For Those Who Know

Two frames, one circle, a piece of art” – these are the words that encapsulate the essence of Gaggenau’s latest Expressive series. This new cavity range is the first of its kind by the brand in nearly two decades. The series unites its aesthetics with professional-grade functionality in a way only Gaggenau can. Sven Baacke, the brand’s Head of Design shares, “This new oven series is significant because it’s the first completely new design in almost twenty years. It’s not just an appliance but a piece of art. This design balances tradition and innovation, honouring our roots while looking forward.” Alexander Stuhler, Industrial Designer for Gaggenau, shares, “After nine years of development, we have something that evokes joy through both its design and how it performs. It’s not just another oven – it’s an experience that redefines what luxury in the kitchen can feel like.”

“After nine years of development, we have something that evokes joy through both its design and how it performs. It’s not just another oven – it’s an experience that redefines what luxury in the kitchen can feel like.”

Design Expression

“One of the key features of the Gaggenau Expressive series design is its recognisable form, the ‘two frames and a circle’ concept, which merges aesthetics and professional-grade functionality. The materials and geometry have been refined – fewer visible screws, smoother joints and perfected surfaces. Lighting also plays a significant role in this series,” shares Baacke. For Stuhler, the beauty of the design lies in its subtlety. “The seamless integration of form and function – like how the curved profiles improve airflow while maintaining a sleek, minimalist aesthetic – creates a harmony between the visual and practical aspects of the oven,” he adds.

More than just a striking visual detail, the ring embodies the brand’s philosophy of blending tradition with forward-looking design. What may appear to be a radical departure is, in fact, deeply rooted in Gaggenau’s tradition of ‘evolution over revolution’. The brand’s ovens have consistently pursued a streamlined, simplified aesthetic while consistently reducing materials, refining form and integrating display and operational elements with increasing subtlety. The floating ring builds on this history, representing the next step in a lineage defined by refinement.

The design of the Expressive series is devised from Bauhaus principles

Concealed behind the oven’s sleek front glass lies a discreet display, while the ring seems to hover before it, offering a tactile, future-proof interface that bridges the physical and digital worlds. The materiality of the ring reflects Gaggenau’s heritage. Since its founding in 1685 as a forge, the brand has worked extensively with stainless steel, and the ring represents the pinnacle of this expertise. Its production requires complex milling techniques, creating a piece that is both elegant and robust – a symbol of Gaggenau’s craftsmanship and avant-garde spirit.

“The ring’s design and production are complex, combining the precision of milling the inner part with the outer, creating an elegant and highly refined piece. It symbolises the fusion of our heritage in metalwork with cutting-edge modern design,” shares Baacke.The outer frame of the Expressive series creates a clear boundary with its kitchen environment, while the inner frame cradles the innovative passepartout and smoked glass, harmonising strength with elegance. The passepartout itself is not just a component; it’s a curator of visual balance that is dark, refined and meticulously crafted. It presents culinary creations effectively, transforming each meal into a display of perfection and enhancing all living spaces with its distinctive appearance of stainless steel behind smoked glass. The series includes ovens, combi-steam ovens, combi-microwave ovens, fully automatic espresso machines, culinary warming drawers and vacuuming drawers. “There’s no contradiction between aesthetics and functionality in the design of this series,” shares Stuhler. “For example, the curved profiles optimise airflow, balancing form and function beautifully. This kind of innovation is only possible through close collaboration between designers and engineers.” 

“We always strive to balance tradition with avant-garde design. The use of stainless steel has been a constant in Gaggenau’s history since the company’s founding, and it continues to play a key role in the Gaggenau Expressive series,” states Baacke. 

“There’s no contradiction between aesthetics and functionality in the design of this series.”

The series includes ovens, combl-steam ovens, combi-microwave ovens, fully automatic espresso machines, culinary warming drawers and vacuuming drawers

Key Features

Behind the blue enamel interior, the ovens feature a high-performance heating system and full surface grill. Key features include temperatures that reaches up to 300 degrees Celsius, an intuitive user interface that lights up as you approach, and a convenient one-touch door opening mechanism. The ovens are also equipped with advanced automatic programmes, a multi-point core temperature probe and a pyrolytic self-cleaning system.

Skilled craftsmanship and state-of-the-art manufacturing converge – a small group of craftsmen perform the hand-brushing on stainless steel before the automated process. Precision-chamfered edges are achieved using custom milling, adding the quality and detail that define the series. “The concept of staying tangible in a digital world was crucial in the design process,” shares User Interaction and Interface Designer Soeren Strayle. “We spent many years developing this project, focusing on ensuring that the physical interaction with the product remained a key part of the experience.”

The use of stainless steel continues to play a role in the Expressive series

Technological Innovations

The Gaggenau Expressive series introduces a new level of intelligent interaction in the kitchen. The user interface comes to life as one approaches, instantly illuminating to make operation intuitive and effortless. A distinctive circular visual indicator tracks cooking progress with precision: glowing orange segments expand as the timer advances or as the food nears its target temperature. When no settings are activated, the circle pulses softly, maintaining a subtle yet engaging presence.

Beyond the visible, innovation extends deep into the appliance’s construction. Advanced materials have been incorporated into the oven cavity to enhance heat resistance, while seamless integration ensures that every new element works in harmony rather than in isolation. Automatic programmes further simplify cooking, adjusting heating modes for a variety of dishes to help users achieve consistent, professional results. And with the ‘Home Connect’ technology, the oven integrates smoothly with digital devices.

The circular user interface operates with precision

The Difference is Gaggenau

True to Gaggenau’s design ethos, the Expressive series demonstrates that form and function need never be at odds. Curved interior profiles, for example, are engineered to optimise airflow while simultaneously elevating the oven’s aesthetic appeal. The precision of stainless steel edges, the seamless way each component aligns and the considered proportions all reflect an obsession with detail that sets the series apart.

A New Chapter for the Brand in Dubai

Gaggenau will open its latest flagship in City Walk this October, in line with the brand’s announcement, made in 2021 after achieving a record year of sales. The Dubai flagship is at the heart of an elevated neighbourhood where leading architecture, design and furniture showrooms cluster. This positioning ensures Gaggenau is part of the region’s creative and luxury design ecosystem while offering a unique, hospitality-driven environment for culinary experiences, events and personal consultation.

In this flagship store, the architects behind the project have created a striking art installation depicting a sun rising from the desert dunes, symbolising both the region’s landscape and Gaggenau’s forward-looking vision. “For architects and interior designers to homeowners and design enthusiasts, the new flagship stores and showrooms will provide an aesthetically inspiring experience which showcases Gaggenau’s pursuit of culinary excellence; an exclusive sensory space of expertise that complements the consumers’ luxury lifestyle,” shares Dr Peter Goetz, Managing Director of Gaggenau. Developed with German architecture firm 1zu33, the new concept transforms traditional showrooms into sensory, residential-style interiors. Each flagship acts as a stage for Gaggenau’s craftsmanship, culture and philosophy. The design strategy weaves the brand’s Black Forest heritage with local cultural references, while offering immersive experiences such as tastings, wine appreciation and culinary events.

Hendrik Müller, Founder and CEO of 1zu33. explains: “The new flagship concept, as a first and very important condition, looks at buildings with a tighter connection to the cities they are located in. The building structure should represent the characteristics of the place and bear an architectural quality, offering the potential to infuse the design of the space in an authentic manner.” 

Soon, the brand is also set to release its Minimalist series to offer even further reduced design, stripping away additional features for a pure, sleek aesthetic, giving customers another way to express themselves with the brand’s iconic style.