50 Years of BSH

History of BSH

Past - What we are based on

What is true of the future was also true of the past. The BSH of today and tomorrow is based on more than 55 years of history in which it was the driving force for technological as well as social development through BSH products. In a timeline and a look back on 55 years of advertising, we show what impact BSH products had at various times and how they positively influenced quality of life. From this, we can derive structures that may be transferable to the future and help us answer the question of how we want to live tomorrow.

Important Products and Technologies From BSH

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.

Siemens new iQ700 oven with integrated camera and individual browning feature

2022

Oven Range

iQ700 Oven Range

The iQ700 oven range is the centerpiece of the line-up of Siemens’ connected and AI-enhanced high-end products, offering outstanding cooking results and a high level of flexibility to the entire culinary journey.

Woman cleaning a pullover with freshup

2021

FreshUp

Staying Fresh in Every Situation

The FreshUp from Bosch is a revolutionary portable fabric refresher with Bosch Plasma Technology that removes unpleasant odours from textiles without washing them. Thanks to smart plasma management, it is ideally suited for delicate fabrics.

Press Image Alt

2020

Dishwashers with Home Connect

The dishwasher of the future

BSH's new generation of dishwashers is a milestone for smart home appliances. Thanks to the integrated SystemMaster microprocessor, dishwashers from all our brands, from entry-level to premium model, can be connected, adding value to the kitchen and meeting consumer needs.

Cookit

2019

Cookit

Multifunctional Cooking

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

Smart Food Management

2018

Siemens side-by-side refrigerator

Smart Food Management

Siemens’ side-by-side refrigerator 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.

Bosch Unlimited

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.

2016

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.

Bosch OptiMUM ©Pressebild der Robert Bosch Hausgeräte GmbH

Active Humidity

2016

Siemens ActiveHumidity

Active Storage Humidification

Refrigerators with active storage humidification 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, crispiness and color.

Detail Cleaning system

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.

Combi-steam oven 400 series ©BSH Haugeräte GmbH (Gaggenau)

sensoFresh

2015

Siemens sensoFresh

Active Oxygen Technology

Siemens washing machines with sensoFresh technology make it fast and simple to remove odors from all kind of fabrics and clothes, even dry clean only items and delicates. The revolutionary active oxygen technology neutralises smells without the need for water or detergents.

2014

2014

Home Connect

The networked home

It all starts in 2014 with ovens and dishwashers. Then in 2015, BSH also introduced washing machines, dryers and fridge-freezers equipped with the Home Connect function.

2014 Home Connect ©BSH Hausgeräte GmbH

2013

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.

New standards in user-friendliness

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.

Full-surface induction cooker ©BSH Haugeräte GmbH (Gaggenau)

2010

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 iQ 800 ©Pressebild der SEG Hausgeräte GmbH

2009

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

2009

SensorBagless technology

Bagless “dust catchers”

SensorBagless technology ensures an optimal performance level of floor cleaning even when using bagless vacuum cleaners.

2013 Relaxx bagless vacuum cleaner ©Robert Bosch Hausgeräte GmbH

2008

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

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

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.

Tassimo (2015) ©Robert Bosch Hausgeräte GmbH

Heat Pump Dryers

2008

Heat Pump Dryers

Most Energy Saving

Innovative heat pump technology abandons the traditional heating wire and uses air heat for drying clothes. Thus, the first heat pump dryers from BSH greatly reduce energy consumption.

2006

2006

VarioSpeed dishwashers

Dishwashers “on” speed

Dishwashers are now available with VarioSpeed technology. Full performance at double the speed saves time.

2004

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.

2002

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.

Slide&Hide ©Pressebild NEFF

2002

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.

1999

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.

©Pressebild Gaggenau

VitaFresh

1997

Bosch VitaFresh

Keeping Food Fresh Longer

The VitaFresh compartments inside the fridge always maintain the right storage conditions, thanks to two different climate zones: In the top, drier zone, with a low temperature setting about 0° C, fish and meat can be hygienically stored in two separate drawers – with no odor transfer. An additional big bottom drawer with adjustable humidity keeps fruits and vegetables fresh longer.

1993

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

1993

CFC-free refrigerators

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.

1987

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 45cm dishwasher ©Siemens Corporate Archives

1987

1987

CLOU

The Clou

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

1986

1986

The Gaggenau EB 300 oven

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.

EB 333 ©BSH Hausgeräte GmbH (Gaggenau)

1985

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.

AquaStop ©Siemens Corporate Archives

1981

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.

Vacuum cleaner production line in Bad Neustadt, circa 1985 ©Siemens Corporate Archives

1972

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 appear 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.

1970 SIWAMAT 450 ©Siemens Corporate Archives

1970

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.

1972 Meisterkoch HL 7470 mit Pyrolyse ©Siemens Corporate Archives

1970

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.

1952

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.

1952 Bosch universal food processor, Neuzeit I ©Robert Bosch GmbH Corporate Archives

1956

1951

Constructa washing machine

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.

Circa 1956 – Constructa manufacturing hall with washing machines ©BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Corporate Archives

1933

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.

1933 refrigerator in a display window ©Robert Bosch GmbH Corporate Archives

1906

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.

Dedusting pump ©Siemens Corporate Archives

Future - Where are we heading?

The world is changing – and so are consumer needs, and major issues require smart solutions.

Globalization, individualization, pluralization, digitalization: The world is transforming at an increasing rate and seems poised to become more complex and fast-moving than ever. As a result, we are all more aware of the social and ecological contexts of our lives. We are all challenged as individuals to find new patterns of behavior that guarantee a successful and happy life in a world with so many options. Our lifestyles are changing along with our domestic habits. There are five major areas where consumers will expect reasonable, comfortable and fascinating solutions.

Experience-oriented living ©Getty Images

In the next 15 years, experiences will become the social currency of modern life. We will collect them to form the narrative and meaning of our lives.

Instead of owning things, we will have an increasing desire for transcendent experiences that deliver exceptional new opportunities or perspectives for personal growth. We will expect to be able to share our experiences at home with others, featuring ourselves as the heroes of our own stories. Showing these unique experiences will be our way of demonstrating who we are. We will also want to see more guided opportunities for creative development.

We will also need our home experience to be exceptional, creating exceptional sensuality through unexpected textures and rich tastes. Continuous visual and tactile stimulation will diversify and heighten our everyday home experience. Support will come from invisible tech operating in the background, allowing us to focus on our seamless experiences.

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