Haier partners with UK builder and launches US EcoBalance system

Haier, the global appliance maker, announced a partnership with Fernham Homes to equip 59 three‑ and four‑bedroom homes in Blean near Canterbury, United Kingdom, with a complete range of integrated kitchen appliances. The fitted kitchens include ID Series 2 electric ovens, induction hobs, built‑in refrigerators, Washlens Plus dishwashers, I‑Pro Series washing machines and other high‑spec devices, providing buyers with a premium, ready‑to‑use kitchen experience. "Partnering with Fernham Homes allows us to bring our vision of the modern connected kitchen directly into new homes," said Jim McEwan, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Haier UK.

At the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, GE Appliances – a Haier subsidiary – unveiled the EcoBalance Home System, a whole‑home energy‑management platform that links kitchen appliances with smart‑home and grid power. The rollout includes battery‑backed refrigerators, whole‑home battery and inverter solutions, and a partnership with Savant and Ford to enable electric‑vehicle power backup. GE Appliances’ Shawn Stover explained that the fridge battery can run for several hours and also charge small electronics. The EcoBalance system aims to make kitchens and other home systems more resilient and energy‑efficient.