SMEG THE MATTE BLACK COLLECTIONTHE MATTE BLACK COLLECTION

MATTE BLACK BY SMEG
As the new year begins, Smeg is pleased to introduce an elegant new finish to its current offerings of stainless steel, enamel, and glass for large appliances… matte black. The new matte black finish will be added to the Classic collection, providing another option for homeowners who value timeless design but want to add new interest to their kitchen.
The collection includes a suite of appliances with a tactile premium matte finish and a durable coating that will add an effortless elegance to your home.

This exciting new matte black range features a 60cm pyrolytic multifunctional oven with a large cavity big enough for your Sunday roast dinner, 10 cooking functions including circulaire for multi-level cooking without flavour transference and an impressive A+ energy rating. A 45cm compact microwave with grill provides fast cooking if you’re in a hurry and the warming drawer is excellent for proving bread and reheating food.

The oven and the microwave feature Smeg’s Eclipse black glass, coordinating black handles and controls, and intuitive LCD displays.

To complete the look, there is also a 75cm Gas hob with 5 burners, one of which is an ultra-rapid burner ideal for high-temperature cooking such as stir-frying and a 60cm Gas hob with 4 burners.

Hibiscus, KitchenAid brand unveils Color of the Year 2023

Whirlpool Corporation’s iconic KitchenAid brand is turning heads and attracting consumers with the release of its 2023 Color of the Year. It’s bold. It’s lush. It’s countertop couture. And it embodies the energy-boosting hues that are springing to life in art, design and pop culture today.

Hibiscus is all about bright energy. We wanted to choose something that reminded us to embrace new styles and empower us to explore new things in and out of the kitchen.

The 2023 KitchenAid Color of the Year is made to attract. Inspired by the vivid color of the Hibiscus flower, the Color of the Year blooms with possibilities for extraordinary kitchen experiences.

“Hibiscus is all about bright energy. We wanted to choose something that reminded us to embrace new styles and empower us to explore new things in and out of the kitchen,” said Brittni Pertijs, Lead Color, Material & Finish Designer for the KitchenAid brand. “Hibiscus can be styled in so many ways. We love pairing Hibiscus with a neutral kitchen, to add a pop of color. Or, we love a maximalist pink and green combination! Don’t be afraid to pair Hibiscus with various textures as well.”

KitchenAid has championed the power of color to fuel creativity since introducing the first Stand Mixer colors in 1955. Today the brand’s Color of the Year taps global trends, capturing the current moment and inspiring makers around the world.

World’s first fridge with 70% recycled plastic inner liners

The recycled plastic content and advanced food preservation features of our new built-in refrigerators have been well received by consumers. Simona Oboroceanu, Category Marketing Manager from the Food Preservation team at Electrolux tells us why.

Hi Simona! Tell us more about our breakthrough in incorporating recycled plastic in our refrigerators.

The Electrolux Group has developed a new line of built-in refrigerators – the Electrolux 500-900 Series and AEG 5000-9000 Series – that we’re currently launching in Europe. The recent launches have inner liners made from 70% recycled plastic, which equates to 13% of the total plastic used in the refrigerator. We are the first in the world to incorporate this much recycled plastic into a refrigerator so it’s an important industry breakthrough.

The plastic is sourced from a specialty supplier that collects and refines plastic from discarded refrigerators in Europe. It is very important that we work with strong and reliable partners that can provide access to high-quality recycled materials.

The range has been well received at fairs such as IFA in Berlin as the industry sees the product as being concrete proof that we take sustainability seriously.

How have consumers responded to the inner liners made from recycled plastic?

Consumers have responded very positively to the inner liners, and they perceive the gray shade of plastic as being more premium than standard white liners. They favor products made from recycled materials and our research has shown they want this kind of refrigerator with recycled materials.

How do our built-in fridges help retain nutrients and avoid food waste?

The recent launches have an innovative GreenZone crisper drawer to keep fruit and vegetables fresh. They are offered in two versions – one with a manual vent that consumers can open or close depending on how full the drawer is and an automatic version. The automatic crisper has a membrane that allows ingredients to breathe by regulating and optimizing humidity.

Third-party studies have shown that our GreenZone crisper drawer can retain 95% of the vitamin C in blueberries after 11 days. None of our competitors use this kind of innovative membrane so it is a clear competitive advantage for us.

The recent launches also use innovative cooling technology that keeps the temperature stable to help ingredients last longer. One of the solutions is Cooling 360, which maintains a more stable temperature distribution, to preserve food for longer by avoiding temperature shocks and stress on food. Our TwinTech® No Frost also keeps food hydrated with independent cooling systems for the fridge and the freezer parts.

What do customers think about these enhanced abilities to help preserve ingredients?

Consumers immediately understand the value to them – not only in terms of retaining the vitamins in their ingredients for their health, but also making ingredients last longer and ultimately helping them to avoid food waste. Importantly, consumers really value the third-party verified fact-based claims we make. At Electrolux Group we’re committed to help consumers live better, more sustainable lives in the home and this refrigerator line reflects that.

Consumers have shown increased interest in healthy eating, particularly since the pandemic, and we go beyond the standard refrigerator offering by helping them to maintain the vitamin content and quality of the food they eat. Also, people are becoming increasingly conscious of food waste and the materials that are used to manufacture their products.

Will they be launched in other markets in 2023?

Yes, as well as continuing to roll out these innovations across Europe in 2023, we are looking at launching in other regions, such as Asia Pacific, in the coming years. Watch this space!

New ‘Full Black’ 2-in-1 Venting Induction Hob launched by Prima+

Prima, the kitchen brand exclusive to distributor PJH, has added a new ‘Full Black’ Venting Induction Hob to its premium ‘Prima+’ range. Sleek, with contemporary on-trend styling, the Prima+ PRVH001 Black 80cm Venting Induction Hob, boasts a flawless black glass frameless appearance, with a highly efficient integrated matt black steel extractor grid that can easily remove steam and cooking smells at source.

As an integrated 2-in-1 induction hob and extractor, the Prima+ PRVH001 Black Venting Induction Hob gives consumers complete flexibility when it comes to placement, making it ideal for kitchen island installations as well as in front of windows or traditional back-to-wall. Without requiring a hood, its space-saving design is also ideal for smaller kitchens too.

With 3 venting speed levels, an extraction rate of up to 398m3 /H and running at just 61dB (A) during operation, the Prima+ PRVH001 Black 80cm Venting Induction Hob, is as practical as it is stylish. The hob also has easy-to-use digital touch controls with 9 power level settings, a bridge section and all the safety features intrinsic to induction cooking such as an auto shut-off mechanism, child lock and residual heat indication.

Rob Brooks, product manager, Prima, said: “The new Prima+ PRVH001 Black 80cm Venting Induction Hob, with its fully black glass frameless design means customers can now achieve that much-in-demand all black contemporary styling in their kitchen as well as coordinate with our Prima+ Oven collection.

“The Prima+ PRVH001 Black 80cm Venting Induction Hob, retails at an extremely competitive price point, and offering all the style, functions and features expected from a high spec venting induction hob, it represents extremely good value for money.”

Measuring H 60 x W 800 x D 520mm, the Prima+ PRVH001 Black 80cm Induction Hob comes with a 5-years parts and 2-years labour warranty

Beefeater Barbecues

BeefEater has presented the 7000 Series roster of grills, constituting of four Deluxe models and four Classic models, to be had with four or five burners.,,Made from durable cast iron and advanced stainless steel, the BeefEater 7000 Series is designed to withstand the Australian atmosphere.,,The top-tier Deluxe Five Burner BBQ provides formidable 17MJ burners, an 11MJ back ceramic burner constructed for roasts as well as slow-prepared dishes and a 23MJ side burner to widen the barbecuing experience past tradition. The controls are LED lit up and the stand is adjustable in height.

MHK-UK Partnership with SMEG

MHK-UK, to supply its retail partner network with its built-in range, as well as other iconic products from the Smeg portfolio. The deal, agreed at the end of 2022 with Smeg UK, will see the Italian appliance brand’s stock become available in leading retailers across the country.

MHK UK is part of the MHK Group, European market leader in specialist kitchen and furniture retail with more than 3,400 commercial partners. Today, large numbers of commercial partners in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Spain are already benefiting from the valuable synergies created by this community.

MHK UK supports partners in specialist kitchen retail with a comprehensive service offering to achieve continued success in the market as well as further growth.MHK UK is part of the MHK Group, European market leader in specialist kitchen and furniture retail with more than 3,400 commercial partners. Today, large numbers of commercial partners in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Spain are already benefiting from the valuable synergies created by this community.

Whirlpool Corporation Named One of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies

Whirlpool Corporation has been recognized by Fortune as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies for the thirteenth consecutive year. The list includes the most respected and reputable companies around the world, as ranked by peers within their respective industries.

This recognition is only possible due to hard work and collaboration by our people and their commitment to improving life at home for consumers around the world.”
“We feel incredibly honored to once again be recognized by Fortune as one of the most admired companies,” said Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “This recognition is only possible due to hard work and collaboration by our people and their commitment to improving life at home for consumers around the world.”

Panasonic PRIME+ Edition refrigerator

Professional chefs have been serving up juicy cuts even when working with frozen meats, thanks in part to the superior chilling technology found in commercial kitchens. With Panasonic’s PRIME+ Edition premium line of refrigerators and its game-changing Prime Freeze feature, flash freeze capabilities are now possible at home.

Panasonic’s Prime Freeze system comprises three modes within a single compartment: Rapid Freezing, Quick Cooling and Cool Down.

Rapid Freezing, as its name implies, induces a quick freeze that is five times faster than regular models, says Panasonic. The use of a powerful dedicated airflow duct and aluminium plate accelerates the freezing process, resulting in minimal ice crystals formed within the cellular structure of your produce. This means meat and vegetables are better able to retain their taste, texture and colour.

The benefits of Rapid Freezing go beyond epicurean enjoyment. Not only are more nutrients preserved, one will feel the difference during meal prep. Portion out your desired amount easily every time – flash-frozen meats are easier to handle, and items like berries and cut lettuce will not clump, so salads and smoothies are a cinch to makeFreezing is often the last resort for fried food and bread – the former loses its crunch while the latter gives up its soft, springy chewiness. Rapid Freezing makes this a thing of the past.

By quickly freezing moisture in place, crispy batter does not turn soggy. Bread remains fluffy and chewy after being warmed up, as its natural moisture has been locked in. For time-strapped folks, especially those living alone who have to cook in sizeable portions, Rapid Freezing doesn’t penalise for such reasonable decisions.

With the Quick Cooling mode in Prime Freeze, you can speed up marinating processes – in as little as 15 minutes – as marinades work faster in lower temperatures. Fancy yourself a quick chilled pudding or fruit jelly? The feature works just as well to serve up sweet treats to satisfy last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.

Reversely, Cool Down works to swiftly dissipate heat (up to 70 degree Celsius) so you can handle hot food in a jiffy. This is great for when you’ve got freshly cooked items that you want to store into individual containers for consumption another day – bacterial growth on food is reduced with speedy handling.The Panasonic PRIME+ Edition refrigerators support Prime Freeze with another dedicated compartment – Prime Fresh. The section is set at minus 3 degree Celsius for a soft freezing effect, letting meat and fish stay fresh for as long as seven days, yet be easily thawed for quick prep.

Adding next-level hygiene to your food is Panasonic’s nanoe X technology. PRIME+ Edition refrigerators use nano-sized ions containing 4.8 trillion molecules that inhibit bacteria, suppress odours and even dislodge pesticides on vegetables and fruits so that they can be more easily washed away with water.

With its unique chilling modes and smart design, the Panasonic PRIME+ Edition is more than just a designer addition to your kitchen; it’s a powerful ally to eating better and healthier.

Groupe Seb soars on the Stock Exchange

With a leap of 7%, the Paris Stock Exchange greeted Groupe SEB’s financial statements yesterday. Sales (7.96 billion) are only 1.2% lower than those of the record year 2021 and up 8.2% on 2019. The fourth quarter closed with revenues down by 3, 6% to 2.4 billion. In both cases the trend is higher than analysts’ expectations, as reported by Radioco.

The Seb group owns 32 brands, including Tefal, Seb, Rowenta, Moulinex, Krups, Lagostina, Wmf, Emsa and Supor. It is present in 150 countries and has over 33,000 employees. 

After a record 2021, Seb group sales delivered a resilient performance in 2022. The group’s business held up well in most of the geographic areas in which it operates and the fourth quarter marked a slightly more favorable trend’” , commented the CEO Stanislas de Gramont , recalling that“from the second quarter the ‘Consumer’ activity (-2.6% to 7.2 billion) is influenced by the impact of the war in Ukraine and by issues specific to some markets’, in particular France (-22%) and Germany (-13%), ‘but it recorded a satisfactory performance in other countries, including China’. The ‘Professional’ hub (+15.6% to 725 million) recorded ‘a strong dynamic throughout the year and continues to be an important growth lever for the entire group ‘. Seb ‘confirms the operating margin target for 2022 and estimates that it will be in the high end of the range between 7% and 7.5%’.