KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th March 2014
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 International News
Products Blanco makes style statement at KBB
That's exactly what Karonia did at kbb with its Mistral products & I have to admit that John and I were continually distracted from our conversation with the stand team because we kept discovering new configurations and saying to one another: "Have you seen this?" at which point we would both run our hands over it and ask: "How on earth did they do that?"
Just when you thought you knew it all...
 AEG launches ProCombi SousVide Oven, bringing professional cooking techniques into the home
"Sous vide is a wonderfully versatile cooking technique, and AEG is proud to bring it into UK homes," explained Helen Casewell. "There is almost no limit to the range of dishes that can be enhanced using this method." Pelipal's Solitaire 6005 and 7005: New for 2014 and highly covetable!
The asymmetrical basin in mineral marble is also available in a modern grey metallic and mineral marble white as well as the black - all enhanced with a fine glitter effect. The gently rounded curves of the vanity unit are echoed in the basins and the selection of handles. New LED lights can be incorporated beneath the wash basin for night-time ambience or be set above, below or included in the mirror - all carefully positioned to provide light without glare. Carron Phoenix: so much to see and a history lesson too...
Extractair - extractors which add that extra 'vibe'
The extractor hood, so often now a centrepiece of the kitchen in terms of positioning, function and striking design, has been taken into the entertainment business too. The one we were looking at was playing music...
We saw so many exciting innovations that we felt relieved not to have been charged with selecting the winners, who were: Sensio - lighting up all those dark places...
Bauformat launch a host of exciting new kitchen innovations that stand the test of time
Further eruptions expected as Designer Bathroom Concepts announces launch of full Etna Collection
Just as the Etna Bath has added a truly state-of-the-art twist on the freestanding bath, so too does the full Etna Collection. With a continuation of the elegant ripples we have seen on the Etna, the collection features freestanding basins, countertop basins and most strikingly, a round, freestanding version of the Etna Bath. KBB 2014 preview: Bauformat launches new handleless collection
Renowned German kitchen manufacturer Bauformat is delighted to unveil at KBB2014 the UK launch of its new Linea Piantra handleless kitchen, the latest addition to its Burger brand. Recently showcased at the company's in-house fair, Linea Piantra is a stylish addition to any retailer's portfolio and is competitively positioned to ensure an added value offering. New electric shower range launched by MX
Ideal for new build or retrofit opportunities, these attractive showers are up to 30% slimmer than other units on the market. They're an ideal replacement product where an old shower has been removed or for shower replacement programmes for social and private landlords. Burlington gets an angle on traditional design
Positioning a WC too far from the soil pipe causes flushing problems so the rule is, the closer the better. By using an angled pipe, the pan itself can be placed on the window wall where the soil pipe is usually situated while the high level cistern is on an adjacent wall. AEG and Zanussi receive Best Buys in latest Which? Hob Testing
The AEG hob scored an impressive 82% and Which? Said: "We were really impressed with this induction hob; it's quick, easy to use and has plenty of useful features. Not only does it cook brilliantly but it's very easy to clean when you've finished. In fact it's so good we didn't hesitate to make it a Best Buy.". |
KBB 2014 Review - Part 4 In our other life, John and I produce a weekly e-zine for the cleaning, hygiene and health & safety industry, which goes out to more than 100,000 readers in 148 countries around the world. Exhibitions are held in many different countries and as John and I produce ‘Dailies’ on behalf of the organisers of several of them, we get to walk around a lot of miles of exhibition halls filled with cleaning equipment! It’s struck us over the years, the lengths to which some of the manufacturers will go, to ‘glam up’ their cleaning cloths, mop buckets, scrubbing machines and graffiti removal kits etc, to make them stand out from the crowd and make sure everyone remembers them after the event. The KBB industry of course, doesn’t really need to go to such lengths as most of what’s on show is pretty glamorous anyway, but one stand stopped us in our tracks for its sheer ingenuity and I simply have to mention it in the Jewels from Spain item below… Finally, we’ve just heard that Gorenje’s HomeCHEF built-in oven has won an International Red Dot Award, in the Product Design category – so our congratulations to Gorenje (www.gorenje.co.uk) too.
Yours,
This Week's News
KBB review: Franke - an abundance of everything...
The show proved to be a massive success for all of Britannia Living's brands, as the busy stand attracted interest from retailers and customers throughout the show. Caple: Busy stand with lots of new goodies on show!
The revelations included the first launch to national retailers, of Caple's Sense Premium collection of white glass and stainless steel appliances - which looked really striking. We were also shown a selection of new appliance concepts, which had never been seen in the UK and which will form part of the Sense Premium collection for 2014.
What a brilliant idea, as our photo shows! New report reviews developments in Builders & Plumbers Merchants' Market A newly published AMA Research report into the builders and plumbers' merchants' market says that the sector is now dominated by four national organisations competing in a highly fragmented market, with many regional and local merchants. It also says that following a period of decline as a result of the general economic downturn and a fall in construction output, the market recovered in 2010 and maintained its value through to 2012.
It says that in 2013, growth in some key end-use sectors has created an increase in demand for merchants' products, leading to a value increase in the market during the year.  Showering made easy with new Elite easy access from Simpsons
It's also compatible with a range of 25mm low profile shower trays so it can be floor mounted with no step up - for a total integrated bathroom look. The shower trays come with a high flow waste which prevents any danger of overflow too, so everything is covered. KWC Switzerland has announced changes to the distribution of its luxury KWC kitchen tap brand that will come into effect from 1st April 2014.
The company has appointed the Sink Space to manage the sales & distribution of its kitchen tap offer, replacing KWC (UK). The brand will also continue to be available from Sterling Distribution. Karonia introduces inspirational new brochure
Introduced to coincide with the launch of three new effects in April 2014, the 20 page brochure explores the creative potential of this versatile 25mm solid surfacing through a series of inspirational, real-life installations.
Sleek and ultra-modern, Pinova is a stunning new satin matt 'J' profile handleless kitchen collection, pictured here in a light grey painted satin matt finish and available in 19 different colours.
Crosswater is well recognised for its expertise in the bathroom arena with a 20 year history of introducing groundbreaking, top quality products that combine cool European design with the tastes and needs of UK consumers. Perhaps not so well-known is that the business today was originally founded with kitchen taps - from the car boot of Crosswater's founder and Group Chairman Dave Hance. Rearo launches UK's 'best priced' quality kitchen worktop
Verve by Rearo arrived in stores on Monday and promises to offer budget conscious homeowners the ultimate in high quality, attractive worktops, which will immediately transform the look and feel of any kitchen. Bathroom Academy continues its Principles
The huge new £15million store is set to open in York on 10th April and will feature a new fitted bathroom department. The store, which is part of the £90 million Vangarde development at Monks Cross, is John Lewis's first opening of 2014, and will be the chain's 41st shop. Carron Phoenix launches April to September promotion of unmissable deals to retailers
The promotion, together with the company's highly popular Sink & Tap Value Packs, is designed to increase the brand's appeal to retailers as a trusted partner for product choice, quality and value. The KBzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The KBzine. If you would like to run a search of the The KBzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The KBzine:
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A new take on the goldfish bowl...
Youth, Energy, Vitality, Ideas, Innovation... These are the words Yvonne Orgill is using to describe the progress being made with the arrangements for the Bathroom & Kitchen Conference 2014. "We're delighted with how the industry's long established conference is developing this year," enthuses Yvonne, CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, which organises the annual event. KBB Review Awards 2014 winners announced at landmark 20th ceremony
A packed seminar programme hit the spot in more ways than one!
It also gave the aching feet of those who attended, some much-needed respite! Mobil Turi UK's kitchen: all the way from Italy
Tiler wins brand new van with BAL
Mark's name was chosen randomly from thousands of entries, winning him a Ford Transit Connect, bearing the livery of his company, Imperial Tiling. Setting fears aside, Kitchen Door Workshop retains 'Buy with Confidence' accreditation
As such, it has applied and been accredited for the seventh year running for the Buy with Confidence East Sussex Scheme, once again reassuring cautious online shoppers that they are making a well researched choice. People
Nicola brings wealth of industry experience to Bagno Brand Manager role
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