Clothing and electronics aren't the only things to fall prey to the call of fashion. More and more, kitchen appliances are getting in on the game. We've cooked up a sample of the hottest trends to follow when equipping your kitchen for the New Year.
The Faucet that Really gets Around
Created for Dornbracht by Sieger Design, the Pivot kitchen faucet's revolutionary 360° design lets you bring the water where you need it, without the muss or the fuss. With a faucet that projects outwards for 55cm, the Pivot provides superior flexibility. The faucet's unique design allows the same far-reaching functionality as retracting spray heads and hoses in a solid design. A single lever mixer lets you get water just the temperature you need in a single step. Sleek chrome and matte platinum finishes make is simple for the Pivot to blend in with existing fixtures.
The Joy of Integration
The fridge is an important part of your kitchen, so why not let it really be a part of your kitchen? Built-in or "integrated" refrigerators which use wood paneling to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen cabinetry are the newest way to give your kitchen a look to die for. Sub Zero and Wolf are at the forefront of the "invisible" fridge movement, coupling sophisticated looks with the superior quality customers have come to expect.
Steam Things Up
Steam ovens are the hottest trend in cooking since the microwave and the invention of fire. Steaming is a common way to cook a variety of dishes, but now steam can be used to prepare nearly everything. Imagine turning the two hours you used to need to prepare that big and juicy bird down to twenty minutes. Now you can have dinner ready, feed the family, clean up, and start movie night in a fraction of the time it usually takes! A water reservoir is used to begin the baking process, which (by the way) cuts down the fat, helps dishes stay moist, and keeps vitamins in food where they belong. Steam ovens can even be used to quickly complete chores like bottle sterilization. Wolf, Sharp, Miele, and other makers are changing the way we look at cooking…with just a little steam!
Feed your Need for Speed
If a steam oven just isn't fast enough to suit your lifestyle, maybe a "speed oven" is just what you need. New, air-based cooking technology perfected by Miele and others makes it possible not only to have a smaller oven, but use it to cook everything 10-15 times faster! Gone are the days of getting up at 5 am to stagger to get that Thanksgiving turkey started. Now you can pop a 12 lb bird in the oven and have it on the table, wishbone and all, in under an hour! These super-smart wizards of the modern kitchen allow you to choose the appropriate cooking time based on the type of dish you wish to prepare, and even select different cooking styles like gas, microwave, or convection.
Drinks all Around!
Be the host and the life of the party by adding a built-in beverage center to your kitchen remodel or new build. No longer limited to the under-the-counter wine fridge, beer, mixers, and just about anything else you wish to imbibe can find a comfortable home in one of these accommodating appliances. Built-in and freestanding versions by makers like Danby make it possible to fit your dream drink center in nearly any type of kitchen. Some models even sport dual temperature zones so you can keep the beer ice cold while the wine can be just cool enough to suit individual tastes. Whether you are getting set for the dinner party of the year or stocking up for the big game, built-in beverage centers let you be the host with the most.
Stand by Me
Are you a serious chef who feels the need for a double oven, but doesn't want to risk the disaster that accompanies the breakdown of a stacked unit? Opt for two single ovens and place them side by side. There's plenty of space for everything you need to prepare in the busiest of kitchens, but with the reassurance that if one goes, you still have a backup. Having both units at ground level maintains culinary comfort by keeping them at a comfortable height. You also avoid the risk of burns to the face or chest should a dish you are removing from the top oven decide to make a run for it. It's definitely the simplest way to get that second oven you've been dreaming about. Now all you need to do is invite over twice the company!
Posted by: Ahmed Muztaba