Gaggenau recently introduced the Expressive series as part of its new cavity line-up, followed by the more refined and reduced Minimalistic series. Could you elaborate on the core design philosophy that underpins both of these distinct yet related product lines?
Sven: Both series are grounded in Gaggenau’s tradition of “traditional avant-garde” – a balance between honouring our legacy and pushing into the future. While the Expressive series is more sculptural and eye-catching, the Minimalistic series is reduced to essentials: two lines and a circle. They represent two design personalities under one philosophy.
How do these two series complement each other in the kitchen space?
Sven: The Expressive series is designed to stand out – it’s bold and artistic. In contrast, the Minimalistic series integrates seamlessly into its surroundings, allowing the furniture and space to take the spotlight. It’s about offering aesthetic freedom and letting users choose based on personal style.
The Expressive series has been described as “a sculptural statement” and the Minimalistic as “perfection through restraint.” How did you interpret those themes during the design process?
Alex: In the Expressive series, elements like the outer frame are multi-functional – enhancing airflow and adding elegance. The Minimalistic series, by contrast, is about reduction – a cohesive front, no handles, and precise execution.
Soeren: The interface had to embody both expressiveness and simplicity. The beautifully proportioned ring achieves this – with its simple shape, elegant appearance, and impressive solidity. The ring appears to float thanks to an invisible fixation, and thus carries not only the essence of both series but also the duality of tradition and avant-garde. It symbolises the fusion of our heritage in metalwork with cutting-edge modern design.
The floating control ring and touch display seem central to the user interaction. What drove the design of this interface, and how does it enhance everyday use?
Sven: The design is about balancing advanced technology with visual clarity. In the past, appliances had large, mechanical knobs – bulky and unavoidable. Today, technology lets us reduce all that complexity and create something much more refined, like the floating ring, which simply wasn’t possible 20 years ago.
Soeren: We chose not to rely solely on a touch display, even though that might seem like the logical choice. The ring maintains a sense of tactility – a precise, crafted element that feels almost like a piece of jewellery. It was a conscious decision to preserve some physical interaction in a digital environment, creating something both functional and emotionally engaging. The ring’s circular shape is universally recognised, and people instinctively turn it. It’s tangible, elegant, and enhanced by the golden ratio, making it familiar and harmonious across cultures.
How do you define “craftsmanship” in the context of these appliances?
Sven: For me, craftsmanship isn’t about everything being handmade – it’s about the care and precision that goes into every detail. Some parts of the production are touched by hand, and that human attention makes a real difference. It’s not mass production for the sake of scale – it’s about creating something special for people who truly appreciate the details.
One moment that really captures this is seeing someone in the factory inspecting a part with a magnifying glass, checking every angle by hand. That’s craftsmanship: using technology, but always guided by a human touch to ensure perfection.
Alex: The term “craftsmanship” here means passion for precision. For example, on the Expressive’s passepartout, multiple milling stages – including ultra-fine 1.5mm tooling – are used for crisp, perfect corners. It’s machine-assisted precision, handled with care.
Soeren: I’d add to what Sven said – it’s not about everything being handmade, but rather hand-finished. Take the ring, for example: it offers haptic and acoustic feedback, creating a tactile experience that feels crafted, not just produced. There’s real soul in these products. Every element, from the design to the final finish, reflects careful attention and a deep commitment to quality.
