I will take a short break from reviewing restaurants and food. Today, I want to talk about something else.
It’s about my home country, Germany. We are known for our efficiency and discipline, and we managed to implement that into the food we make as well. And if you wonder how? Well, experts from Germany were highly involved in the development of the first models of kitchen appliances.
When you see “Made in Germany” on a product, you can expect high quality, excellent performance, reliability, and many other features. That is the case for cars, machines, and, of course, appliances.
Those companies that were not involved in the innovation of a particular kitchen appliance are also important since they were known for using the same technology, but making it better.
Now I will write about the well-known German brands that have set new standards in kitchen appliance innovation and efficiency, and about the involvement of experts from this country in the development of first models.
The first fridge
In the late 1800s, a German professor named Carl von Linde played a crucial role in the development of modern refrigeration. He invented a new process for making gases cold by compressing and then expanding them. This process was key for creating the first practical and efficient refrigeration systems. Von Linde’s work led to the use of refrigeration in industries like breweries and meatpacking plants. Thanks to his inventions, we have the modern refrigerators we use in our homes today.
I found these details on Whirpool’s official website.
Around 1910, the first home fridges appeared in the U.S. and sold quite well right from the start.
However, the issue was that it was not available to the masses. The price of the first model from that time was between $500 and $1,000. However, when we count the inflation until today, this means that you would have to spend even over $10,000 for some models, while none of them were cheaper than $6,000 when turned into current value.
In 1929, Bosch launched its electric fridge. This was part of a plan to not just focus on cars, which was their main business before. Electric fridges were still rare and expensive in Europe and Germany. And that’s what made this brand different. They didn’t want to keep this device exclusive to wealthy people, they wanted to make it more affordable.
And the price indeed was quite promotional when we compared it to US models. The starting price was 350 Reichsmarks, which is around $2,850 in today’s value. However, it was still far from being affordable for everyone. During the 50s, Bosch established itself as one of the best brands for fridges and many other appliances, which remained to this day.
Now let’s talk about other appliances and well-known brands
I will start with the oldest one – The Gaggenau. This company was started in 1683. They are known for the development and innovation related to stoves. In the beginning, they were making coal and gas-fired stoves. And it held a premium status in the market. Also, they decided to switch to a wide range of appliances during the 1950s and introduced electric ovens, coffee machines, cooktops, extractors, refrigeration units, and wine cabinets.
The next one is Miele. Thanks to this company, our time in the kitchen is much easier these days. They invented the first electric dishwasher, similar to the models we use today. They did it during the 1910s.
Also, Miele is known as one of the first companies that made vacuum cleaners( and the first one where they were actually quite good!) during the 1930s.
Siemens is a giant in the world of manufacturers. Their biggest impact on the kitchen appliance market was made in 1935 when they introduced the first self-regulating stove. They quickly became a leading name in this area, which is still the case today. My favorite product is their built-in dishwasher because it blends perfectly with the rest of the kitchen. You won’t even know it’s there when it is closed.
NEFF is another company that started with ovens, just like the Gaggenau, and then reached a level where it is considered one of the leaders in the market of stoves and ovens, especially gas ones.
Moreover, I have to mention Braun. They are known for all those handy devices. I am using their trimmer. I highly recommend this one because of the quality you get for a low price. I mean, I bought a trimmer for $40 seven years ago, and I never had an issue with it.
The company started during the 1950s and focused specifically on small kitchen appliances. Their products became a standard and a role model for other companies interested in making coffee machines, blenders, electric kettles, and similar devices.
And many other popular brands are holding a high position on the market for decades, not only in this sector.
But what’s the whole point here? How did they actually reach the status of becoming a “Gold Standard”?
Was it the quality? Well, others had it as well, especially companies from the UK and US.
It is the overall combination of excellent features you could get for a decent price. Also, these brands were focused on consumers. Each brand managed to achieve the same quality as some more expensive rivals from other countries while keeping the prices low.
And that is what Gold Standard represents – quality, durability, and affordability.
