HydroFLOW S-38: A 2015 Kitchen Innovation Award Winner Revisited
Back in 2015, the HydroFLOW S-38 water treatment device made a splash (pun intended) at the Kitchen Innovation Awards. This wasn’t your typical countertop appliance; the S-38 tackled a hidden issue in kitchens – hard water. But what made it such a standout, and how does it hold up nearly a decade later?
The Hard Water Foe:
Hard water plagues many kitchens worldwide. It’s packed with minerals like calcium and magnesium, which, while not harmful to ingest, can wreak havoc on your appliances and your dishes. The telltale signs? Limescale buildup on faucets and kettles, cloudy glasses, and even that frustrating film on your dishes after washing.
The S-38/ Pearl plus Solution:
The HydroFLOW S-38 /pearl plus addressed these problems head-on. This innovative device used a technology called “non-chemical scale inhibition.” In simpler terms, it altered the water’s mineral structure, preventing them from clinging to surfaces as limescale. This resulted in several benefits for kitchens:
Sparkling Dishes: No more film on your glasses or that dull finish on your plates. The S-38/pearl plus ensured dishes emerged spotless, enhancing their appearance and hygiene.
Protected Appliances: Limescale buildup can significantly reduce the lifespan of dishwashers, coffee makers, and other water-using appliances. The S-38/pearl plus prevented this buildup, extending the life of your kitchen investments.
Improved Efficiency: Limescale acts like an insulator, hindering heat transfer. With the S-38/pearl plus, dishwashers and water heaters could operate more efficiently, potentially leading to lower energy bills.
Reduced Maintenance: The constant battle against limescale often involves harsh cleaning solutions and frequent descaling. The S-38 minimized this need, saving you time and effort.
A Legacy of Innovation:
While the specific model, the S-38/pearl plus, might not be readily available today, HydroFLOW continues to innovate in the water treatment space. They’ve evolved their product line, with the Pearl Plus now serving as the successor to the S-38. The Pearl Plus likely incorporates improved features and functionalities, building upon the strong foundation laid by the S-38. The core concept, however, remains the same – protecting kitchens from the damaging effects of hard water.
Beyond the Award:
The Kitchen Innovation Award win in 2015 was a testament to the impact the HydroFLOW S-38/pearl plus had on kitchens. But its significance goes beyond the recognition. It highlighted the often-overlooked importance of water quality in our daily culinary routines. By addressing hard water issues, the S-38 not only improved the aesthetics and efficiency of kitchens but potentially contributed to better hygiene and a more enjoyable cooking experience.
A Boon for Commercial Kitchens and Restaurants:
In commercial kitchens and restaurants, where efficiency and hygiene are paramount, the benefits of HydroFLOW are even more pronounced. Here’s why:
Crystal Clear Ice: Hard water can cloud ice cubes, making them appear less appealing. HydroFLOW prevents this, ensuring your ice makers produce consistently clear, beautiful ice cubes for drinks and presentations.
Less is More for Dishwashers: Hard water necessitates increased use of detergents and chemicals in dishwashers to combat limescale and ensure clean dishes. HydroFLOW reduces the need for these chemicals, potentially lowering operational costs while still delivering sparkling clean dishes.
Steam Oven Savior: Steam ovens are delicate appliances susceptible to limescale buildup. HydroFLOW protects these valuable tools by preventing scale formation, ensuring optimal performance and extending their lifespan.
The Takeaway:
While the HydroFLOW S-38 might be a product of the past, its legacy lives on. It serves as a reminder of the importance of water quality in our kitchens and the innovative solutions that can address these challenges. If you struggle with hard water, consider exploring the current HydroFLOW model, the Pearl Plus, or similar water treatment solutions. After all, a sparkling kitchen starts with sparkling water.