The Red Dot
The Red Dot Awards are acknowledged as one of the world's most respected industry awards - and the "Red Dot" itself is a much sought-after mark of design excellence. According to the motto "in search of good design and innovation", a jury evaluates products on an annual basis - applying the Dot only to products that impress with high design quality. With origins as a German design competition begun in the 1950s, it now enjoys an international reputation - and several of the brands at Winning Appliances boast the distinctive red seal of approval.
ASKO
Let's begin with ASKO - a Swedish brand that consistently push themselves to advance design according to the evolving demands of consumers. They have won numerous Red Dot Awards - but in 2017, they were recipients of the Red Dot "Best Of The Best" award for appliances from their Logic user interface range: the washing machine (W4086C) and tumble dryer (T408HD).
Sleek and sophisticated, their fully automated washing machine matches a balanced aesthetic with quality materials and automated convenience. Its user interface is perhaps the most outstanding feature, with touch-sensitive buttons and ergonomic dial providing easy and intuitive command of various programmes available. The Red Dot jury commended the appliance for being " ... a user-friendly and flexible device that especially impresses with comfortable operation and user guidance ... achieves a particular unity of form and function."
The Tumble Dryer
Of the Dryer, the jury commented: "With a design focused on individual needs, this tumble dryer makes drying clothes a special experience. The straightforward and minimalist machine impresses with a user guidance that dispenses with any superfluous features but is simply fun to use due to its quick and comfortable operation." A tumble dryer that's actually fun to use? - that's truly deserving of an award!
AEG
Another brand that takes pride in a commitment to professional design, AEG's dedication to the principles of Perfection in Form and Function has ensured they've had plenty of Red Dot success as well. One award was for their "ComfortLift" dishwasher feature - which lets you gently slide out the lower basket, then lift it upwards easily and ergonomically. This inspired design was acknowledged by Red Dot for having "a simplicity that is both elegant and logical ... transforming dishwashing into an aesthetically pleasing and easier process for the user." You can find ComfortLift dishwashers available at Winning Appliances.
Miele
Products from this legendary German brand have been the recipient of numerous Red Dot awards over the years - and few are more deserving than their new Dialog Ovens, which won in 2018.
This remarkably innovative appliance incoporates what Miele call "M Chef technology", which uses sensors to intuitively apply the correct electromagnetic waves to precisely cook whatever food you have in the oven.
Using this incredible technology, you can be perfectly cooking meat such as lamb, for example, while the oven will be simultaneously adjusting and applying the right level of energy to cook veggies sitting right next to it! The jury stated that: "A clear frontal design characterises the high-quality appearance of this Dialog Oven, which, from a functional viewpoint, impresses by its high precision when cooking." This exceptional range of products will be coming soon to Winning Appliances - stay tuned!
V-ZUG
The Swiss market-leader enjoy a legacy of innovation - which has ensured their industry-leading success in Europe. And they've just won an award for their elegant kitchen design line "Pureness" - which received a Red Dot Award for high design quality in 2018. Incorporating high-quality anodised aluminium and mirror glass for a distinctive elegance - the range encompasses everything from combi-steamers to vacuum and warming drawers. The jury noted that: "Appliances of the Pureness line are attractive with their timeless appearance. A pleasant detail is the precisely crafted handle with its engraving, which can only be noticed at a second glance."
Smeg
This iconic Italian brand produced several award-winners in 2018, including the Dolce Stil Novo blast chiller which we have already talked about here - which is able to cool foods extremely quickly without losing moisture, thereby preventing the growth of bacteria, loss of vitamins, proteins and minerals. Said the jury: "This blast chiller successfully combines a clear, modern appearance with high functionality, which is a result of innovative technologies."
Good Design Awards
Another prestigious series of awards is the Good Design Awards for Design Excellence and Design Innovation. Originally founded in Chicago in 1950, they continue - over eight decades later - to honor products and industry leaders in design and manufacturing.
Smeg's beautiful Dolce Stil Novo Oven (SFPR9604N) received a Good Design Award in 2018 - distinguished by remarkable refinement and elegance combined with advanced technological solutions. They also won an award for their Stil Novo Aesthetic Drawer (CPV615NX), an appliance with superb technological innovation and an elegant design - able to seal solid and liquid foods in an extremely efficient manner.
Franke
This year's Good Design recipients also included Franke - whose "Chef Center" we have spoken about on our blog already. This elegant piece of design transforms the kitchen sink into a hub for preparation and entertaining.
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Of course, there are many, many more outstanding examples of design in the Winning Appliances stable - we'll bring you more information about these brilliant products over the coming weeks!
