New Franke showroom marks ‘last step’ of rebrand

Franke unveils its newly renovated showroom in Switzerland, the birthplace and home of the Swiss multinational, marking the latest milestone in its exciting journey, now spanning over 100 years. The new design of the showroom perfectly represents Franke’s new look brand image and evokes the Franke brand promise of transforming change into opportunities for a better living. Franke Home Solutions, the division of Franke Group that is dedicated to all things in the home, and the world’s leading provider of intelligent systems and solutions for the residential kitchen, the showroom symbolises the story unfolding at the Franke headquarter in Aarburg and around the world.

The only constant is change

The brand philosophy and the new appearance stand for finding new ways to face constant change in an intelligent way. As an integrated system provider, Franke Home Solutions combines exclusive design with full functionality, Swiss quality and sustainable innovations for a better life.

In the newly opened showroom, these aspects come together in perfection. The “Great Stage” campaign launched by Franke Home Solutions a year ago unveiled in a creative, visually impactful way how Franke’s intelligent home solutions and design empower a kitchen that fits all home-lovers’ desires and fulfils their evolving life ambitions.

LG Signature silver oven

Signature Kitchen Suite, a brand of the LG Electronics group, has renewed its range of products dedicated to cooking (combined ovens, induction hob and warming drawer), which are now also available in the Silver colour. From a technological point of view, the combi ovens, without handle and with a sensor for opening the door, have a high definition color touch screen that allows user to easily select the different programs, including the “Gourmet chef” preset recipes. Two models are available that can be paired: the Silver combined steam oven (which integrates traditional cooking with steam) and the Silver combined steam and microwave oven which combines three cooking modes in a single product and can be paired with the Silver warming drawer. As regards to the Flex Silver induction hob, the side cooking zones can be used individually or in Full Flex mode. Furthermore, the touch control panel allows user to select all functions, including the rapid programs. Finally, all Signature Kitchen Suite appliances are Wi-Fi ready and can be managed remotely through the LG ThinQ app. Among the smart features, the Smart Diagnosis system allows to check the correct functioning and any problems by placing the mobile device close to the appliance.

Polti re-enter coffee machine market

Polti comes back to the espresso coffee machine market with a new product: Polti Coffea , an appliance that works with ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods . The launch coincides with that of SOLO , the single origin espresso coffee in ESE pods offered by Aroma Polti , a Group company specialized in the marketing and distribution of coffee. The two proposals are designed in combination (although Polti Coffea can work with all types of 44 mm ESE pods) and are a solution that aims to be an alternative to plastic capsules . At a design level, Polti Coffea is conceived in such a way as to be practical in use and easy to clean. Furthermore, the pod ejection drawer is automatic , allowing the user not to get their hands dirty. The removable tank also simplifies the water filling operations and the automatic switch-off supports the energy optimisation. The machine allows user to prepare espresso in a few moments and is equipped with a system for regulating the quantity of coffee dispensed and the temperature . Polti Coffea is realized in four models (two black and two white) with metallic finishes. Upon purchase, the product is supplied with a tasting kit including 54 pods of SOLO single origin coffee . Finally, the Polti Coffea range will be expanded with new models in the first half of 2024

Decline in profitability for Unieuro in the first half

the first half of its fiscal year, which ended on 30 September, Unieuro recorded revenues of 1.23 billion euros, 5% less than in 2022. Profitability suffered more than proportionally: Ebitda was of 2.7 million (2 per thousand of sales) compared to 12 million in the first half of 2022. The net result is a very slight loss.
The company points out that the second quarter went better than the first: “in contrast to the trend recorded in previous quarters, the result of careful management of costs and margins and demonstrates our capacity for resilience in a difficult market” – commented CEO Giancarlo Nicosanti Monterastelli. The net cash of 78.5 million euros, up compared to 71 million at 31 August 2022, will be used to finance the acquisition of Covercare.
Unieuro has revised its outlook for 2023/24. It now expects revenues of 2.7 billion and an Ebit of 35 million euros.

Rowenta high efficiency ironing

Groupe Seb launches with Rowenta the new high-efficiency ironing center with ecological design Eco Steam Pro, DG9621F0, which offers highly efficient ironing in Eco mode and energy savings of up to 50%. With 7.8 bars of pressure, continuous steam output of up to 140 g/min and steam boost of 500 g/min, it eliminates the most difficult wrinkles. It has an eco-responsible design, as it is made with up to 42% recycled materials and is up to 85% recyclable, and with eco-responsible packaging, this ironing center limits its environmental impactIn addition, it integrates super-quiet technology with ironing that is up to 5 times quieter (compared to the Perfect Steam Pro range) and a very efficient anti-limescale system that keeps your product in optimal conditions for a long time. The patented Microsteam 400 HD Laser 3D soleplate with 400 active steam micro-holes offers the best steam distribution on the market (compared to the top ten sellers in Europe). Other features are its large removable water tank with 1.3 L capacity for less frequent refilling; control panel with 5 settings for greater ease of use and locking system for easy and safe transport and storage.

Whirlpool Corporation introduced SlimTech™ insulation,

Whirlpool Corporation introduced SlimTech™ insulation, the first vacuum-insulated structure (VIS) technology in a refrigerator in the North American market.

Using a proprietary material that is vacuum-sealed within the door or sides of the refrigerator, SlimTech™ insulation can reduce the wall thickness by up to 66% – allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator.

“For the past 112 years, we have shaped the landscape of modern home appliances in the kitchen and the laundry room, developing products that have improved life at home for millions of consumers from the introduction of the first electric wringer washer and first home dishwasher,” said Marc Bitzer, Whirlpool Corporation chairman and CEO. “SlimTech™ insulation is yet another turning point for the industry, and this launch is just the beginning of how we will utilize this technology.”This refrigeration breakthrough will deliver benefits ranging from increased capacity and quieter performance to the potential for increased sustainability and design flexibility.
SlimTech™ insulation will launch in 2024 on select JennAir® 30 in. Column refrigerators and will later expand to KitchenAid brand

Whirlpool Corporation introduced SlimTech™ insulation, the first vacuum insulated structure (VIS) technology in a refrigerator in the North American market. This technology represents a significant step forward in refrigeration technology, which has long relied on bulky polyurethane foam for insulation.

By using a proprietary material that is vacuum-sealed within the door or sides of the refrigerator itself, SlimTech™ insulation can reduce the wall thickness by up to 66% – allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator.

LG partner of “The Drew Barrymore Show

LG Electronics announced a year-long partnership with “The Drew Barrymore Show” for its fourth season. As part of this collaboration, LG kitchen and laundry appliances will be featured in various segments throughout the season where Drew Barrymore and guests will be demonstrating living hacks designed to simplify and enhance everyday life.

At LG, we are continually looking for opportunities which demonstrate product solutions that enhance daily routines and benefits our reliable home appliances have to offer – said Jose Cardona, senior director of home appliance brand marketing, LG.

DOMINO: The Little One’ as Beko launches an immersive gaming experience

Beko one of Europe’s leading appliance manufacturers today reveals the trailer for its first ever single-player game experience DOMINO: The Little One. Launching worldwide on the 23rd of November, DOMINO: The Little One is a free to play 2D platformer adventure game available to all and designed to raise awareness among consumers about the consequences and challenges of climate changeAs a manufacturer to launch such an experience, Beko hopes to challenge conventions and transcend boundaries in its mission to improve sustainable solutions in every home around the world.

Available to download on Steam, iOS and Android devices from 23rd November, DOMINO: The Little One, is a single-player game that sees players progress through a series of four chapters each linked to a key issue relating to the environment. Chapters include a landscape addressing the issue of single-use plastic, an environment that highlights the impact of fossil fuels, ecological imbalance and a world devastated by deforestation. Players will assume the role of an introverted and eco-anxious child named Domino with the mission to solve pressing environmental challenges in their dreams. Along the journey, the player is accompanied by a mysterious voice encouraging Domino to overcome their fears associated with climate change as well as highlight actions to be performed to combat the issues

From its dishwashers and washing machines, to its vacuums and coffee machines, Beko harnesses cutting-edge technology to integrate sustainability into each of its consumers’ homes. With the launch of DOMINO: The Little One, Beko aims to reach broader audiences on the subject of climate change beyond its appliances.

Speaking on the launch of Domino, Akın Garzanlı, Chief Marketing Officer of Beko, says, “Domino is a very different kind of launch for us at Beko. The findings from the UN’s Green Game Jam clearly indicate that an appetite for the worlds of sustainability and gaming to join forces with 68% of gamers wanting to engage more in environmental issues. They want to engage more, learn more, and contribute more. They want to be part of the solution. Domino is our way of reaching out to them. It is a game that encourages you to think critically and act ethically by presenting you the choices that we have. We invite you to play Domino and to share it with others and hope you will find it enjoyable and informative.”

BSH group will implement Matter in smart kitchen appliances from 2024

At the beginning of 2024, the BSH group, producer of well-known household brands such as Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau and Neff, will switch to using Matter technology, the latest technology in smart home connectivity. The refrigerators are the first to go, specifically the spacious XXL built-in fridge-freezer combinations. In Matter 1.2, a large number of household appliances have been added, including refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.

The BSH group, which includes heavyweights such as Bosch and Siemens, is at the forefront of this innovation as some of their appliances are already connected via the cloud and can be controlled remotely with Home Connect.

Matter 1.2 promises a seamless connection between various home appliances, and BSH plans to adopt this standard in their refrigerators that will allow users to control the temperature remotely. While details on which current models will support Matter have not yet been announced, it is likely that only more recent devices will be compatible.

Furthermore, in 2024, the Bosch Smart Home controller will function as a Matter bridge, which will play a crucial role in the new ecosystem of connected devices. This will herald a gradual transition to a fully Matter-compatible smart home system, although it is still unclear when other appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers will follow.

Matter does not yet support everything; for example, there is no support for cameras yet. Nevertheless, this update marks an important step forward in the world of smart kitchen appliance