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Tuesday, November 10, 2026Local news for Cook County, Illinois.
Cook County Chronicle · 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
Business · Phoenix

36-inch smart fridge and $0-cost WASHLET lid lead holiday home upgrades

Lifestyle editor Joann Butler identifies specific kitchen and bathroom products to improve hosting comfort in South Florida homes.

By Matthew Brooks ·

Illustration for: 36-inch smart fridge and $0-cost WASHLET lid lead holiday home upgrades
Illustration generated for this article, not a news photograph.

A 36-inch integrated column refrigerator and freezer with a seven-inch LCD touchscreen is the centerpiece of a new list of holiday home upgrades. Lifestyle editor Joann Butler featured the appliance in a South Florida segment on November 9. The unit uses AI Fresh technology to track household patterns. It monitors when food needs restocking and how users prefer to store cold items. Premium interior lighting is included to improve visibility of ingredients. Homeowners can select from three finishes or a panel-ready option. This choice allows the appliance to blend into surrounding cabinetry. A dual ice maker produces spherical craft ice that melts slowly. Butler noted this feature supports holiday cocktails and other drinks.

Bathroom upgrades focus on comfort for guests. Butler presented two options from TOTO. The NEOREST WX1+ S7A combines a toilet and WASHLET into a single unit. It includes a heated seat, warm-water cleansing, and warm-air drying. The lid opens automatically when a person approaches. It closes when the user leaves. For homeowners who keep their existing toilet, the segment featured a separate TOTO WASHLET option. This accessory includes a wireless remote. It offers personalized cleansing and instantaneous warm water.

Countertop surfaces from Cosentino offer another update for kitchens and bathrooms. The material features three-dimensional veining and recycled content. It is designed to withstand heat and resist impacts. Butler stated this makes it suitable for high-traffic areas. The surfaces require low maintenance and are easy to clean. Six colors are available. Options include gold veining, gray veining, and blue veining. The Home Depot stocks a selection of these surfaces. The segment was sponsored by SKS, TOTO, and Cosentio. Butler described these items as strategic upgrades. They aim to make busy holiday weeks more comfortable. The features also provide year-round utility for homeowners.

The report highlighted specific technological features for each product. The refrigerator learns user behavior for food storage. The TOTO products automate lid movement and water temperature. The Cosentino surfaces emphasize durability and visual texture. Butler connected these choices to the goal of entertaining. The segment targeted South Florida residents. The products are available through standard retail channels. The Home Depot carries the countertop selection. The segment ran on November 9, 2026.

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