At this year's IFA, one of the oldest industrial trade fairs in Germany, it became clear that domestic household appliances have undergone massive further development. While refrigerators are becoming climate zone managers, clever combination ovens and mobile control options ensure maximum comfort. We took a closer look at the current household appliance trends.
Manufacturers of small and large electrical appliances were able to present their flagship products at the IFA in Berlin between September 4th and 9th. No matter whether refrigerators, coffee machines or toasters – it became clear in all sectors how much consumption values are becoming more important. Topics such as sustainability, resource conservation and energy efficiency are at the top of the agenda and have a positive impact on household appliances. We will explain the following points in more detail:
- Automated cooking
- Multifunctional devices
- Mobile control
- Networking ability
- optical trends
Exclusive kitchen machines with a comprehensive range of functions have long been part of modern kitchens. No matter whether Thermomix or KitchenAid – food processors can now do much more than just mix ingredients. In fact, they take over a large part of the work and ensure significant time savings. But the 21st century promises much more in the world of cooking. Cooking processors are one of the innovations that are creating a buzz in the market. These are electronic pots that independently determine the optimal temperatures for the food and then cook it precisely. They are extremely energy efficient and prevent overcooking and unnecessary loss of nutrients. Another small sensation that ensures more safety and comfort on the stove are sensors on induction hobs. They automatically measure temperatures in the pot and prevent overcooking.
The manufacturers' current models no longer resemble conventional ovens, but are intelligent devices with added value. They independently detect internal temperatures and automatically decide on the roasting and baking times. In addition to more comfort, the focus is on energy savings.Smart solutionseliminate the need for preheating and prepare food faster and with less energy. The latest trend is to combine the oven with microwave and steamer into one multifunctional device. All major manufacturers such as Gorenje, Miele and Bauknecht have brought such designs onto the market this year. Siemens provides an exemplary model with the iQ700. This oven saves half the preparation time, is networkable and has a steam boost function and microwave. Functions such as “coolStart” and “varioSpeed” save time by up to 50 percent. Among other things, the model can prepare a frozen pizza directly from the freezer in twelve minutes without preheating. Technology-savvy people will be particularly impressed by the networking capabilities. iQ700 can be operated and controlled via mobile device. Anyone who is enjoying the sun in a deck chair no longer has to go into the kitchen to watch the cake, but can do this from their cell phone or tablet thanks to the application.
In the future, coffee can also be prepared using mobile devices. The Saeco GranBaristo Avanti machine from Philips is controlled using a mobile app. This means you don't have to get up from your desk or sofa to prepare coffee; you can give the coffee machine the appropriate order using your mobile device. The maintenance of the device is also carried out via the available app. The development also produces a model that only prepares coffee when the user smiles. Using a camera and appropriate technology, the machine detects whether the corners of the mouth are shaped into a smile and starts preparing coffee. Find out more in the video at the end of this article.
Work can also be expected to be easier when it comes to laundry. Current model series combine washing machines with dryers and thus deliver perfect laundry in one device, ready for storage. If you use devices that can be integrated into the smart home network, managing laundry becomes much easier. The latest refinements in tumble dryers were described on the IFA's official website: “Modern tumble dryers can also be used to freshen up and air clothes with steam and fragrances. Smart models provide service tips via smartphone using error codes.”
State-of-the-art refrigerators can adapt to the needs of users and differentiate between foods. The key lies in climate zones. They allow food to be sorted according to its type and to achieve maximum shelf life. Delicate foods such as fish and meat are best stored in drying compartments, while vegetables and fruit find a perfect place in the fresh food compartment. The humidity is higher there, which means that sensitive ingredients such as salads or mushrooms last longer. Vegetables stay crisp and fresh for days. Efficient LEDs are used to illuminate refrigerators. They imitate the natural sunlight spectrum to further increase the shelf life of food.
Anyone who wants to upgrade their household device network to the most modern level is currently faced with immense expenses. Bargain hunters prove that it is worth not being put off by the manufacturers' recommended retail prices. The offers for bargain hunters online are particularly promising. In addition to voucher portals that make it possible to benefit from discounts with coupons, the portal doesat www.mein-deal.comAmong other things, we draw attention to current bargains in the household sector. These include temporarily discounted electrical appliances such as vacuum robots, refrigerators, washing machines, etc. Before purchasing electrical appliances, such platforms should always be visited in order to get supposedly best prices.
In addition to technical innovations, the market is characterized by optical finesse. Nostalgic designs are trendy when it comes to kitchen appliances. Filigree details, delicate pastel tones and classic shapes give these products an individual character. Households that specifically want to highlight electrical appliances and don't want boring models will find eye-catching appliances in the new product arrangements. The repertoire ranges from a bright variety of colors on the refrigerator to chrome buttons on the gas stove to toasters in the VW bus design. Overall, when it comes to “white goods”, as household appliances are often called by retailers, high-quality and elegant materials with perfect designs are on the rise.
Further information on the topic of home appliance trends can be found in the press releaseat ifa-berlin.devisible.
In the following video about IFA, the ZDF program WISO presents further household appliance trends. In addition to networked kitchen appliances, state-of-the-art televisions will be discussed.
