer
All-in-one washer/dryer combos are nothing new and have been part of LG’s product catalog for years. However, users reported recurring issues with long wash and dry times and high energy usage.
The newest version revealed at CES 2024 addresses these issues by using an inverter heat pump to dramatically reduce energy consumption and cut wash and dry times down to less than two hours total.
Early reviews highlight the ease of use and features as well as the convenience of being able to run errands or focus on other tasks without needing to swap their laundry over. The WashCombo™ is also compatible with LG’s SideKick™ mini pedestal washer to tackle two loads of laundry at the same time.
If you have so far been familiar with LG, ZLINE, CES 2024, and KBIS 2024, this last brand may stump you. La Pavoni is an Italian coffee machine company that dates back more than 100 years, and in early January they launched the Botticelli Specialty.
Calling the La Pavoni Botticelli Specialty a coffee machine is a bit like calling a Lamborgini Aventador a hatchback. Designed “to satisfy the most demanding espresso enthusiasts”, the Botticelli Specialty is as close as you can get to the professional espresso machine you’d find at your favorite coffee shop or upscale hotel bar without literally bringing those machines home.
If you’re a life-or-death coffee lover, the Botticelli Specialty needs to be on your list. With precise temperature control, pressure regulation, and advanced brewing pressure profiling control (BPPC), the Botticelli Specialty replicates the rich and flavorful espresso enthusiasts crave in a remarkably compact design.
La Pavoni
Botticelli Specialty Espresso Machine
Right now, finding the Botticelli Specialty in U.S. markets is difficult. However, if the thought of a perfectly creamy cup of coffee interests you, we recommend keeping your eyes on reputable U.S.-based La Pavoni sellers like Rustic Kitchen and Bath.
2024 is already looking like another massive year for the appliance industry. With so many new product launches, innovations, and trade shows to pay attention to, we thank you for taking the time to read our post covering these three under-the-radar product launches.
What are you looking forward to in the appliance industry this year? Let us know in the comments!
We’ve been hearing rumors that ZLINE Kitchen and Bath had plans to launch a new line of all-gas professional ranges since early 2023. On November 1st, 2023, ZLINE made it official and announced the SGR in a 4-burner 30” size and a 6-burner 36” size.
ZLINE SGR36 (left) and SGR30 (right) side by side
Similar to ZLINE’s induction and dual fuel ranges, the SGR all-gas ranges come standard in 430-grade stainless steel. The knobs and handles have a slight bronze appearance which is a departure from their previous gas ranges, but in our opinion look great if the photos are any indication of their in-person appearance.
The SGR features a subtle design change to the range body, with sharper lines when compared to ZLINE’s dual fuel and induction ranges.
ZLINE SGR36
ZLINE 36 in. 5.2 cu. ft. 6 Burner Gas Range with Convection Gas Oven.
So what else do we know about these all-new gas ranges? Well, we know there is a lot of pent-up demand for an all-gas offering after ZLINE retired their old gas ranges.
If you’re hoping to get your hands on one, we recommend looking first at ZLINE’s trusted retailers, like The Range Hood Store or Rustic Kitchen and Bath. These were some of the earliest sites to announce the new ranges were available on launch day (November 1st), and we expect should have some of the most inventory.
ZLINE SGR30
ZLINE 30 in. 4.2 cu. ft. 4 Burner Gas Range with Convection Gas Oven.
We have not yet gotten to experience these new ranges in person, but a look at their specification sheets suggests ZLINE paid attention to what the gas range market looks like at set out to raise the bar.
Both the SGR30 and SGR36 have larger ovens than their predecessors at 4.2 cu. ft and 5.2 cu. ft respectively. Each model also has oven modes standard bake, broil, and convection with 22,000 BTUs.
Some ZLINE mainstays like StayPut Oven Door Hinges, Smooth Glide Ball-Bearing Oven Racks, 3-layer Oven Insulation, and two halogen oven lights round out the oven’s features.
Similar to the ovens, ZLINE upgraded the porcelain cooktops of their gas ranges with additional burner output for both models. On the 30-inch SGR, the cooktop offers two 9,000 BTU semi-rapid burners and two 15,000 BTU rapid burners.
The big change comes on the 36-inch SGR, which has one 6,000 BTU auxiliary burner, two 9,000 BTU semi-rapid burners, one 12,000 BTU rapid burner, and one 15,000 BTU rapid burner. The crown jewel on the 36-inch cooktop is the 20,000 BTU brass dual-function burner which leads the industry.
Dual-Function Brass Burner
The crown jewel on the 36-inch cooktop is the 20,000 BTU brass dual-function burner which leads the industry.
We’ll have a detailed review for ZLINE SGR Gas Ranges as soon as possible. For now, find the detailed specifications for each model below.
Cooktop: (6) Burners with Porcelain cooktop and electronic spark ignition for all burners. BTU Ratings:
Auxiliary Burner: 6,000 BTU
Semi-Rapid Burner (2): 9,000 BTU
Rapid Burner: 12,000 BTU
Rapid Burner: 15,000 BTU
Dual-Function Burner: 20,000 BTU
Fuel Type: Gas Oven - Gas Cooktop
Full Dimensions: 36 in. W x 273/4 in. (29 1/4 in. with handle) D x 36–371/2 in. H
Oven Capacity (cu.ft): 5.2 cu. ft.
Voltage: 120V/60Hz/15A Dedicated Circuit
Warranty: Parts & Labor - 1 Year
Italian Burners - Lifetime Burner Warranty
Product Weight: 253 lbs
Cooktop: (4) Burners with Porcelain cooktop and electronic spark ignition for all burners. BTU Ratings:
Semi-Rapid Burner (2): 9,000 BTU
Rapid Burner (2): 15,000 BTU
Fuel Type: Gas Oven - Gas Cooktop
Full Dimensions: 30 in. W x 27 3/4 in. (29 1/4 in. with handle) D x 36–37 1/2 in. H
Oven Capacity (cu.ft): 4.2 cu. ft.
Voltage: 120V/60Hz/15A Dedicated Circuit
Warranty: Parts & Labor - 1 Year
Italian Burners - Lifetime Burner Warranty
The team at Appliance Educator is always striving to bring you the best information for your kitchen appliances and projects. Any major appliance is a major decision. Like other appliances, range hoods have become an essential element when it comes to kitchen design. Our team has reviewed and ranked the top five best range hoods that are currently on the market.
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Read More36” Dual Fuel Ranges are easily one of the most popular kitchen appliances. They fit the needs of many customers, but often times it is difficult to pick the one that is right for you. We at Appliance Educator have made a list of the ovens that we think do the job right. Be sure to check it out!
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Read MoreWhen making plans to build or renovate a hotel or residential building, you need to consider making it appealing to guests and visitors. People rely heavily on reviews, and there are some important ways you can improve your guest experience to maximize the number of 5-star reviews for your facility! Let's go over some essential tips, starting with your entryway.
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Read MoreInvesting in a rental home or multifamily property is an exciting way to start your portfolio. Research from the IRS indicates that over 10 million people in the U.S. earn income from an investment property, but the amount of that income can vary widely depending on the location, desirability, and condition of your property. Another important fact that too many landlords overlook is the attractiveness of its design elements. Though most properties are rented unfurnished, staging an aesthetically pleasing apartment can have a huge impact on its demand.
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