Current at: 13 February 2008
Creative Technology
Technological advancements mean that kitchen appliances offer more than ever before − and homeowners expect more from them than ever before. They’re looking for ovens that can steam, bake and grill, coffee machines that grind the beans and clean themselves at the touch of a button, and low-maintenance, easy-clean finishes on everything.
As a result, a new generation of kitchen appliances is creeping into showrooms around the country − multifunction products specifically designed to offer improved convenience and efficiency, catering to today’s fast-paced lifestyles.
Oven ‘banks’, incorporating a steam oven, a convection oven and a microwave, are increasingly popular. Built-in coffee machines, ‘smart’ dishwashers and fast response cooktops are also finding their way into more kitchens.
When it comes to appearance, European styling and sleek stainless steel finishes are still very strong. Coated stainless steel, which easily wipes clean, is a must. And all this gleaming gadgetry is designed to enhance, rather than detract from the overall look of the kitchen.
As kitchens become more sophisticated, consumers want appliances that make their lives easier, such as self cleaning ovens and faster cooktops; as well as those that add a touch of luxury − built-in coffee machines fall into this category.
So, what are some of the must-have appliances for today’s kitchens?
Ovens
The newest type of oven to hit the market in recent years is a steam oven. Steam cooking is faster, and helps food retain more vitamins, nutrients, flavour, colour and texture. Steam-cooked food can also be healthier as no oils or fats need to be added to prevent it from drying out. However, despite all its advantages, a steam oven tends to be an ‘accessory’ oven, because it cannot brown or crisp food as it cooks. Rather than installing a conventional oven and a steam oven, many kitchen designers are now opting for combination or multi-function ovens, which offer the benefits of convection ovens along with a steam function.
Self-cleaning ovens are also at the top of consumers’wish-lists. Also known as ‘pyrolytic’, these ovens can heat up to around 500°C to literally burn any spills and grease away.
Induction cooktop
Extremely energy-efficient and offering supreme heat control, induction cooktops are a relatively recent innovation which are rapidly gaining in popularity − especially in areas where natural gas isn’t available. Induction cooktops work by producing heat when a magnetic field comes into contact with the saucepan. It’s a fast and precise way to cook − the response time from high to low heat is almost immediate. And, even when the heat is turned to ‘high’, induction cooktops remain cool to touch, which also makes them the safest option available. It’s worth noting though, that the system will work only with saucepans made of a magnetic material, such as iron or steel.
Concealed rangehoods
While many kitchen designers choose to make a feature of a gleaming stainless steel rangehood, just as many these days are choosing to hide the rangehood − particularly in more traditional kitchens.
A Downdraft rangehood (available from CASF Australia) can be installed in the bench to the side or on the wall behind the cooktop, offering an unobtrusive kitchen ventilation system.
This air extraction method opens the kitchen area, reduces clutter and is a great option for smaller kitchens. The room can be designed so that the cooktop can be positioned in front of a window or on an island bench without the need for a canopy overhead.
Another option is a retractable rangehood, which can be pulled out when needed and is virtually invisible when not in use. These styles are generally fitted with lighting and come with a slim stainless steel face which blends seamlessly into the cabinetry.
Energy efficient dishwasher
Dishwashers aren’t the energy and water guzzlers they once were. In demand today are dishwashers that offer a wider range of functions and improved economy. Sensors and half-load options give homeowners increased flexibility and help save water at the same time. All dishwashers now carry aWELS (water efficiency labelling system) label, which shows how water conscious each model is.
When it comes to energy efficiency, a dishwasher that uses a cold water connection will use the least energy – as the dishwasher heats its own water only for the parts of the cycle where hot water is needed. A dishwasher connected only to hot water will use the most energy.
Coffee machines
Built-in coffee machines, which can be wall-mounted and integrated into the kitchen cabinetry, are rapidly gaining in popularity and are a stylish way to add a touch of urban café culture to the homes you build.
While stand-alone models are available, consumers at the top end of the market are coming to expect the built-in versions, which are set into wall cabinetry in much the same way as a wall oven. Coffee machines must be hard-wired and should be plumbed; however, some models include a refillable water reservoir as well.
Look out for machines that include a water filter, integrated grinder and self cleaning function to reduce maintenance.
Smart choices
Particularly in high-end homes, installing the right appliances has never been so important. The style-conscious nature of many home buyers ensures that an investment in the latest quality appliances will add value to any home you build.