Premium aesthetics and premium functionality
Liebherr has been developing and producing household appliances for over 60 years – and of course, we have been perfecting technology, design and functionality throughout this entire period. The standards we are committed to, including in terms of design, have increased phenomenally. Refrigerators are far larger than they used to be and nowadays, as freestanding stainless steel appliances, they make an incredible visual statement in any room. In this regard, the refrigerator is now a design object in its own right.
Good design proves itself during use
Anyone who wants a clear, standardised unit frontage will integrate his or her appliances flawlessly into a built-in kitchen. However, good design is not only about what’s on the outside; the inner design and workings are equally as important – and this also holds true for standard classic white refrigerators in less elegant surroundings too. When opening and closing the appliance, and during general use, you will notice that the design, material and workmanship make a difference.
At Liebherr, a robust structure and enjoyment during the course of use are important criteria, which we consider from the first stages of the design development process. Only by meeting these criteria we can create innovative solutions that continue to satisfy our customers worldwide. It is the unified interplay of attractive exterior appearance with impressive interior design and functionality that makes Liebherr refrigerators so special.
“Design gives products an identity and makes them unique”
‘Form follows function’ is a well-known maxim and one that we apply wholeheartedly when it comes to our designs. At Liebherr, design is an essential part of product development. “Design is never an end in itself,” explains Liebherr senior product designer Jan Ctvrtnik, “because design gives products an identity and thereby makes them unique. Even the actual product features are supported by design elements.”
Jan Ctvrtnik is a product designer at our in-house design centre, developing timeless designs at one of Liebherr’s production sites. He describes the approach that he takes during design development and how he incorporates trends and inspirations into the design.
What inspires a product designer working on refrigerators?
At Liebherr, technology and a desire to constantly deliver exceptional performance are part of the philosophy and this inspires us as product designers. We don’t consciously follow a particular visual trend: rather, the lasting quality of our appliances is given expression through their design. Our solutions are designed for use over the course of many years and, during that whole time, they should continue to deliver pleasure in use. Therefore, it is our goal to flow high quality materials, innovative technologies, and everything that an appliance incorporates into a timeless and elegant design.
What do you think makes a ‘beautiful’ refrigerator?
One that impresses me with minimal design yet demonstrates clear presence. One that is straightforward and able to carry the quality that it promises on the outside through to the interior as well. Perhaps even one that is not actually perceived as an appliance at all.
Where do you see future trends heading?
Many countries are witnessing a return to their roots: quality regional ingredients and home cooking are very popular right now. And, for high quality food products to retain their quality for as long as possible, it all comes down to appropriate storage and top-notch refrigeration. In addition to this, uncomplicated storage innovations and achieving a clear overview of stored products always play an important role. We work in & out to develop really advanced solutions that deliver these things.
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High quality design recognised and optimised
Over the decades, Liebherr appliances have received multiple awards for quality, design and innovation, mostly from independent institutions worldwide. We have perfected classic materials like stainless steel, experiment with new surfaces (e.g. glass or stone), and always strive to optimise form and ergonomics.
In the process, our design retains its value because good design outlasts short-lived trends. Our stainless steel fridges are already classics and that challenges us to reinterpret them. Our product range stretches from spacious Side-by-Side appliances to exclusive wine storage cabinets, but we also offer standard models with the same proven Liebherr quality.
Classic perfection Matt stainless steel
Liebherr has perfected working with and finishing stainless steel. Liebherr’s Side-by-Side and Frenchdoor appliances in stainless steel are a real kitchen focal point with incredible visual impact. To ensure a premium quality, sleek metallic appearance, we have developed a special surface finish called SmartSteel, which protects the stainless steel against fingerprints and makes it especially easy to clean.
A reinterpretation of a classic design Coarse BlackSteel
With BlackSteel, Liebherr has created a modern interpretation of the classic stainless steel front. Appliances are characterised by their striking black colour and their unique surface finish. The coarse cross-polished effect creates an amazing visual impact and gives the appliances a very special feel. Both the design and technology have won multiple awards.
Special editions
Liebherr designs and develops products on a global basis, incorporating country-specific preferences into the choice of materials and formats. We offer an extensive range of large fridge-freezers and oversized/XXL refrigerators and freezers, in neutral white or classic stainless steel finishes.
Design in every detail Patented bar handle
We pay scrupulous attention to every small but critical detail, and our patented bar handle is a great example of where we have perfectly brought together utility and design, and form and function. The stainless steel handle has a highly ergonomic design and its sophisticated mechanism means that the refrigerator door can be opened with total ease. With SmartSteel, we offer a very special surface finish that protects the steel against fingerprints and makes it particularly easy to clean.
Well-balanced lighting-concepts
The interior lighting is designed to provide homogenous illumination throughout the appliance. We have developed a special lighting concept, which has been integrated in a space-saving manner within the interior compartment. It offers a warmer colour light than standard LEDs, so that stored items are bathed in an immensely pleasing light. In glass door appliances, the interior lighting can be adjusted and thereby also used as atmospheric ambient illumination.
Joy of use Touchscreens for intuitive control
Our premium models offer innovative and convenient touchscreen operation. The display allows you to control the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Being high resolution and high contrast, these touchscreen displays are easy on the eye and can be optimally read from any angle. The menu is simple and intuitive to use, and all functions are set by gently touching the user interface.
