Franke Group Acquires Røros Metall to Strengthen Nordic Presence and Ventilation Expertise

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In a strategic move to bolster its footprint in the Nordic region and reinforce its leadership in centralized ventilation, the Swiss-based Franke Group has announced the acquisition of Røros Metall AS, a premium Norwegian manufacturer renowned for its high-end RørosHetta range hoods and ventilation systems.

The deal, which involves the full acquisition of Røros Metall’s shares, marks a significant milestone in Franke’s growth strategy. While financial details remain undisclosed, the implications for the home solutions market are substantial.

A Powerful Synergy in Kitchen Ventilation

Røros Metall will now operate under Franke Home Solutions, the division of the Franke Group dedicated to intelligent kitchen systems and solutions. This integration is set to unlock new opportunities for innovation, combining Franke’s global scale and engineering excellence with Røros Metall’s craftsmanship and deep market knowledge in the Nordic region.

The acquisition is more than a geographic expansion—it’s a strategic alignment of values and vision. Both companies share a commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and premium design. By joining forces, they aim to accelerate the development of next-generation ventilation solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern kitchens.

What This Means for the Industry

– Stronger Nordic Market Position: Franke gains a deeper foothold in Norway and the broader Nordic region, enhancing its ability to serve local customers with tailored solutions.
– Sustainable Innovation: The partnership will focus on advancing eco-friendly, energy-efficient ventilation technologies.
– Global Growth for RørosHetta: With access to Franke’s international network, the RørosHetta brand is poised for broader exposure and expansion beyond its home market.

This acquisition underscores Franke’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the home kitchen space. As the demand for smarter, greener appliances continues to rise, the combined strengths of Franke and Røros Metall are set to shape the future of kitchen ventilation across Europe and beyond

Whirlpool Tackles Overwashing with New Xpert Care Washing Machines in India

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Whirlpool has introduced its latest innovation in India—the Xpert Care front-load washing machine series—by addressing a surprisingly overlooked issue in laundry care: overwashing. While most brands continue to emphasize stain removal and spin speed, Whirlpool is flipping the script by focusing on fabric preservation. At the heart of this shift is its new Ozone Air Refresh Technology, designed to minimize unnecessary washes and help clothes last longer.

Rethinking the Need to Wash

Whirlpool’s insight is simple but powerful: not every garment needs a full wash. Think office wear, special occasion outfits, or clothes worn just once—these often end up in the laundry basket out of habit, not necessity. The result? Accelerated fading, shrinkage, and fabric fatigue. The Xpert Care range offers a smarter alternative—bridging the gap between traditional washing and dry cleaning.

Meet Ozone Air Refresh: A Waterless Refresh Cycle

The standout feature of the Xpert Care lineup is its Ozone Air Refresh Technology. Instead of water and detergent, the machine uses an integrated ozoniser to convert oxygen into ozone. This ozone is then circulated within the drum, effectively neutralizing odours and bacteria. Once the cycle is complete, the ozone safely reverts to oxygen and is released.

Whirlpool claims the system has been tested for up to 50 consecutive refresh cycles on delicate, dry-clean-only garments—like sarees, blazers, trousers, and embellished clothing—with no shrinkage or colour loss under controlled conditions. Beyond fabric care, the ozone cycle is also said to eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria, allergens, dust mites, and viruses, while removing persistent smells like cigarette smoke and cooking odours.

Elevating Wine Storage: The Gaggenau Vario Cooling 400 Series – Expressive Wine Climate Cabinets

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Introducing the latest evolution in wine preservation: the Gaggenau Vario wine climate cabinets, now reimagined as part of the Expressive series.

Designed with the aesthetic sensibility of fine furniture, these cabinets do more than store wine—they celebrate it. Each unit becomes a curated stage where personal taste and architectural elegance converge, transforming wine care into an art form.

Crafted from dark brushed stainless steel and accented with warm oak wood, the cabinets exude quiet sophistication. Inside, cutting-edge technology ensures optimal climate control, safeguarding every bottle’s integrity while echoing the nuanced journey of wine from vineyard to glass.

This is where precision meets poetry. This is the Gaggenau Vario wine climate cabinets Expressive series.

Arspura Wins Big at CES 2026 with Breakthrough Kitchen Air Tech

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At CES 2026, premium kitchen air brand Arspura unveiled its patented IQV™ technology and a new line of high-performance range hoods—designed to reduce smoke, odors, and fine particles for families with asthma or allergies.

The innovation earned five major awards, including:

– AH Best of CES 2026 – F1
– CGM Most Innovative – Pro
– AndroidGuys Best of CES – P2
– Yanko Design Best of Tech – F1
– Techaeris Best of CES – F1

These honors spotlight Arspura’s mission: cleaner, healthier kitchens through smart, user-friendly design.

Xiaomi Mijia Washing Machine Pro Super Electrolytic Smart Wash and Dry

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Xiaomi has introduced its latest innovation in home appliances with the launch of the Mijia Washing Machine Pro Super Electrolytic Smart Wash and Dry 12kg in China. This new model builds on the foundation of the earlier Mijia Washing Machine Pro Blue Oxygen, offering enhanced features and cutting-edge technology.

At the heart of the new washer-dryer is Xiaomi’s super electrolysis technology, designed to tackle tough stains, brighten fabrics, and prevent color bleeding. It boasts a 99% sterilization rate and offers 31 customizable wash programs, accessible via a sleek touch panel. These include a 12-minute quick wash, a wool-friendly cycle, and a pet hair removal mode.

The machine supports washing loads up to 12 kg (≈26.5 lbs) and drying up to 9 kg (≈19.8 lbs). It features low-temperature drying with smart sensors that automatically stop the cycle once clothes are dry. Additional highlights include a 95°C (≈203°F) drum cleaning function and intelligent detergent dispensing from dual compartments that can store up to 30 days’ worth of detergent.

Smart connectivity is also a key feature, with support for remote control via the Xiaomi app, HyperOS Connect, and planned OTA (over-the-air) updates to keep the machine up to date.

The Mijia Washing Machine Pro Super Electrolytic Smart Wash and Dry 12kg is priced at CNY 3,999 (≈$573) in China. While Xiaomi has yet to confirm a European release, the brand already offers the Mijia Front Load Washer Dryer in that market.

Tineco Redefines Smart Living at CES 2026, Earning Global Acclaim

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At CES 2026, Tineco captivated the global stage with its visionary take on “Modern Living,” earning multiple Best of CES awards and widespread international recognition. The brand’s immersive showcase didn’t just display products—it reimagined the future of home care.

Instead of traditional booths, Tineco transformed its exhibit into a series of thoughtfully curated, home-inspired environments. These spaces highlighted how the brand’s latest floor care innovations seamlessly integrate into everyday life, combining sleek aesthetics with intelligent performance and user-centric design.

This fresh approach resonated with media, industry experts, and consumers alike, reinforcing Tineco’s reputation as a leader in smart home technology. The accolades reflect a growing trust in the brand’s ability to deliver solutions that are not only powerful and intuitive but also beautifully attuned to the rhythms of modern living

Ebac Eyes Stronger Profitability Ahead Despite Dip in 2024 Turnover

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British appliance manufacturer Ebac is forecasting improved profitability in the coming years following strategic restructuring, including the closure of one of its production lines.

In newly published financial results for 2024, the County Durham-based company reported a drop in turnover from £17.7 million to £15.9 million. Despite the decline, directors described the year as “another challenging” period and emphasized that decisive actions had been taken to strengthen the business.

Ebac, known for its range of washing machines, dehumidifiers, water coolers, and heat pumps, said the changes are expected to streamline operations and position the company for a more sustainable and profitable future.

CES 2026: The Smart Home Revolution Starts in the Kitchen

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2026 was a playground for AI-powered innovation, but it wasn’t just about flashy TVs or futuristic cars. This year, domestic appliances took center stage, proving that the heart of the smart home is beating stronger than ever. Here’s a roundup of the most buzzworthy home tech that’s redefining how we cook, clean, and live.

☕ Bosch 800 Series: Your Voice-Activated Barista

Bosch unveiled a sleek upgrade to its 800 Series fully automated coffee machine (starting at $1,700), now integrated with Amazon Alexa. With just a voice command—“Alexa, make me a double espresso”—you can summon one of 35 customizable espresso drinks without lifting a finger. It’s the kind of luxury that turns groggy mornings into gourmet rituals.

🧊 GoveeLife Nugget Ice Maker Pro: Chill, Reinvented

Known for its smart lighting, Govee surprised everyone with its Nugget Ice Maker Pro. This countertop marvel churns out soft, chewable ice—perfect for cocktails or iced coffee—and connects to your phone for remote scheduling. It’s a small appliance with big personality.

🧼 LG’s AI-Powered Washer & Dryer: Laundry That Thinks Ahead

LG’s latest AI-driven washer and dryer combo adapts to your laundry habits, fabric types, and even weather conditions. It suggests optimal wash cycles, adjusts drying times, and syncs with your calendar to avoid running during your Zoom calls. It’s like having a laundry assistant who never takes a day off.

🧴 NINU Smart Perfume Dispenser: Your Signature Scent, On Demand

The NINU smart perfume system lets you create a personalized fragrance blend using AI. With a connected app, you can tweak your scent profile based on mood, weather, or occasion. It’s like Spotify for your nose—custom, dynamic, and always on point.

🍳 Samsung Bespoke AI Oven: Culinary Confidence in a Box

Samsung’s Bespoke AI Oven is more than a pretty face. It uses internal cameras and AI to recognize dishes, suggest optimal cooking settings, and even livestream your culinary creations. Whether you’re baking sourdough or roasting veggies, it ensures nothing gets burned—unless you want that char.

The Takeaway: CES 2026 proved that AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about anticipation. These smart appliances don’t just respond to commands; they learn, adapt, and elevate your daily routines. The kitchen of the future isn’t coming. It’s already here.

Haier Crowned World’s No.1 Major Appliance Brand for 17th Consecutive Year

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Global appliance giant Haier has once again secured its position as the world’s leading major appliance brand, according to the latest data from Euromonitor International. This marks the 17th consecutive year that Haier has topped the global rankings—a testament to its sustained innovation, customer focus, and market leadership.

The Euromonitor recognition reaffirms Haier’s dominance in the global home appliance sector, where it continues to outperform competitors across categories such as refrigeration, laundry, and air conditioning. The brand’s consistent investment in smart home technology, user-centric design, and localized manufacturing has helped it maintain a stronghold in both emerging and mature markets.

This milestone not only highlights Haier’s global influence but also underscores its commitment to quality, sustainability, and digital transformation—key pillars driving the future of the appliance industry.

Smeg Launches Direct Operations in New Zealand After Longstanding Partnership Ends

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Smeg has officially launched its newest regional subsidiary, Smeg New Zealand, marking a significant strategic shift in the brand’s presence across the country. This move follows the closure of long-time distributor Applico and its affiliated retailer Kitchen Things, ending a 40-year partnership that shaped Smeg’s footprint in the New Zealand market.

In August 2025, Smeg confirmed it would take full control of its sales, marketing, and distribution in New Zealand. This transition brings the country in line with Smeg’s global operating model, which emphasizes direct engagement with local markets to strengthen brand consistency and customer service.

Industry Veteran Ryan Lilley to Lead Smeg New Zealand

At the helm of the new subsidiary is Ryan Lilley, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in the appliance sector across Australia and New Zealand. Lilley most recently served as General Manager of Retail at Fisher & Paykel New Zealand, a role he held for four years. His career also includes 12 years at Electrolux Australia and three years with Panasonic New Zealand, bringing a wealth of regional insight and leadership to Smeg’s new chapter.

This direct-to-market approach signals Smeg’s commitment to long-term growth and customer-centric innovation in New Zealand, reinforcing its premium positioning in the global appliance landscape.