Appliances Redefining Kitchen Chores

Just when you believe you’ve seen everything possible in kitchen appliances, along come some new innovations. Being a kitchen designer today means you constantly have new ways to meet and exceed every customer’s needs. Here are a few of the options that make the remodeling process fun.

Dual-fuel at your service

You like certain attributes of electric cooking and you prefer some things about a gas range. The good news is you don’t have to choose anymore. Professional quality ranges now offer both in a single appliance. For example, a six-burner range from Thermador has a gas range top, an electric griddle and an electric oven. 

Cooking safe, cooking green

Induction cooktops offer the best of two worlds. Efficient cooking that takes less time (sustainability) and safe cooking because there are no flames or hot surfaces until a pot is placed on the cooking area.

The fine art of concealment

Integrated appliances continue to gain favor as homeowners opt for dishwashers, refrigerators and trash compactors that are built in and hidden behind cabinet doors, blending in with the chosen cabinet style. For those who appreciate efficiency and subtlety, there is a Gaggenau dishwasher that lets you know the cycle is nearing the end by projecting a red dot on the floor. The light goes out when the cycle is complete.

 A door that acts like a door

Wall ovens with side-opening doors are giving the homeowner a convenient alternative to the traditional pull=down oven door, Gaggenau even offers built-in, side opening wall oven that can also be installed under the counter. Doors open to a full 180 degrees (like a microwave), and the handle is far enough from the edge to stay cool to the touch.

 Chilling French-style

French-door refrigerators have come on strong in the past year. This is a refrigeration unit that combines side-by-side refrigerator doors with a bottom pull-out freezer drawer. A little less capacity, but a lot of style.