Katro's built-in dual-cooktop series (DS/DM) has evolved from a single-function product into an industry benchmark, not only meeting but consistently exceeding customer expectations.
In today's fiercely competitive global home appliance market, user experience has become the cornerstone of brand differentiation. Through deeply customized designs and user-centric functional innovations, Katro's built-in dual-cooktop series (DS/DM) has evolved from a single-function product into an industry benchmark, not only meeting but consistently exceeding customer expectations. Its development journey demonstrates how the philosophy of "design as a service" drives product evolution, creating differentiated competitiveness for brands and wholesalers.
When Katro launched the first-generation DS/DM series in 2013, it offered only 10 basic control panel configurations. While this standardized design met fundamental functional needs, it struggled to adapt to the market's growing demand for diverse aesthetics and operational experiences in kitchen appliances. Feedback from brand partners revealed that end-users desired control panels that aligned with kitchen décor styles while simplifying operation processes.
To address this, Katro established a dedicated design and engineering team, collaborating with over 30 global brands and distributors to analyze user scenarios and preferences. By 2025, the DS/DM series' control panel options expanded to 40 variants, featuring large touchscreens, mechanical knobs, minimalist glass interfaces, and customizable elements such as language settings, icon layouts, and backlight colors. A procurement director from a premium kitchenware brand commented, "Katro's modular design allows us to swiftly match exclusive control solutions to product lines across price tiers, boosting end-customer repurchase rates by 20%."
Continuous functional upgrades have been another key to Katro’s acclaim. Early products focused solely on basic heating performance, but user research uncovered unmet needs for energy efficiency and scenario-specific features. For instance, Asian markets prioritized high-heat stir-frying and food warming, while European and American households emphasized rapid boiling (Booster) and low-temperature simmering.
Booster Turbo Heating: Increases power output by 30%, boiling 1L of water within 5 minutes to meet fast-paced lifestyles.
Intelligent Warming System: Maintains precise temperatures between 50°C–80°C, ideal for heating baby food or keeping dishes warm during gatherings.
Multi-Menu Programming: Enables brands to customize cooking presets (e.g., stir-fry, slow-cook soup) tailored to regional preferences.
For brands and wholesalers, Katro's customization capabilities directly enhance market penetration efficiency. For example, Southeast Asian clients required enhanced moisture and pest resistance, prompting Katro to develop reinforced metal casings and humidity-proof internal components. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern customers demanded heat-resistant materials and child-lock safety features.
"Previously, we needed separate production lines for different regions, which was costly," shared a supply chain manager at an international wholesaler. "Now, Katro's flexible production system supports small-batch, multi-configuration orders, cutting delivery cycles by 40%."
Katro recently announced that the next-generation DS/DM series will integrate software control modules, allowing brands to connect with smart home ecosystems. Additionally, expanded crystal panel designs and control configurations will cater to brands' needs for differentiating premium and entry-level product lines.
Katro's journey proves that customization is not merely a technical upgrade but a user-centric redefinition of value. By shifting products from "functional tools" to "experience enablers", brands and wholesalers can transcend cultural and geographical barriers, precisely anchoring user preferences in a globalized market. In the future, only by treating design as a bridge for customer dialogue will companies maintain leadership in the race for superior user experiences.
Katro Appliances is a global leader in embedded kitchen solutions, specializing in modular, customizable smart appliances for brands and wholesalers. Its products serve over 50 markets across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.