It’s been almost two decades since Gaggenau launched a new cavity series. What is the significance of the new Gaggenau Expressive series appliances?
Soeren: We’re introducing a new chapter for Gaggenau with this series. It carries the essence of our tradition while stepping into the future. It’s familiar, recognisable, yet new.
Alexander: After nine years of development, we have something that evokes joy through both its design and how it performs. It’s not just another oven - it’s an experience that redefines what luxury in the kitchen can feel like.
Sven: This new oven series is significant because it’s the first completely new design in almost twenty years. It’s not just an appliance but a piece of art. This design balances tradition and innovation, honouring our roots while looking forward.
Gaggenau appliances are always recognisable in any home interior. What are the key elements of the Gaggenau Expressive series design elements that will make them stand out?
Sven: One of the key design features is its recognisable form, the “two frames and a circle” concept, which merges aesthetics and professional grade functionality. The materials and geometry have been refined – fewer visible screws, smoother joints, and perfected surfaces. Lighting also plays a significant role in this series.
Alexander: For me, the beauty of this design lies in its subtlety. The seamless integration of form and function – like how the curved profiles improve airflow while maintaining a sleek, minimalist aesthetic – creates a harmony between the visual and practical aspects of the oven.
Soeren: The concept of staying tangible in a digital world was crucial in the design process. We spent many years developing this project, focusing on ensuring the physical interaction with the product remained a key part of the experience.
One of the recognisable features of the Gaggenau cavity range used to be its two control knobs. In the Gaggenau Expressive series the ‘floating ring’ takes centre stage. Could you tell us more about the ring and why it is important?
Soeren: What initially appears to be a revolution is, in fact, deeply embedded in our brand’s tradition. This step is driven by the principle of evolution, which is key to our design philosophy. The ring, a perfect embodiment of our core concept of traditional avant-garde, reinforces this idea.
Examining the design evolution of our ovens over the past decades reveals a consistent trend: a streamlined, simplified appearance, a reduction in material usage, and a seamless integration of display and operation elements.
With this history in mind, we posed a critical question about the user interface: How far can we push innovation while ensuring it remains tangible for future users?
The journey to answer this question was extensive and involved the creation of numerous prototypes, each contributing valuable insights that shaped the final product.
Today, with the display concealed behind the front glass and the ring appearing to float before it, we have achieved a future-proof, tactile element that seamlessly bridges the physical and digital realms. This innovative design lends the appliance a minimalist yet luxurious aesthetic.
Sven: The floating ring is more than just a functional component – it’s a manifestation of Gaggenau’s long history as a forge, founded in 1683. Stainless steel has always been a core material for Gaggenau, and the ring represents the peak of our expertise in working with it. The ring’s design and production are complex, combining the precision of milling the inner part with the outer, creating an elegant and highly refined piece. It symbolises the fusion of our heritage in metalwork with cutting-edge modern design.
What other technological innovations are featured in this series?
Soeren: The Gaggenau Expressive series features a user interface that lights up as you approach, making it easy to interact with. This is because only the information that is currently relevant is displayed, depending on if you are standing in front of the appliance or just looking at it from a distance.
Additionally, the series incorporates a unique visual indicator for tracking cooking progress. The section of the circle in orange becomes larger the longer the timer runs. With this, the process takes on a new quality, indeed it is almost meditative to look at this slowly rising sun, as I call it. In any case, this sunrise adds an aesthetic, even poetic aspect to the whole thing.
Alexander: Some of the technological innovations are behind the scenes, like the materials used in the oven cavity to improve heat resistance. But it’s the harmonious integration of these innovations that makes the appliance so special.
Sven: We’ve also incorporated automatic programs that manage heating modes for various dishes, helping users achieve better results. Plus, with Home Connect, you can control the oven from your digital device, making it more convenient to use.
Gaggenau is known for its sleek design and aesthetics. How were both aesthetics and functionality integrated in the new cavity series?
Alexander: There’s no contradiction between aesthetics and functionality in the design of this series. For example, the curved profiles optimise airflow, balancing form and function beautifully. This kind of innovation is only possible through close collaboration between designers and engineers.
Sven: Everything is executed with precision, from the stainless-steel edges to the way the appliance integrates into the kitchen. The quality of the materials and the attention to detail is what makes this series stand out.
It was previously mentioned that the new series honours the roots of the past while looking forward. How does Gaggenau balance tradition with modern, avant-garde design?
Sven: We always strive to balance tradition with avant-garde design. The use of stainless steel has been a constant in Gaggenau’s history since the company’s founding, and it continues to play a key role in the Gaggenau Expressive series.
Alexander: A perfect example of this is the inner frame that holds the front glass and a solid metal plate. This isn’t just any metal plate; it’s a thick stainless steel piece that weighs about the same as a mid-sized stainless steel frying pan. We consider this our “passepartout” for culinary masterpieces, similar to how you would frame a painting.
As many companies embrace minimal, timeless design in their products, how important is it for Gaggenau and the new series to stand out in the market?
Sven: While many brands focus on simplicity, the Gaggenau Expressive series combines boldness with refinement. We aim to create pieces that are not just functional, but also sculptural statements. Our designs celebrate craftsmanship and the legacy of our brand, ensuring that they resonate with customers who appreciate both tradition and innovation. The Gaggenau Expressive series invites users to experience luxury in a way that’s distinctively Gaggenau, rather than simply blending in.
Alexander: The Gaggenau Expressive series stands out because it transforms the kitchen space into something beyond functionality. It’s about delight and pleasure - people connect with this appliance because it creates a unique experience, and that’s what differentiates it from other products on the market.
Soeren: The floating ring is a statement piece that stands out in the truest sense of the word. With its design based on the golden ratio, it is truly timeless. It is also a tribute to Gaggenau’s history of metal craftsmanship, because who, if not us, could achieve something like this?
What are the defining characteristics of the Gaggenau Expressive series, and what initial feedback have you received from people?
Alexander: The Gaggenau Expressive series is a subtle statement. It’s more than a functional appliance – it’s a centrepiece for your kitchen that integrates seamlessly into modern living environments.
Soeren: What really stood out to me was the reaction when people first used the series in person. There was a moment of quiet awe, followed by expressions of sheer joy and fascination. It’s called the Gaggenau Expressive series, and it truly evokes those emotions, but there’s still a level of subtlety in the design.
Sven: The attention to detail in design, from the floating ring to the hidden technical features, ensures that this series will stand the test of time, just like our previous models. And while the Gaggenau Expressive series makes a strong visual impact, we are also preparing to launch the Gaggenau Minimalistic series soon. The Gaggenau Minimalistic series will offer an even more reduced design, stripping away additional features for a pure, sleek aesthetic, giving customers another way to express themselves with the brand’s iconic style.
