Cooking Appliance Options

Cooking Appliances: A New Menu of Options

Designing a beautiful kitchen that functions well for your lifestyle can't be done without considering the range of technology that is available to homeowners today. Many of these newer options not only offer better ways to cook but are also safer and more energy efficient.

Induction technology is one of the hottest trends in cooking today according to John Petrie, CMKBD, 2013 National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) President-elect. While it has been available commercially for quite some time, products like the Thermador Freedom Induction Cooktop are bringing this technology home. This premium cooktop recognizes the shape, size and position of your cookware to precisely deliver heat while the surface remains cool to the touch. The direct heat transfer, in products utilizing this technology, provides faster cooking and greater energy efficiency. One thing to keep in mind if considering this type of cooktop is that is does require cast iron or stainless steel pans to make the magnetism work.

Steam and convection ovens are both gaining popularity. For the health conscious home owner, steam cooking preserves both moisture and nutrients normally lost during the cooking process. Reducing the need to add fat and calories to keep food moist. Shortened cooking times are an added bonus. If reducing energy costs is appealing, a convection oven may fit the bill. It cooks foods quickly and evenly at a lower temperature than traditional ovens by circulating air through the cooking space. This technology is offered by several companies at a variety of price points to meet your budget.

Even traditional gas and electric ranges are offering new options; like multiple cavities for cooking foods at different temperatures, quicker cleaning cycles and dual fuel units that offer a gas cooktop with an electric oven. The largest change to gas ovens in recent years has been to the safety of the units with the use of sealed burners.

Microwave ovens continue to evolve and find new places in our kitchens. The newest trend toward microwave drawers offers many benefits including integration into cabinetry at a safe and convenient height to the user.

The integration of Smart technology is beginning to offer homeowners the option of accessing and monitoring appliances from remote locations through the use of phone and computer applications. The future will continue to bring new advances to help make the busiest room in your home work even more efficiently while reducing energy consumption and water use.