By Mari Sciarappa
Open-plan living is fast becoming popular in terms of home spaces. According to Mercia de Jagger from Miele, where previously the kitchen, dining room and entertainment areas were sectioned off in a home, it is becoming more and more prevalent to have all three functioning as integrated areas. As such, the demand for kitchen appliances and designs that blend into their environment has grown.
Experts from Euro Appliances explain: “More focus is placed on the ‘work triangle’ which is the principle of placing cooling, cooking and preparation areas of the kitchen in a triangle. Ergonomics is also gaining more focus on appliances being better placed to reduce strain on the user.”
Focus must certainly include two vitally important aspects in the kitchen: hobs and extractor fans.
A hob, according to experts from Whirlpool, is simply there to provide the ability to cook. There are many different models for this, and even more different styles and designs. Experts, however, agree that energy-efficiency is vitally important when installing and using hobs.
Experts from Whirlpool suggest a hob that heats the pan itself, so that less than 10% of energy is used. This, they explain, “is one of the most energy-efficient and cost-effective ways of cooking”.
The extractor fan’s primary function, according to Euro Appliances, is “to extract the fumes coming from the cooking area, blow it outside or recirculate it back into the kitchen”.
These fumes can include heat, grease, smells and excess steam generated from cooking. “The first and most preferred option is to channel the air outside the house,” add the Euro Appliances’ experts.
Stacy Shepherd from Global Pact adds that “extractor fans are also used to remove airborne debris and contaminants from the air surrounding the appliance”.
To that end, the extractor fan is a fundamental component in a successful kitchen.
Trends in hobs and extractor fan models vary from house to house, and from person to person. “Rationaissance”, according to experts at Whirlpool, refers to “trends that shape the future”. They argue that it is about functional and, often, rational aspects that are both stylish and iconic. Contemporary models in stainless steel and glass finishes are increasingly popular in today’s market.
The experts at Euro Appliances agree with stainless steel as an option, saying that it “brings a professional and hygienic feel to the kitchen”.
Black matt or graphite-coloured appliances are also gaining momentum in the market. Other considerations, according to Stacy, include eco-friendly, colourful, high-tech, convenient and multi-functional. Mercia adds that these appliances should also be “durable and aesthetically pleasing”.
But in today’s home, pristine design is only one factor. In terms of maintaining an energy-efficient environment, “green” concepts need to be considered. Mercia says that “as with the ever-increasing price of electricity, along with a global drive to be more environmentally responsible, consumers are looking for appliances that do more, while using less power”. Euro Appliances suggests LED lighting, power efficient extractor motors and intelligent sensors. Of course, gas is also another option that should be considered if possible.
When considering what to install in your home, Whirlpool offers the following advice – “price is always important, second only to design”. Stacy from Global Pact advises: “When installing the hood, the height of the flue must be taken into consideration as well as the correct distance from the bottom of the hood to the top of the stove.”
With the latest in hobs and extractors, home owners can be sure to find products that will not only add value to their cooking but to the aesthetics as well.
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