What does true comfort mean in today’s world? Is it about convenience, luxury, or the freedom to reclaim your time?
In this episode of Dialogue with Bath Affair, Aanchal Gupta, Director at Bath Affair, sat down with Husain Quettawalla, Executive Director and Board Member at Stiebel Eltron India, to explore this very idea—and more. Filmed during the launch of India’s first Comfort Gallery at Bath Affair, the conversation unfolded into a deep, personal, and practical reflection on how design, technology, and lifestyle are converging to shape modern Indian living.
A Legacy Comes Home
With a legacy of over 100 years and a presence around the world, Stiebel Eltron has long stood for precision German engineering and advanced home technology—from tankless water heaters to heat pumps, and now, sophisticated ventilation systems. But how does such a global legacy find resonance in the Indian context?
For Husain, the journey is personal. “I started out as an importer. And now, to lead the company’s Indian operations—it feels full circle,” he reflects. His mission today is not just business growth but safeguarding a century-old legacy through values-driven leadership. “We’re just beginning this next chapter,” he says, “but it’s built on patience, persistence, and purpose.”
More Than Products: People and Philosophy
What stands out in Husain’s approach is his belief that comfort is not just technical—it’s human.
“Stiebel Eltron’s credibility is driven by the people behind it—the shareholders, the teams, and those who believe in the mission,” he shares. “When values align, brands gain meaning.”
This people-first philosophy is central to how Stiebel Eltron is being positioned in India—not as a cold, foreign import, but as a thoughtful solution to real, lived needs in Indian homes.
The Future of Comfort: Time as a Luxury
When asked what will define comfort in Indian homes going forward, Husain’s answer is both surprising and resonant: time.
“Today, everything is instant—groceries, payments, entertainment. But time? That’s the one luxury we’re all chasing,” he says. From this perspective, technology becomes less about automation and more about liberation. Products that simplify routines and create more personal time are the future of comfort.
For instance, the tankless water heater, a flagship product from Stiebel Eltron, saves not just water or energy—it saves minutes every morning, every evening. Over time, that’s hours, days—even years—reclaimed.
“Comfort technology must create space for what matters: family, health, peace of mind,” Husain explains.
Why Ventilation is the Next Big Leap
While Stiebel Eltron has been historically known for hot water systems, Husain believes ventilation technology is the next game-changer in India. With rising pollution levels and a growing focus on wellness, indoor air quality is becoming a silent but critical need.
“People underestimate how much poor ventilation affects health, productivity, and sleep. We’re breathing in stale air for hours every day—and don’t even realize it,” he explains.
In Europe, ventilation solutions are already standard. In India, awareness is still catching up—but Stiebel Eltron is ready to lead that shift.
Comfort Gallery: Experience, Not Just Education
Launched in collaboration with Bath Affair, the Comfort Gallery is India’s first experiential space dedicated to Stiebel Eltron technologies. From touch-and-feel demonstrations to live product simulations, it’s not just a showroom—it’s an awareness hub.
“In India, home investments have traditionally gone into visible assets—tiles, sofas, decor,” Husain notes. “But products that stay behind the walls or under the floors—those don’t get the same attention. The Comfort Gallery changes that.”
And that’s where the synergy between Stiebel Eltron and Bath Affair truly shines. Both brands believe in experiential design—offering customers a chance to see, feel, and understand the value before they commit.
“When people walk into the Gallery and experience underfloor heating or instant hot water firsthand, their perspective shifts,” says Aanchal Gupta, host of the vodcast and Director at Bath Affair. “Suddenly, it’s not an expense. It’s an investment in lifestyle.”
Onwards and Upwards: The Path Ahead
As the episode neared its close, Husain summed up the vision in three words: Onwards and Upwards.
“We’re entering a new era,” he says. “Indians are now ready to invest in quality-of-life improvements—and platforms like Bath Affair are helping us accelerate that journey.”
The partnership isn’t just about showcasing products. It’s about shaping perception, one experience at a time.
Whether it’s the tankless water heater that saves time, the ventilation system that silently protects your health, or the tap that delivers boiling water on demand—Stiebel Eltron isn’t just building appliances. It’s building smarter, healthier homes.
Rapid Fire with Husain Quettawalla
To end the episode on a lighter note, we put Husain through a quick rapid-fire round:
- Favourite Stiebel Eltron product?
Tankless water heater. - Common misconception about comfort tech in India?
That it’s too complex. - What does comfort mean to you?
Luxury. - One non-negotiable comfort ritual?
A hot cup of chai.
It was a fitting end to a conversation that flowed effortlessly—from global legacy to Indian homes, from product design to personal comfort.
Watch the Full Episode Here:
