Designer style, high-end technology and a jelly-bean mix of authentic retro colour: meet Smeg’s latest retro appliances.
Smeg’s retro style blender ($299) has been awarded the international Red Dot Design Award for 2016 and – together with their stand mixer (also a heavyweight in its own right) – creates the perfect duo for mixing up cocktails and desserts this sunny season.
Think frozen daiquiris, coconut/mango popsicles, and chocolate vegan cheesecake – just flick through to the fitting function and let the Italian stallion do the rest (the blender will sense the consistency of the contents and adjust its speed accordingly).
The stand mixer ($799) features an 800W high torque motor, 10-speed variable power with soft start to stop splattering, as well as a planetary planetary mixing action to ensure all areas of the bowl are reached. There is also a low speed front attachment hub for optional attachments such as pasta roller and cutters, making your culinary adventures a piece of cake!
Smeg also has a kettle and toaster to finish off the collection – colours across the range include pastel green, pastel blue, pastel pink, red, cream, black and silver.
Buy them from David Jones, Myer and Harvey Norman. Get the recipes here.
First came the 14-place-setting dishwasher (1970), then the first semi-professional dishwasher, and then the first 6-star WELS rating appliance (2013). Now, Smeg has another first to add to the list, releasing the world’s most advanced dishwasher. Better still, here in Australia, we get to experience it ahead of the rest of the world.
The dishwasher’s new technology delivers the most intense water coverage of any dishwasher. An energy efficient single wash arm rotates through two axes, boosting the wash pattern density (meaning squeaky clean dishes) while using only 9.8 litres for a full wash. Add an all-white LED internal light and an extremely versatile flexi-dup cutlery tray and you’ll want to throw dinner parties all the time (I know I would).
The premium Diamond model is fully integrated featuring a sleek, hands-free, push-to-open door – the appliance is so quiet Smeg have built in a light designed to flash on the floor when it is in operation.
In addition to the five Diamond models in Smeg’s new dishwasher collection (which are all made in Italy), there are 16 wash models that offer a wide choice of features and programs, water and energy efficiency and wash tank size.
Features include Smart Dry, where the door opens at the end of the cycle to help drying and save energy; Active Acquastop to completely remove the risk of flooding by ensuring there is no build up of water pressure in the hoses when the appliance is not in use; and Quick fast programs including a fast wash of just 27 minutes. Smeg has also introduced its optional Safe Stemware glass racks that fit into the bottom basket of the dishwashers and securely hold both the glasses and the stems to remove the risk of chipping or breaking during the wash process.
These 15-place-setting gems are available nationally from leading appliance retailers.
Elegance, beauty, grace – there are plenty of words to describe Smeg’s new stand mixer. Throw in power, performance and Italian engineering, and you’d think I was describing a Ferrari.
Looking past the elegant curves and vintage styling, the new stand mixer features an 800W high-torque motor that can mix the heaviest dough or batter while remaining perfectly stationary on the workbench, with no vibrations.
Stand out features include soft start action (to prevent flour plumes and splashes), a pouring shield, ten speeds and a concealed outlet for optional accessories such as a pasta roller. Speeds are controlled via a top-mounted gear stick, with a handy guide advising which speeds are recommended for which mixing tool.
True to Italian standards, the body is made from die-cast aluminium available in black, silver, panna, red and pastel blue, and the 4.8 litre capacity bowl is top-notch stainless steel.
The Smeg Stand Mixer ($799) is available nationally from David Jones, Myer and Harvey Norman stores.
Anyone with the TV turned on lately (ahem, I don’t deny couch potato-ing during The Bachelor) may have come across the recent Finish Australia ad, which goes a little something like this:
Morale of the story: life is a huge load of dishes, and dishwashers are the solution to making life a little easier.
Asko White Electronic Dishwasher
One of my biggest pet hates is seeing pans, plates, mugs and cutlery pile up higher than the pyramids of Giza. Invest in a dishwasher, and all that dish caused stress disappears (unless you’re stuck with awfully lazy roommates – as far as I’m aware they haven’t invented a self-loading dishwasher yet).
Buying a dishwasher is all well and good, but choosing the right one for your lifestyle and needs might require some research. Luckily, The Good Guys Dishwasher experts have pulled together a few tips to make the choice easier:
1. Size Have your measuring tape handy because you need to buy a dishwasher that fits perfectly into the space you have set aside. The guessing game is not fun when you end up with a dishwasher two centimetres too wide, so make sure you get your calculations correct from the start.
2. Capacity An average family usually requires a dishwasher that has a 12-place setting capacity. This means it has room for 12 dinner plates, 12 soup plates, 12 tea cups and saucers, 12 dessert plates, 12 tumblers, 12 individual knives, forks, soup spoons, teaspoons and dessert spoons. If you’re a smaller household (or have a grandmother who insists on washing dishes by hand) you probably won’t need something that big.
Fisher & Paykel Stainless Steel Double Dishwasher
3. Type and Style The size of your dishwasher depends on the type of dishwasher you chose and there are three main options:
– Full sized, which fits 12 to 14 place settings, is great for those with a large family or for those you just love to throw a large dinner party every now and again
– Slimline, will fit 9 to 10 place settings, with space left over for a pot and pan
– Compact, fits 6 or less place settings and is best for any singles living the life
Aside from the size, you should also consider between a freestanding (suitable for kitchens with already available spaces) or built-in style (usually fitted with a unit door that blends in with the rest of the décor).
4. Energy efficiency Dishwashers come with both energy and water ratings. Obviously, the more stars, the more energy efficient the appliance is. Some believe that hand-washing dishes saves water, but in most cases dishwashers actually use less water (ahem, grandma!).
Bosch White Freestanding Dishwasher
5. Features Dishwashers come with a range of features, including:
– Wash cycles, with regular dishwashers having normal, delicate and heavy cycles. Some have additional programs, such as extra-hot washes for added hygiene or high-speed settings that get small loads finished fast.
– Drying cycle, because who wants to dry the dishes themselves?
– Delayed start is an energy-saving feature that can have your dishwasher start the cycle only during off-peak times.
– Self-cleaning filters are my personal favourite. Just as the name suggests, some higher end dishwashers clean themselves. Although pricier, it saves you the hassle of manually emptying out the filter.
If you’ve suddenly developed an itch for a new dishwasher, check out The Good Guys for more information.
Smeg has added to the allure of its coveted pure retro collection of small appliances with a powerful 800W blender.
The new blender’s design focuses on the same 50s-inspired vintage curves as Smeg’s existing toaster, stand mixer and kettle.
Available in in panna, black, red, silver and, my personal favourite, pastel blue, it features an enamel-coated body and Tritan BPA-free 1.5L jug.
The backlit chrome control knob allows you to select from three pre-set programmes: smoothie, for dense and creamy textures; crushed ice; and pulse, which increases the speed gradually.
With four speeds, the blender has a clever smooth-start function, meaning the blades start slowly and mix all your ingredients efficiently. Perfect smoothie? I think so!
Smeg’s latest creation, along with the rest of its small appliances, is available at David Jones, Myer and Harvey Norman stores.
Smeg — the Italian brand that brought us the very first six star rated dishwasher just last year – has now released a fully integrated model.
Taking aesthetics to the next level, it features a cobalt blue interior LED light, a discreet flashing light that hits the floor (and not the eye) when the appliance is in action and a gentle push-to-open mechanism.
The tall tank DWAFI315PO dishwasher, designed to take large 345mm fine china dinner plates, features programmes such as EnerSave, Quicktime and Flexizone. The energy-saving EnerSave automatically opens the door at the end of the programme to aid drying, while QuickTime reduces five different wash programmes to just 27 minutes for lightly soiled loads. The highly flexible Flexizone means items can be placed anywhere in the dishwasher for the half load setting.
Like its sister models, this new entry features a six star WELS rating, washing a full load in less than 10 litres of water, and a four star energy rating – credentials that won Smeg’s other 315 models the coveted Choice Recommended Buy.
Smeg’s DWAFI315PO Push to Open 6 star WELS dishwasher retails for $2490 and is available from specialist retailers. For more information.
The oven range offers consumers faster, more flexible cooking options, giving back the time that so easily slips away. Key features include varioSpeed technology, which has the ability to speed up the cooking process by 50% (by combining traditional hot air cooking with integrated microwave functionality); and the coolStart function, which eliminates the time wasted preheating the oven and thawing out ingredients, as it condenses the whole process into one, single cooking session.
Featuring four models with simple to use pulse and full steam functionality, pulseSteam allows consumers to prepare perfectly crispy and juicy dishes with the addition of steam to conventional cooking, whilst the fullSteam function enables consumers to cook with 100% steam ensuring the nutritional benefit of food is maintained.
Complementing the oven range, is the iQ700 dishwasher range — amongst the most energy and water efficient on the market — the warming drawers and a state-of-the-art built-in coffee machine. All offer consumers pioneering technology and even greater flexibility in the home.
The iQ700 range is a striking example of Siemens’ premium home appliances that seamlessly integrate into any kitchen design, and most importantly, respond to the demands of everyday consumers.
The big debate: a top loader versus a front loader. Both have their pros and cons. A top loader is super convenient but not so sensitive to your clothes (thanks to its agitator), and a front loader? Well it’s the complete opposite. So which to choose?Well LG have come up with a pretty great solution. With their new SmartWasher washing machine range offering the convenience of a top loader, with the features usually associated with a front loader.
The LG SmartWasher uses a combination of six motions, based on hand-washing movements to provide an outstanding wash, whilst caring for your clothes. The drum moves in a range of unique customised motions so the washing cycle is not just dictated by speed and temperature, but the actual movements of the drum. Better yet, the unique combinations of motions for each different type of cycle cover most laundry needs – from woollen winter items to sportswear and delicate fabrics.
LG also have the only range of top loaders in Australia that feature on-board heaters, offering 60°C Allergen and 40°C Stain Care courses to help remove common household allergens and stubborn stains. But my favourite part of the washing machine is that there’s no agitator in sight, meaning you no longer have to spend ages unknotting wet laundry!
Other great features include: wide-view glass soft-closing lid, touch LED display and a 10-year direct drive motor warranty.
Marking a century of innovation, Pyrex is releasing a selection of stylish limited edition 100-year anniversary products, including the iconic measuring jug, pie plate and dot themed glass storage containers.
Since its invention 100 years ago, billions of Pyrex glassware pieces have been sold worldwide, including more than 65 million in Australia. The brand has stood the test of time with an estimated one in five Australian households owning a Pyrex product.
The ultimate collectors’ items, the limited edition selection will be available in a variety of sizes and colours, including blue, white, green, turquoise and signature red, inspired by popular and classic Pyrex designs from across the decades. Made from Pyrex’s celebrated and durable glassware, the selection is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.
Pyrex’s 100 year anniversary limited edition collection is a must-have for avid bakers and cooks alike. Available in David Jones, Myer, Big W, Woolworths and selected independent retailers, prices range from $9.95-to-16.95 per piece.
A destined favourite for those who love daring colours, ILVE’s Majestic Freestanding Cooker warms up the kitchen with its wine hues and rich earthy tones. It’s also a dead ringer for Pantone Colour of the Year 2015 Marsala.
With tepanyaki plate, electric oven and a 90cm canopy hood, the range of freestanding ovens come in eight colours; including burgundy.
Renowned for having one of the largest and most diverse freestanding oven ranges on the market, with over 1,000 different models available, ILVE has already found the burgundy freestanding oven to be a favourite.
“These wine tones especially fit in the kitchen landscape as they are not particularly overly masculine or feminine, meaning they are versatile and cater for a broader spectrum of buyers,” explains marketing manager, Daniel Bertuccio. “As the oven is the centerpiece of the kitchen, it’s fit to dress the largest appliance in a bold, eye-catching colour.”
ILVE’s M90FDMP Freestanding Cooker retails for $11,099, with bronze fittings $11, 749, and the 90cm Majestic Series Canopy Hood retails for $4,449. For more information.
Being the fastest and most energy-efficient form of stovetop cooking, Smeg’s fifth generation SmartSense induction cooktops include full surface cooking technology, automatic zone recognition and double booster power surge.
Delivering up to 3700W of power, a litre of water can be boiled in a mere two minutes, compared to the six minutes of radiant ceramic and the eight minutes of gas. Another benefit of induction cooking is that temperature changes, via the slider touch control, are reflected immediately and not gradually as with other forms of fuel.
A further comparison with more traditional forms of stove top cooking is energy-efficiency – 85 to 90 per cent with induction as opposed to about 65 per cent with radiant coil, 58 per cent with halogen and 40 to 45 per cent with gas.
Coming in both black and white in three sizes: 600, 700 and 900mm widths, the cooktops are incredibly intuitive. Each of the cooktops features multizone technology whereby multiple pans can be used simultaneously anywhere on the surface – there are no dead areas. Place a pan anywhere on the cooktop’s surface and the corresponding control will automatically recognise where it has been placed and light up instantly.
Each touch slide control has nine temperature levels, a boost and a super boost function plus a timer. With all zones able to be used simultaneously.
The Smeg collection of new generation SmartSense induction cooktops is available nationally from appliance specialists, electrical retailers and some department stores. Visit their website for more details.
Customers today demand more than just good looks in their kitchen. It’s got to work efficiently, it’s got to make life easier and there’s got to be lots of storage! The Good Guys’ kitchen design consultants offer their top 10 tips on how to maximise storage in the kitchen, just like the couples on The Block Glasshouse.
Design drawers that are deeper and wider in order to save space and allow for easy access to hard-to-reach pots and pans.
Metal runners in drawers allow for a silent, soft-close system and deliver added strength and durability.
Trays and dividers can be added in drawers to further maximise storage and keep items organised inside.
Drawers under the sink and oven are excellent solutions for maximising these often under-utilised spaces.
Walk-in or butler’s pantries will suit larger spaces and can house everything from small appliances to wine fridges and secondary preparation spaces.
When everything has a place in the kitchen, it becomes more functional and thereby an enjoyable place to spend time.
Keep in mind that there is an endless range of accessories available to help with organisation in the kitchen, from dedicated spice drawers for the avid chef to under-sink caddys for storing unsightly cleaning products.
Today there are numerous solutions for keeping your pantry clutter at bay. Pull-out baskets and shelves are convenient inclusions, keeping items within easy reach.
A great idea for keeping benchtops clear of clutter is to include a dedicated appliance cupboard.
Either house everything behind a roller shutter, or include a pull-out carousel in corner cupboards – a great use of traditionally hard-to-reach space.
– Find more information on The Good Guys’ products and expert advice here.
KitchenAid, the premium brand that first offered its classic Stand Mixer almost a century ago, has introduced its Platinum Collection to Kitchen Warehouse.
The new Platinum stand mixer in Raspberry Ice
Arriving at Kitchen Warehouse next week, the Platinum Collection Stand Mixer features a premium two-coat metallic finish, elegant glass bowl and Flex Edge Beater for faster ingredient incorporation.
A Smeg fridge has been on my appliance wishlist for as long as I can remember. My obsession with the classic Smeg started at an age when I really should have been getting more excited about shoes. Or underage drinking. Or boys. Not white (or maybe baby pink) goods.
This latest model, the FQ60XP, looks nothing like the classic FAB32 I still dream of, but it’s an awful lot more practical and clever. (I still remember seeing my friends’ beautiful cream Smeg banished to the garage when it became too small for their two-child family and replaced with something far less good looking). I digress. Australians are showing a strong preference for the ‘French door’ style refrigerator with sales increasing 38 percent in the past year. And these style fridges are becoming so advanced they’re moving from the purely ‘replacement buy’ category to ‘aspirational must-have’.
I don’t know about you but it’s the sleekest looking cooktop I’ve seen. This month, Siemens will unveil its most innovative creation yet, the freeInduction. Unlike other induction cooktops that are restricted by predefined cooking zones, the freeInduction cooktop offers unlimited freedom when it comes to pot size, shape and position.
48 heat micro-conductors operate below the glass to form one continuous cooking surface. Placing a pot anywhere on the ceramic surface activates a cluster of inductor modules that can be controlled as one entity.
The intelligent hob automatically detects and heats up to four pots or pans at a time, whilst accommodating the size, shape and position of each individual piece of cookware. If a pot is moved, pan sensors immediately detect and transfer the selected heat settings to the new cooking position. Pretty clever huh?
In addition to the five Diamond models in Smeg’s new dishwasher collection (which are all made in Italy), there are 16 wash models that offer a wide choice of features and programs, water and energy efficiency and wash tank size.
