Considering that only a hundred years ago cooking 'appliances' consisted of sooty wood- or coal-burning stoves or merely a fireplace, kitchens have come a long, long way.
Starting with the invention of the first electric stove by the Carpenter Electric Heating Manufacturing Co. in 1891, kitchens have changed radically. They evolved from small, functional, (not to mention smoky) rooms to become the hub of social gatherings in most modern homes.
The size and layout of kitchens, as well as the appliances, have changed in response to how we live and cook. Where women once did most of the cooking, today two or more family members often share the duties. As a result, modern kitchens have expanded to accommodate more people. Time is another factor. It's common for both parents to work outside the home leaving less time to prepare meals. Convenience foods as well as microwaves and countless other timesaving products have revolutionized the way we eat.
Today, manufacturers are taking kitchen products to impressive new levels of convenience, innovation and style. Here are a few of the new offerings on the market:
Speed Cooking
For a mere US$6,889 you can have a stove that can cook a "perfect" rack of lamb in seven minutes, according to an Oct. 2002 report in Money magazine. Thermador's CJ Speed Cooking Oven combines two technologies: a two-way vertical convection system that projects heat at 99 cubic metres (3,500 cubic feet) per minute (the first time this has been available in a home appliance) and a microwave system. Together, they reduce cooking time by up to 75%.
Holy mosaics, Batman!
A New York manufacturer has designed tile with a contemporary art feel. Move over Andy Warhol, Batman and Robin are on the scene. The Fumetto Mosaic Collections by Hastings Tile bring the comic-book style of drawing to our homes with larger-than-life comic-strip panels that can be used individually or as part of a story to be read through the space. Look for old favourites and new comics coming to a kitchen or bathroom near you.
Long Reach
Your sink is over here, but your pasta pot is over there. With the Aberdeen faucet, you can turn on the water, extend the pull-out wand as much as 29 inches, and fill the pot without spraying the counter - or straining to keep one hand on the faucet handle. The trick is a first-of-its-kind "pause button," which stops the flow of water until you release it. Available in single- or double-handle models in a variety of finishes from Moen.
See Through Refrigerator
This product proves that not all smart innovations require a great technological leap just US$4,000. The latest addition to Sub-Zero's line of prestige refrigerators is the 601 RG/S. This stainless steel refrigerator features a large commercial-style glass window that allows you to see what's inside without opening the door. Now people can make up their minds about snack foods without wasting electricity! If you are worried that guests might get a glimpse of some unwholesome junk food, the 601 RG/S can be set to a variety of lighting options, including a subdued setting that switches to bright only when the door is ajar.
Refrigerator Oven?
Most ovens include a delay timer to allow people to put in a meal before they leave for work and set it to start cooking before they return. With a little preparation, they can have a meal waiting for them at the end of a busy day. Unfortunately, leaving a meal in the oven, particularly meat dishes can be dangerous. An unhealthy level of bacteria can accumulate and result in food poisoning. Whirlpool may have the solution with its new Polara Refrigerated Range ($1,800). Simply put your meal in the Polara before you leave for work. It will keep your meal refrigerated, begin cooking it at a preprogrammed time and, ideally, have dinner just about ready when you walk in the door. If you're running late, it will switch to warming for up to two hours and then back to refrigerating. Of course, this still means you have to figure out how to program your timer….
Although most us won't be rushing out to invest in a stove that refrigerates and cooks our meals, it never hurts to know what's out there. Besides, in 1891 a lot of people probably scoffed at the idea of an electric stove!
If you want to upgrade your kitchen but have a limited budget, consider the following suggestions:
Replace simple hinged cabinet doors with sleek, space-saving Venetian roller or bi-fold doors.
Add lighting to your work areas. A single light bulb in the middle of the kitchen rarely provides adequate lighting on counters and stovetops. Install halogen track lighting and florescent tube lighting where necessary.
Check out the wide range of internal drawer and cabinet organizers available at your local home renovation store. These products provide neater storage, easier access, and efficient use of space.
Install a rack to hold utensils within easy reach of your food preparation area.
Consider replacing old countertops, cupboards or flooring with new products. Changing even one of these elements can dramatically alter the look and feel of your kitchen.
Replace old appliances with energy efficient models. Check with your retail store to see if the government or manufacturer offers a rebate when you buy a new appliance.
Kitchens have come a long way from being the hot, smoky rooms where people toiled to feed their families. Today, kitchens are inviting social spaces and manufacturers are working to create products that compliment our lifestyles with style and innovation.
For more information about these products please see This Old House magazine Jul/Aug 2003, Money magazine Oct 2002 and various manufacturer websites. [Return to Homeowners Guide]
© Copyright 2006 Sutton Group Financial Services Ltd. |