KitchenAid Unveils Spearmint: The 2026 Color of the Year Has Arrived

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If your kitchen is feeling a bit “2025,” it’s time to hit the refresh button. KitchenAid has officially crowned “Spearmint” as its 2026 Colour of the Year, and it’s exactly the breath of fresh air our countertops have been waiting for.
Moving away from the savory, warm tones of last year’s Butter yellow, Spearmint is a bright yet calming minty green that balances retro charm with a very modern focus on wellness. 
More Than Just a Shade: The “Sand” Finish
What makes Spearmint stand out isn’t just the colour—it’s the texture. For the first time in the Colour of the Year program, KitchenAid has introduced a tactile, sandy finish. 
Instead of the traditional high-gloss shine, this matte-like texture gives the appliance a grounded, artisanal feel. It’s designed to be “sandy to the touch,” encouraging you to engage with your appliances as more than just tools, but as part of your home’s sensory experience. 
Why Spearmint?
According to KitchenAid, Spearmint is designed to represent “a moment to hit refresh.” In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced, this hue is meant to: 
Promote Clarity: The cool blue undertones provide a calming visual “palette cleanser.” 
Spark Creativity: It taps into the “clean girl” aesthetic and the trend of light-filled, nature-inspired kitchens. 
Embrace Heritage: While it looks ultra-contemporary, it’s a subtle nod to the mint-green enamelware of 1950s diners

Bertazzoni Unveils Striking Mirror Finishes for Its Modern Series Built‑In Ovens

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Bertazzoni is raising the bar in premium kitchen design with a bold new aesthetic: Mirror finishes for the built‑in ovens of its Modern Series. Available in Gold, Bronze and Obsidian, these new surfaces introduce a fresh visual language to contemporary kitchens—one that blends luxury, innovation and engineering precision.

A First in the Appliance Industry

What sets this launch apart is not just the look, but the technology behind it.
Bertazzoni has become the first appliance manufacturer to apply Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) to oven surfaces—an advanced steel‑processing technique typically reserved for high‑end architectural and design applications.

This method creates an ultra‑reflective, mirror‑like finish that is:

  • Highly resistant to scratches
  • Durable against wear over time
  • Visually striking from every angle

The result is a surface that maintains its brilliance while standing up to the demands of everyday cooking.

Where Engineering Meets Art

By combining PVD technology with the brand’s signature craftsmanship, Bertazzoni has created a finish that transforms the oven into a true design statement. Light interacts with the reflective surfaces to create depth and dimension, while the precision‑engineered structure ensures the appliance performs as beautifully as it looks.

These new Mirror finishes give Bertazzoni’s iconic Modern Series a refined, architectural presence—perfect for homeowners and designers seeking a kitchen that feels both sophisticated and contemporary.

Europe’s Home Appliance Innovation Boom Needs the Right Conditions to Thrive

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Europe’s home appliance sector is in the middle of a remarkable innovation surge. Over the past decade, the number of patents granted for home appliances has more than doubled—rising from 2,191 in 2014 to over 4,700 in 2024. Behind this growth is a vibrant ecosystem of engineers, designers and researchers working across Europe to create products that are more efficient, more connected and built to last.

This wave of innovation doesn’t just benefit consumers looking for smarter, greener appliances. It also strengthens Europe’s industrial competitiveness at a time when global markets are shifting fast. But maintaining this momentum requires the right environment—one that supports investment, encourages research and development, and ensures manufacturers can scale new technologies across the continent.

The Challenges Threatening Europe’s Innovation Lead

Despite the progress, the industry is sounding the alarm. 
APPLiA, the association representing Europe’s home appliance manufacturers, warns that several mounting pressures could slow the sector’s growth:

– Rising operational and production costs 
– Increasingly complex regulatory requirements 
– Uneven enforcement of EU rules across member states

These challenges risk pushing innovation—and the jobs and skills that come with it—outside Europe’s borders.

A Call for an EU Action Plan

To safeguard the future of Europe’s home appliance industry, APPLiA is urging policymakers to adopt a dedicated EU Action Plan for the Home Appliance Industry. 
The goal is clear: keep innovation, manufacturing and technical expertise rooted in Europe.

Such a plan would aim to:

– Create a predictable and supportive regulatory environment 
– Encourage long‑term investment in R&D 
– Strengthen Europe’s position as a global leader in sustainable, high‑performance appliances 
– Ensure fair and consistent rule enforcement across all EU markets 

Discover the Campaign

APPLiA’s campaign outlines concrete proposals designed to help the industry continue delivering the efficient, durable and connected products consumers expect—while keeping Europe competitive on the world stage.

👉 Explore the full campaign and proposals to see what’s at stake for the future of European home appliances.

LG Extends Its Lead as No. 1 U.S. Home Appliance Brand for Second Year

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LG Electronics has secured its position as the top home appliance brand in the United States for the second year in a row, strengthening the momentum it built throughout 2024.

According to new data from U.S. market research firm Traqline, LG captured a 22% revenue share across six major appliance categories in 2025—washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, freestanding ranges, and microwave ovens.

LG Hits a Milestone: No. 1 in U.S. Refrigerators
The standout story this year is refrigeration. 
LG overtook Samsung, GE, and Whirlpool to claim 24.3% of the U.S. refrigerator market, marking the first time the company has led this category.

Independent Ratings Back Up LG’s Market Dominance
LG’s performance isn’t just about sales—it’s validated by third‑party evaluations:

– Consumer Reports ranked LG washers in the top three spots for both its 2026 Front‑Load and Top‑Load Washer lists. 
– J.D. Power named LG the highest‑rated brand for both French‑door and side‑by‑side refrigerators in its 2025 customer satisfaction study.

Three Strategic Moves Behind LG’s U.S. Success
LG attributes its continued leadership to a focused strategy built on technology, manufacturing, and customer trust:

1. AI‑Driven Hardware
LG has embedded artificial intelligence directly into motors, compressors, and other core components. These systems self‑optimize for efficiency and predict maintenance needs, reducing failures and boosting long‑term reliability.

2. Hyper‑Automated U.S. Manufacturing
The company’s Tennessee “Lighthouse Factory” uses advanced robotics and automation to cut production costs, increase precision, and minimize human error, setting a global benchmark for smart manufacturing.

3. Localized Supply Chain & Service Network
With a supply chain rooted in the U.S. and Mexico—and a network of 1,900+ regional warranty centers—LG ensures fast delivery, strong after‑sales support, and high consumer confidence.

Expanding Into B2B and Builder Markets
LG is also accelerating its B2B growth. 
A new partnership with CSC ServiceWorks expands LG’s footprint in commercial laundry, while its built‑in appliance packages continue to gain traction with home builders. The company reports a 64% year‑over‑year increase in builder‑channel sales in 2024.

LG Introduces Fit & Max: A New Generation of Space‑Smart, Style‑Driven Fridge-Freezers

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LG is expanding its refrigerator-freezer lineup with the launch of the new Fit & Max series, designed to combine generous capacity with a sleek, built‑in look. The range comes in 60 cm and 70 cm widths, each available in 2 m and 1.8 m heights, and offered in a selection of modern colours to suit different kitchen styles.

Clean Lines, Smarter Design
A standout feature of the Fit & Max collection is its flush-fit installation, which creates a seamless, minimalist aesthetic. LG’s Zero Clearance hinges allow the doors to open up to 110° without requiring extra side space—eliminating the typical gap between the appliance and the wall. Thanks to a double-hinge system, the doors stay perfectly aligned with the fridge body even when fully open. The look is completed with refined Metal Fresh interior finishes.

More Space Than Meets the Eye
Despite their standard footprint, the Fit & Max models offer impressive storage capacity:

  • 465 litres in the 70 cm versions
  • 375 litres in the 60 cm versions

Inside, the layout is flexible and thoughtfully organised. Adjustable shelves accommodate larger containers, while a bottle rack, space‑saving drawers, and My Box—a retractable, anti‑odor drawer ideal for cheese—add practical versatility.

AI‑Driven Efficiency
LG equips the range with its AI Inverter Compressor, which learns daily usage patterns to maintain stable cooling performance while reducing energy consumption. Smart features such as AI Fresh and AI Saving Mode automatically adjust the temperature by 1°C depending on how frequently the doors are opened, helping optimise efficiency throughout the day.

Freshness Technologies Working Together
The Fit & Max series integrates LG’s signature freshness systems:

  • Door Cooling+ rapidly cools the door area to prevent cold air loss.
  • Linear Cooling minimizes temperature fluctuations inside the fridge.
  • Fresh Balancer and Fresh Converter drawers fine‑tune humidity and temperature based on the type of food stored.

Energy Performance and Smart Control
Throughout the year, models in the Fit & Max lineup will reach high energy ratings, up to A‑40%. For added convenience, the entire range supports remote control and monitoring via the LG ThinQ app, allowing users to manage settings and receive alerts directly from their smartphone.

Nearly 40 Bids Submitted for Brandt’s Assets Two Months After Liquidation

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Two months after the liquidation of French appliance manufacturer Brandt, the Nanterre Commercial Court has received 36 takeover bids, according to reports from L’Informé and BFMTV. The offers cover a wide range of the group’s assets, including factories, brands, and an inventory of more than 172,000 household appliances.

Major Retail and Manufacturing Groups Step In

Several well-known players in the home and appliance sector have expressed interest:

– Fnac-Darty has submitted a €2.9 million bid to acquire Brandt’s brands and remaining stock.
– Fournier Group—owner of SoCoo’c, Mobalpa, Hygena, and Perene—has offered €500,000 specifically for the Sauter brand.
– Discount retailer Noz, known for buying liquidation stock (including Habitat’s unsold goods two years ago), has made a €4.5 million offer solely for Brandt’s inventory.
– Polish manufacturer Amica, active in 50 countries with over 300 employees, has proposed €2.5 million to acquire both the Brandt and Sauter brands.

Only Four Bids Include Employee Retention

Out of nearly 40 proposals, just four include plans to retain Brandt employees.

One of the most significant comes from the Île-de-France region and the Cergy-Pontoise municipality, which aim to take over the Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône factory and continue producing household appliances there. Public authorities have pledged €15 million to support the project.

Another bid comes from Stephan Français, head of Metavisio, who proposes keeping 150 employees by expanding the site’s production to include IT hardware—Metavisio notably manufactures Thomson computers. His offer totals €4 million, including €1.75 million for trademarks and patents.

Additional Local Offers

Two smaller proposals have also been submitted:

– The Orléans metropolitan area has offered €300,000 for Brandt’s brands.
– Dishwasher startup EverEver, which manufactures in France, has bid €25,000 for the Vendôme factory.

What Happens Next?

All bids are now under review by the court, Brandt’s administrators, and the Ministry of the Economy, which stated immediately after the liquidation that it would be “closely monitoring the case.”

BSH Sweeps Stiftung Warentest Oven Rankings: Siemens iQ700 Takes the Top Spot

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Stiftung Warentest, the independent and non-profit consumer organization comparable to Altroconsumo, has released its latest evaluation of ovens on the German market—and BSH brands have swept the top positions.

Leading the results is the Siemens iQ700 (HB774G1B1) built‑in oven, which secured the highest overall score. Close behind, in second through fifth place, are the Bosch Serie 4 (HBA272BB3), the Constructa CF4M28063, the Neff N70 (B54CR71N0), and the Siemens iQ300 (HB572ABS3). Only one non‑BSH competitor managed to achieve a comparable overall rating.

The winning model, the Siemens iQ700, is manufactured at BSH’s Traunreut facility—an example of genuine “Made in Germany” craftsmanship.

BSH appliances performed especially well in the crucial “Pastry” category. The Siemens iQ700, along with the Neff and Constructa models, earned an impressive “good (1.8)” rating, while the remaining two BSH ovens followed closely with “good (1.9).”

Strong results continued across other test areas. All BSH ovens achieved top marks for “Temperature and Duration” as well as “Handling.” Their pyrolytic self‑cleaning systems were also rated “good,” and the appliances stood out with particularly high scores in safety.

GRF UK debut

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GRF is set to make its official UK debut at KBB Birmingham 2026, introducing British audiences to its distinctive vision of premium refrigeration engineered for contemporary, design‑led, and fully bespoke kitchens.

Renowned for its expertise in large-format refrigeration, GRF blends Italian design heritage with advanced engineering and a deep commitment to seamless integration. The result is a product philosophy that treats refrigeration not as a standalone appliance, but as an architectural component that enhances the overall kitchen environment.

LG Home Appliance Solutions Sets New Revenue Record in 2025

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LG Home Appliance Solutions (HS) wrapped up 2025 on a high note, reporting sales of 26.13 trillion won (€15.2 billion) and operating profits of 1.28 trillion won (€0.74 billion). The division not only achieved a new all‑time revenue record but also delivered a modest uptick in profitability. 

Despite the challenges posed by tariff-related pressures, LG HS showed strong resilience throughout the year. Looking ahead, the company plans to accelerate the rollout of AI‑driven features across its product portfolio and expand its footprint in fast‑growing emerging markets. It also aims to continue advancing its built‑in appliance lineup, reinforcing its position in the premium home segment.

EU Action Plan home appliances  – APPLiA campaign

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APPLiA, the association representing Europe’s home appliance manufacturers, has launched a new campaign urging the creation of an EU Action Plan dedicated to the sector. The message is clear: if Europe wants to remain competitive, it must align its climate ambitions with a strong, resilient industrial base.

“Europe faces a simple choice,” said Paolo Falcioni, Director General of APPLiA. “Either we create the right conditions for sustainable production to flourish, or we risk losing one of the continent’s most established and productive industrial ecosystems. An Action Plan for Home Appliances is essential if we want outcomes that match the EU’s ambitions.”

The initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as the European Union grapples with how to balance decarbonization, reindustrialization, and strategic autonomy amid rising geopolitical pressures. APPLiA warns that escalating input costs, fragmented regulations, and inconsistent enforcement of EU rules are undermining fair competition and discouraging investment within Europe.

The home appliance sector is a major pillar of the European economy: nearly one million people are employed across the industry, more than 130 production sites operate across the continent, and over €44 billion is spent annually on European suppliers. Beyond its economic footprint, the sector delivers concrete benefits for consumers and the environment—cutting household energy and water use, improving product reparability, and advancing circular economy practices.

APPLiA’s proposed Action Plan focuses on three core priorities:

  • Strengthening production competitiveness through affordable energy, a level playing field, and secure access to key inputs
  • Improving regulatory coherence to support innovation and reduce fragmentation
  • Boosting investment in digitalization, artificial intelligence, circular design, and workforce skills to safeguard high-quality jobs and manufacturing in the EU

“Italy, producing 22 million appliances annually, is one of the EU’s leading manufacturing hubs,” noted Fabio De’ Longhi, vice president of APPLiA. “We are ready to contribute. The Italian government has already backed several initiatives for the sector, and we hope it will once again champion these priorities—productivity, regulatory harmonization, and technological progress—which are vital for Europe’s global competitiveness.”

Europe now faces a defining test: proving that climate ambition and industrial sovereignty can advance together. Falling short would put one of its most strategic sectors at risk, forcing difficult decisions that could erode the continent’s industrial leadership.

If you want, I can also adapt this into a shorter news-style brief, a LinkedIn post, or a punchier press release.