Just as the American family has evolved, so too, has the kitchen. And that means the cooking function has evolved as well. The home chef is no longer isolated in the kitchen while entertaining occurs somewhere in the house. Kitchens today are opening up to the rest of the house, the space is being developed for more and more uses and families are working together to get meals on the table.
With more cooks in the kitchen, it follow that larger work spaces, multiple work zones and appliances that offer more cooking options are important. Homeowners want cooking tools that can multi-task, with features that make tasks efficient and easy and functions that promote healthy cooking. That's according to a recent survey of appliance manufacturers, who see versatility, "Smart" functionality and efficiency as key trends in cooking appliances today.
With added convenience in the kitchen through various appliance settings, we are encouraging Americans to get back int the kitchen and cook- making it a family affair and leaving the hard work and guess work to the appliances. The traditional work triangle has been replaced by multiple work triangles, which facilities having more than one chef in the kitchen.
American kitchens have gone from a standard 30" range to a 36" range that allows for a double oven to increase utility. There is also a large increase in demand for a 48" range. Customers are willing to give up cabinet space to allow for bigger, more productive ranges.
Multi-Tasking Appliance
In addition to more space, the demand is high for specialty appliances, as well as appliances that do more, thereby increasing cooking capabilities in the kitchen. People are adding function-specific appliances such as warming drawers, steam ovens, griddles and rotisseries for multi-tasking kitchen. Speed and convenience also matters. Busy lives makes dinner one of the few times of the day that families spend together, so people want the speed for preparing meals so they have more time to spend at the table. High BTU burners, quick preheats and rapid boiling are all features consumers are seeking to help them get dinner to the table quicker.
Microwaves are coming off the walls. Designers are opening up the kitchen. They're taking cabinets off the walls, especially if there's a window they can open up to the outside. We're seeing the microwave now going under the counter, on an island out of sight, but also easily accessible, not only for the child, but also accessible from an ADA perspective.
As manufacturers continue to develop smarter appliances, culinary enthusiasts expect their appliances to multi-task as much as possible. Multi-purpose appliances including a microwave combination oven and a warming drawer that doubles as a slow cooker. These appliances offer chefs several functions in a single appliance for more flexible design option.
Jenn-Air has also introduced several new built-in appliances this year, including a 24" steam and convection oven that offers a wide range of cooking modes from steam cooking to bread proofing.
Though traditional appliances continue to gain popularity, complementing a wall oven with a warming drawer is another way chefs are creating a comprehensive cooking center. In ventilation, systems that can do their work without overpowering conversations make a difference.
Induction Increase
With a desire for clean lines, added efficiency, speed and flexibility topping consumer wish lists, it comes as no surprise that induction cooktops continue to gain standing in the market.The induction cooktop offering a sleek design profile combined with high performance, is an appliance that luxury consumers are likely to continue to gravitate towards. Since induction technology allows for a far more efficient transfer of energy than a gas flame or heated electrical element, it saves both energy and time, particularly in bringing ingredients to boil. Induction cooking is rising in popularity due to its energy efficiency and safety appeal. There is a lack of open flame or heating elements making it a safety benefit that keeps small fingers safe from burns.
Streamlined Style
Appliance manufacturers agree that kitchen design is still trending toward simple, clean lines, and cooking appliances must complement the overall feel of the room. People are requesting streamlined designs for their kitchens and want their appliances to fit right in. There is a continued strong growth with stainless steel, which is a mainstay in the industry today. Consumers want options and are steering toward built-in appliances for a seamless, yet highly functional kitchen design. There is also a demand for appliances that blend in. When it comes to the exterior appearance of appliances, stainless has long been the industry standard. While stainless continues to be in high demand, there is also a call in the luxury category for appliances to be seamlessly integrated into their surroundings. The Matte finish offers a softer take on black and mixes nicely with the gray and white finishes customers' are opting for.Healthy Cooking
A quest for better health plays an increasing role in what consumers are looking for from their cooking appliances as well. More and more families are choosing to eat healthier by controlling their ingredients and preparing their own meals at home. Efficient and top-performing appliances that can do anything from steaming to roasting to grilling help make healthy eating easy and delicious at the same time. Steam cooking allows preparation of meals without oils and butter and its healthy food perparation capabilities are making it a staple in today's cooking. The steam oven is the vehicle that people are using to bring the farm-to-table movement to life. There are many benefits to steam cooking, including better browning, maintaining vitamins and nutrients in vegetables and keeping moisture in food when reheating. The growing importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle has certainly impacted the types of features and technology in appliances today!
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