Gaggenau is preparing for its biggest year in decades with the launch of new products under its Expressive series, including a new fridge-freezer combination the company is calling the ‘New Generation of Cooling’.
The Gaggenau RVY 497 190 (RRP $25,999) was first introduced at EuroCucina in Milan in 2024 and is the first refrigeration product introduced since the Gaggenau Vario 400 series cooling appliances in 2018.
Deemed as the next ‘Icon of Gaggenau’ the new Vario cooling Expressive series fridge-freezer combination follows the release of the Essential Induction, a cooktop and a worktop combined into one, launched late last year.
Gaggenau has confirmed an initial rollout of the New Generation of Cooling into their showroom spaces Gaggenau Melbourne and Gaggenau Sydney as well as a national retail roll-out to stores in the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria representing the first wave that will be followed up with a second wave of retail roll-out in Western Australia.
“We are here to unveil our New Generation of Cooling that will push the boundaries of refrigeration as we know it today,” said Gaggenau senior brand manager, Olya Yemchenko, as she welcomed guests to the launch of the new cooling appliance at the Gaggenau showroom in Sydney.
“In the past we have referred to our 90cm oven – the EB333 – as our ‘Icon of Gaggenau’. We are expanding this in 2025 with a range of new releases to celebrate more Gaggenau icons and this is one of them.
“This fridge-freezer combination is a work of art and is all about materiality – we see it as an emotional experience. Each design element is meticulously crafted, incorporating carefully selected materials, colours and finishes to achieve a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality. Apart from its sleek design, everything has been considered from the weight and manoeuvrability of the side bins in the door to the dark brushed stainless steel surfaces paired with solid anthracite aluminium elements and the tinted glass drawers. With a handleless option, the doors ensure seamless integration into any kitchen design.
“This product features a lighting concept that illuminates what you have put in and will also light up the area that you are actually using – so it is highly intuitive. Within every refrigeration and freezer compartment, the LEDs slowly fade up, adjusting to the ambient light to showcase your finest food in the most captivating light.
“It features AI technology, dedicated automatic cooling programmes with different cooling settings that adjust humidity and temperature for different foods. Utilising four cameras positioned within the refrigerator, it will detect whether you have added leafy greens, a steak or even poultry and adjust the settings to the correct level for optimal storage conditions.
“The fridge-freezer cooling system features a Professional Freshness System with five different climate zones – one in the main cavity, one in each of the three drawers and one in the freezer. For a regular fridge it is 4 degrees across the board – but this product offers each individual zone with its own climate – the humidity level, the temperature and even the ethylene absorption – all work together to have the perfect storage solution,” Yemchenko said.
According to Gaggenau head of design, Sven Baacke, with a handleless option, the doors ensure seamless integration into any kitchen design.
“Designed to emulate a piece of furniture, this meticulously crafted appliance transforms any living space into a visual masterpiece. In open-plan living spaces, the fridge-freezer cooling system maintains a clean, unobstructed aesthetic, enhancing the kitchen’s role as a multi-functional hub for cooking, dining and socialising.
“This integration goes beyond mere blending, it’s about minimising the visibility of machinery and techniques, while still delivering top-notch performance. It’s about making the fridge not just an appliance but a piece of furniture. Internally, the dark brushed stainless-steel pairs exquisitely with solid anthracite aluminium elements to provide upmost durability.
“From the flat inner doors, to the door bins, to the aluminium-framed glass shelves and drawers, the New Generation of Cooling stands true to Gaggenau’s mantra – materiality is paramount,” Baacke said.
Gaggenau industrial designer, Mikkel Brandt Bugge said the New Generation of Cooling represents a bold new direction for kitchen design, where form and function merge effortlessly
“This innovation is a statement piece for those seeking to preserve the essence of their culinary treasures without compromising on aesthetics.
“At Gaggenau, its inherent that all our design features seamlessly integrate aesthetics with function, reflecting our deep-rooted heritage. Each design element, including the new generation of cooling, is meticulously created, incorporating carefully selected materials, colours, and finishes to achieve a harmonious balance between striking beauty and practical functionality,” Brandt said.