High expectations for low steam box

Common to both is that they require a low height where they are placed in the kitchen, with 15 and 10 centimetres respectively. We will return to the robot vacuum cleaner, which can be placed in a plinth down to 10 centimetres, and not least a new and self-cleaning tumble dryer, but first, we let Tor Sveen, Nordic sales director for retail at BSH, tell us about the steam box.

- This is a world premiere here at IFA, and we are probably the first supplier to have this solution clearly available for the trade. With this box, we give more people the opportunity to get a full steam solution, without them needing to buy a new and large oven, says Sveen, when we meet him in September at the Berlin fair.

With a smile, he confirms that they have high expectations for the low steam box. This can be used to steam everything from fish and vegetables to potatoes and rice, heat food, proof dough, and disinfect kitchen equipment. It has smart sensor technology, is controlled via an app, and requires no water connection, as it has an integrated tank that can be refilled while the product is in use - something that according to Sveen once again ensures that the product has a long operating time.

- The design means that it also fits in small kitchens, and it can be mounted under an oven or placed separately. Here at IFA, we show it in combination with a micro-combi oven, and then the whole module becomes 60 cm, says Sveen.

Integrated robot vacuum cleaner

Now to the robot vacuum cleaner, which Bosch has developed in collaboration with Ecovacs.

- This will, upon launch, only be sold by us, under the Bosch brand. This is admittedly not a new product on today's market, but the unique aspect is that the base is integrated into a 60 cm kitchen cabinet under the sink. Additionally, the base is connected to water and drainage with Bosch's aquastop solution, says key account manager Thomas Antonsen.

- Thus, it manages completely on its own. The only thing you need to do is change the vacuum cleaner bag when it's full, as well as refill the cleaning agent and replace the limescale filter. The robot both washes and dries the mops hygienically at high temperatures, ensuring a good indoor climate.

The robot requires a plinth height of at least 10 cm, and moves in and out through an automatic hatch.

Antonsen says that the system is easily mounted between the waste bins and the sink in both old and new kitchen fittings, without special tools.

- It becomes a bit like the market for coffee machines, where the majority of standalone models are sold, while there is also a customer segment that is happy to pay a little more to integrate the product elegantly into the kitchen, says Antonsen.

Self-cleaning drum

From Siemens, the two BSH representatives show a tumble dryer that also requires less maintenance.

- This is an A-class drum with a completely new and self-cleaning condenser system, improved compared to the previous model. It cleans the entire condenser with much greater pressure, and is much easier to use, as it is connected to the drain. There will be less lint, and a better air system dries clothes faster, says Antonsen.

- Is the industry good enough at informing about the importance of keeping the condenser clean?

- I hope so, but it doesn't hurt to remind each other of this, not least because of the fire risk. Additionally, a lint-free condenser uses much less electricity, so besides self-cleaning models, we also have an EasyClean filter on all our simpler models, says Antonsen.

- What should store sellers tell customers?

- They should focus on simplicity, as you don't have to clean a self-cleaning condenser. This provides low and predictable energy consumption, and you know how much electricity the tumble dryer uses throughout the machine's lifetime. Additionally, you get a superb product with high quality, says Antonsen.