By Claire Reilly
In amongst the grafity-defying chairs, space-saving storage solutions and two different kinds of walnut crackers, a number of major appliance brands have pushed their way to the top of the design pack to pick up a 2013 Red Dot Design Award.
German brands Miele and Bosch both had an impressive showing in the final rankings, picking up six and seven awards respectively for their range of products, while the whitegoods and cooking appliances categories also had a healthy representation in the list.
The prestigious ‘Red Dots’ were bestowed to a range of products across every conceivable product category, with the winners celebrated at a special gala event in Essen, Germany, overnight.
Amongst all the weird and wonderful product designs, here is Current.com.au’s pick of the top 10 appliances to pick up awards (along with the delightful and slightly esoteric judging remarks provided by the Red Dot Design Award Jury).
You can find the full list of Red Dot Awards for Product Design here.
10. Toaster by Grundig: Minimalist and sleek with plenty of functionality.
"The timeless aesthetics of this toaster addresses users emotionally. The technically sophisticated device offers convincing ease of use."
9. KKF287S5TI Refrigerator by Robert Bosch Hausgeräte GmbH: Very much on the European trend for designer fridge fascias.
"The surface design of this refrigerator achieves a charming effect by fine lines that visually freshens the glass front."
8. Lineo Breakfast Set by WMF: Part '50s retro, part futurism, 100 per cent funky.
"Highly polished materials effectively underline the timeless elegance of the Lineo breakfast set."
7. InfinitePure Hob by Electrolux: An induction cooking surface with rimless glass that sits flush with bench surfaces.
"The minimalist clearness of this hob characterises a modern piece of kitchen equipment which fully dispenses with visible operating controls."
6. Source Home Water Carbonator by SodaStream: For people that like to "get busy with the fizzy"…in multiple colours.
"The SodaStream Source home water carbonator owes its aesthetic appeal to a design principle that uses visual and haptic stimuli."
5. China Verve Refrigerator by Haier: A fridge with a ceramic fascia inspired by the "Chinese porcelain artistry of the Song Dynasty" — very stylish.
"The two-door refrigerator presents a particularly exquisite look. The front of the appliance is made of innovative material."
4. AEG Movida Hood by Electrolux: Give it a couple of years and this flat panel-esque rangehood will probably be playing Ultra HD video.
"The strikingly slim silhouette of this cooker hood product range attracts the attention of the viewer. An elegant design."
3. KISS (Keep It Simply Swiss) Espresso Machine by Gotec S.A., Switzerland: At just over 20 centimetres tall, this coffee machine takes compact, modular design to the next level.
"This handy little espresso machine shows an independent style. The materials used are rich in contrast creating an appealing look."
2. LD97AA670 Downdraft Rangehood by Siemens: Rising out of the bench by up to 40 centimetres, the downdraft extracts cooking vapours from the side.
"Harmoniously matching stainless steel and glass surfaces underline the elegance of this rim ventilation for cooking fumes."
1. X7 Cooking Unit by Zhejiang Marssenger Kitchenware: Combining a gas stove, a rangehood and a "disinfection cabinet to meet the needs of Chinese consumers" the X7 is like an appliance afionado's dream come true…all in the one compact unit.
"This multi-functional cooking unit offers high ease of use. In addition, high quality materials provide for a high-contrast overall look."