37 minute read
EROCICINA REPORT 2024
Salone del Mobile attracts record visitor numbers for 2024
The Salone del Mobile Milano confirmed record attendance for the 2024 edition with a 17% increase in visitor numbers compared to 2023 with over 360,000 total visitors.
There were over 1,950 exhibitors from 25 countries across the show floor spanning almost 175,000 square metres with a clear focus on kitchen and bathroom design.
Held within the annual Salone del Mobile trade fair, EuroCucina is held every two years, bringing together the design community from around the world.
A number of Australian retail groups and a large number of major appliance brands were in attendance.
Flex Design takes centre stage for NEFF
The new NEFF Flex Design cooking range demonstrates the ability for customers to truly personalise their appliances through colour selection and product assortment.
In addition to a choice of four colours – brushed bronze, anthracite grey, metallic silver and deep black – customers can also choose the design and combination of appliances with trim kits available. For example, a trim kit for a single full oven, a full oven with warming drawer, two compact ovens, a full oven and microwave oven, a full oven and compact oven, and two full ovens, offering one seamless combination kit regardless of appliance configuration.
Taking personalisation a step further is the Twist Pad Flex control knob. When used on Flex Design ovens, it adapts the user interface depending on if the Twist Pad Flex is present or not. It can also be used to operate Flex Design cooktops with a magnetic design and enhanced haptics.
“NEFF has taken personalisation to a whole new level with the Flex Design range with the ability to tailor your choice of colour across cavity and surface products, provide seamless design combinations for all cavity options and use the new Twist Pad Flex control to personalise the interaction with your appliance,” BSH general manager of retail sales, Robert Warner told Appliance Retailer.
“Our NEFF customers are passionate cooks and now they are able to do so with products that can be specifically designed for their aesthetic tastes and an interface to suit the way they work in the kitchen.”
Bosch highlights latest sustainability initiatives
Bosch demonstrated its vision for a future guided by responsibility and conscious living through sustainable consumption, high quality products built to last and inspiring lifestyles.
We took the opportunity to explore innovative paths to create a better, healthier and more sustainable life.
-BSH general manager of retail sales, Robert Warner.
One example is the Bosch Green Collection. Fridge-freezers offer low energy consumption and are made with more environmentally friendly materials with 33% less CO2 in production material compared to a model with conventional production material.
Key product features include No Frost technology that prevents the formation of ice crystals and eliminates the need for defrosting in the freezer. In the refrigerator, the VitaFresh freshness system keeps food fresh for longer to help reduce food waste.
Bosch Green Collection dishwashers also offer low energy consumption and are produced proportionately with CO2-reduced stainless steel. Compatible with Home Connect, households can track water and energy usage, as well as consumption history.
Bosch also presented its first hydrogen-powered hobs that do not emit any carbon emissions. In an initial pilot, around 100 households are being equipped with 100% green hydrogen-powered hobs in Scotland.
“The key message for our Bosch stand was to ‘Live Responsibly’ and we took the opportunity to explore innovative paths to create a better, healthier and more sustainable life,” BSH’s Robert Warner told Appliance Retailer.
“The Green Collection is focused on delivering significantly reduced carbon emission both in the manufacturing of the product and in the efficiency of the product while being used. We also presented the prototype for our first ever hydrogen powered cooktop which is currently being piloted in Scotland. This is an exciting pilot and a technology that the broader Robert Bosch business in Australia is currently exploring.”
Siemens extends AI oven capabilities
Siemens presented its ‘Intelligent Kitchen’ which demonstrated the intelligence and ease of use of its appliances. The capabilities of the Siemens iQ700 studioLine ovens have been extended.
The flagship oven with built-in camera currently offers an Individual Browning feature that continuously monitors the food being cooked and determines when to stop the cooking process using AI. Users can pre-select the browning level on the oven or via the Home Connect app.
Now, the flagship oven can identify food and recommend how it should be cooked thanks to a new Food Recognition feature.
“Siemens core focus for the fair was to showcase our Intelligent Kitchen and this was best represented with the presentation of our new Food Recognition feature in our top of the range oven,” BSH’s Robert Warner told Appliance Retailer.
“The built-in camera will be able to scan the oven, identify up to 40 dishes – to be expanded to over 100 – and use AI to make recommendations on how best to cook your food. This feature will be available in Europe from mid-2024 and we will see the technology in Australia before the end of the year.”
NEFF VP of design explains the ingenuity behind Flex DESIGN APPLIANCE RANGE
NEFF has a long history producing cooking appliances, spanning more than 140 years. In the 1950s, NEFF was the first company to introduce thermostats as standard across its ovens and in the 1960s, NEFF launched the first built-in appliances to help save space in the kitchen.
Fast forward to 2024 at Eurocucina in Milan and the new Flex Design range was the hero of the NEFF booth. Available in four colours – brushed bronze, anthracite grey, metallic silver and deep black – Flex Design allows consumers to choose the design and combination of appliances with a number of trim kits.
Vice president of design, Ralf Grobleben spoke to Appliance Retailer about the role of design and the inspiration behind bringing greater customisation to kitchens.
“What you see on the NEFF booth at Eurocucina this year is the brand’s direction from a design point of view and the way we’ve responded to trends in the building market today,” Grobleben said.
“Across the BSH business, we work with focus groups who share feedback on their experience with our products. Our NEFF customers tell us they enjoy cooking at home and are interested in product individuality and flexibility, while having fun in the kitchen, so technology isn’t a priority for them. With this in mind, we try to find character and personality in our products. We want to deliver high-quality, long-lasting appliances with design flair that makes them special and unique.
“We observed a trend towards colour in the market and wanted to move in this direction for some time. In line with demand for individuality and flexibility, we came up with the idea of changeable trims, so consumers weren’t fixed with their design choice. It’s often not easy to change the design or colour of your appliance but we’ve made this possible with the NEFF Flex Design range and we are looking at introducing more colours in the future.
“In addition to colour and seamless combinations, we put a lot of thought into the operation of the Flex Design appliances, which can be seen with the TwistPad Flex control knob. Feedback from our focus group was that not everybody wants a touch screen display on their cooking appliance. They still want to enjoy a tactile experience and the TwistPad is our solution – we believe it delivers something different, emotional and magical.
“It’s not just a technology upgrade, but rather something practical that goes to a deeper layer of the user experience. The TwistPad adapts to user preferences and can reduce the amount of information presented, which can often be overwhelming, particularly among older demographics or customers who only use their oven for a single task, such as baking a cake.
“The technology is there for those who want it but there’s also the ability to customise the user experience and reduce the amount of information available to cater to all customers. As we see more design elements integrated and tactile objects become increasingly obsolete, I believe this is a real game-changer for kitchen appliances.
“The oven used to be the hero appliance of the kitchen standing loud and proud but today it has become part of the kitchen as homes become smaller and kitchens become more integrated with living spaces. With the colour choices offered by the Flex Design range, we give consumers the ability to design the kitchen the way they want it.”
BSH CEO shares optimism for the future supported by strong brands and product innovation
BSH CEO, Matthias Metz joined BSH 18 months ago and attended his first Eurocucina in Milan this year. He sat down with Appliance Retailer to share his highlights from the 2024 exhibition, the company’s overarching strategy and why he’s optimistic about future growth.
“We see Eurocucina as an important trade show to not only present to the public, but to show our support for our retail partners and showcase our brand portfolio. The aspiration and focus for BSH is improving consumers’ lives at home and we do this through consumer happiness and customer success,” Metz said.
“Delighting our consumers starts from a strong brand portfolio. Our brands are not just a sticker or label, but they are a promise when you buy any of our brands – Bosch, Gaggenau, NEFF or Siemens. Our brands are clearly differentiated and target different consumer groups, but they all offer the same promise of quality.
“Quality is not only important from a feature or function perspective, but also from a sustainability point of view. When you buy one of our products it’s not just great in appearance, design and function, but it comes with a service promise and a 15-year guarantee for spare parts.
“We are working with our retail partners to ensure they have great products to sell and can communicate the benefits to consumers. We want them to understand that in case of any support issues, they can rely on our service for availability of products, delivery and performance.”
AI and sustainability at the forefront
“There’s a lot of buzz around AI but to translate how it benefits the consumer is what drives us as a company. It’s not about AI or the built-in camera – it’s about providing consumer happiness and a great experience by making it easy to achieve excellent results,” Metz said.
“Sustainability has also become front of mind and a topic of great interest around the world. We want to deliver passion for our brands but also maintain a clear focus on sustainability and encourage consumers to consider this in their purchase decision. This can be seen with our products that not only achieve the highest energy or water ratings but exceed them.
“Sustainability is not only important for reducing energy consumption. For example, i-Dos and Detergent Scan on our Bosch washing machines make it more convenient and reduce detergent wastage.
“We are also investing in sustainability for our manufacturing processes. In China, we invested in the largest solar panel installation from the Bosch Group to date and for our refrigeration plant in Germany, we have reduced gas consumption required for production. For our dishwashers, we are using steel that has a 50% lower CO2 footprint than traditional steel.
“In Scotland, we are undertaking a pilot project with hydrogen powered gas cooktops, which underlines our ability to be a frontrunner when new technology becomes available and our support for important topics like hydrogen. We also offer a range of induction cooktops, some with downdraft ventilation, because it’s about giving consumers choice.”
Message to Australian retail partners
“We are fully committed to the Australian market moving forward and are delighted to welcome our trade partners from Australia to Eurocucina to experience our products and learn our latest news,” Metz said.
“We have a strong brand portfolio and are committed to our brand promise for not only our trade partners but also our consumers. We deliver innovation that matters, which is at the core of our approach and will continue to focus on consumer happiness and customer success.
“Australians are focused on sustainability and we want to drive the message that sustainability is part of BSH’s DNA – not something that started today. On the topic of long-lasting quality, we have a commitment to service and spare parts which contributes to our sustainability credentials. Our Australian retail partners are invited to use this in their communication with consumers.
“In 2023, we invested 850 million Euros in R&D – approximately 5.7% of our top line – which is a big commitment. We are optimistic about the future; we have a strong team, a clear roadmap of product innovation, and a clear objective when it comes to consumer happiness and customer success.”
Gaggenau presents next-generation appliances
Gaggenau hosted The Elevation of Gravity installation in the glass pavilion of Villa Necchi Campiglio, a 1930s historic residence in the heart of Milan.
The pavilion was divided into two interconnected spaces – one offering a communal hub showcasing current Gaggenau appliances and the other with the latest product launches including the Essential Induction, new generation of cooling and a first look at the next Gaggenau icons.
The Essential Induction combines a cooktop and worktop into a single surface that simply incorporates a dot, a surface and a knob, to seamlessly integrate into the home. The dot is a subtle light that intuitively links the knob to the cooking zone in operation. It guides users on where to place cookware and its variation in intensity, colour and state shows when the module is on, if there is residual heat or if the surface protector is missing. When not in use, it automatically turns off, returning the surface to a space for preparation, serving, eating or socialising.
THE UNOX CASA MODEL 1 AND MODEL 1S DELIVER A RANGE OF COOKING TECHNIQUES FROM GRILLING AND FRYING TO STEAM COOKING AND SOUS VIDE, AS WELL AS SMOKING, ROASTING AND DEHYDRATING.
The standard 21cm module accommodates pots and pans between 10cm and 21cm in diameter, while the larger 28cm module is suitable for cookware between 15cm and 28cm in diameter. The induction modules are activated through enhanced surface protectors that magnetically connect to the cookware. The 400 series front-mounted control knobs deliver an intuitive selection of 12 power levels, keep warm and boost functions.
UNOX Casa spotlights the SuperOven
UNOX Casa presented its 100% Made in Italy SuperOven, first launched at the 2022 Fair. The UNOX Casa Model 1 and Model 1S deliver a range of cooking techniques from grilling and frying to steam cooking and sous vide, as well as smoking, roasting and dehydrating.
The Model 1 offers two vertically stacked ovens, while the 1S offers a single cooking chamber. In-built sensors monitor humidity within the oven cavity to cook food faster and more evenly.
Speaking to Appliance Retailer, UNOX Australia managing director, Wayne Viles said, “We are excited to be back at Salone del Mobile (Eurocucina) in 2024, presenting for the second time. We are here with more maturity as our SuperOven product is more well known and we are presenting new innovations.
“This year, we are offering two different experiences on the stand. One is a private demonstration and dining experience – which some of our Australian partners would have enjoyed at the Melbourne Design Show in 2023 – and the other is an open and interactive experience with a professional chef directly engaging with visitors at the front of the stand to demonstrate the capabilities of UNOX Casa ovens.”
Bertazzoni showcases new oven designs, freestanding cookers and induction cooktops
Bertazzoni unveiled its latest kitchen appliance innovations including the Bertazzoni Professional Series Air-Tec 90cm freestanding cooker, the world’s first three-in-one appliance combining an electric oven, an induction cooktop, and a 10-speed built-in downdraft ventilation system.
The oven has 11 functions including convection, baking, grilling and fast pre-heat and features a triple-glazed cool touch glass door and soft close hinges. The cooktop has four zones with multi-zone technology to combine two zones into a single zone to accommodate larger pots or a griddle plate.
The integrated ventilation has 10 speeds including an automatic function to adjust the suction power according to the cooktop power level. Airtec cookers are available in Stainless Steel, and a selection of luxury car automotive paint colours including Black, Red, Orange, White, and Yellow, plus a special new colour, Carbonio.
Bertazzoni will manufacture new induction cooktops in-house with two models available, Premium and Super Premium. The latter offers a TFT touch display and Bertazzoni Assistant smart technology which selects the sequence of cooking function, temperature and time.
Four new freestanding cookers will also come with induction cooktops. Select models will be available in the exclusive automotive paint finish in the Professional Series and two colours in the Heritage Series range. There will be single and double oven options available in 90cm and 100cm, as well as a triple oven configuration in 100cm.
THE FEATURES BETWEEN THE FHIABA RANGES ARE CONSISTENT, BUT THE DETAIL IS IN THE COSMETIC DESIGN AS THE PRODUCTS CAN TRANSFORM BASED ON KITCHEN AESTHETIC.
The Bertazzoni Heritage Series will be available in a new Chrome Gold finish from the second half of 2024 as the Copper finish is phased out. Chrome Gold will be available across all Heritage built-in ovens as standard with the option to customise Gold, Copper or Titanium on Heritage freestanding cookers and matching canopy rangehoods.
Bertazzoni also debuted new oven finishes –Metallo Puro (pure metallic), Specchio (mirror) and Forma (form) – inspired by professional industries outside of the appliance market.
Metallo Puro, inspired by the architect industry, uses Pure Metal technology that modifies the crystallographic structure of the metal without distorting the material, keeping it pure and recyclable while improving its resistance.
Specchio, inspired by the space industry, delivers a super reflective surface in chrome, platinum, dark chrome and gold finishes. The coating is the deposition of metal oxidation and other components. Its thin metallic film is generated through the vaporising of the solid material in a vacuum chamber.
Forma, inspired by the automotive industry, uses a high-pressure mechanical process that imprints the texture in relief on the surface producing a stronger structure and unique texture. The rigidised finishes are the result of cold rolling on both the face and reverse side of stainless steel sheets.
“We are presenting these ovens as concepts for feedback from our customers,” Bertazzoni director of style and marketing communication, Valentina Bertazzoni told Appliance Retailer.
“Dark finishes are currently dominating the market, but we are focused on future design trends. We see yellow making a return to homes and kitchens as it’s the colour of happiness and joy which is more important than ever as households seek refuge and safety after the pandemic and economic instability. Gold and platinum are warm colours that provide a feeling of wellness.”
Fhiaba launches 45cm columns and latest designs
Fhiaba presented its latest portfolio of wine cellar and refrigeration products, debuting an innovative prototype – a medical storage compartment with the ability to store various kinds of medication required to be stored in a controlled environment equipped with a lock and key mechanism to keep it safe and secure. The feature is a part of the latest product design, a French door style refrigerator available in Fhiaba’s Classic, Integrated and X-Pro styles.
The Classic Series delivers a subtle, smooth and sleek design with a more delicate touch while the popular Integrated Series has an unintrusive pivot hinge system allowing for complete product integration. The X-Pro Series is characterised by the upper ventilation grille providing a professional look in the kitchen.
The features between the Fhiaba ranges are consistent, but the detail is in the cosmetic design as the products can transform based on kitchen aesthetic. The Fhiaba range is now available in six new colours including Titanium, Copper, Pearl White, Satin Steel, Gold and Pearl Silver.
All Series incorporate anti-bacterial shot peened stainless steel interiors with radius corners, aluminium details and tempered glass. Fhiaba Access electronically manages and monitors the fridge, showing temperatures of the different compartments on the digital display, together with date and time. The interactive menu can be used to select and customise functions. It’s also possible to modify the operating mode of the bottom drawer to fridge, fresh food or freezer.
The TriPro refrigeration system ensures maximum freshness with two compressors and three evaporators that ensure continuous, quiet operation and energy efficiency. Fhiaba’s ProVent ventilation system ensures uniform distribution of cold air supported by the Total No Frost system.
An integrated water filter system and ice maker feature an automatic cleaning cycle. OptiView lighting uses LED technology to illuminate distinct areas of the fridge.
Fhiaba wine cellars are designed to provide optimum conditions for storing wine by protecting bottles from harmful temperature, humidity, light and vibrations. The Riserva storage compartment allows modification of humidity and storage temperature. Accessories can transform the product into a formaggeria or prosciutteria.
Fhiaba also showcased its premium undercounter refrigeration and under bench wine cellar collection, demonstrating the versatility of configurations to store cold beverages, wine, sparkling and cigars. The undercounter collection is available in different solutions including ‘Tri-Mode’ refrigerator, fresco or freezer drawers in 60cm, 75cm and 90cm widths, convertible beverage or wine cellars with dual climate zones, as well as a range of interchangeable drawers, shelves and timber racks to design the product to specific beverage preservation requirements.
Smeg unveils innovations across cooking and REFRIGERATION, INTRODUCES BUILT-IN BBQS
Smeg presented the Isola collection of induction cooktops, with and without an integrated ventilation system and a suspended rangehood system, in collaboration with Stefano Boeri Interiors.
Featuring a new luminous design with adjustable lighting that defines the perimeter of the induction cooktop, state-of-the-art technologies make the product efficient and silent, guaranteeing more accurate temperature control and cooking times up to three times faster than traditional technologies.
The Isola rangehoods feature adjustable lighting and a metal touch display for intuitive operation. The collection also includes a suspended light track, independent of the extraction function.
Portofino cookers
Smeg is expanding its Portofino freestanding cooker collection, introducing new matte colours with a satin finish – Canyon Red, Sage Leaf, Storm Blue and Moonlight.
Inspired by the landscapes of the Ligurian village of Portofino, the 90cm, 120cm and 150cm cookers incorporate backlit control knobs, pyrolytic cavity with triple fan technology, meat probe for precise cooking and user friendly EVOscreen with additional special cooking functions. There’s also a newly designed air fry tray for enhanced performance and easy cleaning.
Autovent 2.0 compatibility means the cooktop will connect to the rangehood via Bluetooth to automatically adjust the extraction speed based on the cooktop temperature and power, while Eco Logic Smart delivers power sharing and optimises energy consumption of both the oven and cooktop.
The 90cm cookers feature an edge to edge Schott Ceran induction cooktop with multi-zone capabilities, while the 90cm hybrid cookers feature a Schott Ceran four-zone induction cooktop with multi-zone capabilities and a gas wok burner.
The 120cm cookers incorporate a 60cm pyro pizza oven cavity and 60cm pyro steam oven cavity, while the 150cm cookers incorporate a 60cm pyro pizza oven cavity and 90cm pyro steam oven cavity. Both variants offer a mixed cooktop comprising gas, griddle and induction.
Complementing the cookers, the Portofino rangehoods come with a new V-Condense system featuring an angled design and reservoir to collect and naturally evaporate water, to significantly reduce condensation. Other features include Autovent 2.0, touch controls with white backlight, professional stainless steel filters, brushless motor and 24-hour air cleaning function.
Built-in electric barbecues
Smeg introduced an innovative approach to grilling and barbecuing with the new Smeg electric built-in barbecues, available in 60cm (single element), 90cm (double element) and 120cm (triple element) versions. A modular design, finished in stainless steel, offers a clean yet professional style for both outdoor and indoor use.
The electric heating element is tracked to the moulded underside of the grill plate to offer quick and even heat transfer, reaching high temperatures in minutes.
There are options for grill and flat plates both constructed of lightweight aluminum with non-stick coating. The grill plate is perforated for effective grease draining, while the flat plate has a uniform surface for teppanyaki cooking. The premium backlit knob control displays red LED lighting to indicate when the grill is heating up.
Made in Italy refrigeration
Smeg’s new range of premium integrated refrigerators, freezers and wine cellars are the company’s first collection in this category to be manufactured by Smeg and entirely made in Italy. The latest built-in products are designed to position Smeg in the luxury end of the refrigeration and wine cabinet market.
There will be four sizes available in integrated refrigeration – 36-inch (91.5cm), 30-inch (76cm), 24-inch (61cm) and 18-inch (46cm) – with a traditional bottom mount configuration to roll out first. Key features include a built-in water dispenser and ice maker, fully adjustable shelving, and an interchangeable door hinge.
VIVOscreen displays, currently available on Smeg ovens, will also feature inside the Smeg refrigerators with the same user interface, allowing more information and functions to be shown, for more intuitive operation.
In wine cabinets, there will be 24-inch (61cm) and 18-inch (46cm) models that feature three independent temperature zones as well as fully extractable shelves and a wooden tray for easier handling and organisation.
Following the success of the Linea and Dolce Stil Novo built-in 45cm and 60cm wine cellars, 88cm and 178cm wine cellars were also showcased. Both featuring a neutral aesthetic, the new 88cm built-in wine cellar can hold up to 40 bottles and the 178cm built-in can hold up to 83 bottles.
With two independent temperature zones and cooling circuits, wines can be aged or stored at consistent temperature and humidity levels. Positioning the bottles is easy thanks to the housings that provide ample storage for bottles with different diameters and heights.
“FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF THE LINEA AND DOLCE STIL NOVO BUILT-IN 45CM AND 60CM WINE CELLARS, 88CM AND 178CM WINE CELLARS WERE ALSO SHOWCASED.”
Layered eclipse black glass panels provide protection from solar light and UV rays and an ultra-quiet cooling system keeps vibrations to a minimum. A high precision electronic control system keeps the set temperature constant, even when the external temperature varies. The Smeg wine cellars can be set between 5°C and 20°C and maintain a humidity level of between 60% and 80%.
The 88cm wine cellar has been designed for modular combination with other Smeg built-in appliances such as ovens, blast chillers and sommelier drawers. The 178cm wine cellar is equipped with built-in sommelier drawer for storing accessories such as the drip stopper, pouring spout, corkscrew with champagne pliers and specific corks for red and white wines. A dedicated side compartment allows opened bottles to be stored upright, or for glasses to be cooled before serving.
Advanced technology includes the electronic E-motion opening system, which automatically unlocks the door when the glass panel is touched. In addition, cold LED lighting ensures perfect visibility on all shelves, while helping maintain a constant temperature.
Whirlpool doubles down on premium KITCHEN APPLIANCE portfolio
Whirlpool unveiled its refreshed W9 Series oven line-up, which will roll out in a new colourway, Star Dust Grey. The control panels are updated with a 3.5-inch colour TFT with photorealistic making it more intuitive and easier to use. 6th Sense technology – Whirlpool’s version of AI – is built-in with over 60 recipes available.
“For example, to cook a roast chicken, select 6th Sense, choose chicken and enter the weight, then the oven tells you what level to put the chicken on and you just need to press start. From there, the oven takes complete control of the cooking process, constantly monitoring and adapting the temperature and alerting you when the food is ready,” Whirlpool director of sales and marketing for Oceania, Liam Bryers told Appliance Retailer.
“Another example is cooking a leg of lamb. You can select the level of ‘doneness’ – whether it’s medium rare or well done – and if that’s how you’d like the meat cooked every time, you can store it in favourites and the oven will automatically remember your preference.”
On average, an oven can take up to 12 minutes to reach 200 degrees Celsius but with Whirlpool’s Ready to Cook function, the oven no longer needs to pre-heat before cooking. Thanks to a new baffle design, with the Cook Four function, households can cook four different foods at the same time with no flavour transfusion because of the way the air moves around the cavity. A new pizza function can heat the oven to 310 degrees Celsius in 16 minutes and then cook a pizza in seven minutes.
“Unique to Whirlpool is the MultiSense probe that’s selfsupporting which means it can be used for liquids or lasagnas and not just meat because it stands up on its own. Most probes only have one point that it senses but the MultiSense probe has four points to constantly monitor and adapt. Whirlpool also offers four levels of steam – 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% - with the ability to control the amount of steam being used.”
Induction cooktops
Whirlpool introduced the i300 induction cooktop, a completely new platform built to cater to the induction market with a unique function called Heat Control with eight pre-set modes in degrees, not power levels.
THE SOFIA PROFESSIONAL IS THE FIRST 60-INCH FREESTANDING COOKER WITH A SINGLE GLASS CERAMIC HOB.
The cooktop has sensors that constantly monitor and adapt the temperature and with a redeveloped coil and heat control, temperature fluctuations are significantly minimised. The 3.7kW booster function allows 2L of room temperature water to boil in just two minutes.
“Clean up is simple using hot soapy water. Whirlpool CleanProtect is a special coating embedded into the glass which means it won’t lose its shine over time and it won’t get the halo effect.”
Built-in dishwashers
Whirlpool will launch the Leonardo built-in dishwasher range to complement the freestanding Da Vinci dishwasher range.
“With the Leonardo built-in dishwasher range, we want to take the conversation away from place settings and instead talk about the dishwasher in the way households want to use it with maximum flexibility,” Bryers said.
“With MaxiSpace, these dishwashers are tall tub machines which can fit 32cm plates in the bottom rack, making it one of the biggest on the market and giving consumers more room to accommodate larger dishes.
“In the back of the machine, we have developed a special mechanism to control the water pressure of the water jets, which are 60% more powerful than traditional spray arms. With PowerClean Pro, consumers no longer need to pre-rinse or pre-clean dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
“Auto Door Open automatically opens the door at the completion of the cycle. Taking this a step further, there is a display that indicates the remaining time of the cycle.”
Fulgor Milano celebrates 75-year anniversary
The Fulgor Milano brand is celebrating 75 years of premium quality appliances made in Italy since 1949. The brand nurtures its deep heritage, crafting and producing appliances that surpass the utmost standards of quality, performance and design. As a pioneer of aesthetic and functionality trends, Fulgor Milano has achieved significant success in North American and international markets.
At Eurocucina, Fulgor Milano unveiled its latest innovation, the Sofia Professional 60-inch (150cm) All Glass range with eight induction zones, making it unique in the market, providing cooks with more space and advanced functionality. It is the first 60-inch freestanding cooker with a single glass ceramic hob. Two 30-inch (76cm) pyrolytic ovens are equipped with soft close doors, double ventilation and telescopic racks. Another model in the Sofia Professional range delivers seven induction zones and teppanyaki plate and two ovens – one 24-inch (60cm) and one 36-inch (90cm). There is also a 48-inch (120cm) All Glass induction cooktop with seven cooking zones and intuitive knob control.
Fulgor Milano also showcased its ENOVA Line cooktops with the option to customise the colour and control knobs and the ARIA+ Cooktop offering maximum efficiency with a sleek glass design, four cooking zones featuring a bridge element and multi-function touch control system with 10 power levels and integrated ventilation system.
The Fulgor Milano Cluster collection of ovens seamlessly integrate functionality and design. A highlight of the collection is the Atmos steam oven which merges steam functionality with conventional cooking methods.
STEEL debuts three-in-one freestanding cooker and new outdoor kitchens
STEEL unveiled the Enfasi Mistral, its first freestanding cooker that combines an oven, a cooktop and an advanced downdraft ventilation system in one product, available in 90cm and 100cm. The high-performance (700m3/h) and low noise (maximum 63dB) brushless engine instantly captures steam and odour with four speeds, slide controls and an off-timer. The 91L oven is powered by the patented double inverted ventilation system INNVENT, which delivers even heat distribution in the oven, both vertically and horizontally on each level.
The controls of the four flex induction zones are positioned on the front of the cooker, allowing for more usable space. The enamelled steel grid and filters are easily removable for quick cleaning.
STEEL also delivered a new modular concept that allows customers to fully customise their outdoor kitchen and barbecue set-up.
The STEEL gea outdoor kitchen range is available in four pre-designed configurations with the choice of three different countertops and two finishes or can be completely customisable with the choice of sink and work units, barbecue tops and accessories including a pizza stone.
The pre-designed configurations include the Marmolada 3550mm with a sink unit, barbecue, work units and built-in rapid burner, the Brenta 3100mm with a sink unit, barbecue, work unit and built-in rapid burner, the Latemar 2000mm with a sink unit, barbecue and work unit and the Sella 1450mm with a sink unit, work unit and built-in rapid burner. The stainless steel kitchen units and BBQs are made from Aisi 316 marine-grade stainless steel.
LG confirms cooking launch for Australia
LG Electronics Australia is re-launching into the local cooking market with the roll out of a new range of ovens, cooktops, rangehoods and built-in dishwashers.
The flagship LG InstaView ovens feature the company’s InstaView technology, currently available on select LG refrigerators that allows users to knock twice on the glass to check on cooking progress without needing to open the oven door.
ProBake Convection technology delivers a direct and constant flow of hot air on each rack, ensuring each dish is cooked evenly. True Steam cooking is made possible with a dedicated steam generator that collects water from the internal tank and envelops food in a steam bath.
Users can choose between the 100% Steam mode or Steam Assist mode to adjust steam intensity. In addition to steam options, the ovens offer Sous Vide, Air Fry and Pizza modes.
Thanks to the EasyClean system, the oven can be cleaned in just 10 minutes utilising steam, without the need for detergents. The blue EasyClean enamel coating makes water penetrate under the dirt which requires a simple wipe of the oven at the end of the clean cycle.
LG smart ovens are compatible with the LG ThinQ app to pre-heat the oven, set the timer and monitor cooking, deliver automatic diagnostics, download or create new recipes, and more.
“We will launch a full suite of ovens available in matte black and black steel. The ovens are already available in some European markets, so we are taking learnings from the global launch so far,” LG Electronics Australia general manager of home appliances, Frank Malcaus told Appliance Retailer
“There will be the Series 9 ovens with full steam technology in matte black and Series 7 ovens with steam assist technology in black steel at launch, which will be followed by the more affordable Series 5 ovens in stainless steel at a later time.
“Our flagship Series 9 oven models offer premium features including touch screen displays, full telescopic rails, soft close doors, meat probe, steam technology and pyrolytic cleaning. To complement the ovens, we will be launching a matching builtin microwave oven and multi-function microwave oven with a warming drawer.
“We will also bring LG induction cooktops with downdraft ventilation and rangehoods to Australia at a later time, as well as a full line-up of built-in dishwashers with the same technology available in our current range.”
Miele makes a return to Eurocucina in 2024 after six-year break
Miele made its return to Eurocucina 2024 in Milan –following a six-year hiatus from the fair – as it celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
Under the motto, ‘The Pulse of Every Kitchen’, products were presented across three core themes – 125 years of Miele, smart home and sustainability – spanning almost 1,000 square metres, which incorporated an ‘Ignition Gate’ with light installations at entry.
Miele unveiled two new colours – Pearl Beige and Obsidian Black Matt – for its handleless ArtLine built-in appliance range. Pearl Beige is a warm blend of grey and beige, while Obsidian Black Matt responds to the growing trend for matt surface textures.
ArtLine models are based on Miele’s Generation 7000 built-in appliances with full-surface glass fronts and integrated displays. In place of handles, the appliances can be opened by touch made possible by a sensor button integrated into the control open – also known as Touch2Open. This unlocks the door using a motor which then slides down with a soft close action. The ArtLine range includes ovens, steam ovens and microwave ovens, as well as built-in fully automatic coffee machines, warming drawers, vacuum drawers and built-in wine cabinets.
ASKO delivers full suite of appliances
‘Attention to Detail’ was the theme for ASKO as the brand showcased its latest appliances and hosted live cooking and wine pairing events featuring Michelin Star chef, Tom Aikens, and World’s Best Sommelier award winner, Andreas Larsson, among others.
ASKO sales director, Rob Butchatsky told Appliance Retailer, “We were pleased with Eurocucina 2024 and are grateful for the time spent with our retailer partners and thank them for their support at the show. The event afforded us with a great opportunity to showcase our newly launched products recently introduced into the Australian market and those close to launching later this year including our Gas on Glass cooktops, Duo Fusion cooktops and Titanium laundry range.”
Products on the ASKO stand included the DW60 dishwasher range featuring ASKO’s UV Cleanse mode that eliminates up to 99.99999% of bacteria, fungi and viruses even when using a low temperature program such as Eco mode. Energy consumption is further reduced by the brushless motor and new filter system, while the Auto Dose system automatically adjusts the amount of detergent.
The ASKO Celsius°Cooking™ system was also on show, enabling home chefs to avoid undercooking, overcooking or overboiling. The system features one of ASKO’s Premium induction hobs or Elevate hood-in-hob with integrated extractor fan. It also includes the Celsius°Cooking™ Probe, the smart cookware Celsius°Cooking™ Chef’s Pot and the Celsius°Cooking™ Frying Pan, which communicate with one another via Bluetooth.
ASKO Wine Climate Cabinets were also on display. As fully connected devices, they incorporate a camera, connect to the Vivino database and ConnectLife app. The user interface can identify wine bottles using the Vivino database and store information regarding tasting, storage, readiness to drink and more.
Samsung presents AI induction cooktop
Samsung showcased its latest induction cooktop featuring a new coil system and an enhanced nonscratch surface.
“The Samsung 80cm Smart AI induction cooktop uses a new induction coil which means more of the cooktop surface can be used for cooking,” Samsung vice president of consumer electronics, Jeremy Senior told Appliance Retailer
THE NEW COIL SYSTEM DELIVERS 50% MORE AVAILABLE SPACE FOR COOKING.
Samsung vice president of consumer electronics, Jeremy Senior.
“The cooktop also recognises if you place a pot on level four in the right corner and move it to the left corner, the settings automatically pick up where you left off. The new coil system delivers 50% more available space for cooking compared to a traditional induction cooktop of this size. The enhanced non-scratch surface can withstand 1.5 times more pressure than Samsung’s existing induction cooktops.
“The Built-in SmartThings functionality allows you to send recipes to the 7-inch TFT LCD display and screen, and have recipes read aloud or videos played on demand.”
Samsung also presented its Bespoke Series 4 to Series 7 built-in cooking line-up which has recently launched in Australia.
“Our Dual Cook Flex functionality allows you to cook two dishes simultaneously using different cooking methods or use the zones independently.
