German premium appliance giant Miele was one of the standout brands at IFA 2026, drawing sustained attention from industry visitors — including a notable number from South Korea — thanks to a suite of innovations that blend classic engineering strength with emerging smart‑home technology.

The message from Berlin was clear: German manufacturers are doubling down on core performance while accelerating their adoption of AI‑driven features, signalling a new phase in the premium appliance race.

Smart Cookware That Stops Food Burning

Miele’s biggest crowd‑puller was its M Sense smart cooking system, paired with the KM 8000 induction hob. 
The cookware — priced at €299 in Germany for both the pot and frying pan — uses touch controls and up to three temperature sensors to communicate directly with the hob. The system automatically adjusts power output to prevent burning, boiling over or inconsistent heat.

Visitors spent long periods examining the setup, which also included:

– A 60 cm hood‑integrated induction hob combining cooking and extraction 
– A countertop‑rising downdraft hood for minimalist kitchen layouts 

Miele confirmed plans to expand M Sense into Asian markets, including South Korea, in 2027.

AI‑Powered Dishwashing Debuts

Another major reveal was the G8 dishwasher, Miele’s first model equipped with an AI‑based camera. 
The system identifies how dishes are loaded and what items are present, then automatically selects the correct wash programme. It can:

– Boost intensity when detecting pots 
– Optimise cycles for bottles 
– Automate detergent dosing via AutoDos and the integrated PowerDisk 
– Adjust drying based on load type 

The G8 marks Miele’s strongest push yet into AI‑supported kitchen automation.

Why Korean Brands Were Watching Closely

Although IFA is a European‑focused show, Korean electronics firms were seen frequently at the booths of Miele, Siemens and Bosch — more so than at Chinese stands. German brands remain benchmarks in:

– Built‑in appliance engineering 
– Energy‑efficient performance (especially post Russia‑Ukraine conflict) 
– Premium positioning 
– Compact‑living solutions tailored to European homes 

Siemens and Bosch highlighted dishwashers exceeding Europe’s A energy rating, alongside flexible built‑in formats for varied kitchen sizes.

With China and South Korea pushing hard into AI‑enabled home ecosystems, German manufacturers appear determined not to fall behind — blending heritage engineering with rapid innovation.