Well-planned kitchens need to be as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing. Here’s our handpicked selection of the best in cutting-edge technologies and smart devices in the cooking arena.
From Elica to Zip Industries, these are intuitive aspiration systems, innovative lighting, hidden sensors and temperature regulators, which all the while being at the forefront of technology, incorporate beautifully handcrafted natural materials as well.
Elica’s Majestic Sense
Not only is this new vertical hood by Elica sleek and would meld nicely with any modern kitchen, but it features a touch control command, and sensors allow the hood to recognise the quantity and quality of vapors, communicate wirelessly with Elica induction hobs, detecting the cooking zones in use and their power level. It is also connectable to SNAP, the innovative aspiration system that monitors and improves air quality, thus supporting fumes discharge to the outside and guaranteeing total management of kitchen air. Need we say more?
Zip’s HydroTaps
Zip's new tap designs include the elegant Arc, the ultra-contemporary Cube, and the minimalist Elite, which come in bright or brushed chrome, and gloss or matte black. But these are not just design statements, they have the ability to provide offering any combination of filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water, instantly, and can be situated away from a sink with the use of a font kit.
The Arc, featured below, has a graceful, curved swan-like design, making it perfect for both classic and modern surroundings. Featuring the same functionality and technology as the current G4 models, such as the advanced 0.2 micron filtration system, excellent energy efficiency and compact under-sink command centre, the new taps will to appeal to those who crave style as well as substance.
Hacker’s Climbers and Electric Cabinets
Hacker has not just made a splash because of its newly launched Kitchen in Motion -kitchens devoid of handles, silent move sliding worktops and automatic pullouts - they also have a range of doors, like Canyon, with raised areas creating a 3d effect; pop up taps where the sink is completely concealed; they have recently produced blackboard panels which are waterproof, and can be installed behind sink areas and cabinetry; and their self-explanatory electronic climbers and cabinets, are a perfect and seamless way of storing things.
And it’s all the same underlying motif of lending the illusion of an uncluttered space that re-arranges your workspace so that it can enhance ergonomics, functionality, adaptability and design in an ultra-modern, flexible and most importantly, moveable kitchen. As senior designer, Leigh Ann Steele, says, “Our new accessory range called ‘Move’ is just that. It is a series of boxes which slot together and move. This gives you total flexibility to arrange your drawers and pull outs to accommodate different elements - from crockery and cutlery to knife holders and spice trays. The options are endless.”
Gaggenau’s flex induction cooktops
Known for high-end home appliances, it isn’t a surprise that Gaggenau’s new flex induction cooktops are precise, fast, and flexible. Perfect as high performance tools for ambitious cooks, especially with kitchen plans where space is limited. Their features include a free positioning of cookware, a temperature regulator within three different pre-set heat zones (so cookware can be easily moved for a swift transition from boiling to simmering, for instance, and kept at constant temperature in each area – as in professional kitchens), a frying sensor as well as accessories like the Teppanyaki or the griddle plate.
The clean, purist design also has an innovative display that allows functions to be controlled by a gentle turn or tap on the Twist-Pad, with a removable magnetic knob.
Arclinea’s PVD/Steelia collection
Arclinea is famous for bringing the state of the art, chef’s kitchen into the home and our favourite illustration of this is their PVD, or Steelia collection, made in the quintessential material: steel.
PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) is a process that uses a special technology to bind colour to stainless steel through the evaporation of titanium molecules. As well as conferring a tonality, the treatment gives steel greater rigidity and resistance to friction or corrosion. It is also an eco-friendly process that guarantees complete safety in contact with food.
With Steelia, in its black, bronze and champagne finishes, Arclinea brings a new emotion in the kitchen: the sophistication and endurance of Steelia combine perfectly with the beauty of natural wood and stone, offering unique and extraordinary combinations.
To see these brands and over 100 more, register now for Downtown Design 2016.
More NEWS
