By Adam Coleman
SYDNEY: Australia’s most established appliance brands showcased world-first product releases and the latest trends in product innovation at the DesignEx exhibition held at Darling Harbour today.
The exhibition provided a rare glimpse into the product development of these brands in a global climate where many are increasingly afraid to exhibit their latest technologies for fear of having their designs stolen. Among those appliance brands to unveil their latest releases and products under development were Fisher and Paykel, Omega Smeg, Blanco, Miele, Electrolux and Vintec.
New Zealand based manufacturer, Fisher and Paykel showcased a world-first prototype cooktop, which the company believes is as significant as the DishDrawer – a flat ceramic glass cooktop with gas burners and pan supports that rise and descend out of the surface at the touch of a button.
Omega Smeg showcased its world-first 90cm 12-place integrated dishwasher, which features an innovative door opening system and raised interior that takes up half of the kitchen space when the door is opened.
Miele were upfront in unveiling its latest technologies including its unique telescopic rangehood that descends from the ceiling and back up again at the touch of a button and a new titanium finish the company believes could be as big as stainless steel, which resembles a kind of gun metal grey with a touch of dark green.
Electrolux had an entire new range of ovens on display including the E-line and E-pro series, which representatives of the Swedish based supplier at the stand believed could take a considerable chunk out of the premium segment of the cooking market.
Wine cabinet distributor, Transtherm Australia, revealed the first Vintec-branded, side by side two-door two-temperature wine fridge on the Australian market designed so people could store wine on one side and serve wine on the other.
Distributed by Major Electrical Appliances (MEA), Blanco showcased its Compact Cooking Package, featuring a 45cm built in oven; 45 cm touch control cooktop and a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher, suited to the bachelor or space poor kitchen.