Samsung Electronics to launch AI washer-dryer in Korea

Samsung Electronics Co. will launch its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered integrated washer-dryer, Bespoke AI Combo, as early as later this month in Korea.
The Bespoke AI Combo is expected to be launched in Korea first at the end of this month before global release.
In September 2023, Samsung Electronics unveiled a concept model of the all-in-one washer-dryer at the 2023 Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA), one of Europe’s largest home appliance exhibitions. The finalized product, Bespoke AI Combo, was presented at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2024.

The washer-and-dryer streamlines laundry processes and boasts over 40 percent higher space efficiency compared to traditional stacked models.

It also offers an AI custom course that tailors washing and drying settings based on laundry specifics like weight, fabric, and soil level.

Equipped with the digital inverter heat pump from the existing Bespoke AI dryer, it delivers drying performance on par with standalone dryers.

Haier Europe appoints Neil Tunstall as the new CEO

Haier Europe has announced Haier UK and Ireland managing director Neil Tunstall as its new chief executive officer.He succeeds Yannick Fierling who stepped down from the role of Haier Europe CEO.

Neil Tunstall will begin as Haier Europe CEO beginning of April. He will assume leadership of the Europe region, headquartered in Italy and with approximately 10,000 employees, a sales presence in more than 50 countries and 7 manufacturing sites

FAULTY KITCHEN APPLIANCE IS IDENTIFIED AS CAUSE OF DEADLY VALENCIA FIRE IN SPAIN THAT KILLED 10 PEOPLE

FAULTY kitchen appliance caused last month’s Valencia apartment block fire that killed 10 people.

A secrecy order on the court investigation into the blaze in the Campanar district of the city has been lifted, with the Government delegate in the Valencian Community, Pilar Bernabe, revealing the cause on Monday Bernabe said that the blaze was started by ‘an appliance in the kitchen’ and indicated that it could have been a refrigerator.

Electrolux Group wins 11 iF Awards for outstanding product design

Electrolux Group has won 11 coveted iF Design Awards for products designed to improve the daily lives of consumers in the home. The iF Design Awards jury recognized Electrolux Group for many aspects of design, including user interface.And the winners are:
AEG XTM Combo Saphir Matt
The matt glass induction hob with built-in extractor uses an innovative type of tactile paper-like textured glass, the first of its kind in the world. It’s combined with a modular extractor system for effortless, elegant and odor-free cooking.

AEG 7000 Series Built-in Gas Hobs with StepPower
The hob caters to the aspiration of premium Chinese consumers, aligning with modern Asian cuisine’s emphasis on power, efficiency and precision. An extensive collaboration between Design and Research and Development led to a unique European expression for the burners and pan support composition, which combines best-in-class performance standards while introducing our AEG Brand expression into the realm of Asian cooking.Experience Bottom Freezer Refrigerators Line-up
The Electrolux Experience Bottom Freezer is a family of mid-level refrigerators that positively impact people’s lives and the planet. Its symmetric design balances the need to stand out and to blend in, a relevant aspect in the contemporary Latin American household. These products inspire and enable consumers to make healthier and more sustainable eating choices through functions like AutoSense, which automatically adjusts temperatures and power usage according to your habits, and through compartments like HortiNatura, which preserves the freshness of fruits and vegetables for up to two times longer. Consumers’ changing needs are addressed by a flexible internal layout in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.Fabric Care New Electrolux Range
The new Care range is designed to deliver a best-in-class consumer experience, thanks to innovations and intuitive interaction. With the new Smart Select function, the user selects the soil level of the load, and the machine automatically selects the most appropriate program. Eco leaf icons also signal the sustainability level of the selection. Fabrics last longer with the Care Drum’s cushion-like pattern. Recycled materials for door, knob, and panel parts, avoiding the use of chrome or double injection, foster a more sustainable approach in product manufacturing.AEG/Electrolux ComfortLift Freestanding Dishwasher
This dishwasher gently lifts the lower dishwasher rack up to a comfortable height for easy loading and unloading. The MaxiFlex drawer accommodates multiple cutlery pieces that are positioned separately so that they will not get scratched. SoftGrips and SoftSpikes gently secure and support delicate wine glasses, safeguarding them from damage. The result is a uniquely uncluttered experience that appeals to the senses without overwhelming them.AEG 5000 Series / Electrolux 500 Series
The Pure 500 is our latest generation of air purifier that the user can control and monitor remotely by using the app. The cleaning technology uses a four-stage filter system that reduces exposure to small particles and volatile organic compounds. The unit’s spiral outlet creates a powerful vortex that helps clean the room in a matter of minutes. The design provides accessible air purification, using human-centric values and design expression. It’s an elegant, compact, quiet and user-friendly air purifier whose colors and finishes make it belong in your home.Electrolux/AEG Air Fryer Range
The new Air Fryer series won two awards, one for the product design and the other for user interface (UI). Designed with a multicultural perspective, it aims to simplify cooking by empowering users of various markets not only to cook in a healthier, faster and more energy-efficient way, but also to explore new recipes and cooking techniques offered on the UI. The interface ensures a user-friendly operation through a seamless, step-by-step process that guides consumers within a logical, left-to-right, easy-to-follow sequence. The product combines effortless solutions with an iconic and compact design that takes less space on the countertop. In some markets, the QR Code on the top of the product expands the cooking experience by providing recipes, support, and guidance.Electrolux/AEG Steam Irons and Steam Station
The Electrolux/AEG Steam Irons and Steam Station is a statement to deliver on our vision to make clothes last twice as long with half the environmental impact. This is achieved by use of recycled plastics in the product range as well as plastic-free packaging. It combines performance with comfort and ease of use in a human-centric Scandinavian design, allowing the user to de-wrinkle garments in a quick and effortless way, making them last longer.

Electrolux/AEG Hand and Stand Mixer
The Electrolux/AEG Hand and Stand Mixer, inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics, embodies the principles of simplicity, functionality, and a commitment to sustainability by using recycled materials. Its understated elegance effortlessly integrates into various kitchen settings, like a sculpture in the kitchen.Electrolux/AEG Espresso Machine
The espresso machine with an integrated coffee grinder is designed around our Scandinavian design principles. It improves usability by humanizing physical and digital design on key elements, thus easing the process of preparing a good cup of espresso. Inspired by the evolution of modern homes, the design effortlessly complements the space by the clever use of Nordic colors, accents, and forms.

Godrej Appliances rides on design innovation- launches wood-finish, nature-inspired ACs & Refrigerators

Godrej Appliances, part of Godrej & Boyce, flagship company of the Godrej Group has launched Eon Vogue, a new series of nature-inspired wood-finish home appliances. The range, comprising advanced Refrigerators and Air Conditioners, offers a unique blend of aesthetics and technology that complements contemporary Indian home décor and lifts it many notches.

V-ZUG increases profitability despite a difficult market situation

Full-year results for 2023:
Declining sales volumes, increased gross profit and targeted cost management

In 2023, the V-ZUG Group generated net sales of CHF 585.4 million, 8.0 % lower than the previous year (CHF 636.3 million). During the pandemic-induced boom in 2021–2022, sales volumes were extraordinarily high. In addition to this base effect, inflation, rising interest rates and a corresponding decline in demand had a negative impact on sales volumes in the reporting year. This development was exacerbated by the reduction of inventory levels at V‑ZUG partners. To address the market-related decline in volume, additional measures to increase sales and cost-saving initiatives were implemented that had a positive effect on the operating result and cash flow. The operating result (EBIT) amounted to CHF 16.8 million (previous year: CHF 10.3 million, + 63.1 %). Free cash flow improved to CHF 18.2 million (previous year: CHF – 52.2 million). For the year 2024, V-ZUG expects the market environment to remain challenging and continues to be committed to its medium-term targets through investments in market development and positioning, production as well as ongoing projects to increase innovation and efficiency.

BSH Design centre Miami

BSH Home Appliances have announced the opening of its new 8,000-square-foot flagship Experience & Design Center atop the Design 41 luxury building in the heart of the Miami Design District. The facility is located at 112 NE 41st Street and boasts a 3,000-square-foot terrace overlooking the city. The state-of-the-art showroom offers consumers, builders, architects and design professionals a chance to experience the latest innovative home appliances from top brands Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau.

LG Electronics releases standard washer-dryer two weeks

LG Electronics Inc. has officially released a standard washer-dryer model following its premium product lineup.

The Tromm Wash Combo can handle both washing (25kg) and drying (15kg) in a single unit. Priced at 4.49 million won ($3,400), it significantly undercuts the Signature washer-dryer released last month for 6.9 million won.

Deliveries will be available from April 8.

With the purchase of the Tromm Wash Combo, customers will receive a cashback of 200,000 won. Purchasing the Mini Wash Set alongside will also entitle customers to a cashback of 600,000 won, according to the company.

Initially, LG Electronics had planned to release the standard product in April after launching the premium Signature washer-dryer on March 22.

However, the schedule was moved up by about two weeks in response to the success of Samsung Electronics’ washer-dryer priced in the 3.9 million won range.

LG Electronics aims to maintain its competitive edge by highlighting performance capabilities while also upholding its reputation as a leading home appliance manufacturer over rivals.

To ensure performance while maintaining compact size, LG developed its own washer-dryer-specific inverter heat pump drying module.

“We can reduce fabric damage while improving energy efficiency solely through 100 percent heat pump technology,” said a company official.

The heat pump utilizes the heat generated by circulating refrigerants to absorb moisture from the laundry.

This low-temperature dehumidification process ensures protection for the fabrics. LG Electronics applied inverter technology to achieve a 50 percent reduction in energy consumption by regulating motor speeds to operate only when necessary.

AI capabilities have also been upgraded. With the AI mode, users can wash and dry a 3kg load of laundry in just 99 minutes.

Equipped with a deep learning AI DD motor, the new washer-dryer offers customized washing and drying with 6 Motion to reduce fabric damage.

Users also have the option to install a 4kg capacity top-loader washing machine called Mini Wash underneath the Tromm Wash Combo.

By using three separate units?drum washer, dryer, and Mini Wash?LG aims to enhance the convenience of washing and drying.

The slide-out dust filter adopts a sliding mechanism for easy removal of dust from the filter. With the automatic detergent dispenser positioned at the top, users can conveniently add detergent and fabric softener without bending over.

KBIS successful show

KBIS marked our most successful show to date, bringing together a record number of kitchen and bath design professionals. 🥂

“We’re incredibly proud of the growth and success of KBIS, continuing to offer tremendous value to the thousands of designers, architects, dealers, showroom professionals, builders, remodelers, and more in the kitchen and bath industry,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS.

KBIS 2024 By-the-Numbers

● 117,000 DCW registered visitors
● Over 41,500 KBIS registered visitors
● Over 670 exhibitors – a 30% increase from 2023
● Over 260 new exhibitors – a 40% increase from 2023
● More than 200 international exhibitors – a 35% increase from 2023

Next year, KBIS will be held February 25 – 27, 2025, in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

KBIS is the premier event for every K&B focused business who wishes to connect with customers all over North America