Electrolux Group has decided to close its factory in Santiago, Chile, effective end of April 2026. A restructuring charge of approximately SEK 0.5 billion, of which SEK 0.2 billion is cash-related, will be reported as a negative non-recurring item affecting operating income for Region Latin America in the first quarter of 2026.
The decision follows a review of the cost competitiveness of the Santiago factory and will impact approximately 400 employees
Haier Ranked World’s No. 1 Smart Home Enterprise for 2025
Haier has been named the world’s No. 1 Smart Home Enterprise for 2025, according to new data from Euromonitor International. The ranking reflects global revenue across smart appliances, home security, lighting, and energy management.
The company has evolved into an AI‑driven smart home ecosystem provider, now offering 70+ connected lifestyle solutions across 11 home environments. Its unified platform enables seamless device communication and intelligent, scenario‑based services.
Haier’s ecosystem is used by over 130 million registered users worldwide, who rely on the platform to manage their homes more efficiently.
BSH Brands Dominate Latest Stiftung Warentest Dishwasher Rankings
In the latest dishwasher test by Stiftung Warentest, appliances from the BSH Group once again delivered standout performances, securing two of the top five positions in the 60 cm built‑in and semi‑integrated categories.
Leading the results were two Siemens models, each earning an impressive overall score of GOOD (2.1). Both the fully integrated Siemens iQ700 SN87TX00CE and the semi‑integrated Siemens iQ700 SN57TS00CE successfully defended their top rankings from last year’s test, reaffirming their strong performance in cleaning, drying, and energy efficiency.
Close behind, additional models from Bosch, Neff, and Constructa—all part of the BSH portfolio—secured overall ratings of GOOD (2.2) and GOOD (2.3), rounding out the top five.
A Clean Sweep for BSH in the 60 cm Category
Stiftung Warentest’s latest results highlight a remarkable achievement:
All five of the best fully integrated dishwashers and all five of the best semi‑integrated dishwashers in the 60 cm width class come from BSH brands.
The Siemens iQ700 models led the pack, while strong follow‑up performances from Bosch, Neff, and Constructa reinforced BSH’s position as a category leader.
Elica Previews Two Major Innovations for EuroCucina 2026
Elica is set to make waves at EuroCucina 2026 with two standout launches: an upgraded Lhov All‑in‑One system and the new Luna smart lamp.
🔥 Lhov, Now Smarter and Sleeker
The integrated hob‑oven‑extractor returns with a matte white finish, voice control, and more intuitive functions. Its seamless design blends directly into modern cabinetry, pushing the boundaries of minimalist kitchen tech.
💡 Luna: Lighting That Thinks
Luna goes beyond traditional lighting, combining ambient and task illumination with gesture, app, and voice control. It automatically adapts to what’s happening in the kitchen, creating a dynamic, responsive atmosphere.
🌐 A Step Forward in Kitchen Experience
With Lhov and Luna, Elica reinforces its role as a global leader in kitchen innovation — merging design, smart technology, and everyday usability into one cohesive experience.
China’s Major Appliance Brands Announce Price Rises — What’s Driving the Increases?
China’s home appliance market is entering a new phase of price adjustments, with several major brands — including Hisense, Haier, Midea, Siemens, TCL, Panasonic, Rongsheng, and Fotile — confirming that retail prices are climbing across multiple categories. The news has sparked strong consumer interest, especially as global raw material costs continue to fluctuate.
During a recent visit to appliance retailers in Nanjing’s Xinjiekou district, reporters found that while price increases are real, they’re not uniform across all products or channels. Here’s what’s behind the shift.
📈 Raw Material Costs Are the Main Driver
One of the clearest pressures comes from rising copper prices, a critical material in refrigerators, compressors, and especially air conditioners.
🔹 Refrigerators: Copper & Component Upgrades
A Rongsheng refrigerator representative explained that higher copper costs have pushed up production expenses. The brand also differentiates
Panasonic Adds Air Fry Technology Across Its Slimline Microwaves
Panasonic is expanding its microwave line-up by bringing full air fryer functionality to its 27L Slimline combination models—eliminating the need for a separate air fryer.
The update follows the success of the brand’s 34L flagship combination microwave, which features a 36 cm turntable and can cook up to 900 g of chips in one go.
Each new Slimline model now offers four cooking functions in one:
Air Fry, Convection Oven, Grill, and Microwave.
A top-mounted fan circulates heat in a full 360° airflow, delivering crisp, even browning similar to a dedicated air fryer. Panasonic also claims impressive efficiency gains:
– Jacket potatoes cook up to 40% faster
– Whole chickens cook up to 36% faster
– Combination cooking cuts overall time by up to 70%
– Energy use drops by as much as 50% compared to a traditional oven
With these additions, Panasonic positions its Slimline range as a compact, all‑in‑one solution for faster, healthier cooking.
Extending CBAM to Home Appliances: A Necessary Step for Fair Competition and Climate Integrity
The proposal to expand the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to include washing machines, refrigerators, and dryers is both timely and essential.
More than 75% of large household appliances produced in Europe are sold within the EU. As a result, manufacturers are directly exposed to rising material and production costs driven by the Emissions Trading System (ETS).
With free ETS allowances being phased out, European producers will face increasing carbon costs—costs that imported finished goods can currently avoid. This widening “carbon gap” risks distorting the market and undermining Europe’s capacity to innovate.
Why extending CBAM matters
Bringing home appliances into the CBAM framework would:
– Level the playing field by ensuring imported goods face equivalent carbon costs
– Encourage global decarbonisation by rewarding low‑carbon manufacturing practices
– Safeguard EU climate ambition by preventing carbon leakage and reinforcing the ETS
To fully achieve CBAM’s objectives, we urge the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to extend coverage to additional home appliance categories that face similar carbon leakage risks.
A comprehensive approach is the only way to protect European industry while staying true to the EU’s climate commitments.
Fulgor Milano Unveils the Enova Hob Collection: Italian Craftsmanship Meets Modern Performance
Fulgor Milano has expanded its premium appliance lineup with the launch of the Enova Hob Collection, a series designed to elevate the modern cooking experience through a blend of innovation, precision, and unmistakable Italian style.
The new Enova range introduces advanced cooking technology, intuitive controls, and a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that integrates seamlessly into today’s kitchen designs. Built for home cooks who expect both performance and beauty, the collection delivers a refined balance of precision, efficiency, and craftsmanship.
With Enova, Fulgor Milano continues its commitment to creating appliances that not only perform at a professional level but also enhance the visual identity of the kitchen. The result is a hob collection that feels as sophisticated as it looks — engineered for those who value design as much as culinary capability
India Emerges as a Global Growth Engine for Appliance Giants
BSH Home Appliances Group, the company behind Bosch and Siemens appliances, has reported 7% growth in India for FY25, even as its global revenue dipped by around 1.6% year‑on‑year. The contrast is striking, and it underscores a clear trend: India is becoming a critical growth anchor for global white goods players.Dr. Matthias Metz, CEO of BSH, summed it up succinctly:
“BSH Home Appliances India is an extremely important market that demands separate focus.”
Samsung Confirmed as Italy’s Most Preferred Fridge and Washing Machine Brand for 2025
Samsung has once again been named Italy’s favourite brand for refrigerators and washing machines, according to the 2025 Ipsos Brand Attitude survey. The study, conducted in 30 countries, measures brand strength through indicators such as the Most Preferred metric — a spontaneous, single‑answer question asking consumers which brand they favour above all others.
Samsung has held the top spot in both categories since 2018.
“We have been the reference brand in the Refrigerator and Washing Machine categories since 2018,” said Daniele Grassi, Vice President & Head of Home Appliances at Samsung Italy. “Such a long‑lasting result shows that consumers are more than satisfied and recommend us to others.”
Grassi added that Samsung’s leadership reflects a shift among Italian consumers who now view appliances — with lifespans of 7–10 years — as long‑term investments, prioritising performance and quality over price alone.
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