A long history of game-changing innovation

Today, people living on different sides of the planet can have meaningful face-to-face conversations and most of the devices and appliances in our homes communicate with us, and each other. But it wasn’t always this way.

Inspired by our customers’ ambition for newer and better ways of living, Siemens have pushed the boundaries of home innovation for more than 100 years. As we continue to shape the future together, let us look back at some key moments in our history.

Connectivity and convenience in the 21st century

Ever since the first smartphone was sold in 2007, Siemens have been finding innovative ways of bringing the latest digital technology to home appliances. From advancing remote control capabilities to creating fully connected and intelligent ecosystems.

Siemens glassdraftAir worktop ventilation

2021: Reinventing ventilation

Developing appliances that enhance the design of your home and deliver outstanding performance has always been what drives innovation at Siemens. The glassDraft Air system, with guided air technology and a range of intelligent connectivity features, represents a whole new era in kitchen ventilation.

Siemens smart food management system

2019: Turning fridges into personal assistants

For consumers, refrigerating food is just one part of a much bigger daily task. That is why, in 2019, Siemens created a smart solution that would assist users along the entire food journey - from shopping to storage and preparation. This was achieved by combining our smart food management system with storage guidance, recipe recommendations, and online ordering.

 In 2014, Siemens introduced the first range of WiFi-enabled home appliances compatible with Home Connect

2014: The rise of the smart home

The inventions of the smartphone brought the convenience of remote control and many other intuitive new features to the home appliance market. In 2014, Siemens introduced the first range of WiFi-enabled home appliances compatible with Home Connect. Proving that smart technology lets you run your household, and your life, more intuitively than ever before.

The award-winning Zeolith® drying technology

2008: The miracle mineral - Zeolith® drying

Energy efficiency is critical, not just for the environment, but for the cost to consumers too. The award-winning Zeolith® drying technology, which uses a natural mineral to convert moisture into heat, made Siemens dishwashers significantly more efficient. It also reduces the drying cycle by up to 30 minutes.

The birth of automation and personalisation

Prior to the 1970s, most home appliances were still operated manually. This was soon to be transformed by automated functionalities. And Siemens home appliances would proudly lead the way.

1986: Design freedom becomes built-in

1986: Design freedom becomes built-in

At a time when freestanding kitchen appliances were the norm, Siemens recognised the desire for self-expression among consumers. When our first built-in kitchen appliances entered the market in 1986, it completely transformed the set-up and style potential of the kitchen, pioneering an age where design - not only function - started to gain prominence.

1984: The automatic washing machine

1984: The automatic washing machine

The Siwamat fully-automatic washing machine revolutionised laundry by introducing the idea of making home appliances more intuitive, a trend that continues today. This first of its kind appliance not only kept users up to date with voice instructions and notifications, but also came with 15 fully automatic programs for all types of laundry.

1973: An oven that cleans itself

1973: An oven that cleans itself

Using strong and often damaging detergents was an unavoidable part of owning an oven. That was until 1973, when Siemens sold the first oven with the pyrolytic self-cleaning function in Germany. Invented by engineer Josef Ackermann, this automated process made it significantly easier to clean the oven, eliminating the need for any detergents.

The home appliance revolution begins

By 1920, electricity had made its way into most home in major cities. This paved the way for the introduction of electrical home appliances, starting with irons and then cookers, washers and coolers.

1935: The first self-regulating stove

1935: The first self-regulating stove

In 1935 Siemens developed the first stove that included automatic temperature regulation capabilities: the Protos Stove. This innovation made a big difference to consumers because it significantly reduced cooking times and energy consumption. It also prevented overheating, making stoves much safer to use.

1930: The evolution of cool

1930: The evolution of cool

The massive rise in popularity of household refrigerators during the start of the twentieth century was largely thanks to several Siemens’ innovations. The “Normelli” absorption system, for example, which used three cooling cycles instead of one, made cooling appliances more energy efficient and allowed for greater interior volume.

1928: The end of labour-intensive laundry

1928: The end of labour-intensive laundry

In 1928, Siemens introduced the first electric washing machine, the Protos Turbo. This drum-type machine was able to wash and spin-dry laundry, reducing the amount back-breaking labour in the home like never before.

1926: The first ever electric cooker

1926: The first ever electric cooker

Up to that point, all cooking was done using wood or coal fires - a time-consuming process with many health hazards. In 1926, Siemens released the “baking tube”. Consisting simply of a metal tube with a heating coil, this predecessor to the oven ushered in a new era of cooking that would benefit the health of millions of people around the world.

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