September 2025
ertonline.co.uk
AEG’s 7000 GreenZone Integrated Fridge Freezer.
vegetables, so consumers can enjoy healthier ingredients for longer,” he says. “They also play a key role in helping reduce food waste.” AEG has further backed its sustainability with action in manufacturing.
claims Its
Sustainability and food preservation at the forefront
Sustainability is now a decisive factor in the purchasing process, and brands are investing heavily to meet this demand. Mr Hutchinson highlights that Liebherr offers one of the UK’s largest selections of A-rated appliances, with more than 130 models rated above a C. That breadth of choice gives retailers a strong story to tell. At the same time, the brand’s food preservation technologies, such as BioFresh and HydroBreeze, keep food fresher for up to five times longer, a feature that resonates with eco- conscious shoppers keen to reduce food waste. At Hisense, Senior Product Manager Matthew Glynn agrees that energy efficiency and food preservation are now central to buying decisions. “In today’s economic climate, efficiency must be matched by tangible results,” he explains. “Customers expect their refrigeration units to contribute meaningfully to household savings while supporting a more sustainable lifestyle. This includes the expectation that refrigerators should not only minimise energy use, but also extend the freshness of food, thereby reducing waste.” To deliver on this dual demand, Hisense integrates advanced inverter technology, Metal Tech Cooling for uniform temperature distribution and specialist storage zones to prolong the shelf life of fresh produce. Mr Glynn adds: “This holistic approach ensures our products deliver both operational efficiency and real-world value.”
AEG, part of the Electrolux Group, also places
food preservation at the centre of its innovation. Luke Ralph, Cooling Range Manager at Electrolux Group UK & IE, points to the brand’s GreenZone and GreenZone+ drawers, available in its 7000 Series Fridge Freezer, as a response to consumer interest in health and wellbeing. “These features are designed to preserve the freshness of food, especially fruit and
integrated fridge freezers are built in a European factory that sends zero waste to landfill, and new inner liners are produced using 70 per cent recycled plastic from old appliances. Life Cycle Assessments conducted by the brand show that 85 per cent of an appliance’s total climate impact occurs during use in the home, making efficiency during operation critical.
Design as a differentiator
Refrigeration design is now as important as functionality, especially as open-plan living turns the kitchen into the hub of the home. “Consumers want refrigeration that not only performs but also complements their living space,” says Mr Hutchinson. Liebherr offers a wide range of finishes, from DarkGrey to BlackSteel, all designed to harmonise with contemporary materials like wood, stone and concrete. Integrated and undercounter models are also proving popular, giving retailers a variety of options to present in-store. This view is echoed across the industry. Mr Ralph explains: “Design and aesthetics play a vital role when consumers purchase their refrigeration appliances and AEG is constantly designing innovative new technologies to match ongoing trends in the kitchen space. Integrated fridge freezers are a great starting point, as they offer flexibility when it comes to creating a kitchen that feels both stylish and functional.”
He points to AEG’s MaxiSpace feature, which offers 45 per cent more capacity than a standard fridge freezer while maintaining a clean, built-in look. Hisense has taken a slightly different approach with its KitchenFit range, offering freestanding appliances that mimic the appearance of integrated cabinetry. Mr Glynn explains: “Refrigeration is no longer regarded purely as a utility; today’s consumers seek products that align with their personal style while maintaining the highest standards of performance.” The brand also provides premium American- style models with interactive digital screens and bold finishes, designed for shoppers who want their appliances to stand out as statement pieces. Haier, meanwhile, has built design into the
very scale of its appliances. James Bethell, Business Director at Haier UK & Ireland, points out that XXL fridges are increasingly popular in open-plan homes. With capacities of up to 700 litres, they deliver both practicality and presence. To integrate these units effectively, Haier advises retailers and designers to plan carefully: avoid corners so that doors can open fully, allow for deeper cabinetry, and ensure sufficient ventilation for efficiency.
think of
Mr Bethell says: “Kitchen designers should these appliances as architectural
elements. With widths ranging from 70cm to over 90cm, their positioning can shape the entire flow of a space. By keeping them within easy reach of prep and cooking zones, ensuring balanced sightlines, and planning for door swing and drawer access, homeowners can maximise both function and aesthetics.”
The rise of smart cooling
Smart technology has moved quickly from novelty to necessity. At Liebherr, the SmartDevice app now provides real-time energy monitoring and remote temperature control, while AutoDoor technology allows hands-free access. Mr Hutchinson notes: “Features like these are no longer novelties, they’re becoming expected standards.” Hisense is pushing connectivity even further. Its RS9P628GPFE American-style smart screen refrigerator serves as a connected hub for the home, with users able to access recipes, leave digital notes, create shopping lists and sync with smartphones and smart ecosystems. The ConnectLife app adds even more functionality,
Haier’s HSR3918FIMP Freestanding American Style Side By Side Fridge Freezer with Plumbed Water & Ice Dispenser.
21
>>
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
