Many homeowners have blenders, coffee makers, toaster ovens, microwaves and other small appliances that sit out on the counter at all times. When purchasing new small appliances and equipment, it’s often a good idea to consider how they will look in the overall design scheme.
It can sometimes seem like a good idea to get an item simply because it’s on sale. However, if all your other appliances are a brushed stainless steel and this one is white, black or a high-shine steel, it will look out of place. It’s vital to consider any visible items an important part of the décor and design of your kitchen.
Here are trendy ideas you can add in your kitchen space and countertop:
1. Retro design - Contrasting vintage appliances
There’s no denying that bold checkerboard floors, cherry red furniture, and glossy refrigerators are a design dream. While you may feel intimidated by the idea of designing your space around a specific time period, there are plenty of ways to unite retro accents with modern amenities, creating a room that feels both vintage and modern. With the iconic look of a retro appliance as the focal point is sometimes all you need.
- SMEG Dolce and Gabbana electric citrus press, "Sicily Is My Love," Collection priced at around R8 400
Dolce & Gabbana and SMEG join creative forces to create "Sicily is my Love," a unique, new project made in Italy. Sicilian aesthetics and state-of-the-art technology meet in this juicy collaboration that smacks of retro design.
Features: Tritan plastic lid/juicing bowl - This convenient item is BPA-free and its strong material is impact resistant and easy to remove for use. It can be used to collect the juice or as a fruit/peel bowl, and when not in use, it serves as a dust cover for the top of the unit, keeping your internal components clean and ready for their next use.
2. Innovative controls and details means you can enjoy cooking again
The ability to sync with a wireless Bluetooth or WIFI device is a powerful new way to get things started in the kitchen. No longer will you need to rely on old oven timers or long preheat wait times.
You can use state-of-the-art ranges to sync with your microwave and other connected appliances, according to GE’s newest invention. Your oven can tell your microwave when to sync timers. It will also automatically turn on the lights when it’s in use and perform other similarly useful functions.
- Smart Wi-Fi Instant Pot priced at around R2 000 on take.a.lot.com
Smart WIFI instant pot is everyone's favourite small kitchen appliance, totally upgraded. With more than 330 reviews - buyers are impressed with the product. "Amazing product! I'm a single dad and this has been a lifesaver. Great quality and easy to use with plenty of recipes on Youtube," says Bern.
"Best kitchen appliances for every household. Safe you time for preparing meals," adds Weitzu.
Features: Not only can it do everything a standard Instant Pot can do (remember: it's already a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, cake maker, and warmer in one, and you can sauté in it, too), this WiFi-enabled version connects to an app and is Alexa-enabled.
3. Speciality appliances to suit your own personal taste
If you are a hot drink lover of coffees, espressos, cappuccinos, teas or more, why not use innovative ideas such as a coffee system in your home? If your kitchen is like most, preparing a personal hot drink experience for friends and family comes standard and couldn’t be easier when you select nifty appliances to enhance the occasion.
- The Defy Inox 1.8l currently selling at Makro for about R699
This fully integrated system cleans itself and steams milk, providing all the comforts of your favourite barista at home.
Features: Offering a 12-cup capacity with an LCD display and anti-drip function. Always important in a gravity fed machine as dripping onto the base is messy. This coffee machine has a detachable easy clean filter and automatic start and shut off functions. We like its stainless-steel finish which strikes us as durable and easy to clean. It also comes with a two-year warranty.
4. Beautifully practical, long-lasting style
Cooking is anything but a chore when you pair style with functionality. Since we're spending more time indoors, adding a bit of glam to your cooking utensils just makes sense. This design trend translates into pops of metallic or set against deep Black.
- Le Creuset 5-Piece Utensil Set selling at about R1 049
The Le Creuset 5-Piece Utensil Set includes three ergonomic, task-inspired spatulas and an easy-spread, easy-clean basting brush. Perfect for your kitchen and available in a range of Le Creuset colours. Explore their clearance January sale.
Features: This Le Creuset set includes:
- Small Spatula for mixing light batter, as well as for stir frying and scrambling
- Medium Spatula which is the optimal size for common tasks like folding batter, stirring and mixing
- Spatula Spoon with a strong tip designed for breaking up ingredients
- Basting Brush with a crown shape and conical bristles for even distribution of sauces
- Spatula Crock ideal for storing utensils
Accessories made entirely from silicone can be placed directly in the dishwasher, they're also ideal for preserving your non-stick cookware. To clean wooden-handled utensils simply remove the silicone blade by pulling it from the handle. Wash the wooden handles by hand and dry well before replacing the clean utensil blade. Removable silicone heads are dishwasher safe and are heat resistant up to 250ºC.
5. Add colourful for a modern touch
For those that don’t want to do a complete makeover, starting small is the way to go. There are plenty of colourful, bold statements you can add to your kitchen to make a huge difference with little to no effort. Consider starting with a toaster, tea kettle or even a set of playfully set of crockery to kick-start the upgrade to this part of your home.
- Four-pack plates selling at Mr Price home for about R169.99