BENTON HARBOR, Mich., April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- What if your favorite produce and deli delights could last 25% longer? What if you didn't have to toss out all your fruits and vegetables after returning from a long weekend getaway? Exclusive improved energy efficiency and temperature management are among the advancements found in the latest freestanding refrigerators from KitchenAid that allow your delectable groceries to stay fresher for longer. New models include Four-Door French Door Bottom freezer and side-by-side configurations, both promising the best preservation in the industry.

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"Cooks will find that our newest refrigerators offer more than a beautiful exterior design," said Debbie O'Connor, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. "Inside they'll find innovative storage options and improved preservation capabilities that keep ingredients at their freshest longer."

New Side-By-Side Refrigerator Models

The new collection of KitchenAid side-by-side refrigerators features the Preserva™ Food Care system with a Sequential Dual Evaporator System, a distinctive technology that optimizes humidity levels to help keep food fresher longer. A dual evaporator system allows the refrigerator and freezer compartments to run independently, monitoring temperatures for both sides and priority is given to the compartment that deviates the most from the set temperature. The system features a unique FreshFlow™ Produce Preserver in one of the crispers that helps slow the ripening process by absorbing and releasing ethylene gas naturally produced by some fruits and vegetables while filtering the air to reduce refrigerator odors.

The new side-by-side refrigerators feature removable, easily adjustable, and dishwasher-safe door bins; a removable In-Door-Ice® System for easy serving; and interior lighting for easily monitoring ice levels.  Additional features include removable PUR® Water filters located inside the refrigerator, 10-point progressively-brightening LED lighting, and electronic controls with temperature display.

New French Door Bottom Freezer Model

The latest Four-Door French Door Bottom Freezer refrigerator provides a new level of convenience, organization and roominess, and with a 30% ENERGY STAR® qualification, this model is one of the most efficient four-door refrigerators on the market.

The KitchenAid®  Four-Door French Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerator features a FreshVue™ external refrigerated drawer, the largest of its kind, with adjustable temperature settings that are ideal for produce and deli items.  A dedicated compartment in the drawer allows for more fresh food storage than in two standard crispers found in comparable models, and four solid dividers in the drawer can be configured into five different compartments to help maximize organization. A ClearVue™ top on the drawer optimizes visibility to help easily keep track of ingredients and fresh foods.

A premium external water and ice system features light-touch controls, and a measured fill allows for dispensing specified quantities of water in ounces, cups or liters.  The Max Cool feature ensures that temperatures are maintained and food stays cold even during high use and when the refrigerator is in Star K Certified Sabbath mode.

For easy operation and stability, both French Door and Side-by-Side models feature a SatinGlide® Max System that uses stainless steel ball bearing rollers to allow shelves, racks and crispers to extend smoothly, even when fully loaded.  

The new side-by-side model will be available in white, black, monochromatic stainless steel and monochromatic Satina coating at suggested retail prices ranging from $2,199 to $2,899.  The Four-Door French Door Bottom Freezer model will be available in monochromatic stainless steel with suggested retail price of $2,999.

Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks.  Today, the KitchenAid brand offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars.  This year marks the brand's 10th anniversary of Cook for the Cure^®, a partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure^® that has raised over $8 million to help find a cure for breast cancer.   To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for their homes more than any other brand*, visit www.KitchenAid.com or join us at http://facebook.com/KitchenAid and http://twitter.com/KitchenAidUSA.

* Based on a 2010 survey, KitchenAid was found to be the home kitchen appliance brand chosen most often by members of the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

SOURCE KitchenAid