Highlights of the latest kitchen appliances unveiled at European home appliance and electronics fair IFA 2022

After a three-year haitus, due to COVID restrictions, consumer and home electronics show IFA returned to Messe Berlin, taking up 80% of the floor space at the fairground.

Despite lockdowns and ongoing travel restrictions in Asia, just over 161,000 people visited the five days of the show.

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Organisers reported compared to pre-pandemic years, industry professionals and trade visitors made up a higher proportion of all attendees.

In addition, digital channels like IFA Virtual, the IFA App and the show’s social media platforms garnered more than 1.6 million impressions alone.

Videos streamed across IFA’s own channels and that of exhibitors and keynote partners reached more than 11.8 million views.

Sustainability and connectivity

Sustainability was one of the biggest themes at this year’s IFA, alongside connectivity of devices and Smart Home solutions.

In a keynote speech, chief executive officer of Arçelik Hakan Bulgurlu issued a passionate plea to the consumer and home electronics industry to collaborate and do its part to contain climate change and reduce pollution.

It saw appliance manufacturers look to the more efficient use of resources, both in manufacture of the models and use, from optimising food storage through to faster wash programmes – reducing time, water and energy use.

With it was a growing focus on AI, allowing the machine to select the most appropriate and efficient method of completing a household talk.

Return to form

Certainly, and despite the issues surrounding the supply chain in the appliance industry, IFA made a welcome return to the exhibition calender.

Dr Sara Warneke, gfu’s managing director commented on the show: “After the pandemic-related break, IFA made an impressive comeback with the most important trends for products and solutions in the fields of consumer electronics and home appliances as well as related industries, especially in the area of sustainability.

“It was once again the proven meeting place for industry and trade, trade visitors, the media and, of course, consumers.”

And chief executive officer of Messe Berlin Martin Ecknig added it was a step towards the show coming back to : “It’s been fantastic to see our halls packed once again. I’ve had really positive feedback from all the global brands and retailers that I spoke to, and I’m especially pleased that we recorded such large numbers of industry professionals and trade visitors attending IFA Berlin.

“We are on track for IFA to regain its full strength in 2023.”

EXHIBITORS

DOMETIC

Swedish appliance manufacturer Dometic has introduced a wine cooling drawer, titled Dometic DrawBar with a five bottle capacity.

Designed to fit 24” wide cabinetry, with the option to be faced with glass or custom panelling, Drawbar five pre-set temperatures for cooling and storing wine.

Patent pending, the wine cooling drawer has already won a 2022 Red Dot and iF Award.

SOLITAIRE

Owned by BSH, Solitaire offered a new category to the appliance group with The Waterbase electronic sink, tap and heated cabinet, currently available in mainland Europe.

The sink can be lowered  and raised at the touch of a button, with the tap offering a choice of up to six types of water including instant hot, ice-cold chilled and choice of sparkling.

In addition, there is a storage below for detergent and heated compartment below for dishwashing utensils.

AEG

Premium brand of the Electrolux Group, AEG revealed laundry that automatically adjusts time, water and energy use with an add-on filter to catch microplastic fibres.

The washing machines offer a PowerClean program to clean clothes and removes stains at 30°C, while the tumble dryers use 3D Scan Technology to identify humidity levels ensuring garments are evenly dried.

AEG also showcased its new range of fridges and freezers with models made with up to 70% recycled plastic in the inner liner walls, and two extractor hobs.

CANDY

The Candy stand was focused on convenience, with the Rapido dishwasher reportedly offering the fastest wash and dry time on the market of 35 mins.

It was joined by a Rapido dryer with a ‘snap and do’ function, allowing users to take a photo of a wash or dry load, using the hOn app, for the machine, to complement its Rapido washing machine.

Also new for this year was the colourful Aquamatic washing machine, designed for smaller spaces, measuring 700mm high for 4Kg loads but fully connected.

MIELE

Under the theme “Quality ahead of its time for a better tomorrow” Miele demonstrated the effort it is making on protecting the environment and how it assists customers in living more sustainably.

On a stand measuring 3,000sqm, the stand showcased more than 400 products, including the highlights of steam ovens with HydroClean self-clean.

In addition, Miele showed K4000 refrigeration with PerfectFresh Active with a mist which reportedly keeps fruit and vegetables crunchy for up to five times longer.

In addition, as part of the Miele App, a consumption dashboard records water and electricity was used by cleaning appliances.

HAIER

“Connect to Extraordinary” was the narrative of the Haier stand with appliances which could be used with the hOn app to create personalised home experiences.

It included the Washpass washing machine which uses AI to select doses of detergents and order them online, as well as call technicians if maintenance is needed. I

n addition, I-Pro Shine Series 6 and 7 dishwashers were designed with H-spray arm and three baskets to deliver 50% more cleaning performance than a standard model.

While Cube 90 Series 7 Pro and FD 90 Series Pro (pictured) refrigeration adjust the temperature according to the heat of the room or if expecting a grocery load and boast ice claimed to be 10 times purer.

BOSCH HOME APPLIANCES

Considering the user of energy and resources, Bosch introduced a washing machine featuring i-Dos dosing technology, mini load and optimal program selection between washer and dryer when connected to Home Connect.

The brand also revealed the Series 8 steam ovens, controlled by a digital ring and TFT display, with Air Fry function and a camera to view cooking process.

In addition, the brand showcased a sustainable fridge-freezer, made from 27% recycled material and with 33% less carbon emissions.

SAMSUNG

As part of its Bespoke Home, Samsung showcased an AI oven which records a timelapse video of cooking to share on social media.

In addition, it showcased refrigeration, dishwashers, laundry and hobs with colour matching possibilities.

However, the focus of the show was on creating an energy-efficient home, connecting appliances with services such as SmartThings Energy.

Using this, AI washing machines, which also have a filter to remove microplastics, can optimise washing cycles, while AI refrigeration can adjust temperatures based on door opening.

Further adding to its sustainable credentials, Samsung offers a 20-year warranty on digital invertor motors and compressors.

HOOVER

Hoover introduced the HF9 stick vaccum cleaner to its floorcare proposition but also introduced a appliances to its MDA range.

It introduced the H-Wash 700 which boasted a large drum, measuring 525mm, and a wash performance reportedly improved by more than 20%.

This was complemented by the H-Dry 550, with additional features of hygiene and garment care, and completing the line-up a new dishwasher claiming the biggest capacity on the market.

SIEMENS HOME APPLIANCES

Taking its inspiration from New York’s High Line Park, the Siemens stand merged large areas of green with spaces ideal for a leisurely stroll.

The space included the launch of the iQ700 washing machine, A-rated with 10kg capacity, connected i-Dos dosing system to adjust detergent use , miniload function and iQ700 dryer with varioSpeed.

These were joined by the first series of ovens that use an integrated camera and artificial intelligence to adapt baking and roasting results to personal preferences.

KAISER

New to the UK market, Kaiser exhibited its collection of luxury appliances at IFA showcasing new and popular appliances.

Soon to be available to UK retailers, and joining its Kaiser La Perle Collection Kaiser previewed a built-in electric oven, with large cooking capacity and  TFT  control screen for ease of use.

Also on display, for the first time, was the Kaiser Grand Chef electric built-in oven, with built-in  intelligent air fryer, and temperature probe, which comes in stainless steel or black glass.