I’ll be the first to admit that a kitchen counter overfilled with bulky appliances triggers a specific kind of anxiety in me. However, if a person finds themselves in the mood for a healthy and hearty meal, they'll probably need all the kitchen appliances they can get their hands on. In short – bulky appliances, unfortunately, come with the territory; in this case, the kitchen.
With that said, it appears that this bulky clutter-phobia is shared by many people, some of whom (luckily) come from the world of interior design and appliance marketing. Thus, in recent years, the trend of smart yet contemporary kitchen appliances has taken over the market. Here, we’ll look at just a few of them that will make your kitchen both more functional and beautiful!
Coffee machines – the perfect start to your day
Ever since its discovery, the majority of the world has been hopelessly addicted to caffeine. There’s something inexplicably special hidden away in that burst of energy at the bottom of our morning cups – a love that has not gone unnoticed by the business world. However, instead of investing in coffee shop chains, the business world has taken a different approach – it’s bringing the coffee to you.
Even though coffee machines have been around for decades, their newest generation is unlike any before it. Today, machines are designed to please consumers with both their functionality and style. While the abundance of options allows you to cook up anything from a standard espresso to a double caramel macchiato, the design makes the machine the centrepiece of your kitchen. Furthermore, because of consumer demand, there’s just about every design imaginable on the market – truly something for everyone.
Refrigerators – rethinking bulky design
Just as no meal should be served without a bit of culinary passion, no kitchen should be without a refrigerator. However, while a necessity, fridges are also famously bulky appliances that take up more than their fair share of space. Back when they first appeared on the market, their size was disregarded for the sake of their practicality, but times have changed – people no longer wish to see unappealing appliances, even if they get the job done.
Thus, because of consumer demand, fridges have recently experienced a renaissance. Today, the market offers consumers refrigerators of just about every shape, size, and colour. The most modern ones come with flexible freezer space, meaning that you can convert the freezer area into a fridge if the need ever arises. Similarly, because of their clearcut edges and technologically advanced options, contemporary fridges are one of the most sought-out kitchen appliances today. In short, it seems that along with being necessary, refrigerators have also managed to become a must-have fashion statement in interior design.
Air fryers – the quicker and healthier option
Ovens and stoves have been the centrepieces of kitchens across both continents and centuries. However, as technological advancements continue to move borders, a worthy replacement for the oven may just be on the horizon – the air fryer.
Put simply, air fryers are no more than petite conventional ovens with built-in fans that circulate hot air within the machine. However, while the technology behind them may not be revolutionary, their effect on our health just might be. Namely, because of their built-in fans, air fryers require little to no oil in the cooking process, making them a considerably healthier appliance in comparison to traditional ovens. In addition, an air fryer is much smaller than a traditional oven, taking up considerably less space in the kitchen. Thus, while ovens remain an irreplaceable part of our kitchens, air fryers are something all of us should make room for.
Food processors – the next step to being a professional chef
While the title may come across as a bit of an exaggeration, food processors do add a touch of culinary magic to the kitchen. Even though this appliance alone won’t make your food more delicious, it will significantly broaden your menu.
Food processors are fit for chopping, slicing, grating, whisking, mincing, kneading, and pureeing food at the touch of a button. Because of their versatility, they are the ideal kitchen companion for both trained and novice chefs. The food processors allow you to try out a selection of meals you've tried in restaurants while saving you both time and effort in preparation. Due to their practicality, designers have created food processors for just about everyone – from large families to students wanting to keep a healthier diet during university.
In truth, the list of appliances that one kitchen needs is never-ending. As time passes, new recipes requiring new techniques and technologies will inevitably appear. With that said, the four kitchen appliances discussed above are the core essentials of any kitchen. They will help store, prepare, and cook food – as well as give you that initial burst of energy to start!
By Lana Hawkins