Each to His Own (or, Appliance-Based Creativity)

As she was loading the dishwasher recently, Tiffany told me about an advertisement she'd seen for a washer and dryer which don't require the adding of soap or fabric softener.

Since I don't struggle to remember detergent, I can't imagine that I would pay any extra money for a washing machine which would remember it for me. Clearly, I'm not in their target market, but someone out there must be, right?

I asked Tiff what she'd pay extra for, and she said a desk which could automatically sort and file the papers she placed on it would be worth every penny.

Since that day, a tiny portion of my brain has continued to imagine uncommon appliance features that WOULD speak to my pocketbook. Here's the beginning of my list (including Tiff's magic desk, of course):

• If I were in the market for a washing machine, which I'm not, I'd pay more for one which would wail or honk until I came to switch the clothes. I've always wondered why they don't make washers buzz like dryers do.
• On a similar note, I'd have to buy the dishwasher which would prevent me from walking away from the dishwasher after loading it WITHOUT starting it...
• A blender which could clean itself would turn my head,
• as would a refrigerator which disposed of its own forgotten leftovers.

One of my fifth-grade drama students told us last week that she's always wanted a locker with a snow-cone machine inside. Can't say I understand, but most of the team thought it was inspired...

What appliance feature (ridiculous, inspired, or otherwise) would sing a siren song to your credit card? If you have one, post it as a comment so others can see it too... Perhaps we can inspire some aspiring inventor somewhere!