Milestones of Success

BSH and its predecessor brands have always been characterized by technical innovations. The first electric vacuum cleaners, refrigerators and modern automatic washing machines were technological milestones on the company’s road to success. Every time something new happened in the field of home appliances, the BSH brands were right there at the cutting edge. And through it all, the focus has always been on one clear objective – making the lives of people, especially housewives, easier. Modern appliances provided time and energy for other things than housework. BSH home appliances became a driving force for not only technical but also social development, and have remained so to this day. An overview.

• 

  1906 Siemens dedusting pump
  
  Tackling the dust
  Shortly after the turn of the century, in 1906, Siemens launches its first vacuum cleaner on the market when it introduces the so-called dedusting pump.
  
  

• 

  1933 Bosch refrigerator
  
  The first refrigerator: a round affair
  In 1933, Bosch introduces the first electric refrigerator. It has a round shape and a capacity of 60 liters, and sells for 365 Reichsmark.
  
  

• 

  Constructa factory hall, around 1956.
  
  Keeping an eye on the laundry
  In 1951, Constructa introduces the first fully automatic washing machine to the market. Designed by Peter Pfenningsberg, its most prominent feature is its porthole. By 1955, its successor model, the Constructa Deluxe 100, already has an 80 percent market share – and this in competition with 30 other suppliers.
  
  

• 

  1952 The Bosch food processor Neuzeit I (“Modern Times I”)
  
  All-rounder in the kitchen
  In 1952, Bosch launches its first electrically operated universal food processor, the Neuzeit I.
  
  

• 

  From 1952 Neff Arcus electric cooker
  
  An arc of triumph for Neff
  Neff achieves its breakthrough in 1952 with the modern Arcus electric cooker. Technical innovations and contemporary design win over more than a quarter of a million buyers through to 1956.
  
  

• 

  From 1970 The Siemens Meisterkoch (Master Chef) series
  
  A stove for master chefs
  In 1970, Siemens introduces the Meisterkoch series, which blows the market away with an outstanding range of operations and flexible function. In 1981, the Meisterkoch universal stove is launched. This is a built-in cooker that owes its success to a combination of top and bottom heating, convection, grill, microwave and self-cleaning by pyrolysis. An oven carriage facilitates access to baked goods.
  
  

• 

  1970 Neff Circo Therm
  
  A lot of hot air
  This multifunction oven with its CircoTherm hot air system and glass front provides insight in the kitchen. CircoTherm still stands for high-quality Neff ovens to this day.
  
  

• 

  1972 Fully automatic washing machines and dryers
  
  Washing machines learn to dry
  The successful SIWAMAT series continues to grow throughout the 1970s. In 1970, the SIWAMAT 450 automatic washing machine with its numerous programs and functions is added to the premium class. This is followed by the appearance of the first automatic washer-dryer in 1972. The front loaders SIWAMAT V472 with 800 rpm and the SIWAMAT 484 with 1000 rpm appeared in 1979. At the beginning of the 1980s, the first fully electronic washing machine, the SIWAMAT 870 electronic, selects the most economical program itself and displays the progress of the washing process.
  
  

• 

  1976 Downdraft ventilation from Gaggenau
  
  Downdraft ventilation
  As part of the Vario kitchen series, Gaggenau launches an innovation on the market in 1976: downdraft ventilation. It quietly and effectively draws vapours and odours down into the counter before they have a chance to pervade the atmosphere.
  
  

• 

  1981 Siemens vacuum cleaners
  
  The vacuum cleaner becomes a design icon
  The Siemens VS 5 standard vacuum cleaner has a production output of more than four million. This is followed in 1984 by the Siemens Black Energy, which soon attains cult status with its sophisticated design.
  
  

• 

  1985 Microwave combination oven
  
  On a wave of success
  In the 1980s, the microwave blazes a trail of success in Germany. Cooked quickly, yet still nicely browned, many new appliances combine the microwave with an oven or grill.
  
  

• 

  1985 AquaStop
  
  Goodbye to overflowing
  AquaStop technology offers 100% protection against water damage caused by washing machines. The patent application is lodged in 1982, with the technology introduced in 1985, for example in the Constructa CONTURA and the Bosch SMS 9022. AquaStop is a pioneering success. In its first year, sales figures exceed production capacity. AquaStop has been a standard in washing machines since 1986 – even among its competitors.
  
  

• 

  1986 The Gaggenau EB 300 oven. Here the 2016 successor EB 333 at the EuroCucina fair
  
  Full width for roasting
  The first 90 cm-wide oven on the European market has a large effective volume of 87 liters and provides space for up to four roasts. The EB 300 becomes an icon. In 2016, the year of its 333rd anniversary, Gaggenau launches the EB 333 as homage to the EB 300. This updated version appears in a more modernized form and functionality, while remaining true to its origins. A distinctive feature is the stainless steel door that reaches across the entire width of the oven.
  
  

• 

  1987 45cm dishwasher
  
  
  Less is more
  The first dishwasher with a width of only 45cm, such as the GV430 series, is the star of the 1987 Domotechnica trade fair. Sales of 45cm dishwashers soon shoot sky high.
  
  

• 

  1987 CLOU. Here the 2017 edition
  
  The Clou
  The smoothly operating, ball-bearing CLOU from Neff, a tilt-proof, multi-level telescopic oven shelf rail, is launched in 1987.
  
  

• 

  1987 BSH at the Berlin International Consumer Electronics Fair
  
  Consumer electronics
  Entertainment electronics from Siemens: The brand presents the entire range at the International Consumer Electronics Fair in Berlin 1987. Color TVs, video recorders, radio recorders, clock radios, hi-fi systems and world receivers are all state of the art.
  
  

• 

  1993 Constructa viva washing machine
  
  Fuzzy controls the laundry
  The BSH subsidiary Constructa sets new standards for washing machines. Equipped with the fuzzy control system, sensors detect the fill quantity of the machine and can thereby adapt the washing time and spin cycle to the laundry. This technology makes it possible to reduce water and electricity consumption by approximately 50 percent.
  
  

• 

  1993 Reduction of cfc consumption in the BSH production
  
  Clean cooling
  Sustainable thinking: BSH converts its European production to CFC-free refrigerators and from 1994 also bans any use of CFCs in European BSH refrigerators.
  
  

• 

  1999 The Gaggenau ED 220 steam oven
  
  Globalization on a plate
  A steam oven connected to the water supply creates a new trend – gentle steam cooking. Asian cuisine, in particular, owes its success in the western world to this method.
  
  

• 

  2002 SLIDE & HIDE
  
  More legroom in the kitchen
  With a fully retractable oven door, SLIDE & HIDE from NEFF creates space for convenient access to the inside of the oven.
  
  

• 

  2002 New designs for controls
  
  Quicker switching
  Innovative concepts such as TouchControl and slider technology simplify handling and facilitate intuitive operation. In 2003, Neff develops the TwistPad, a detachable magnetic one-button control for stoves that is elegant, safe and easy to clean.
  
  

• 

  2004 Bosch AquaVario
  
  The smart dishwasher
  With AquaVario technology, sensors detect the right water pressure and new cleaning agents. These innovative characteristics make BSH the market leader in dishwashers. New operating concepts such as TouchControl and InfoLight are also introduced.
  
  

• 

  2006 VarioSpeed dishwashers
  
  Dishwashers “on” speed
  Dishwashers are now available with VarioSpeed technology. Full performance at double the speed saves time.
  
  

• 

  2008 Dishwashers with a zeolite drying system
  
  A world first in energy efficiency
  Dishwashers with a zeolite drying system are the most economical yet. This world first makes use of the natural mineral zeolite’s ability for storing moisture and ensures low energy consumption.
  
  

• 

  2008 The Siemens EQ.7 premium fully automatic coffee machine
  
  Full-flavor in no time at all
  The intelligent heating system in the new premium automatic coffee machine from Siemens guarantees a delightful espresso due to a constantly ideal brewing temperature.
  
  

• 

  2008 The Tassimo series
  
  Compact multiple beverage machine
  The introduction of the Tassimo series revolutionizes coffee brewing with the multiple beverage machines and its so-called T DISCs. The Bosch Tassimo is manufactured in cooperation with the partner Kraft Foods. It not only has the shortest heat-up times, but is also the best energy-saving and most compact appliance on the market.
  
  

• 

  2009 7-liter dishwasher
  
  A water-saving miracle
  The low water consumption of the new 7-liter dishwashers allows for unrivaled efficiency and water conservation. Now that’s sustainable!
  
  

• 

  2009 SensorBagless-technology
  
  Bagless “dust catchers”
  SensorBagless technology ensures an optimal performance level of floor cleaning even when using bagless vacuum cleaners.
  
  

• 

  2010 i-DOS dosing system
  
  Properly dosed washing
  The automatic i-DOS dosing system allows for to-the-milliliter accurate dosing of detergent and thus reduces water consumption. The new technology is available, for example, in the Siemens iQ 800 premium washing machine. From 2011 onwards, it also comes with Home Connect and easy operation by app – from anywhere.
  
  

• 

  2011 Full-surface induction hob with TFT Touch Display
  
  New standards in user-friendliness
  New freedom in the kitchen – a single large cooking surface with full-surface induction allows for pots and pans to be placed anywhere. In addition, the TFT touch display shows the shape, size and position of the cookware.
  
  

• 

  2013 Bosch Athlet hand-held vacuum cleaner
  
  Cordless power pack
  The cordless hand-held vacuum cleaner can reach any place where there is dust – no matter where the sockets are. Thanks to its lithium-ion technology, the Athlet has just as much suction power as a conventional Bosch vacuum cleaner.
  
  

• 

  2014 Home Connect
  
  The networked home
  In 2011, BSH presents Home Connect. Over the next few years, more and more appliances are connected via the smartphone/tablet app. In 2014, for the first time, BSH ovens and dishwashers come equipped with the Home Connect function.
  
  

• 

  2015 Cleaning system for the Gaggenau 400 series
  
  Ovens are cleaning themselves
  As an exclusive world first, Gaggenau presents a fully automatic cleaning system for all 400 series steam ovens with a direct connection to the water supply. The steam chamber is cleaned hygienically with a cleaning cartridge and water.
  
  

• 

  2016 Bosch OptiMUM food processor
  
  The culmination of many years of experience
  Functionality, user-friendliness and design – Bosch pours all of its 60 years of experience in food processors into the design of the OptiMUM. With an integrated scale, timer and advanced sensor technology, it takes on more tasks than any Bosch food processor has ever managed before – and thanks to its automatic programs, it does all of this independently.
  
  

• 

  2016 Siemens Active Humidity
  
  Active Storage Humidification
  Refrigerators with active storage humidificationn inject a fine watery mist into the vegetable drawer. Like in grocery stores, the additional humidity creates an optimal climate to allow for best freshness results for a longer period. Fresh produce retain their vitamins longer whilst keeping their typical aroma, crispines and color.
  
  

• 

  2017 Bosch Unlimited
  
  Exchangeable Battery Packs
  Feel the freedom with a cordless cleaner: Bosch cordless vacuum cleaner are powerful, lightweight and agile to deliver maximum performance and convenience on whatever floor surface you have. The interchangeable battery packs with fast charging offer continuous runtime.
  
  

• 

  2018 Siemens side-by-side refrigerator
  
  Smart Food Management
  Siemens' side-by-side refigerator offers a one-stop food journey solution: two cameras in the fridge, combined with object recognition software that recognizes the most fundamental food stock, as well as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags inside the freezer allow the appliance to know what is inside. Thus, consumers can use smart food management functions like an inventory list, expiration reminders and storage suggestions.
  
  

• 

  2019-2020 Cookit
  
  Multifunctional cooking
  The connected multifunctional kitchen machine Cookit offers three gateways for real home cooking: Consumers can choose from over 200 preinstalled "guided cooking" recipes with simple step-by-step instructions or they can rely on the support of a wide range of automatic programs. In additon, the Cookit provides unlimited flexibility with its manual cooking mode.
  
  

• 

  2021 FreshUp
  
  FreshUp Removes Odors From Textiles
  Bosch’s new FreshUp will change the way consumers freshen up their clothes. The effective and portable fabric refresher removes unpleasant odors from fabrics without the need for added chemicals, detergents or water thanks to Bosch Plasma Technology. Simply turn on the device, press it onto the fabric and start wiping over the clothes.

• 

  2022 Solitaire - The Waterbase
  
  Transforms the Kitchen Into Living Space.
  The Waterbase turns the classic sink into a source of fascinating new experiences. The moveable Infinity Cover seamlessly integrates into the worktop and transforms the sink area into a surface. However, all key sink functionalities remain. The touch display integrated allows control of all functions, making even the tap’s single lever disappear. Its Hydronic Select function delivers up to six water options. Storage space and a drying compartment are creating nothing but structure and order.

• 

  2022 Siemens iq700
  
  Browning Detection for Individual Results Thanks to Camera and Artificial Intelligence
  Whether dark or delicately browned, Siemens’ iQ700 oven range with integrated camera and artificial intelligence can prepare pizza, lasagna and bread rolls the way each consumer likes them. Consumers just select the desired browning level and a scale from one to five and the oven program turns off automatically once it is finished. Furthermore, the oven sends a notification via the Home Connect app to the consumer’s mobile device.

• 

  2022 Bosch Smart Dock
  
  The perfect assistant in the intelligent kitchen
  The Bosch Smart Dock enables easy access to several connected services in one hub. Unique features, like the gesture control sensor, allow users to navigate between cooking steps even when their hands are sticky. In combination with the built-in Alexa voice assistant, they can also interact with their appliances, transfer recipe settings to a connected oven, add items to their shopping list or just listen to their favorite music while cooking.

Some BSH products in recent decades were even ahead of their time.