Siemens technologies explained simply
Siemens writes its technology names as one lowercase word: flexInduction, activeClean, hyperFresh, cookConnect. Behind these names are very concrete functions, often shared with Bosch. Here is what they really do, plus a glossary to help you find your way.
- Cooking : flexInduction, fryingSensor, activeClean, coolStart
- Dishwashing : aquaStop, Zeolith, autoOpen dry, varioHinge
- Refrigeration : hyperFresh, noFrost, softClose
- A glossary Siemens and its Bosch equivalent
The Siemens language
Siemens and Bosch both come from the same group, BSH, and share most of their technologies. Siemens simply gives them different names, written as run-together lowercase words (hyperFresh, activeClean), and often leads with the most high-tech features: TFT screens, sensors, artificial intelligence on its most advanced iQ700 ovens. Here are the essentials, family by family.
Cooking
The hobs
- powerInduction and powerBoost : basic induction, with a temporary power boost (about +50%) to bring things to the boil quickly.
- combiZone : two cooking zones combined into one large zone, for a griddle or an oval dish (ED iQ500 hobs).
- flexInduction : a zone made of several induction coils that detects the shape of the pan (EX851HEC1F, EX851LVC1F). flexInduction Plus : even larger zones, 40 cm long on the EX851LYC1F.
- flexMotion : move the pan around the zone and it keeps its setting.
- powerMove Plus : the flexible zone offers three preset power levels depending on where the pan sits. Slide it across to sear, simmer or keep warm.
- fryingSensor (Plus or Pro): a sensor that keeps the frying pan at the chosen temperature.
- touchControl, touchSlider, dual lightSlider : the controls, from the simplest (+ and − keys) to the most direct (a light bar per zone).
- cookConnect : the Home Connect hob sends its data to the hood, which adjusts its power and lighting automatically.
The ovens
- 3D hotAir : circulating hot air spread across three levels, for baking several trays at once.
- activeClean : Siemens pyrolytic cleaning. humidClean (Plus): hot soapy water cleaning on enamelled walls.
- fastPreheat : rapid preheating.
- coolStart : cooking frozen food without preheating.
- Air Fry : a mode and perforated tray for crispy fried food with little oil.
- cookControl (10, Plus, Pro): automatic programmes, you choose the dish.
- Cooking Assistant : an on-screen assistant to find the right setting.
- softMove : a door with damping on opening and closing.
- TFT screen : colour touchscreen on the HB774G2B1.
- Higher up the range (not sold by us): varioSpeed (built-in microwave), fullSteam (steam), roastingSensor and bakingSensor, and the food-recognition camera on the newest iQ700 models.
The hoods
- iQdrive : brushless motor, quiet and energy-efficient (LC97BDN30 hood).
- Intelligent Hood Automatic : the hood adjusts its power automatically.
- Intensive setting : a temporary burst of power that returns to normal speed by itself.
The dishwasher
- aquaStop : leak protection (double-walled hose, solenoid valve and detection in the base), fitted on all four of our models.
- iQdrive : brushless motor.
- varioSpeed : option that shortens the cycle.
- Zeolith : zeolite drying, a mineral that absorbs moisture and releases it as heat (iQ500 and iQ700, not sold by us under Siemens; found on the Bosch SMV6ZCX03E as PerfectDry).
- autoOpen dry : the door opens slightly at the end of the cycle to release steam (SN75EX23CE).
- glassZone : gentle wash zone for delicate glasses.
- infoLight, timeLight, sideLight : light signals showing whether the dishwasher is running, when it is built in.
- varioHinge : hinge for tall fronts or low plinths. openAssist : push-to-open for handleless kitchens.
- smartStart (iQ700): automatic start during off-peak hours or when renewable energy is available.
Cooling
- hyperFresh : adjustable humidity drawer for fruit and vegetables. hyperFresh Plus : with humidity slider. hyperFresh 0 °C : colder zone for meat and fish.
- noFrost / Total noFrost : no more frost, no more defrosting. lowFrost : reduced frost.
- superCooling / superFreezing : accelerated cooling after shopping.
- softClose : the door closes gently over the last few centimetres.
- Pantograph hinges : the cabinet door is fixed directly to the fridge door, sturdier than runners.
- noDistance (freestanding installation): the appliance can be placed flush against the wall.
Home Connect and the Siemens app
Siemens connected appliances use Home Connect, accessible via the Siemens app (recent product sheets refer to Siemens Home Appliances). Preheat the oven remotely, track the end of the dishwasher cycle, receive a door-open alert, let the hob control the hood: with us, the HB774G2B1 oven, the ED and EX851HEC1F hobs, the LC97BDN30 hood and the SN43HI01MS, SX63HX16CE and SN75EX23CE dishwashers are connected. In 2026, Siemens also announces the gradual arrival of Alexa+ and generative AI on its appliances.
The Siemens glossary (and the Bosch equivalent)
| Siemens name | In plain terms | At Bosch |
|---|---|---|
| iQ100 / iQ300 / iQ500 / iQ700 | Range levels | Series 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 |
| iQdrive | Brushless motor | SilentPowerDrive |
| powerBoost | Temporary power boost for one hob zone | PowerBoost |
| combiZone | Two hob zones combined | CombiZone |
| flexInduction | Zone that adapts to the cookware | FlexInduction |
| flexMotion | The setting follows the pan as it is moved | MoveMode (close match) |
| fryingSensor | Pan temperature sensor | PerfectFry |
| cookConnect | The hob controls the hood | Smart Hood Automatic |
| 3D hotAir | 3-level circulating hot air | Hotair 3D |
| activeClean | Pyrolysis | Pyrolysis |
| humidClean | Soapy water cleaning | Cleaning Assistance |
| coolStart | Frozen food without preheating | No equivalent on our Bosch ovens |
| softMove | Cushioned oven door | Soft Close |
| varioSpeed | Shortened cycle (dishwasher) or built-in microwave (oven) | Speed Perfect |
| aquaStop | Water shut-off in case of leak | AquaStop |
| Zeolith | Zeolite drying | PerfectDry |
| autoOpen dry | Door that opens at the end of the cycle | EfficientDry |
| glassZone | Gentle zone for glasses | Glassware programme |
| infoLight / timeLight | Signal or remaining time projected onto the floor | InfoLight / TimeLight |
| varioHinge | Hinge for tall fronts | Vario Hinge |
| openAssist | Push-to-open | Open Assist |
| hyperFresh | Crisper drawer with adjustable humidity | VitaFresh |
| noFrost | No frost | No Frost |
| softClose | Fridge door that closes softly | SoftClosing Door |
| noDistance | Can be installed against a wall | Perfect Fit |
| Home Connect | Remote control app | Home Connect |
Equivalences based on the official Siemens and Bosch Belgium catalogues. Details may vary from one model to another: the product sheet is the reference.
What really matters day to day
Not all technologies are worth the same in everyday life. Here is our view, piece by piece, on what is worth paying for.
- For the oven : activeClean pyrolysis is the best investment if you hate scrubbing. It is available from the iQ300 onwards (HB574ABR3F). The TFT display and advanced modes of the iQ700 will delight enthusiasts, but are not essential.
- For the hob : induction changes everything compared with ceramic (speed, safety, cleaning). flexInduction and fryingSensor are real advantages if you cook every day.
- For the hood : cookConnect means you don't have to think about the hood, but it requires a compatible hob. The first criterion remains noise and an extraction rate suited to your room.
- For the dishwasher : noise and energy class matter in an open-plan kitchen. autoOpen noticeably improves drying.
- For the fridge : hyperFresh keeps fruit and vegetables fresher for longer. softClose is a pleasant comfort feature, noFrost a real time-saver on a freezer.
In short: spend first where you spend the most time. A keen cook will put their budget into the hob and oven; a large family, into a quiet dishwasher and a large fridge. Our guide which Siemens to choose helps you decide.
At Siemens, two technologies really change life in the kitchen: flexInduction (no more hunting for the right ring) and fryingSensor (no more burnt oil). If you cook often, that's where I'd put your budget first.
These technologies in store
SIEMENS HB774G2B1 Built-in Oven€1,229.00
Built-in oven SIEMENS HB574ABR3F€543.00
Hob SIEMENS EX 851 LYC 1 F€1,169.00
Induction Hob SIEMENS EX851HEC1F€949.00
Induction Hob SIEMENS ED851HSB1E€889.00
Built-in dishwasher SIEMENS SN75EX23CE€1,279.00
Built-in Fridge SIEMENS KI72LADE0€1,299.00
Built-in freezer SIEMENS GU21NADE0€1,029.00
Wall-mounted cooker hood SIEMENS LC97BDN30€829.00Also worth reading
- The Siemens area.
- Siemens ovens, hobs and hoods.
- Bosch technologies, to compare.
Frequently asked questions
What is flexInduction?
An induction cooking zone made of several coils that combine according to the size and shape of the cookware. Place a frying pan, an oval casserole or a griddle wherever you like within the zone: the hob detects the utensil and heats only the area beneath it.
What is fryingSensor for?
A sensor measures the pan's temperature and holds it at the chosen level. The oil no longer smokes, the steak sears well, and you no longer need to constantly adjust the power.
Is activeClean pyrolysis?
Yes. The oven heats up to very high temperature and reduces grease to ash, which you simply wipe away. With us, the HB574ABR3F and HB774G2B1 ovens are fitted with it.
What is coolStart?
A mode on the HB774G2B1 oven that lets you cook frozen foods (chips, pizzas, gratins) without preheating, following the time on the packaging. Handy on busy evenings.
Is the iQdrive motor guaranteed for 10 years?
On Siemens washing machines, yes, after registration within 2 months under the Siemens Belgium terms. At Nimestore, iQdrive is fitted notably in the LC97BDN30 hood, with the standard warranty.
Come and see the appliances in person
At our Temploux shop, we open the doors and compare drums and finishes. Or ask our expert sales adviser online, right now.
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