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Benelux evening hit the mark
Gut Böckel again more than lived up to expectations. The fun atmosphere and cozy buzz could be heard and felt beyond the domain. The Benelux day and evening on Sunday was also a hit. After a tour of the many brands and even more novelties, it was feast time. Literally from a tasty snack, figuratively from all that news.
The entire week of the Küchenmeile was also a hive of activity at the historic Gut Böckel estate. The exhibitors gave their best and pampered the assembled kitchen professionals. With snacks, drinks, a nice chat and, of course, interesting innovations. On Sunday, the language of communication was clearly Dutch. After all, many Dutch and Belgians cross over to Rödinghausen, a fact that has not escaped the notice of the brands present. Miele, Whirlpool, Keller Keukens, Smeg, Jetstone, Caesarstone, Bauknecht and Beko joined forces once again and organized a genuine Benelux evening. The sunshine of 2024 wasn't there this time, the fun atmosphere and ditto conversations certainly were.
More than one fun novelty at Miele. There we discovered the creation of a new product category Outdoor Cooking, with the main protagonist being the modular outdoor kitchen Dreams, which includes numerous freely combinable modules. The Miele steam drawer also met with great acclaim. A minimalist design, a height of just 14 centimeters and DualSteam technology - which ensures short heating times and even heat distribution - are just three of the strengths of this striking newcomer. Also a highlight at Miele was M Sense, the intelligent cookware system with integrated touch controls and up to three temperature sensors, combined with the induction hobs of the KM 8000 generation. The multi-patented system automatically controls the cooking process, ensuring precise results and stress-free cooking.
The trend colors gray-brown Shiitake and Stardust Matte caught Whirlpool's eye. The manufacturer has high hopes for the colors, so much so that all the new appliances presented at the Küchenmeile are available in those colors. Those new appliances make up the W Collection Kitchen Suite, with combination microwave ovens that have an extra-large turntable, with a compact oven with microwave function and a 3-in-1 version with steam and integrated water tank. The large baking ovens come standard with automatic AirFry programs and a High Heat Pizza function up to 310°C.
Keller Kitchens and Gut Böckel's Haferhaus - that's a match made in heaven. The Dutch manufacturer once again immersed visitors in distinct styles that clearly bear the Keller signature: from retro influences in the ‘New 70’s’ over the rich, warm look of ‘New Hotel Chic’ to an updated Japandi style. New to Keller is the Ithaca series with its wood look and matte finish. Ithaca combines the charm of veneer with the convenience of melamine. Keller is also further expanding its cabinet program, sailing along with the trends that are seeing the light of day, with 75-centimeter-wide cabinets, extra-high cabinets and clever solutions, such as, for example, a pull-out shelf for stylish alcoves. Round shapes, somewhat cautiously new last year, are now breaking through completely, visible in, among other things, globes and cheeks.
Matte surfaces are a trend in the kitchen world and this has not escaped text Smeg either. During the Küchenmeile, the Italian manufacturer showed new induction hobs in a stylish matte black. A modern and minimalist design coupled with the practical benefits that make daily cooking and cleaning noticeably easier, completely in line with Smeg's philosophy. The special coating of the hobs ensures excellent scratch resistance while fingerprints and greasy marks are also significantly reduced. The new line is available in three widths: a standard 60-centimeter model, a wider 80-centimeter model optionally equipped with four or six cooking zones and a generous 90-centimeter wide version. A variant with integrated cooktop extractor system is also available.
Jetstone has also noticed that Japandi is hot and will remain so (for a while). So the Japandi kitchen in the Haferhaus received a worktop, island and back wall with natural light beige tones. The interplay with the oak and river stone fronts bring an organic tranquility. Mark Joosten of Jetstone: “The cooking part is a lowered island where we use the Perlino Beige ceramic. The edge is not only mitred, but also falls back to create extra depth for this seating area. The sink part is also made of Perlino Beige, as is the back wall.” Perlino Beige has a light beige surface with a marble-like appearance due to its subtle light, almost white veins. “With a tactile texture, the surface really comes alive,” Joosten concludes.
The theme of sustainability is gaining importance and popularity. Caesarstone unpacked Ocean Sage and Wild Storm, two newcomers to the Icon 2025 series, a sustainable collection with luxurious appearance and lower environmental impact. The Icon surfaces are composed mostly of recycled materials. “Ocean Sage has a deep sea base with creamy foam and dark seaweed veins that transition into smoky grays. Its organic texture gives any space a sophisticated, natural energy. Wild Storm is a striking, opal-like design with gray marbling and golden brown frothy lines that float on the surface and create layers that give a sense of movement and energy.”
A new collection of built-in appliances is what Bauknecht unveiled at the Küchenmeile. Especially worth mentioning is the Dynamic Intelligence technology with which the appliances automatically adjust the temperature and cooking time to achieve perfect results, whether for pizza, steaming or sous-vide. “The ideal model for every kitchen without compromising on performance,” is the Bauknecht promise. The ovens also come with a large arsenal of technologies and features: an AirFry function, a pizza function up to 310 °C, a sous-vide function Active Steam with three possible steam levels, Total Steam for 100% of pure steam, a core temperature sensor, Active Multiflow that makes it possible to cook up to four dishes at the same time and, just as important, the FlexiClean that offers a choice between rapid hydrolysis or thorough pyrolysis cleaning. For smaller kitchens, Bauknecht developed a compact oven with integrated microwave and steam functions and additional handy features on top.
Beko came to Gut Böckel and put together a familiar lineup. The in-house developed Aeroperfect technology, inspired by well-known technology in aviation, provides a hot air system that ensures optimal heat distribution. Thanks to the AirFry function in the B300 and BPRO500 ovens, a separate appliance that takes up space on the worktop and/or in the cabinet is no longer necessary. Moreover, the Split & Cook opens up prospects for entertaining even larger groups. Split & Cook divides the oven space into two zones between which a temperature difference of up to 80 °C can be set. Entertain larger groups and prepare two different dishes at the same time.
