THE KITCHENISTA

Expert advice on kitchen design,
trends and innovation

Posts Tagged ‘kitchen appliances’

Trend Watch: Kitchen Gadgets

25.11.2011

Gadgets in the kitchen have become a huge trend over the last few years. Most people have very busy lifestyles so they need gadgets to help get jobs done as quickly as possible.

Eco gadgets are very on-trend at the minute. A hot water tap is not only better for the environment, but makes cooking and cleaning much easier, and they are aesthetically desirable.

Pop-up TVs and iPod docking stations are very popular for families entertaining in the kitchen, whilst pop-up plug sockets are a great way of turning something functional into a design feature.

Gadgets sit particularly well in modern kitchens but, if implemented well, can work just as well in traditional kitchens.

We always recommend avoid buying gimmicky gadgets or  kitchen appliances that you will only use a few times. They may look stylish, but your money would be better spent on something that will genuinely make your life more enjoyable or easier.

Electrolux Unveils Four Exciting New Products

20.05.2010

Top home appliance brand Electrolux unveiled four exciting new products at this year’s Grand Designs Live event this month.

These innovative new appliances could be commonplace in homes of the future:

Electrolux Naturewash is a concept for a waterless washing machine that uses what are called negative ions to clean or refresh materials. This machine is horizontal in shape and a person would lie or sit on Naturewash to clean or refresh the clothes they are wearing. If you were after more thorough clean, clothes can be placed flat on the washer.

Electrolux Renew is a smart steamer that refreshes and cleans clothes by blasting garments clean with steam blades using information from an infrared scanner and radio frequency identification that collates data from specially designed clothing tags on each piece of clothing. Renew would be about a quarter of the size of a regular washing machine and conserves space and also to bolster its eco credentials is made of recycled aluminium and glass.

Electrolux Water Catcher seeks to tackle possible water shortages, a topic which will of major importance in the future. Water Catcher is a flying appliance that is a rain catcher and water purifier that releases small flying balls in the air to catch raindrops. When the raindrops are collected, the water catcher purifies the water for drinking even adding additives to the water specially tailored to the individual’s health requirements.

The Electrolux Cocoon tackles the problem of how to provide meat and fish in a sustainable way to a growing world population. The Cocoon is designed to prepare genetically engineered and pre-packaged meat and fish dishes, essentially using science to create food, lifting a major burden on the planet by reducing the requirement of intensive farming and fishing.

We hope that these innovative Electrolux appliances make it to the shelves!

A Watched Kettle Never Boils

04.05.2010

I don’t know about you, but I love a good cup of tea. People always give me strange looks when I ask for “Strong but milky”. It’s not an oxymoron, it means stew the tea bag and then add lots of milk.

But I have to admit, when I stand watching the kettle slowly boil, I ask myself “how much of my life is wasted waiting for the kettle to boil?”

I haven’t done the maths and I don’t intend to.

Fortunately, the answer to all my prayers is here, the Insinkerator.

The Insinkerator hot water tap provides instant hot filtered water straight from the tap at 98 degrees, perfect for making tea, coffee, or for filling a pan ready to boil some veg.

And if you’ve got friends over, the 2.5 litre stainless steel tank will deliver 100 cups of filtered water per hour and the whole system fits neatly under the sink so you wouldn’t even know it was there.

It’s highly energy efficient and economical so it will also help you save time and money.

These kitchen appliances plus other time-saving gadgets are available through Magnet.

All I want for Christmas is… A Party Kitchen

23.12.2009

If you enjoy entertaining and want your kitchen to be ideal place for your guests congregate during the festive period, there are a number of ways to help create the ‘Perfect Party Kitchen’.

Wine coolerStep One – The Wine Fridge
No party kitchen is complete without a built-in wine cooler which are designed to store bottles at the right temperature. Keep them well stocked to make sure that no party, whether planned or impromptu, leaves guests with a dry mouth.

Step Two – Ice Dispenser
A constant supply of ice is vital for any party. Whether mixing cocktails or fruity soft drinks, ice dispensers are great for keeping drinks chilled this winter. They come as standard in most American style fridges.

Step Three – Kitchen Island
At most parties guests have a tendency to congregate in the kitchen. Installing a kitchen island provides the perfect place for revellers to gather ‘round. They are also a great place to dispense drinks or food from.

Step Four – Lighting
The position of lighting can be used to create the right ambience in the kitchen. When hosting a party never switch all the lights on – select carefully and you’ll be able to create the perfect party atmosphere.

Step Five – Coffee Machine
Vital for the morning after the night before. Help put the hangover on hold with a professional coffee machine. Forget instant and enjoy the taste of real percolated coffee, ideal for those who like a strong espresso to start the day.