Pop Mart has officially made its debut in the home appliance sector. On 24 April, the company revealed its first-ever appliance product across social platforms: THE MONSTERS Living Series Refrigerator, better known as the LABUBU Refrigerator. The launch marks Pop Mart’s first step beyond designer toys and into lifestyle hardware.
The LABUBU Refrigerator will go on sale at 10 PM on 30 April, exclusively via JD.com, and early demand is expected to be high. Pop Mart has confirmed that the model will be released in two versions — Home and House of the Monsters — with each variant limited to just 999 units worldwide.
For Pop Mart, this move signals a broader push into branded home living products, blending collectible culture with functional appliances. For the appliance industry, it’s another sign that design‑driven, IP‑powered collaborations are becoming a serious commercial force
During Milan Design Week 2026, Liebherr found the perfect stage for its latest refrigeration innovations inside the elegant Hotel Rosa Grand, located at Piazza Fontana 3. Within the Fontana Meeting Room, the German brand unveiled a lineup that pushes the boundaries of premium cooling: XXL built‑in refrigerators, the new FrenchDoor series, the iconic Monolith collection, next‑generation under‑counter models, and refined wine cellars.
A New Chapter for the Monolith Series The Monolith range continues to embody more than 70 years of Liebherr expertise, blending craftsmanship with striking contemporary design. It stands as a true statement piece—where elegance meets cutting‑edge refrigeration technology.
French Door Innovation, Inside and Out Liebherr’s new French Door appliances elevate everyday convenience. The patented FlexDoorSystem ensures effortless opening, while the interior reveals thoughtful engineering: crystal‑clear ice from the Water & Ice Center, herbs kept perfectly fresh in the BioFresh Professional drawer, and generous storage for all your essentials.
XXL Built‑In Refrigeration Sets a New Standard The latest XXL built‑in models—standing 194 cm tall and designed for a 75 cm recess—introduce the largest BioFresh drawer Liebherr has ever created. These appliances combine best‑in‑class energy efficiency with refined design elements such as LightTower illumination and SmartSteel rear panels. The result is a new benchmark for high‑end refrigeration.
Technology That Enhances Everyday Living Across the lineup, advanced features like VarioTemp, IceMaker, NoFrost, and SmartDevice connectivity bring intelligent convenience into the kitchen, ensuring optimal performance with minimal effort.
Midea also introduced two new refrigeration series—Eco Master and Chill Master—each addressing different consumer priorities.
Eco Master: Intelligent Energy Management
The Eco Master series integrates AI‑driven systems to optimize efficiency:
– AI EcoMaster: schedules energy‑intensive tasks at optimal times – AI SilentSense: identifies quieter operating periods – A‑class energy rating and ultra‑quiet performance
This line is ideal for consumers seeking sustainability without sacrificing convenience.
Chill Master: Maximum Capacity and Everyday Practicality
With capacities reaching 700 liters, Chill Master focuses on space and usability. Key features include:
– Auto Ice Maker producing up to 1.2 kg of ice daily, with 1.8 kg storage – Infinite Shelf & Infinite Door Bin systems for flexible interior organization
Chill Master is built for large households and those who value adaptable storage.
The SKS 48″ Built‑In French Door Refrigerator has secured a Consumer Reports Recommended ranking — a major endorsement from one of the industry’s most trusted testing organizations.
Why It Stands Out
Consumer Reports evaluates appliances on temperature accuracy, food preservation, energy use, noise, and overall usability. SKS impressed across the board thanks to features designed for serious performance and modern luxury:
– Dual compressors for precise temperature control – Convertible drawer with five temperature modes – Dual ice makers, including Craft Ice™ – Seamless built‑in design with premium materials
A Win for the Luxury Kitchen Market
For designers, builders, dealers, and homeowners, this recognition reinforces what SKS is known for: innovation, craftsmanship, and a True to Food™ approach that elevates every kitchen.
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.
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.
At WhiteGoodsNow, we celebrate appliances that combine innovation with architectural elegance—and Liebherr’s #DarkGrey finish is a standout example. Designed for discerning homeowners and interior designers alike, this sophisticated finish brings harmony, durability, and timeless appeal to the modern kitchen.
A Palette Tailored for Contemporary Spaces
The #DarkGrey finish is engineered to complement today’s most refined materials—concrete, natural stone, blackened steel, and matte cabinetry. It’s a versatile, architectural tone that integrates seamlessly into minimalist, industrial, and high-contrast interiors, offering a cohesive and elevated aesthetic.
Built on Precision, Longevity, and Design Integrity
Liebherr’s reputation for German engineering excellence is evident in every detail. The #DarkGrey range is more than just beautiful—it’s built to last. Surfaces are crafted for durability and effortless maintenance, while the design language reflects a commitment to functionality, form, and heritage.
This isn’t about following trends. It’s about setting a new standard for what timeless design looks like in the kitchen.
Two design powerhouses, Smeg and Porsche, have partnered to launch a limited-edition collection of kitchen appliances that fuse Italian craftsmanship with German engineering. The collaboration features a curated selection of Smeg’s most iconic products, reimagined in three signature Porsche finishes: Carrara White Metallic, Shade Green Metallic, and 917 Salzburg Red.
Available exclusively at Smeg’s flagship London store and online, the collection includes the beloved FAB28 fridge, TSF01 toaster, KLF03 kettle, BLF03 blender, and the BCC12 Bean to Cup coffee machine. Each appliance reflects Porsche’s legendary colourways, offering a bold new take on luxury home design.
This launch marks a new chapter in cross-industry innovation, where automotive prestige meets culinary performance. With limited availability, the collection is expected to attract design enthusiasts, collectors, and fans of both brands.
Homa Global has officially begun construction on its first overseas manufacturing base in Chonburi, Thailand. The groundbreaking ceremony on 28 September welcomed top executives and partners, marking a major step in the company’s global expansion.
With an initial investment of RMB 680 million and a total planned investment over RMB 1 billion, the 200,000-square-metre facility will include production lines for refrigerators and freezers, a components centre, offices, and a showroom. Operations are set to begin in 2026, boosting output by 3 million units annually and creating over 3,300 jobs.
CEO Michael Yao stated, “From Zhongshan to Chonburi, from local to global — we have forged our own path.” The smart, digital factory will be fully integrated with Homa’s China headquarters, strengthening supply chains and supporting global growth.
As the world’s largest refrigerator exporter and fourth in global production, Homa continues to lead in cooling innovation, now serving over 130 countrie
Samsung has quietly launched a pilot program in the US that’s turning heads—and not necessarily in a good way. The tech giant is now testing advertisements on its Family Hub refrigerators, transforming the sleek smart appliance into a digital ad platform. For many users, this move feels like an unwelcome intrusion into the heart of their homes.
📲 What’s Changing?
The pilot began this month with an over-the-air software update rolled out to select Family Hub models. Alongside the update came revised Terms of Service and a new Privacy Notice, both of which cover the introduction of ads. These ads appear on the refrigerator’s Cover Screen—the display that activates when idle—but only if users have selected certain themes like Weather, Color, or Daily Board.
Samsung hasn’t confirmed whether the program will expand to other themes or display surfaces. For now, the company says future plans “will depend on the results of the pilot program.”
😠 Customer Backlash
The reaction from users has been swift and vocal. Many are frustrated by the idea of their kitchen appliance doubling as an advertising billboard. After all, the Family Hub is marketed as a premium smart fridge—one that helps manage groceries, stream music, and even mirror your TV. Ads weren’t part of that promise.
This pilot raises broader questions about the future of smart home devices. If your fridge can show ads, what’s next? Your oven? Your washing machine?
🧠 A Sign of Things to Come?
Samsung’s move may be part of a larger trend: monetizing idle screen real estate in connected devices. While it’s not the first company to experiment with this model, the backlash suggests that consumers aren’t quite ready to accept ads in their domestic spaces—especially on devices they’ve already paid a premium for.
Whether this pilot fizzles out or becomes a new norm will depend on user feedback and engagement metrics. But one thing’s clear: the line between tech utility and ad delivery is getting blurrier
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