Gaggenau, the luxury brand for professional grade home appliances, has recently opened new flagships and showrooms in North America and Australia. The brand has seen an increase in demand for its products from high-net-worth consumers in both the areas and this has led to the development of a brand-new flagship concept starting with showroom openings in Vancouver and Toronto, and flagships in Sydney and Miami.

Gaggenau’s flagships in Sydney and Miami, are architectural marvels that seamlessly fuse the brand’s rich heritage with local cultural and design elements. These spaces serve as experiential hubs for culinary enthusiasts, architects, interior designers, and homeowners looking to explore the art of the kitchen. The flagships each boast a unique space and character, taking inspiration from the local neighbourhood; offering moments of reflection for the design-conscious individual and professional.

«In North America – the company explais – there’s a growing emphasis on a modern aesthetic, prioritising the kitchen as the central lifestyle hub of the home. Gaggenau’s “modern classic” design aligns seamlessly with this movement, offering timeless, sophisticated and elegant solutions for luxury kitchens. The Miami flagship pays homage to the city’s rich design and art deco heritage and Gaggenau aims to nurture and collaborate with innovative, emerging artists by providing them with a platform to showcase their work. As you step into the space, you’ll find an invitation to engage in curated art experiences that allow visitors to connect with the brand in a new way».

Falmec presents a new version of Light, Light Bronze, an hood characterized by elegant profiles in the warm bronze shade. Ideal for island kitchens, the new model remains suspended above the hob, allowing a clearer and wider view, and also enhancing the other elements of the kitchen. Morevover, this hood has the advantage of a filtering installation, which does not require any need for ducting.

Available in 120 and 180 cm sizes, Light Bronze features two anodized aluminum profiles house two smoked glass shelves and an ultra-compact extraction body in height made possible by the Multi-air technology, already presented by Falmec with the original version of Light in 2021. An innovation that allows the suction force to be distributed across multiple small motors – with a total power of 500 m3/h – designed to ensure the same performance in an extremely small volume.

Along the perimeter of the two side profiles, Light Bronze integrates LED strips, for a light that spreads along the entire internal surface of the two components, highlighting the linear design of the hood and illuminating the work surface. In addition, the hood is equipped with an electronic control panel with 3 speed + Boost controls, remote control and Dialogue System, which allows to control the extraction from a Falmec induction hob, via connection between the hood and the cooking area. Finally,  Light Bronze includes an effective filtering system thanks to the Carbon.Zeo combined filter system, guaranteeing effectiveness in reducing odors and vapours.

A crackling fire creates a unique atmosphere and is both beautiful and useful. In the kitchen environment, wood and pellets can be used in products that are not only use for heating but also for cooking. There are various solutions available on the market (stoves and cookers) offering different aesthetic variations, combined with modern technologies that guarantee practicality, safety and sustainability.

Bake on the stove
Heating and cooking with a wood stove has the flavor of the past, however the most recent models feature technologies that allow to obtain high efficiency and, at the same time, low emissions. The appliances equipped with an oven are available in different colours, to satisfy all style needs. Nova Forno by La Nordica-Extraflame, for example, has a design characterized by a majolica cladding with matt white or bordeaux finishes. Furthermore, the hearth is covered with refractory Nordiker to enhance the beauty of the fire. The stove combines effectiveness and sustainability: it has in fact obtained the 5-star Clean Air classification, certifying the attention to the environment without having to sacrifice performance. This product, equipped with a 37 liter oven, is capable of heating up to 338 m³. Eva by Palazzetti is also a wood stove that integrates an oven (26x36x23 cm) with supplied thermometer and grill. It has a steel structure with satin nickel finishes and a ceramic, steel or soapstone covering. Furthermore, the door is equipped with automatic return and closing. The stove has a nominal power of 7 kW and is in A energy class, with a 4-star environmental performance level.
A further example of the combination of tradition and technology is Decor C Evo, the wood-burning stove by EK63, an Edilkamin&Co brand. This product is characterized by a rustic style: it is equipped with a stainless steel oven (27x30x24 cm) and features ceramic sides and inserts decorated in dove grey, leather and bordeaux colours; furthermore, the door and feet are in cast iron, while the front and top are in enamelled cast iron. Respect for the environment is guaranteed by the 5 stars class and the A+ energy class.

The rings for heating food Some wood stoves can also be used to keep food warm. This is the case of Fancy Evo, made by EK63, which has an enamelled cast iron top with removable rings, just suitable for keeping food warm. The stove has a power of 10.8 kW, is capable of heating a volume of 280 m3 and is in a 5-star environmental class. Furthermore, the aesthetics is characterized by ceramic decorated in different colours.

Stove, hob and oven together A wood or pellet stove allows to reproduce the mood of kitchens from the past but with the comfort of a technologically modern product. The Alaska model, belonging to the Prestige Line by La Nordica- Extraflame, is an example of this. It is a wood-burning kitchen with a large plate for cooking multiple foods at the same time and with a 78-liter enamelled oven with anti-steam valve. The cast iron fire grid is height-adjustable and the Nordiker combustion chamber is easily inspected and replaced. Furthermore, the ash drawer and the wood drawer (which can also be used as an object holder) are both removable. Alaska has a shiny black chrome handrail, provides a nominal heat output of 12 kW and is capable of heating a volume of 344 m3. Instead, the Bella model by Palazzetti is a hydro pellet cooker which uses water for heating and works like a boiler while cooking. The structure is made of painted steel or mirrored ceramic glass, the oven (33x45x26 cm) is made of stainless steel with a ceramic glass door and the hob is made of steel. The product has a digital display with touch controls and the power can be modulated on 5 levels. Further features of the kitchen are the integrated hydraulic unit to facilitate installation, the anti-condensation valve also integrated, the self-cleaning brazier and the electronic thermometer to control the oven temperature. Furthermore, Bella is set up for Connection Box, which allows user to manage the main operating parameters via smartphone and thanks to a dedicated app. Further options may include the remote control, the glass or lava stone hob with handles or the lava stone cooking plate with fat collection system. The cooker is available in 15 kW or 20 kW versions, is in A+ energy class and has a 4-star environmental performance level.

In the kitchen there is always a Spring, fragrant and clean air. This is possible thanks to the hoods which, integrating sophisticated technologies, allow you to easily restore the quality of the air, purifying it. So you can say goodbye both to unpleasant odors, which can be released with food cooking, and to pollutants present in the environment. Comfort and well-being also pass through the quality of domestic air and today hoods are increasingly the protagonists of the kitchen, with appliances standing out for their technological level, without neglecting design.

AirO’ technology by Baraldi
Wall by Baraldi is equipped with the AirO’ module, which uses plasma technology to enrich the air with negative ions that are beneficial for health. So bad odors can be quickly eliminated from the kitchen and, leaving the device in operation for a few hours, it is also possible to break down viruses, bacteria, mould, spores and fungi by up to 99.5%. AirO’ is designed to last over 45,000 hours without the need for maintenance. Furthermore, it is independent of the main flow of the suction motor and can therefore be activated only when needed. In addition, it has a timer that allows to turn off the purification function after 1 or 24 hours. Wall is available in black or stainless steel colors and features 4 speeds (including intensive mode), high power and low consumption LEDs and electronic control panel. The hood, filtering or aspirating, has an automatic switch-off function, indicators for cleaning and replacing filters, and a washable multi-layer aluminum grease filter.

Like Zephyro’s breath
In the Greek mythology, Zephyro is the personification of the sweet wind, of the breeze that accompanies the Spring season. And it is just by this mythological figure that B.S. Service was inspired for giving the name to its new patented photocatalytic filtering system, able to allow the hoods in which it is integrated to purify and sanitize the environment, eliminating up to 99% of allergens, molds and bacteria even in just one hour of operation through air circulation. Zephyro can find application in different types of the company hoods (built-in, down draft, ceiling and wall-mounted) so as to offer the end user not only a technology capable of guaranteeing greater well-being but also the possibility of choosing the solution that best suits specific needs.

The leaf sensor that monitors the air
Marilyn E.ion is one of the Falmec hoods equipped with the E.ion System. This technology, through controlled bipolar ionization, eliminates odors and restores air quality. The leaf-shaped sensor detects the presence of volatile organic compounds, odorous gases, formaldehyde, cigarette smoke and all pollutants present in the air: depending on the environmental conditions it changes color (from yellow to green) and, if necessary, activates the hood automatically so that the air is purified. Not only. The appliance also integrates the Carbon.Zeo filter (which combines zeolite and activated carbon to retain odors and vapours) and features perimeter extraction, LED lighting and touch control panel. Marilyn E.ion is an island hood which is also characterized by its sophisticated design with tempered glass and white ceramic finish.

AirMate, the intelligent system of FIM
The AirMate system, which distinguishes the Canopo AirMate hood by FIM, automates both ventilation and lighting, as well as offering a smart home and smartphone integration via the appropriate app with which user can constantly monitor the state of the air in the kitchen. The appliance is equipped with 11 sensors that measure a series of parameters, such as fine particles (PM2.5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), CO2, humidity, temperature etc. Using a variety of complex algorithms, the hood is able to guarantee optimal ventilation by regulating the extraction speed and thus ensuring an odor-free cooking, minimal noise levels, reduced energy consumption and indoor air quality. Canopo AirMate continues to fan in silent mode once cooking is finished, until the healthiness of the environment is completely restored. Finally, the automatic LED lights are dimmable to adapt to the user’s wishes.

KitchenAid presents its new Total No Frost Tall 400 built-in combined refrigerator. Characterized by the largest capacity in its category (400 litres) and with an internal width of 70 cm, it features the Total No Frost cooling system, which prevents the formation of ice and frost.

The model is also equipped with the Metal Multi Flow technology, which ensures a constant temperature in every corner of the refrigerator. Furthermore, thanks to the Push To Open system, the refrigerator can be opened with a simple pressure on the door, elegantly adapting to the design of contemporary kitchens.

The new KitchenAid combined refrigerator integrates different technologies to ensure optimal food preservation. The Total No Frost system regulates the circulation of cold air inside the refrigerator, guaranteeing the ideal level of humidity and avoiding the condensation of ice on food and refrigerator surfaces, thus preventing the formation of ice and frost. Finally, the Dinamic Fresh Zone is an innovative drawer for best preserving food, with three temperature levels, ideal for different types of food.

All new Electrolux and AEG washing machines ranges in Europe from Series 7 and above are equipped with a steam program. In APAC & MEA, select washing machine ranges are now equipped with steam programs to sanitize or refresh clothes, and machines in North America and Latin America are equipped with steam programs to remove dirt and tough stains from fibers.

As Electrolux explains, functions such as SteamCare and ProSteam use over 96% less water and 30% less energy compared to a complete washing cycle. «The gentle SteamCare program – said Calina Gavril, Care Experience Marketing Director for Electrolux Group – enables consumers to quickly refresh one or two garments at a time, such as a blouse or shirt. In 25 minutes, gentle steam removes creases, odors and restores that newly washed feeling to even delicate garments.»

«Our consumer research – adds Isabell Foyer, European Category Manager, Washing Machines – consistently shows that steam is one of the most appreciated functions, and that it continues to have high consumer appeal. Changing laundry behavior takes time, but we are seeing more consumers changing their laundry behavior to reduce their environmental impact and costs, particularly in light of higher energy prices.»

LG Electronics (LG) has been recognized for the technological and design excellence of its latest lifestyle solutions, earning more than 30 CES® 2024 Innovation Awards across Home Appliance, Home Entertainment and B2B categories, including two coveted Best of Innovation Awards for LG OLED TVs.

The full list and details of LG’s CES 2024 Innovation Award recipients will be announced at CES 2024 on January 7.

Of the 33 CES Innovation Awards LG will receive at CES 2024, 15 have been awarded to LG TVs including 12 for LG OLED, marking the 12th consecutive year that the company’s self-lit TVs have received CES Innovation Award honors.

Among the new LG Home Entertainment innovations also honored are LG Soundbars, LG XBOOM Portable Speakers and LG Smart TV webOS apps. LG Home Appliance products honored this year include LG SIGNATURE Washer & Dryers. LG Business Solutions products honored include LG UltraGear Gaming Monitors, LG SMART Monitor, LG gram Laptops and LG CLOi ServeBot.

Samsung Electronics announced its showcase of a model home with a Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS), supported by SmartThings Energy, in Brobyholm, a smart and energy efficient residential community development near Stockholm, Sweden.

The comapny takes a part in this project with ABB, solar technology company SMA and a real estate company S. Property. Samsung will not only supply its appliances in Brobyholm residents, but also provide SmartThings Energy for users to control their energy use in consolidated way: refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washers and dryers will all sync to SmartThings Energy to control, monitor and save energy. Together with photovoltaics (PV) energy production & energy storage system (ESS) which is currently under development by real estate company S. Property Group, each home will aim to maximize energy efficiency.

«We are excited to present this smart community to the public – said Chan Woo Park, Executive Vice President and Head of the Service Biz Group of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics –. Our goal is to create seamless connectivity that helps consumers easily manage their homes and save energy at the same time.»

Whirlpool Corporation introduces 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.

«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 – explains 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.»

SlimTech insulation technology will make its debut in 2024 on the doors of select JennAir® luxury 30, in Slimtech Insulation Column refrigerators, and will roll out more broadly across KitchenAid refrigerators in the future, utilizing the technology for the entire structure. The material used in SlimTech insulation technology also has the potential to be recycled, and Whirlpool Corp. is working to map out a path to reclaiming the material at a refrigerator’s end of use, paving the way for a more circular future.

Reviewed.com has awarded four Frigidaire and Frigidaire Gallery refrigerators “Best of 2023.” Among them, we can find Gallery 21.5 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth 4-Door Refrigerator, a model that offers several plusses such as the Custom-Flex® Temp Zone, which converts from fridge to freezer, so user can store all his and his family favorites from yogurt to frozen pizza. This zone can be set anywhere from -6 to 45 degrees.

Moreover, this refrigerator helps keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer with CrispSeal® crispers with auto humidity. Keep produce fresher longer than traditional slider-controlled crispers with advanced crisper technology that automatically removes excess moisture and blocks out dry air to help prevent spoiling.

In addition, the flexible SpaceWise® Organization System features an expandable door bin, adjustable shelving, a SnackZone, a flip-up shelf to fit taller items, and a convertible shelf that can be used as shelving storage or used for the built-in wine rack.