By James Wells

SYDNEY: Blanco has announced the release a range of products measuring under 60cm, which are designed for a growing trend towards smaller homes.

According to Major Electrical Appliances marketing manager, Nicholas Cook, the products, known as the Compact Solution, all received an overwhelmingly positive response when displayed earlier this year at the interior design exhibition – DesignEx 2006.

“This range of products will primarily be targeting the builders of compact apartments, student accommodation and retirement villages,” Cook told Current.com.au.

The range includes: a stainless steel 45cm oven with fan assist, traditional grill, fan grill, defrost, light, minute minder and four shelf positions; a Crystal Glass 52cm gas cooktop with two burners, wok burner, cast iron trivets and flame failure device; a stainless steel 53cm under-cupboard three speed rangehood with push button control and halogen lighting and a 45cm stainless steel freestanding nine-place dishwasher with 12.6 litre water consumption on a normal wash.

Cook has confirmed that new Blanco products are expected towards the end of this year and in early 2007 in the cooking and laundry categories.

Major Electrical Appliances has also reported strong sales of the French De Dietrich brand of major cooking appliances, sold exclusively through Clive Peeters.

“Each month De Dietrich has generated record sales,” Cook said.