KITCHEN CONVENIENCE

Appealing to a modern consumer who favours multifunctional and efficient designs, large kitchen appliances are now available in highly serviceable and fully integrated varieties

- Rachel White

Traditionally considered the heart of the home, for many years, kitchens were hidden away in closed-off rooms to keep appliances, mess and clutter out of sight and out of mind.

Since open-plan design gained popularity in the 1980s, kitchens have been brought into the living room and are now celebrated for their beauty and recognised as an integral part of modern living. In the aftermath of the pandemic, a new wave of zealous renovators has emerged with a passion for spaces and appliances that make everyday life more streamlined.

As society at large continues to adapt to the "new normal", we are, in general, more intimately acquainted with our homes than ever before. Bruce Cranston, product expert at Winning Appliances, says this new way of life has led to a number of noticeable trends emerging post-pandemic that relate to large kitchen appliances.

"A definite pattern emerging from the pandemic is that more people are looking to renovate and upgrade their appliances," he says. "They are also looking for appliances that aid in everyday life."

While consumers are looking for a high level of functionality, Bruce says design is also key for those wanting to upgrade their appliances or renovate their kitchen completely. "People are looking for appliances with clean-cut designs and the ability to integrate seamlessly into the kitchen design. Kitchens are becoming more influenced by designs from art galleries rather than traditional kitchen layouts," he points out.

With a plethora of products to choose from, we dive into the latest technologies, special features, aesthetics, eco-credentials and trends for large kitchen appliances, including ovens, fridges, cooktops, rangehoods and dishwashers.

COOKING APPLIANCES: OVENS, COOKTOPS AND RANGEHOODS