The future holds a slightly “cooler” outlook for the typical American water cooler. In fact, what once cowered in the dusty corners of doctor’s office lore has re-emerged with a sleeker, bolder and more sophisticated sense of style.
Whirlpool is unveiling a new Lowe’s-exclusive line of five elegantly designed, family-friendly home water coolers to quench homeowners’ thirst for clean, fresh-tasting water.
“The ideal combination of convenience, quality and good design is key when it comes to defining innovation,” said Pam Porter, Lowe’s merchandising vice president. “We’re seeing exciting advancements in terms of at-home water treatment, and we’re most drawn to innovation that improves the homeowner’s overall quality of life.”
Highest Water Marks
Whirlpool brand’s new portfolio includes four different bottled water cooler options, each featuring an adjustable cold water thermostat to keep water at a desirable temperature. A specially designed cap to prevent spillage during installation and a patented water reservoir also accompanies each model.
Stainless Steel Cooler — Nearly half (46 percent) of all homeowners prefer stainless steel appliances, according to a recent study conducted by Lowe’s to determine America’s Dream Kitchen preferences. Ideal for the style-conscious homeowner, this attractive, ultramodern cooler features two faucets that dispense cool and cold water. About $189.
Refrigerated Cooler — The refrigerated cooler meets all beverage needs with three faucets sporting hot, cold and cool water. Its attached refrigerated compartment can store up to 12 cans of soda — a nice option for the game room, den or college dorm room. About $158.
Hot & Cold Water Cooler — Serving both hot and cold water, this model works well in the kitchen or home office for added convenience and piping hot beverages in a flash. About $128.
Cool & Cold Water Cooler — This basic, economical cooler features two faucets to serve both cool and cold water — a standard unit for any family. About $98.
Each bottled cooler includes a two-year limited warranty and accommodates 3- to 5-gallon cooler jugs (Lowe’s stocks and delivers Nestle bottled water products). The Stainless Steel, Refrigerated and Hot & Cold water coolers also offer high-performance ENERGY STAR® qualification savings (up to $47 annually) through a built-in TruChill(TM) cooling system, which ensures water temperatures stay between 39 F and 42 F.
Thirsty for More
Answering consumers’ call for appliances that fit compact spaces, Whirlpool also is unveiling a junior-sized water cooler that doubles as a party drink entertaining unit suitable for fruit punch, orange drink, iced tea and more.
Countertop Chiller — This multipurpose 1.6-gallon water cooler unit can be converted into an alternative beverage chiller by removing the water filter. Perfect for on-the-go families and at-home entertainers, the stain-proof water reservoir is detachable, making clean-up a breeze. The countertop chiller has a one-year limited warranty. About $69.
Style Isn’t Water Under the Bridge
Lowe’s and Whirlpool also offer a customized special order program allowing consumers to choose their own water cooler body and accent colors, as well as their preferred water temperature options on select models. Speak with a Lowe’s appliance specialist for more details.
“Our striking new line of water coolers delivers convenience and accessibility, and unlike single-use bottled water or pitchers, they offer less waste and don’t consume valuable space in the fridge,” said Warren Lopata, lead innovation consultant for Whirlpool Corporation. “What’s more is we’ve found a way to bring consumers this refreshing product without sacrificing style. We inspire consumers to re-evaluate the way they look at their appliances — that’s the true definition of innovation.”
For more information, visit Lowes.com/Whirlpool .
About the Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of over $11 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.whirlpool.com .
About Lowe’s
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW – News) sells more major appliances than any other home center and is the nation’s second largest appliance retailer, with more than 12 percent market share. With guaranteed 24-hour delivery, Lowe’s stores stock more than 250 models. An additional 2,500 appliances are available through special order. Lowe’s also features a full line of small household appliances. With fiscal year 2003 sales of $30.8 billion, Lowe’s is a FORTUNE® 50 company that serves more than 10 million customers a week at more than 950 home improvement stores in 45 states. For more information, visit Lowes.com.