Trends in home appliances at IFA 2014

contents

europe

The leading manufacturers of large and small domestic appliances are presenting their innovations from 5 to 10 September at IFA 2014 in Berlin. The current trends are diversity, effectiveness, sustainability and, of course, elegant design and smart functionality.

They take the strain out of housework, with easy-to-use appliances that improve and enhance the quality of life: domestic appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, steam cookers, microwaves, hobs, kitchen hoods, dishwashers, washing machines, and tumble driers, as well as small domestic appliances including automatic coffee makers, milk frother, kettles, toasters, contact grills, equipment for food preparation, and equipment for hair and body care, as well as for the care of clothes, homes and floors.

Large and small domestic appliances are creating new trends in sustainability and energy efficiency, simplifying the preparation of meals and healthy cooking, and promoting physical wellbeing. High quality materials and elegant design are combined with diverse and innovative functionalities, together with simple and easy-to-use controls. And smart applications combined with networked home appliances are playing an increasingly important role too. Easy-to-use apps assist with information (product and status information, tips on preparing meals, food stocks), operation (instructions, manuals, care advice), providing reassurance (servicing, maintenance, remote diagnostics) and promoting efficiency (energy monitoring). For example, smartphones or tablet PCs can be used to control the networked home and, if required, can supply information about the operational status of all the items of equipment. These systems enable individual appliances to communicate with one another, linking hotplates with an kitchen hood, or operating various kitchen appliances by means of a central control panel.

Electrical home appliances with built-in efficiency and diversity
Drastically reduced levels of energy, water and detergent consumption are a feature of a wide range of modern appliances. However, further improvements continue to be made with each new generation of equipment. The latest washing machines also place a greater focus on hygiene and reduced noise levels. These characteristics are enhanced by antibacterial door seals and detergent drawers, loading recommendations, special foam technology, steaming to combat allergens in the clothes, programmes for people with particular allergies and for baby clothes, and many other pre-installed programmes to provide the best possible, most efficient levels of care even when washing at low temperatures. With automatic measuring, or recommendations regarding of the amount of detergent, today's washing machines raise costumer's convenience. Furthermore the maximum load capacity increased up to more than ten kilogram and safety features have also been substantially improved.

Outstanding energy efficiency is also an essential feature of the latest tumble driers, in particular through the use of heat pumps. And the care process is further enhanced by functions that use steam and scents to air and freshen clothing.

Refrigerators are now available that offer an option for using the same compartment for either cooling or freezing. Each of the double doors can be opened separately to minimize the volume of warm air that can enter when drinks are removed, thereby reducing the amount of energy needed for cooling. Energy efficiency is also improved through the use of new insulating materials. The introduction of specialized systems enhances hygiene and helps to inhibit odours as well as rendering bacteria harmless. New interior lighting is provided in order to maintain the freshness and vitamin content of fruit and vegetables for as long as possible by simulating some of the effects of sunlight. In addition the interior humidity can be regulated and active oxygen can be fed in to keep fruit and vegetables fresher for longer.

Design has become an even more important factor in the case of so-called "white goods". For example, in addition to the traditional white finish, a wide choice of other bright colours is now available.

With increased spray pressure or the ability to spray hot steam, the latest dishwashers can tackle even the toughest tasks such as removing dried or burnt food residues. At the same time water and energy consumption are being steadily reduced and pre-wash soaking and scrubbing can be dispensed with. This process is also assisted, for example, by the hot water supply, by energy-efficient zeolith driers and special insulation of the housing. Special sensors, extra programmes, different water pressures for the upper and lower baskets, improved spray arms, automatic load recognition and specially designed holders for dishes and glasses ensure that they are treated gently while being washed cleaner and dried more effectively than ever before. More effective sound insulation and even quieter motors ensure that noise levels can be reduced even further, and some appliances can be opened simply by tapping the front panel.

Induction is now an effective and reliable source of heat in ovens. A special induction unit with integrated heating coils converts the energy for baking and roasting. Another new development that increases the number of ways of preparing food involves steaming in a vacuum, whereby the food is vacuum-sealed in plastic bags and cooked gently at low temperatures. Some ovens can add moisture to the food while it is being cooked. This is an even more effective way of retaining not only the flavour but also the vitamins and nutrients. The very latest ovens can prepare several dishes simultaneously on three different levels, but without allowing the aromas to combine. Manufacturers are now offering ovens with a 30 per cent increase in the interior volume. The new types of coated surfaces can be cleaned with fresh water or steam, without requiring the application of any cleaning agent or excessive heat. With each new generation of appliances the noise levels are being reduced. If only small amounts of food are being prepared that do not occupy the entire cooking space, special dividers enable either the upper or lower area to be used, thereby achieving significant energy savings. Shorter heating-up times also help to improve energy efficiency. In addition to numerous automated baking, roasting and cooking programmes, sensors are now available to register the weight of a roast, for example, as well as databases for optimising the oven settings, thereby ensuring perfect results every time. Ovens can now store details about one's favourite recipes too.

Sensors monitor the temperature ranges of the hobs to prevent the cooking oil from overheating and minimizing the fire risk from self-ignition. A safe and effective supply of heat through induction is becoming an increasingly important feature.

Kitchen hoods are now design objects in their own right and no longer need to be installed in the traditional way above the hobs or on a wall. The latest models can be retracted inside a kitchen cupboard and, if required, can emerge from a work surface to powerfully extract any cooking odours or vapours. Quiet, highly effective motors with a long working life are now available for this range of products, offering significantly improved energy efficiency.

Innovative small domestic appliances
The introduction of some 3,000 new products each year is proof of the innovativeness to be found in the small domestic appliance sector. This diversity is particularly evident in one very popular field that of appliances for preparing hot beverages. The range of fully automated coffee makers and of capsule and espresso machines is designed to meet customers’ every requirement for stand-alone or built-in machines. As well as coffee, a growing number of them can also make other hot beverages such as chocolate or tea. Sensors are used to identify the selected cup size and to automatically set the nozzle to the right height. If the milk frothing function is missing, a growing range of practical milk frother is available to augment these appliances.

Designers have also been focussing their attention on breakfast sets, which can be an eye-catching addition to any kitchen. Technical features and improved performance are combined with the finest materials to maximum effect. The field of food preparation is equally impressive, with appliances such as food processors, hand-held mixers and blenders, macerators and grills.

For body care there is an extensive range of small appliances to meet every requirement. Whether it is hair care, hair styling or depilation, oral and tooth care, or skin care, innovative appliances are available for every purpose. There are now small networked appliances for monitoring body functions that offer new ideas and a whole range of applications. Scales can transmit weight readings to a smartphone, and so-called wearables such as bracelets fitted with the appropriate electronics can relay details such as the pulse rate and blood pressure.

Large vacuum cleaners and the smaller mobile versions now offer improved performance combined with reduced energy consumption. Integrated water filters enhance the cleaning capability and hygiene, as well as improved brushes for use in homes with pets. They also help to eliminate unwanted odours. These appliances are becoming even more compact, lighter and quieter. Automated robot vacuum cleaners are enjoying growing popularity. New technology, sensors and control systems ensure that they are becoming even more efficient, durable and smarter. These robots are now being joined by other similar appliances that can wipe floors clean to perfection.

write your comments about the article :: © 2014 Exhibition News :: home page