'The refrigerator is the most important appliance in the kitchen'

A fashion statement is made in a flash!

There is one appliance in the kitchen that, by definition, you cannot live without and it is also an appliance that is always on. Yes, the refrigerator. After all, the oven is off most of the day. Also, the dishwasher never runs 24/7. And, we also only use the extractor on demand. Sebastiaan Allaert, product/marketing specialist at Liebherr in Uithoorn, says, "Consumers should actually design their kitchens based on the most important starting point: the refrigerator."

It is therefore - according to Sebastiaan - the most relevant appliance in the kitchen, but many people do not yet look at it that way. "Basically, a refrigerator doesn't have that much of a perception either. Okay, everyone understands its usefulness and likes to use it, but is it possible to make a 'fashion statement' with it? Many think not, although fortunately we - at Liebherr - are seeing a change in the market. Many consumers are realizing more often that a refrigerator can say or be something because in recent years it has also become an eye-catcher. Simply because the kitchen has increasingly become a part of the home. Visibility, in other words. Well, the eye wants something then." And then, walking through the Liebherr showroom in Uithoorn, Sebastiaan says, laughing, "Right now - looking around like this - I know which appliances you can make that 'fashion statement' with."

From built-in to stand-alone

"So as far as I'm concerned, it's understandable that you end up with our range of refrigerators. From built-in to stand-alone, noting immediately that sales of 'freestanding' have soared in recent years. A kitchen doesn't always have to be built-in. Why is that? Well, consumers ultimately want to put more of that personal stamp on the look and feel of the kitchen. Design is becoming a choice."

Refrigerators that leave nothing to be desired

Sebastian particularly touts the Interior Fit Side-by-Side combinations. "The main feature of these refrigerators, which have sort of an American look? Two big doors next to each other that you open. Behind the left door, for example, the freezer compartment. Behind the right door the refrigerator section. But it's not just that. The technology on the inside is unprecedented. From BioFresh with HydroBreeze to LED ceiling lights, an IceMaker with fixed water connection, a LightTower, PowerCooling system, DuoCooling and a bottle tray above the BioFresh-Safes. Not to mention the connectivity. The refrigerator thinks along wherever it can! These are refrigerators that leave nothing to be desired."

Indispensable device

When Sebastiaan is asked what the future of the kitchen looks like, he is also immediately clear with his answer: "Kitchen appliances are becoming more and more autonomous. Think also of more voice-controlled options, for example. As a user, you're going to get advice from your refrigerator. Yes, there is much more behind those two doors. It confirms our observation: the refrigerator is the most important, unmissable appliance in your kitchen. And, if possible ... a Liebherr."