Latest news with #homeAppliances
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Peckham or Sarajevo? Bosnian brothers spark joy with replica van from iconic British sitcom
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — There is an unmistakable air of Peckham these days in Bosnia's capital, Sarajevo, as the legendary yellow three-wheeled van from the BBC's long-running sitcom 'Only Fools and Horses' cruises the city streets. The little Reliant Regal was the trademark of the stars of the series — the irresistible Trotter brothers from Peckham, a working-class neighborhood in London. In Bosnia, a replica belongs to the Fatic brothers, local businessmen who are crazy about the show. The Fatics are dealers in home appliances, running a successful company with dozens of employees and a huge shop on the outskirts of Sarajevo. Building the business, however, has resembled the ups and downs of the Peckham market traders Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, they say. 'We are definitely the local version of the series,' Tarik Fatic, the younger of the brothers, told The Associated Press. 'We were always dealing in something, we would buy whatever we can and then sell it." The enormously popular BBC sitcom, which began in 1981, follows the lives of the Trotter brothers and their far-from-straightforward path from rags to riches. Over the course of seven series and several Christmas specials, the Trotters tried various get-rich-quick schemes, buying low-quality or sometimes black-market goods and selling them at the market. Many in Bosnia and in the wider Balkans easily identify with the Trotters' endless wheeling and dealing. In the region that went through a series of wars in the 1990s, where the economy was shattered and remains deeply corrupt, the Trotter ways of survival are simple reality. Just like the Trotter brothers, 'we always tried to make profit and regardless of how many times we failed, we just moved on," Tarik Fatic said. Also from a working-class family, and growing up in a country that was devastated in the bloody 1992-95 ethnic conflict, the brothers tried trading in food, poultry and clothes before settling on home appliances. They are aware there are no guarantees their current success will last. 'The market (in Bosnia) is still disorganized and unstable,' Tarik Fatic, 33, said. 'Not a day passes without the two (Del Boy and Rodney) crossing my mind.' Known here as Mucke, which actually means something like wheeling and dealing, 'Only Fools and Horses' became hugely popular throughout what was still Yugoslavia from the 1980s onwards. Murals with images of main characters have been painted on the walls; many cafes were named after the series, while visiting actors were greeted with frenzy. The Reliant Regal was made by a British company, famous for its eccentric vehicles, that went out of business in 2002. In Sarajevo, people wave, take pictures with their phones, honk their horns when they see the yellow van in the streets. The Fatic brothers imported it from Manchester six months ago after a long search. It took a while to register the unusual vehicle, said Mirnes Fatic, 38. 'It is a very nice feeling. It's a joy every time I go for a ride in the city,' he said, admitting that it also was "a great advertising move." And it's not just the van. The Fatic brothers have also named their company after the series — Only Fools and Horses Brothers Mucke. There have been some doubts how clients and banks would react but it turned out really well, Mirnes added. 'We hope and believe that this time next year, we will be millionaires," he smiled, using the famous phrase from the show.
The Independent
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Peckham or Sarajevo? Bosnian brothers spark joy with replica van from iconic British sitcom
There is an unmistakable air of Peckham these days in Bosnia's capital, Sarajevo, as the legendary yellow three-wheeled van from the BBC's long-running sitcom 'Only Fools and Horses' cruises the city streets. The little Reliant Regal was the trademark of the stars of the series — the irresistible Trotter brothers from Peckham, a working-class neighborhood in London. In Bosnia, a replica belongs to the Fatic brothers, local businessmen who are crazy about the show. The Fatics are dealers in home appliances, running a successful company with dozens of employees and a huge shop on the outskirts of Sarajevo. Building the business, however, has resembled the ups and downs of the Peckham market traders Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, they say. 'We are definitely the local version of the series,' Tarik Fatic, the younger of the brothers, told The Associated Press. 'We were always dealing in something, we would buy whatever we can and then sell it." The enormously popular BBC sitcom, which began in 1981, follows the lives of the Trotter brothers and their far-from-straightforward path from rags to riches. Over the course of seven series and several Christmas specials, the Trotters tried various get-rich-quick schemes, buying low-quality or sometimes black-market goods and selling them at the market. Many in Bosnia and in the wider Balkans easily identify with the Trotters' endless wheeling and dealing. In the region that went through a series of wars in the 1990s, where the economy was shattered and remains deeply corrupt, the Trotter ways of survival are simple reality. Just like the Trotter brothers, 'we always tried to make profit and regardless of how many times we failed, we just moved on," Tarik Fatic said. Also from a working-class family, and growing up in a country that was devastated in the bloody 1992-95 ethnic conflict, the brothers tried trading in food, poultry and clothes before settling on home appliances. They are aware there are no guarantees their current success will last. 'The market (in Bosnia) is still disorganized and unstable,' Tarik Fatic, 33, said. 'Not a day passes without the two (Del Boy and Rodney) crossing my mind.' Known here as Mucke, which actually means something like wheeling and dealing, 'Only Fools and Horses' became hugely popular throughout what was still Yugoslavia from the 1980s onwards. Murals with images of main characters have been painted on the walls; many cafes were named after the series, while visiting actors were greeted with frenzy. The Reliant Regal was made by a British company, famous for its eccentric vehicles, that went out of business in 2002. In Sarajevo, people wave, take pictures with their phones, honk their horns when they see the yellow van in the streets. The Fatic brothers imported it from Manchester six months ago after a long search. It took a while to register the unusual vehicle, said Mirnes Fatic, 38. 'It is a very nice feeling. It's a joy every time I go for a ride in the city,' he said, admitting that it also was "a great advertising move." And it's not just the van. The Fatic brothers have also named their company after the series — Only Fools and Horses Brothers Mucke. There have been some doubts how clients and banks would react but it turned out really well, Mirnes added. 'We hope and believe that this time next year, we will be millionaires," he smiled, using the famous phrase from the show.
Associated Press
4 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Peckham or Sarajevo? Bosnian brothers spark joy with replica van from iconic British sitcom
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — There is an unmistakable air of Peckham these days in Bosnia's capital, Sarajevo, as the legendary yellow three-wheeled van from the BBC's long-running sitcom 'Only Fools and Horses' cruises the city streets. The little Reliant Regal was the trademark of the stars of the series — the irresistible Trotter brothers from Peckham, a working-class neighborhood in London. In Bosnia, a replica belongs to the Fatic brothers, local businessmen who are crazy about the show. The Fatics are dealers in home appliances, running a successful company with dozens of employees and a huge shop on the outskirts of Sarajevo. Building the business, however, has resembled the ups and downs of the Peckham market traders Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, they say. 'We are definitely the local version of the series,' Tarik Fatic, the younger of the brothers, told The Associated Press. 'We were always dealing in something, we would buy whatever we can and then sell it.' The enormously popular BBC sitcom, which began in 1981, follows the lives of the Trotter brothers and their far-from-straightforward path from rags to riches. Over the course of seven series and several Christmas specials, the Trotters tried various get-rich-quick schemes, buying low-quality or sometimes black-market goods and selling them at the market. Many in Bosnia and in the wider Balkans easily identify with the Trotters' endless wheeling and dealing. In the region that went through a series of wars in the 1990s, where the economy was shattered and remains deeply corrupt, the Trotter ways of survival are simple reality. Just like the Trotter brothers, 'we always tried to make profit and regardless of how many times we failed, we just moved on,' Tarik Fatic said. Also from a working-class family, and growing up in a country that was devastated in the bloody 1992-95 ethnic conflict, the brothers tried trading in food, poultry and clothes before settling on home appliances. They are aware there are no guarantees their current success will last. 'The market (in Bosnia) is still disorganized and unstable,' Tarik Fatic, 33, said. 'Not a day passes without the two (Del Boy and Rodney) crossing my mind.' Known here as Mucke, which actually means something like wheeling and dealing, 'Only Fools and Horses' became hugely popular throughout what was still Yugoslavia from the 1980s onwards. Murals with images of main characters have been painted on the walls; many cafes were named after the series, while visiting actors were greeted with frenzy. The Reliant Regal was made by a British company, famous for its eccentric vehicles, that went out of business in 2002. In Sarajevo, people wave, take pictures with their phones, honk their horns when they see the yellow van in the streets. The Fatic brothers imported it from Manchester six months ago after a long search. It took a while to register the unusual vehicle, said Mirnes Fatic, 38. 'It is a very nice feeling. It's a joy every time I go for a ride in the city,' he said, admitting that it also was 'a great advertising move.' And it's not just the van. The Fatic brothers have also named their company after the series — Only Fools and Horses Brothers Mucke. There have been some doubts how clients and banks would react but it turned out really well, Mirnes added. 'We hope and believe that this time next year, we will be millionaires,' he smiled, using the famous phrase from the show.
CTV News
22-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Our Guide To The Best Washer & Dryer Combos In Canada In 2025 (And Where To Get Them)
Whether you live alone or with a partner and a brood of young kids, laundry will be a weekly (or even daily) chore. And while it's great that the machines do all of the work for you, you still need to find the time (and remember!) to flip the loads. Two machines also take up a lot of space in your home. Wouldn't it be great if you could solve both problems at once? With a washer & dryer combo, a single machine does the work of washing and drying your clothes for you. It takes up half the space of a set, doesn't require any input from you in between, and is incredibly easy to use. Doesn't it sound like a dream come true? If a washer & dryer combo sounds like the next best thing for your laundry routine, but you're not sure how to find the best one, that's where we come in. Washer & dryer combos will vary in price, capacity, wash and dry cycle options, overall size, and more. Every feature matters, so think about all of them! This comprehensive guide will investigate the best washer & dryer combos in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let's dive right into our top five products. The Best Washer & Dryer Combos Right Now Our Top Pick for The Best Washer & Dryer Combo Samsung 5.3 Cu. Ft. F900 Series Bespoke AI Laundry Combo Review What We Think of the Samsung 5.3 Cu. Ft. F900 Series Bespoke AI Laundry Combo The Samsung 5.3 Cu. Ft. F900 Series Bespoke AI Laundry Combo has a lot to offer. Two user-friendly features really appeal to us. The auto-open door vents out any remaining humid air after drying to prevent clothes from getting musty, and the automatic dispensing of detergent and fabric softener makes it even easier to get a load started on a busy day. It's also compatible with the SmartThings app and Samsung Bixby. This machine is also incredibly versatile. It offers 23 unique cycle options, including steam wash cycles for deeper cleaning, to make sure every load gets treated the way it should be. Energy efficiency is also a guarantee with this one. It's Energy Star certified and offers an AI Energy mode to reduce energy usage without compromising performance. Brilliant. One of the only things that might not work for you is the capacity. At 5.3 cubic feet, it's on the smaller end of things. If you have a large family or prefer to do laundry infrequently, you might not be happy with how many items you can get in at once. Otherwise, the high price might be the only thing that sways you in a different direction. All in all, the Samsung 5.3 Cu. Ft. F900 Series Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is a well-rounded machine that should fit well into just about every household. With its versatile wash and dry cycles, user-friendly additions, and smart features, it's perfect for every load. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 4.5/5 Price: 3/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Samsung 5.3 Cu. Ft. F900 Series Bespoke AI Laundry Combo Reviewers have a high opinion of the Samsung 5.3 Cu. Ft. F900 Series Bespoke AI Laundry Combo. The capacity is enough for a variety of load types, and they love how specific they can be with the cycle options. The automatic door and dispensing features make the machine perfect for busy days, too. They'd all choose this one again and recommend it to others. Samsung 5.3 Cu. Ft. F900 Series Bespoke AI Laundry Combo Pros and Cons Buy If… You'd love a machine you can talk to Energy savings sound good You hate the smell of musty clothes You're looking for a versatile list of cycle options Don't Buy If… You can't spend a lot A large capacity is ideal for your family Samsung 5.3 Cu. Ft. F900 Series Bespoke AI Laundry Combo Specifications Dimensions: 43.7' x 27' x 34.4' Weight: 297.6 lbs Colour: Black Capacity: 5.3 cu. ft Cycle Options: 23 Automated Dispensing: Yes Warranty: 20 years Our Runner-Up LG WM6998HBA 5.7 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Review What We Think of the LG WM6998HBA 5.7 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Electric Washer & Dryer Combo The LG WM6998HBA 5.7 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Electric Washer & Dryer Combo is a wonderful option for so many reasons. When it comes to efficiency, this thing is on point. The inverter heat pump guarantees less noise and less energy usage than traditional systems. Doesn't that sound great? A delay start feature also lets you prep your load before you leave for the day, so it will be ready when you get home. Brilliant. We're also very pleased with the versatility of this washer & dryer combo. With 30 washing cycles, seven drying cycles, and multiple settings for water temperature and volume, this machine can offer exactly what each load needs. A companion app also lets you know when the load is finished, so you won't ever be late pulling it out. The only reason you might not love this option is if you're shopping on a budget. The price is higher than many other washer/dryer combos, so if you're looking for a machine that's as budget-friendly as possible, you can definitely do better. All in all, the LG WM6998HBA 5.7 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Electric Washer & Dryer Combo has lots to offer, no matter what your weekly laundry load looks like. It brings a ton of cycle options to the table and offers a variety of user-friendly features to make things as simple as possible. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 4/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the LG WM6998HBA 5.7 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Reviewers have great things to say about the LG WM6998HBA 5.7 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Electric Washer & Dryer Combo. They appreciate how many settings there are for wash cycles, dry cycles, and water temperature—every load gets exactly what it needs. The companion app and delay start are also big hits. They're all very happy with their choice. LG WM6998HBA 5.7 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Pros and Cons Buy If… You'd appreciate the flexibility of a delay start feature Energy efficiency and low noise appeal to you Versatility is a priority You'd appreciate cycle updates via a companion app Don't Buy If… You're shopping on a tight budget LG WM6998HBA 5.7 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Specifications Dimensions: 27' x 39' x 33.1' Weight: 246.9 lbs Colour: Black steel Capacity: 5.7 cu. ft Cycle Options: 30 wash, 7 dry Automated Dispensing: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Large Capacity Pick Samsung WD53DBA900HZA1 6.1 Cu. Ft. Washer & Heat Pump Dryer Combo Review What We Think of the Samsung WD53DBA900HZA1 6.1 Cu. Ft. Washer & Heat Pump Dryer Combo There are a lot of things to like about the Samsung WD53DBA900HZA1 6.1 Cu. Ft. Washer & Heat Pump Dryer Combo. One of the best features is the extra-large capacity. With 6.1 cubic feet of washing and drying space, you'll be able to get tons of items clean at the same time. Not only will this save you time, but it'll cut down on your energy bill too. The automated detergent dispenser is large enough to hold detergent for 47 loads, too, so even that won't become a nuisance over time. The front-load design helps save on energy as well, and it also keeps your clothes looking newer for longer. The sleek design of this machine makes it a great choice for aesthetically-conscious shoppers, too. There are a few shortcomings that we want to point out before we wrap this one up. With only 23 washing cycles (instead of 30+) and only four drying temperatures (instead of cycle options) to choose from, the versatility and precision of this machine leave a little something to be desired. The loads can also take 5-7.5 hours to complete, depending on your choices. The high price tag might be another deterrent. Overall, the Samsung WD53DBA900HZA1 6.1 Cu. Ft. Washer & Heat Pump Dryer Combo is the perfect choice for people who like to maximize efficiency with big loads of laundry. It has lots of other great features to offer, too. Performance: 4.5/5 Usability: 4.5/5 Price: 3.5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Samsung WD53DBA900HZA1 6.1 Cu. Ft. Washer & Heat Pump Dryer Combo Reviewers have mostly great things to say about the Samsung WD53DBA900HZA1 6.1 Cu. Ft. Washer & Heat Pump Dryer Combo. The large capacity, sleek appearance, and precise detergent dispensing are all favourite features for them. However, some people are unhappy with how long it takes loads to be completed, and others would prefer some extra options for wash and dry cycles. Samsung WD53DBA900HZA1 6.1 Cu. Ft. Washer & Heat Pump Dryer Combo Pros and Cons Buy If… You don't want to fill the detergent very often You like (or need) to do your laundry in big loads You'd prefer a machine that can extend the longevity of your clothes A sleek-looking machine is what you're after Don't Buy If… You don't want to spend much on a washer & dryer combo You like to be very specific with wash and dry cycles You need your laundry to be done quickly Samsung WD53DBA900HZA1 6.1 Cu. Ft. Washer & Heat Pump Dryer Combo Specifications Dimensions: 27' x 43.7' x 34.5' Weight: 286.6 lbs Colour: Dark steel Capacity: 6.1 cu. ft Cycle Options: 23 Automated Dispensing: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Upgrade Pick GE PFQ97HSPVDS 5.5 Cu. Ft. UltraFast Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Review What We Think of the GE PFQ97HSPVDS 5.5 Cu. Ft. UltraFast Electric Washer & Dryer Combo The GE PFQ97HSPVDS 5.5 Cu. Ft. UltraFast Electric Washer & Dryer Combo has so many awesome features to offer. One of our favourites is the Wi-Fi connectivity. Your machine can connect to a variety of compatible devices to provide cycle updates and insights into its performance. Cool, huh? Energy efficiency is also a guarantee with this one, so you'll be able to cut down on your power bill. Another great thing about this washer & dryer combo is how quickly it works. You can have most loads finished in around two hours. You won't be waiting all day like you would with other machines. We also appreciate that you can see all of your wash and dry cycles at a glance—it makes it really easy to choose the right one for the current load. One of the only features that falls a bit short of expectations is the versatility of wash cycle options. Most washer & dryer combos offer at least 23, but this one only offers 12. If you like to be really precise with how your washer runs, this won't be the best option. Otherwise, the higher price might be your only concern. But trust us, it's worth the extra. Overall, the GE PFQ97HSPVDS 5.5 Cu. Ft. UltraFast Electric Washer & Dryer Combo is one of our favourite machines of all time. No matter what your priorities are for a new laundry system (as long as it isn't wash cycle versatility), you'll be very, very happy with this option. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 3.5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the GE PFQ97HSPVDS 5.5 Cu. Ft. UltraFast Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Reviewers have nothing to complain about with the GE PFQ97HSPVDS 5.5 Cu. Ft. UltraFast Electric Washer & Dryer Combo. It powers through a variety of cycles pretty quickly (generally two hours all in), offers a family-friendly capacity, and has cut down on their electricity bill. They greatly appreciate the remote cycle monitoring, too. They highly recommend this one. GE PFQ97HSPVDS 5.5 Cu. Ft. UltraFast Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Pros and Cons Buy If… You'd love to see all of your wash/dry cycle options at a glance Remote cycle monitoring is something you want You don't want to wait a long time for loads to be completed Energy efficiency is a priority Don't Buy If… Versatile wash cycles are important to you You're shopping on a budget GE PFQ97HSPVDS 5.5 Cu. Ft. UltraFast Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Specifications Dimensions: 28' x 46.7' x 32' Weight: 302 lbs Colour: Carbon graphite Capacity: 5.5 cu. ft Cycle Options: 12 wash and 12 dry Automated Dispensing: Yes Warranty: 1 year Our Compact Pick GE GFQ14ESSNWW 2.8 Cu. Ft. Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Review What We Think of the GE GFQ14ESSNWW 2.8 Cu. Ft. Electric Washer & Dryer Combo The GE GFQ14ESSNWW 2.8 Cu. Ft. Electric Washer & Dryer Combo is the best choice for people who need a small machine. It requires far less space than other choices, so it's perfect for tight quarters like RVs. It's also one of the most budget-friendly options currently available. You can't be mad at that, right? There are two cycle options that we're really happy with and excited to share with you. A steam wash cycle does an amazing job of lifting stains without damaging clothes, and a sanitize cycle kills off any bacteria or other hazards. Doesn't that sound perfect for life with kids? An extra-long delay start timer of 1440 minutes guarantees the clothes will always be cleaned when it's most convenient for you, even when you're not home. The main issue you'll run into with this compact option is a predictably small capacity. It offers half the space as the average washer & dryer combo, so you'll need to split your loads. With only 14 washing cycles and four drying cycles, it also can't be as compatible with different load types as other options. Overall, the GE GFQ14ESSNWW 2.8 Cu. Ft. Electric Washer & Dryer Combo should be an easy choice if you're looking to free up as much floor space as possible. You'll need to make some concessions, but it's a solid choice. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 4/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the GE GFQ14ESSNWW 2.8 Cu. Ft. Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Reviewers have positive things to say about the GE GFQ14ESSNWW 2.8 Cu. Ft. Electric Washer & Dryer Combo. The compact size means it fits well in every home, no matter how tight the space is, and it does a great job of washing and drying clothes. The price was right for everybody, too. Some people wish they'd gotten a larger machine, though, and the cycle versatility isn't great for everyone. GE GFQ14ESSNWW 2.8 Cu. Ft. Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Pros and Cons Buy If… You don't have a lot of space for a washer and dryer You'd make use of a long delay start Your washer will need to lift stains or kill germs regularly An affordable price tag would be nice Don't Buy If… You won't be able to make do with a really small capacity Cycle versatility is a priority GE GFQ14ESSNWW 2.8 Cu. Ft. Electric Washer & Dryer Combo Specifications Dimensions: 23.4' x 33.25' x 25.6' Weight: 183 lbs Colour: White Capacity: 2.8 cu. ft Cycle Options: 14 wash and 4 dry Automated Dispensing: Yes Warranty: 1 year Why Trust Shopping Trends? At Shopping Trends, every product we review goes through rigorous hands-on testing to ensure we're recommending only the best for Canadian households. With over a decade of experience in product evaluation and consumer reporting, I personally oversee each test and comparison. Our process is transparent, methodical, and grounded in real-world usage. Whether it's a cordless vacuum, a 4K TV, or a hammock for your next camping trip, we evaluate items the way you'd use them at home. When needed, we also consult Canadian industry experts to offer context and help readers make confident, informed decisions. Every 'top pick' featured in our guides has earned its spot through careful analysis, not sponsorship. How to Properly Choose Your Washer & Dryer Combo Price The price of a washer & dryer combo will generally fall between $1,500 and $3,500. More expensive machines will usually have a larger capacity, more wash and dry cycle options, multiple smart features, and more intuitive and reliable touchscreens. Capacity The capacity of a washer & dryer combo will typically fall between 2.5 cu. ft and 6.5 cu. ft. A smaller capacity will usually be paired with shorter cycle times, a more compact size, and a more affordable price, but they won't be as efficient as high-capacity competitors. Cycle Options Every washer & dryer combo will offer multiple cycle options for washing and drying clothes, but the versatility can differ quite dramatically. Washing cycle options can be as few as 12 or as many as 30, and the options for drying usually range between two and 12. Automatic Dispensing Pretty much every washer & dryer combo will offer automatic dispensing of detergent and fabric softener, but the systems aren't all created equal. Some have a large capacity and can hold detergent for almost 50 loads, others are smaller and will need to be refilled every 25 loads or so. Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
