Category Archives: Built-in appliances

Rethinking White Goods: The Modular Power Shift in Kitchen Design

Posted on by

For decades, we’ve built major domestic appliances—especially cooktops—as self-contained “boxes.” You buy a cooktop, and the heating elements, UI, and power boards are all crammed together under a single pane of glass.

But what happens when you separate the coils from the brain?

By decoupling the physical induction coils from the heavy-duty power control boards, we are witnessing a massive architectural shift in kitchen design. This modular separation is redefining what “white goods” can actually do.

Novanest is a China-based OEM and ODM manufacturer focused on invisible and full-zone induction cooking solutions.

Why This Architecture is a Game-Changer

1. Ultra-Slim, “Invisible” Aesthetics

When you remove the bulky power boards from beneath the countertop, the space needed directly under the stove is slashed to almost nothing. This allows designers to create paper-thin kitchen islands with fully usable drawer space right beneath the cooking zone.

2. A Giant Leap for Right-to-Repair & Maintenance

Traditionally, if a power board fails, the entire glass cooktop has to be pried out of the counter. Under this new layout, the main electronic units live in an easily accessible side cabinet. Technicians can service or swap the “brain” of the appliance in minutes without ever touching the countertop seal.

3. Infinite Customization (1 to 8+ Zones)

Because the cooking zones are modular, manufacturers aren’t locked into rigid 30-inch or 36-inch footprints. Kitchens can be configured with two zones, six zones, or even irregular layouts spanning across an entire island, scaling effortlessly from high-end residential homes to demanding commercial kitchens.

4. Turning the Countertop into a Wireless Power Grid

The real magic happens when you pair this modular design with wireless power standards. Suddenly, the same glass or stone slab doesn’t just heat pots—it serves as a wireless energy hub. Homeowners can place a blender, cordless kettle, or air fryer directly on the surface, drawing power without a single messy cord in sight.

The Takeaway: The next generation of white goods isn’t about selling standalone appliances. It’s about turning the kitchen island into a unified, flexible energy platform.

BSH India Accelerates Premium Kitchen Push with Siemens,

Posted on by

India’s premium and luxury kitchen market is projected to grow significantly over the next five years, driven by:

– Rising home renovation spending 
– Growth of luxury real estate in metros 
– Increased preference for European‑style built‑in appliances 
– A shift toward minimal, integrated kitchen aesthetics 

BSH’s multi‑brand strategy — Bosch for mass‑premium, Siemens for upper‑premium, and Gaggenau for luxury — positions the company to capture demand across the full spectrum of premium kitchen buyers.

Sacon

Posted on by

Sacon’s latest gas hob range signals a brand moving confidently into the premium tier — with the right mix of materials, safety, and performance to resonate in high‑demand markets. For retailers and developers looking to differentiate their built‑in cooking offer, Sacon is becoming a name worth watching.

Homa Accelerates AI‑Driven OEM Manufacturing

Posted on by

Homa is pushing ahead with a major digital transformation, integrating AI, robotics and full‑process digitalisation across its operations. The company’s No. 9 factory — focused on premium no‑frost refrigeration — now acts as a model for intelligent OEM production, combining automation, AI vision, AGVs and digital‑twin systems to boost efficiency, quality and manufacturing stability.

CEO Michael Yao says industrial intelligence is now central to Homa’s global competitiveness, while Homa Europe GM Federico Rebaudo highlights the growing need for OEM partners who can deliver cost‑effective, high‑quality, digitally enabled production at scale.

Homa’s continued investment in smart manufacturing strengthens its position as a leading global OEM for next‑generation refrigeration.

AEG Launches PizzaExpert

Posted on by

AEG Launches Pizza ExpertOven for Restaurant‑Quality Results at HomeAEG has introduced its new PizzaExpert oven, developed in response to Electrolux research showing that while 72% of Brits regularly eat pizza, only 36% have ever made one at home. The brand’s goal: make authentic, pizzeria‑style results achievable in a standard built‑in oven.Heating up to 340°C, the PizzaExpert delivers a crisp base, airy crust and evenly cooked toppings in around 2.5 minutes. The oven uses precise temperature control, optimised airflow and targeted heat distribution to replicate professional conditions.AEG says it is the only domestic oven approved by the Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli, the internationally recognised school for professional pizza craftsmanship. It ships with dedicated accessories including a cast‑iron pizza tray and Pizza Peel for safe handling.Beyond pizza, the oven retains full everyday functionality with Hot Air, Grill, and a suite of automatic cooking programmes with pre‑set recipes.The PizzaExpert marks AEG’s latest push into premium cooking performance, tapping into the growing consumer appetite for high‑temperature, specialist ovens within the mainstream built‑in market.

Fisher & Paykel Unveil New 30” Steam Assist Oven at Milan Design Week 2026

Posted on by

Fisher & Paykel returned to Milan Design Week with a standout showcase centred on its State of the Art Collection—a design‑driven suite that continues to push the boundaries of premium built‑in cooking. This year’s hero launch was the brand‑new 30” Steam Assist Oven in Minimal Style, making its global debut in Milan and anchoring the brand’s evolving cooking ecosystem.Ritual, Refinement and the Future of Cooking

Fisher & Paykel’s messaging in Milan centred on a simple but powerful idea: routines become rituals when design removes friction. The new Steam Assist Oven embodies that philosophy, pairing precision performance with seamless integration into surrounding cabinetry. The result is an appliance that feels less like a machine and more like a natural extension of the kitchen environment.

The Minimal Style aesthetic—clean lines, flush integration, and a restrained material palette—continues Fisher & Paykel’s long-standing commitment to quiet luxury. It’s a look increasingly favoured in high-end European kitchen design, and Milan proved the perfect stage for its introduction.

A Flagship for the State of the Art Collection

The new 30” Steam Assist Oven sits at the centre of Fisher & Paykel’s premium built‑in line-up, complementing companion products such as:

– Integrated cooktops 
– Column refrigeration 
– Minimal Style warming drawers 
– Precision‑engineered ventilation solutions

While the LinkedIn post focused on the oven, the wider stand at Milan showcased how these appliances work together as a cohesive ecosystem—something Fisher & Paykel has been refining for years.

Why This Matters for the Trade

For retailers, designers and specifiers, this launch signals several key trends:

– Steam remains the premium cooking battleground, with brands investing heavily in hybrid steam‑assisted technologies. 
– Minimalist integration is accelerating, especially in the luxury segment. 
– Milan continues to be the proving ground for design‑led appliance innovation, and Fisher & Paykel is positioning itself firmly within that space.

With the State of the Art Collection expanding, expect further product rollouts aligned to this design language and performance philosophy.

The 2026 iteration of Lhov introduces enhanced voice assistant.

Posted on by

The Lhov remains the only appliance to integrate induction cooking, a full‑size oven and patented extraction in one unit — including extraction directly from the oven cavity, a first for the industry.

At EuroCucina, Elica also highlighted upgraded voice control, allowing users to manage cooking programmes, extraction and oven functions hands‑free. The brand positioned the new Finish matte White finish.   as part of its push toward seamless, design‑led kitchen integration.

LG’s new built‑in products

Posted on by

LG’s new built‑in products were developed specifically for European homes, with a focus on platforms, user experience, and seamless integration.

Highlights include:

– Minimalist exteriors with reduced parting lines 
– Matte finishes designed to harmonise with European cabinetry 
– Top‑mounted freezer refrigerators, redesigned with multi‑level shelving and easy‑clean drawers 
– Fit&Max design philosophy — optimising space and usability (Fit) while maximising smart functionality and efficiency (Max)

This approach positions LG to compete more directly with established European built‑in specialists.

Whirlpool Introduces MattProtect: A More Durable Induction Hob Surface

Posted on by

Whirlpool is expanding its cooking portfolio with the launch of MattProtect, a new induction hob surface engineered for enhanced durability and easier day‑to‑day maintenance. The brand positions this finish as a step-change in surface resistance, aimed at consumers who want premium aesthetics without compromising robustness.

Matte Finish Built to Last
The MattProtect surface delivers three times more resistance to halos, scratches and impacts compared with standard vitroceramic glass. It also reduces visible marks, helping users keep the hob looking clean with less effort — a key selling point in a category where maintenance and appearance strongly influence purchase decisions.

FlexiCook and 6th Sense: Whirlpool’s Signature Technologies
The new model integrates FlexiCook, Whirlpool’s adaptive cooking system that automatically detects pan position and adjusts the active zone and power level accordingly. 
It also includes 6th Sense assisted functions such as Keep Warm and Melt, which automatically regulate power for precise, low‑temperature tasks.

Elica’s Virtus Oven Line Wins Red Dot Award 2026 for Product Design

Posted on by

Elica has once again been recognised on the world stage, with the Virtus oven line winning the Red Dot Award 2026 – Product Design in the Kitchen and Household category. The achievement strengthens Elica’s position as one of the most design‑driven brands in the built‑in cooking sector, continuing a trajectory that consistently blends architectural styling with advanced performance.

The Red Dot Award remains one of the most influential international design competitions, judged annually by an independent panel of global experts. Products are evaluated on innovation, aesthetic quality, functionality, and the ability to elevate everyday use through thoughtful design. Winning in the Product Design category signals that the Virtus line not only meets these criteria but stands out among hundreds of global submissions.

Elica’s Virtus ovens reflect the brand’s ongoing commitment to refined materials, intuitive interfaces, and a cohesive design language that aligns with modern kitchen architecture. The Red Dot jury’s recognition highlights the continuity of Elica’s design philosophy — one that prioritises clarity, precision, and a premium user experience.

For Elica, the 2026 award reinforces a long‑term design path that continues to resonate with both consumers and the wider design community, further cementing its role in shaping the future of cooking appliances.