Category Archives: Domestic appliance news,

Xiaomi Expands Globally with Smart Mijia Appliances

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Xiaomi is stepping boldly into the international home appliance market with the global rollout of its Mijia product line—featuring a smart refrigerator, washer-dryer, and air conditioner—all seamlessly integrated into its “Human x Car x Home” ecosystem. These devices are designed for centralized control via the Xiaomi Home app, offering users a unified smart living experience.

🧊 Mijia Cross Door 502L: Smart Cooling for Modern Kitchens
At the heart of Xiaomi’s kitchen offering is the Mijia Cross Door 502L refrigerator. With a generous 502-liter capacity and multiple independently adjustable temperature zones, it’s tailored for families needing flexible food storage. The iFresh zone allows precise temperature control between -1°C and 5°C, while Super Cool and Super Freeze functions adapt to varying storage needs.

Ag⁺ freshness technology helps neutralize odors and inhibit bacterial growth, and the 90-degree door design ensures easy access—even when placed near walls. Smart alerts via the Xiaomi Home app notify users if the door remains open for more than two minutes, helping prevent food spoilage. Dual inverter technology delivers quiet performance and energy efficiency, while built-in Wi-Fi enables remote temperature management.

🧺 More Smart Solutions: Washer-Dryer & Air Conditioning
The Mijia lineup also includes the Mijia Pro 9 kg front-loading washer-dryer and a series of air conditioners, all designed to integrate effortlessly into Xiaomi’s smart ecosystem. These additions reinforce the brand’s commitment to intelligent, connected living.

APPLiA Warns Against U.S. Tariffs on European Appliances

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APPLiA – Home Appliance Europe has raised concerns over the U.S. expansion of Section 232 tariffs, now covering appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers. The 50% steel levy, intended to boost national security and domestic production, risks damaging transatlantic supply chains and raising consumer prices.

📉 A 2023 U.S. report showed that while metal output rose by $2.25B, downstream manufacturing fell by $3.48B. Previous appliance tariffs cost U.S. consumers $1.5B for just 1,800 jobs—over $800K per job.

📈 EU exports of major appliances to the U.S. grew 23% from 2018 to 2024, creating a trade surplus. APPLiA warns that global tariffs could divert goods to the EU, hurting local manufacturers.

🇪🇺 APPLiA urges the European Commission to oppose these tariffs, defend EU industry, and promote fair, rules-based trade rooted in WTO principles.

Meet the Blueair Sleep Collection

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Imagine waking up refreshed, breathing cleaner air, and feeling truly restored. The new Blueair Sleep Collection isn’t just about better air—it’s about transforming your entire sleep experience.

🌅 Mini Restful™ Sunrise Air Purifier Clock
Say goodbye to groggy mornings. This compact powerhouse purifies your air while you sleep and gently wakes you with a simulated sunrise. It’s the perfect blend of wellness and smart design.

💧 DreamWell™ Humidifier
Hydration meets serenity. The DreamWell™ delivers quiet, consistent moisture plus optional aromatherapy—ideal for calming your senses and balancing your environment.

Europe’s Laundry Habits Are Getting Smarter — and Faster

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Across Europe, laundry routines are evolving. A remarkable 58% of wash cycles now finish in under 90 minutes, with one in three wrapping up in less than an hour. And here’s the bonus: lower temperatures are becoming the norm — a win for both your wardrobe and energy savings.

⏰ Morning Loads Lead the Way

When do most people hit ‘start’ on the washing machine? Before noon. In fact, 54% of the 15,000 Europeans we surveyed prefer to do laundry in the morning. It’s no surprise — with hybrid work schedules and jam-packed mornings, speed and efficiency are more essential than ever.

✨ Quick Doesn’t Mean Compromise

Think fast cycles mean sacrificing cleanliness? Think again. Electrolux’s UltraQuick 49-minute program uses smart pre-mixing technology to deliver top-tier stain removal — all in under an hour at just 30°C.*

📊 Want More Insights?

Dive deeper into the data and discover how laundry habits are shifting across the continent in the full Truth About Laundry Report.

https://admin.betterlivingprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Truth-About-Laundry-2025.pdf

Gaggenau Redefines Kitchen Architecture with Vario Expressive Expansion

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Gaggenau’s expansion of the Vario Expressive series is a masterclass in blending technology with architectural elegance. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this launch so compelling:

🧊 Modular Luxury Meets Design Philosophy
– Eleven new models span refrigerators, freezers, fridge-freezer combos, and wine cabinets.
– Each unit is modular, allowing for standalone installation or seamless side-by-side integration.
– This flexibility supports contemporary kitchen architecture, where appliances are part of the design narrative—not just functional add-ons.

🚪 Seamless Integration & Visual Harmony
– Handleless doors and flush surfaces eliminate visual clutter.
– Interiors are carefully structured, emphasizing symmetry and flow.
– The appliances are designed to resemble high-end furniture, elevating them to architectural elements.

🎨 Material Palette & Interior Aesthetics
– A restrained mix of dark brushed stainless steel, anthracite aluminum, and glass creates a calm, cohesive look.
– The palette supports a harmonious atmosphere, ideal for minimalist or modern interiors.

🍷 Specialized Functionality
– The inclusion of wine cabinets signals attention to lifestyle and luxury.
– These units likely feature precision climate control and elegant display options, aligning with Gaggenau’s reputation for performance and refinement

Magimix to Be Acquired by Lavafields Group

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Ardian and Hameur Group are in exclusive talks to sell Magimix, the French premium kitchen appliance brand, to Lavafields Group. The deal is expected to close soon, pending approvals.

Founded in 1971, Magimix is known for high-end food processors, blenders, and coffee machines, with strong distribution in France, the UK, and the Netherlands.

Lavafields, a Franco-Belgian appliance group, owns brands like riviera&bar, Frifri, and Siméo, and distributes Ariete, Bissell, and others. The acquisition strengthens its position in Europe’s premium appliance market.

Following the sale, Ardian and Hameur will focus on Robot-Coupe, a global leader in professional benchtop equipml

Washing machine Out of this world

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In a leap toward sustainable space living, the China Astronaut Research and Training Center—under the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA)—has introduced a groundbreaking washing machine designed specifically for space missions. Compact, efficient, and detergent-free, this innovation could reshape how astronauts manage hygiene during long-duration flights.

🚀 Smart Cleaning in Microgravity

The cube-shaped device, slightly larger than a carry-on suitcase and weighing just 12 kg, uses only 400 mL of water per cycle to clean up to 800 g of clothing. Instead of traditional detergent, it relies on a fine mist and ozone—a powerful oxidizing agent—to eliminate bacteria and odors. After use, the ozone safely breaks down into oxygen, minimizing environmental impact.

💧 Why It Matters

Water is one of the most precious resources in space. On the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts recycle up to 90% of their water—including sweat and even urine—for drinking and hygiene. NASA aims to push that figure beyond 95% in future missions. By reducing water usage and eliminating the need for detergent, China’s ozone-based washer supports this goal while cutting down the mass of clothing needed for long-term missions.

🌍 Beyond Space: Earthly Implications

While designed for orbit, this tech could inspire ultra-efficient laundry solutions here on Earth—especially in regions facing water scarcity. As space agencies race to make deep-space travel more sustainable, innovations like this are proving that even dirty laundry can spark clean ideas.

JD.com’s Lightning-Fast Acquisition of MediaMarkt/Saturn: A New Era for European Electronics Retail

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In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the European retail landscape, German and Dutch regulators have cleared JD.com’s acquisition of MediaMarkt/Saturn (CECONOMY) at unprecedented speed. The deal marks a pivotal moment—not just for the companies involved, but for the entire consumer electronics sector across Europe.

🔍 What’s Coming Next?

1. A Promise of Stability and Trust 
JD.com has made it clear: they’re not here to dismantle CECONOMY’s structure. Instead, the focus is on building trust and ensuring a seamless integration. This signals a strategic, long-term approach rather than a disruptive overhaul.

2. A Gateway for Chinese Brands 
Expect a rapid acceleration of Chinese consumer electronics brands—OPPO, Midea Group, and others—into the European market. With JD.com’s backing, MediaMarkt/Saturn’s assortment and pricing will evolve quickly, offering broader choices and competitive value to European consumers.

3. Pressure on Incumbent Suppliers 
Legacy suppliers will face intense renegotiations. Maintaining market share and competitiveness will require new strategies—chief among them, tapping into JD.com’s supply chain to access the Chinese market. Those who adapt may thrive; those who don’t risk being sidelined.

4. Operational Excellence Incoming 
JD.com’s renowned supply chain capabilities—driven by automation, innovation, and efficiency—are poised to transform MediaMarkt/Saturn’s backend operations. Expect leaner logistics, smarter inventory management, and faster fulfillment.

🧭 Expansion Beyond Borders

This acquisition is not a one-off. JD.com recently attempted to acquire Argos from Sainsbury’s—a bid that ultimately failed, but clearly signals a broader European expansion strategy. The retail landscape is consolidating, and JD.com is positioning itself as a key player.

🤝 Bridging Cultures, Building Synergy

Having visited JD.com recently with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, I was struck by the scale, precision, and ambition of their operations. But the road ahead isn’t without challenges. The biggest hurdle? Harmonizing vastly different management styles, regulatory frameworks, and cultural expectations. Success will hinge on blending the best of both worlds—without letting the worst seep through.

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Bottom Line: 
JD.com’s acquisition of MediaMarkt/Saturn is more than a corporate transaction—it’s a strategic inflection point for European retail. The ripple effects will be felt across supply chains, brand portfolios, and consumer experiences. And this is just the beginning.

Frio Group Unveils Bold Innovations at IFA 2025

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At this year’s IFA, the Frio Group made a powerful statement with its portfolio of brands—La Sommelière, Avintage, Climadiff, Provintech, Avintage sur mesure, and Frigelux—showcasing a wave of innovations that push the boundaries of refrigeration and smart technology. Among the highlights: the debut of specialized cheese and vegetable cellars, and a major leap forward in AI integration within the Vinotag app, reinforcing Frio’s edge in a competitive global market.

🌍 A Global Vision Backed by Results

With decades of presence at IFA, Frio Group continues to evolve, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation. Already a household name in France, the company is rapidly expanding its international footprint. “We’ve reached breakeven this year, with exports now accounting for 50% of our turnover,” shared President Didier Grychta. “We’re seeing strong momentum in the U.S., South America, and South Korea.”

The first half of 2025 saw a 15-point growth surge, driven by standout performances both domestically and abroad. In France, La Sommelière is gaining traction in the freestanding segment, while Climadiff and Avintage are making waves in the built-in category—especially with the Platinum range, which is resonating with kitchen designers. Frigelux’s new built-in refrigerator line is also proving to be a hit.

🧀 Avintage Expands Its Horizons

Located in Hall 6.1, Frio’s expansive booth spotlighted fresh innovations across all its brands, with Avintage leading the charge. Responding to market demand, the brand introduced new formats in its Platinum range, including 75 cm tall units and a 98 cm niche—perfectly aligned with standard oven and microwave dimensions.

But the real breakthrough? Avintage is venturing beyond wine. The brand now offers dedicated cellars for cheese and vegetables—two categories often underserved by traditional refrigeration. “Wine isn’t the only product that requires careful preservation,” noted Marketing Director Pierre-Jean Landelle. “Cheese and vegetables have unique needs that standard fridges simply don’t meet.”

President Grychta added, “The wine-cheese pairing was a natural evolution. Our cheese cellar mimics a maturing environment, keeping products at tasting temperature. The vegetable cellar, which doesn’t exist on the market today, offers a genuine solution for consumers.” These new cellars feature customizable temperature and humidity settings, with the vegetable model reaching over 90% humidity. Launch is slated for early 2026.

🤖 Vinotag Gets Smarter with AI

Frio Group is also transforming the digital experience with its Vinotag app. Originally designed to help users catalogue their wine collections, the app now features conversational AI for a more personalized experience.

“Say I’m having Indian food tonight—I can ask the app to recommend the best bottle from my cellar,” explained Landelle during a demo. “It can also tell me which bottle to drink first based on peak aging, or suggest additions to my collection based on what I already own.”

This AI-driven functionality turns Vinotag into a smart sommelier, offering tailored insights and recommendations that adapt to each user’s preferences and inventory. It’s a leap forward in digital wine management, making the app more intuitive and versatile than ever.