Marathon wants to remove dryers from the laundry equation
Dryers? Who needs 'em? Startup Marathon plans to put an end to separate laundry appliances.
A separate washer and dryer? What for?
That's what Marathon's Founder and CEO Glenn Reid thinks, at least. This fledgeling appliance startup just launched its very first product here at CES -- an all-in-one washer and dryer.
Sure, there are already some two-in-one units available on the market today, but Reid says this inaugural model, also called Marathon, is unique.
First off, the all-in-one laundry systems currently in stores rely on ventless technology to dry your clothes. While that does allow for flexible installation, Reid tells me it isn't optimal, as it leaves the inside of your machine full of moisture. Instead, the Marathon unit uses a traditional venting system just like standard dryers -- the only one of its kind, according to the team.
It's also outfitted with a touchscreen rather than a knob-and-button littered display panel. It even has Wi-Fi so it can issue software updates automatically and harness smart grid information to optimize your usage for off-peak hours.
At $1,199 ($AU1660, £815), Marathon is a pretty reasonably-priced product, especially when you consider that many washer and dryer hybrids cost at least $1,500.
Reid's end-game is to do away with dryers altogether. As he tells it, "These two appliances [washers and dryers] are each doing half a job. Dishwashers don't need a separate dryer, so why should washing machines?" Fair enough.
Marathon's washer and dryer combo is due out mid-year and we've already requested a review unit, so stay tuned for updates.
In the meantime, check out what else is happening at CES 2016.