around an hour, without the risk of shrinkage or damage. Combining generous capacity, strong capabilities and garment protection, ASKO drying cabinets deliver a unique and premium laundry experience for modern households. The CATA brand was exhibiting for the first
time, being continually busy, especially with its 10kg Washer drawing lots of attention. Available in the UK via Apelson UK Ltd they were also spotlighting the Cata CATDD77CHF 77cm Vented Induction Hob, combining powerful induction cooking with integrated extraction in a single appliance. This hob was the main centre piece at the Show. Designed for modern kitchens and open-plan layouts, the model features a sleek black glass surface with a central extraction system that removes cooking vapours directly at source. The integrated design eliminates the need for a separate cooker hood, helping create a cleaner and more minimalist kitchen aesthetic, having a perfect compact height with an installation depth of only 18cm. Suitable for both ducted and recirculating installations, the CATDD77CHF (also available in 60cm wide) is deemed to offer retailers a versatile solution for consumers seeking performance, space efficiency and contemporary design. ELICA kindly demonstrated what I would
say was a star attraction, a multifunction Oven- Extractor-Hob Combi, the Lhov. With an Energy Class of A+, oven temperature of 280 degrees, hob booster of 3.7kW and airflow of 1100 cubic metres per hour, this Combi appears to be a great space saving option for the kitchen. The built-in, revolutionary extraction system removes vapours and odours, not only from the hob, but from the oven too. SMEG introduced MUSA, a refined new
built-in appliance collection, an entirely new built-in aesthetic line. The first of its kind in a decade, MUSA is crafted by light and defined by details, a tribute to the dialogue between art & design.
The new contemporary identity reflects evolving interior trends through the expression
of a new design code: rational, clean, unmistakably Italian. The refined finishes feature an interplay of glossy and matte surfaces. Shown this new concept by Smeg’s Head
of Marketing, John Davies, he emphasised Smeg appliances have continually evolved alongside interior styles and movements. With the kitchen symbolising a place of exchange, care and transformation, MUSA interprets this philosophy through essential lines, measured curves and refined detailing inspired by Italian architecture. In a design landscape increasingly shaped by soft volumes, balanced proportions and expressive use of light, MUSA introduces a coherent SMEG visual design language to integrate seamlessly into modern living spaces. The Smeg Portofino Range offered a variety of colours, including Moonlight, Storm Blue, Emerald Green, Amber Clay, Black and White. Also, a choice of size, 90cm or 120cm featuring a massive 126 litre oven, triple-fan technology and pyrolytic self-cleaning. There are hob options available of either 6x burner gas cooktop or a versatile induction hob. The one displayed at the show had the induction hob. Another Italian brand, LOFRA, had a vast
spread of range cookers. Though not all displayed, they have a portfolio of 76 products. Staying on range cookers, RANGEMASTER dominated space, opposite AGA. Promoting, ‘THERE’S A COLOUR For Every Family’, the Rangemaster stand was a mass of colour and the products, including hoods and other accessories portrayed a new positive vision for this well known, established brand. MIDEA a conglomerate brand itself, hosted
an impressive display of its TEKA brand of which became part of the Midea Group in April 2025. I was very fortunate to have a personal showing of all the products by Mika Mi, Product Marketing Manager of Midea Refrigeration. Obviously, having an expert as such as Mika show me every design feature and benefit was of an utmost privilege. Unfortunately, there is not enough space to share my gained knowledge. I was impressed. Do the ranges and benefits of these products need to be viewed
Above: SMEG - Portofino Collection
as serious contenders on the shop floor? You’re the experts. Another privilege was the meeting and discussing of the positive future of TEKA with Mauro Correia, formerly CEO of TEKA prior to the restructuring of being part of the MIDEA Group and now promoted to being Vice President for the Midea Group Europe, so still heading the TEKA market with added responsibility. Finally, I know its name dropping but also had a chat with the European President of the MIDEA Group. Amazing what is learnt from people when ‘work’ is a secondary subject. Meetings with other team members, General
Manager at Midea UK, Kevin Liu, Head of Sales and Marketing, Julia Livett, Ben Day and others proved to be a wonderful catch-up with the Group.
KBB Show, March 2028 – As usual, Bookings
have already been made by exhibitors to secure prime positions. The Show is again expected to have 16,000+ Visitors, 320+ Exhibitors from 20+ Countries and a minimum of 25 Product Categories. Time to enter into the Diary.
Spring 2026
PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
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