By Patrick Avenell

Key influencers from the design world, commercial dealers and retailers descended on Sampford IXL’s Fitzroy showroom last week for the first public showcase of Gaggenau’s new zoneless and frameless induction hob.

In addition to experiencing the new CX480’s inductive power, IXL national training manager Matthew Ahern also demonstrated Gaggenau’s new fully automatic coffee machine (CM250) and the German brand’s Vario 400 range of benchtop domino cooking appliances.

The CX480 is a class above all currently demonstrated induction cooktops, with only De Dietrich’s impending Piano model rivalling its style, functionality and flexibility. Gaggenau’s premium pricing further sets it apart, with Ahern confirming an RRP of $11,999.

Totally integrated into the benchtop to create a frameless aesthetic, the CX480 is a 7.2-kilowatt, 80-centimetre hob with no pre-determined cooking zones. Compatible cookware can be placed anywhere on the surface, with the TFT touchscreen display immediately recognising its location.

There are 48 induction coils beneath the surface, with the CX480 automatically identifying which coils need to be activated once the user has selected the temperature setting. If cookware is moved once the process has started, the CX480 will recognise this and recalibrate to continue cooking.

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In his speech to guests at the launch, Sampford IXL CEO Malcolm Owens said his organisation was built on three cornerstones: Brands, Product and People.

For the brand in question, Owens said Gaggenau was steeped in a history of luxury, one that has built a “trustmark and trademark” with consumers.

Although the CX480 was the star attraction, the Vario 400 range of cooktops was popular with guests. Amongst this range is a double gas burner, single gas wok, two induction hob varieties, a steam cooker, a teppanyaki plate and a deep fryer.

The final course at the launch function was coffee from Gaggenau’s new CM250 in-built coffee machine (RRP $5,499). Ahern said this machine would look best when combined with a 45-centimetre high appliance, such as a Combi-steam oven.

Sampford IXL CEO Malcolm Owens and GM of sales Peter Breen.

Harvey Norman Commercial's Gavin Nuss and Kent Jordan.

Matthew Ahern stole the show with some very witty banter during his presentations.

The Vario 400 range in the foreground, with Gaggenau ovens and the CM250 in the background.