By Keri Algar

SYDNEY, NSW: Whirlpool has today announced a new technology called iXelium, a special coating for stainless steel cooktops that it claims prevents scratching, staining and discolouring.

According to Whirlpool, the nanotechnology stops food from sticking to the surface. The iXelium-coated cooktops will be offered in 60 centimetres (RRP $780) and 90 centimetres (RRP $1,149) and have been tested for corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance and scratch resistance. More sizes are expected to be launched in 2011.

Whirlpool category manager for food preparation and home cleaning, Alexandra Miles said the new range shows Whirlpool is actively involved in research and innovation.

“Retaining its pristine look, added to substantial tangible benefits it adds great added value for the consumer and illustrates Whirlpool Australia forging ahead with innovation in the cooking category.”

“Our new cooktops bear all the classic features of the stainless steel gas hobs that most consumers prefer, with the tremendous additional selling point of our iXelium coating, which takes the concept of traditional stainless steel to a higher and more durable level,” said Miles.