Stainless steel, whirlpools top high-end appliance trends

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As consumers are spending more time at home, they're looking for products that provide more pampering.|ret||ret||tab|

Two of the most popular rooms to spend money on are the kitchen and the bathroom.|ret||ret||tab|

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Kitchen|ret||ret||tab|

Stainless steel is the current trend in kitchen appliances, said Tony Cobb, Harry Cooper Supply showroom manager. This upscale trend can be seen in stoves and dishwashers, among other appliances.|ret||ret||tab|

Cobb said his customers like stainless steel because it's durable and has a sleek appearance. Harry Cooper Supply sells Wolf, Sub-Zero, Viking and Thermador appliances.|ret||ret||tab|

The stoves come with a variety of options, including a griddle or a barbecue grill between the burners, or a proofing oven for baking bread or warming food. Some manufacturers offer module units. These are cooktops where customers decide what they want on the top of the stove, such as a deep fryer or steamer, in addition to the burners.|ret||ret||tab|

"The stoves are residentially designed with a commercial look," Cobb said. "Stainless steel stoves are popular with people who really love to cook."|ret||ret||tab|

Touch controls on stove cooktops, ovens and dishwashers are also popular with customers. That's because it gives the appliance a sleeker look and is easier to maintain, Cobb said.|ret||ret||tab|

Some of the newer dishwashers have two drawers instead of a door. The drawers are two individual units that work independently.|ret||ret||tab|

"People like using this because they don't have to bend over to use the upper drawer," Cobb said. "The interior is also stainless steel because it's more durable and there's less chance of bacteria getting in."|ret||ret||tab|

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Bathroom|ret||ret||tab|

The bathroom is another part of the home that's seen change in recent years.|ret||ret||tab|

The Summer Rain is new this year and is a very popular item. This model is a doorless, walk-in shower, manufactured by Jacuzzi. It stands 84-inches high and comes with four body massage jets and adjustable showerheads. The shower is curved so the water drains easily and comes in two- or three-wall versions.|ret||ret||tab|

Harry Cooper Supply also sells whirlpool baths that come in different shapes and sizes and a bathing system called the J-Dream. The J-Dream has multifunctional showerheads, eight body sprays and a full-size whirlpool bath. It comes with a built-in CD/stereo system with four speakers and an optional television monitor.|ret||ret||tab|

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Hot tubs|ret||ret||tab|

Jeff Rathjen, store manager of All American Pool and Spa, said the majority of his customers are people who have arthritis or some other kind of joint pain and realize that using a hot tub can provide relaxation and therapy.|ret||ret||tab|

"The hot tubs have hydrotherapy which means water and pressure is used to relieve tension and stress on muscles and joints," he said. "You can get a complete back massage with the jets. While, in the past, people were only using hot tubs for recreational purposes, now people are also using them for health reasons."|ret||ret||tab|

Hot tubs range in price from $4,000 to $10,000. This price includes the cover, delivery, set-up and start-up chemicals.|ret||ret||tab|

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